A few westerners over the years have voiced the opinion that, "Sant Mat is not a path that includes prayer." As a student, a bhakta (devotee) of the writings, the teachings of the classic Sants of the ages, I immediately know that such a view is utterly un-informed, but serves as yet another example in the world of religions and spiritual paths of what some have called "the Dunning–Kruger effect", defined as "a cognitive bias in which people with limited competence in a particular domain overestimate" what they understand, in this case, about the ancient ways of an advanced spiritual tradition existing for many generations in a Far Country (India). (See the Wikipedia entry for Dunning–Kruger effect.)

I am quite happy to proclaim to all the four directions and beyond that indeed Sant Mat, this Path of the Masters, is a path of prayer, that in the rich spiritual, mystical literature of the great Saints of the East are countless examples of heartfelt bhakti prayers of love, devotion and companionship addressed to the Friend, the Beloved, the inner Master-Power working overhead on our behalf, the Supreme Being, The Lord of Love, The Ocean of All-Consciousness, Radhaswami, the Lord of the Soul. May we all be inspired in our own compositions of prayers as we today sample some of these great prayers of the Saints selected from across the centuries: prayers from the Sikh scriptures of India, prayers from Satguru Kabir and his followers, a prayer of Shiv Brat Lal from Light on Ananda Yoga, and we conclude with a prayer from Swami Ji Maharaj of the Radhasoami Faith from his spiritual classic, Sar Bachan Radhaswami Poetry, Volume One. (Volumes one and two of the Sar Bachan Poetry have been published in Agra.)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

A Satsang Without Walls

Light and Sound on The Path

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

More from the unpublished letters of Sant Kirpal Singh on meditation practice *. These letters provide helpful guidance for the satsangi seeking to improve the quality of their meditation experience. (* Inner Light and Sound Meditation, Surat Shabd Yoga)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters

James Bean

A Satsang Without Walls

Light and Sound on The Path

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

Gnostic is such an abused word, hijacked and repurposed by content creators. It's important to know what Gnosticism IS as well as what it IS NOT. On the web is much, what I call, 'gnostic nonsense' (gnonsense). People call all sorts of subjects "gnostic". Apparently everything's gnostic except actual Gnosticism. THAT, most don't have time for. THAT, remains the forbidden topic, the mystery always concealed as souls prefer the shiny things of distraction. Time to rebel against the archon occupation! In this online world of clickbait sensationalism and exploitation can the teachings of gnostic spirituality along with their ancient texts be appreciated instead of distorted by influencers? My take is simply to let the gnostics be gnostic, treating them equally like any other world religion and understand just what exactly the original spiritual movements labeled "gnostic" actually taught based on what they themselves have to say about that, and not what other esoteric groups coming into being many centuries or millennia later assume they taught cooking in their own particular theological and cultic cultural cauldron of biases in Europe or the US. As I view the saga of the gnostics -- the treatment of the true classic Nag Hammadi gnostics of antiquity -- the only solution is to let the gnostics be gnostic, truly hear their voices embedded in the surviving texts that come directly from them, and allow them to speak for themselves, define their own beliefs, diet, and spiritual practices. Then others may truly benefit from their wisdom, and in that sense Gnosticism as a spiritual path can potentially reincarnate into the world again, or far more likely and best of all, help spiritual seekers of authenticity recognize those who already may be following a Living Gnosis Now in the modern age. (Spirit: πνεῦμα)

Today we explore: The Gnostic Gospels: A History of the Destruction of Wisdom

The Dry Canals Where Gnostic Waters Never Flow

Recommended Reading - Free Books Online

The Three Kinds of People There Are in the World According to the Valentinian Gnostics

Hedonists and Gnostic Cave-dwellers Somewhere in Time

Weird Christianities From Other Places and Timelines With Their Own Gospels and Unique Spiritualities -- I say "weird" Christianities. I mean in this a good way, as in fascinating, valuable sources of wisdom, mostly hidden, ignored and forgotten. The scriptures of the East and West I enjoy the most are books hardly anyone has ever heard of. (Lord of the Soul: राधास्वामी) 

Yes, Yes, Yes, Nag Hammadi is where they found the Gnostic Gospels but within you is where you will find the gnosis. What Spiritual Practice is About -- The Altered State of Meditation According to Gnostics, Masters, Saints and Mystics

