Thoughts, and Visions

Birth Trauma...

2011-12-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

Around the turn of the 1970s I re-experienced something of my birth...or "rebirth" into this world. It took place in Spain. I was child, and I had curled up into the foetal position on the back seat of my parents car.

Whilst sleeping, I entered into a "low" "sub-normal" state of conciousness...I was aware of being unable to move. I was having trouble breathing. Infact, I felt I was "suffocating".I was trapped in a confined space (ie. the womb). I could see the exit of the birth canal. Instead of a hospital I could see the backs of my parents in the front seat of the car. I was feeling increasingly terrified because of my "immobilisation". I tried to scream out several times....but they were mental screams...and thus, my parents could not hear me...

As this was happening I could hear music. It could have come from the car radio but I do not know. It was like military music of the 18th Century. My late mater was doing some research for a Spanish friend on the life of Sir John Moore who was killed at one of the battles of the Napoleonic Wars in La Corunna. The music I heard seemed to come from that time. All this maybe just coincidence...I remember too that my mater had "seen" Sir John Moore but this was probably a mental projection...

Anyway, my birth trauma experience seemed to go on for awhile, and thankfully it stopped, and I awoke to normal conciousness....I entered the world via Ceasarian section, and lived to "tell the tale" so to speak!!

Long after this happened I had a lady friend who claimed she could remember her birth into this world. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she did not give any detail...

I believe that my birth trauma experience affected the early part of my life. Indeed, I believe that it may have stunted my early mental development. At the sametime, as indicated in the Realization of the Psychic I believe it may have initiated my early psychic experiences which largely disappeared in my later life.

Since I believe in reincarnation I hope that next time (if necessary)my entrance into this world would be less traumatic. Also, I hope to return in female form. Alot of research into hypnotic regression seem to indicate that we can change sex to experience life from a different angle. It might also be an explanation for homosexuality, and bisexuality.

PS. Ofcourse, the above description is clearly reminiscent of sleep paralysis. However, there are certain aspects of the experiences which I have not divulged which clearly suggested that I had been re-living the birth trauma..

More Light on the Two Inner Awakenings......

2011-08-24T08:25:00.001-07:00

On an earlier blog post I attempted to describe something of my two inner awakening experiences with Dr. Sharma, and Sant Harjit Singh.

http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/meeting-dr-sharma-in-london-1990.html

The following article by Andrew Cohen seems to give some confirmation of the genuineness of the above phenomenon. No doubt more corroboration may come from other sources as one continues ones research....

On a noted forum run by David Christopher Lane I gave the above link. I asked Lane whether he had similiar experiences to my own with Faqir Chand. He answered that he did not. I may reproduce what he wrote sometime in the future. Anyway, here is Cohens article which appears to be part of promotion for his new book entitled Evolutionary Enlightenment,A New Path to Spiritual Awakening. His website is as follow.

http://www.andrewcohen.com/

Spontaneous Revelation & Noble Effort

There are two ways that you can experience the intoxicating joy, profound peace, and ecstatic wakefulness of the Ground of Being: spontaneously or through effort.

Spontaneously, like an unexpected visit from God, for no particular reason the doors of perception can open, expanding your awareness to reveal a higher and deeper dimension of consciousness. This kind of event often happens in the company of an enlightened master who has access to this unmanifest ground, or in a group of dedicated individuals who have come together for a higher purpose. But you can also experience the ground of being simply through your own disciplined effort, through choosing to step beyond the conditioned mind.

A spontaneous experience is a source of tremendous inspiration because it proves something to you, directly. When you unexpectedly discover the shocking clarity of bliss consciousness, without having made any effort to attain it, it compels you to acknowledge the existence of a deeper, higher dimension of your own self. But extraordinary and miraculous as they are, spontaneous experiences are rarely enough to finally liberate us from an unenlightened relationship to the mind and emotions. More often, they will simply reveal how extraordinary our potential for liberation is, here and how, and simultaneously expose how deluded we are most of the time.

A spontaneous experience of higher consciousness is like a free ride to heaven. But to stay there we have to be willing to pay the price. That means that at a moment’s notice, we have to be willing to do battle with the demons of fear and doubt. True liberation is something we all have to be willing to fight for. Sometimes it may be easy, but at other times you will find yourself overwhelmed by fear, doubt, confusion, narcissistic concerns and materialistic desires. So the willingness to make effort has to be unconditional in relationship to your own mind. That willingness is what creates receptivity to higher consciousness in each and every one of us. When you are willing to make the noble effort to liberate yourself, to consistently struggle to make the right choices for the right reasons, it creates a receptive inner atmosphere. Through the disciplined practice of meditation, the conscious, consistent renunciation of the mind and emotions, you create a fertile ground within you for higher consciousness.

In the end, no matter how profound your experience of revelation, the only question that matters is “Am I going to be ready to change, based on what I have seen, or not?” Only if you are ready to change will the spontaneous experience of liberating insight become the initiation that leads to lasting transformation. If not, it will soon fade into nothing more than an inspiring memory. When you fall back into a state of unenlightenment, in an instant the fears and desires of the ego overwhelm you once again. This is why it is so essential to cultivate the habit of making noble effort. You need to assume an inner posture that is going to ensure your victory. If you are not deadly serious about this, you are not going to make it. That’s guaranteed.

Andrew Cohen

2011.

Psychic Encounters of a Friend.

2011-08-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

Since 1980, or thereabouts I used to know an Australian friend. I will call him by his first name which is Chris. He is somewhat eccentric. He used to, and still does collect rubbish. He is a great believer in "recycling" where possible.

Anyway, when I first met him he was well-dressed, and had a thin elderly Indian friend who referred to himself as the Universalist, or words to that effect. The latter claimed he could not see in one eye due to an operation by a "fake doctor" as he put it. He lived with some Muslims which he did not like as he recalled the appalling smell of spiced meat ascending from their kitchen (An unpleasant experience which I had as I, like him am vegetarian, and the way the meat smelt was frankly horrible!). He also like Chris used to give me free things notably food. He was a very kind soul, and I expect he no longer physically exists.

To return to Chris per se. Back in July 1997 he had an "extraordinary" experience. It occured very late at night. He was in Langley Memorial Park, and was staring at what might be termed a "UFO". It was erractically circling anti-clockwise a "star", or "planet" which was gradually moving across the sky. Chris described the "craft" as being red, and triangular with a flashing light on it. He stood transfixed by it for sometime. Then, the "UFO" slowly descended towards him, and then, shone a light at him. This "light" seemed to make Chris very peaceful, and unafraid. It was also trying to make him fall asleep as it was now very early morning. As the "light" and "craft" descended more, and more towards him he suddenly took fright, and dashed off to his friends house which was nearby.He feared that he might be abducted...

I questioned Chris on a number of times about the above, and he always came up with the same story without any elaboration. Attempts were even made to try, and trace independent witnesses who may have seen the same thing but to no avail.A week, or so after all this I had my own peronal "UFO" experience. I saw something late at night which was suprising. Whether it was something genuine is quite another matter. Anyway, I saw two "UFOs" going around the moon! Then, they both went off in different directions, and were seen no more. Their appearance tallied with the description given by Chris.

In the late 1990s I was for whatever reason fascinated by the alleged UFO phenomena. Most sightings ofcourse turn out to have a rational explanation. At this time there were a number of glossy magazines on the subject, and one of them I came across mentioned the experience of electricity in the air when a "sighting" was made. This apparently was the case with Chris. Personally, I do not believe that his experience was objectively real in the "physical" sense. It was simply an "opening" into a psychic reality which only Chris could experience. The same I feel is true about my own experience. Ofcourse, critics would dismiss this all as merely a form of hallucination. In a sense, this is true at a deeper level of understanding.

What amused me was that Chris came up with another "story". He said that one night he was walking in Tescos car park...and was being followed by a "UFO" up in the sky. Every time he stopped to look round the "craft" would suddenly stop! As I explained to Chris most "UFOs" are really psychic phenomena as the evidence clearly indicates. For example, so-called alien abuductions can involve people being taken through the walls of their home suggesting that it is form of lucid dreaming, or out-of-body experience.

