Self Realisation

Editor's Notes

• #3: We are going to discuss a very important, yet a bit controversial topic called ‘ Human Excellence through Self Realization’ As we go along, we will try to remove the controversial part, and we will be focusing on the core of the subject.
• #4: If we think about it even for a while, we can explore the impact of the idea hidden behind these seemingly simple lines. When words get dropped , only essence remains , then only the truth manifests itself in its full bloom. What are the reasons for this ‘truth’; what is the background of this ‘tragedy ; we will have a close look at it in the next slides.
• #5: What a beautiful way to look at the service to mankind. All the celestial bodies including the Sun, the Moon, and the Water and the Air, are serving the mankind for the million of years . Have they ever demanded their rights ; have they ever gone on strike; have they ever fought because of jealousy or hatred; they have been simply serving since the time immemorial; silently and perfectly in order .
• #6: Have we heard about the person who got the Nobel Prize in Physics last year?. Probably NO . Ok, what about Chemistry last year. Again NO . On the other hand, Have we heard about Lord Jesus. YES . Have we heard about Hazrat Mohamed. YES . The million dollar question is why is it so , that we do not about the person who got the Nobel Prize in Physics last year but we about Lord Jesus who was there 2000 years back. Where does the human excellence lie; in the upper group or the lower group ?. And the question is why? What is special in the ‘lower group ? What was there qualification ? This would be studied in detail in the next slides.
• #7: Who doesn’t want to be successful in life? We all want it. There are two major areas; one, materialistic success , and another is called Spiritual success. In fact, by no means, materialistic success in not to be undermined . It is indeed welcome. We have examples of kings like Janak, Ram, Krishna. On the other hand, there is a need to ensure that he other part of the story i.e. spiritual growth should not be ignored altogether.
• #8: You will agree that there are obviously two educations; one is teaching us ‘How to make a Living’ which means how to earn money for sustenance in life; For instance, we are becoming doctors, engineers so that we are able to earn handsomely to facilitate comfortable living. But there is a need for another education which should teach us ‘ How to live’ . You will appreciate that both are quite different.
• #9: And unfortunately our whole education system is focusing on the first part i.e. ‘how to make a living’. And quite ironically, we remember those who focused on the second part ‘How to live’. Just for example, have a look at the saints like, Kabir, Shri Guru Nanak, Hazrat Mohammad or Lord Jesus Christ; they had no formal education but they were all experts on the ‘ how to live’ part of the education . It doesn’t mean that we should do away with the First education, but what it focuses on is that the second part is also equally, if not more, important. Do we remember any Engineer who was the best one 50 years back, or any doctor who was the best one 100 years back, or any Prime Minister, or any scientist, or any richest man 50 years back. Answer is NO. But why do we remember these saints – like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Lord Jesus etc even after many centuries???
• #10: You will agree that whatever we are doing, is FOR living, for example, eating, sleeping and earning – all these activities are FOR living, but then, there is a million dollar question, what are we ‘living for’ …? Are we living for the ‘ sake of it’. Definitely NOT . There is a definite answer to this most fundamental question. In fact, the answer lies in our scriptures , Vedas and other religious literature.
• #11: It is not that easy to answer the question posed in the last slide, that’s why we will have to fall back upon the major scriptures of the world. And fortunately, all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred ,
• #12: So the answer is that ‘we are living for the realisation of Self which can only be done through God realisation’ . If we put the same thing in different words, we can call it merger of soul with Brahm or Nirankar . This merger leads to salvation from the cycle of rebirth , or it is called Moksha also. In fact, all other things like eating, sleeping, producing children etc are possible for other species also But this realisation of the ‘super soul’ or God is only possible while one is in human body.
• #13: It is very clear that a glass of water can become sea once it falls into sea. After it merges into sea , it can not be identified independently. It loses its existence or identity. Similarly the popular myth, that God is inside human body, is just like saying that the ‘sea is there in a glass of water’. Of course, soul is there in human body, and once it realises its source i.e. God or Nirankar, it merges with it and becomes the same Nirankar ; like a glass of water becomes sea once it merges with sea.
• #14: What is Salvation, then…? As long as our soul is separated from the ‘supersoul’, it keeps on changing bodies which is normally known as cycle of rebirth . But, once it gets to know the substance of this so called God or supersoul or brahm , it gets merged with it resulting into losing its own identity , and hence acquiring the identity of god itself. In spiritual parlance, this merger is known as Salvation from the cycle of rebirth
• #15: To understand the concept, take an example of an ‘elephant of wood’ . Now, a child says that ‘it is an elephant’ but the sculptor says that ‘it is wood’. Neither the child is wrong because he is focusing on the appearance , nor the sculptor is wrong because he is looking at the substance or ‘tatva’ which is, of course, wood only. In fact the ‘wisdom’ is to know the ultimate ‘substance of the whole cosmos’ . And then, as declared by Lord Krishna, anyone who gets to know the universe by the ultimate substance or the so called ‘tatva’ , attains the highest state that is called ‘salvation from the cycle of rebirth’ or being one with the Almighty .
• #16: Before we talk about Knowing our Spiritual Self, let us talk first about knowing our physical Face . We need a mirror to see our physical face or some other arrangement like water (which also acts like a mirror only.) And there is no other way-out. Same way, we need to see the reflection of our spiritual self in the larger canvass of spiritual vastness called God or the Formless Almighty. In this case, the All pervading, Formless God acts like a mirror so that we are able realize our Real Self. And that realization will make it clear that there is no difference between Myself and God , of course from the Substance (Tatva) point of view .
