PHOTO CREDITS Front cover by Steve Diamond; pages 14 and 15 by Eileen Wigg; page 16 by Jonas Gerard. Sat

March 1976 volume nine number three

FROM THE MASTER

What is a True Satsangi? The Master's Talk Man is in the Make from an early discourse

OTHER FEATURES Poem: Rescue me from me 17 Donna Jewel1 Pollard The Life of Guru Amar Das 18 Michael Raysson The Minutes of the Board Meeting 30 Helen Von Aldenbruck Anaheim, March 13, 1976

SAT SANDESH/The Message of the Masters is published monthly by The Sant Bani Press, Tilton, New Hampshire, for Ruhani Satsang/Divine Science of the Soul, P. 0. Box 3037 (221 West Broadway), Anaheim, California 92803, U. S. A. Editor Emeritus: Bhadra Sena; Editor: Russell Perkins. Annual subscription: In the United States, $8.00; all other countries, $10.90. Single copies 75 cents. Checks and money orders should be made payable to SAT SANDESH, and all pay- ments from outside the U.S. should be in U.S. funds on an International Money Order or a check drawn on a New York bank. All correspondence and manuscripts should be addressed to: SAT SANDESH, Sant Bani Ashram, Franklin, N. H. 03235, U.S.A. The views of the authors whose articles appear in SAT SANDESH are not necessarily the journal's. THE MASTER'S TALK

WESTION: For many years of my life THE MASTER: I tell you now: there is I have been holding strictly to the an equivalent to eggs in the dietary sys- principleQ that you should not partake of tem. I will give you a small prescription: sentient flesh of any kind or any poison one-half a walnut, two almonds and four of any kind. And for that reason I have currants will give you the strength of felt that you are doing wonderful work. two eggs. . . . But I can't understand why you draw the I am very glad to see you all here line on eggs. gathered together.

THE MASTER: About eggs: We are to QUESTION: I'd like to understand why use suchlike diet that is a helping factor. you don't have them stop smoking- We want to have control over our pas- giving up tobacco, when you have them sions. Anything that goes to flare up stop eating certain foods. It's very harm- passions is to be avoided. ful to the body. I mean, why don't you demand that immediately as you do the QUESTION: Oh, I see. And eggs cer- other things? I'm just asking you; I'm tainly do. I understand. not criticizing-just wondering why to- This was the farewell talk given by bacco isn't considered harmful. Param Sant Kirpal Singh Ji at Louis- THE MASTER: All intoxicants- the ville, Ky., Nov. 11, 1963. I I word I use is "all." Smoking is also an

SAT SANDESH intoxicant. For instance, when a man is like bad examples. You are right there. going to murder someone, he wants a COMMENT: Yes, but we didn't do that smoke first. in the beginning, did we? QUESTION: I know. But you don't re- THE MASTER: Always-in India, at quire them to stop smoking. least. No one is allowed to smoke at Sat- THE MASTER: I always stop it, please sang or anyplace; "No smoking": even -in India and everywhere. 1 say all those who come and are not initiated are intoxicants. also not allowed to smoke--even those QUESTION: Well, they haven't, though. who are addicted to it. THE MASTER: If they haven't stopped, COMMENT: There are some people that's another thing. who are very sincere and very devoted QUESTION: But YOU don't require it to you, but they don't understand that of them. they're not supposed fo be smoking. THE MASTER: NO, no, there's no ques- THE MASTER: I think for the future tion of requirement. You see, it contains that should be made clear to them; that's nicotine, and if you were to continue all right. Intoxicants include smoking. smoking, it would also give you a fit. I tell you one thing: intoxicants such as It does. wine affect all at once. Smoking affects QUESTION: DO they have to stop slowly, but in the long run it is injurious. smoking before they can be initiated? Unani doctors say that 360 or so dis- THE MASTER: Intoxicants, yes. 1 do eases arise only from smoking. in India. Our Master said that about 360 What is bad is bad; it cannot be made or so diseases arise only from smoking. good, you see. Those who are addicted to it simply make little allowances to COMMENT: And it's a bad habit. meet with their own purpose. This is THE MASTER: It is a bad habit, too. bad. But so many things are prescribed But it also has a bad effect and gives in- and people don't do them. They should. toxication; it is intoxicating. You'll find that whenever a man is going to murder QUESTION: DO almonds make you someone, he first has a smoke.* General- grow spiritually? ly you'll find it like that. It gives you a THE MASTER: Well, they are satvic. fit. What do they give? They don't create COMMENT: Well, some of the group any other thing. They are a helping fac- leaders smoke. tor. All nuts are proteins. THE MASTER: DO YOU mean to say QUESTION: Maharaj Ji, what can we that those who are group leaders have do or what must we do in order to in- become perfect? They are on the way; crease in us the feeling of love? they are all imperfect people. We have THE MASTER: Love is already in- to carry on the work with them. But grained in you. Simply withdraw from they must stop. That's no reason why outside and it will develop; or get in the they should not stop. If they are leaders, company of those who have love, and it it does not mean that they should act comes by radiation. The more you come in contact with the Light and Sound <: This observation-of smoking as a psycho- Principle, which is Love personified, the logical crutch enabling us to overrule our more you come in touch with that, the consciences-has also been made by Tolstoy and Gandhi. love in you will flare up. And the out- March 1976 ward company of those who are lovers should stop. of God will give you a very great im- QUESTION: NOW do you wish to give petus. your message? QUESTION: When you say "no drugs," THE MASTER: If YOU like. What mes- does that also mean no medications that sage do I have to give? are sometimes prescribed by physicians? COMMENT:Well, give your talk, then. THE MASTER: 1 never said anything THE MASTER: All right. about drugs. * * * QUESTION: I thought I read that on OU KNOW that Christ once said to the initiation application. Yhis disciples, "I don't want to make THE MASTER:"NO drugs" means in- you slaves, but friends." Slaves do not toxicating drugs, not the ordinary treat- know what a friend can be. Slaves only ment. know how to do what is said. You can QUESTION:But medicines would be appreciate anyone if you work along all right? with him and see what he is doing. So THE MASTER:Medicines are there Christ said, "I make you my friends." I only to help you. Naturally, nowadays think it is better that I address you as people are coming around to appreciate friends: because I have told you many the natural way of healing by vegetables times that I am a man like you, with and other things. But medicines do little the same privileges that you have from or nothing, I tell you. It is the soul that God. But I have developed in a certain has the curative power. We simply clear way; you have not. And that develop- the way to help the soul. ment is due to the grace of God, or the QUESTION:I was told the other day God working through my Master: that that there was a homeopathic medicine is, how to die while alive, how to be re- you could take to stop smoking in three born, how to be cut off from the attach- ments of the world, the body and other days. things. That is a way within you already. THE MASTER:Yes, that is calcarea So I love you as friends, I would say. phos, 3 x. It gives you an aversion to I regard you as the children of Light. smoking. 3 x is the potency. You can get Because I love God and that Light is it from a homeopathic doctor. It is cal- everywhere, so I have to love you and cium, you see-calcium and phosphorus have regard for you as well. combined, 3 x. What I would especially like to bring These are tablets that are already pre- to your notice is that initiation does not pared. Put 8 or 10 tablets in a glass of mean that you have become perfect. It water and take a small spoonful every is a way to perfection. One does not five minutes for two hours or so. become a satsangi simply by being initi- QUESTION:Are we supposed to tell ated. The word satsangi means: sat the new applicants for initiation to stop means unchangeable permanence; and smoking before they are accepted? sangi means one who is constantly in THE MASTER:Well, yes, they should; contact with it. We have been put on the that is, I tell you-one thing. Some way to analyze our soul from mind and things give an instantaneous effect-they the outgoing faculties and to have some affect you very quickly. Smoking affects touch, some contact, with the God Pow- you later. But it is to be stopped. They er. When you remain a constant com-

