What a magnificent life must be his, who lives like us in the world, but who reaches the highest spiritual level! On this occasion I would like to mention something of the outer life of that personality at whose feet I had the good fortune to sit. He was the Sant Satguru of the time, and the Emperor of Spirituality.

The great day that Hazur Maharaj Ji appeared in the world in the physical form was Tuesday 27th July 1858. By the Indian calendar it was 13th Sawan 1915 – Vikermi. The place was Mehmawala, which is now in Pakistan. His Father, Kabal Singh Grewal, was in the Army and his mother’s name was Jeevni. The privilege of being the parents of such a great personality must surely be founded on some noble background from past lives. From very early age Kabal Singh frequently kept the company of holy men, serving them with sincerity, and because of this Baba Sawan Singh Ji had the opportunity of doing the same, remaining constantly at his Father’s side up to the year 1870. The passion is to serve and be near godly men developed within him and he spent every available spare moment in this way, from 1870 to 1878. After passing his tenth class in 1878 he took some employment, but became sick and was called home, where he stayed for two years.

The lives of those who are destined to take the dear souls across the river of life are pre-designed to prepare them for the important work. In this period of two years, Hazur met a great renunciate, an expert in Vedanta and Yoga by the name of Bhoop Singh Ji, and benefited greatly form the time spent in his company. As a result, Hazur was filled with the desire to renounce the world and become a Sadhu. Profound thinking does not arise from merely another’s promoting, but is already there, from the Beyond. A hen may good-naturedly hatch a nestful of eggs in which some duck eggs have been mixed, but when the little birds come out and go near the pond, the ducklings will jump in and start swimming and the chicks will stand and gaze in wonder. Similarly, wise souls are earthly but heavenly beings. Guru Nanak was once made in charge of a shop in Sultanpur, and one day whilst carrying out his duties a faker approached him and remarked, “We do not come into this world for this.” That very day Guru Nanak left everything and “tightened his belt” ready to serve humanity for its upliftment.

From a very early age the conscious awareness of his predisposition toward spiritual things and aversion to worldly affairs was deeply embedded in Baba Sawan Singh heart. However truly exalted souls conceal their own inclination and perform whatever tasks the worldly duties demand. Whenever he had a tendency to renounce the world he would thrust aside the noble aspiration in consideration of his parents, for being the only son he preferred to serve them, knowing that a renunciate may not serve according to his choice but must be prepared to serve humanity at large – wherever its need may call him. This is indicative of Hazur’s great wisdom, for he who shirks his duty will never reach perfection.

Up to 1883, when the Master was 25 years old, his time was spent as described. Sardar Kabal Singh Ji then persisted that he should enter military service, and approached his commanding officer about a commission for his son. While this was being processed, Hazur started teaching at an army training school in Farukabad, but the company of illiterates, alcohol drinkers and meat eaters became unbearable, so he went to Roorkee and passed an entrance examination into the engineering course there. During his stay in Farukabad he spent his leisure hours on the banks of the Ganges, where he met many holy people, in particular a man by the name of Bhai Nihal Singh. He then got his commission in the army, but simultaneously he was given an offer in civil engineering, and preferring the latter, he accepted a post as overseer in Nowshera. When searching for a place of residence there, some people told him about a lovely house, which was available, but unfortunately was haunted by ghosts and unsuitable to live in due to the danger of life. Hazur persisted in taking the house, and the people were amazed to witness how the ghosts magically disappeared. He who belongs to the Lord of all creation has nothing to fear –men and angels are waiting to serve him. “All creation is at Thy feet, and Thou art in command over all creation.”
Baba Sawan Singh Ji always had an open mind, and studied all religions. Study can be a preparation of the ground, for the flowers to burst forth into bloom at a later date. In Nowshera, Hazur listened to the discourses of Baba Karam Singh of Mardan, and when he went to Peshawar he met Baba Kahan Ji, an enlightened soul, and spent many hours with him. One day Hazur requested, “Baba, give me something.” But Baba Kahan replied, “No, I cannot give you what you want, but most surely you will get it-someone else will give it to you.” Outwardly these people are simple men, but they are really the knowers of the three worlds. From Peshawar, Hazur was transferred to Koh-marie where he took a house near a famous furudwara named Bhuramul Gurudwara. It was a place where the pilgrims and yogis rested on the way to Amar Nath, a Hindu place of pilgrimage, and Hazur spent his spare time talking with them about spiritual things. One can see how nature helps to build the inner strength of those destined to be spiritual giants, by keeping them surrounded by uplifting company.

He loved all, even atheists. Once when he was posted a Murree Hill, an atheist who was suffering from tuberculosis and was advised to sojourn in the hills by his doctors, came to Muree Hills. He knocked at every door for accommodation, but found them all closed; nobody was willing to take him in. First, because of the highly infectious disease he was suffering from, and also because he did not believe in God. He came to the residence of Hazur Maharaj Ji, who was away on duty at the time. He asked the housekeeper for accommodation, and was refused. It so happened that Hazur Maharaj Ji was just then returning home and saw the man being turned away from his house. He asked the housekeeper about it, and was told that it was a tuberculosis patient asking for accommodation whom nobody was willing to take in. “And what did you say?” asked Hazur. “I also refused him, for he was an atheist,” said the housekeeper. Hazur Maharaj told him, “Look here, this man may not know that God resides in him, but we know it, don’t we? Please give him accommodation.”

The time passed by until the day arrived for the foundation to be laid which would eventually support the destiny of all humanity. The Perfect Master of that time was Baba Jaimal Singh Ji Maharaj, who was the chief disciple of Swami Ji Maharaj, and who, after Swami Ji left the world, settled in the Punjab to carry out his spiritual mission. One day in August 1894, Baba Jaimal Singh Ji and a disciple were walking along the Koh-marie Toad, where Hazur was inspecting the work in progress there, in his capacity as a Sub-Divisional Officer. As Baba Jaimal Singh Ji passed by with his companion, he pointed to Hazur and said, “ I have come here because of that person.” The disciple remarked, “You have come for a funny person, who does not even turn his head to greet you.” Babaji kindly explained, “This personage has come into this world specially for a very high expression of life, and after four days he will come to me.” Hazur Maharaj came to Babaji in the company of one Mr. Sukh Dyal. After four days’ Satsang he took initiation, and stayed near Baba Jaimal Singh Ji for two months. After Babaji left Koh-marie, Hazur spent most of his time in meditation and as the love for his Guru increased, his heart grew heavier with sadness at being separated from his Master. He would visit Babaji at every available opportunity to derive the invaluable blessing of his presence.

