SANTBANI The Voice of the Saints PHOTO CREDITS Front cover, pp. 6, 13, 23, back cover, Richard Cardozo; artwork, p. 15, Jonas Gerard; pp. 16-17, Michael Raysson. The Second World Tour of Sant Ajaib Singh Ji

Following is the final schedule. The addresses of the Group Leaders, Secretaries, etc., are included so that anyone proposing to see the Master at any place may write the local leader directly and obtain all relevant informa- tion from him or her. Please write the local leader before visiting any of these places. This is important because the availability of accommodations varies enormously from place to place and also because the local people need to know in advance how many are coming, so that they can plan accurately. Priority in private interviews at each place will be given to the dear ones living at those places and/or to those who will not be able to see the Master anywhere else. Initiation will be given at those places marked with an asterisk.

1. Rome, Italy* May 26-30 Sirio Carrapa Sant Bani Ashram Podere Val di Vite 58027 Ribolla Grosseto, Italy

2. London, England* May 3Odune 3 S. P. Agnihotri 86-A South Road Southall, Middlesex London, England

3. Accra, Ghana* June 3-9 Nana-Kow Bondzie Frederick Aye P.O. Box M219 P.O. Box 6177 ARN P.O. Accra, Ghana Accra, Ghana

4. Quito, Ecuador* June 10-14 Paul Williams Casilla 303 Almacenes Quito, Ecuador Bogota, Colombia* June 14-23 (Trips to Bucaramanga and possibly Venezuela will be included in this time.) Dr. Cristobal Molina Don Ignacio Rodriguez Apdo. Aereo 7781 Cra. 10 #21-30 Medellin, Colombia Bogota, Colombia Miami, Florida* June 23-26 Steve Arky 5200 NE 18th Terrace Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Houston, Texas* June 26-29 Greg & Doris Matthijetz 7522 Moline Houston, TX 77087 Louisville, Kentucky June 29-30 Gurbhag Singh 803 Leawood Drive, Apt. #8 Frankfurt, KY 40601 Lexington, Virginia June 30-July 1 Terry & Lenna Ojure RFD 3, Box 232-A Lexington, VA 24450 Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts July 1-3 Karl Riley RFD Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Sant Bani Ashram, Sanbornton, New Hampshire* July 4-18 Russell & Judith Perkins Sant Bani Ashram Franklin. NH 03235 Kirpal Ashram, Calais, Vermont* July 18-22 Nina Gitana Kirpal Ashram Worcester, VT 05682 Boston, Massachusetts July 22-24 Mildred Prendergast 265 Mason Terrace Brookline, MA 02146 SANT BANI 14. New York, New York July 24-26 Michael Oles Ceil Malkin 520 2nd Avenue 150 W. 21st Street New York, NY 10016 New York, NY 1001 1 15. Minneapolis, Minnesota July 26-28 Frank McLain 2300 24th Ave. South Minneapolis, MN 55406 16. Glenwood Springs, Colorado* July 28-August 1 Tim & Faye Mather P.O. Box 758 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 17. Kirpal Ashram, Sagle, Idaho August 1-3 Chris & Margaret Hecht Rt. 1, Box 213 Sagle, ID 83860 18. Calgary, Alberta August 3-4 Mansa & Martha Singh 30 Varbay Place NW Calgary, Alberta Canada T3A 0C8 19. Nanaimo, British Columbia* August 4-10 Norma Fraser 3662 Planta Road Nanaimo, B.C. Canada 20. Kirpal Ashram, Vancouver, B.C. Barbara Gaetz 212 McKay Avenue N. Vancouver, B.C. Canada V7P 3H4 21. Seattle, Washington August 14-16 Helen Perkins 5218 Woodlawn Avenue North Seattle, WA 98 103 22. Los Angeles, California August 16-17 Virginia Agnello 5434 Nagle Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91401 April 1980 Shamaz Meditation Retreat, Potter Valley, Calif." August 17-24 Donald Macken Darshan Mayginnes 735 Robinson Road 360 Lake Mendocino Drive Sebastopol, CA 95472 Ukiah, CA 95482 San Francisco, California August 25 Sam Freedman John Downing P.O. Box 27271 23 1 Edna Street San Francisco, CA 94127 San Francisco, CA 941 12 Kona, Hawaii August 25-26 Tom & Jane Counter Rte. 1, Box 646 Kailua, Kona, HI 96740 Sydney, Australia* August 28-Sept. 1 Bruce Cowan 17/20 Gerard Street Cremorne, N.S.W. Australia, 2090

SANT BANI FROM THE MASTERS The Power of Simran Sant Ajaib Singh Ji comments on Sukhmani Three Letters Baba Sawan Singh Ji to the Brocks The Worshipers of Mammon Sant Kirpal Singh Ji The Light of Kirpal OTHER FEATURES The Second World Tour of Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Book Review: Russell Perkins Servants of God by Jon Engle Letter to a Nun Brother Lawrence The Glory That Is His John Kleefeld The Joy of Discipline Richard H. Cardozo To Be Alive Again Lili Piano wski Expect the Unexpected Jack Dokus Poem: Autumnal Equinox Tracy Leddy