Among other things, Chris had an interest in spiritualism. He once told me that he went a circle in Langley. The use of Quija Board was the order of the day...or rather the night!! In it he mentioned how he felt a power move the glass to spell out a message from the "Spirit World". Nothing as far I known went seriously untoward even though I recall listening to a phone-in programme in which hundreds of people complained about their experiences with the Quija Board.

Chris used to, or still has a married lady friend called B. He stayed with her at her mothers home in Norfolk. There, they both experienced mild forms of poltergeist activity. It was claimed that Bs late brother was trying to attract attention so to speak! Apparently, he was very attached to his mother. However, when the latter died the poltergeist activity suddenly stopped. The late brother was at last reunited with his late mother!!

Another lady friend of Chris was someone who was into vampires. She even tried to draw blood from him with a knife so that she could suck it out!

In many respects, Chris is not the ideal witness of alleged phenomena. But that does not mean he is exagerating, or fibbing. On the contrary, he comes across as someone who is very pleasant,trusting, transparent, and gullible. Indeed, he seems for example to regard everything about "magic rituals" found in books notably published by Finbarr as "gospel truth".

Anatomy of Thoughts...

2011-08-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

Back in the early 1980s I used to attend the Slough Writers Group. I would on occassion read out some of my manuscripts which notably included a historical novel called Hearts in Thorns (formerly entitled The Devils Dance), and a comedy about psychic research...which caused some merriment. The former was about a power struggle saga between rich nobles in late 14th Century England. It was purely fictional but with accurate period detail based on research which I had been undertaking. This novel opened with a dramatic duel which held my small audience in thrall.

The SWG attracted a small range of interesting people which included Chris Webb the poet postman who published his stuff in the local paper. Another notable was Alan Taylor a charming old boy type who had published books on DIY. He even gave me a signed copy of his paperback opus on Garden Construction. Arthur Nicklin was a prolific freelance writer for various magazines including Prediction as he had some interest in occult matters. He was a fascinating man, and I used to drive him back home after a SWG meeting. The last time I saw him in the flesh was in the high street in Slough. He was gathering information about healers by interviewing them for a book. Whether this opus came to anything is another matter. However, one of the SWG group a lawyer by trade had published a book on witchcraft in the local area if my memory serves me correctly.

Anyway, enough nostalgic rambling!

It was around this time that I began to develop a questionaire about thought structure, and contents of the human mind. Unfortunately, I do not have a copy of it. But I can give some idea of the questions presented....

1. Do your thoughts appear visual most of the time?

2. If you close your eyes, and see an image what is the appearance of its surrounds. Is it fuzzy? Is it grainy? Is it firelike? etc

3. Does the surround of your image change, or not? If so, what shape manifests itself?

4. Do you feel thoughts as images enter different points of the human body? Do your thoughts of love for example enter the heart area? Do mainly intellectual
thoughts enter the top the head....et cetera.

5. Do you sense thoughts sometimes enter your head as if they were "disembodied" energies? (Here, the notion is like question 4) For example, people sometimes say that a thought just struck them, or it just came into their mind out of the blue...and so on.

The above are just some examples of the thoughts questionaire.

A member of the SWG called Miss Portsmouth actually undertook answering the questions. She found it very interesting, and incidently, she was studying psychology! She gave some intriguing answers but unfortunately I do not have a record of it.

In occult circles "thoughts are things". I recall once doing a telepathic experiment with a friend. The latters thought with the actual word sent was seen by my minds eye as it flashed into my head.

I recall too when I was in a watch repair workshop which was close to East Berks College in Windsor that I was gaining a strong mental rapport with a friend, Steven Stroud. All of a sudden I was aware for a few seconds of a coloured "field" of energy connecting me with him in a kind of telepathic link.

Anyone Can Feel Energies..............

2011-06-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

Back in circa 1994, or thereabouts Gurinder Singh, the head of Radhsoami Satsang Beas made a suprise visit to the London Satsang. At the end of his talk he asked whether anyone had any questions. I stood up, and claimed that during my spiritual search I had experienced "energies" from some gurus, or words to that effect. Gurinder rightly said that "Anyone can feel energies". There is nothing in the way of real spiritual advancement about it.

Anyway, in April 2011 I was at a famous yearly Sikh Festival in which a number of temporary free food stalls were set up on certain streets in Slough. These marked the procession of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, and their actual living Guru. Just before the open canopied float in which it was placed along with the priests appeared, I was wistfully thinking about the energies of higher conciousness experienced at Haynes Park where I was at a Radhasoami meeting. I did not feel anything like that at the Slough Sikh Festival. However, much to my amazement as I came close to the actual float, and indeed, the Guru Granth Sahib itself I experienced the intensity of higher energies, and as such bowed to it with a respectful Namaste...However,no visual data was registered as the energies could have come from one of the priests rather than from the Granth itself in the open canopied float.

As mentioned in an early post in Esoteric Miscellany, I was struck by a ray from the Guru Granth Sahib itself as I paid my obeissance to it....! Whether this was a trick of the imagination, or not is impossible to say. Anyway, drawn by this energy I joined the procession of mainly sweaty, and at times smelly (!!) ladies who followed the float. Much to my suprise I saw in the crowd Fiona McTaggert, the MP for Slough who recognized me. She had an Indian scarf over the head, and was dressed like an Indian Sikh lady if I recalled correctly. Thankfully, she did not give her usual Cheshire cat-like smile!

Apart from the above,I was once sitting at a public computer terminal doing my usual tapping on the keys when someone next to me passed me a note. On it was the word psychic....but without the question mark. It transpired that the person next to me claimed he could feel my "energies" and was wondering whether I was psychic, or not. I said that I was possibly. He also revealed he could pick different energies from different people but like me usually received no visual data. He rightly pointed out that this was a natural phenomena...........

Project Mind...

2011-06-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

Project Mind is a Jewish society concerned with the betterment of the world. I had email contact with the late David Devor who was its founder. I include some extracts from their website.

http://www.projectmind.org/ (unfortunately the link is not working. Just put Project Mind in google. It is well worth a visit).

Science is the most creative of human endeavors.

Through technology, science transforms inert matter into new liberating possibilities.
Project Mind is establishing a unique project with a special strategy to join science with creativity to increase efficiency in science and dramatically accelerate the production of advanced breakthroughs in medicine, science and technology.

The Eureka sparks of vision that now drive the vast mechanical enterprise of science will become enduring connections of scientific creativity resulting in science that is more encompassing and integrated, and less fragmented, destructive and polluting in its technological spin-offs. We call this form of creativity, "Accelerated Thought" (AT).

We seek the cooperation of those who share this vision.

We seek the candidates for Accelerated Thought

Most of our troubles can be traced to our lack of knowledge of the world around us. Basically, scientists, using knowledge, intuition and sparks of creativity frame hypotheses which are then verified by experiment and observation. Presently, emphasis is placed on the mechanisims for validating hypotheses (ie. instrumentation and methodology), rather than on the scientific creative vision of the scientist.

Through a more intense form of creativity which we call "Accelerated Thought", the complex nature of matter can be discovered to produce encompassing and integrated holistic scientific and technological breakthrough solutions. This requires a more intense concentration between the researcher and the natural phenomena he is contemplating than what is currently practiced. This creative effort is shown in the literature describing the stunningly innovative and comprehensive scientific visions of Tesla, McClintock and others.

Who Are the Candidates for Accelerated Thought?

Project Mind is to be the pilot project and model for a creativity-oriented science aimed at producing scientific and technological breakthroughs. We seek candidates having the will, courage and desire to discover scientific breakthroughs and inventions through the creative effort that culminates in Accelerated Thought. Provisions will be made for the care and lodging of participants and for remuneration to help compensate for family and other responsibilities. Isolation is a necessary condition to prevent outside influence on the candidate's efforts to generate the concentration needed to induce Accelerated Thought.

Accelerated Thought is a high-energy mental process whereby realizations (consisting of problems and solutions) arrive, second by second, in rapid-fire sequence rather than once in a lifetime as is typical with Eureka experiences. Project Mind will arrange conditions favoring the occurrence of Eureka experiences as precursors to Accelerated Thought. This induction process and Accelerated thought itself can be maintained, contained, modulated and harnessed to the benefit of mankind. This higher, creativity has long been the dream of many professionals in the creativity field.