Baba Jaimal Singh Ji lived on the edge of the River Beas, where in 1898 the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Jaimal Singh was laid and a Satsang hall built. Whenever his leave occurred Hazur would go straight to Beas and on arrival leave all his pay at Babaji’s feet, from which Babaji would give him enough for his maintenance and send whatever was necessary for housekeeping to Hazur’s wife. In all the thirty years of working, Hazur spent only a total of six months with his wife, for all his leave was spent with Babaji and he would visit his home only on orders from his Master.

In 1902 the foundation stone of the big Satsang hall was laid, and on completion of this building, Baba Jaimal Singh Ji said to Bibi Rukko, an enlightened soul who lived in the Dera, “ I will not hold a Satsang in this hall.” She started crying, but after some moments she asked, “Maharaj, who is going to hold the Satsangs after you?” Babaji said, “Go into the hall and see for yourself, “ and when she entered the empty hall she saw Baba Sawan Singh Ji quietly sitting on the dais. On 29th December 1903, Baba Jaimal Singh Ji left his physical form, after bestowing the spiritual work upon Baba Sawan Singh. Babaji had been heard to say that after him a very high soul would come and hold Satsang, and that the Dera would become seething with humanity. Up to then, only about five to seven hundred people around Beas and district had become his disciples. However, Hazur did not immediately leave his work, but came to live in the Dera on his retirement in 1911, when he then gave all his time to the spiritual work. Everyone is aware of the change that took place in the Dera during his residence there, where from merely one or two houses a small town shaped up through the years. A huge T-shaped Satsang hall was erected, with dimensions of 120 feet long in both directions-each forty feet in width. Whoever wanted the Truth came to him and gained the priceless boon, no matter to what religion they belonged. All were endowed with the riches of Spirituality.

One might ask what lessons one learn from the life of Baba Sawan Singh JI. Without hesitation, the following observations can be upheld as food for study and an example to mankind:

Chastity. In Shri Hazur Maharaja’s life we find the highest virtue of brahmcharya or chastity. He was married at the age of about eleven or twelve, but according to custom, after the ceremony the girl returned to her parents’ home without even seeing her husband. The final ceremony is normally performed after eight or ten years when the girl has matured, so after nine years had passed the arrangements were made, but unfortunately the girl died twenty days before the appointed date. Hazur was twenty years old at this time, and the second marriage was arranged when he was twenty-five, so this means twenty-five years of chaste life. Then during his thirty years of marriage he lived with his wife for only a sum total of six months. His wife’s name was Krishna Vant Ji and they had two sons-Baichint Singh and Harbans Singh. Hazur used to say, “by my own wish I was living a chaste life many years before Babaji left this world.”

A keen student of literature, Hazur read enthusiastically his whole life through, and studied carefully whatever sacred books he could get. In his huge library of holy books selected from many sources, more than a thousand had annotations in his own hand throughout the pages. There are certain books which are not normally available to the public but Baba Sawan Singh Ji had many of these copied for his own library.

Never Idle. Hazur was always occupied with something-with either Satsangh, meditation or reading holy books. His activeness started early in the morning and continued until late in the night. 

Now a few words about the criterion of a true Master, although truly speaking only a Mahatma can recognize a Mahatma. However, there are indications for the keen observer. A Mahatma’s outer form has a certain attraction for the heart. They are not like cobblers who are concerned only with the leather or skin, but their attention is always on the soul. They are the Lord’s messengers-Hazur used to say, “We are not here to make religions, so everyone should stay in whatever religion he already belongs to. The connection between you and me is through the soul. Get the connection with the Holy Naam.”

Mahatmas’s always live on their own earnings and not on donations. Kabir Sahib, Guru Nanak Sahib, Maulana Rumi Sahib and others all earned their own sustenance. “Earn and give with your hands to others. O Nanak, only he who lives thus would know the True Path.” They depend only upon God. Hazur also had this criterion for he lived within his pension and performed free service unto others. His love and kindness extended to all souls, and with joyful enthusiasm he would spend up to eighteen hours per day in selfless service. Throughout his life, which was ninety years in length, Hazur cared little for rest and when he started his spiritual mission he devoted hi whole time to awakening the souls. He taught the true seekers to live in the world and simultaneously progress in their meditation.
Mahatmas never encourage the people ton be attached to outer worship, but explain that the true temple of God lies within man. Emerson also said, “Tap inside,” meaning that one should search for God within. Bulle Shah says, “When you seek the inner path, only then can the secret of the Godman be realized.” Rise above the mind and the senses, and whilst living learn the secret of death. Learn this mystery, separate the awakened ness from the physical form, and reach to where your Sathguru is waiting with mercy and love in both hands. Who so ever had realized God has done so in the temple of the human form, and whosoever desires to realize God will have to do the same. This is the third criterion for judging a true Master, and Hazur Maharaj always taught the method of inversion.

He repeatedly informed the seekers that the salvation only can be achieved through the holy world, 
or Naam and that Naam was the highest form of devotion of all the sadhnas [devotional practices]. Hindus call it Nud, Udgit and Shruti. Muslims call it Naqmai –I –Asmani, Kalam –I –Illahi, or Kalma. Christian calls it the Word. The Lord manifest Himself into Creation through the form of the Shabd or Word, so if the soul get the connection with the holy Word, then it can be reach back to God. “When you get the Shabd, you have got a contact with God. Through the service, everything is achieved.” “Contact with the Naam is the true devotion. There is no true worship without the holy Naam. The hole world is in delusion.” The Saints never interfere with outer forms and rituals, but give excellent advice for achieving the best results. Hazur tell his followers, “The word is within you –just be devoted to that and nothing else.” Those who search for God outwardly remain empty within. “He who forgets himself through the nine outlets (of the senses), will never find the priceless treasure lying within him.”