The Power of Simran Sant Ajaib Singh Ji

I bow to the Adi Guru [Anami Pur- had perfected Simran, what would often ush, Swami] happen? Either the Master would leave I bow to Jugad Guru [Sat Purush] the body before the disciple had per- I bow to Satguru [Shabda Guru] fected his Simran, or the disciple would I bow to Gurudev [the living Master] finish his journey through the world be- N THIS hymn, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji fore he could perfect his Simran and get I Maharaj first of all bows down to the the Sound Current. In either case, the Almighty One. He says, "I bow down work of the disciple remained incom- before the Anami [Absolute] Master, I plete. So in this age the Masters have bow down before the infinite Shabd showered much grace and are giving Master, and I bow down before the per- both the Sound Current and Simran at fect living Master." the same time, at the time of Initiation. Simran is the only means to reach the Do Simran; achieve happiness by Dhunatmak Naam which we are sup- doing Simran; posed to catch. But we do not know the Remove the afflictions of mind and value of Simran, and therefore we do not body. put enough emphasis and effort into do- The Guru lays great emphasis on doing ing it. Because we do not know its value, Simran. In the old days, the perfect Mas- we are not able to appreciate it. Simran ters first required their disciples to has a lot of power in it, and only if our perfect their Simran. Only after they had Simran is perfected can we catch the done that were they given the Sound Cur- Dhunatmak Naam-the Sound Current rent. In the present time, the Saints have that will pull us up. No matter how much showered much grace on the soul: now or how loud the Sound we are hearing, they give Simran and initiation into the that Sound will not be able to pull our Sound Current at the same time-be- soul up if our Simran is not perfected. cause in the days when they were giving So Guru Arjan says, "Do Simran, and the Sound Current only after the disciple do Simran." By doing Simran you will be able to get rid of the evils of your With this discourse, we begin the series body-lust, anger, greed, attachment of commentaries on the Sukhmani or and egoism. By doing Simran you can "Jewel of Happiness, " by Guru Ar- easily overcome these evils. jan-a Sant Mat classic and one of the five basic scriptures of the Granth Remember Him Who sustains the Sahib-given by Sant Ajaib Singh in Ra- world; jasthan this past winter. The series, By meditating on His Naam many which will be published in book .form, got liberation. begins with this commentary on the first half of the first chapter (ashtapadi) of Now everybody is doing the simran of his the Sukhmani, given on October 1, 1979. work or activity. The shopkeeper is do- ing the simran of his shop; women are April 1980 7 doing their simran, they are remember- much absorbed in doing Simran that he ing their duties; the clerk is remembering did not realize he had walked for thirteen what he has to do in the office. In this miles. Realizing that he had come so far, way, everybody is remembering the ac- he asked how far he was from Ludhiana, tivities of the world in which he is in- the place where he was living, and was volved. Because we are all involved in told it was thirteen miles. The people doing the simran of the world, we are there wanted to arrange for his transpor- always having worldly thoughts and we tation back to Ludhiana, but he said, are always involved in worldly pursuits. "No, I will go back with the same Power That's why the simran of the world-the Who has brought me here. I still have the remembrance of the world-brings us Simran which has brought me here." back into the world. It does not allow us So when we are doing Simran. we to become liberated from this world. should never remember our body; we But Guru Arjan says that you should should not have even a little bit of aware- do the Simran of such a Power which can ness of our body or our mind. liberate you from this world. By doing Nanak says, "Liberate me with that Simran you will not have to come those who yearn to have Your back into this world. darshan. " The goodpious words of the Vedas, Now Guru Arjan says to the Lord, "Oh Puranas and Smritis declare that Lord, bless me with the company of the Name of God is the only true those who have the desire of getting Your Word. company and those who have become The twenty-seven Shastras, eighteen Pu- one with You-so that I may also get ranas, and four Vedas are the Holy liberation by being in the company of Scriptures of the Hindu religion. Guru those who have become one with You. Arjan says, "I have read all these holy Just as iron floats on the water if it is ac- books and I have found only one thing: companied by wood, if You will bless me emphasis on doing Simran." One cannot with the company of those who are one get emancipation except through the with You, I will also get liberation." Simran of the Lord. The Ambrosial Naam of the Lord is One in whose heart His Name is the jewel of happiness which re- caused to dwell even a little bit- sides in the devotees of the Lord. His glory cannot be described. This bani or writing, which is called The glory of Simran cannot be des- Sukhmani or "The Jewel of Happiness," cribed. Even if one has done only a little does give happiness to themjnd, but only bit of Simran, still the glory of that because it sings of that which is the real Simran cannot be described in words. Jewel of Happiness, the Naam of the Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj says, "If Lord, Who resides in the devotees of the one remembers Him with all his atten- Lord. tion even for a moment, he also can By doing the Simran of the Lord, become free from the clutches of Kal." one does not return to the womb; There was an initiate of Master Sawan By doing the Simran of the Lord, Singh who was a school teacher. He used the fear of Yama runs away. to do Simran in the morning while going for his morning walk. Once he was so This is the importance of Simran: by do- 8 SANT BANI ing Simran, we do not have to come back much; that's why it is a problem. But if into the womb of the mother again, we we wake ourselves up in the Naam, then do not have to take birth in this world there is no problem. Those who wake up again. Further, the Angel of Death can- in the Naam, even if they do not sleep not come near us; we become free from for three or four nights, will not have the fear of him. If we do Simran, we can any problem, because Naam has such become free from the problems and strength, such power in it. pains of this world also. By doing the Simran of the Lord, By doing the Simran of the Lord fear is not felt; Kal cannot approach; By doing Simran, pain does not af- By doing the Simran of the Lord, fect us. the five Enemies go away. By doing Simran our will-power gets in- If we are doing Simran Kal does not creased and whatever fear of the world come near us, because behind the Simran we have goes away. We have fear of the given by the perfect Master, the charging world only as long as we are doing bad and the Power of the perfect Master is deeds, as long as we are involved in sin. working. The perfect Masters do not give But once we manifest the Truth within us the Simran which they have heard us, and once we realize what the Truth is, from others; they give us the Simran and once our will-power is increased, we which they have meditated upon and need not be afraid of the world. Once we perfected. Behind the Simran given by attain that condition, we always see the the Masters the strength of the Master world as Lord and God. Because we have Power is working. By doing such Simran recognized the power of God, we need even our enemies leave us. Our greatest not be afraid of the world. enemy is the mind which is residing The Simran of God resides with within us; if we are doing Simran, the the true devotees; mind comes under our control and we Nanak says, "The devotion of the can easily dominate it. Lord is the treasure house of all Guru Nanak says that by doing the riches. " repetition of the Name of the Lord our mind-which is wandering here and Can we get the Simran by ourselves? Can there, very swiftly, like a deer-comes we achieve Simran by our own efforts? under our control-if we are remember- Guru Arjan says, "No, you cannot ing the Name of the Lord. achieve Simran by yourself." If you will By doing the Simran of the Lord, go in the company of a perfect Master, a no obstacles come; perfect Sadhu, and if that perfect Master By doing the Simran of the Lord, or Sadhu is gracious on you, and if one remains awake day and night. graciously He gives you the Simran on which He has meditated and which He If we are doing constant Simran, we will has perfected, only then will you be able not have to face any obstacles and our to have it. This Simran is the abode of all body will not have any pain. If we are do- happiness, and by doing it one gets the ing constant Simran we wake up in happiness of all the world. Simran and sleep in respect to the world. Kabir Sahib says, "0 Kabir, in the Everyone knows how sleep bothers