4 SAT SANDESH panion of that God Power, only then will any show? If he still loves, is he ready you become a true satsangi. Now you to sacrifice his everything for them? have something, of course, to start with: Everyone can know so much about these you have learned how to contact it. things: libraries are full of them; scrip- But unless you begin to be conscious of tures are full of them; but it is just like that power all through, you are not a -what do you say?-loading an ass with true satsangi. books. What is it really? If a paddle or We have to work up to that. We have spoon moves through a sweet dish, will it to mold our lives in accordance with the get any taste out of it? To know so many principles of satsang in thought, speech things in your brain will do you little or and action. If you simply take a medi- no good; or perhaps it will do more evil cine and put it on the shelf, will your than good, because then you will act disease go away? All Masters say that and pose: "Oh, I know so much." But those who live up to what they are told you don't live up to it. So the main thing are destined to have the Master become is, we must live it, and live it not willy- their slave. nilly, but with pure love and devotion. Let's say that a father has four or five Obedience comes next. And obedience children. Some children obey him, others is also not sufficient: we should surren- do not, and some children-not just be- der. This is what is needed. All Masters cause of obedience-even surrender to have been saying that. If someone finds the will of their father. As I told you yes- some shortcoming in you, what does he terday, when you surrender, the Father say? "Oh, a satsangi is like that. Perhaps becomes your slave. If a father has a the Master teaches that way." Some peo- very obedient son who just works ac- ple have been writing to me on account cording to his intentions and never asks of some shortcomings here or there. I for anything, what would the father do? always reply to them, "Pity it is that I When he leaves, he would simply hand have to carry on with imperfect people. over his key to that son, not to every- They are all not perfect-they are all body. on the way to perfection. Those who are The Master says, "Always look to the on the way to perfection, here and there, interest of others. Don't let others they do fall. So just forgive and forget. starve." That is what is required of those We should be on the way for the com- who live up to what they are told. mon cause of God." Love requires, first of all: "If you love That is why what is needed is to live me, keep my commandments." We don't up to it. Truth is above all, BUT TRUE keep the commandments: some do with LIVING IS STILL ABOVE TRUTH. People modifications which suit their own in- don't know whether you can have a con- terests. Unless we live up 100 per cent tact within with the light of God or not: to what the Master says, we cannot truly they will see how you live, how you be- get to know what God is. have, what your treatment of others is. So, "actions speak louder than words." Are you fighting with others for selfish And thoughts are even more potent. A motives? Are you usurping others' rights? satsangi must, in his daily conduct, re- Are you sucking the blood of others? veal what he is: not what he says, but They will see you from that level. Here's what he is. If he says, "Love all," then a bulb. If the glass is besmeared with see whether he loves all. If he loves all, filth, although the light is there, it won't is he always ready to help others, without give off light. So the bulb should be pure, March 1976 5 quite clean, without any dirt. Our hearts him? So I always say, "Be true to your must be pure: what we have in our hearts own self." If you are true to your own should be at our mouths, and what is self, how can you deceive others? This at our mouths should agree with our is the main criterion. thoughts. When there is agreement be- And further, don't desire evil for any- tween these three, then consider that it one, irrespective of creed or color, even is right. Sometimes we do one thing for in thought-for anyone, not just neces- many days; it becomes a habit. Habit sarily your initiate brother: because turns into nature. It is very difficult to whatever thought arises poisons you. remove that habit that has formed itself Others don't know it, but you will be to our nature. poisoned. And because of their radiation, So, first of all, what are we to do? I you will find that thoughts are more po- would say, perform no action in secret. tent. The other day I gave you the ex- There is no doubt about it: you will find ample of Akbar the Great, King of India. this a very helpful factor. Perform no Birbal was his minister. He told the King action in secret. If anything requires se- that whatever a man thinks about any- crecy, abandon it at once. Deeds of one reacts in the other's mind. The King darkness are committed in the dark. said, "How can that be proved?" So the This is the first thing. That is the criteri- minister took him away to some place on of a sin: you want secrecy. Just con- along the roadside. A man was coming sider this in all your ways of life. at a distance and the minister told the Then, further, do nothing which, after King, "Just think anything about him in having been done, leads you to tell lies. your mind." The King was going bare- That is also a criterion for something headed. He thought in his mind about wrong. Lying follows a sin because you that man who was approaching: "I want to conceal it. I tell you, the criteri- should shoot him." When the man came on of a Saint is that you will find him do- by, he passed the King, and the King ing the same thing everywhere, inside or said to him, "Look here, tell me truly; I outside, at midnight or during the day- will forgive you if you say it; but what time, in the pulpit or in private rooms. struck you when you saw my face?" The Hafiz says, "When we go to the pulpit man said, "I thought I should break your we give very long yarns of talks, but head with my fist." when we go to secret places, we do That reacts, do you see? Never think otherwise." evil of others. These things are think- Mind that, God is within you and the ing evil of others: when we say anything God Power-the God-in-man-watches against anyone, what is that but think- everything. How can you deceive him? ing evil of others? When we backbite, You can deceive others. Our Master what do we do? We think evil of others. used to say, "If a child of five years of When we make parties, one against the age is sitting by you, you won't do any- other, what do we do? We tell this side thing unbecoming in his presence. You one thing and that side something else. will require secrecy." When you think You are deceiving your own selves, and that when the Master gives initiation, the the God in you sees you. God Power takes possession of you with- I may mention to you today one in- in, looks to the very thoughts that arise cident. There are always controversies and knows the very trend that you have going on. In my own life, Master once to follow, then how can you deceive ordered me during his lifetime to initiate

SAT SANDESH about 250 people in the monthly gather- is anything I've done wrong. (The disci- ing. Those who were after the Master- ple can err; only Masters are saved ship became worried: "What is going to from that.) I may have erred knowingly happen? Everything is gone from our or unknowingly. Just talk with the Mas- hands." They made parties and spread ter." a great deal of propaganda against me, When my brother came back, I asked in writing, through letters and this and him, "Did you ask the Master about it?" that thing. I was true to my own Self. And he said, "Yes. The Master said, 'I The Master had ordered me to do it; and know he has done nothing wrong, either to give talks at satsang places, attend the knowingly or unknowingly; but strangely poor, the sick, the needy, everyone. enough, so much water passed over his Even when I left the office, I used to be head, but he never came to me to tell me attending the sick until eight, nine or about it.' " ten o'clock at night, and sometimes even So naturally, when Master returned- later than that. I never asked any time from my Mas- The Master had ordered me to do it; ter- 1 said, "1 want a few minutes with and letters about me, written by the you." parties concerned, began to pour in, in "Oh, yes, you're welcome." all languages, from different towns. They When the day had passed and it was were all about the same subject: "He's about nine or ten in the night, he sent such a man; he's such a man; he's such for me and said, "Close the doors." a man." And Master also knew about 1 was with him, sitting by him. I told all the letters. There were heaps of let- him, "I did not come to you because I ters from all around. know that you are in me and seeing my My Master had always asked me, every action-watching my every action when I went to see him, "Well, come on. and also the trend of my life: you know please, and give a talk." And what did where I am going. That is why I never I do? He was sitting there, and he made came to you." me sit near him, like a son or a student. He was all wroth. He said, "Those I would speak my heart to him-I people have created so much hell." would open my heart to him in a heart- I said, "Well, I have not come for to-heart talk-and the people enjoyed. that." But they had arranged it so that for What did he say the next day? I used eight months regularly I was not per- to always sit at the back, just watching. mitted to go near the Master, not even He sat on the throne--on the pulpit- to talk to him. So much propaganda was and said, "Well, Kirpal Singh, come on, being carried on! But I would just look give your talk!" at his eyes, and that was sufficient for And those around him who were mak- me: because eyes speak more than words. ing parties said, "No, Master, we won't My Master used to go to the hills. like to hear him; we would like to hear My elder brother went there (I did not from you directly." even tell this secret to my brother. Why He said, "NO, he will talk." They in- complain of the Master and his disci- sisted very much. And still he ordered ples to someone else?), and I simply me: "You come here and talk to them." asked him, "When you find yourself all Strangely enough, the tables were alone with the Master, simply ask him turned in one night. This is what I say: if there are any drawbacks or if there if at all anything appealed to my Mas- March 1976 ter, it was my frankness, my being true "Don't bend your arms." So always to myself. I think it is a great qualifica- stretch out to others. This way you will tion. be saved from many things. If we are true to our own selves, how And one thing more: Never try to can we sin? How can we make parties remain alone, unless you become a Mas- and talk against others: I write you one ter-perfect. Let all your words and thing, you write that man, that man actions be as if you are in His presence, writes someone else; and that goes on, whether you are outside or inside or any- creating friction and parties. You say, where. "Oh, well, I have not done anything; I'm Two seekers after truth went to a quite all right; I'm his slave; I'm his Master to be put on the way. What did servant; I've practiced sacrificingw-that he do? He gave them two pigeons and means cutting the very roots!-The re- told them, "Go someplace where no- sult is that the whole satsang is defamed. body will see you and kill them." One That has been the cause of trouble here, man went out behind a wall, killed the too, honestly speaking. Through God's pigeon and came back: "Master, I've grace and through your cooperation, I killed it. There was nobody there." The think most of it has subsided. If any- other poor fellow was hunting, knock- thing is still there, I would request you to ing about from place to place, in many wash it away, by love. secret places, many lonely places, from Do you know how many days I have morn to night. He could not find any spent on that? Even in Chicago? We place where nobody was seeing him. He must be true to our own selves. Anytime came back: "Master, I'm helpless. I the Master asked me something, I would could not find any place where nobody answer him. Why do you conceal it from was seeing me." "Who was it?" He said, your Master? We are even sometimes "The very pigeon was seeing me." When going to, I mean, dethrone the Master, he went to kill it, it looked at him. and we make parties like that. What non- It was the God in him. Just think. sense it is! Is the Master made by you? These are very simple things, but they Or is he made by God? So you are saved are pregnant with meaning. from suchlike things if you are true to God resides in every heart. He also your own self. The only true sympathizer rcsides in you. He is watching our every of yours is the Master. And nobody else. action. Similarly, God in man, the Mas- So, do nothing for which, after having ter, also looks to our shortcomings, but done it, you have to tell lies. Thank God, he does so lovingly. He wants to wash thank my Master (the God in him) and them away. So always remain in his pres- the cooperation of you all, that this thing ence. That is why Kabir said, "When has subsided. We are now all in a loving the Master initiates you (Master is not embrace. the body; it is the God-power working One thing more I would say: try to in him), he resides with you forever." help somebody else. You are not born One thing: he is always present. Can you for your own selves. Share your incomes do any sin, tell lies, deceive others, act with those poor fellows, those who are or pose? No. needy, those who are hungry, those who And further, just live up to what he are unclothed. Always try to share; be- says. "If you love me, keep my com- cause God resides in every heart. I gave mandments." Their purpose is that they you a parable on how to feed each other: are not to be transcended. If anything