Although the Eureka experience is not exactly Accelerated Thought, it is very closely related, and its habitual exercise is the trademark of creative genius. The right moment can produce a Eureka experience, and a series of Eureka experiences can, under the correct conditions, induce a chain reaction which can develop into Accelerated Thought.

The intensity of this experience is accompanied by a spectacular increase in vitality and a feeling of elation. There is an accumulation of awareness that lifts the mind and the individual as a whole to a more integrated level of functioning than before.

Just as brief Eureka experiences provide moments of brilliant insight - the sparks of genius and inspiration that have fueled the sudden advances in scientific progress until now - Accelerated Thought will provide a more intense and sustained form of creativity rendering science holistic and comprehensive.

EffortThe act of creativity is an effort of attention to bring more and better quality energy to the point of observation in order to sustain attention and thus experience more of reality. The duration and quality of attention necessary to perceive the different attributes inherent in a substance or phenomenon and integrate that data in our mind to completely perceive it requires a sustained level of effort.

The limiting factor is the effort of observation and the motivation needed to fuel it. There must be a link of attention between ourselves and the phenomenon studied. The quality of that link depends on its strength and derives from the strength of the intention that sustains it. Thus it is quality of effort that determines how deeply we are able to penetrate into the phenomenon.
ExtrapolationIf the mind grasps, in sufficient detail and with sufficient accuracy, the revealed aspects of a phenomenon, it can hypothesize and project estimations concerning aspects that are as yet undiscovered. Some qualities of a phenomenon will suggest possibilities and constraints in one direction while others will suggest possibilities and constraints in others.

We must be able to see the unique set of circumstances that constitute the being of the phenomenon under consideration and how it connects to other phenomena that are the adjacent components of it.

In the absence of this ultimate effort of creative observation we see only tiny parts of the whole, painstakingly piecing together clues - the isolated parts of the "reality puzzle" that we stumble upon. Extrapolative vision (Accelerated Thought) can be far more penetrating and revealing.
Candidates We seek candidates already predisposed towards Accelerated Thought - those who during their lifetimes have had fairly frequent Eureka experiences and, in some rare cases, even short bouts of Accelerated Thought. These individuals who show a proclivity towards intensely original thought - will be the first to make use of the uniquely supportive environment that Project Mind will offer.

Criteria

1. Competence

Early candidates for Project Mind will, of necessity, have gained considerable mastery over their chosen field of endeavor or at least in areas pertinent to those of nature's secrets they wish to penetrate with Accelerated Thought. As already indicated, these candidates will, also, be exceptionally disposed towards creative thought.

2. Motivation

The process of Accelerated Thought is initiated by applying sustained "pressure" to conventional reflective thought. This means intensely concentrating on a problem to which we are committed to solving. This will increase our awareness of the terrain we have chosen. Thus the principle criterion for participation in Project Mind is a desire to enter a state of Accelerated Thought.

3. Independence of Spirit and Strength of Character

The desire to innovate must be linked with one's desire to pursue one's destiny.

4. Scientific Aspiration

The candidate's attitudes and aspirations towards their field of science will be of utmost importance in screening for participation.

David Harrington, and his book Inclinations...........

2011-06-18T02:20:00.000-07:00

David Harrington, the author of Inclinations contacted me on the web.I thought I would give him a little help in promoting his work as he has been busy going around bookshops, and appearing on radio in the States. The following is a brief intro to Inclinations.....

Replete with angels and mythical creatures, Inclinations is a strange and allegorical mixture of poetry and prose. Based on a series of mystical and esoteric visions, this collection of short stories and poems covers a wide variety of themes including faith, judgment, mysticism and spiritual warfare. With a bit of prophecy clouded in the metaphor of sacred language, one must decide where to interpret the text literally and where to interpret it figuratively.

Ref Worlds Apart Books.

The following is an extract called the Two Rams. Come: Look and see the wonderful sights through theeyes of the visionary.I was driven by the Spirit to a high plateau near a river of rushing waters. And overlooking the sea wall where the waters cascade into the sea, stood two, like rams, clothed in long flowing robes all decked in gold.And in their hands I saw them juggling open booksas would a pair of charlatans. And out of the mouth of one I saw fabulous tongues of fire stretch forth over the congregation. And in the eyes of the other welled up greatpools of water that whenever he opened his mouth to speak, an endless flood of tears would pour down upon the congregation: In order to extinguish the flames that the first ram had spit forth from out of his mouth.Above the crashing of the waves I could hear the rams speaking great things concerning the Living God before the assembly, who had come to witness the powers of their healing word. But when they spoke their words clashedand went against one another, not too far between.Nevertheless, the rams stood fearlessly in the midst of the congregation, facing each other in bitter opposition,kicking and snorting as they prepared to do battle. And bowing their heads in prayer, they charged at full throttle.And when the rams locked horns, I heard a loud crack ofthunder. And all about the arena the mountain rattled. Andit was high tide and the waves were battering ferociously against the sea wall. And the boulders were loosened fromtheir places, and the great slabs of marble, granite and slateof their temples broke loose from their foundation and washed out to sea.“Inclinations”21And their faith faltered and gave out from under them by way of their pride and shame. And their ministries fell hard against the rocks and broke apart. And their lavishkingdoms were thrown down hard with mighty vengeanceagainst the sea wall and crumbled to pieces.And the congregation disputed one with the other overthe great things which the rams had spoken in their midst:For one spoke vehemently and with great authority, andthe other mildly. And the assembly was torn in two and divided by way of the great things which the rams had spoken. And departing from the midst, went their separate ways.And as I stood wondering what these things might mean, Iheard the angel answer and say,“Marvel not: For I shall show you the cause of the rams’great downfall, with whom they have committed adultery.”And as the angel was yet speaking, behold, up from outof the midst of the congregation arose a she-goat despoiled with the filth of the earth. And she ascended to the crest of the mountain and opened her mouth to speak great things against the rams.And the she-goat had a small following that went up afterher with hammers and chisels that they might carve instone every glorious word that proceeded out of her mouth.And she lashed out fearlessly against the rams, accusing them of debauchery and treachery. And the congregation was appalled at the rams and cast them into prison because of the glorious words which the she-goat had spoken. over a year ago

David Harrington gives some explanation.... For all practical purposes, the Two Rams should be interpreted as televangelists on a crusade to lead people to God, but in reality they are false prophets and religious quacks out to rob the people of their money by pretending to be ministers of God. The rams' long flowing robes symbolize their mock holiness and phony priesthood and serve as a cover to conceal their immorality, while their flashy gold jewelry represents their immense wealth that they've emassed by embezzling their way through life, but more importantly, it stands for their imaginary bond with God. How's this for a start? Ref Facebook site

...........What follows is a brief on the hoof questioning of David Harringtons inner experiences. However, alot more could have been garnered if a more structured, and more comprehensive approach had been initiated...

RS.I assume you had experience with inner Sounds

DH.Oh yes Voices, Visions, etc

RS.Do you normally hear a specific Sound like Bells, or thunder or drums? Does the colour blue often feature in your experiences?

DH.Lots of thunder and voices, water

RS.Very interesting

DH.Blue? A little but not overly so.

RS.Interesting...what about the colour red?

DH.About the same....Lots of rainbows in my visions.

RS.Do you see things during normal waking conciousness rather than via trance, and astral travel Or is the former a rare phenomenon

DH.Normal waking conciousness..usually with very little warning.

RS.I see. It happens suddenly

DH.I have been transported to spiritual realms you might say.

RS.And do the phenomena suddenly go as well rather than fade away..have you come across Surat Shabd Yoga?

DH.Yes suddenly, usually my ears will plug up and I am compelled by a strong urge to seclude myself somewhere quiet where I can receive the vision(s) without interruptions.

RS.Very interesting... And Shabd Yoga...heard of it? It teaches advanced soul travel, and uses the Sound as a means of mystic transport

DH.I've heard of it but not familiar with it though. Sounds very interesting indeed.

RS.But do you use Sound to transport upwards, or do you have a whirlwind type off experience Do you merge into the Sound, and does it pull you up or not? In other words, spiritual levitation.