the company of the Sadhu, God is remem- dear ones. Sleep is dominating us very bered. Only the moments which we have April 1980 spent in the company of the Masters each one of them there is a pond of are counted. All other moments are water, and of each one it is believed that wasted." whoever bathes in that particular holy place will become free of sin. But Guru By doing the Simran of God one gets Nanak says about those places that the supernatural powers and the nine so-called "holy waters" also want some treasures. Saint to come and put his feet in the By doing the Simran of God one gets water. That water is carrying the sins of knowledge, meditation and un- all those who come and bathe there, and derstanding. it is longing for the dust of the feet of the If we are doing Simran, the supernatural Master, so that it can become free of the powers come under our control. But the sins of those people. Satsangis are told not to use them: those The truth is, as Guru Arjan says, that who are doing the meditation on Naam, those who are doing the Simran of God, the supernatural powers are their slaves. get the benefit of bathing in all the holy By doing Simran, knowledge comes places and of all the pilgrimages while within us. What knowledge? The knowl- they are sitting at home. If one is doing edge of God: that God is all-pervading the Simran of the Lord, he is given and is working within us. respect in the court of the Lord. The Simran of God is worship, repe- One who does the Simran of God tition, austerities; gets all things done in a good way. By doing the Simran of God, duality One who does the Simran of God vanishes. reaps the fruit. If we are doing constant Simran, we are It is always good for us to do the Simran getting the benefits of repetition Cjapa), of the Lord. When we do the Simran of performing austerities (tapa), and all the the Lord, He always gives us the bene- rites and rituals. If we are doing constant fits. Simran, the sense of duality leaves from Only those who are made to do His within us, and we see God working at Simran, do it; every place. When we see God working Nanak says, "I touch their feet. " at every place we do not call anything bad or good. Guru Nanak says, "0 This is a matter that requires great under- Lord, when You have made all this crea- standing: when we know how important tion, whom can we call the bad ones?" it is to do Simran, when we know its We see God working in everybody; for value and what we get from doing it, us, God is everywhere; for us, God is when we know it is so beneficial, why good. can't we do it? By listening to talks on One who does the Simran of God is the importance of Simran, everybody the real pilgrim; will feel like doing it, but Guru Arjan One who does Simran is honored in asks, "Is it possible for everyone to do the court of the Lord. Simran?" and replies, "No, it is not possible. If is not in our control to do In India, people go to holy places and Simran unless God showers grace on us. bathe in holy water to remove the dirt of Only he can do the Simran of God on the sins which they are carrying. There whom God showers grace." are many temples and holy places, and at Guru Arjan, in another place, says, 10 SANT BANI "0 Lord, if it had been in our hands, den with desires, he gets contentment then why would we have gone away from and all his desires and madness go away. you? Now when we are weeping in Your Those who achieve this come to know ev- separation, if it were in our hands why erything-that is, they come to have the would we be separated?" knowledge of the Lord. They know that Hazur Maharaj Kirpal Singh Ji used to except God there is nothing. say, "It is not in the hands of the blind By doing the Simran of God the fear man to go and touch the man who has of Yama goes a way. eyes; unless the man who can see calls the By doing the Simran of God all de- blind one to come and take his hand, he sires are fulfilled. cannot do it. In the same way, unless God showers grace on us, and links us in If we are doing the Simran of God, the the company of those who have done Angels of Death cannot stop our course, Simran, and unless he gives us Simran cannot frighten us, and cannot give us through a perfect Master, we cannot do any trouble. If we are doing the Simran it." If we are fortunate and if God wants of the Lord, whatever desires or needs we to shower grace on us, then He brings us have in this world, He fulfills; and we in the company of such a Mahatma. And become free of all desires. when that Mahatma or Master gives us By doing the Simran of God the dirt the Simran in all His grace and glory, and of mind is removed, when He makes us do that Simran, only And the Nectar of Naam dwells then can we do it. Otherwise it is not in within us. our hands. By doing the Simran of the Lord, our The Simran of the Lord is the high- mind, which is laden down with dirt est; from ages and ages, becomes free from By doing the Simran of the Lord, it; the dirt is washed away. By doing the many have swum across. Simran of the Lord, the nectar of Naam Those who are doing the Simran of the starts flowing within us, by drinking Lord go to the highest place: Sach which our soul becomes immortal. Khand. And by doing the Simran of the God resides on the tongue of the Lord, they bring many other souls to that Saint; place. Nanak says, 'lamtheservant of the Kabir Sahib says, "Even a leper from servants of God. " whom a bad smell is coming, who is do- ing the meditation of Naam, is better Guru Arjan Dev is asking: Where does than one who has a body of gold who is God reside? Does He reside in America not doing the Simran." or Africa, or any other country? Does By doing the Simran of God the He reside in any city or village or town? desires are extinguished; Does He reside in a temple or church, or By doing the Simran of God every- any other holy place? Tell me, where thing is seen clearly. does God reside? If He were residing in the churches, the Christian priests would The desires which have made us a mad have found Him; If He were residing in dog, and are leading us like a mad dog- the temples, the Hindu priests also would taking us here and there-if one is doing have found Him; If He were residing in the Simran of the Lord, even if he is rid- the Gurdwaras, the bhais or the Sikh April 1980 11 priests also would have found Him. those who are doing the Simran of the Then there would have been peace all Lord the wealthy ones and the honored over the world: the problems which we ones. now have regarding religions-the con- Those who remember God are wel- flicts which one religion has with comed; another-we would not have seen. Peo- Those who remember God are the ple would not hate each other, or care highest men. about the difference of black and white. But this is not the way of the world: Those who remember the Lord constant- everywhere people are fighting in the ly, who are doing the Simran of the Lord name of religion; everywhere injustice constantly--only they are well-respected, prevails. only they are welcomed in the Court of Guru Arjan replies to His own ques- the Lord, and only they are given the tion. He says that God resides on the highest places in the Court of the Lord. tongue-that is, in the words-of the Those who remember God are inde- Sadhu. That is why Guru Arjan Dev Ji pendent; Maharaj says, "I am the servant of such Those who remember God are the Masters in whose words God is resid- rulers of all. ing." Kabir Sahib also says, "I am the servant of those Sadhus who have con- Those who remember God become inde- trolled their minds." pendent; they do not remain dependent Kabir Sahib says in another place, on others. They are the only true kings in "My mind became a bird and went into the world, because they rule over the the heavens. To my surprise I saw that hearts of the people. the heavens were empty and God was Those who remember God dwell in residing within the Saints." the real happiness; Guru Nanak says, "God always re- Those who remember God become sides in the human form of a Saint. indestructible. Whenever He wants to come into this world, He takes on the form of a Saint. Those who remember the Lord constant- He comes as a human being and resides ly become the abode of happiness, and in the world." they become indestructible. They never come to an end. Those who remember God are truly Guru Nanak says, "My Satguru wealthy; always remains in life. He never comes, Those who remember God are truly He never goes. He is the indestructible honored. Person, and He is all-pervading." Who is wealthy? Who is honored in this Only tho,se upon whom He showers world? Only those who meditate on the grace get attached to Simran- Naam of the Lord and who do the Nanak prays for the dust of their Simran of the Lord are wealthy, and only feet. they are truly honored. Neither the riches of this world nor the honors of this world Guru Arjan says that He longs for the will go with us. Only the meditation of dust of the feet of those who have ap- Naam and the Simran of the Lord will go plied themselves to Simran, and those with us. That's why Guru Arjan calls who are doing Simran day and night.