SAT SANDESH happens unknowingly, that is another Think twice before you say some- thing. But don't intentionally do any- thing: how will it affect another? Think thing that he wants you not to do. twice about what you write. When you If you do these things, you have noth- are in anger, don't reply to anyone. Go ing to fear, even in the three worlds. to a separate place: like a plague-stricken These are the things that are required man, don't show your face. Be in a nor- -to be lived up to. They are very sim- mal condition, and then greet him. If ple things. What should you do, then? a man is not perfect, he has already let Every day, both in the morning and himself down, and others are also let the evening, put in time for your medi- down. tation. How? Like a child. When chil- The purpose of the diaries is to recall dren sit together, they forget everything. what you have been doing from morn to Do it like a child, with a clean heart, night. You may have read about the with enmity toward no one. The king- Pelman System of Memory. That sys- dom of God is for the children. A child tem is based on remembering what you goes to his mother. Does he draw any did all day. In the beginning you'll say, inferences to go to her? He goes simply "I rose up, I took a bath and ate, and out of love. He embraces her and goes went to my business or shop." But when into her lap. Say your prayers like that. you go into it, well, when you were just In the evening, too, keep your spir- taking a bath, what were you thinking? itual diary. What do you do in the even- Even thoughts are potent. These are ing? Introspect yourself like a hard task- the things that have to be watched. If master: "What have I done today?" In you do it, well-it is not difficult to the beginning you won't find any short- meet God, but it is difficult to make a coming in yourself because it has become man. For that reason: See no evil and a habit. There are so many drawbacks hear no evil; talk no evil and think no in us. I was a voracious reader of the evil. You will be saved. If anyone sees biographies of the saints and great men, any evil against anyone, he says, "Oh, in my student life; I think I read more yes; he's like that." He works like an un- than 300 biographies. I found that each paid apprentice of the C. I. D.* of God. man had introspected his own life; he He's watching, I tell you. did something to supervise his own self. We do not care for these things. The But how can we do it? Make no allow- result is that we do not progress. If, by ances; like a hard taskmaster, don't God's grace, you have been given a con- spare yourself. tact with the Light and Sound Principle, Then what will you do? If you have what stands in the way? Simply these done anything wrong, repent; that is very things. So each one of us must work up necessary. Shed tears: "God, forgive me; to that. Some may say, "We are seniors; I won't do it in the future." And then, that's all right." Others say, "We are what will you do? For the future, be on old disciples; the new ones coming up guard. This is what is meant by the diary arc behind us on the path." No, no, no, that has been given to you. I've kept no. A new initiate who lives like this a diary all through my life, even as a will go ahead of you. Whoever does it, student. We don't care what we are he will have it, that's all. So we have to doing. Something passes out of our be very careful about that. These are mouths and we don't even know what Confidential Investigation Dept., the Indian we are saying. equivalent of the American F. B. I. March 1976 very little things, but little things harm you will see for yourself what you will you more than anything else. If you just become. Iqbal, a great poet, who has take care of the pennies, pounds will passed away now, said, "Why did proph- be saved. If you don't care for the little et Moses go to Mount Sinai to seek God? things daily crossing your mind-think- Did he not know that God is after find- ing evil of others, seeing evil in others; ing some man on earth? He is looking talking, hearing about it-they, after all, for us." We are not men, we are beasts will affect you. in men. By appearance we have the man- Once there was a rishi living in a body, but in our habits, our nature, our jungle. A king went to the jungle to everything, we are like beasts, like ani- hunt. He found the hut of the rishi and mals; and even worse that that: we are entered it to ask for some water. He had even worse than serpents biting. So, a bow and arrow, and he thought, "Per- God is in search of a man who is a haps, instead of taking it home, I will man. Why should a man go to the keep it here." He said, "Rishi, I will mountains? God is searching for us. He leave it here, and when I come back, I is going all around looking for us, but will take it with me." The rishi said, He can find no one. "No, no, don't leave it here." "No, no," Baba Jaimal Singh, our grand-Guru the king said, "I think you won't mind (the Guru Master of our Master), was it." "All right," said the rishi, "Let it living by the river Beas. He went to the remain here." Murree mountains and passed by our So the king left the bow and arrow Master when he was busy in his work as there. Now, the rishi was a rishi. How an S. D. 0." One woman disciple was it affects, I tell you! He would go by along with Baba Jaimal Singh, and Baba the place where it stood and muse, Jaimal Singh told her, "I've come for this "What is it? A bow and arrow." Then man." And the disciple said, "He has he would walk on. Once, twice, thrice never accosted you, never greeted you." a day, when he passed by, his attention And Baba Jaimal Singh said, "Yes, he fell on those two things. Then one day will." he thought, "Well, let me see what it is, Even the Masters are seeking for after all." He took it and tried out how somebody who is a man. After all, it is it worked. He became a hunter! no easy job. The very soul trembles on If you see things like that, be very becoming ;I Master. It is a selection by cautious. A man who has occult powers God; with His help only can it be carried can live among the snakes, and the on. Never dream of that, I tell you. Be snakes' poison won't affect him. But any disciples. The one who becomes a true man who has not got that occult power disciple is sometimes selected for a job. is bitten and suffers. That is why I some- These things that appear to be very tri- times say, "Behave. Be very cautious." fling are very important. Had the rishi not allowed the king to For that purpose, the diary system leave the bow and arrow there, he would has been introduced. Perhaps you have have been safe. But the daily passing not appreciated the true meaning of it. by and thinking, "What is it? What is If any of you have been given some- it?" went to make an impression, until thing to start with, and you live up to he eventually thought, "Let me see what it, why don't you progress? You must it is." And he became a hunter. :" A Sub-Divisional Officer in the Military If you care for these very small things, Engineering Service.

SAT SANDESH have gone on for years now-some for "Then, all right. Lie down. Simply eight years since I was here last-and relax yourself. Close your eyes, and don't no new things have come up. Some even mind what I do." had better experiences before. Then, What did he do? The King lay down, where do you stand? How many of you relaxed with his eyes closed, and the have gone to the third plane? I don't Master took him by the legs and slung think you are all lingering on the astral them around his neck and carried him plane. What is the reason why? Because around in the street calling: "Look here, we don't live up to what we are told. anybody! This is the king's corpse, his We simply make allowances; in our zeal- dead body. Will anybody purchase it, ousness we think, "We are seniors; we for one dollar, a half dollar?" are good speakers," this and that. No, He came down to one penny, even a no, no. We cannot deceive God. Per- half penny. Whoever saw it said, "Oh, haps this is the only thing I have to tell this so-called Guru has killed the king! you that will be of your use: to abide We'll all be caught." They all fled away by these words in your heart and live up in fear. Even for a half penny no one to them. wanted to purchase the body of the king. Just keep your diaries. Be regular in He brought the king back: "Well, your meditations. Like a child going to do you know what your worth is, please? his father every morning, always be in Have you heard it with your own ears?" His lap. It does not mean that you do Then he said (he already had these not do your work. Do your work. Do words in his mouth): "Man has no that which has been allotted to you by worth." God in order to look after your families, It is God's grace that gives you some your children and others. Then help worth. Otherwise, what worth have you others. got? If you die, nobody keeps your body So this is what is needed. Don't for- for more than two days-it will give a get your own Self. It is the grace of bad odor. So it is His grace that we are God only. working in the body, it is His grace that Once there was a Master who initiated we have got something to know God, it a King. And the King was always boast- is His grace that we have been put in ing: "I'm a king; I'm a great man; I'm the body. Even if we have made some this; I'm that. I'm very wonderful; I can progress on the way, it is His grace; do this; I can do that." Of course, Kings and the grace of Who?-God working can do anything they like. through the Master, not God living in So what happpened? One day the the heavens. Master told him, "Look here; what is Mind that, be a good servant. Who- your value? Have you ever considered ever really becomes a good servant, in it?" the true sense of the word, becomes a "Oh yes, I'm of very much value. I'm Master. worth tons of gold and emeralds. I'm a These are my few words. God knows King; at my beck and call a whole army whether I will come again or not: it is of troops is there, ready to fight." in His hands. But if you live up to this, "All right," said the Master. "Will you will never be left alone, and God you permit me to do something and let will help you. Convey these, my words, you know what your real worth is?" to whomever you meet. Love one an- "Yes." other, that's all. I think if a fathcr sees March 1976 his children in an all-loving embrace, obedience and lie down and let every- he will be pleased-even to hear about body carry you while loading you on them. At least I am pleased. Before I cars and trucks. You should also help." came I was not so pleased as I am now That is helping the Master, too, in a on leaving. You have a more loving way. The task becomes easier. What attitude, and I wish you to progress still does he want to give you? God-I tell more. you honestly: but you're not ready to Love beautifies everything, that's all. have It. He will give you something, but If there are any shortcomings anywhere, you don't appreciate it. realize that each one has his shortcom- My best wishes have always been with ings: forgive and forget. That's the only you and remain with you, with God's thing we can do. grace-the God working through my I tell you, as my Master loved me, I Master. have loved you-for no compensation, * * * but to do the will of my Master. I wish COMMENT: On behalf of the group you would live up to what you are told known as the Ruhani Satsang of Louis- to do, that's all. These words are com- ville, Kentucky, we wish to express our ing out of my heart. If you just abide by deepest thanks. them, you will progress wonderfully. THE MASTER: No-no thanks. Thank God never leaves anyone alone. Christ you. True thanks will be given when said, "I shall never leave thee nor for- you live up to it, each one of you. I don't sake thee until the end of the world." think that you're not living up to it. but Bodies do leave; but that God Power still, become ideal. working at the human pole does not leave. QUESTION: Master, I have a question. So, with these best wishes I would THE MASTER: Yes, please. like to depart; but my wishes will always QUESTION: I judge that the love you're be with you, and I will always be hear- talking about is a very positive out-going ing from you. And if loving thoughts are type of force or emotion or whatever radiated to me there, I'll simply be too you want to call it. Speaking for myself, pleased. If any father sees his children and perhaps for quite a few other mem- loving one another, I think the father is bers of this group, 1 find it very difficult pleased. If you are obedient, so much to really love everybody. Very difficult. the better; if you surrender yourself, all I find it possible to take a negative ap- is yours, I tell you. proach and maybe suspend my dislike This is the greatest thing, and it starts of people. But if somebody wrongs me from keeping a diary, I tell you. Don't in my judgment, about the best I can underrate the diary; it means something. do is, well, I won't dislike them. But as There are those of you who have no far as turning on a positive power of time for it; but like a hard taskmaster, love, thut is extremely dificult. And, of don't spare yourself. If you do this, one course, in addition, it seems lo me fair and all, you will find change in your to say that there's a very marked temper- livcs. You will see change for your own amental difference between a scientific selves. This is, I think, all that I expect man with a scientific point of view, who of you. It is in your own interest and certainly is not so trained in the power of earns my pleasure for nothing. Our Mas- affectionand love as a man, say, whose ter used to say, "Don't be doing civil dis- bent is toward politics.