DH.Hmm....it has a couple of times I would say.

RS. Interesting... And you have met beings, and have had a telepathic rapport with them

DH.I have ascended to higher realms and then back down to earth again several times in my visions.

RS.Do the beings change forms at all...maybe I should read the book!!

DH.Yes you should read the book for sure. Yes there are creatures that change forms to adapt to their surroundings.

RS.Do any appear alien like as understood in UFO "mythology".

DH.No mostly animal forms or humans who take on animal forms..........................

The Pleasure of Intelligent Films..

2011-06-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

When it comes to films I am very selective. I love quality high brow movies which have a strong sense of depth, and meaning. Most films are somehow lacking this dimension as far as I am concerned. Alot of them are shallow, and weak on character, and plot. Quite a number of them are frankly de-humanising with an obssession with senseless voyeuristic violence. This is a sad reflection of society, and our world in general.

Anyway, I thought I would list my key film favourites. Properos Books is at the top of my list, and in my previous post I made it clear that it was my all time favourite....but most people would find it dull, and heavy going....

The following is my personal listing...

1. The Draughtsman Contract (1982).
A film directed by the legendary Peter Greenaway, and gorgious music by the one, and only Michael Nyman. The former also directed Prosperos Books...

2. The Piano (1993).
I knew the man who actually made the Piano for the Piano film, a certain Alan Whear who lived in Windsor, where he had a work shop behind the barracks. Even though the film company had bought the piano he was still concerned whether it was being treated properly. Music by Michael Nyman is again used to great effect...

3. Amelie (2001).
A warm, and beautiful romantic comedy from France.

4. The Russian Ark (2002).
An long, and remarkable work filmed in one take!

5. Downfall (2004).
A stark, and convincing film of the last days of Hitler in his bunker.

6. Four Weddings, and a Funeral (1994).
The funniest film I ever saw in a cinema. Even the audience were laughing out aloud! Rare indeed!

7. Bellevue Rendez-vous (2003).
An interesting animation.

8. Naked Lunch (1991).
An intriguing journey into "hallucinations".

9. Moulin Rouge (2001).
Brilliant, and colourful entertainment.

10. Bicycle Thieves (1948).
How poverty can lead to crime.

11. Il Postino (The Postman, 1991).
A pleasant tale.

12. The Curse of the Golden Flower (2006).
A beautiful film with some action packed into it!

13. Frida (2002).
About the famous artist with communist leanings.

14. The Phantom of the Opera (2004).
The classic tale, and classic music.

15. The Lady, and the Duke (2001).
An unusual period film set at the time of French Revolution.

16. Tous les Matins du Monde (1991).
A period film featuring among other things exquisite baroque music.

17. Immortal Beloved.
Beethoven set to Beethoven, so to speak................

18. Devdas (2002).
The latest version of this film was stunning visually, and musically like some of the other the Indian films one finds around...Mind you, I prefer traditional Arabic music rather than Indian music. For me, the former seems to have a more mysterious quality than the latter.

Ofcourse, I have seen many other films but the above as far as I am concerned have impressed me the most. The other films I have seen include Nightmare at Christmas, The Infidel, Shadowlands, Iris, The Claim, Waterloo, I, Robot, Gattaca, Donnie Darko, Hilary, and Jackie, Heavenly Creatures, The Night of the Deer Hunter, and the early James Bond series with their superb film music.

2011.....The Anniversary of The Tempest by William Shakespeare........

2011-06-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, 2011 does indeed mark the anniversay of The Tempest by William Shakespeare. It is said to be his last work, and is highly esoteric........especially the film adaption of it by the film genius of Peter Greenaway. Here, I refer to the masterpiece known as Prosperos Books (1991). This is my best film of all time. As indicated, it is based on The Tempest...

..Some three years ago I refer to it on my music site...

".........This interpretation is full of a sense of the theatrical, and the supernatural per se. It has a rich set of sets so to say which are like rich living renaissance paintings. There is a depth to this film which is difficult to describe, and appreciate. It is cinema at its best brimming with a sense of power, and meaning beyond its celluloid reality....far removed from the usual diet of trash so common of modern day popular film-making. "

http://youtube.com/Searle8

The following review comes from Radio Times Guide to Films, 2010.

"Historically important both as a record of John Gielguds celebrated stage rendition of Prospero, and as the first film to be shot entirely in High Definition Video, this visually stunning fantasy is more than just a straightforward adaption of The Tempest. Focusing on the exiled Duke of Milans beloved 24-volume library, Peter Greenaway overlays multiple images and textual information in a meditation of the processes of thought and artistic creation, with Gielguds voicing of all Shakespeares chracters. Viewers may find Greenaways experiments with non-linear narrative challenging, but patience is rewarded."

Another review says the following....

"Prospero's Books really exists outside criticism. All I can do is describe it. Most of the reviews of this film have missed the point; this is not a narrative, it need not make sense, and it is not 'too difficult' because it could not have been any less so. It is simply a work of original art, which Greenaway asks us to accept or reject on his own terms."

Roger Ebert

http://petergreenaway.org.uk/prospero.htm

Here are some other links..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prospero%27s_books

http://notcoming.com/reviews/prosperosbooks

The problem with Prosperos Books is that it really is something which you cannot describe. It has a timeless quality...Every scene for me at least has strange psychological depth which is rich, and often inpenetrable.I will end this blog article with a link to You Tube which displays some clips from Prosperos Books.However, the film itself really needs to be experienced from start, to finish................

http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Search&resnum=0&oi=spell&search_query=prospero%27s+books&spell=1&suggested_categories=10%2C24%2C1&sa=X

The Early Days...

2011-01-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

Note. some further editing undertaken.

When I was in my teenage years, and probably a little earlier I was fascinated in psychical research, or parapsychology as it is more popularly known. This in the main was due to my childhood experiences which are narrated in The Realization of the Psychic.

http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/realization-of-psychic.html

About 16 years of age, or so I wrote two manuscripts. One was a fiction piece concerned with post-mortem existence, and another one which had the rediculously pompous title of Explanations for Paranormal Events. Colin Symthe a publisher (notably published The Link by Matthew Manning) lived in Gerrards Cross, and not far from Stoke Poges where I was living . He turned it down with a polite, and encouraging rejection letter. As for the long fiction work which included direct speech it too met a similiar fate from some publishing house in London.

None of this though quenched my thirst for a better understanding of the psychic, and spiritual. For reasons best known to myself I believed at the time that parapsychology offered a basis on which the spiritual, and the mystical could be taken more seriously as being real "objective" phenomena... rather than tricks, and deceptions of the mind.

In 1977 I was presented by an advert from my mater about some researcher who was advertizing in The Times about collecting for a book anecdotal "stories" of psychic experiendes from various people. I sent him my past "encounters" including the visitation of a Victorian ghost in Windsor which is described in The Realization of the Psychic.

My researcher contact was called John Pyman. He turned out to be a part-time homeopath. He seemed impressed by my psychic experiences, and I had the honour of meeting him in his basement flat in Gwendwr Road, Kensington, London. He claimed that he had a philosophy degree from Cambridge, and had been an intelligence officer in World War II.

His basement flat was cramped as it was filled with piles of books. He also had a few "ornaments" connected with Ancient Egypt, and if I recall correctly he believed that he may have had a past life in that time. He also claimed to have published a book on philosophy for American students which apparently did very well.

It was through John Pyman that I came to know something about the Society for Psychical Research. Indeed, he bacame my reference when I expressed my desire to join it. I recall him referring to the secretary of the Society as that "bird-like woman". The name of the lady concerned was Eleanor O Keefe, and she had a very sharp mind. She was clearly highly efficient, and was a wealth of information on anything to do with parapsychology. On quite a number of occassions, her name appears in the acknowledgements of many books on parapsychology . She was apparently a friend of Colin Wilson, the well-known writer.

Anyway, John Pyman passed on an unpublished article I wrote about on how physics related to parapsychology to friend of his who happened to be a physicist...and who incidently gave me an interesting reply.

Pyman was an interesting individual, and confided in me about having received a mathematical puzzle which he could not solve. I had a go at it myself but without success. However, a friend of mine also called John seemed to be interested in cracking the mathematical puzzle. So,I passed it on to him.