• #17: Rituals- When we approach this subject for study, the first layer we encounter is that of ‘Rituals’. And it is a very thick layer and difficult to penetrate. All ‘Do’s and Don’t’s’ are a part of this layer. In fact the definition of a ‘ritual’ is ‘ Spiritual’ minus ‘Spirit’. In other words, if ‘spirit’ is taken out of anything that is ‘spiritual’, what remains would be the ‘ritual’. Normally, the layer of rituals keeps one occupied throughout life. Mythology -And those who are a bit keen students of this topic, are able to penetrate the first layer, and they then, encounter the second layer i.e. Mythology. Mythology is defined as the ‘ philosophy about origin of life’ . And this varies from religion to religion; like in Hinduism, we talk of ‘Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh’; and in Christian school of thought , we have that well known ‘Adam & Eve’ couple going to the Eden Garden and eating that ‘forbidden fruit’. So what is meant is that this layer also varies from religion to religion. But the core of the subject is the innermost layer, i.e. ‘the spiritual crux’, which contains the whole essence of the spiritual arena.
• #18: What do we mean by the term ‘Spiritual Crux’? It primarily contains the above mentioned issues. It should not be surprising to note that all religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth. Avtar Bani etc are unanimous on the ‘spiritual crux’.
• #19: So now we will have a look at the ‘postulates of spirituality’ or the ‘laws of spirituality’.
• #20: The first postulate or the Law of spirituality is that ‘God Exists’. There is one popular story , of a man going to a barber for his haircut. As the man was basically spiritual, he started the topic of God with barber while he was doing the haircut. But the barber snubbed the man and said “I don’t believe in God. I think there is no God. Because if there had been any God, there would not have been any misery, pain, hatred and violence.”. The man kept quite, and after the haircut he came out of the shop. By chance , as he came out of the shop, he saw a poor man standing on the other side of the road with long, untidy, unkempt hair and beard . This man went back back to the barber’s shop and said “I think there are no barbers in this world”. The barber immediately responded “ How can you say that, I am here for the last 25 years ”. The man said “ no, there are no barbers, because if there had been any barbers, then such people with so untidy hair and beard would not be there”. Then the barber said “ there are barbers, but unless that man goes to any one of them, how can he get the benefit?” The man immediately responded ” The same way, there is God, you have to go to a True Master (Satguru) to get the benefit” The barber felt satisfied.
• #21: Gods are not many, only His names are many. For instance, some people call Him Ram ; some people call Him Allah; some people call Him God ; some people call Him Yehova ; some people call Him Tao ; .
• #22: Gods are not many, only His names are many. For instance, some people call Him Ram ; some people call Him Allah; some people call Him God ; some people call Him Yehova ; some people call Him Tao ; . Look at the example of water which clarifies the point. Like water is one and its names are many, in different languages and countries. Similarly, the supreme power is only one. In fact, there has been many True Masters like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Hazrat Mohammad, Lord Jesus etc. These masters blessed with the God realization to whosoever surrendered to them.
• #23: Look at the example of water which clarifies the point. Like water is one and its names are many, in different languages and countries. Similarly, the supreme power is only one. We never fight over the names of water because we KNOW water. It is worth noting that ‘knowing that the water is one and it has many names’ is not sufficient, unless we know water itself whose names we are talking about. Similarly knowing that ‘the God is one and it has many names’ is not sufficient because it is only a piece of information, NOT realisation .
• #24: Like, nobody can confuse us about water because we KNOW water. Similarly, had we known GOD , nobody could have confused us by saying that Ram and Allah are any different. So the point of focus is that we MUST know GOD for removing all delusions, illusions, confusions and the related ignorance.
• #25: St. John 4.22, it is a clear statement addressed to the the whole of mankind that ‘you do not know the god you worship, and we (Lord Jesus and his disciples at that time) know the god we worship’. So it is a sort of invitation to come, and know the god. Similarly, in the second reference of St. Mathews 4.17, it is made clear that the the God or the so called ‘kingdom of heaven’ where God dwells, is not far off, but very near.
• #26: Here, we come to the core question that ‘ how should God look like?’ Like we identify people by some specifications, indications, characteristics, identifications or say properties, similarly God does have characteristics mentioned in all the scriptures in a unanimous way. It requires a mention here that those who could realize God never differed in their opinion.
• #27: Look at the definition of the Formless God provided in the Ramchrita Manas. The same definition as we have been talking about; that the so called God, has to be colourless, name less, beyond birth and beyond death, the absolute truth, super consciousness, ultimate bliss, origin and the ultimate destination of the existence, all pervading and a lot more, never ending list of His attributes.
• #28: Just look at the definition given above. It is a part of definition that the God is ONE. It can not be ‘TWO’. So how can my God be different from your God or from anybody else’s God, for that matter. Look at the 4 th point, that says that God (Nirankar) was never born and will never cease to exist. Of course, the True Masters or the avatars, being in physical body, keep coming and going. Like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna ,Hazrat Mohamad, Lord Jesus, they came, did their job of revealing the secret of God to their devotees, and went away. But God ( which is formless Nirankar) has always remained, and will always remain.