SAT SANDESH Then, the only additional comment I man's life: because that question cannot have, if you want to call it a question, is be stamped out. If you stamp it out by this business of God-hunger. I'm afraid being very busy in one way or another, I, speaking for myself-and this is a mo- that question will still be raked up. ment of complete honesty-I'm afraid When God sees that raking up, He I don't hunger for God. I think that may makes some arrangement to bring you in be my trouble. That may be the reason contact somewhere, where you are put I'm not progressing any faster. I mean, on the way. God to me is a theoretically desirable Then further, company helps you: person or force or state or condition, or discrimination and company, and get- whatever-you look at it one way one ting something to contact within. When day, another way the next-but I'm you sit by ice, all heat will go. Naturally, afraid I don't actually hunger for Him, when you come in more contact with hunger with all of my heart and soul. this, your hunger will grow further still Can you suggest any practical means -and then, more and more: the more for people in my predicament that would you have of that taste, naturally it will speed us up? result in your having more in compari- THE MASTER: Yes. It is the grace of son with others. As I said at the begin- God that we have the man-body. Out of ning of this talk, we are not made sat- millions of people, we may not have a sangis in one day. "Rome was not built very strong hunger, but we have made in a day." some choice, and by a little discrimina- It is because we have some inkling of tion we have considered that this is the this that we are together here. Why are right thing for us to do; it appeals to us. not thousands or millions of people liv- Out of millions all those who are given ing in the towns here? This is the fate up to the other things, how many have of those who, by the grace of God, have come this far? Those who have some had some inkling of this and that inkling inkling, even some slight thought, have enables one to seek, either by discrimin- it by discrimination or as a reaction of ation or through literature or by com- the past. Sometimes a man is born with pany. He makes some arrangement, this way of living and has it as a child; somehow or other, to bring him into con- others gain it by discrimination and by tact somewhcre, where he can be put the company of those who have been on on the way. the way. If you want to be a doctor, To be put on the way, as I told you, then sit in the company of doctors. By does not make a man a satsangi: we are their company, by radiation, by con- on probation on the way. The more we stantly living with them, you will natur- contact that God-into-expression Power, ally develop an interest, a hunger, to be all qualities will become ours. We are a doctor. souls; we have the same qualities as Some have had this as a child. But those of God, but they have becn hid- generally, when we come up, we use the den. I mean, deep down you have that intellect: we have to work by discrimina- inkling, and you have had some contact. tion; that is, to discriminate right from The more you have a contact and the wrong. But when we get even a little more you are in the company of those thought for the mystery of life and what who are that way, the more your hunger it is, I consider that day to be the high- flares up and becomes strong. est in a man's life, the greatest day in a This way is the only way. We cannot March 1976 love everybody-that's right. If you have ing with God, the same intoxication is no hatred for others, you have improved: radiated to you. that is only if a man thinks evil of you. So, we are all on the way to perfec- If you have no inkling like that, naturally tion. If we start that way, the day will it won't affect you. It will go back and come when we will reach our goal. At affect the very person from whom the least something, either as a reaction of thought emanated. You are saved. Love the past or by discrimination or by comes next. When you come in contact company, has come within us. We are with God, as He resides in everyone, trying, of course, to go. The flesh is love will be developed. It is already in- strong, but the spirit appears to be weak. grained in us. But if you have no hatred But it helps when we come in contact for others, I think this is, on the way, with it. That is why I suggested to you halfway to perfection. Then naturally to have group meetings. And everymorn- you are saved from so much. ing, after meditation, take up some With due deference, I quite appreciate scriptures. They will give you an impetus this frankness. Really, we are on the way to be on the way-to hie on the way. to it. That is why I suggest keeping the These are the helping factors. If you diaries. I quite see that a man does not are really after it, the day will come become a satsangi in one day. We are when you will become like that. If you called a satsangi: we have not become sit by a wrestler daily, you will begin to one so far. To become a satsangi, we exert yourself. You cannot become as have joined this thing; we have got strong as a wrestler in one day, but, in something. If we go on earnestly like time, by regular practice, you will be- that, I think we will be overflowing with come like that. "Every saint has his past the love of God and also those with and every sinner a future." There is whom we come in contact. When you hope for everybody. come in contact with some God-intoxi- God help you, that's all. My best cated man, with a man who is overflow- wishes are with you. That's all I can say.

SAT SANDESH

Master, Master, i am tired i have carried, i have sired thousands of children millions of deeds biUions of flowers trillions of seeds Over and over Born here to die Rescue me From me i have wandered countless years First through laughter, then through tears Laughing and weeping Wandering and lost Wanting and having Paying the cost Over and ouer Death and re-birth Rescue me From me When at last, through Grace alone You have come, made me Your own, Thousands of wonders laid at my feet Drowning in mercy, Still i retreat Ouer and ouer Father, i stray Rescue me From me Master, Master, pity me Break my will that i may see You as the potter i as the clay Pound me and shape me Fire me to stay Over and ouer Father, i pray Rescue me From me

DONNA JEUTELL POLLARD The Life of Guru Amar Das by Michael Raysson (Reprinted from SATSANDESH, January 197 1)