I have briefly placed before you four criteria for judging the true Master, and all these could be seen in these Hazur. There are also outer indications: Mahatma’s eye is deep as a lion’s, the forehead is broad, his way of walking is graceful like a dove’s. Hazur had all these features. Masters also have a sign of the lotus on their foot. It has been written that Lord Krishna and Guru Amardas both had this sign, and so, did Hazur. Hafid Sahib said, “If my Master takes possession of my heart, then I will give (in exchange) my faith, my world, my home here and hereafter, just see the black mole on his face. “Hazur Maharaj had a beautiful black mole on his face.

The lives of these great personalities cannot be fully understood by the common man. They are not simply man alone, but manifested God in man, and only those who have the rare secret opened up to them can know what this means. Most of other people think of them as atheists. On this very subject, Khusro Sahib once remarked, “People say that Khusro is the worshiper of a human being, and I say, “Yes, I do it’ and do not care for the world and its opinions.” True seekers will sacrifice their mind and body for the privilege of the company of a true Mahatma. 

Many seemingly miraculous thing can happen around a true Master. A saw many amazing incidents through being connected with Hazur Maharaj Ji, from which I will tell of two. In the Holy Bible it is written that Jesus Christ gave sight to the blind. In the early thirties in Rawalpindi a lady lost her eyesight, and after consultation with the best specialist it was found that the optical nerves had shriveled, and there was no hope for recovering the sight. She could see nothing, through outwardly there seemed to be no difference. Inwardly however, she was constantly enjoying the darshan of Baba Savan Singh Ji, and was therefore not at all dismayed. Two days of blindness passed, and on the third day I was sitting with her and her husband when she said, “The Master and another man are discussing something. The gentle man is beseeching Hazur, saying ‘Hazur, have mercy –please give her sight back.’ Now Hazur is saying, ‘Alright, alright.’ “The lady’s husband, sitting with closed eyes, suddenly saw a brilliant light, and at exactly that time, the lady, who was lying on the bed, got up and ran across the room saying, “I can see –I can see.” In an apparently magical way, her eyesight had been restored.

There is also in the account in the Bible of Jesus feeding five thousand people with a little bread in a basket, each one being fully fed and satisfied. Hazur used to visit his hometown from time to time, usually accompanied by hundreds of followers, and there was always a free kitchen arrangement for them. On one visit there was a large group of Akali Sikhs camped nearby for some special celebration. These Akalis were against Baba Sawan Singh’s teachings, so they planned to disgrace upon him by going to his free kitchen after the meal had finished and the kitchen closed. Nearly three hundred of them sat down outside the kitchen door and demanded that food be served to them immediately. Someone told me what had happened and I hurried to the kitchen to find out that there was just half a basket of bread. I called the cook and told him to light the fires and make more bread. But the three hundred people outside started fighting for food just then, Hazur entered the kitchen said, “Kirpal Singh, why are you not giving them food?” I replied, “Hazur, there is only half a basket full of bread, how can I feed three hundred people with that? We have to make more.” Baba Sawanth Singh smiled and said, “Fear not, but cover the basket with a cloth and go on serving the bread.” I did as Hazur had instructed and the three hundred men ate and ate until they could eat no more and when the meals was finished, there was still the same amount of bread left as there had been at the start.

It wills very often considered that miracle are just stories invented out of the imagination but in fact, very few people know what a miracle truly is. The word itself literally means “Things which astonish.” Coleridge says that the fact that Christ performed miracles was verification that he was carrying out the father’s orders. Locke says that miracles are like a letter of promise from God, which saints and avatars bring with them to this world. The common man does not know how such happenings are performed and calls them “Miracles” which actually shows his ignorance of the real facts. In the Pathanjali Sutra of the Maharishi Pathanjali, in the third stanza, verses 5-51, it is written that creating worldly things like curing the sick making barren women fertile, producing precious gems, etc., are called riddhis and siddhis and performing these things beset the way of perfection; it is no proof of perfection. For he who goes into samadhi (the state of leaving the body at will) such things are like plucked flowers scattered before and behind him on his path – a true pilgrim in search of God will never stoop to pick them up. So – called miracles are merrily a Childs play which can be done by focusing the mind to a single point all perfect Masters are in control of these powers but do not work through them.

In Peshawar, some years ago a hypnotist came to the Edward mission college and show what he could do he hypnotized a boy and then asked anyone to question the boy in any language they choose. The boy answered all questions accurately, even replying to the questions of a professor of Latin. When Madam Blavatsky visited Lahore, she was having a discussion with a number of people when a certain professor exclaimed, “Madam, all that you are saying is rigmarole and as impossible as followers falling from the Ceiling.” Blavatsky replied, “Professor do you think that it is really impossible?” At once, a shower of blossoms fell from the ceiling and covered the table. Madam Blavatsky turned to the professor and said, “These things are according to the laws of nature, but you are not acquainted with them.” 

Maulana Rumi was a teacher and he first met his Master Shamas Tabrez when he was giving a lesson to a number or children. Hazrat Shamas Tabrez approached and asked, “What is this?” Maulana Rumi replied “this is that knowledge of which you know nothing.” Shamaz Tabrez kept quiet, but when the boys left for the break period and he took all the books and slate and through them into a near by pond. When Maulana Rumi returned with boys they demanded to know where their books were. Samas Tabrez took them to the pond and one by one took out the books – but astonishingly, they were all dry Maulana Rumi, his eyes wide opened with surprise, said “what is this?” Shamaz Tabrez replied, “this is that Knowledge of which know nothing.” As is well known, Maulana Rumi later became the disciple of Shamaz Tabrez and eventually succeeded him in mastership. What I want to impress about this subject is that miraculous happening are merrily the fruits of concentrated attention, and that true Masters do not give them any importance because they have gone far past this stage. Hafiz Sahib says, “Do not mention miracles to me, because I have crossed that stage, and I am where such things are not necessary.”

Perfect Masters never work through these lower powers, and they forbid true seekers from doing so because they are an obstruction on the path to God. However, through meditation the student will automatically acquire them, but they are forbidden to be used. Even though the Masters use them at times for certain purposes, they will tell you that the greatest “miracle” is when they raise the soul above the mind and the senses, thereby severing the knot which binds it to the wheel of births and deaths. The progress which the Mahatmas used to achieve in thousands of years, by the grace of Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji Maharaj, is today achieved in months. Great Masters have the most miraculous power of making the Holy Naam manifest in others –what more miracle than this is to be desired?