• #29: Srimad Bhagwat Geeta so clearly defines the indestructible character of God. Now we have to apply this definition to the various things that we worship as God. In fact, this definition gives us a rejection mechanism . If we see anything that does not meet these characteristics, we can simply say that ‘this can not be God’ . This had been one of the oldest methods of revealing the secret of God Knowledge, by saying ‘Neti- neti’ , means, ‘ no, not this one; not this one also’ .
• #30: Look at the characteristic of being present everywhere, and Always . This gives us some food for thought. When we say that ‘there was no such time when God was not there’, what it means is, that God was there even before Lord Ram , even before Sun took birth, or even before our own Earth came to existence .
• #31: If you remember, exactly same declaration was made in the Holy Bible in St. Mathews 4.17, “it is made clear that the the God or the so called ‘kingdom of heaven’ where God dwells, is not far off, but very near”. Exactly the same thing is repeated here in Adi Granth that only the ignorant -- those who have not yet realised – think that the Formless God is far away; somewhere in the sky; or in the mountains; or somewhere in holy waters or the like. But for the realised ones, He is very near, just in front of the eyes.
• #32: Third law, we have already discussed right in the beginning. It is only for the sake of sequence and completion, it is being repeated here. You will agree that whatever we are doing, is FOR living, for example, eating, sleeping and earning – all these activities are FOR living, but then, there is a million dollar question, what are we ‘living for’ …? Are we living for the ‘sake of it’. Definitely NOT . There is a definite answer to this most fundamental question. In fact, the answer lies in our scriptures , Vedas and other religious literature.
• #33: Third law, or the Third Postulate of Spirituality, we have already discussed right in the beginning. It is only for the sake of sequence and completion, it is being repeated here. So the answer is that ‘the objective of life is Self realisation which can only be done through God realisation’ . If our ‘soul’ knows the ‘super soul’, it is like knowing the address of our ‘home’. Without knowing the address we can’t locate and enter our home. If we put the same thing in different words, we can call it merger of soul with Brahm or Nirankar . This merger leads to salvation from the cycle of rebirth , or it is called Moksha also.
• #34: Let’s have a look at what we have gone through till now. One , the objective of Life, Two , God relisation is actually Self realisation, Three , the definition of God Nirankar.
• #35: Another important issue in spirituality is ‘ The Role of a True Master’ . Let’s have a look at the history first. Words would fail if we try to state the role and importance of a True Master or the Satguru in the whole journey of Spiritual progress. In fact, the road to spiritual destination is very less travelled, and only those who traversed that path could throw some light on that.
• #36: Just have a look at the True Masters of good old times . The pertinent point is that we remember them even after centuries. And we treat them like Gods. The question is ‘can there be more than one Gods’ ?? . If we go by the definition studied earlier, and as mentioned in all scriptures, God is only one. Then how come this paradox? In fact, these are all True Masters of their times, who were capable of making others realise the one formless God.
• #37: Top layer contains only one, the formless Nirankar i.e. God. Second layer carries all the True Masters of their time like Like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna , Hazrat Mohamad, Lord Jesus, and all others. Third layer contains all those devotees who got the realisation of ONE formless God Nirankar through the True Master of their time. Some instances have been given below. Meera got the realisation through Guru Ravi Das . Arjun got the realisation through Lord Krishna . Hanuman got the realisation through Lord Ram . And it also proves one point that the realisation of ONE FORMLESS NIRANKAR is not possible without the blessings of somebody in layer two.
• #38: Top layer contains only one, the formless Nirankar i.e. God. Second layer carries all the True Masters of their time like Like Lord Ram, Lord Krishna , Hazrat Mohamad, Lord Jesus, and all others. Third layer contains all those devotees who got the realisation of ONE formless God Nirankar through the True Master of their time. Some instances have been given below. Meera got the realisation through Guru Ravi Das . Arjun got the realisation through Lord Krishna . Hanuman got the realisation through Lord Ram . And it also proves one point that the realisation of ONE FORMLESS NIRANKAR is not possible without the blessings of somebody in layer two.
• #39: If we have a close look at the issue we find that even the True Masters had to go the True Masters of their time to get that realisation. For instance, Lord Ram got the realisation of the Formless God through Maharishi Vashishtha , who was the True Master of his time. So, there is no escape or shortcut but to go to a true Master. Rather, approaching the True Master of the Day, is the only shortcut or the way.
• #40: There is no scope for exceptions here. “ No one did ever attain …. Without a True Master”, what a remarkable declaration ; without exceptions. Then how does it happen? Who reveals the secret? Answers are absolutely clear. ‘God himself reveals the secret’ ; How- ‘by placing himself in the true master’ ; and the methodology- ‘through his declaratory Revelation’ . Look at the example of Lord Krishna making the Revelation to Arjuna. The Formless God is placing Himself in the body of Krishna, and manifesting Himself through verbal and gesture oriented declarations. So, the ‘True Master of the Day’ is the only rescue.
• #41: There is no scope for exceptions here. “ No one did ever attain …. Without a True Master”, what a remarkable declaration ; without exceptions. Then how does it happen? Who reveals the secret? Answers are absolutely clear. ‘God himself reveals the secret’ ; How- ‘by placing himself in the true master’ ; and the methodology- ‘through his declaratory Revelation’ . Look at the example of Lord Krishna making the Revelation to Arjuna. The Formless God is placing Himself in the body of Krishna, and manifesting Himself through verbal and gesture oriented declarations. So, the ‘True Master of the Day’ is the only rescue.