URU NANAK came and spread the The brahmins and kings who came to G flame of Sant Mat to the wide see him had first to eat from "the Guru's world. Lehna Ji he molded into his own Kitchen" with common people and un- image as Guru Angad; and Guru Angad touchables, before a sight of the Guru in turn made Amar Das his own. could be had. To the Muslim women In this age there was pitch dark- with veiled faces he said, ''If you want ness; he arose like a Sun. to see the Guru, why veil your face?" With him the field of Truth germi- and this practice too was ended among nated and the fruit of Truth wus his following. He continued the teach- produced. . . . ings of Guru Nanak, and explained to The wise being Guru Nanak de- all genuine seekers that the greatness scended in the form of Amar and fullness of the Word can be found Das. only at the feet of a True Guru. He BALWAND AND SATTA said, The avatars came but never found the true extent of things. God gave Lord Brahrna the Vedas, but he did not un- derstand their true import and wandered With Guru Nanak the great history of in transmigration. . . . 0 Nanak, this the Sikh Gurus began, a history which contact comes through a Godman alone. extends in an unbroken line to the liv- So the people who were hungry for ing present in the form of the beloved this thing came to Guru Amar Das and Kirpal. Third in this glorious line was he gave thcm somc of that very Life Guru Amar Das, whose life presents Impulse, a drop of all consciousness many striking parallels to the present from the limitless Reservoir . . . day Father of Naam. He searched many long years for a true Master, at last find- ing him in Guru Angad. When his Mas- ter appointed him as his successor, he Guru Amar Das spent full seventy (Guru Angad) foresaw that his own years in search of God. He went to all family wished the guruship as a throne sorts of sadhus and "holy men" in his and so he sent Amar Das away to start search, but he could find no one who a new forum where all brothers and sis- would show him the Truth. ters in God could sit together on one How can the lotus bloom without platform and imbibe the teachings of the he sight of the Sun? Masters. Guru Angad's relativcs brought How can man obtain salvation propaganda against him and claimed his without a Guru? seat as their own; so hc gave his seat to Hc saw that his life was passing in vain his rival saying, "You are the true king," in spite of all his efforts. and made no claims of his own. The sun is the sun. Wherever he wcnt there was 0 Saints, how may I find the Lord Light and those who came in search of by whose glance of grace I may Light found him. get enlivened? 18 SAT SANDESH Without the Lord 1 cannot live, 0 DISCIPLESHIP contact me with the Guru that I A beautiful gem is the story of Amar may drink the Water of Life. Das's discipleship at the feet of Guru Angad. It is the sublime story of his year in his search Amar Das went transformation into the Gurumukh-son barefoot on pilgrimage to the Ganges at of his Master. Hardwar. On returning from this pil- grimage one year he stopped to eat with Guru Arnur Das obtained the same a fellow pilgrim. Noticing Amar Das's mark, the sume throne, and the piety, the man asked him who his Guru sume court. was. "I have no Guru," Amar Das told The grundson was acceptable us him. "Alas, I have committed a great the father (Guru Angad) and sin! I have eaten from the hands of a the grandfuther (Guru Nanuk) . man who has no Guru." Guru Amar Das by the force of love threw into the churn the In deep distress Amar Das lost all de- rope of the snake (mind), sire to eat or perform his secular duties. And churned the ocean of the From deep in his heart he prayed: Word with the churning stag of 0 God, mercifully grant I may Meru. meet such a Guru BALWAND AND SATTA Who has the alchemical power of Guru Amar Das served his Master night turning dross into gold. and day. At his feet he learned the secret of Naam, a story which no book has Such prayers cannot but bear fruit. It ever told. He made his worship at the so happened that at this time Bibi Am- living altar of Guru Angad. ro, the daughter of Guru Angad, was Having met such a Master all the out- married into Amar Das's family. She el practices lost their savor, for he had would arise early every morning and found that for which all outer practices recite the Jap Ji and other hymns of were meant. His old friends, though, Guru Nanak and do her meditation. would still come by and press him to One morning Amar Das heard Bibi come with them again on pilgrimage. Amro's chanting and as he listened to Amar Das declined, but he gave them the verses relating to the saving grace instead a tumbi fruit, that is sweet on of a true Guru he fell into a state of the outside and bitter within. He told deep intoxication. He went out to Bibi them to bathe that fruit in the holy riv- Amro: "Who taught you these songs?" ers and bring it back. When they "My father, the great Guru." "You brought the fruit back after their long must take me to him!" pilgrimage, Amar Das cut it open, filled As soon as arrangements could be it with water and gave each some to made they set out to Guru Angad. When drink. When they remarked on the bit- Amar Das arrived, Guru Angad came terness, Amar Das asked them how it out to embrace him but Amar Das fell could still be so bitter after so many at his feet. It is said that Amar Das's holy dips. Then he said to them, "This delight was like that of a poor man mind which is so full of filth, how can who has gained the wealth of the whole it bc washcd clean by merely bathing the world. physical form?" March 1976 19 After he had been with the Guru for this and he fell at his Master's feet, beg- some time there came a great drought ging for his pardon. in the land. There was one ascetic who Guru Angad then gave Amar Das the was very jealous of Guru Angad and following advice: "You should have en- he told the people that it was because durance like the earth, steadfastness in of Guru Angad that they were having a weal or woe like a mountain; you should drought. If they expelled Guru Angad bear pardon in your heart and do good and worshiped him, he said, then he to everyone irrespective of their acts. would bring rain by his supernatural You should deem gold and dross as the powers. Soon the people began to be- same and practice humility, for the hum- lieve him and they went to Guru Angad. ble shall be exalted." These words Am- He humbly told them, "Rest satisfied ar Das placed on his heart and he be- in God's Will. God has no partner in came a living embodiment of those vir- his designs and no one can influence tues. Him." But the people would not listen True Saints are perfect in every re- and so he said that would gladly leave spect yet sometimes out of sympathy if that would gain their object. In this for their disciples, in order to teach les- way seven villages in succession refused sons or for other reasons unknown to to receive Guru Angad, and he took ref- us, they take on physical ailments or de- uge in a forest. fects. Guru Angad had a sore foot, and So when Amar Das came to see his occasionally it would appear to pain Master the next day, he found the place him greatly. One night matter was issu- deserted. He was shocked when he ing from it and the Guru told Amar Das found out what happened. He asked that he could not sleep because of the the people if they had taken leave of pain. Amar Das immediately applied his their senses or if they were plain stark mouth to the sore and sucked it. By fools-how could a lamp substitute for Amar Das's loving devotion the Guru the Sun? But the people went to the was relieved. He told Amar Das to ask Sadhu and asked him now to produce for a boon. All he asked was that his some rain. For all his incantations and Master should heal himself; but Guru supernatural powers nothing came. Am- Angad quoted Guru Nanak's verse ar Das told them that no one but God which begins: had the power to send rain. How fool- ish they had been to send away onc who Pain is medicine, worldly pleasure had the power to manifest Naam in is a disease; their hearts! The people quickly repent- Where there is such pleasure, there ed. They punished the monk and went is no desire for God. to ask the Guru's forgiveness. Guru Angad was far from happy buru Angad saw that his two sons were when he heard of the ascetic's punish- not fit to succeed him and he also saw ment and he turned to Amar Das and that Amar Das had grown into his own said, "You have not obtained thc fruits image. As the time drew near for his of companionship with me which are final departure from the body, one inci- peace, endurance and forgiveness-You dent occurrcd for him to show the true did this only to please the rabble." Amar worth of all three. On a moonless night Das was completely abashed at hearing a great storm came. The cold winds 20 SAT SANDESH blew furiously, lightning flashed and the Angad spoke to them of Amar Das, tell- world seemed flooded with rain. In the ing them: middle of the night, Guru Angad woke one son and then the other, asking them You describe him as Izonzeless and to fetch water at the Beas River which lowly, was a great distance away. When nei- hut he shull become the home of ther would obey thcir father, Arnar Das, the homeless, who was also there, stepped forward the honor of the unhonored, and said, "Great King, thy slave will the sfrength of the strengthless, fetch the water!" Guru Angad objected the support of the unsupported, saying that Amar Das was too old for the sheller of the urisheltered, such service, but Amar Das replied that the ptotector of the unprotected, he had grown young on hearing the the restorer of tlwt whdl rs lost, Guru's order. So he put a pitcher on the enluncrpator of the captive. his head and started toward the river. The night was so dark that he had to After saylng that, the Guru had Amar feel his way along but at last he made Das plmxi in his own scat and said that it to the river and filled the vessel. Full hc it waq who would bc his successor. of the intoxication of devotion he head- Significant are these words that Guru ed through the darkness. On the way Angad gave out to his disciples before was a colony of weavers who had dug his leaving: The S~lirztsof the Satguru holes in the ground to put their feet irre of the nutore of cloud^. They ussume while working at their looms. Amar a body for the benefit of the world and Das fell into one of these and struck confer bellefits on men. The body, which his foot on a peg. Nevertheless he saved is nlerely a storehouse of corn, shall the water. The weavers, hearing the perith. As a rich mu17 crrsts aside his commotion, thought perhaps some thief old tloll7es ui~dputs on new ones, so was about, but on peeking out they do the Suirzts of the Sutguru put away heard Amar Das singing the Jap Ji. their crrmbling bodies and take a new Because of his uncompromising and vesture for their socrls. A rnnn in his own seemingly superhuman devotion to his horr~e ~nuyremain nuked or clothed, Master, Amar Das had acquired the rn~yw,e~rr new or old raiment-that is reputation of a madman among the the condition of the Saints-they are worldly people. So when they saw it was borr~dby no rules. only Ama~Das, the weavers began to It must be said that millions of his- taunt him. Amar Das nevcr minded a tories can hardly begin to do justice to bit, but when one lady bcgan to insult the Great Souls for thcir story takes his Master too he could not bear it and place on planes unknowable. Yet some- told them that they themselves must be times in thcir own words we may get lit- mad or how could thcy say such things tle hints of the grcat unrcvealcd story. about the Guru? Then he continued on Guru Amar Das, whose own life includ- his way to Guru Angad. ed those many years of hard and bitter It is stated that the lady who insulted searching, tclls us himself. by way of Guru Angad did indeed become mad, autobiography, of his disillusionment and it was only by taking her to his with outer rituals and of his inner un- feet that she was cured. Then Guru foldment at thc feet of his Guru: March 1976 I got exhausted in my search, in Thou hast removed the transmigra- performing outer rituals, etc. tion oj those on whom thou lookest with favor. We who are without understanding, BALWAND AND SATTA foolish, stupid and blind, Have been put on the Way by the When the time was at hand for Guru Sa tguru. Angad to end his worldly mission he sent for Amar Das and gave to him the 1 wundered through the whole duty of dispensing Naam to the world. world calling out for my Beloved He gavc him instructions on his sacred yet my thirst departed not; mission. During his life he had commis- But on meeting the Satguru, 0 sioned Amar Das to build a city (now- Nanak, my thirst departed and I adays called Goindwal) on the banks found my Beloved in my own of the River Beas. Guru Angad told home. Amar Das to leave his own seat in Kha- I have been led astray through.so dur and go there to Goindwal, where many births, all children of God should be brought But now that 1 have found Thee I together regardless of caste or outer am as if I never strayed. trappings. He then had his sons, who looked down on Amar Das as a poor Elsewhere Guru Amar Das added this servant, bow down before him. Later, description of his experience at the however, one of Guru Angad's sons, Guru's feet: Datu, took up his father's seat in Kha- I have completely altered since 1 dur and claimed the Guruship as his met the Guru; family inheritance. 1 have obtained the nine treasures As instructed Guru Amar Das set to spend and eat. up h~splace at Goindwal (then called The eighteen perfections follow in Gobindwal). There people of all castes my train; were brought together and all outer My mind ceases to wander outside. forms and rituals laid aside. Visitors The Unstruck Shabd ever plays for would all eat together at the free kitch- en and forget their social position; if me, And I direct my attention to ab- they did not, they were denied the sorption in God. Guru's da~slian.The Guru freely dis- 0 Nanak! Devotion to God abideth tributed the heavenly manna of Naam in whose forehead to one and all who came with hungering Such fate was written in the begin- souls. Guru Amar Das himself had only ning. one suit and lived on the coarsest fare. Whatever was contributed to him was given over for the maintenance of the THELIGHT OF THE WORLD free kitchen and the care of the poor Ever in thy kitchen, 0 Amar Das, and needy. All were taken care of ac- Nre ghee and flour to eat. cording to their wants and there was Thou knowest the four quarters of great love among the brotherhood. the world; the Word is dear to Many wonderful stories are told of thy soul. Guru Amar Das's grace, and the little 22 SAT SANDESH city of Goindwal became the center of I lzave continued searching for a Light in the dreary world. It is by the Saint and seen many holy men- grace of God that wherever that human sanycrsis, uscetics, and sweet- pole is, that place becomes a veritable voiced pundits- Paradise on earth. Guru Ram Das, the I have roamed for a yeur, but none successor to Guru Amar Das who spent of them satisfied me. many deeply devoted years at his feet, I heard whut they had to say, but I paid homage to the prcsence of the was not pleased with their con- Saints or Sadhus: duct. Wherever a Saint walks the land, Whut shall I say of those who, re- the entire region becomes puri- nouncing God's Name, attach fied. tl7emselves to mammon? God 11as caused me to meet the All the places of pilgrimage set up Guru; after the various gods cind god- As Thou, 0 God, keepest me, so I desses pine for the dust of the abide. Sadhus' feet, All, all wish for a devotee of the The great emperor Akbar was a shrewd Lord so as to be blessed with the and just man. Having heard of the Gu- feet of LI Sadhu. ru, he traveled to his place. He ate of Guru Amar Das himself says: the coarse food with everyone else. He When the Sutg~rrlrrecites his verses was impressed with the large number of and hymns, people who ate freely there. He went to The world blooms ugain by his the Guru and asked him to ncccpt some Love. land for his work. The Guru replied that God had given hm 1,rnd with ever- Such was the the case also in Jesus's lasting tenure. After a wh~lewith the time, and nowadays some of us have Guru, the emperor said, "1 see you de- seen that same grace still pouring out, sire nothing. From your kitchen count- an unending well of bliss at the feet of less beings receive bounty and I entcr- Baba Kirpal. tain similar hopes." Attracted by such grace. people of 111 the times of the Gurus there are all sorts came to the Guru. Pandits, many people who seek Guruship for brahmins, yogis and those enamored of worldly reasons. One such was Datu, outer rites and rituals came. The pca- the son of Guru Angad mentioned sants and the nobly born came. At his above. When hc hcard of thc revcrencc fect their anglc of vision changed. That in which Guru Amar Das was held and which the scriptures hinted at was made the contributions which were pouring manifest. That which they had sought in for his work at Goindwal, he could outwardly they were shown in their own not bear it; since he was claiming to body-tcmples. One such seeker, Bhikha, occupy his father's seat at Khadur, he having bcen transformed at the Guru's thought all these were due him alone. feet, wrote the following: He went to Goindwal. "How can you, By the Guru's divine knowledge who were just a mere water-carrier in mtld ineditdon man's soul is our house, be sitting as a Guru today?" blended with God . . . he asked, and kicked Guru Amar Das March 1976 off his seat. The Guru, who was all hu- meditation and asked why they had mility, replied, "Great King, please par- opened the door in disregard of his or- don me, for you must have hurt $our ders. The poor Sikhs explained they had foot!" And he left that seat for Datu to not come in the door. and Bhai Buddha sit on. He then retired to his native vil- pleaded: "Guru Angad has attached us. lage of Basarka singing this song of 0 Guru, to thy skirt; yet you have left Kabir: us and concealed thyself. How are we to receive spiritual consolation?" The 0 Kabir, heart-burning ariseth from Guru smiled and remained silent. Un- claims, he who hath no claims able to disregard his loving Sikhs, he is without enmity. mounted his mare and returned to Go- He who hath no claims deemetlz indwal. Indra poor in comparison. The Guru was the lover of all man- And he went into seclusion and sat in kind. His heart was a great ocean of samadhi. compassion which drenched all the Datu in the meantime was free to sit world, continuing as he was the great in the Guru's place and felt very proud. work begun by Guru Nanak. The work However, he found few followers at of the Guru is really the work of God Goindwal, and so he packed up as much and goes far beyond our mortal kcn. wealth as he could take and returned to In return for sorrows. heartaches, pain Khadur. On the way he was attacked by and all the misery of the world, he gave robbers and struck in the very foot with out the wine of Bliss and Truth. Full which he had kicked Guru Amar Das. of pity for the suffering humanity. he Those disciples who had been used worked from early morn to late night to the bliss of Guru Amar Das's pres- with no recompense. For all this the ence were now in great distress. They worldly people looked for some hidden left the place and searched all over for motive or perversion, wh~lethe relig~ous him but he was not to be found. At last leaders who made thc~r money and they prevailed on Bhai Buddha, a very worldly fame in the name of Religion advanced disciple of Guru Nanak, to waged opcn opposition to his work. help them. Bhai Buddha was afraid the Never once do we find that Guru Amar Guru might be angry with him if he Das uttered a bitter word against such found him but the distress of the disci- people but always prayed that God ples was so deep that he had to give in. should change thc~rhearts to love. Bhai Buddha had the Guru's mare put Once some Mohammedan leaders at the head of thc search party and sure sent their followers out to beat the Sikhs enough she made her way to the Guru's and break the earthen pots in which house at Basarka. they gathered water. When his disciples But when they came to his dwelling asked him what to do, Guru Amar Das they found the door bricked up and a told them to use goatskin bags which sign reading, Whoever opens this door were harder to break. When they pierced is no Sikh of mine, nor am I his Guru. the goatskin bags with arrows he told However, as there was no prohibition them to use brass utensils, but they against finding another cntrance the des- knocked those over with bricks and pcrate disciples broke open the side of stones and continucd to beat the Sikhs. the wall. The Guru arose from his deep How long should such tyranny be borne?