When the world becomes manifested somewhere and you become receptive to it, your mind will be still. You can reflect your own self and you can also reflect God within you. The only thing that stands between God and you is the mind. Your are not to put anything from outside. It is already there. When the turbulent waves of the minds are still you can see your true face in it. …

It is said that if one succeeds inwardly, then one should give more time to that, but we are inclined to give more time to outer things. I once met a learned pandit (one learned in religious knowledge). He was given an inner contact, and after that he gave three hours daily to reading the Vedic mantras, and only half an hour to inner meditation. If you have got what is mentioned in the Vedic mantras, do you give more time to continue reading the holy books, or to what those very books have instructed you to do? One should compare the two carefully and decide where to give more time. however if one has not got the inner contact, one should not give up whatever devotions one is doing, otherwise you will be altogether the loser.

What is the purpose of the various observances? You light a lamp and ring the bell in the temple. If one is worshipping outwardly, in this way, and instead of that the other way manifests the inner light within, then to which practices should you be giving more time? to the inner practice, of course? Outer practices may cease, but one need not worry as long as one has the inner contact. But having received it, what do we do? We go on doing the outer practices, and do not give time to the inward practice – it is a pity. All the outer things were designed to lead us to the inner Truth.

This situation reminds me of a story of a man who went to the priests to get some parshad (blessed food). He took the parshad in one hand and hid it behind his back, and then extended the other hand for some more. The priest did not give him any more, and a dog came and ate what he had hidden behind his back. So what we already had we did not use, and what has now been given we do nothing about, so we are left with naught. The outer practices are the first steps, so should be used in the best way possible. Then if one reaches the purpose and aim behind them, then often we give three or four hours to outer things, and only five or ten minutes to the inner practice. The meaning of this hymn is that once a person gets the true contact inside, it will not matter much if he does not keep the outer prayers and observances. Actually, if one is enjoying the true inner prayer, he will become oblivious of outer practices.

You should count the nights of separation(from the Lord) through each rosary bead. Throw away all outer prayers and sing only the song of Truth.

Some people go on doing the rosary perhaps for one or two hundred times, and it is good to have remembrance of God – but if one’s attention is withdrawn and one contacts the inner truth, then how will one remember the rosary, for one’s attention or soul has completely withdrawn form outside. Do not misunderstand the words of the hymn and the meaning behind them – you can compare for yourself. You should go inside. If one does not do the inner practices and at the same time leaves off the outer ones, then what? One should at least do something!

Don’t take baths in the sacred rivers, Ganga, Jumuna or Pushkar but go on diving into the Ocean of Love.

The reason for going on a pilgrimage is to go to some saintly personage and, while sitting beside him, give time in sweet remembrance of God. if one’s remembrance becomes very strong and one gets intoxicated through that, then one’s condition will be so: no words eyes the tears will tell the story. There is the famous of Princess Laila and Majnu, which illustrates the power of remembrance. One day, Laila was going to meet Majnu, and on the way there was a Muslim priest doing his namaz(prayers). They spread a mat in front of them, meaning that they have cut themselves off from the world and there is no one between and God ; they then do their prayers in this attitude. Laila, who was intoxicated with the thoughts of her beloved Majnu, stepped on the prayer mat as she passed by. Kazi Sahib, the priest, lost his temper and started cursing the princess, but she did not hear him. The priest, recovering from his outburst, realized that he had cursed a princess, and feared that the King would beheaded him, so he awaited her return, and when she approached he stepped forward and said, “Please forgive me, I made a grave mistake.” Princess Laila opened her eyes wide with surprise and asked “In whose remembrance were you sitting? I, who was remembering a mere mortal, did not see you or your prayer mat – what kind of prayer were you doing?” do you understand this? When you get the true thing, the outer things are left behind. When the fruit comes on the tree, the flowers fall away of themselves. The tree which first bears flowers and then the fruit – that fruit will ripen. So, these blossoms that we have – the outer practices – will fall away automatically when the fruit comes out of them. Everything has its own value.

Do not become the devotee of an idol – there is nothing in it. withdraw your hearts from idols and start worshipping the Truth within you.

Just as I have said, there are images of various Gods, but when he Himself appears within you, that are far better than any image. Such worship is like the first steps, taken to help one to have love for God, but if you ask my opinion, how can a man love anyone he has never seen or met?

Especially in the beginning years of discipleship do we need to make an accounting. If we approach this analysis with humility, casting aside all pride and egotism, we will be in a better position to make manifest the more positive virtues necessary for our ongoing.

Let us consider some of the negative qualities which all must watch closely, for many are deeply rooted in the subconscious, having been with us from one incarnation to another. Resentment – of parents, of authority, and the feelings of inferiority which lead to the spirit of rebellion, while on the other hand, superiority causes pride, arrogance, a disregard of rules and cynicism toward anything you cannot see or believe in.

One can be so positive that, without thinking, he hurts the feelings of others again and again. Master emphasizes this as one of the greatest sins, to hurt and to criticize. Master enjoins all to make full use of the power to analyze, for it loosens the bondage of karma, thereby affecting our evolution.

There is one thing all must remember. This is – not one of us is set in a particular pattern. We are all individualists – each one different from the other. That is why we all cannot work and behave in the same way. We must express our individual personalities until such time as we are willing to give up our wills and surrender to the Master. Then we will not think or speak of ourselves as the doer, “I do this, I give this.” Instead our actions will be merged in that of the Master.

This can only be done very gradually but the daily analysis is a sure way toward it. with Master's help and your sincere and earnest efforts in meditation, this change will definitely be accomplished. No disciple can expect sudden changes when these qualities have been with him for so long.

Initiation is only the seed. Daily, week, month after month, and year after year, this constant praying and meditating should be the aim of all disciples.

One should approach each day as a new day, for renewed effort. Then look over your accomplishments each night or lack of such and approach the new day with the determination to do better.