I i SANT BANI

Book Review SERVANTS OF GOD: Lives of the Ten Sikh Gurus, by Jon Engle, il- lustrated by Jonas Gerard. Paperback, 192 and viii pages, with glossary and bibliography: Sant Bani Ashram, Sanbornton, N.H., 1980, $6.00.

This book has been many years in the thor is able to understand and interpret making; but it is worth waiting for. It many incidents and sayings in light of his fills a real gap in Sant Mat literature: It own experience with two great Masters. supplies a very full background for hun- Detailed biographies of each of the ten dreds of stories and references in the Sikh Gurus are given, as well as an histor- Masters' discourses and books, and ical introduction; an epilogue covering serves equally well as both information both the spiritual tradition as it led to the and inspiration. modern Masters and the subsequent poli- Biographies of some, at least, of the tical history of the Sikh community after Sikh Gurus, are of course available; but Guru Gobind Singh's passing; and brief- like most biographies of spiritual figures, er biographies of many of the Saints and they fall into one of two errors: Either others who flourished at the time of the they repeat uncritically every pious Gurus or who figured in their history in legend or tendentious propaganda that any way. The lives are given in their full came to the writer's attention, or they are political and social as well as spiritual so scholarly and careful that nothing re- context: we see the Gurus interacting mains but a few dates. In either case the with the Moghul Emperors and the India perspective of a continuing tradition of of their day as well as with their disciples. an esoteric school of great spiritual All sorts of issues of interest to modern Masters is forgotten or lost. disciples are dealt with directly-issues That is why I say that the book fills a which in the popular biographies men- real gap. It has been carefully researched tioned above are often badly distorted: from a historical scholarly point of view, Did the Gurus teach vegetarianism? and it is accurate in that sense; but the (Modern Sikhs, who are mostly meat- book is written from an understanding eaters, deny it); how many wives did that the Sikh Gurus were Masters, and Guru Gobind Singh have? (Popular tra- that some of their actions are not ex- dition mantains that he had several); did plainable by ordinary standards. In addi- Guru Nanak have a Guru? (Orthodox tion, the author is able to draw from the Sikhism says no); and so forth. The an- great store of insight into the Sikh swers to these and similar questions are Gurus' lives and teaching provided by detailed and carefully researched, and the modern Masters. Because he has sometimes are illuminated by direct com- been working on the book for a long ments by Kirpal Singh or Ajaib Singh. time, he has had the opportunity to raise A word should be said about the il- many specific questions on its subject lustrations, for they are remarkable. matter with both Masters Kirpal Singh They were drawn by the well-known sat- and Ajaib Singh; and their extremely sangi artist Jonas Gerard, at the author's helpful answers figure very importantly request. They have been seen and care- in the book. And as an initiate, the au- fully examined by Sant Ajaib Singh, who 14 SANT BANI in several cases instructed the artist to the Saints! I found biographies, but they change them, which he did. They are all seemed to miss the point; and it was vivid and alive, and very powerful. hard to relate what I read to the Path I I love this book. When I was seeking, was on. This book does that accurately and first initiated, twenty-two years ago, and inspiringly, and we are all the I would have given a great deal to have gainers. had it. How I wanted to read the lives of Russell Perkins

April 1980 trol at other times-that is, keep it strictly in the presence of i, ,I' ''I God. Being accustomed to think of Him often, it will then !4 be more easy to remain undisturbed in prayer, or at any rate ! ??h

The Glory That Is His excerpts from a talk by JOHN KLEEFELD

HE FIRST thing I would like to say is should stick to that schedule and not let T that it's wonderful to be here togeth- our minds tell us to deviate from it. For er, and that Sant Ji has given His very instance, the mind might like to make us personal blessings on our Satsang here in stay up late at night, but in that way we the Creston Valley. He asked us all the will not be able to get up at our fixed time details of where the Satsang was going to in the morning and do our meditation. be held, etc., and then very lovingly told He said that to miss one day's meditation us to do our Satsang wholeheartedly. was equal to missing meditation for three It may seem funny to say this, but days. we're actually really glad to be back. We Just to be with Sant Ji for a short while will miss the dust of Rajasthan, we will makes one realize how much He has ap- miss the simple village life, we will miss plied this in His own life. Every morning the Radiance of God which shines so at 3 a.m. sharp He rings the bell to wake abundantly through Sant Ajaib Singh. us for meditation. After a tea break at 6 We will miss the starlit desert nights and a.m., the westerners have a meditation the intoxicated evening Satsangs when sitting with Him at 7 a.m. for one hour. we sang devotional songs to Him. We Breakfast is ready at 8:30 and after a will especially miss the walk-talks when morning to ourselves in which we do He so graciously answered our questions laundry, etc., we meditate from 11 a.m. and explained the Teachings of the to 1 p.m. and then have our midday Masters to us in practical terms. Yet at meal. (This is the main meal of the day.) the same time, He has given us such tre- During the afternoon we would rest, mendous hope and inspiration to do the read or sing bhajans, then at 4 p.m. we work that we have to do, that we feel would come together to meditate in Sant really positive about settling down to our Ji's presence again. At exactly 5:15 we regular daily life and putting into prac- would go for an evening walk with Sant tice what He has given us. On at least two Ajaib Singh and return at about 6 p.m. separate occasions He told us that we for tea. At 8 p.m. Sant Ji would hold could not have a good spiritual life unless evening Satsang, and after individually our worldly life was settled also. On this receiving His Darshan afterwards, we path, the devotee must perfect both his would retire between 9 and 10 p.m. This inward and outward life in order to be schedule never seemed forced or regi- successful; Sant Ji impressed this upon mented; it had become so much a part of us very deeply, both in words and by His Ashram life that it felt perfectly natural. example. Seeing Sant Ji adhere to His schedule in- For instance, one thing that He was spired us to do the same. most emphatic about was that when we Every day He started our meditations return, we should make a schedule for by repeating the Five Charged Names ourselves and follow it strictly. In that aloud for us, several times. What power s'chedule, we should have a time when we and authority He says them with! His sit for meditation, a time when we go to whole message, His whole teaching can work, a time when we eat, and so on. We be summed up by one word: Simran! 18 SANT BANI Nothing more is needed than to sit quiet- One of the most beautiful experiences ly and do Simran at the eye focus: we had was the monthly Satsang, held on Simran is the remedy for all evils, the the first Sunday of every month. It so cure for all problems in meditation, and happened that this Sunday was Guru the means whereby our scattered Nanak's birthday. Hearing the songs in thoughts may be gathered, and our soul praise of the Master, seeing the crowd of be brought to the eye focus so that it may waiting, watchful Indian people, watch- catch the Sound Current, thereby attain- ing the Perfect Master come out of the ing full liberation. He said that the soul Ashram and walk through the field, see- cannot achieve complete liberation ing Him bow down in humility as He without the Sound Current, and that in ascended the dais and greeted the Sangat order to catch it we have to perfect our with folded hands, brought tears to our Simran. This is because our minds are eyes. Come one, come all to His Satsang! scattered all over the world, and even if Leave aside your individual pettiness for we hear the Sound, it cannot pull us up a while and drink in the Nectar through because we are not centered at the eye His Eyes. Even though you may not focus. Furthermore, He said that when understand His language, you will im- the mind hears this Sound, all its desires bibe His message by radiation! will be fulfilled-until then, nothing else On November 5th we had our last will ever satisfy the mind. When the walk-talk with Sant Ji. In that talk He mind catches this High Sound coming told us: "Mind is the disciple of Kal and from above, all our Simran will have is serving him very well. His work is to been worthwhile and will bear forth stop us from doing our devotion and he fruit; as Guru Nanak has said: "Their is doing a very good job of it. In the same labours shall end and their faces shall way, we should understand ourselves as flame with glory." the disciples of our Master, and serve One man asked a rather long and de- Him very well; we should do it whole- tailed question about various gurus of heartedly. . . . The mind stops us from the Surat Shabd Yoga, naming them and doing our devotion in many ways. He asking how a disciple who was not yet ad- will tell us to move our bodies and if we vanced could understand the differences refuse to give in to that, he will send between them. In a few short words, many thoughts to disturb us. If that does Sant Ji politely but firmly replied: "This not work, he will try to frighten us and can be known only by going within." his last resort is to give disease to our When the same man told Sant Ji of his bodies. Yes, mind is such a great power struggles with the mind in meditation that he can even do that, but if we perse- and asked how the disciples could have vere in our Simran, we will overcome the help in trying to reach the eye focus, Sant mind and become successful in our strug- Ji gave an unexpected and beautiful re- gle. We should always remember that al- ply: "My dear, you use the word 'try,' though our mind is a great foe, we have a but I would have you know that many of much greater Power, the Power of the the dear ones are not trying to reach Satguru, working continually for us be- there, but already have-in their private hind our backs. The Satguru is always interviews these dear ones are telling me patting us on the back and encouraging how they have not only reached the eye- us to fight the mind. His help is always focus, but are also progressing beyond with us; we merely have to turn our faces there . . ." to Him." April 1980 On the last day after morning medita- moments we felt as if we had caught some tion, He graciously sang a song-His of the Glory that is His, the Glory of Sach song Chade Cheta Har-and after the Khand, the Glory of the Word made afternoon meditation He gave us par- Flesh . . . 0 Sant Ji! Thank you for shin- shad to take home with us. While Pappu ing Your Light on us poor ones and giv- was handing out the parshad, Sant Ji ing us the benefit of Your Satsang. May started singing His Song to Kirpal. He we continue to be inspired to put into looked absolutely radiant and intox- practice that which You have given us, icated with the Love of God. As He sang, and may each day see an improvement in He was smiling at us and for a few brief our lives, with Master's Grace.