SAT SANDESH he was asked. "As long as you live." He ning prayer; my thoughts will ever be counseled the virtues of patience. con- on the Guru and 1 will do whatever you tentment and mercy, and told them that order." there was no greater weapon than for- So the Brahmins made their com- giveness. "Whatever a man sows, he plaint and the emperor asked Jetha to shall reap. If he sows trouble. trouble reply. He said, "In the four ages God will be his harvest. If a man sows poi- was worshiped under the names of Was- son, he cannot expect Ambrosia." dcv, Hari, Gobind, and Ram. The Guru The Guru also faced the long and tok the initials of these four names and bittcr opposition of the Hindu Brahmins. made the word Wuhguru which is praise When their lengthy hostility failed to of God and the Guru. The great Rishis disturb thc Guru they dccided to com- who con~posedthe Shastras wrote that plain to the emperor. They told him that when the Saints meet and repeat the the Guru had abandoned all the Hindu Name of God, there are the Ganges, customs, rites and rituals, and had elim- Jumna, Saraswati and Godavari (places inated the four castes. The Guru, they of Hindu pilgrimage). It IS true that by said, speaks of Wahguru instead of Ram, bathmg at these places the body is does not reverence Brahmins or Yogis, cleansed, but in the company of Saints gods or goddcsse~,and because of him and by repeating the Name of God the no one obeys the Vedas or Smritis any- mind itself becomes pure. Better than more. And they added that such con- idol worship is to see the Light of God duct was likely to lead to political dis- in all and to hurt none; no place of pil- turbances or insurrection. The emperor, grimage is equal to mercy. To bear no after repeated complaints, decided to enmity is tantamount to fasting. To re- have the case brought before him. His nounce hypocrisy and repcat the Name summons to the Guru was not the stcrn of God arc the main elements of our order of a modern court but rather falth. The Satguru givcs honor to all read, "Kindly grant me a sight of thee." while he himself remains humble. . . . The Guru. on hearing the request, Selfish and ambitlous men roam and said that he was too old to go and called wandcr in search of wealth, but the for Jetha Ji (who later became Guru Guru has no worldly desires.-He knows Ram Das) to go in his stead. He em- that God is in all creatures, pervading braced his loving disciple and addressed dl. and so is ever firm in faith, harbor- him in a very moving manner. With ing no doubts and renouncing all super- intoxication flowing from his eyes he stition." told Jetha that the disciple had become The emperor, who was a man of jus- one with the Master and so none could trce, was deeply impressed by Jetha's prevail against him; he was entrusting mswer and said that the accusers of him to uphold the Great Truth; if he Guru Amar Das should in fact ask him could not answer any question, Guru for forb'weness. Amar Das told him, he had merely to Once the Guru, who was the Living think of the Guru and a proper reply Pilgrimage, did return to the Hindu would come. With great devotion Jetha holy places which before he had fre- fell at his Master's feet and said, "0 quented in vain. There were pilgrim my Lord, I know nothing of myself. taxes in those days, but by ordcr of the Your darshan is my morning and eve- emperor, the Guru's party was exempted March 1976 25 from that. Wherever he went, hc gave two others, Guru Har Gobind and Guru out thc age-old teachings of Naam. Peo- Gobind Singh, had to organize their ple of all sorts joined the Guru's party. followers into an armed force to pro- Some came just to be ncar the Master tect the innocent people. and hear his words, others came to be Like his Master bcfore him, wher, Iree of tax and safe from robbers. Wher- the time appeared for him to leave the ever he went, the unfortunate tax col- physical vesture, Guru Amar Das tested lectors went homc with empty pockets, his disciples so as to demonstrate to all for evcryone would cry out Sut Nuurn, who was fit to succeed him That story and say they were with the Guru. Guru is now well-known: how he had his d~s- Amar Das told the people, "As the tax ciples make and unmake platform collectors havc not been able to prevail after platform, moving from one spot against you, so Death, another tax col- to another, always finding something lector, shall have no power against those wrong. After so many times of this only who know and repeat thc True Name Ram Das remained bullding; all the of God." othcrs lost faith, doubtlng the Guru's Bibi Bhani was the daughter of Guru sanity. (According to tradition, he was Amar Das and also the wife of Guru 125 years old at the time.) They say Ram Das (who became Amar Das's that Ram Das built and unbuilt some successor). She was extremely devoted 70 platforms for his Master and said he and worked all day in the Guru's kitch- would spend his whole hfe in such work en. One night she was sitting bcfore her it' the Master wished. He had seen both father while he was in deep samadhi. within and-without the true greatness of She noticed that the couch he was sit- h~sMaster; how could he doubt him? ting on had a broken leg and was on So when he had to leave, Guru Amar the verge of collapse. She put her hand Das told his d~sciples."God's summons under it and stayed like that through has come. 1 am about to depart. Let no the long night. When the Guru came one mourn for me lest they incur my out of meditation, he saw his daughter displeasure for I am returning to the there and ,asked why she had endured Feet of God. When I have gone, sing such torture. She said that if her wretch- God's praises, hear the inncr Word of ed body could do any service for the God and obey God's Will." Guru she was indecd fortunate. The Master was very pleased and told her to ask a favor. Her request was that the he story of the ,Saints is full of sweet- Guruship remain in her ness and inspiration, a bubbling oasis in Guru Amar Das told her that a univer- the desert of the world. It is a story sal saviour (Guru Arjan) would be which continues in every age. It is told born to her, but added, "You have dammed the clear-flowing strcam of the in the man body, a most precious boon Guruship and consequently great trou- given by God. The living Master tells ble and result.n is this mystic tale; his disciples may hear known, the nu ur hi^ did stay in that it day and night without cease. Other- family for six generations. During that wise thc world is all in tormcnt with no time, two Gurus were put to death and way out.