If anyone has demeaned you or hurt you in any way, in you heart forgive them and forget it. it takes a big man or woman to do that and it is all part of the essence of the Golden Rule – the handmaiden of love. It costs nothing in dollars and cents to be kind. Even in the agonies of body and soul, you must learn to lose yourself and rise above them. That is what is meant by Christ when he said, “he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”

Master say, “anyone who spends his spiritual powers for fulfillment of wishes connected with this world cannot have access to high spiritual worlds.” So one has to live in the world to experience and overcome, to purify oneself and not be attached to things of high will have to keep his attention detached from the world and its affairs. 

When we reach the point of detachment we also reach the center where all is calm and peaceful. I think it was Edwin Markham who said, “At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky and flinging the clouds and towering by, is a place of central calm.”

Today we all live under pressures which cause tensions. These tensions hold you back, even in meditation, for relaxation is absolutely necessary in meditation. You have to learn to have an inner quietness, to be strong, for one receives power from that place of calm and peace.

My Master Sawan Ji said, “As long as one has not freed his attention from matter or body and come inside the eye focus and has made contact with the Astral Form of the Master thereby having cast off I-ness or self, one is not accepted by the Sound current. As long as one is encased in the body (the attention in the nine portals of the body) he is both worldly and of this world and so long as one is encased in the I-ness of self he is not of the Master.” Which of course means until you can control all mind and rise above body, going to the top of the Astral Plane and becoming one with the Radiant Form, you are still stuck in the mire of this world.

In order to reach that state of calm, of oneness, you yourself must create time periods and areas of world quietness where others cannot intrude, where you can meditate and rise above all mortal and worldly things. Learn to live one day at a time. worrying about what happened yesterday or a month ago makes for tension. This is where the benefits of daily analyzing your actions automatically become relaxed and comfortable.

There is always that first step and you must take each step one at a time. there are a series of steps to the spiritual path, but as Master Sawan always said, “To reach the top story of a house, you have to climb the steps one at a time.” there is a poem which states:

Who so draws nigh to God one step;
Though with doubting dim,
God will advance a mile in Blazing Light to him.

That first step is Faith, to believe in Him.

Second Step: Obedience to instruction of Master.

Third Step: Relaxing – quieting and control of self.

Fourth Step: The greatest of all, Love. One to another and of God.

It has been said that a journey of thousands of miles begins with a single step. Sometimes at that first step we are beset with doubts and fears but once we start (by taking initiation) then determine to hold on and persevere, then God – Master – will give you the endurance and courage to achieve a firmer faith. When you actually experience an entry into the third eye, or Tisra Til, faith will be still more firmly entrenched and strengthened.

I think the next step is Simplicity, to simplify all phases of life. The desires for possessions and social responsibilities are the factors which cause tension and disorder in our thinking and our habits. The less we need in life the less will be our tensions. Also more time and effort can be put in the spiritual life.

Today there is so much more of everything – material possessions, pleasures of all kinds besides the gathering of all kinds of knowledge and so many other things, that the meaning of simplicity seems out of order in modern society. Friends vie to out do each other socially and in their homes. Society as a whole is so complex that people are torn in many ways. Yet Master says: “Simplify – simplify – and then Simplify”. For in the spiritual, simplicity is essential. It depends on what you want most. Simplicity does not demand that your way of life be either in the rich or poor bracket, married or single, but that you have one consuming purpose and you plan your whole life in fulfilling that purpose.

You have to know what you want from life more than anything else in the world. Do you really want to find God? to become one consciously linked to God? is this what you are searching for? There is a saying, “If you want a thing bad enough, nothing can stop you.”
If you hold fast to Master's feet, you will find God and your search will be over. it isn’t easy! In fact it is most difficult in this modern world of ours. There are so many varieties of activities and such conglomeration of appliances which govern our lives – television, golfing, photography, skating, dancing plus many intellectual pursuits. Of course not forgetting the delight most people take in becoming gourmets in their choice of exotic dishes and foods.

These things take most of our time and we sometimes sit down to meditation as a duty rather than as a blessed privilege. Each one must so arrange so as not to be diverted form his objectives (the search for God). Give you attention to those habits and things which bring you tranquility.

Sooner or later when nearing old age most people realize and keep quiet but then it is almost too late to really accomplish anything within spiritually and to attain the blessing of a single eye.

The young are indeed blessed by coming to initiation early for they have so much more time to work out through all phases of the spiritual life.

Many young disciples may, due to some karma, leave the Path, but they will return later under Master's guidance. Each life is one of steady evolution for the disciple, even though at times this seems strangely doubtful. Even, in many cases, the law of karma seems quite paradoxical. Why some babes come into the world and then after a few breaths die, why some have wealth, while others who meritoriously struggle are poor. And why do “good” men fail while “bad” men prosper?

As disciples knowing the truth of the law of karma to some extent, you can better accept the experience of life and thus try to conform with the disciplines of analysis, vegetarianism, meditation, etc, to burn away the dross and remove covers which prevents the Light of the Soul from beaming out.

Sincere disciples, maintaining regularly the disciplines, make good progress and receive the help of the Master a thousand-fold. Then you truly become disciples (the Light of the World) for that light within shines through you and draws others to the Light and God.

Then you have also understanding and wisdom in the knowledge which now emanates from the soul. It was Jesus who said, “Ye are the Light of the World. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.”

Spirituality and the light of the soul are contagious. It draws of itself and fulfills the will of God.

Gods, men and angels – other than these was he,
My Emperor was superior in both the worlds.
When the Eye was opened, in this man-body God appeared,
And O Lord, my idea of him was changed – he was found to be something else.
In all glory was God there in him, and in all finality he appeared in God –
My Master was not separate from Him, he was not different from my Master.
Saturated in oneness, through the great love – 
God was enchanted with him, and so was he with God.
He is the permanence in the body, mind and world,
Throughout this dissolving sphere he remains the Unchangeable Permanence.
Come whilst at Satsang let us drink in the oneness through his eyes,
Who knows when the Doomsday may come, with the consequences thereof.

The sacred forum of Ruhani Satsang was approved by Hazur and under his explicit orders it came into existence some fourteen years ago. It is through his grace that the gospel of truth and love has been carried to all corners of the world; and in practically all the countries of the world it's branches have been setup, and people at large have been blessed with the rare gift of holy Naam – the word, or the audible life stream.

Those who have had the good fortune to come under the competent protection of the living Master have been granted the sacred boon of holy initiation into the mysteries of the Beyond, and are progressing on the way back to God.

