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1-7
PREFACE
Human
life is a playfield of duality. Besides this, its customary
duties and the means to perform them are also complicated.
Duality has been the basic principle of life since its
inception, and victory-defeat, friend-foe, life-death,
matter and soul are its two poles. If soul is the animate
pole, matter is only an inanimate one. Change is the
fundamental principle of nature. As life changes from stage
to stage, matter also continues to change. Let us first take
the human life. Its first stage is childhood, then youth and
finally the old age. Whatever beauty and vanity one finds in
youth, can one see the same in old age ? According to the
principles of f Nature, at first, physical strength, prowess
and courage reach their zenith in life and then they
gradually decline.
Similarly
time continues to bring about changes in situations.
Procreation and destruction are two phases of time. Just as,
if white ants start eating a piece of wood, they do not eat
it up all at once, but make it hollow from within gradually.
Similarly, 'Bhakti' and 'Maya' manifest themselves
gradually. When devotion to God becomes stronger, truth,
devotion, and peace prevail all-around. On the other hand
when 'Maya' gets the upper hand; restlessness,
unrighteousness and falsehood rule everywhere. This does not
mean that truth and righteousness disappear altogether and
unrighteousness alone prevails. What actually happens is
that like the action of termites on wood, 'Maya' gradually
hollows the man of his virtues and instigates him to feel
inclined towards evil intentions and improper deeds. Then
unrighteousness replaces righteousness and persons with
fiendish thoughts and actions devoid of sense of duty
increase in number. The rising number of sins of such
persons burdens the earth and having felt the necessity, it
prays for the birth of a Great personality. The devotees of
God also join the earth in such prayers. When these prayers,
duly strengthened, reach the skies, all the angels (Devta)
fully associate themselves with them. Nature then responds
to these prayers and great saints reincarnate themselves.
According to an adage, 'Necessity is the mother of
invention', the following verses express the same view:
-
(Hindi
Quote)
When
ignorance and falsehood prevail in the world and the
people are given to hypocrisy, devotees of God find
themselves helpless; righteousness and truth appeal to
none, Brahmins and Divine Masters are insulted and
mischievous hypocrites preach knowledge; world becomes
like hell and righteousness and sense of duty vanish from
human thoughts; Seekers of God, Brahmins and the earth
make piteous appeals that God should not forsake His
protection.
Then
God manifests Himself in human form according to the need of
the time. Thus the Great saints come to this world in human
form. Their advent marks the beginning of happiness, peace
and love. As the appearance of clouds in the sky, after an
extremely hot wave, causes comfort and pleasure, so the
saints bestow peace and happiness on the suffering humanity
through their nectarean sermons. Their sermons, preachings
and activities in the field of spiritual development, more
often assume the shape of a book or "Granth" to benefit the
coming generations. Whatever rules and principles these
saints establish, serve the purpose of a beacon light for
the coming generations to pave their paths. For example,
Shrimad Bhagvad-Gita, Sri Ramayana, Sri Mahabharata are our
Indian religious Granthas, which represent a proper mingling
of politics, philosophy and spirituality. One is prompted to
enlightenment by their study even today. The nine kinds of
devotion (Navdha Bhakti ), which Shri Ram Chandra preached
to Shabri, was also conveyed by Shri Krishan Chandra and
other Great souls in the language of their times in the form
of Yoga. In reality these religious Granthas, serve as
light-houses for the waywards groping in dark, to put them
firmly on the righteous path. This is accomplished through
the media of a living Master, the need for whom has been
very emphatically stressed in all the scriptures, and by
studying them, a keen desire to search for One is aroused.
When by continuous study and thinking over these Granthas
one's eagerness to discover the Perfect Master becomes
stronger, one surely succeeds in finding Him. While
Preaching the nine kinds of devotion to Shabri, Shri Ram
Chandra has said in Ramayana:-
(Hindi
Quote)
First
devotion is to seek the company of the saints and the
second to listen to their discourses on Me.
When
topmost priority has been given to the company of saints in
these most sacred Granthas, will not the desire to seek the
Perfect Master be awakened in the hearts of their listeners
? It will surely be. Only a thorough study of these sacred
Granthas is required.
How
endearing is the light of an earthen lamp in the pitch dark
night of 'Amavasya' ! One feels ecstatic joy at its very
sight. This joy obliges one to forget all pains and
miseries. None likes darkness. Everywhere light is loved.