26 SAT SANDESH MAN IS IN THE MAKE from an early discourse of the Master

HERE was a Swami named Ram Tir- ceed? For success, perseverance is re- Tathwho visited America. Once, he was quired. sitting in samadhi (a state of controlled In the Gurbani it is written that pur- attention). He used to do his own kind ity of thoughts and perseverance are of yoga. An atheist lady was quietly sit- needed. Do you want to become some- ting there, waiting to meet him, but Ra~n thing worthwhile or don't you? Hearing Tirath did not get up for a long time. such words, an interest is awakened; but There is a radiation which comes from the work cannot be accomplished in one enlightened souls, and when the Swami day. A child, learning to read, reads a opened his eyes, the lady joyfully told few lines and promptly forgets them. He him, "I am an atheist no more." So to must read them again and again, but be near the physical form of a Master after much struggling with learning, he does give some assurance that there is one day may be able to write a book. God. Or one can have the same assur- Every Saint has his past, and every sin- ance by seeing within. But remember ner a future. The people who are like us this, that a wrestler is not made in one today can become something tomorrow. day. A strong man revels in his strength, For this, true guidance is required from and a weaker man wonders how he got one who has seen, not anyone else. The it. second requirement is implicit obedience When 1 was in Lahore, I used to go to one's Guru. The Master's words are to the Ravi River at night. In those days not just words alone, but are the Master there was a certain man named Gunga himself! Added to this, perseverance is who became famous all over India as a necessary. wrestler. Gunga means dumb, and he Just to hear some talk about God, was dumb, hence the name; but he was one's mouth can start watering. A Ma- a great wrestler. It was winter, so the hatma, seeing the world with its moun- days and nights were very cold. His fa- tains, earth and sky, gets intoxicated. ther used to strip him naked except for Now, how did he become what he is, and a brief loin-cloth, and would turn him how can we become that? There is hope out of the house and lock the door. All for everyone. We should find some God- night the boy would do his exercises. No realized person who has seen, and can one had ever seen him exercising, but make us see. Then every day we can when he became famous everyone knew increase the inner experience. Today, if him as a wrestler and wherever he went a man gets even a little intoxication he the people would say, "There goes Gun- thinks he has become a very big Mahat- ga, the wrestler." Just like this, my ma (great soul). So remember-the des- brothers, Mahatmas are not made in one tination is very far-very, very far. day. Rome was not built in a day. Man Many big rishis and munis (renunciates is in the make. If anyone wants to be a who sit on thorns, etc.) started on the wrestler, after two or three days of prac- path to God. They were always saying, tice his body will ache all over, but if he "ncti, neti" meaning. "this is not it, this starts nursing his aches, how will he suc- is not it-there must be something else." March I976 It is said that for generations philosophy see what is in your own home, the physi- has been tried and probed, but God's cal house. Go into the folds of the holy Word remains where it always was. So books and see what is given there. The does it remain unspoken as it always was same knowledge that I am giving you is unspoken. Guru Nanak has written that given therein, but for need of a self- the people of the world have exhausted realized man we do not understand what themselves explaining about God, but is written. Guru Amardas Ji says, "With they have never reached the end of it! the Guru's blessing, just see that this It is something like knowing what one body you carry is the temple of God." ray of the sun is, and the intellect will He says that this body you are taking not allow that there is anything beyond around is the very temple of God. And that. First, we should know this small when will you be able to see it as such? temple of ours, the physical form. This When the Guru blesses you with that in itself will give us some awakening as sight. This temple was made by God's to what the greater form is-the Brahm- own hand. He is residing in there as well and. as we. All through life, He never leaves I will now explain a hymn of Guru this body, but when at the end He leaves, Amardas, but before doing so I would we also have to leave the body. Then mention that when I take a hymn during the body is taken to the cremation Satsang and proceed to explain it, peo- ground. ple open their eyes wide and question in This body is a temple of God, which their minds, "What hymn is this?" Even has been given with a great blessing. We explaining a hymn from theGuru Granth worship the images of it outwardly. This Sahib seems like a new thing to them. is all right, and we should show respect Some years ago, I went to my home in to those places where people sit in re- Sayyad Kasran. There were some Akalis membrance of God. But He, God, re- there (one section of the Sikh religion) sides in this body and not in the temples and they were somewhat fanatical. I held made by man. Those were made in re- a Satsang, taking a hymn from the Gur- membrance only. The true Light shines bani. "I am attached to things that I see. in the human form. Is an image better How can I find thee, 0 Lord?" All than the true form? I would say that the through, they were looking at me and true form is infinitely better. With great wondering where the hymn came from. love, Guru Amardas Ji has written that The hymns themselves are very clear with the Guru's blessing you can see Him but we never search for the true mean- inside you. What is a Guru? Forgive me, ing in them. These holy words contain but these days you can pick up a stone valuable jewels. Have you ever given and find a guru underneath it. One finds any real thought to them? Parrot-like so many gurus (teachers) that it is really we go on reading them, without under- hard to find a single disciple anywhere! standing anything. One day a Christian These days if a man studies any kind of gentleman met me, and he said, "Christ outer attainment, he starts thinking that is the Light of the world." I asked him, the man who taught him is a Guru. "Have you studied the Bible thoroughly? Brothers, a true Guru is one who takes For it is written therein, 'I am the Light away the curtain of ignorance and re- of the world, as long as I am in the veals the Light within. The exact mean- world.' " ing of the word is dispeller of darkness. A little knowledge is dangerous. First What is a Guru's work? "The Guru

28 SAT SANDESH has put the colyrium of knowledge in the Truth inside, he is the Guru. Search my eyes, dispelling the darkness of ignor- the world and see how many Gurus like ance and filling my whole being with that you can find. Guru Amardas Ji Light." He says that the Guru puts the could not find such a Guru in his seventy colyrium of knowledge into our eyes. It years of searching. All outer practices is an example. Our inner eye cannot be have their own value. If you do good opened until we withdraw from outer you will be rewarded. This is a prepara- things, leave the senses, and concentrate tion of the ground, but one's birth and behind the eyes, where the soul goes at rebirth will not finish this way. It is the time of death. The God-realized man said, "The Saint has given me capital." takes our scattered attention from out- Capital is that which the Guru gives at side and brings it to a point behind the the start, and which must be increased eyes. Then that Light, that radiance, daily through meditation. After his long bursts forth. search, how did Guru Amardas meet his Then, he describes the Guru: "He Guru? In his own words, he says, "I who makes me hear the Sound, the met my Satguru without any effort of Music of the Spheres, he is my Guru Dev mine." . . . (True Master)." He is a Guru who makes one hear the strains of the per- If you knew there was some treasure petual celestial music. So now go and hidden somewhere, wouldn't you like to find a Guru like that. Again, he says, dig it out? If a thief came across an un- "Repeat that Word, by which the Light guarded house with no one to see his of millions of suns appears and the Song actions, do you think he would sleep in of the Lord's Name is heard." It means the night? So many say that God is with- that by repetition of the Naam, the Light in us, but even then sleep without car- of millions of suns shines forth within ing. Why don't they dig out the Truth? you. The Song of the Lord's Name Even if one meets someone who can comes through the Sound Principle. It help to bring out this Truth, and some is a Path of Light, or Sruti Marg, Light understanding is given, even then one and Sound Principle, Noor and Kalam-i- does not care to do the digging. How un- Kadim. All mean one and the same fortunate is he! What can we call such thing. You can call it Truth clothed in an unfortunate person? If he were not Light, Music of all Harmonies. These conscious of the thing, it would be a dif- are but different names of the one thing ferent matter, but if someone has shown which is already existing. a little of that treasure inside, and even God's expression has two aspects, then one ignores it, then what is to be Light and Sound. He who has the power done? The usual excuse given is, "I have to withdraw you from the outer things no time," is it not? Do you want some- and give you a little demonstration of one else to dig out the treasure for you?