John X met John Pyman in London. Apart from the puzzle the former admitted that he wanted to throw his father out of the window! Though I did not know it at the time John X was suffering from serious mental problems but when I used to meet him he seemed perfectly "normal". Then, I remembered something. He told me that he was studying at Cambridge, but was unable to finish his course because of a mental breakdown. I am not a psychiatrist, and I do know what kind of condition he was suffering.Fortunately, John X did not meet up with Pyman again if I recall correctly...and probably just as well!!!

On a number of occassions I used to travel down to London to visit the Society of Psychical Research library. Often, I would take back to Stoke Poges a whole host of books. Apart from the SPR another of my haunts was the Theosophical Society, the Arcane School, and the College of Psychic Studies.

I have to admit that SPR seemed to be more interesting than the other places I visited...It had some quite fascinating, and obscure literature. It was there that I discovered certain cases of children having out-0f-body experiences/near-death experiences in which they "spontaneously"used Mystic Inner Sounds to "levitate". This was exactly what happens in Shabd Yoga....! A small peice of corroborative evidence by..children! Unfortunately, I did not take note of the reference but I hope to retrace it.

The librarian of the SPR then (in the 1980s) was Nicholas-Clarke Lowes who had a degree in chemistry if I recall correctly. He was a charming fellow, and I was suprised to learn that he had come across The Path of the Masters by Dr. Julian Johnson. In those days the internet was not available unlike now. As such it was incredibly difficult to have find any "objective" information about the background of the Radhasoami Movement, and Shabd Yoga.

When I first joined the SPR I had been interested in Eckankar, and I was suprised to get an expose about it from Leslie Price who was with Eleanor O Keefe when I phoned. He kindly sent me copy of his information which was a journal called the Spiritual Counterfeits Project . It drew virtually all its research from a certain academic, David Christopher Lane who is now a well-known authority on the subject of the Radhasoami Faith. I later contacted him, and managed to get a free copy of his book on Eckankar which went into its controversial background in greater detail than the Spiritual Counterfeits Project journal.

I, only went to three lectures at the SPR. One was by Matthew Manning (who left me cold ), the second one by Francis Hitching, and the third one by Susan Blackmore . These lectures took place at Kensington Library, and before going to one of them I remember on one occassion being in the Societys library with an interesting assortment of "veteran" parapyschologists...Eric Dingwell (or Ding!), Renee Haynes, Manfred Cassirer, and a certain Guy Lyon Playfair. I thanked the last named individual because it was through his book The Unknown Power that I was seriously drawn into the study, and research of parapsychology. However, I did not find Playfair very friendly, and he seemed to be closetted up in his own little world.

Anyway, it was through the above experiences, and indeed, the "Vision" of the Spiritual "Sun" in 1977 that empowered me to try, and find out whether there could be a revolutionary new approach in which science, mysticism, and parapsychology could come together to create a major paradigm...that paradigm ofcourse was Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS..............

http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/vision-of-spiritual-sun.html

An Encounter with the Subud Brotherhood....

2011-01-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

Right back in 1983 I was doing research for a possible article on the Subud Brotherhood. In Windsor I met Dominic Rieu, my key contact. He was a charming fellow of the old boy network. At the time if I recall correctly the conference centre of Anugraha was nearing completion. The word which is Sanskrit means Unexpected Place.

Anyway, I nearly had the chance of meeting Bapak the founder of Subud who was visiting Anugraha. Unfortunately, it was not to be due to other commitments. When I met Dominic I mentioned that the receiving of the "Holy Spirit", or "Higher Energy" during the practice of Latihan as it was called was like the Kriyas in Indian yoga. These Kriyas, or actions are an outward result of the purifying Power of the Spirit (similiar to the Pentacostal experience). They may involve strange movements such as jerks, and other kinds of actions. However, the human will can stop the process at any stage of the Latihan experience.

Anyhow, Dominic Rieu seemed impressed by the above "revelation", and the Indian mystical connection ..along with my knowledge on the Subud Brotherhood. He showed me a book which he had recently written, and published. I was allowed to borrow it along with other material.

Rieu died sometime ago in his nineties..Here is a link to him which also has link to a Times Obit on him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._C._H._Rieu

Bapak the founder of the Subud Brotherhood wrote something of his inner experiences in certain "controversial" writings. These have yet to be traced by me. They maybe similiar to those of Indian Mystics.

Interestingly, I posted a link on Multi-Dimensional Science on a Subud discussion group. One lady made the claim that if people were able to record in writing something of their inner experiences on receiving the "Holy Spirit" it could cause premature awakenings in others which would not necessarily be desirable. This reminded me of Swami Muktanandas highly descriptive accounts of his visions, and the the like which could in some cases cause people reading them to awaken the Kundalini energies, and hence, bring about "higher" changes in conciousness. Whether this leads to "desirable" consequences is another matter.

Sant Kirpal Singh a respected Shabd Yoga Master gave a brief "critical" comment on Subud.

http://www.ruhanisatsangusa.org/col/col-7.htm

"....The mystic base in the case of Subud is much more important than in that of Christian Science, yet is often directed toward the same end. It seeks, through following a certain course of exercises called Latihan, to put its followers in touch with hidden psychic powers. It does not seem to enhance consciousness directly but enriches it indirectly through increasing one's powers of intuition. Whether one looks atthe experiences of Mohammad Raufe or those of John Bennett, one realizes that in the case of Subud, a person may serve as a medium for higher spiritual forces,curing people of diseases, without becoming a conscious co-worker. The result is that instead of progressing to higher and still higher planes of consciousness, until one merges with the Infinite, one tends to cultivate a passive receptivityto psychic powers which may not necessarily be of the higher kind. Many disciples during Latihan reproduce strange animal or bird experiences--a far cry from the Nirvikalp Samadhi or the Sehaj Samadhi spoken of by the greatest mystics."

Improvised Voice Instrumental Music.

2010-11-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

The following is from the p2pfoundation.

Description

This entry is concerned with the possible development of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. Essentially, it involves the use of the human voice to imitate musical instruments realistically but at the same time producing new compositions spontaneously (ie. improvised, impromptu/on the spot pieces). This latter feature distinguishes it from ordinary melodious, and "non-melodious" Voice Instrumental Music, and is an area which can be deemed as being mainly terra incognito as far as "mainstream" music is concerned.

To many ordinary music lovers, musicians, and composers the above will at first appear to be outlandish. Evidence clearly indicates though that the human voice can be trained to imitate the sounds of musical instruments very effectively. Certain performances by a capella groups such as the Swingle Singers,the House Jacks(American) and Vocal Sampling (Cuban)are good examples of this. Indeed, there have been some "experimental" uses of it (of varying quality) via "mainstream" pop (eg. Bobby McFerrin), and classical music (eg. Gorecki who used a form of "chanting"in his famous Symphony No. 3.). Infact, the voice has not only been utilised to produce musical sounds effectively but also a whole variety of other "noises" too. The Hollywood Film Chorale Sounds Effects Choir springs to mind especially their Honda advert which involved the sounds of what a car can make in certain situations, and climes. This ofcourse was undertaken by the human voice."

Discussion

Before going into more detail about Improvised Voice Instrumental Music it is arguably necessary for us to get some further insight on Voice Instrumental Music itself.

A.Basic Answers to Objections concerning Voice Instrumental Music.

Some people may think that effective vocalisations, or improvisations of musical instruments as being something "mad", or "too avant-garde". Au contraire, it is "natural", and challenging but has yet to attain a high degree of mainstream musical respectability.

Others might think of the whole subject as being something puerile. Again, it is not if the vocalisers concerned can create mature, and interesting sounds.

Along with good whistling (which if performed well can sound just like an instrument being played)ordinary melodious, and "non-melodious" Voice Instrumental Music is seen by some as being something which is common, and cannot be taken too seriously as a genuine art-form. Of course, people do hum (which can give an illusion of hearing many instruments at once in a band, or an orchestra even)their favourite tunes at times. This is quite "common" but it is never really developed into something better, and more artistic when perhaps it aught.This in fact requires skill, and practice, and is not as easy as it might look.

