The Master’s Circular of
October 19, 1968 DEAR ONES: it appears that column
No.6 on the diary form has caused some confusion among the dear ones, in that
some record in this column failures to observe selfless service, physically and
financially, while others treat it as a record of positive contributions made. The confusion has apparently arisen
because Column No.6 has its own total quite separate from the first five
columns and is also adjacent to the positive record of time spent in doing the
spiritual practices. However, since it is desirable to
have the diaries kept in a uniform manner by all, Column No.6 should be looked
upon as a failure to observe the virtue of selfless service toward others,
physically and financially. In addition, it has been observed
that few initiates have been informed as it how they should fill in the
diaries. Instead of entering the number of times that they fail in thought word
and deed in the appropriate columns under Ahimsa, Truthfulness, Chastity, Love
for All, Diet and Selfless Service, there is a tendency to put ticks or
crosses. It is the same case with filling in the column under spiritual
practices. The diary forms are divided into
several categories deal with the failures to observe the virtues indicated by
the heading of these categories, while category number seven is a record of the
time spent in spiritual practices. In the first six categories, you are to
enter the number of times that you fail to observe the virtues indicated, in
thought, word, and deed. For example, if you fail in “non-violence” in thought,
word and deed, four times in one day, you are to enter this figure in the
column provided under the day on which the failures occurred. It is also important that all must
fill in their diaries for regular submission to me every three months.
Representatives and Group Leaders are not exempt from keeping the diary, as it
is just as necessary for them to maintain regular self-introspection, so as to
set an example to others as well as to ensure their own spiritual progress.
Those who do not maintain the diary will lose valuable ground in making steady
spiritual progress. In time, they will cease to apply themselves to their
spiritual practices and in consequence the virtues stressed on the diary forms
will be observed less and less. The summaries of progress made in developing the Principles of
Light and Sound, and any difficulties in the way of making such progress,
should be written concisely, neatly and clearly in the boxes provided for this
purpose on the right-hand side of the diaries. It would be greatly appreciated
if notations, explanations, and even letter were not to be written on the backs
of the diary forms but confined to their proper placed on the front side of the
diary forms. Letters should always be written separately, if at all necessary.
In this way, the report of spiritual progress made may be read at a glance from
the diaries and other matters not relevant to the diaries, if any at all,
should be included in your covering letter. Correspondence received shows that
in about fifty to sixty percent of the cases, the letters are sent monthly and
sometimes bi-monthly, which if avoided will lessen the burden of
correspondence. In cases of real importance the usual time limit can be ignored
by the Representatives and others. The diary forms should be a true
reflection of your own inner state. The failures made should be as an open
self-confession of the shortcomings which stand between you and the Master.
Similarly, devoting regular time to the spiritual practices is an indication of
the positive efforts that you are making toward your spiritual growth. If you live up to the sublime
purpose behind the keeping of the diary, you will progress from day to day, and
achieve your goal in this lifetime. Satsang: all the dear ones are
advised to read carefully Circular No. 4. This circular deals with the proper
way to hold Satsang meetings. All Satsangs should be conducted strictly in
accordance with the circular. Satsang is not a meeting place for a
hotchpotch of different schools of thoughts. The teachings of the Surat Shabd
Yoga only should be the subject of discourse. Books other than those of the Master
should not be read from, sold or displayed at the Satsangs. Other books or saints
which speak of the Surat Shabd Yoga may, however, be referred to in your talks. All subjects such as astrology,
palmistry, astral projection, psychic phenomena or other allied schools of
thought, should not brought into the satsangs and discussed. You may refer to
the book The Crown Of Life in which you will find how the teachings of Surat
Shabd Yoga differ from all other Yoga and modern movements. I cannot stress strongly enough that
it is most important that All Representatives and Group Leaders must be fully
convinced of the Supremacy of the teaching of the Surat Shabd Yoga, which is
simplest and easiest way back to God. They must have this understanding as well
as faith in the God power working through the chosen human pole of the living
Master, otherwise they cannot deliver the teachings to others with the firm
conviction that the Surat Shabd Yoga is supreme above all other paths. If,
however, some Representatives and Group Leaders are not fully convinced of this
at heart, then I am afraid that they will not be able to do full justice to the
onerous work entrusted to them. We have, of course, respect for all other
teachings that point the way back to God. Satsang is of the Master and every
initiate is also part of the Satsangs and can contribute to the general
atmosphere of the satsangs by setting an example in living up to the Teachings
of the Master. Christ said, “Let my words abide in you, and you abide in me.”
The words of the Master are the Master, and the Master cannot be separated from
his words. With all love, Yours Affectionately, KIRPAL SINGH. |