• #42: St. John 4.22, it is a clear statement addressed to the the whole of mankind that ‘you do not know the god you worship, and we (Lord Jesus and his disciples at that time) know the god we worship’. So it is a sort of invitation to come, and know the god. Similarly, in the second reference of St. Mathews 4.17, it is made clear that the the God or the so called ‘kingdom of heaven’ where God dwells, is not far off, but very near.
• #43: If we look at the True Masters of the past, all were in the form of human body. This almighty ‘Nirankar’, the Formless God, takes the help of a body to give the message in our language. He, the Formless One, speaks through the body, yet He is not the body. In fact, ‘the Formless God himself reveals the Divine Truth’ ; ‘by placing himself in the true master’ .
• #44: Sometimes we tend to say, that there has been many masters . In fact, this statement is not that correct if we give a bit serious thought to it. Actually, the Master is only one; the Formless Nirankar himself, and He never changes. Only the bodies change; the same Formless Nirankar delivers His message through Lord Ram at one point of time , and through Lord Jesus at another point of time. So the Master is the same Formless One, but in different bodies at different times.
• #45: Sometimes we tend to say, that there has been many masters . In fact, this statement is not that correct if we give a bit serious thought to it. Actually, the Master is only one; the Formless Nirankar himself, and He never changes. Only the bodies change; the same Formless Nirankar delivers His message through Lord Ram at one point of time , and through Lord Jesus at another point of time. So the Master is the same Formless One, but in different bodies at different times.
• #46: Till now, We have gone through four laws or postulates of spirituality. Let us take a break, and have look at the issue, as to what is the Social Relevance of the concept of God Realisation. After all, what this God Realisation has to do with Social problems that are prevalent today.
• #47: The root cause of most of the problems in our society is the concept of God pluralism , because as we see, God of one is different from the God of another . This leads to ‘master differentiation’ , that is , I believe in Ram, he believes in Prophet Mohammad, or they believe in Lord Jesus. This ‘master differentiation’ leads to ‘Religious pluralism’ and ultimately we have the mankind divided into various parts, like he is a Hindu, he is a Muslim, he is a Christian etc. And the final result is rampant hatred, violence and intolerance.
• #48: Solution comes out automatically when we start with realisation of one God, it leads to oneness of masters as their message has been the same. Which further leads to spiritual oneness , and subsequently what we have is universal brotherhood. Finally the result is a life full of love, compassion, humility and service to mankind.
• #49: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’ .
• #50: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures ; and hence, oneness of Spirituality . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’.
• #51: And if know one God and go by that realisation then, there can be no concept of caste. Because when the father is one, how can there be many castes. When father is one formless God , how can there be different creeds , or differentiation based on colour, region or religion.
• #52: After all, what is the social relevance of this topic ? What the mankind or the whole world stands to gain from it ?. These are the pertinent questions before we take a plunge into it. Just look at the world with no hatred, no caste differences, no regional or religious differences, and with universal brotherhood spread around. Is it not the definition of Heaven ( if at all, it is there!!). What do we imagine in a heaven after all? All the outcome of spiritual enlightenment put together, will make this earth, a heaven.
• #53: It needs no emphasis that there is a Supreme power which controls, runs and administers the entire cosmos around us, in such a meticulous manner. Still there are different schools of thought; like agnostic and atheist school of thought . Let’s see what is in store ahead.
• #54: Look at the answer; it is not a humble ‘yes’ or a hesitant ‘yes’. It is an Emphatic Yes. And there are plenty of references like Arjuna is made to see that Formless Nirankar by Lord Krishna in GEETA. So it dispels all confusions and illusions of the A gnostic as well as Atheist schools of thought Ordinary people like us can also know God because it’s the virtue of the True Master who can impart God knowledge to anyone , not a virtue of the disciple .
• #55: So, the million dollar question is if at all the Formless God Nirankar exists, then how to realise ?’. After all, until or unless we have that realisation, how can one believe in the existence .
• #56: It is a wonderful declaration by Lord Krishna through Holy Gita. Let us see why is it so? The study of vedas, can make us understand the definition of God, but Vedas can not point out that ‘look, that is called God’ . It is like reading about an ‘elephant’ in a book, and by chance it so happens, that the elephant is also standing there only. But the book can not point out towards the elephant. Similarly, the activities like burning holy fire (with some special herbs) are good for environmental benefits . We may get very good air i.e. pollution free air to breath, but with no relevance with Brahmgyan.
• #57: The True masters in Adi Granth are clearly stating about the ‘all around presence’ of the Formless God, and also about the ‘one and only one method’ of direct perception of this ‘formless surrounding presence’ . A discerning reader can make out that the same thing is said in Gita, same in Holy Quran, Exactly same in Holy Bible, and exactly same in Adi Granth. What’s the matter? The issue here is, that the scriptures are not differing in their dictums, the True masters – both, from the past or of today – are also not differing, then why is there so much of inter-religious intolerance. The reason is the lack of real understanding of the gist of the scriptures, and also the lack of first-hand (self-read) information about the scriptures. The unfortunate part is that normally the social network works on hearsay .