The Joy of Discipline DR. RICHARD H. CARDOZO

AM REMINDED of the brief but very courses on rearing children; the duties of 1 beautiful talk that David Wiggins the woman and the duties of the man and gave several years ago on returning from the household. It was so clear to me that Rajasthan in which he pointed out that the answer was waiting for the question the Path was hard. I found this visit very to be asked. Sant Ji didn't spend a mo- hard. I found the preparation for the ment considering it-there it was. For visit very hard, and would be less than me, the subject was discipline. The sym- honest not to say that I was ambivalent in bols were all there. Any of you who are wanting to go and not wanting to go; instrument freaks like me were probably feeling that I hadn't lived up to my com- intrigued with the fact that the bell didn't mitments to myself when I went last ring at ten seconds before three o'clock year, let alone my commitments to Him. or ten seconds after three o'clock; it rang And my mind was running off into all at three o'clock. And the bell for our sorts of excuses such as that Sant Ji meals didn't ring at ten minutes before would be coming here and that I one o'clock or ten minutes after one shouldn't take vacation time to do both o'clock; it rang at one o'clock. And Sant and so on. But there was no question that Ji had a beautiful big old-fashioned my soul wanted to go, and that I went. alarm clock which was always on the I'm sure you all talked about the table next to His chair. When I went into changes in the physical ashram. I my personal interview I was awkwardly thought so much about that, the sym- holding a hand microphone I had bor- bolism involved. For the villagers and rowed, wondering what to do with it, sevadars I was reminded of the making and He took it and laid it on the table and unmaking of the platforms-for me there right next to the clock so that when the very strong symbol of the material I listened to the tape of my interview I world. heard "tick, tick, tick." I thought, "Oh The emphasis which came to me this wow, that's some sort of marvelous year was discipline. It's been said often, spiritual bornb that's going to blow us all and I see it over and over, that we ask the to Sach Khand!" questions that He wants us to ask. This The subject of discipline and making year on the walk talks, on three suc- schedules was brought up in one of the cessive days there were questions and dis- walk talk darshans, and Sant Ji talked 20 SANT BANI about it. Many years ago when I became oping oneself, knowing oneself, is a mat- involved in what I'm now doing,* I was ter of practice. Yet it seems so hard, and deeply concerned about it and wrote to the longer I've been on the Path the more Master Kirpal expressing my concern. aware I've become of how hard it is. And He wrote me a very beautiful letter in the more marks there are in my diary- which He told me that a busy life was not, 1 think, because I am doing more best suited to spirituality. That, as things that are failures, but because of you've all heard so many times, we must my receptivity and sensitivity to failures do one thing at a time, wholly and solely, that I would never have noticed some and then there would be time for every- years ago. thing. I talked a little about this with So I asked Sant Ji about helping fac- Sant Ji and explained how 1 had strug- tors, and were there any other things gled to do this. And He said, "That's besides just practice. Once again He good. Everybody must be disciplined. laughed and said, "Many times when we We cannot succeed in any kind of work empty all the thoughts from within so we unless we make a schedule and follow it. don't have any thoughts, and we have so Whether it is worldly achievement or much love for the Master, then He comes spiritual achievement, we can have it and He resides within us. That's the only only if we are disciplined." I said, "I can other way. It has been my personal ex- discipline my schedule and my body but I perience that my God Kirpal is always have great difficulty in disciplining my looking for that vacant heart where He mind." And He laughed so that I can go and reside. Wherever He sees that thought He was going to fall out of His thoughts are less, wherever He sees that chair, and He said, "If you will try-if love is great, He comes there." you will try-to do your Simran, your I'd like to close by sharing another mind will succumb to this." comment that I made about myself. In In talking further about that, He said, spite of the fact that I was struggling very "The struggle with the mind is called hard and working very hard, I felt some- meditation; the struggle with the mind is what strange because I felt very joyful called meditation. That's why never give and happy. I wondered if I had any right up the struggle. Master will help you." to feel that way. I asked Sant Ji if that I remembered that Master Kirpal said was wrong. He laughed once again and so often, "You can't learn swimming in said, "No, there is nothing wrong with books, it's a matter of practice." Devel- that. Hearing the sound of Shabd the soul also feels like dancing, as the * Dr. Cardozo, who is a specialist in open-heart peacock dances when it hears the sound surgery, holds a very responsible administrative position at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial coming from the sky when it is about to Hospital, Hanover, N.H. rain."