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters

James Bean

A Satsang Without Walls

Light and Sound on The Path

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

To the one who meditates on Him, there comes a perfect peace, and all pain and sorrows depart. Meditate on Him, who contains this universe, whose Holy Name is the whisper on the lips of the entire creation. (Book of Sukhmani)

This podcast, as always, is about an in-depth exploration of the teachings of the Saints and Mystics, the Path of the Masters, unedited, unfiltered, and unaltered, as presented in their own words, from their spiritual discourses, poetry and prose, a satsang (spiritual gathering) without walls. (Sant Mat Satsang Podcast)

References, Subjects, and Sources Include: Guru Arjan Dev, Book of Sukhmani, a section of the Adi Granth. "Sukhmani" literally means "Jewel of Happiness"; two verses from the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas (sayings of Yeshua - Jesus) in rare translations you've probably never heard before: mystic verses of Sant Dariya Sahib of Bihar on the temple within the human body; Swami Ram Bihari Lal from The Way Out is IN, on freedom of soul, religions and finding the Kingdom of God, published by the Sant Garib Das group: Radhasoami Satsang Sarai Rohilla, Delhi, India; Bahadur Jagat Singh and Baba Ram Singh on having daily satsang and meditation; Carl Sagan quote; mystic verses (a bhajan) of Baba Somanath; The Light Of Ajaib, By Sant Ji on simran practice as well as about the Soundless/Wordless/Nameless State beyond the Light and Sound Currents; Kirpal Singh on Surat Shabd Yoga Meditation Practice; a satsang discourse by Baba Ram Singh titled, Once We Come To The Eye Center, The Progress Further In The Inner Planes Is Much Faster -- on the Four Stages of Concentration in Meditation: the Path of the Ant, the Path of the Fish, the Path of the Spider, and the Path of the Swan; and mystic verses of Kabir. (Songs of Kabir)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

A Satsang Without Walls

Light and Sound on The Path

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

"The fruits of accepting a true master are immense. Unfortunately, true teachers are few and difficult to find... A spiritual master who is wise, pure and a practitioner of the Yoga of Divine Sound gradually imparts his or her virtues to the student. The good will of the spiritual teacher cannot but help affecting the aspirant in a positive manner because one is affected by the power of a higher vibration." (Maharshi Mehi, The Philosophy of Liberation)

My Ode to the Sant Satguru: In Praise of the Sant-soul of love who has reached the Spiritual Realm above, and merged in God. Hail to the Competent Living Master, the Qualified Teacher, rare to find in this world, so few and far between, the True One, a genuine mentor of souls, righteous and worthy Guide, a Fearless Being, Light-giver, leader of a spiritual community. With gratitude to the Competent Living One! In a Sea of Samsara -- illusion and world of changes, of falsehood and posing, there is a bright Light in the darkness. A silent Music becomes audible. At the feet of such a Loving, Radiant One, the soul can not help but find inner Light and slip into deep samadhi meditation. In the eyes of a Saint are love, wisdom, light, compassion, grace, a reflection of God in this realm of the material plane. The Master-Power connects the soul with the Supreme Lord of Love. (my Guru Purnima Ode to the Living One, The Sant Satguru)

References, Subjects, and Sources Include: No Guru 'Bling' Factor - on Spiritual Not Worldly Wealth; Masks of Spirituality, commentary on Guru Nanak's Asa Di Vaar by Ajaib Singh from, In the Palace of Love; my Guru Purnima Ode to the Living One, The Sant Satguru; The Worth of Spiritual Satsang Discourses, mystic poetry by Sant Ramdas of Maharashtra; Buddha Mani-Christ: You Rescued Souls from Samsara Ignorance and Gave Wisdom, from the Great Song of the Gnostic Prophet Mani, some mystic poetry from Manichaeanism; Eavesdropping on Hathras, Teachings from the Hathras Tulsi Sahib Satsang on Complete Mahatmas, Genuine Saints; An Accomplished Living Teacher, by Shri Swami Santsevi Ji Maharaj; On the Recognition of a True Spiritual Master, by Maharshi Mehi Paramahansa Ji Maharaj from, The Philosophy of Liberation (Moksha Darshan); Every Day is an Opportunity to Meditate and Study the Teachings of the Masters, by Baba Ram Singh; The Eye Through Which I See God is the Same Eye Through Which God Sees Me, by Meister Eckhart; The Third Eye in Meditation, by Sant Kirpal Singh; a Satsang Discourse by Baba Ram Singh; Loving God With His Own Love, from the Spiritual Letters of Hadewijch, a Beguine Mystic from Antwerp, Belgium; and, In Praise of the Name, mystic poetry by Sant Eknatha of Maharashtra (peace and blessings to all)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