• #58: There are certain other activities which are being performed as spiritual activities, but in fact, they have nothing to do with ‘Brahmgyan’ or the ‘God Realisation’. These activities are ,of course, good but for some other purposes. For example, the first three activities like Yoga, Fasting, and taking bath in holy waters, are good for physical benefits . And the activities like charity (donating for schools, temples etc.) are very good for deriving social benefits. With that charity money, schools, colleges, hospitals are run and poor people get benefited. But all these activities have nothing to do with ‘God Realisation’ or Brahmgyan.
• #59: Similarly the activities like burning holy fire (with some special herbs) are good for environmental benefits . We may get very good air i.e. pollution free air to breath, but with no relevance with Brahmgyan. And also the other three activities like ‘ Recitation of name’, sandhya, or meditation; can not be performed without knowing God. Logic is very simple. If do not know a particular person, then we can only imagine about him, but we can not remember him. Because for remembrance, knowledge is a must . And meditation is the remembrance of what we know.
• #60: Finally we come to the common method recommended by all scriptures, and that is ‘that Living True Master is the only way’. Logic is again very simple. If we want to learn mathematics, can we take tuition from some excellent teacher who passed away 20 years back. Or can we take medical treatment from an excellent doctor who is no more. Answer is, that we have to go to a ‘living teacher, a living doctor’ . Same way, for getting the precious God Knowledge, we have to go to a ‘living true master’.
• #61: The True masters in Adi Granth are clearly stating about the ‘all around presence’ of the Formless God, and also about the ‘one and only one method’ of direct perception of this ‘formless surrounding presence’ . A discerning reader can make out that the same thing is said in Gita, same in Holy Quran, Exactly same in Holy Bible, and exactly same in Adi Granth. What’s the matter? The issue here is, that the scriptures are not differing in their dictums, the True masters – both, from the past or of today – are also not differing, then why is there so much of inter-religious intolerance. The reason is the lack of real understanding of the gist of the scriptures, and also the lack of first-hand (self-read) information about the scriptures. The unfortunate part is that normally the social network works on hearsay .
• #62: Finally we come to the common method recommended by all scriptures, and that is ‘that Living True Master is the only way’. Logic is again very simple. If we want to learn mathematics, can we take tuition from some excellent teacher who passed away 20 years back. Or can we take medical treatment from an excellent doctor who is no more. Answer is, that we have to go to a ‘living teacher, a living doctor’. Same way, for getting the precious God Knowledge, we have to go to a ‘living true master’.
• #63: This postulate is of great practical significance. The law is that ‘there is no such time when True Master is not there’ which means that ‘A true master is always there’ OR ‘ True Master is there today also’ . But the issue is how to recognise a True Master…?.
• #64: So, we come to the most crucial question of spirituality. ‘how to recognise a True Master’ . This problem is not new to this era. Whenever True Masters came, this dilemma always remained. In fact, very few people could recognise them during their living period. Just look at Lord Jesus. How badly he was treated by the then clerics. How Lord Ram was made to spend 14 years in forests. How Hazrat Mohamad was made to leave Mecca. And today, we have their temples, churches, mosques. It is ironical, but a painful fact.
• #65: The True master has no specific caste, creed and colour . He can not be judged from his dress and diet. He can also not be confined to any languages or regions or counties. In fact, in due course of time, people make their own criteria of identification of a True Master. It is just like identifying a Doctor from a big crowd . Can we go by caste, creed, colour, dress or diet. Absolute NO. Then what should be the criteria? Let’s see next.
• #66: The recommendation says that he should be able to bless with God knowledge , in NO TIME – which means that revealing the secret of God Knowledge should not take years, or lives – and TO ANYONE – which mean that the True master never disqualifies a man and blesses with the God Knowledge anyone who approaches him and surrenders before him. We have examples of Angulimal (by Buddha), Sajjan Thug (by Guru Nanak), Ajmal, Ganaka and many others. And the other criterion is that a True Master will never ask you to search for yourself because revealing that secret is his Forte . Look at the popular cases of Ashtavakara ( King Janak ), Maharishi Vashishtha ( Lord Ram), Lord Krishna ( Arjuna) etc.
• #67: The recommendation says that the first and the foremost qualification of the True Master (Satguru) is that he must have known the True Lord himself. Otherwise, how can he tell others, or how can he make the revelation to others. Also have a look at the details given in the relevant slide , where the recognition of a true master has been discussed.
• #68: In the earlier slide Krishna is telling about certain methods through which one can not know God . But in this very shaloka 4.34, Lord Krishna is giving a clear dictum as to ‘how to realise God’ . The first step is: ‘approach the knower of Truth’ which means that he must be a ‘realised one’; Then, do three things; surrender before him; serve him; and ask him about God in a simple manner; and that is all. Then he will reveal to you the secret of God, and you will realise it immediately. We have examples like Ashtavakara ( King Janak ), Maharishi Vashishtha ( Lord Ram), Lord Krishna ( Arjuna) etc.
• #69: Just look at the milestones of spiritual journey. ‘Knowing one Formless God’ is the first milestone; then after realisation, believing becomes a lot easier, and here you encounter the second milestone ‘believing in One Formless God’. Now we have reached a stage where we KNOW the one Formless God, and because we know we have a firm belief in that Formless one, so the next achievement or the milestone is ‘ being one with this’ . And that’s all. Here you become or emerge as an enlightened soul . This is what is called ‘Human Excellence Through God Realization’.