To Be Alive Again LILI PIANOWSKI

HIS WAS my first trip to India, and it ing, He really knows us very well and He Twas exciting and very wonderful, and knows all of our needs. I really needed to it really made me glad to be alive again. know this, and how deeply I needed to be It made me realize that He's really listen- touched by it! And I know that any April 1980 2 1 receptivity that I did have was just grace His presence-and He helped me with and probably the fact that I had to wait that a great deal. I felt He was reworking so many years-which seemed to make my whole nervous system! There was the everything that much more needed. tendency in the past to be looking around My husband suggested I take a book at what was happening around me, to be of Kabir's poems with me, and I'm really paying attention to so many things-I glad that he did. Every now and again I guess because the mind really feels referred to it, and I found it to be very you're supposed to be doing that. Some- very helpful at times. Because my own how it feels like you're supposed to know words aren't always so helpful, I would absolutely everything that's going on and like to read one poem of Kabir's which won't be happy unless it does-of course was a great help to me when I was there: not realizing that the one way to know what's really going on is to go within and How long shall I wait and stand, let Him take you up and show you what awaiting the Beloved? is going on! I can not ascend so high, my mind is I had to really work with being true to full of shyness. myself. That was the one major thing My feet are not steady, I fall in all that I had to work on the whole time I directions. was there-to really be alone with Him I climb again and again, I put my no matter what was going on around me. steps carefully. Another really important thing I had to My whole body shakes, so I am experience was just being in India, afraid in different ways. physically, being at that ashram, seeing If the guile of my karma encircles Him there, all the little gifts, the par- me I may remain in illusion shad, the food, the work that is done for I am very young and innocent and us there. this path is very narrow. I mentioned a few people to Him, who Your gait is unsteady, how shall I had specially asked me, and He said the meet you? same thing about them all, which was, Open the inner veil, take the Word "Tell them that I love them very much. in your heart- Tell them, that whatever time they are Kabir says, "He will see you in your spending in waiting for me to come to the heart, 0 mad woman. " United States is counted towards their devotion." There was a lot of madness: the madness Sant Ji came to Delhi with us, and of intoxication and the madness of the there would be times He would be behind mind. And being with Him and seeing us and times He would be in front of us. Him and feeling His presence, is very We wound up getting to the Baggas reassuring to say the least. One very im- before He got there, so I got to see how portant thing I had to work with was, the Indians waited for Him and greeted how to be alone with Him in the presence Him, all the lovely little things. When He of others. To love Him the way that I finally did arrive He was tired, but He need to love Him from the level I can, as still gave us a little private darshan and one friend put it, to really be natural with talk. He said that He was looking for- Him. Up to this point, my being with the ward to coming to the United States to be Master was a very nerve-racking thing-I with us. His words were, "to serve us." usually could not sit still for a second in At that point I thought He'd done so SANT BANI much serving I was just astounded. I had bit. I am feeling very renewed and it's to recall. He's the Godman, He's always really a miracle when you find yourself serving us; and I don't see how He'll ever waking up at three o'clock in the morn- run out. ing again, when you haven't for so darn There was a tremendous amount of long. In my personal circumstances, hav- help that was given me as far as my ing given birth to a child, I found the first meditations go. As Master has said, demanding years are really a trial, and I when we die, the one thing we take with wasn't able to meditate as much as I'd us is our meditation. Through His grace, hoped to. I feel that I have no excuses He was able to still my attention quite a any longer. Three Letters Baba Sawan Singh Ji

February 5, 1914 (Radhasoami) for help, even this would EAR SON AND DAUGHTER, I am not be favorable on your personal D greatly pleased that your cousin's behalf, as your will-power is brought in- son is interested in our teachings. Please to action in such cases. let him investigate thoroughly and help From the viewpoint of a Satsangi you him in every possible way and also in- should always bear in mind to deter- form him of non-use of animal food and minedly stand off from even the serious liquors by the followers of truth. You cases to witness God's doings. I do not may freely discuss to clear your mental mean that you should not attend to your conceptions, as it will not deter your on- sick relatives or friends; no, on the con- ward journey. You must not be anxious trary, you should pay your best attention for your slow progress as it comes that to administer unto them with the fullness way. Have patience always and continue of your art; but your inner self should be to work on determinedly. Obedience to prepared to agree with Father's Will. the Holy Father's commands is the omen There is no harm in naming the reli- for the acquisition of success. The Father gion as Radhasoami faith. You should is everywhere and cares for his children. never miss your spiritual exercises, as the You may allow all or any true seekers more you will faithfully do it, the better after Truth to read these books, as it will results you will find. You need not wait help them. for my permission to allow the books to the true seekers after truth; you may use Yours affectionately, your own discretion in this matter. SAWAN SINGH Your experience on the journey at the time of practice is very beautiful. It hap- P.S. You should keep it in mind that you pens to the devotee now and then and should not be anxious to scatter these you should not be surprised at its vision. teachings far and wide. If anyone comes You should pay more attention to the to you with love and is a real and honest Repetition of the Holy Names and hear seeker of Truth, you may allow him to the Sound so that you may cross this read the books and make him under- plane soon. You should remember that stand all about this faith. such things happen in dream also; you should always try to catch the holy March 23, 1914 Sound to lead you upward. EAR SON AND DAUGHTER, Received In regard to leaving your present loca- Dboth of your letters and pleased to tion and profession, you should first note that you are following the teachings note that you have to work for your liv- with keen interest. . . . ing everywhere you go, as you cannot As for your instructions to your live without food and other necessities of sick friend to pray to the Merciful life. If you want to change your profes-

SANT BANI Hazur Maharaj Baba Sawan Singh Ji (1858-1948) sion, you may consider carefully all P.S. You know the Holy Father about your surrounding conditions and Radhasoami is within all and everyone arrange it accordingly. But you should can ask Him for help, but the point is not leave your home and go out of that your internal powers may not be business for the sake of spiritual prog- used for others. ress. You can accomplish it by following *** the instructions at home. The Holy Father is within. Never think to go into June 3, 1926 the wilderness to find Him. You may at- EAR DAUGHTER AND DEAR SON, YOU^ tend to your business regularly, repeat- D letter of March 7 reached here when ing the Holy Names while at work, and I was out. The delay in reply was un- both morning and evening give as much avoidable. This will not reach you in time time to the exercises as possible. In this for you will have left for the South. I am way you will reach the goal one day. Do sending you a copy of this to California not hurry, and never get disappointed. and it is possible that you may get it there Trust in the mercy of the Supreme in time. I am sending it through Mrs. Father; He will certainly take care of Phillips. There is no time to make any you. commentary on your note on creation With best regards for your success. now, I am answering here some of the other questions raised in your letter. Yours affectionately, I am glad to learn that you (Doctor) in SAWAN SINGH spite of hard work are keeping fit, and April 1980 Mrs. Brock has considerably improved tention only momentarily; most of the in health, and you both are ready to time the mind is off the work. This make a short break in your work and go utilization of the attention will not in- South as well in the Master's work. I am terfere with his work. On the other hand, sure your meeting with the members work will proceed better. there will benefit them greatly. Meet Riches or poverty depends on the them all with such love and affection that absence or presence of desires respective- even a dry withered heart will take ly. He who has no desires is the richest, courage and flourish. My message to all and the so-called richest is the poorest if is: "Brave is he who has control over his his desires are not fulfilled. He who does mind and senses, for the inward progress not need anything is a Sovereign. is in proportion to this control. It is the I am glad to learn that Mrs. Brock has repetition [Simran] that brings the mind finished her story, and the whole thing is in and the Sound Current that pulls it up. ready for publication. Dear daughter, Inside us there are inexhaustible treas- you will understand now why I dissuaded ures. The Lord Himself is within us. you then from writing stories. Now you Only he who has gone within can ap- know what concentration is. You have preciate this; others have no idea of it." some control over your mind, and you America is rich. The standard of living can follow its movements. I will lay is high. To earn a decent livelihood, down as a general proposition that you greater effort and more time have to be may do anything you like provided it put in. Consequently there is compara- does not interfere with your concentra- tively less time left free which one can tion. I give you now full permission to utilise in the training and controlling of write stories or do oil painting or any the mind. This cannot be helped. The other vocation that you like, provided Americans have to make good under that it does not scatter your mind. If you these circumstances. But where there is a had continued writing for publication will, there is a way. Mind is a curious then, it would have materially interfered thing. It will gladly do all kinds of work with your concentration. Literary pur- externally without feeling tired; but the suit usually scatters the mind. You may moment you put it to the exercises-ask do whatever you like but keep a watch it to sit still inside-it will try to escape by over your mind. Anything that does not putting in all sorts of excuses, like the scatter it is good. need for rest after a hard day's work, As to why your health has been indif- need of rest over a heavy stomach, bad ferent, it is all due to Karma, but not weather, and so forth. But if there were necessarily of this life or the past one. No longing behind it, or if there were deter- attempt should therefore be made to mination behind it, then the inward connect it with this or that commission progress would proceed uninterrupted. or omission. You are perfectly right Those who complain of sleep at the time when you say that "The thing for us to of taking exercises usually sit half- do is to get to the Light ourselves as fast heartedly and only as a matter of rou- as possible." Whatever effort a devotee tine-not with any longing. makes to reach the goal is his service to When you meet Mr. Herron next, you his Master. At initiation the Master took may tell him that during his work hours upon himself the responsibility of seeing he should keep his attention directed the devotee established in Sach Khand, towards the eye-focus. Work needs at- (Continued on page 32) 26 SANT BANI Expect the Unexpected JACK DOKUS