Encouraging Words of Light and Love for the Spiritual Journey from this Living School of Spirituality called Sant Mat, the Path of the Masters. Will the soul remain stuck in the programming that has been forced upon it after birth during this life or will it awaken and break free, choosing a higher path of spirituality this time through, during this incarnation? We get to decide. Today during this Sant Mat Satsang Podcast we explore the wisdom of the Canonical Prayerbook of the Mandaean Gnostics, Baal Shem Tov of Kabbalah, the Sikh Scriptures (Adi Granth), the Earth as a Garden of Souls by Julian P. Johnson, Rumi, Kirpal Singh, Yeshua from the Gospel of Matthew, Buddha, Kabir, Sant Tukarama, Sant Ramdas of Maharashtra, There is No Spirituality Without Spirit from the Dayalpuri Radhasoami Spiritual Seekers Guide, the Sar Bachan Radhawami Poetry of Swami Ji Maharaj, the Padavali of  Maharshi Mehi Paramhans, the Ethical Precepts of Sant Mat, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a Satsang Discourse by Baba Ram Singh on awakening from illusion, delusion and maya, followed by Bhajans (Mystic Poetry) of Baba Somanath, and we conclude with two prayers to the Ocean of Love. (Sat Purush Anami Radhasoami, the Lord of the Soul)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

In the Anurag Sagar, India's most Gnostic scripture, souls are depicted as being held captive inside the Palace of Kal, the lord of time and illusion (called "the Demiurge" by the Gnostics). The Satguru does battle with Kal to free the souls. The genuine Living Teacher, the Sant Satguru, guides his or her students through this internal struggle with the mind or ego (the agent of Kal in the matrix of mind), this labyrinth of self-sabotaging, limited belief-systems of the negative power (Kal Mat: the teachings of Kal), so that the initiates may experience Divine Love, Light and Sound within and follow the Path back to God (Dayal, the Merciful One), the Ocean of Love.

Today we explore the following, a outline or playlist of what we're covering during this satsang podcast: mystic poems of Sant Dadu Dayal of Rajasthan: The Results of True Love, and, The Vision of the Beloved; a saying from the Gnostic Gospel of Judas which sounds a bit like a Rumi poem; definitions of the term "Demiurge" from Platonism, Gnostic Christianity, Judaism, and the Sant Tradition of India; definitions of the eastern term for the Demiurge: the Kal Niranjan: a false god, negative power, lord of time and illusion as described in footnotes by Russell Perkins in the English edition of a key Sant Mat spiritual classic, India's most Gnostic scripture: The Anurag Sagar (The Ocean of Love, about the teachings of Kabir and Sant Dharam Das); Kal Mat vs. Dayal Mat, Illusion vs. Truth, by Shiv Dayal Singh, also known as Swami Ji Maharaj of Agra from his collection of mystic verses called the Sar Bachan Radhasoami Poetry; also a description of Swami Ji's meditation room-within-a-room and on how we too can create our own meditation space at home; several mystic terms are defined based on the Glossary of Sant Mat and additional footnotes from, The Anurag Sagar; a satsang discourses by Hazur Baba Sawan Singh titled, What's Really Going On Here -- During This Life the Disciple or Devotee Contends With Mind as They Attempt to Merge into the Positive Power; a satsang discourse by Baba Ram Singh titled, If You Really Resolve To Have A Desire To Go Within And Transform To God Almighty, That Is Possible In This Human Form; and I conclude with mystic poetry verses from: Sant Ramdasa of Maharashtra, Maharshi Mehi Paramhans from his Padavali (Hymn 135); a reading from the Sukhmani of Guru Arjan Dev, also from Guru Ram Das (both from the Adi Granth, Sikh Scriptures).