• #70: So why to search for God ? Has God gone anywhere, or lost somewhere that we have to search for Him. The definition says that He is everywhere , which means that he is just in front of our eyes but we are not able to recognise Him . Moreover, if we want to learn mathematics, do we start searching for mathematics, or we search for the person who knows mathematics ? Similarly, for God Nirankar also, we have to search for a person who knows God. The saying is that ‘search the Knower, for Knowledge’
• #85: Just look at the milestones of spiritual journey. ‘Knowing one Formless God’ is the first milestone; then after realisation, believing becomes a lot easier, and here you encounter the second milestone ‘believing in One Formless God’. Now we have reached a stage where we KNOW the one Formless God, and because we know we have a firm belief in that Formless one, so the next achievement or the milestone is ‘ being one with this’ . And that’s all. Here you become or emerge as an enlightened soul . This is what is called ‘Human Excellence Through God Realization’.
• #86: Now let us take the case of rivers flowing down the line from the mountain peaks, apparently in a great hurry with horrifying velocity, taking all sorts of circuitous routes, making violent noises, going up and down at times. The question is ‘All this, what for…? The answer is ‘just to get merged with its source.’ A fter the river gets merged with its source i.e. ocean, there is no more racing and running, no hurry, no highs and lows, and there is complete silence, infinite rest . This proverbial race continues. Even for Human Beings. It is a divine pilgrimage for the soul to get merged with its ‘source’ that is called ‘supreme soul’ or the Formless one.
• #105: Holy Scriptures like Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Bible, Holy Quran, and Adi Granth, are the most widely read books. When we read these scriptures, are we fully equipped to understand the ‘essence’ of what we read? ‘ Do we only read the language, or we get the essence also’ is the million dollar question. Let us see, what are the intricacies involved in it.
• #109: Our subject of discussion is of course, spiritual bliss , but we will have to see how it is different from ‘comfort’ or ‘peace’. Next slide will clarify the point.
• #113: Many times, we face this dilemma. Whatever we are doing, is it good or bad?; is it punishable or worth reward?; We are in a fix. The issue is whether a particular action is good by the ‘law of god’ or by the ‘law of society’. How to settle this . Let’s see next slides.
• #116: This is the most talked about, and most mis-understood area of spirituality . When we say ‘Lord Krishna is God’ or ‘Lord Jesus is God’ ; what exactly do we mean? Do we mean to say that ‘the body of Lord Jesus’ is god. No, body can not be god, be it that of Jesus, or of Krishna. If we go back to the definition of God [slide no. 19-21], body can not meet those specifications. If body can not be god, then what is god? It has to be the Formless Nirankar. Also, the ‘true master’ is not the body, but he is ‘in the body ‘. A True master can not be without body, and yet he is not body.
• #129: ‘ True master of the day’ says that the first step is ‘ to know One’; second step is ‘to believe in One’ ; and the third step is ‘to be one with One’. So, getting the ‘God knowledge’ is the first step. And finally merging with that formless God is the final jump.
• #132: When we use the word, say ‘rose’, an image of rose comes to our mind ; because we know ‘rose’. On the same lines, we have images associated with the ‘words’ we use. And most of the things we know, therefore there is no confusion. But when we say ‘god’ ; each one will have a different image, because, god of one is different from the god of another. Why is it so? When all of us know that God is one and only one. The answer is that we do not have the direct perception of God. Look at water. Why my water is not different from your water?. Because we all have a direct perception of water; we KNOW water. Same way, we have to KNOW god to believe it.
• #133: Historically, if we see, we find that all those who were spiritually enlightened, were also equally socially responsible. It is a question of what precedes what . It is like this; that a doctor being aware of value of health, also plays tennis, but by merely playing tennis, one can not become a doctor. Similarly, the spiritually realised people, being aware of their social responsibilities, also do good for the society, and become good citizens - but just by doing these activities, one can not attain spiritual enlightenment.
• #134: Let us take a simple case of a garden. More the variety, more beautiful it looks; some flowers green, some bright yellow, some small and beautiful, and some big and beautiful. The whole concept of beauty lies in diversity . Same way, for human beings, no two persons are identical ; and they can not be identical; and they need not be identical. It is neither possible nor desirable that each one starts following Hinduism, or Islam, or Christianity or any other belief for that matter. So, the idea is to strive for ‘unity’ not ‘uniformity’. This has also been the core idea behind the teachings of all the ‘true masters’ in the past.
• #135: Wood is potentially FIRE; that means Fire is hidden within ; every smallest grain of wood carries Fire within. The person who knows how to ignite , can make the Fire to manifest itself . Same way, Every Human being is potentially Divine; that means Divinity is hidden within ; every smallest grain of Human Beings carry that element of Divinity. The person, whom we call True Master (Satguru), knows how to enlighten , and he makes that divine supreme soul to manifest Himself. And then, the recipient is able to see the same Divinity in himself.
• #136: It is good if ‘truly religious’ or ‘Spiritual’ thinking becomes the basis of running a country. For instance, if the principle like ‘we are all one’ , ‘love thy neighbour’, ‘’tolerance’ , ‘humility’ etc become the corner stones of politics, there is nothing like it. On the other hand, if religion gets governed by political considerations , then destruction is the only outcome.