Furthermore, if most, or indeed, perhaps all the sounds of all musical instruments can be imitated then it raises the question of their necessity! Naturally, such a claim is absurd to a certain extent. Voice Instrumental Music should be seen as just another way of performing music which is both entertaining, and interesting.

B. The Emergence of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. Basic Theory, and Practice.

Now, we shall have a somewhat brief look at melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. This goes beyond Voice Instrumental Music as already indicated, and is more important. It is something which could be seriously developed. It could have important commercial implications if a cappella performers could be trained to do it successfully.

In many respects, it could represent a "revolutionary" step in the world of music because it involves musical intelligence to a very profound degree. It is spontaneous," free-form", impromptu/on the spot performances of new music which can be based on any musical style (eg. pop, baroque, jazz, renaissance, medieval, et al). It is a theory yet to be made provable by expert performers who would appear live on the public stage, on the radio, on the internet, and on television. Each performance would produce new high quality music by means of the human voice. It would be recorded for prosterity (if it is of a high professional quality), and/or even be transcribed into musical score if desired by means of specially programmed computers.

One performer could produce a simple tune be it string-like (eg.lute, guitar) piano-like, woodwind-like (eg. recorder, flute), and so on. The aim of Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not necessarily to get an exact replication of an instrument (though purists may insist!). Rather it is the desire to create greater, and greater musical diversity by means of the voice. Some of this may not even have any obvious comparison to any known musical instrument.

How could the above be undertaken? As soon as one performer starts the others could with expert listening imitate the spontaneous melodious notes using distinct different instrumental-like vocal sounds in the most harmonious way possible. This for an amateur would be difficult in extremis. It would require some practice.

Another approach could involve the "opening" performer to stop after a few minutes, and one, or more person could carry on . Yet, they would produce a new "free-form" composition spontaneously. Other ideas could be introduced.

Of course, it must be said that Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is not exactly the same as the Jewish Nigunin of the Kabbalah tradition, Tuva Singing, Scat Singing in Jazz, Buddhist/Tibetan Chanting, Puirt a Beul(or Celtic Mouth Music, or "diddling"),Beatboxing, Yodelling, and other throat, or overtone singing. These vocal expressions are fine to a point but are not necessarily "melodious". Yet, Improvised Voice Instrumental Music is in essence more "refined", and artistic par excellence. This is the point to grasp. Naturally enough, it can challenge orthodox musical thinking, and if successfully performed could open up new areas of music.It could even have esoteric, or spiritual implications too. It could be used as a form of creative concentration, and meditation. The scope is infact vast as well as the possible introduction of new spontaneous styles done in a mature manner.....

Yet, how could one learn to do it? The most obvious way for a beginner is to listen to music in general, and to instruments individually. Then, one simply tries to imitate the sound, and record them at home to see how realistic, and three dimensional they may appear. It is necessary to be a firm task master as on all this to ensure that quality sounds are produced. Such sessions should be short to avoid tiring out the vocal cords.

Onomatopeia is one method which could be used as a teaching aid for melodious Improvised Voice Instrumental Music. In music it can involve words that sound like the actual sound so to speak! For example, "boom" of a drum acts as a verbalisation of a musical sound. Another instance, is the "twang" of a guitar. In other words, verbal Voice Instrumental, Music and to a certain extent a non-verbal Improvised Voice Instrumental Music can be created all at once.The Swingle Singers have done notable examples of this but like Scat Singing seem to notably use non-sense words in the process (eg Bah, Bah, La, La, Na, Na, etc). In Improvisation, the concern is the spontaneous creation of non-verbal music. However, verbal Voice Instrumental Music can be used to attain this if necessary as an aid for training purposes.

More Information

Internet Resources:

YouTube notably has many examples of Voice Instrumental Music. Of course, it can be improvised as well as clearly stated here. Many search words in the above article can be used to find visual/audio material (eg. Swingle Singers, House Jacks, Vocal Sampling, Beatboxing, Yodelling et al).

The above was written by Robert Searle who has also contributed p2pfoundation entries on Multi-Dimensional Science, and Transfinancial Economics.

http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/introduction-to-blogger-robert-searle.html

"Vocalised dance music is suprisingly widespread....."

David Munrow(1942-1976).

Retrieved from "http://p2pfoundation.net/Improvised_Voice_Instrumental_Music

Relevant Links to the Biodata on Robert Searle.

2010-11-17T03:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Transfinancial_Economics

The ICEME programme for April 2010 in which there is reference to Transfinancial Economics.

http://www.iiis2010.org/iceme/invitedsession/InvitedSessionPre.asp?vc=32

http://p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science

The following link is an essay from the kheper website in connection with the development of the Eleutherian Theory. A fuller, and more advanced presentation may appear on as entry on the p2pfoundation. The term Eleutherian Theory does not appear on the kheper site.

http://www.kheper.net/essays/A_Certain_Ethical_Problem_in_Esotericism.html

http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Improvised_Voice_Instrumental_Music

I am connected with the Global Justice Movement. http://www.globaljusticemovement.net/ I have since about August 2004 been a regular contributor to the Global Justice Movement discussion forum as is evidenced in the following link.

http://globaljusticemovement.net/pipermail/discussion_globaljusticemovement.net/

Another project of some importance is as follows.. http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Universal_Debating_Project

As mentioned in my biodata I came across Charles Lelands work connected with the Etruscans which I originally found in the London Library as a teenager. It now appears on the internet. http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/err/err00.htm

A copy of my old 1975 article for Young Rescue appeared on the following site which published a letter from myself . In the second part of the article the word "Wellingford" should ofcourse read Wallingford! http://www.britarch.ac.uk/yac/YA147.html

My Youtube Site maybe of interest. http://www.youtube.com/user/Searle8

A tribute site to David Munrow.

http://www.davidmunrow.org/index.htm

The posts on the discussion group concerned with the above link are by myself using the user name of piedpiper.

http://www.davidmunrow.org/forum/

My Facebook site. http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Robert-Searle/1793462140

Inner Experiences, and the Coded Diaries of Kirpal Singh...

2010-10-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Quite recently, I was stunned to discover that there was in existence a coded diary of Kirpal Singhs inner experiences. Moreover, it offers 52 questions which could possibly determine whether someone had reached the "highest" plane of Sach Khand in Sant Mat. In a most peculiar manner it reminded me about my evolving project of Multi-Dimensional Science.

http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science

The following are extracts from Arran Stephens excellent book the link to which can be found as follows.

http://www.mothandtheflame.com/index.html

"You (ie Arran Stephens) may be aware that after Hazur Baba Sawan Singh Ji left the body in 1948, our Master (ie. Kirpal Singh) retreated to Rishikesh where he spent most of his time in deep meditation. When not meditating he wrote down his inner spiritual experiences in a diary in a coded language. Our Master devised this code so that he could send confidential letters and poems for the eyes and ears of Baba Sawan Singh only whenever he was unable to go himself...He taught his language to Tai Ji, as she and her husband were frequent visitors to Hazur, and could read these confidential messages to him. Master kept these diaries-comprising over six hundred pages in three volumes-absolutely secret. They have been lying neglected in a cupboard at Sawan Ashram these last thirty years."

"Yes, I ve heard these rumours."

Harcharan continued,"Tai Ji is convinced that only the true successor will be able to decipher them, but no one has yet turned up who can. She says that she is not going to live much longer, and decided to orally translate the manuscripts to me before it is too late. Just yeaterday I had written down the first installment as she translated it into Hindi. These few pages here come from a portion dealing with our Masters conversations with various Saints in the higher planes. You are the first to see and hear any portion of thise rare revelation. It begins with a conversation between our Master and the departed Baba Jaimal Singh, or "Baba Ji" as we known him." As Harcharan read from the Masters diary, I copied the questions:

....The Being Who is called God never deceives anyone. When separated from all untruth, God unites that soul with Him. Addressing BabaJi, I asked Him, "In this world, where illusion reigns supreme there are many clever people posing as Masters, Sants, Satgurus, Mahatmas and Faqirs, who deceive innocent seekers, claiming access to higher regions, or that they have realized God. Preying on the susceptiblities and naivete of seekers after truth, they imitate saintly behaviour and quote the scriptures. How may one determine the actual stages they claim to have attained?"