After extreme darkness of the night when the sun rises at
dawn, it illuminates all the directions and a wave of
happiness engulfs every part of the earth. It bestows joy
upon the animals, birds and human beings. When full moon
reaches its height on a 'Purnima' night, the night itself
becomes joyful. Born of light, a man has always been
attracted by it. During his childhood, when he is still in
the cradle, he makes the ray of light the centre of his
attention; when he grows to the stage of infancy, his
attention is attracted by the moon, and as the years are
added to his age, the man becomes more and more eager to
tread the enlightened path. Ultimately when the soul is
about to leave the body and the body is about to return to
its five elements, an earthen lamp is kindled to symbolise
light. Finally fire respectfully consumes it in the shape of
light.
So
far about man's love for light in the world exterior to him.
But there is light within also. The great saints take birth
to make one realise this light. They declare that
realisation of the soul (the light within) is the sole aim
and goal of human life. The Yogis, Rishis, Munis and
Tapasvis all advise that one should realise one's own self
and they also strive for the same in their own life-time.
Through the grace of a Perfect Master one succeeds in this
mission soon. Then why should we not enjoy the beatitude of
self-realisation and free ourselves from the cycle of births
and deaths for ever ?
Mahatma
Buddha said, "Bodhistavas ! (O' seekers of knowledge !)
light the lamp of the knowledge of the soul and
God-remembrance and march ahead, you will encounter fear
nowhere in the world. Light of the soul is the eternal
light. The saints have been displaying this divine light in
the world according to the needs of the time."
The
struggle between the light and darkness has been continuing
since the inception of the world. So long as the world
lasts, the war between righteousness and unrighteousness or
truth and falsehood will continue. Sometimes. this war was
fought between Shri Ram Chandra and Lanka's king, Ravana;
sometimes, in the times of Shri Krishan Chandra, it was
fought at Kurukshetra as the Mahabharata war, and in
Kaliyuga this war was fought by the great saints namely,
Shri Kabir Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev and Tulsi Das, against the
devilish powers of Mind. The great souls have ever been
reincarnating themselves to maintain this
tradition.
The
progenitor of 'Shri Paramhansa Advait-Mat' was
Maharajadhiraja Shri Shri 108 Shri Paramhans Dayal Ji, the
first master, Shri Swami Advait Anand Ji Maharaj who
displayed the same Divine light, for which the saints have
always been eager and the need for which was felt for times
to come. He taught the lesson of bravery to wage a war
against one's Mind and armed his followers, nay the whole
world, with the weapon of 'NAM' to fight against it. With a
view to guiding the wayward humanity, He has been coming to
this world in the forms of reincarnations of Paramahansas to
bring all His followers together. Whatever divine acts He
performed and nectarean sermons He preached in His different
forms, have been recorded in this book.
It
has been possible to write this sacred biographical sketch
by the grace of Shri Shri 108 Shri Sadguru Dev Maharaj Ji,
the Fifth Master. For this we are extremely indebted to Him
that He has done a great favour to us-countless ignorant and
wayward people. He has immensely obliged us all by getting
these rarely known glimpses of the various forms of
Paramhansas, recorded here. This book is the source of
peace, happiness, inspiration, comfort and uplift, and a
means to cross the ocean of worldly existence, from where
one can have a broad view of the world itself.
The
glimpses of the lives of various forms of Paramhansas, which
are like precious gems, have been recorded in this volume.
It contains a detailed account of their life-events and main
teachings, as also of the ways and principles of 'Bhakti',
as were put into practice by the progenitor of SHRI
PARAMHANSA ADVAIT MAT, the First Master, and thereafter by
His respective successors. This book appears to be small in
size, but has the depth of an ocean. As by diving deep into
the ocean alone one can discover as to what priceless
treasures are hidden there, so one can enjoy the inner
pleasure, mental peace and real comfort, whose matchless
treasure this book is, only by studying the lives of
Paramhansas described therein and such an experience can
only be felt and not described. Every word, every page and
every life-glimpse in this book carries numerous deep inner
meanings. Once you start reading it, you would not like to
leave it without finishing it. The life history of every
Paramhansa has been described here in such a way that while
reading it, one feels as if every part of it is being
enacted in front of one's eyes as in a film. By merging
oneself into such thoughts alone one can derive the real
pleasure.