From the Sacred literature which has been released and published, you now have the sacred theory that is so simple and easy requiring no austere obligation; but the practical aspect of the subject demands some attention, namely; implicit obedience to the holy commandments, embracing cardinal virtues, strict observation of the dietary regulations, vigilance over the day to day needs, cautions approached to the thought pattern, and regular devotion of time to the holy mediation in an accurate way. Moreover, all efforts helpful in the achievements of this sublime goal are to be honored and assimilated. 

The holy seed of initiation is a check drawn in your favor and implemented in the soul, fructifying rapidly, into the aforesaid virtues or pursued vigorously. Just as check can be cashed at the counter, similarly the celestial manifestation of Divinity can be had at the eye focus, which you can reach safely under the protective guidance of the Living Master, and for which you have a passport in the form of sacred charged Names. The Names carry the Life Impulse and as such are potent enough to grant you inversion on to the realm of bliss and harmony. Their accurate use coupled with deep faith and implicit obedience, bear much fruit. You should know it for certain that the Gracious Master Power is the constant and nearest companion of the child disciple, and anytime one turns his/ hers face toward Him, all gracious help and guidance flow in abundance. Just as a poor man who calls at the door of a rich person, everyday faithfully, is sure to be blessed with alms, similarly that Emperor of Emperor of Emperor is waiting patiently for you all within, to greet you and escort you on to the True Home of your Father. He is more eager that you and the sweet heavenly melodies invite you to accompany Him within for sharing the utter bliss and divine intoxication.

This is a subject of the heart and not of the head. Reasoning is the help and reasoning the bar. When you have arrived at certain conclusion and have been blessed with the boon of right understanding that this present earth life is passing phase in the long journey of the soul from the lower categories of creation up to it's origin, the hie onwards living and faithfully. Know for certain that you, while here in this world, living amongst mortals, are commissioned with the divine blessing of proceeding back to your True Home. Soul in its present state is so enmeshed by the environment of mind and matter that it is difficult to talk of it's proceeding homeward for it has forgotten its True Home. The holy meditation when undertaken accurately and regularly blesses you with the right understanding of striving for the inner journey, and your conviction of the sacred Truths is strengthened. Time factor is essential and, as much patience and perseverance are required. You sow a seed in the soil. Let it remain hidden within the earth and construct a strong hedge around it and strive for it's regular watering and weeding in every possible way. To fall into sin is Human but to remain therein is devilish. Never mind about your past howsoever gloomy or unhappy it has been because the Gracious Master power has blessed you with the climax of diving mercy when you were privileged to be led to the living Master and accepted by Him. Let the waters of repentance wash away the dross and impurity of heart, and strive for the better mode of living by complete dedication of heart and soul. The Light of God is ahead within and the Heavenly melody is inviting you to let it escort you to His Holy Feet. I recall a beautiful episode of my Master, Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji, When during His lifetime, once, we were celebrating His Birthday. Illumination stanzas were composed and sung in appreciation of Him and there was in vocation for His Gracious Mercy. He was impressed by the devoted humility of the congregation and spoke with emotion, “Look here, when you scale me with Lord Providence of Almighty I do not accept it. Let us for the sake of argument take what you say to be true. Then if you adore me like the Highest Saint gracing the earth and representing the Father, just keep my commandments and you will be benefited and my mission will be successful.” With the same thought I repeat and exhort with firmness that I count myself as His Humble servant and call upon you dear ones to be firmly and humbly devoted to your holy meditations, thereby making your life sublime.

You should become a source of help and inspiration to your less gifted brethren who may better their lots by follow your example. Please note an ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. The world is fed up with preaching and child humanity is looking urgently for life and light. You can be the harbingers of peace and prosperity by living a life as enjoined by the Master. One developed soul will be helpful for many others. Spirituality cannot be taught, it must be caught like an infection, which is passed on to others who are receptive.

Satsang is the central theme of the sacred teachings and I always impress upon the dear ones here and abroad not to miss it, as it is during these precious moments when you are near the fountainhead of bliss and immortality, that you grasp the true import of the teachings and assimilate the rare virtues of godliness, by sitting in the charged atmosphere which is filled His loving Life-Impulses. Satsang is the sacred arena where spiritual stalwarts are built. It is the pool of nectar, which grants blissful God intoxication, and all differences of caste, creed or country sink down to their lowest ebb. We are all brothers and sisters in God and should attain this divine virtue of common brotherhood of man and Fatherhood of. Love one another faithfully and devotedly so that others may know and see for themselves that you belong to the Living Master. Remember, actions speak more clearly than eloquent words spoken under emotional impulses. Just live like a fragrant flower, which blooms in a forest, and fills the atmosphere with its rich fragrance. You should know it for certain that you are the Master of your destiny, which is full of higher potentialities. You are simply to make exertion to change for the better, and firmly stick to your resolutions. All else is to follow of itself, as the Gracious Master Power is at your side to extend all feasible help, grace and protection.

How to catch the Gracious Master Power is a question, which many of you would like to solve. It is so simple yet hard to be assimilated all at once. It is the self, which stands in the way. You are not confined to body or it's limitations. You are not the intellect or mind, yet you possess all these for some higher purpose. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” For that you are to purify your body, mind, and intellect by redeeming them from the dirt and dross of senses, while withdrawing yourself temporarily during your meditations, by attuning to the Holy Naam, which gradually will manifest to you in all effulgence and glory. Just relax and still more completely relax and invoke His Mercy by complete surrender and resignation to His Mercy by complete surrender and resignation to His Will and His Pleasure to grant and bless you with whatever He deems fit. Please not that you are not to guide but to follow. He who follows is escorted and led to the Supreme. The cup, which is under the chalice, is filled with the Divine Nectar. Hence the rare virtue of reverential humility is an astounding asset for the child disciple, who should always remain wide-awake and conscious of the ever-present grace being extended to him/her in ever increasing measure. The Gracious Master Power is ever with you. May it is very enlivening principle, which is giving you life here, and hereafter. Just catch hold of it and follow it implicitly, eliminating your ego and vanity, dropping them as outworn pieces of cloth. Please do not strain but wait with patience and firmness.