Baba Ji replied: "The following questions should be put to any Sadhu, Sant, Faqir, or Master when the need arises, to determine the extent of the inner ascent. Outer appearances and saintly behaviour can be imitated to some extent but only only one who has traversed all the inner regions, who is fully conversant with every secret, will be able to answer all these questions correctly."

There were fifty-two unual questions concerning the inner features of the subtle planes. Beginning with visions and passages through the Astral plane, each question lead to higher and higher regions, culminating in Sach Khand. But there were multiple trick questions and unless one had personally traveled those regions, the one being questioned would be exposed.......... "

Arran Stephen further claimed that he was "...going to put these 52 questions to all the successor-claimants! Then we ll see who, if any, can answer them competently."

The above extracts are found in his book The Moth, and the Flame p 318-319.

When Kirpal Singh died in 1974 one of his claimants was his son Darshan Singh. When Arran met the latter his form changed into that of the former!! Then, the fifty-two questions were asked, and they were answered correctly, and in great detail...In other words, Darshan was the "real" successor to Kirpal.....

Also, it should be added that the coded diaries describe glimpses of meetings, and conversations with great Teachers from the past...such as Christ, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Buddha, Zoroaster, Rumi, Guru Gobind Singh, et cetera...

..Here, is an answer to a following comment below...

Normally, I would not publish a comment in capital letters but in this case I will make an exception.

i) I agree that the 52 Questions needs to be treated with a large pinch of salt. However, I suspect that what is experienced in the "Beyond" is in full, or in part the projections of our Lower Self, or the Higher Self depending on our degree of evolution.

ii)Yes, Arran may have "deceived himself" (in small case) about Ajaib Singh as being the real successor of Kirpal Singh. As for Rajji, or Rajinder Singh I would rather keep an open mind as I do not know enough about him.

iii) Personally, I do not think whether a Guru is necessarily perfect, or not really matters. Ideally, he, or she should be. But what probably matters most is ones faith, and belief in him, or her. In effect, he, or she may manifest ItSelf in the form of ones Chosen Ideal that may inwardly appear during meditation. Ofcourse, this would not be true in all cases, and is probably dependent on ones own evolution. See Faqir Chand on all this.

A Certain Ethical Problem in Esotericism..

2010-09-24T04:13:00.001-07:00

This short "thought-piece" challenges the esoteric orthodoxy of many traditions. It centres on the concept, and likely reality of reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma, or "perfect justice". It is accepted without question especially in the Buddhist, and Hindu traditions.
Reincarnation is also the "only" real explanation for the so-called injustices of life itself. Yet, it is believed rightly, or wrongly that there is a fundamental "flaw" in it which undermines the need for the "continous necessity" of re-birth, and indeed, the law of karma itself. This can no longer be ignored, and needs to be openly discussed as never before. Here, we will just touch upon the key areas.....

1. Free Will, or Conditioned Free Will?

It is not our intention here to review the notion of free will in Western Philosophy. Most people though would agree that our thoughts, words,and actions are largely conditioned by our past. Pure unconditioned free will is largely, if not wholly "non-existent". As such the rewards, and punishments we receive in this life due to the present, or past actions of another former birth are in the main due to our mental conditioning.

2. Virtual Non-Awareness of Subconcious, and Unconcious Forces Moulding the Concious Mind.

The central ethical problem is this. Since we are largely unaware of what makes us decide the way we do then it becomes clear that "we" are not totally responsible for our actions. In various esoteric traditions it can be said that our (mechanical) mind is in control of the soul (both can be seen as independent "entities" which interact with one another). The injustice of this is that we are really unaware of this predicament, and how it so greatly influences us to do right, or wrong. How many times have we heard people say that "I did not mean to do it", or "I cannot help the way I am"?
Western, and eastern psychologies recognize this in their own ways. If we were fully aware of how, and why we do certain things, and were in true concious control then the law of karma would be rightly applicable. The opposite situation appears to be true, and makes a mockery of the resulting "justice". The question is why? There are esoteric answers but they do not seem to fully justify this situation as we shall shortly see.
Furthermore, with the possible future emergence of Multi-Dimensional Science we may well be able to find how much of our minds are conditioned from actions in this, and previous lifetimes. This could be undertaken via controlled experiments.

3. Four Basic Pro, and Con Arguments, and the Possible Interactions of the Higher Self.

Many psychic communications from the "lower planes" usually claim that "free will" exists. Man is seen as the concious architect of his destiny. However, when we come to great mystics such as the Sufi, and Christian ones (eg. Rumi, and Boehme) it would appear that "free will" is nothing but an illusion as perceived from the "higher planes" of Being. Everything is seen in this world, and the next as the outworkings of the Divine.
Anyway, let us see the key arguments for, and against what has so far been discussed.
1a) In order to achieve spiritual evolution (ie. learning via experience to try, and hopefully bring about higher virtues, and greater purification in ourselves from one life to another) people have no choice but to have a mind through which the soul has to somehow function. Reincarnation notably into the limited physical universe is the only way to do this.
2a) The above claim assumes wrongly that an almighty, and super intelligent God, or the Universal Power cannot come up with something far better, and much fairer to achieve spiritual unfoldment, and ultimately union with the Divine after seemingly endless incarnations. In other words, we do not have full justification for the present "universal" predicament.
1b) The amount of suffering via life after life is nothing compared with the infinite bliss, and final union with the Divine.Thus, whether the process is"unfair" in any way is largely immaterial.
2b) Again, this does not address the central ethical problem of human beings making, and paying off good, and bad actions which are largely the outcome of conditioned free will. This is naturally confounded by the seeming fact that we are unaware of the subconcious, and unconcious influences of our minds!
3a) It has been claimed that what we are discussing here is simply beyond the mind, and the reasons for it can only be understood intuitively.
3b) Many people would regard this "argument" as a cop out when perhaps we have not really thought, and/or researched hard enough. Yet, to be fair it would also be right to say that we cannot explain everything in esotericism by the mind as there are always worlds, and forms of knowledge which are totally ineffable.
4a) In certain hypnotic regressions into past lives, and especially what happens between lives it has been claimed that souls are usually given a plan for the next incarnation. Indeed, they may well agree to receive specific negative experiences (meant to be remedial rather than retributive) that may help them to "grow" more spiritually. These are usually the result of "their" past actions. More incredibly, certain "advanced" souls may "volunteer" to experience bad things for the ultimate aim of speeding up their progress towards total perfection (the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution via experience after "endless" rounds of rebirth. and probable union with the "Divine").
4b) From the general mystical perspective, lives on earth,and other planets are meant to be a means of learning via experience for the pressing need to develop greater, and greater spiritual qualities. This ofcourse can be an uneven path, and may result in a certain amount of spiritual "devolution".
An added dimension to this is the Higher Self which is our Pure Being working to a certain extent via the lower subtle bodies including the mind (ie. the mental body). It is the "God Within", and at the same time is part of the Infinite Power. It is who, or what we really are. Reincarnation is the way in which we re-discover our Selves. Since It can manifest ItSelf as our Chosen Ideal (eg. Christ, Krishna et al), and act as an inner guide before, or after death. It emanates from realms well beyond our limited understanding of time, and space.
In the light of what has been said the Higher Self may during the intermediate stage between births, and deaths may make the lower self, and lower mind accept certain future negative experiences to encourage spiritual growth. This whole process is laid bare in a state of superconciousness when one can see ones previous lives instantaneously, and objectively. It is then that we understand "everything". But is this really a full moral justification? Is it right that when one is incarnate that one is largely unaware of this arrangement if we had agreed to it conciously in the intermediate stage? Again, let us repeat ourselves is there not a better way of doing things? The answer we think is yea!
If what we have been discussing are part justifications rather than full ones it could perhaps even be argued that to a large degree reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma are "null,and void." In the physical world we could perhaps get legal recompense for such an "injustice!" In the spiritual one we have a different ball game. The person, or rather Being to be blamed ofcourse would be our own Higher Self which ofcourse to the limited vision, and understanding of our human mind is absurd! All the same, if our initial claim is indeed correct it should be possible to change things on the "other side" (or via controlled OOBEs, or meditation) with the help possibly of like-minded beings. It could be powerful bargaining counter for the lower mind, and self to achieve liberation from the wheel of births, and death (plus possible other matters) since the very ethical basis of this whole process of "evolution" is seriously in doubt.