ASTER KIRPALonce described life as even find the effort comical. As the car M a series of interruptions. He also was heading straight for a large tree, I warned us to "expect the unexpected." had no doubt that the heavy hand of Kar- How skillfully Kal lulls us into a false ma was about to descend. In desperation sense of security, carrying us from day to I could only yell, "Master!" day. The Negative Power delicately ad- I awoke from the crash, and began monishes us to proceed with our worldly Simran simultaneously. Regina had gone life, deceiving us as to its volatile nature. through a window, receiving face lacera- Should pangs of guilt arise because we tions. 1 had cracked a bone in my neck, did not meditate, the Negative Power and bruised a spot lower down on my quickly glazes over both the fact and our spine. Miraculously, Allyn, who had vision. He tells us not to think about it. been sitting next to Regina, was still in One day is like the next, you'll have time the back seat, completely unharmed, for meditation tomorrow, and tomor- save for a slight scratch on the cheek. row. . . There was never any doubt in my mind I awoke on one of those tomorrows to of Master's grace. The doctor later told find myself rushing around to get my me that I could have been paralyzed young daughter and son off to their re- from either the neck or the waist down. spective schools. Somehow I had slept While in the ambulance going to the through the alarm, and Regina was too hospital, something dawned on me. My late for the Ashram school bus. So I family had experienced so many near found myself a little upset at having to misses over the years, that I had devel- drive my daughter to school and my son oped a rather cavalier outlook regarding to nursery school, before going to work. the protection of the Master Power. I So accurately was the Negative Power seemed to think that I would always be using events to further its work. I was spared the catastrophes; that there would rushed and a little upset, so the mind of- only be the minimum to endure, and the fered this as an excuse not to do the work "boat" would not be severely rocked. I of Simran. So, I wasn't doing Simran- forgot that only Master knows what lies why think about it? There'll always be within our future, and what is in our best time later. When things settle down, the interests to undergo. mind will take to the Simran better, be The Negative Power fed upon my more comfortable with it, right? I had no slothfulness, enabling it to quell my con- idea that I was about to encounter one of science, and develop the false security those unexpected interruptions which that I not only had plenty of time left for Master spoke of. Bhajan and Simran, but that the time There was ice and snow that morning. would be untroubled as well. I never Coming around a slight curve, going thought that I would ever find myself in from dry road to ice, the car started to this condition, much less seeing my skid. My thoughts cleared and I quickly daughter endure her portion of this tried to do Simran. It was like trying to karma. start a cold engine. The tongue of While recuperating, there was plenty thought kept tripping over the Charged of time to examine the lessons offered, Words. Looking back upon it, one might and to re-evaluate what it means to be- April 1980 27 long to the Master Power. There was no my family. In a letter brought back \vith misunderstanding a sense of belonging; one of the Rajasthan groups Sant Ji said, the Sangat saw to that. Their expressions "I appreciate the help which the dear of love and concern were so important, ones are giving to you. Don't feel bad in because each Satsangi had that spark of accepting their help, as they are serving Naam behind them. Those sparks quick- the Master . . ." He further stated what ly mounted to a beacon, at a timed of ap- I needed to remember, but had forgot- parent darkness. Master's love was made ten: ". . . I would like you and your evident through them all. Their support family to know that at present we are liv- and thoughtfulness were exemplary. It ing on such a plane which is full of pains extended beyond myself, to the needs of and unhappiness and where we have my wife, who was at this time entering come to pay off our karmas. So you her ninth month of pregnancy. should not be disappointed by what has Here was another lesson which was happened, as this has happened in His unexpected. For some it isn't easy accep- Will. Satguru Power has helped you a ting help. It's more comfortable to give lot, and He will continue helping you. than receive, in light of this Path. I was Who knows what might have happened put into a position where there was no if Master had not showered His Grace? choice but to accept whatever was of- So you should thank Him for His grace fered, as I could do little for myself and by doing constant Simran."

A NEW BEGINNING A New Beginning, the poetry and prose of Gretchen Foy, lov- ingly edited by her father Richard Foy and her friend Gayle Walleen, with illustrations by Elaine Barton, has just been published. Readers may recall Gretchen's article "Image Paper," describing the way she met Master Kirpal Singh in India in 1970, printed in the August 1979 issue of Sant Bani. This book contains a wide-ranging selection of Gretchen's writings, from the time she was a young girl up to the time of her unexpected death at the age of thirty-one. It conveys the love which emanated from Gretchen and the effect which Master had on her life. This 152-page paperback will be sold for $4.95, but is available at a special price of $4.00 postpaid until the first of June. Send orders with payment to: SANT BANI ASHRAM Franklin, New Hampshire 03235