MAIN
DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK
This
book has been mainly divided into seven parts. Four parts,
one each, relate to the first four Divine Masters called
Shri Paramhansas, the First to the Fourth. The fifth part is
on Shri Anandpur Satsang Ashram; sixth on 'Ideal life' and
the seventh on the importance of prayer in life. Besides,
there are other small parts such as 'Manglacharan',
'Vandana', Teachings of the Sadguru, 'What is Sant Mat',
Advent of the Paramhansa Advait Mat, the Fifth successor of
the Sampardaya (sect) and rules and regulations for the
permanent residents of Shri Anandpur Satsang Ashram etc.
etc., which have their own importance. The main four parts
are like the sun and the other parts are its rays. The life
histories of the Paramhansas have been so described that
while describing the life events of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji
Maharaj, the first Master, some mention has also been made
of the devotion of His devotees. In the chapter on the life
of the first Master, references to the life of the Second
Master are only brief ones. Similarly, the references to the
lives of the Third and the Fourth Masters in the chapter on
the life of the Second Master are only brief. Detailed
glimpses of the life of each Master can be had in their
respective chapters.
The
narration of the establishment of 'Shri Anandpur Satsang
Ashram' is important in its own way. While reading it every
scene of Shri Anandpur projects itself before the eyes.
Those devotees who have seen it developing since l940-41 AD,
would feel every scene rehearsing itself before their eyes.
Without giving further illustrations, it would suffice to
write that who-so-ever, after reading this book, moulds his
life according to the sayings of the Masters, would be
surely freed from all worldly ties. It is hoped that the
lovers and the devotees of the Masters, as well as the
seekers of devotion, will be able to remove their age-long
dirt of worldly attachment by reading this book and will
immensely benefit thereby.
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8-10
SHRI
SADGURU DEVAI NAMAH
MANGLACHARAN
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(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
extremely benevolent Sadguru, Shri Paramhansa, merciful and
protector of the devotees. I make obeisance unto Thee crores
of times.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
kind Paramhansa Ji, like the sun Thou hast appeared in this
age to uplift others and there is none equal to
Ye.
(Hindi
Quote)
By
showing the path of non-duality, Thou hast done a most
beneficent deed. Thou hast removed the darkness and
confusion of dualism and trialism.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh,
Shri Parambansa Ji, by Thy reincarnation Bliss hast rained
everywhere. Really Thy greatness is unfathomable. None can
know Ye fully.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
Shri Paramhansa Maharaj Ji, Great Thou art, Thou art alt
ocean of compassion in the world, and art bounteous in
dispensing the wealth of Spiritual Bliss.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
Guru Dev ! Thou art an abode of Bliss, and destroyer of all
the sins gathered by the people. The service rendered at Thy
feet protects one from the terror of 'Kaal'.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
Sire! All the three sacred rivers, Ganges, Yamuna and
Saraswati flow from Thy feet. Love unto Thee is nectar-like
and is effective in removing all the three afflictions, (of
body, spirit and celestial).
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
Lord ! Thou art ad ocean of Light, and a radiant benefactor
of all. Thou hast shown me a smooth highway to
spirituality.
(Hindi
Quote)
Oh
Guru Dev ! Thy grace is all bliss and bestower of boons like
'Chintamani' (a fabulous gem, supposed to produce whatever
is asked of it), and I have been privileged to get Thine
shelter.
(Hindi
Quote)
I
am ignorant and simpleton. Be extremely kind to me.
Otherwise how can I write Thy Virtues, as Thou art great and
in the know of every thing.
(Hindi
Quote)
Who-so-ever
is blessed by Ye, Oh Sadguru ! will start speaking even if
he be dumb, and will cross the mountain, even if he be
lame.
(Hindi
Quote)
This
servant of Thine servants solicits Thy blessings, so that he
may be able to write with deep concentration this book on
'Shri Paramhansa Advait Mat'.
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11-14
VANDANA
(Hindi
Quote)
I
pray crores of times at Thy lotus feet, that by Thy
grace, oh my Master ! I may not feel dearth of anything.
A sinner by birth that I am, kindly do not take notice of
my faults. Afflicted as I am, I always yearn that Ye may
cast a merciful glance at me. With all the concentration
at my command, I make obeisance at Thy sacred feet, O'
Sadguru ! that my inner eye of wisdom be opened by the
rays emanating from the nails of Thy lotus
feet.
