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"Subjective Knowledge-- No Illusion"

The description we have presented of the two eternal poles [the Absolute and
the Phenomenal world], of course, represents a delineation at the contemptibly
low plane of human intelligence. But if it be contended that such a representation
does not portray the correct condition, the rough sketch we have attempted to
present becomes a matter of problematic accuracy. It, therefore, behoves us, before
proceeding further with the subject, to remove the doubt introduced by the possible
objection indicated above. The theory which gives rise to the
objection may be briefly stated as follows:-- The knowledge of the creation of
the creation, we see, is always generated by the subjective impressions it
produces within us. In the absence of subjective impressions, we know nothing of the
creation.
The impressions, in question, constitute the effect, and the
creation which produces those impressions is the cause. Now, if we are
aware of the effect, it does not follow that we know the cause also. If,
accordingly, all sentient entities who receive the impressions were to disappear,
the cause would remain, but the effect would be gone, and there
would be a state which would not be the state of the effect. The knowledge of
creation, as we possess, is, therefore, a knowledge of the sentient entities,
and not an absolute knowledge.

--Discourses on Radhasoami Faith: Article 82, Maharaj Saheb (Brahm Sankar Misra)

Sahaj Yoga FAQ

What is Sahaj Yoga?
Who can practice Sahaj Yoga?
What is the Shabd? What is the Naam?
Who is Kal?
Does one need a Guru?
Does one need to convert from their religion?
Does Sahaj Yoga have any scripture?
What are the requirements for initiation?
How does this Yoga differ from others?
How does one know a real Guru from a false one?
When a Guru passes away, how is the predecessor chosen?

If your question isn�t answered here, feel free to e-mail me at: [email protected]

Q: What is Sahaj Yoga?

A: Sahaj Yoga, also referred to as Surat Shabd Yoga, Sant Mat and Rhadaswami Mat, is perhaps one of the most simple yogas in theory and practice, yet it is also one of the most difficult to master. Initiates of this path practice a simple technique of meditation to contact the light and sound within oneself, traverse the planes of consciousness and enter the final resting place of the soul, called Sach Khand. The initiate focuses his/her attention at the Third Eye, between the two physical eyes, while mentally repeating a mantra given by a Sat Guru, a True Master. Most practicioners believe in reincarnation and karma, and that Sahaj Yoga can end the transmigration from one body to the next within this lifetime.

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Q: Who can practice Sahaj Yoga?

A: Virtually anyone can practice Sahaj Yoga. The word Sahaj means �natural� and yoga means �to commune� or �to yoke�, in this case, with the Oversoul. Thus the methods in Sahaj Yoga do not require any special or artificial means to reach its goal. A person who can atleast comprehend the basic teachings can practice Sahaj Yoga, whether they are mentally or physically disabled or not.

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Q: What is the Shabd? What is the Naam?

A: The Shabd is the inner sound specifically and Naam means �Word�, referring to the Word of God, which is creation itself. Naam includes both the experience of inner sound and inner light. The two words are used interchangeably, though the Shabd generally is not used to refer to the inner light.

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Q: Who is Kal?

A: Kal is the Creator or Ishvara Brahman (Manifested God). His job is to keep creation sustained by making sure karmas are repaid and reincarnation goes as it should, etc. Surat Shabd Gurus will generally refer to him in a negative manner because Kal is considered unable to free the soul from the transmigration of souls from one body to the next.

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Q: Does one need a Guru?

A: Yes one needs a Guru to practice Sahaj Yoga. This is because the meditation technique used is an adaptation of sorts. The practicioner focus at the Ajna Chakra (the Third Eye) from the beginning, unlike most others that start at the Chakra located at the bottom of the spine. These other yogas do different asanas to bring this energy up through the center of the body to the Third Eye. In order for a person who has not performed these austerities to be able to begin at the Third Eye, someone who has already achieved such an ability must open the Eye for them.

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Q: Does one need to convert from their religion?

A: No. Anyone of any religion is allowed to practice this Yoga while continuing to follow the religion they have chosen. The two are not mutually exclusive, with the exception of extreme fundamentalism of course.

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Q: Does Sahaj Yoga have any scripture?

A: No. Sahaj Yoga has no agreed upon scripture, though some writings come close to such reverence. The writing "Sar Bachan" by Sant Shiv Dayal Singh is an example. Usually the writings of the current Master or the last few Masters before him are considered sacred. One holds their own Masters writing in the highest regard.

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Q: What are the requirements for initiation?

A: While this may vary slightly depending on which lineage of Masters are approached, the following are the requirements in my Master's Satsang: non-violence, honesty, vegetarian diet, celibacy (except in the case of procreation), sobriety and selfless service. And, of course, beginning a daily regimen of meditation after initiation. While none of these requirements must be perfect in order for initiation to occur, this kind of conduct will fully prepare a person for inner experience.

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Q: How does this Yoga differ from others?

A: Most yogas, as mentioned earlier, begin at the chakra at the base of the spine. Progress is made by practicing different austerities which redirect the life force upwards to the Ajna Chakra, the Third Eye in the middle of the forehead. Many yogis do not surpass the crown chakra called "the Ten thousand petaled lotus" within one lifetime. The Sahaj yogi, on the other hand, begins at the Ajna Chakra-- giving the yogi a far better chance of passing the crown chakra and much further in one lifetime.

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Q: How does one know a real Guru from a false one?

A: Obviously, one would begin by using some common sense. If there are reports of abuse by this Guru, he doesn't have much to offer you obviously. A real Guru is like an open book. Most people can sense if someone is sincere or not, there is no better time to use this reasoning than when choosing a spiritual preceptor. The main quality that a Sahaj Sat Guru must have is the ability to give the initiate access to the Shabd at the third eye center. There is no point in following someone who isn't capable of doing so. This may not mean that the Guru is a fraud, but simply that he is not your guru.

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Q: When a guru passes away, how is the predecessor chosen?

A: The means of choosing a guru's predecessor have differed depending on the circumstances. Some gurus have more than one predecessor due to conflict as to who is the legitimate one. The three main methods are as follows: by the written will of the passing guru, by recieving the "Master power" through the eyes of the passing Guru, and by the confirmation through the inner experience of initiates. These methods are sometimes used in conjuction and seperately.

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