• #137: We still remember the Era when Lord Ram was the King. We call it ‘Ram-Rajya’ . This word ‘Ram-Rajya’ has become synonymous with ‘ideal kingdom’ . We still cherish, worship and remember the Era when Lord Krishna was the King. Why, because spiritually enlightened people had taken up the political reins in their hands. On the other hand, if the political principles like ‘me first’, ‘divide and rule’, ‘to possess all’ enter the religious arena, then the results are disastrous.
• #138: A very logical point is that if a good person runs the show, the results will be good. Same way, the proverbial ‘Ram-Rajya’ can only come if the proverbial ‘Ram’ runs the ‘rajya’. And what is the definition of proverbial RAM? In today’s context, Lord Ram symbolizes an ‘enlightened soul’ , or a ‘god realised person’ or a ‘truly religious person’ .
• #139: The most pertinent point here is that all the holy scriptures are unanimous about the ‘Spiritual Thought’ , but they definitely differ on the ‘Social Engineering’ part. In fact, ‘Social Engineering’ depends on three factors; Country, Era and Time. But the ‘spiritual content’ has always remained the same, not even an iota of difference. Let us have a brief look at the ‘spiritual content’ contained in all the scriptures mentioned above.
• #140: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #141: It is very clear from this Proverb 4.17, that the teaching of the Holy Bible is also to get that ‘wisdom’, or ‘brahmgyan’ or ‘God Knowledge’ or ‘tatva gyan’ etc. and this dictum is also clear that this ‘wisdom’ is supreme, that is, there is nothing that is more important than this wisdom.
• #142: St. John 4.22, it is a clear statement addressed to the the whole of mankind that ‘you do not know the god you worship, and we (Lord Jesus and his disciples at that time) know the god we worship’. So it is a sort of invitation to come, and know the god. Similarly, in the second reference of St. Mathews 4.17, it is made clear that the the God or the so called ‘kingdom of heaven’ where God dwells, is not far off, but very near.
• #143: Indeed a great commandment !!! ‘no one comes to the father except through me’. When Lord Jesus is saying ‘except through me’ , what is really meant by the word ‘me’ ? There is a subtle difference between ‘me’ and ‘my body’ . Because the ‘true master’ is not a body, but a formless, all pervading ‘spirit’, so how beautifully he is saying that you can not reach god, except through the ‘true master’ of the day.
• #144: Lord Jesus is talking about the ‘supreme power’ and is clearly stating that ‘that power’ is the beginning and the end of the universe; Alpha and the Omega. It is pertinent to mention here is that when Lord Jesus says “I am the Alpha”, he doesn’t mean that ‘my body is Alpha’ . Here ‘I” mean the ‘Supreme Self’ of Lord Jesus. It is so because the ‘body’, be it that of Lord Ram or that of Lord Krishna or that of Lord Jesus, is not immortal , where as the owner or the wearer of the body always remains .
• #145: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #146: How beautifully the Holy Quran has given the solution: If we want to learn mathematics, do we start searching for mathematics?, or do we search for the person who knows mathematics ? Similarly, if we want to know Khuda or God Nirankar, we have to search for a person who knows Him. So why to search for God ? Has God gone anywhere, or lost somewhere that we have to search for Him. The definition says that He is everywhere , which means that he is just in front of our eyes but we are not able to recognise Him . So, the action point is that ‘search the Knower, for Knowledge’
• #147: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures ; and hence, oneness of Spirituality . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’.
• #148: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’ .
• #149: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’ .
• #150: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’ .
• #151: Just have a look at the dictum of Holy Quran also. “ Religion Unites, Never Divides”; In both the references given above, it is absolutely clear that Holy Quran preaches: Oneness of God , called Khuda or Ram or Nirankar etc Oneness of Messengers or True Masters; oneness of all holy scriptures . And those who differ with this, and say that ‘we believe in this, and we don’t believe in that’ are far away from the realisation, and hence are the ‘Kafirs’ .
• #152: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #153: To understand the concept, take an example of an ‘elephant of wood’ . Now, a child says that ‘it is an elephant’ but the sculptor says that ‘it is wood’. Neither the child is wrong because he is focusing on the appearance , nor the sculptor is wrong because he is looking at the substance or ‘tatva’ which is, of course, wood only. In fact the ‘wisdom’ is to know the ultimate ‘substance of the whole cosmos’ . And then, as declared by Lord Krishna, anyone who gets to know the universe by the ultimate substance or the so called ‘tatva’ , attains the highest state that is called ‘salvation from the cycle of rebirth’ or being one with the Almighty .
• #154: It is a wonderful declaration by Lord Krishna through Holy Gita. Let us see why is it so? The study of vedas, can make us understand the definition of God, but Vedas can not point out that ‘look, that is called God’ . It is like reading about an ‘elephant’ in a book, and by chance it so happens, that the elephant is also standing there only. But the book can not point out towards the elephant. Similarly, the activities like burning holy fire (with some special herbs) are good for environmental benefits . We may get very good air i.e. pollution free air to breath, but with no relevance with Brahmgyan.
• #155: In the earlier slide Krishna is telling about certain methods through which one can not know God . But in this very shaloka 4.34, Lord Krishna is giving a clear dictum as to ‘how to realise God’ . The first step is: ‘approach the knower of Truth’ which means that he must be a ‘realised one’; Then, do three things; surrender before him; serve him; and ask him about God in a simple manner; and that is all. Then he will reveal to you the secret of God, and you will realise it immediately. We have examples like Ashtavakara ( King Janak ), Maharishi Vashishtha ( Lord Ram), Lord Krishna ( Arjuna) etc.