March 1976 The Minutes of the Board Meeting Helen Von Aldenbruck

FTER a thirty minute meditation, the the National Headquarters' property by A Annual Meeting of the Board of eminant domain. Directors of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Before discussing the Old Business, Science of the Soul was called to order John Lovelace gave a prayer asking by Charles Fulcher, Chairman of the Master for His Guidance and under- Board at 9:45 on Saturday, March 13, standing and to act through each one of 1976 at the Sanctuary at 221 W. Broad- us at this meeting. way, Anaheim, California. Reno Sirrine gave a full report on the Directors present were as follows: 2nd Unity of Man Conference held in Charles Fulcher; Reno Sirrine; John June 1975 and that we received back Lovelace; Rey Eilers; Dara Emery; the $3,000.00 plus about $750.00 more Lucille Gunn; Fanvell Hull; Dona Kel- which can be used toward the 3rd Unity ley; Russell Perkins;Etta Perrin;Mildred of Man Conference, to be held in Mexi- Prendergast. co City in June, 1976. . . . Voting by proxy was: Judith Perkins A lengthy discussion followed regard- representing Dan Crow. ing India's frozen bank accounts due to Officers present were: Reno Sirrine, the law suits and their need for financial Vice President; Helen Von Aldenbruck, support to keep the school, hospital and Secretary; Robert McLeod, Treasurer. home for the elderly open at Manav Also present were: Phillip Perrin, Kendra and also the possible means to Charles Kelley, Jan Hance, Ben Ringel; get the funds to them. . . . plus many initiates observing the meet- Charles Fulcher, Chairman of the ing. . . . Board, requested Reno Sirrine to give a The minutes of the last meeting of the full report on Thakar Singh so the Board Board of Directors held May 10, 1975 could make decisions that might stem were read by the secretary. John Love- from this issue. Mr. Sirrine gave a report lace made the motion that the minutes be on Thakar Singh and the initiations he accepted as read. Dara Emery seconded was now giving. Reno said he was im- the motion and it was carried unani- pressed with Thakar Singh who was a mously. It was then, RESOLVED, that humble and balanced person, and that the minutes be approved as read. he (Reno) had agreed to convey initia- The Treasurer's report of the fiscal tion instructions for Thakar Singh. Let- year ending June 30, 1975 was read by ters to Reno Sirrine, Betty ShiWett and the Treasurer, Robert McLeod, and dis- a brief life history from Thakar Singh cussed. Reno Sirrine made the motion were read by the secretary. An account that the current financial status, as pre- of his meeting with Thakar Singh was sented, be approved. Dara Emery sec- given by Jan Hance. A portion of a onded the motion and it was carried taped talk by Thakar Singh was played unanimously. and pictures were passed around. Reno Sirrine passed around publica- The Vice President then submitted a tions regarding the Anaheim Civic Cen- letter. resigning as Liason of the Board, ter re-development plans which will so the Board could elect the new Liason eventually mean the city will acquire for the next year.

SAT SANDESH Russell Perkins then gave a complete the motion. It was passed unanimously. account of his trip to India, his meeting with Thakar Singh and also his meeting Russell Perkins said for Reno's sake, with Ajaib Singh. Russell stated that he the function of the Corporation should went to lndia in response to inner speci- be made clear and the standing of the fic instructions and had his tickets to go Corporation in regards to a successor. before he had even heard of Thakar Rey Eilers referred to the following Singh or that Reno was in India. Russell resolution and asked Reno if he could felt Thakar Singh was a very good man comfortably comply with this: but did not see him in the capacity of a "BE IT RESOLVED that all satsangs Master. In regards to Ajaib Singh, Rus- operated under the auspices or name of sell felt he was a very holy man that he Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the felt love for. He (Russell) said we must Soul, should be conducted solely and decide for ourselves in regards to a suc- wholly for the dissemination of the cessor and must do this without criticiz- teachings of Master Kirpal Singh and for ing or lashing out at others, and sug- the purpose of providing a congenial at- gested that, somehow, maybe Master's mosphere for the initiates and seekers to Corporation could act as a healer for come together in remembrance of Mas- all Master's disciples. ter Kirpal Singh and that no group lead- Several members of the Board then er, initiate or other person attending each expressed their feelings regarding satsang should direct any seeker to any Thakar Singh and the future function of other Master or Master's satsang regard- the Corporation. John Lovelace stated less of the opinion said person may have he did not want to be in the position of as to the competency of any other said sending someone new to someone that Master. Any discussion of other Mas- he wasn't "sure" was a Master . . . all ters or their satsangs should be carried the way! Mildred Prendergast, Etta Per- on at a place other than the forum of rin, Lucille Gunn and other members of Ruhani Satsang." the Board agreed with John. After considerable discussion, Mr. Sir- Lucille Gunn felt we could further rine graciously agreed to do so for 60 Master's Teachings in the educational days . . . which time was subsequently and humanity field. Dona Kelley felt we extended to the next Annual Board needed some place to send sincere seek- Meeting. . . . ers and suggested classes to teach the Rey Eilers made a motion for a com- Theory. Charles Fulcher reminded us mittee consisting of the Chairman [Mr. that Master Kirpal Singh waited from Fulcher], Reno Sirrine and Russell Per- 1917 to 1924 for initiation and was see- kins to listen to proposals by initiates, ing Master Sawan Singh within all that of ways to achieve harmony within the time. framework of Master Kirpal Singh'sCor- The meeting was opened for discus- poration. John Lovelace seconded the sion and comments were given by Ben motion and it was carried unanimously. Ringel, some visiting initiates of Dar- Rey Eilers moved that this committee shan Singh Duggal and several group be empowered through an appropriate leaders and initiates in the audience. agency to give aid to the Indian Corpo- Etta Perrin made a motion not to ac- ration, with a limit of $10,000.00 over cept Reno's resignation as Liason of the the next six months. Reno Sirrine sec- Board. Mildred Prendergast seconded onded the motion and it was carried March I976 unanimously. Eilers moved that all Board members Reno Sirrine stated that since the send in their authority and reasons for Board of Directors does not accept Tha- permitting or not permitting non-initiates kar Singh as the successor, he would use to meditate. John Lovelace seconded the plain stationery to answer requests for motion and it was carried unanimously. initiation and not use Ruhani Satsang Rey Eilers moved that we send a note letterheads. Mr. Sirrine also agreed that to Dan Crow, in regrets that he could in his letters responding to persons who not attend this meeting. Judith Perkins had written to him as an officer of Ru- seconded the motion and it was car- hani Satsang-Divine Science of the ried unanimously. Soul, he would include the statement Dara Emery made the motion to ad- that, "the Board of Directors have re- journ the meeting. Farwell Hull seconded served judgment on the question of the motion. It was unanimously carried whether or not Thakar Singh was a Mas- and the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. ter." RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Helen Von Rey Eilers moved that the Board pay Aldenbruck, Secretary the round trip fare plus $60.00 each for Reno Sirrine and one secretary for the 3rd Unity of Man Conference to be held EDITOR'S NOTE: These minutes are ac- in Mexico City in June, 1976. Mildred curate, but greatly condensed; hence I Prendergast seconded the motion and it would like to clarify a few points in con- was carried unanimously. . . . nection with the report of my remarks. Dara Emery moved that the Board I do not feel any longer that I am com- ratify the acts and actions of the officers petent to tell other people who is or is and directors of the Board. John Love- not the Successor; I am only competent lace seconded the motion and it was to know whether or not there is a con- unanimously carried. nection between a possible Successor and Dara Emery made the motion that me. My comments on Thakar Singh Reno Sirrine be reappointed as Liason should not therefore be understood as an of the Board until the next Board Meet- objective assessment of him, but only ing. Mildred Prendergast seconded the as a recognition that the connection is motion and it was carried unanimously. not there for me. Etta Perrin brought up the subject of Regarding Ajaib Singh, my exact Master's Ashes. Reno suggested we dis- words were, "He is a very holy man and tribute them in the Mississippi or Mis- I love him." My suggestion as to Mas- souri rivers. He said we could engrave ter's corporation being a healer was not on the urn where we distributed them original with me, but was based on his and when. Etta Perrin made the motion message that the Master Power could that the Ashes be distributed at the next not come forth in its fullness until all Annual Board Meeting to be held in St. fighting among the Satsangis (including Louis, Missouri in 1977, and that Mr. "squabbles over property") died down; Rey Eilers be the head of the committee it also included recognition of my own for this. Reno Sirrine seconded the mo- part in the squabbling, sowing seeds of tion and it was carried unanimously. bitterness and self-righteousness and see- Lucille Gunn brought up the subject ing myself as some sort of warrior cru- of playing Master's tape on meditation sading for the cause of right. for non-initiates. After discussion, Rey R. P.

SAT SANDESH