Love knows service and sacrifice and is considered the ennobling virtue for the assimilation of sacred teachings. As said above, unless the polluted mind and intellect are bereft of their sediment and dross, they fail to assimilate the higher Truths. A vicious person shuns the Holy Company of the Saints whereas a person blessed with the boon of humility rushes to the Master. The very physical body is blessed when one sits in the Satsang. Such a person knows how to still the body and mind by sweetly looking into the lustrous eyes and forehead of the Master, or the feeling of His auspicious presence. The heart is filled with the pious virtues of receptivity, humility, piety, and chastity. You learn the technique of invoking His Mercy by humble prayer and supplication.

Mr. RENO SIRRINE recently requested guidance on the matter of the duty of young men who are liable under the law of their country for service in the armed forces. Since many of the dear ones have written to me requesting further clarification of the brief circular that Mr. Sirrine issued regarding the letter which was sent to him on this subject, I hope the following will clear up any doubts they may have.

As already mentioned, every citizen has an obligation to the country in which he resides. If that country in which he resides. If that country is threatened by an invader, then it is the duty of every man and woman, in accordance with his or her mental and physical capacity, to protect the innocence people of the country. For example, one could render service in a non-combatant branch of the army such as the Medical Corps whose primary duty is to relieve the suffering of the wounded and the like. 

If a government, for any cause, orders a general conscription of all able-bodied men to the armed forces, there is little that can be done. If one can honestly be excused form military service because of physical disability or any other valid reason, then by all means this may be done.

All Saints and Master's have greatly deprecated not only wars, but all forms of violence that bring suffering to mankind. These conditions are brought about by man himself, who in his ignorance of the fact that God resides in every heart, will not allow his fellow man to live in freedom and peace.

All the dear ones who are obliged to fulfill their duty to their country should have faith and courage in the gracious protection and guidance being extended to them by the Master Power working overhead.

With all love and best wishes,

You’re affectionately,

Sufi mystics have described such self-surrender as fana-fil-sheik (annihilation in the Master), and Christian mystics have stressed the necessity for “Death in Christ”, the merging of the personal self into all-enfolding self of the Master, so that the very thought of a separate self disappears entirely. As St. Paul expressed it:

I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live. Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The Satguru is the true intermediator between the disciple and the Supreme Lord; but he is more than this even, for he is the very incarnation of the Supreme Lord. It was the sense of the immediacy and the living presence of the Satguru that made Kabir cry: “The Master is greater than God !” he was not committing the unpardonable sin of deifying a flesh and blood man, but was stressing a fundamental truth that “devotion to the Master carries one back unto God.” Sehjo Bai, a nineteenth-century woman mystic, affirmed that “God drove me into the wilderness of the world, but the Master has snapped for me the ceaselss chain of transmigration.” This saintly lady was a disciple of Charan Das, a poet-mystic of Rajasthan, who was an adept in spiritual science.

Love alone bridges the great gulf between the finite and the infinite. Reason and logic end within the realm of the mind, but love is the symphony of the soul, and its radiant tones resound throughout all creation. An old Persian poem tells us that, “Learning is only a child of the scriptures; it is Love that is their mother.” Gobind Singh, tenth Guru of the Sikhs, said: “verily, verily I say unto thee, they that have loved have reached the Lord.” “the secret of Gods mysteries is Love” , sang Maulana Rumi; and the Satguru the highest mystic adept, is the incarnation of love itself. He is the living embodiment of all the scriptural teachings on love; he gives his spiritual message and his mystical science as a free gift of love, never seeking anything in return and never living on the charity of others.

Moreover, the true mystic adept rises above the apparent contradictions of the various religions; he dispels all distinction between creed and creed, faith and faith, and demonstrates the basic unity of spiritual experience which is embodied in the external writings of Prophets and mystics. He stresses that the inner essence of all religions is the same, in spite of all the outward distinctions and dogmas that confuse humanity. Guru Nanak affirmed: “Know him to be a perfect Master who unites all in one fold.” The Satguru does not try to convert the aspirant to this or that outer faith, but he endeavors to lead him to the baptism of the spirit within. The true inner life transcends all barriers of creed, caste and race, for it is a gift of love, and love knows no barriers. The Satguru speaks from inner experience of spiritual reality, and so he needs no theoretical disputation to stress the truth of his words. However, he will often use the scriptures of all religions in order to convince his listeners that what he is teaching is the most ancient truth; but he is not subject to intellectual hairsplitting of “scriptural authorities” for he speaks from living experience. “How can we agree”, Kabir asked the learned pandits, “when I speak from inner experience and you only from bookish learning?”

Guru Nanak stated firmly, “I will not take my Master at his word until I see within mine own eyes.” And this is the sure criterion for testing the validity of a mystic adepts statements. If he is a genuine Satguru, he will not promise salvation in some after-life, but will show the way to inner liberation here and now. Jesus exhorted his disciples to “die daily”, to transcend physical consciousness, for one who has not attained liberation in life cannot hope to attain it after death. The Satguru will maintain that spirituality is a science, and that it must be practiced within the laboratory of the human body, for it is while he is incarnated into the human body that the disciple can achieve the primary requisite of one-pointed concentration. The mystic adept has a common message for all mankind, and that message is one of universal love. Jesus has said:

Curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven. Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.

The mystic adept says emphatically that no person can prove his love of God unless he knows how to love God , whom he cannot see, if he does not love man, whom he can see? Love is the one universal religion of man, and it is based upon the fundamental truth of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. “One reality shines both in the man of faith and the heretic”, stated Hafiz, the noted Persian mystic-poet, “and all the seeming differences in the various religious orders are in fact vaporous nothings…. It is through sheer prejudice that the Brahmins and the Sheiks (religious leaders of Hinduism and Islam, respectively) have now different drinking bowls, for in a tavern there is only one landlord (the mystic adept) dispensing the same wine (of divine love) from the same flagon to the various tipplers at the table.”