• #156: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #157: If you remember, exactly same declaration was made in the Holy Bible in St. Mathews 4.17, “it is made clear that the the God or the so called ‘kingdom of heaven’ where God dwells, is not far off, but very near”. Exactly the same thing is repeated here in Adi Granth that only the ignorant -- those who have not yet realised – think that the Formless God is far away; somewhere in the sky; or in the mountains; or somewhere in holy waters or the like. But for the realised ones, He is very near, just in front of the eyes.
• #158: There is no scope for exceptions here. “ No one did ever attain …. Without a True Master”, what a remarkable declaration ; without exceptions. Then how does it happen? Who reveals the secret? Answers are absolutely clear. ‘God himself reveals the secret’ ; How- ‘by placing himself in the true master’ ; and the methodology- ‘through his declaratory Revelation’ . Look at the example of Lord Krishna making the Revelation to Arjuna. The Formless God is placing Himself in the body of Krishna, and manifesting Himself through verbal and gesture oriented declarations. So, the ‘True Master of the Day’ is the only rescue.
• #159: The recommendation says that the first and the foremost qualification of the True Master (Satguru) is that he must have known the True Lord himself. Otherwise, how can he tell others, or how can he make the revelation to others. Also have a look at the details given in the relevant slide , where the recognition of a true master has been discussed.
• #160: The True masters in Adi Granth are clearly stating about the ‘all around presence’ of the Formless God, and also about the ‘one and only one method’ of direct perception of this ‘formless surrounding presence’ . A discerning reader can make out that the same thing is said in Gita, same in Holy Quran, Exactly same in Holy Bible, and exactly same in Adi Granth. What’s the matter? The issue here is, that the scriptures are not differing in their dictums, the True masters – both, from the past or of today – are also not differing, then why is there so much of inter-religious intolerance. The reason is the lack of real understanding of the gist of the scriptures, and also the lack of first-hand (self-read) information about the scriptures. The unfortunate part is that normally the social network works on hearsay .
• #161: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #162: It is becoming repetitive, but then what to do? We have gone through the same statements, same essence , in the last 15-17 slides. In fact, that is what, is being proved here, that the scriptures do not differ , the Masters do not differ, but still why does the mankind feel fragmented and divided. Reason is ignorance. Just have a look at the observation of Ramchrita Manas. “ He only – non else – can know, to whom you – the formless god in the body of true master - choose to reveal the ‘God Knowledge’. And he who gets to know, is able to see his self in the mirror of the Formless God , and immediately realises that he is one with the Almighty.
• #163: Look at the definition of the Formless God provided in the Ramchrita Manas. The same definition as we have been talking about; that the so called God, has to be colourless, name less, beyond birth and beyond death, the absolute truth, super consciousness, ultimate bliss, origin and the ultimate destination of the existence, all pervading and a lot more, never ending list of His attributes.
• #164: Just look at the sheer brilliance with which a sort of chronological order for devotion has been provided: From knowing to perception, from perception to Love, and from love to devotion (bhakti). And if we claim that we are doing Bhakti (devotion) without knowing God, then we trying to achieve the impossible; like trying to get butter from water.
• #165: As it was mentioned earlier also that all the religions and all the scriptures including Srimad Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, Holy Bible, Adi Granth or Sri Guru Granth Saheb, Ramchrita Manas, (Ramayan), and Avtar Bani are unanimous on the ‘spiritual awakening’ . While preparing the presentation the above mentioned scriptures have been referred , let us have a look at some of the references.
• #166: We have discussed in detail about the True Masters of the past like Lord Jesus, Hazrat Mohammad, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Guru Nanak etc. What about the True Master of today? If you remember, in postulate no. six , the conclusion is that there is no such time when true master is not there; that means the true master is there today also . Satguru Avtar Singh ji, the True Master of the ‘Spiritual Movement’ of the present times , says that “no religion is greater, than to have an all around, direct perception of God”. Which means that the ‘direct perception of this all around, all pervading, all surrounding Formless God is the essence of all religions’.
• #167: Satguru Avtar Singh ji, the True Master of the ‘Spiritual Movement’ of the present times , is stating about the ‘all around presence’ of the Formless God, and also about the ‘one and only one method’ of direct perception of this ‘formless surrounding presence’ . A discerning reader can make out that the same thing is said in Gita, same in Holy Quran, Exactly same in Holy Bible, and exactly same in Adi Granth. What’s the matter? The issue here is, that the scriptures are not differing in their dictums, the True masters – both, from the past or of today – are also not differing, then why is there so much of inter-religious intolerance. The reason is the lack of real understanding of the gist of the scriptures, and also the lack of first-hand (self-read) information about the scriptures. The unfortunate part is that normally the social network works on hearsay .
• #168: Satguru Avtar Singh ji, the True Master of the ‘Spiritual Movement’ of the present times, is stating about the Formless God that He has no beginning and no end; he is One; but the issue is how does one get the realisation of such a God? Same ages old answer; through the blessings of the true master. Once a persons surrenders before a true master ( he must be a true master before whom we are surrendering), and in turn, the true master chooses to bless, then he reveals the ‘Knowledge’ and the realisation takes place .