The Gnostic Demiurge vs. The God of Love (KAL Mat vs. Dayal Mat) - Anurag Sagar Studies on Spiritual Awakening Radio

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com/anurag-sagar

Today I begin with a reading from the mystic verses of Sat Saheb, the initiating spiritual master of Sant Dariya Sahib. Sat Saheb was one of the earlier Sant Satgurus of the Sant Mat guru lineage living a couple of generations prior to the time of Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras. His mystic poetry is quite beautiful and composed in the style of the Anurag Sagar and other scriptures of the earlier Kabir-Sant Dharam Das line of masters. Then I share some letters from Sant Kirpal Singh on meditation practice. Those are quite wonderful, and helpful for the satsangi seeking to improve the quality of their meditation experience. Then there's a short discourse from Baba Somanath about becoming the "form of Truth" by focusing upon the teachings of the masters. In conclusion, two satsang discourses by Sant Ram Singh: having focused attention during simran practice that purifies the mind, and, about becoming a gurumukh following the instructions and guidance of the masters instead of being held captive by the limited thoughts of the mind, thus remaining a disciple controlled by the dictates of the mind, a manmukh. "Follow Their Teachings, overcome sorrow, and not only that, you will get the joy of going within. And you will also achieve the purpose for which you have been given this life." (Baba Ram Singh)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

As the podcast title suggests, a right-to-the-point, in this case fifteen-minute summary of the essential beliefs and heavenly goals of this spiritual path called Sant Mat, which is defined as the Path of the Masters and Teachings of the Saints (Sants). Also explored are the ethical precepts, the low karma peaceful lifestyle followed by initiates of this path (satsangis). And you'll learn about the spiritual practice called Surat Shabd Yoga, which means being yoked to, or to become one with, the Inner Light and Sound of God (the Positive Power) during meditation. This Sant Mat Satsang Podcast concludes with a mystic poem of Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras on transcending the material realm and leaving the conventional world of religion behind, seeking and finding a living gnostic path during this life and experiencing communion with the Divine in the here and now (!)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami (Radhaswami)

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

Three Ways We Can Honor the Soul, the focus of today's Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcast. References, Subjects, and Sources Mentioned or Commented Upon During Today's Podcast Include: a spiritual classic by the Spanish mystic Miguel de Molinos called, The Spiritual Guide on the bliss, tranquility, and happiness found as a result of following the Inward Path; mystic poetry from the Padavali of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans; a couple of my essays about spiritual seeking and finding something beyond the shallow spirituality of the typical bookstore shelves and social media realms: Not All Saints Are Dead, and, Living Students Have Living Teachers; a saying of Sant Kirpal Singh on transcending mind and matter by leaning the spiritual practice; Swami Bhagirath Baba on the Third Eye Center; The Bijak of Guru Kabir; discourses on the three ways we can honor the soul: 1) Satsang ("Where Two Or Three Are Gathered in My Name I Am In Their Midst"), being taught about the path, making the teachings of the masters one's primary focus, and then following the path, which can for some become like an NDE, near-death experience of ascending through the various heavenly realms; 2) Ahimsa Ethics: Good Thoughts, Words, and Deeds, The Supreme Soul Assuming Control: seeing God in others, the ethical wisdom of Sant Mahavira of Jainism, the meaning of "Namaste", "Bandagi Saheb" and "Radhaswami", and 3) Become Your Real Spiritual Self In Meditation, with Sant Mat Satsang Discourses from Baba Ram Singh on the transformational power of satsang, on karma and cleansing the mind, on the importance of daily Bhajan-Simran (Meditation Practice: Surat Shabd Yoga, the Sound Current), the wisdom of Huzur Maharaj Rai Saligram; and bhakti prayers from Swami Ji Maharaj (Seth Shiv Dayal Singh) from his Sar Bachan Poetry. (Radhasoami, Radhaswami)

In Divine Love (Bhakti), Light, and Sound, At the Feet of the Masters, Radhasoami

James Bean

Spiritual Awakening Radio Podcasts

Santmat Satsang Podcasts

Sant Mat Radhasoami

A Satsang Without Walls

Spiritual Awakening Radio Website:

https://www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com