28 SANT BANI The Worshipers of Mammon Sant Kirpal Singh Ji

from The Light of Kirpal-March 12, 1971

OMETIMES,YOU see, one fish in the by blood-only by water. If anybody S pond spoils the whole pond. This is sends such thoughts, don't accept them. wrong. Generally business men are the Send love to him, that's the only way. same. It is a shame. If they become moral Once, it so happened, one man came then there is some hope. They make from Rishikesh to where I stayed, at business the only aim of life. Business is four, five o'clock, and abused me. From not bad, but the way it is handled is morn till night he was abusing me like shameful. [Explains to someone] He anything. Perhaps he was being paid for ordered two and is now being charged that regularly, day to day. Madam Har- for four. This is wrong. devi was there. She said, "I cannot hear Master, in the case of this clothing all that, I will kill him." You simply close would it not be better $1 took it andpaid your ears and eyes and go on doing your for it because otherwise he may talk meditations. Don't accept, that's all. against you? I don't want him to talk Turn your attention the other way. If against you. dogs are barking at some far off place, do you hear them? Those who speak without seeing, what If somebody is calling you names and is that? Don't believe when you hear you feel anger arise in you, just think it is anything about anybody unless you see not for you. Or you may examine your- for your ownself. Whatever we hear self to see whether that failure is within from others we take as Bible truth and go you or not. If it is so, be thankful to him. on dancing like anything. What is good is If not, well, pray that God give him good and cannot be made worse by any sense, that's all. uttering. So many people mocked Jesus, Once a man came to Lord Buddha, did they not? "Oh, see the garment He is and began calling names for an hour or wearing? It is made out of straw and he's two or three. He went round like any- a king," this and that thing. This is thing. Then it got dark, so he was just go- mocking Him. But that could not bring ing away when Buddha said, "Friend, Him low, you see. He is what He is. Gold wait. If a man brings some present for is gold, after all. Even if you throw it in somebody, but he does not accept it, mud, it is still gold. with whom will that present remain?" Master, when some man has ill feei- "Of course, with Him who has brought ings for you, or for anyone, either for it." "All right dear friend, what you good reason or for no reason, and he is have brought, I don't accept." That's quite focusing on you with his thoughts, all. looking with very ill feelings towards Isn't that what Christ says, "turn the you, what can you do to not feel that? other cheek, "and it seems there's a great You see, you cannot wash away blood power in doing that. April 1980 That's all right, but you must not have brance of Master, or God. That will aversion within you. If you have aver- help. sion and you turn your cheek, then . . . Use it as a shield. If you think of the It seems that if you do not cooperate, Master nothing can happen to you but no one can hurt you. If you yourself do good things., and even what happens and not cooperate. seems bad, it isn't bad. You can become a good preacher. So long as you have not got a seed [of [chuckles . . . pause] When man aversion] within you, nothing can hurt becomes man then there is no difficulty you. If the water wave comes, you see, afid there's a rock against which it in you. Have you gone into the City? dashes, that will go back with the same Would you like to enjoy the City today? force. If there is sand there, then, that Yes. You'll see a very good scene there will seep through. today, up to one or two. This day you see, reminds us of an event in the past, In other words, if you are strong like a where Truth had victory over vice. This rock, then nothing can hurt it. is the sweet remembrance of that event. But that rock, what is it? What is that There was one Prehlad, who was a rock? Prince. His father was a despotic King, The rock is the good thoughts within who wanted everybody to worship him you, to have excuses for everybody. as God. He said, "I am God." He got everybody to worship him. But Yes, all right, this is the outer thing. Prehlad, his son, did not do it. He said, Tofind reasons for everything, even as "God is to be worshiped, not you. I you said the other day, you must have worship that God which is within you respect for Negative Power. Negative and within everybody." So, he was put Power has got a job to do. through great adversities, you see. His Yes, the angle of vision must be father had him thrown from the top of a changed. One thing more, if you just hill, so that he would die, but he did not hear that Sound Principle reverberating, die. God was with him and saved him. heard it without closing your ears, that Then, what did he do? Holka; Holka will work as a sheet anchor against all was his father's sister, his aunt, who had these things. a blessing from the god she was worship- W~thoutclosing your ears you can ing, that fire wouldn't burn her. So she hear it? asked the King to keep Prehlad in her lap and sat in a bonfire, you see, so that he Yes, that will work as a sheet anchor. may be finished. It was a very big bon- Nothing will affect you within. When fire, and in that Holka sat with Prehlad that Sound is going on it keeps your at- in her lap. Now those followers of the tention engaged always. Nothing outside King all enjoyed; for three days they en- can affect you. joyed. They enjoyed by dancing-this Like -- was saying that if somebody and that thing. "Prehlad is going to be has hard feelings against you, what can finished then." Now it so happened that you do? I think if you say Simran, it's a Holka was consumed in fire and Prehlad great power. was saved. So today those followers of The Sound Principle is always there, the King are now beating, putting on or if it is not there then repeat the Names. dust and dirt and black things: you go Put your attention into the sweet remem- and see. SANT BANI In other words, these here that throw thousands of rupees were decided be- the chalk represent the king's followers? tween themselves, without reporting to Yes. the police station or the court. It so hap- Oh, I get the picture now. pened like that. Siege orders are very strong, you see. Nothing can go out of Yes, after this, the Sikhs enjoy the that area, nothing can enter. And we had triumphant success of Truth over vice. to eat raw barley. This is all a scene of They make a big procession to celebrate worshipers of mammon, is it not so? -and to know that Truth has had vic- So Negative Power is there only to tory over vice. Today after two o'clock punish such people and set them right, you'll find the Sikhs carrying a big that's all. That's his job. procession, this and that thing. Cos- tumes, etc. So the Negative Power has its usefulness. It's very important. Do you advise us to see that? He's very just, you see. Be thankful We are all followers of the vice: mam- this is with you. mon. There are courts full of all these things. There are people hanged, the Yes. others are killing. What is going on? This You cannot serve two Masters, you is because we are worshipers of mam- see. God or mammon. Is it not so? mon, not of God. You see, a living Anything else, any questions? theater, theatrical performance is going Master, are ego and vice under the on. jurisdiction of the Negative Power? All the police stations are full of all Surely, it is the law of, "As you sow, these reports. Courts are full of all these so shall you reap." No exception. discussions and debates and cases going on. Why is this? This shows that we are He tempts you and judges you at the the worshipers of mammon. same time. It so happened at Peshawar, in 1909, No, no. You must be wide awake, that one law was passed by the British yourself. When I go to United States, I people. The people revolted and that must observe the laws there; go by those whole town was put under siege orders. laws, not the Indian laws. I must live ac- Siege orders mean that all doors are cording to those laws, must I not? closed. Cannons were brought in and air- Similarly, those who are on earth, must planes were taking bombs all over the obey the laws of nature. town. It so happened that for three days I think the Negative Power induces, we didn't get a grain to eat from outside. "Look, this is beautiful" and you fall for The dead bodies could not be taken out it, and then you have to pay the price for of the town. No food came from outside it. the city to feed the people. I was there too. What happened? When trouble He comes like a very good gentleman, comes, men unite. They united: when like a good friend, and his work is only to one of the sons of one class (Hindu) fell keep you in the world, that's all. Give down and hurt himself, a man of the and take. Unless you become a Con- other class (Mohammedan) would take scious Co-worker of the Divine Plan, it, "It is my child, I will serve him." you cannot lose ego, and so long as They looked after each other like that. there's ego, whatever you sow, so shall They were all one. Cases involving you reap. April 1980 3 1 (Continued from page 26) is free to write to me whenever she likes. the region of pure bliss. If the devotee Doctor says that the tireless patience does his best, he lightens the task of the with which questions are answered fills Master. Even if the devotee leaves the one with wonder and gratitude. In this, Guru for one reason or another, the my dear son, I am not doing any obliga- Guru does not leave him. He will bring tion to any one. It is my duty pure and him round sooner or later, this life or the simple. next. With Father's blessings on all of you, I am glad to learn that Mrs. Howard is on the Path with faith and finds answers Yours affectionately to her questions in my letters to you. She SAWAN SINGH

Autumnal Equinox The whole household is wakeful Night after night no one sleeps straight through A great restlessness has infected even those who are not expecting you Do we hear you speak our names cough and clear your throat as you turn to go or do we feel the penetration of your glance your thumbprint between our brows burning and burning before we drift down into dreams again

A friend said everything in this world is made to keep us from remembering who we really are I told her it takes only once yet here I lie in my hairshirt of cashmere and tweed more deeply asleep than all of them TRACY LEDDY

SANT BANI On the way to the hut