The satguru or mystic adept, is the living embodiment of the spiritual essence behind all religions. it was because of this truth that Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, collected the sayings of various mystic adepts from Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and other faiths, without concerning himself about their religious background, caste, or life vocation. In Guru Arjan’s compilation, which became the Granth Sahib, the sacred scriptures of the Sikhs, can be found the spiritual saying of Kabir, a weaver by worldly profession; Nam Dev, a calico printer; Ravi Das, a cobbler; Farid, a Muslim Saint, and others of humble birth, who were yet all princes of spirituality. Such Master-souls come into the world, free of the pomp and circumstance of outer religions, with the specific mission of dispensing the spiritual nectar of the Supreme Lord to those who will listen to them and who will follow their teachings. Such mystic adepts, whenever and wherever they appear on the stage of life, impart to erring humanity lessons in humanitarianism and godliness, and imbue their disciple with an abiding love for God and man and most importantly, put them on the inner high road that leads to the Supreme God. while such spiritual mentors have respect for all outer religious observances, and will themselves adopt the external traditions of the social religions of their physical environment, they are yet true free-thinkers, and they endeavor to free men from the tightly sealed and narrow limitations of crystallized religious beliefs, so that they may bask in the pristine sunshine of the spiritual realms and know the true kingdom of God.

No individual can safely traverse the inner path without the aid of an unerring guide; whether he goes under the Sufi nomenclature of Murshid-I-kamal (perfect Master) or whether he is known as a Sant Satguru or Rahbar-I-Haq (Guide to the Realm of Truth), the true mystic adept will be one who is supremely versed in both theory and practice of the surat Shabd yoga, the science of spirituality. Such an illumined soul veritably leads the wandering human spirit from the darkness of materiality to the effulgent light of the highest spiritual realms. In the company of such a mystic adept the aspirant transcends body consciousness and rises into cosmic consciousness, and then upward into super-consciousness, which final state lies far Beyond the limits of the grand cosmic dissolution, and is indeed truly eternal and limitless. Farid, the Muslim Saint, cried out, “O Farid, start on a worldwide quest for some Master-soul. Carry on a ceaseless search, high or low, right or left, anywhere and everywhere; for once you have found that Man of Grace, you to shall have Grace.”

The Satguru is thus the living embodiment of the three attributes of Godhead; life, light and love. He is completely imbued with the highest spiritual, and he is the fountainhead of Godhood and love. The holy scriptures can tell the aspirant a certain amount about spirituality for these writings constitute a storehouse of the recorded inner experiences of ancient sages and seers; but such writings cannot possibly give the aspirant a living experience of spirituality, for this can only be caught like an uplifting infection form the love-filled eyes of one who is himself imbued with spirituality. As a lighted candle can ignite the wicks of many unlighted candles, so the mystic adept can transmit the spiritual life impulse to the aspiring soul. As Guru is in touch with the God within, O Nanak! All others are really dead.”

Shamas Tabrez, the great Persian Saint and the spiritual mentor of Maulana Rumi, stated that, “By the side of this grass blade of the human body there flows an endless stream of life. Hidden in the heart of this atom is the light of a hundred suns.” But, as this great mystic adept informed Rumi and his other disciples, it is not given to man to realize these inner verities without the aid of some Master-soul, a true mystic teacher who can show them “the way, the Truth and the Life.” But such mystic adepts constantly warn against putting one’s faith into the claims of any spiritual teacher unless that teacher has given one living proof of his competency. “Until I see the Truth with my own eyes” affirmed : “when I saw the Truth with my own eyes, then in truth I put faith in Master's words.”

I have often witnessed the Master open his wallet to the poor and destitute who come seeking his mercy, just as he gives from his spiritual wallet to all those who come as beggars seeking the alms of spiritual grace.

Master never accepts food offerings; but once it so happened that a poor ragged old woman, very devoted, brought some sweets to the Master as a love offering. Overwhelmed with feelings of unworthiness, she could not bring herself to approach him. Out of hundreds present, the Master saw the pure flame of devotion smoldering in her heart. He got down from his seat, rushed into the audience, and took the bag of sweets form her, asking, “Please, may I have some?” as he ate one or two pieces!

Every gesture, every act, every word, every glance of the Master is carried out with the highest understanding, tolerance, and common sense. In his infinite aspect he knows what goes on within the hearts of each of his disciples, wherever they may be, yet seldom does he reveal what he knows, and appears to pass his time as an ordinary man.

Once some concerned devotees asked the Master why he never spared himself, why he was rushing here and there, giving Satsang s, never resting or caring for his personal health or comfort. Master replied, “I am simply carrying out the will of my Master. He has assigned to me certain tasks to accomplish, and as long as even a single breath remains, it is my duty to complete them.”

Earlier on this day the Master's son, Darshan Singh, related to me that as a young university student he used to have a photograph of the Master on his wall, taken while the Master was employed in government service, which he had captioned My Father. Now he has another recent picture of the Master which he has entitled, “Universal Father.”

Darshan recalled that as a youth he would return home from his studis at college to find his Father either working late into the night on the manuscript of Gurmat Siddhant, or sitting cross-legged, immersed in deep samadhi. When Darshan would arise at five in the morning for his own meditation, the Master would still be up writing or sitting in meditation. During the day the Master worked durifully at a responsible government post and after working hours he went to serve the sick and the poor. It was not until he retired that he devoted full time to his spiritual mission. 

This same evening I asked the great Master, “if we as disciples attempt to meditate all night, would we be sustained in our worldly activities during the daytime?”

Satguru Ji explained, “This is Bread of Life, you see.” I persisted, “But this would only be possible with your grace.” Master replied, “Grace is already there. It is up to your steadfast efforts. A strong man revels his strength, a weak man wonders how he got it. this strength cannot be attained in one day. you have got to work for it, you see.”

The question of stigmata was brought up before Master. A few devotees of Jesus Christ have received the painful wounds of the cross in their hands and feet, a fact which has baffled modern science and medicine. Master's answer was most amusing and revealing: “As you think, so you become.” And he continued, “Once a seeker went to a Master . the Master asked him, “Who do you love most?” He replied, “I love my buffalo most.” The Master told to go into a room and think only about his buffalo. Two days later the Guru returned and told this fellow, “All right, come out of the room now.” He answered, “I can’t – my horns are too wide for the doorway.”

“But you see, this degree of identification and concentration is very rare.”

The question was brought to the Master's attention: “How can we be rid of the ever-asserting ego?” Scrutinizing us with his soul-piercing eyes, he replied, “it is only when you rise above the three planes – physical, astral and causal – by becoming one with the controlling Power of the universe.”