Oh
Shri Sadguru Dev Maharaj Ji ! The Destroyer of afflictions,
Remover of fear, Bestower of devotion, Perfect creator of
the Universe, Treasure of eternal bliss, All Pervading, All
Powerful, that Thou art. I bow and pray to Thee innumerable
times. I am standing at Thy door to beg Thine utmost
kindness. Ignoring the lapses of this sinful humble self,
kindly bestow on me that light of knowledge, that may enable
me to sing Thy praises. When the Vedas, the Puranas, the
god-Shesha, the goddess-'Sharda' and the poets have failed
to sing Thy praises and narrate Thy virtues, how will this
weak and ignorant person be able to do that ? I am humbler
than the dust particle of a desert. Due to Thy limitless
grace a keen desire has arisen in my mind to write a
treatise on 'Shri Paramhansa Advait Mat' and to accomplish
this arduous task, I need Thy limitless help and blessings.
Thou art all-knowing, All Pervading, All Powerful and
Perfect Go-d. Thou hast come to this world in human form in
response to the sincere prayers of Thine devotees. I have no
words to express my sense of gratitude for the appearance of
Thy most resplendent celestial Self in 'Paramhansa' forms.
How can this humble person repay the debt of Thy having
undergone numerous troubles for guiding the humanity,
engulfed in the slumber of attachment, to the right path by
enlightening it ? What to speak of one life, it is
impossible for me to redeem myself of this debt even in lacs
of births. I wish to continue under Thy protection as at
present. Kindly keep reincarnating in resplendent and
attractive forms in times to come, so that I may go on
enjoying the protection of Thy auspicious, lotus feet. Thou
hast favoured me in many forms:-
(Hindi
Quote)
The
Supreme Light manifested Itself in the world in the form
of Shri Paramhansa Dayal Ji; Who cut asunder all the
bondages of the afflicted ones by establishing them in
the path of Non-duality.
'Shri
Maharaj' came as the Supreme Lord of the animate and
inanimate beings, Whose remembrance alone accomplishes
all the tasks without any difficulty.
'Shri
Paramhansa Avtar', the embodiment of love, enabled people
to cross the worldly ocean by casting a merciful glance
on them.
'Shri
Deen Dayal Ji' (Compassionate towards the afflicted ones)
the Supreme Lord of the three worlds, appeared to show
the righteous path and to deliver true message to the
world.
'Shri
Sadguru Data Dayal Ji' (The Bestower of boons and
Compassionate), has come to act as the steersman of the
worldly ocean by granting us Protection at His lotus
feet.
Oh,
the Divine Charmer of the three worlds, the Merciful, the
Protector and the Affectionate Master ! Thou hast kept an
immortal light burning by assuming different forms in order
to uplift us. There is none except Thee, in the world, whom
I can claim as my own. Thou alone art everything in my life.
Kindly cast a favourable glance on me. Oh Master ! be kind
and merciful. Although not entitled to it, yet with Thine
blessings alone my humble pen may acquire a new ray of hope
out of the acute hopelessness to give the all-beneficent
account of 'Shri Paramhansa Advait Mat' the shape of a book.
I am only a humble virtueless creature. Oh Master ! I do not
possess the necessary ability and strength. I am Thy
servant, humble like a particle of dust under Thy feet.
Kindly do not refuse me this favour, and give me protection
at Thy lotus feet. Kindly raise a wave of hope in me and
fill this wave with Thine own knowledge and ability so that
this auspicious work be completed without any
hindrance.
(Hindi
Quote)
One
feels ecstatic by mere reading the excellent descriptions
of Shri Paramhansa Ji.
In
response to the prayers of the afflicted ones, the Master
appeared in human form.
The
Master did a great favour by removing the last vestige of
attachment in me.
He
showed the path of salvation to the entire world. Even
the Vedas and all the scriptures are unable to grasp the
deep significance of His teachings.
By
His utmost grace, Who is Compassionate towards the
afflicted ones, Valmiki and Tulsi wrote the famous
versions of His life and deeds.
Oh
Master ! kindly bestow the light of knowledge so that
ignorance may disappear at once.
I
am ignorant because of attachment and illusion. Kindly
bestow Thy devotion, which is the treasure of eternal
peace.
May
by reading Thine inspiring, peace-giving and
fear-destroying biography, the restlessness and pain of
the world vanish.
This
servant of Thy servants is the lover of Thy feet. May I
ever remain devoted to Thee.
Prostrating
at the lotus feet of Shri Sadguru Dev Maharaj Ji, I pray
crores of times for this favour alone that He may kindly
bestow strength and ability on my humble pen to write this
book. This is the only desire of my heart and the main aim
of my life.
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