4.Beyond the Mind, Beyond All Reason?

In a most bizarre fashion all that has been said for, and against this major ethical issue in esoterism is all correct. If we assume that the infinite psycho-spiritual universe consists of non-absolute truths then this would be possible, and "acceptable!" In other words, Esoteric Relativism.
On the other hand, the endless unseen realities would have absolute truths. Such Esoteric Universalism seems to be more "rational", and acceptable. Yet, it could be said that if the unseen (and indeed, the visible) universe is infinite then everything, and anything is, and can be possible. In effect, it goes beyond all reason which would be seen as the "ultimate(!)" limited illusion.
There are certain arguments which could be used in support for Esoteric Relativism,and they could include the following;-
i) Who created God? This is the classic question notably found in Western Philosophy. One answer is ofcourse is that He created Himself..... and we as the Higher Self are a part of It,and potentially It! This whole notion ofcourse defies reason...
ii) The universe in its "totality(!)" is probably infinite. This too defies reason because how can anything be limitless, and beyond our ability to imagine, and completely quantify in any "scientific" manner?
iii) In the many worlds interpretation of Quantum theory it is perfectly possible that parallel universes exist with an infinite number of alternate histories. Ofcourse, if correct this has some rather interesting implications for mysticism, and especially our claimed "unfairness" of the reincarnation process in connection with the mind, and conditoned free will.
No doubt we could present some more "evidence" that Esoteric Relativism could be the Absolute Reality so to speak. Whether it is, or not is largely unprovable by normal means, and will probably remain an Eternal Mystery. Yet, the claimed "unfairness" of reincarnation just mentioned would be fully, or partly justified in an infinite number of ways, and indeed, in an infinite number of worlds. This point was already expressed differently right at the start of this section of the present essay.
Indeed,there would probably be realities where reincarnation as a means of spiritual evolution would not exist. Again, such realities would inhabit countless numbers of different universes, and have their own kinds of "justifications." In the end the Truth cannot really be limited by finite reality but is boundless, and creative in any infinite number of ways both conceivable, and inconceivable to our limited mind, and vision.
What we have been reading here is very important. It can also be expanded by further debate, and research in the future. It is something which is well worth exploring.
A NOTE. Opinions expressed above are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the webhost, or anyone else on the Kheper website.

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Chico Xavier...........

2010-09-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

The following is a published internet post from myself to the Paranormal Review in connection with the remarkable medium, Chico Xavier....It maybe of interest...

"I learnt about Chico Xavier through a book by Guy Lyon Playfair (The Flying Cow, and renamed The Unknown Power if I recall correctly). He was a veritable wonder! I am very pleased to see that there is a film created about his life, and work. Hopefully, it will get wide publicity.I believe mysticism, psychic research, and science can be married together. My evolving project which was inspired in part by Playfairs book (read back in 1977!!) on Chico Xavier, and indeed, in Brazilian Spiritualism has lead me to develop a new paradigm which will be of great interest...

http://www.p2pfoundation.net/Multi-Dimensional_Science

I am shortly in the process of writing a book on the above subject with the projected title of Psychic, and Spiritual Science; Towards a New Paradigm.. "

R.S.......................

The following is a cut, and paste job which has the following title

Chico Xavier: medium and superstar

publication date: Apr 15, 2010

Despite being predominantly Roman Catholic, Brazil is currently celebrating the centenary and paranormal achievements of an incredible automatic writing medium - Francisco (Chico) Cândido Xavier - in a way that no other country has ever done before.POSTAGE STAMP: the Brazilian Post Office has issued a first class stamp which depicts Chico autographing one of his many books, which Spiritists believe were dictated by spirits. It is the second time the South American country has featured Chico on its stamps: the first was his 50th birthday.The new stamp went on sale on 2 April - the day on which he was born 100 years ago - and will continue to be used by the Brazilian postal services until December 2013. It recognises his dedication to others, humility and dignity.

MEDAL: the Brazil Mint has produced a commemorative medal marking Chico's centenary, which will be issued tomorrow - 16 April - to coincide with the opening of the 3rd Brazilian Spiritist Congress in Brasilia. The congress is part of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation's "Chico Xavier Centennial Project".

MOVIES: Chico Xavier: the Movie (see trailer at end of this post/see link at end of this article) debuted on 2 April - the day of his centenary. The film, which tells Chico's life story, had already caught the imagination of the Brazilian media a month before its release, with a cover story about the famous medium in Brazil's Time magazine.Later this year, Twentieth Century Fox will release (on 3 September) Nosso Lar (in English, Our Home: the Astral City). This is based on a novel received by Chico from André Luiz, a doctor, describing his experiences on waking up in the spirit world (see second trailer). In doing so, it tackles many of the issues that people ask about life, death and the next world - at least, from a Spiritist perspective.In addition to the above events, Chico's remarkable achievements, both as a medium and a humanitarian, are being celebrated with a host of other events, including more films, TV documentaries, books and exhibitions, throughout Brazil.

I met Chico briefly when he visited England in 1965. A friendly, simple man with a ready smile and an ill-fitting wig, it was difficult to comprehend just how much impact his mediumship was having on Spiritism and Brazilians in general. He and physician Dr Waldo Vieira, who acted as translator, came to the UK and went on to the US to build relationships with Spiritualist organisations in both countries.The purpose was also to create a foundation for Spiritism, which is based largely on the teachings of Allen Kardec and has a strong Christian theme as well as belief in reincarnation. His spiritual guide, Emmanuel, was said to have lived as Senator Publius Lentulus in Roman times before being reincarnated as Father Damian in Spain and then as a professor at the Sorbonne.

What made Chico special was his prolific output of books produced by automatic writing, which is known in South America as psychography. Over 400 books were written through his hand, including some in foreign languages in which he was not fluent, and he donated the copyright of all these works to be used by Spiritist charities to help the needy.Each day, poor people queued outside his home in Uberaba to receive free food and for the opportunity to speak a few words with him. He was regarded by many as a guru and celebrities were among regular visitors to his home seeking advice from him or the spirits who communicated through him.As for sceptics, Chico's response was simple. The sheer output - around 100,000 handwritten pages - in different styles and on a diversity of subjects made it impossible for him to be the author. He was merely a channel.I cannot help wondering what this simple, sincere soul will be making of the celebrations and superstar status that he now has.

I think he will be amused and also pleased that the message of survival of death contained in his work is reaching an even wider audience.Despite his advancing years, he continued to work until his death, on 30 June, 2002, the day on which Brazil won the World Cup. In doing so, he fulfilled an ambition, having said in a TV interview some years earlier that he hoped to die on a very happy day for his country, so that his death would not be remembered with sorrow.

The original link of the above can be found here plus two video links to the above movie.

http://paranormalreview.com/articles/20100415_2

Further Information.

The Paranormal Review is connected with Roy Stemman a journalist, and sceptical believer whom I (ie. the blogger) once talked to over the phone in about the early 1980s. I was wondering whether he had received a letter from me for possible publication in his excellent but short-lived Alpha Magazine dealing with the paranormal. The content of it was to do with a simple technique I had developed for so-called astral projection. It just involved a form of auto-suggestion in which the following was repeated, "I will project myself, I will project myself, I will project myself..."

RS.

The Kheper Version of Multi-Dimensional Science...

2010-09-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I might as well include here the Kheper version of Multi-Dimensional Science though there is a link to it on the p2pfoundation which is also on this blog.

Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS is an attempt to fully integrate science with mysticism, and religion. Naturally enough, it includes parapsychology, or psychical resarch which is the evolving science into claimed "supernatural" phenomena.

Before proceeding further, it must be made very clear that in NO way is MDS a religion, cult, or sect even though it may use terms associated with them. Admitedly, most of this new "science" consists of speculative metaphysical issues such as reincarnation, post mortem existence, pre-destination, other worlds, et al. Essentially, MDS hopes to largely indirectly prove, or alternatively disprove the the reality, or non-reality of such "revelations".

This article, or paper is a simple brief non-technical account of the above subject. Incidently, MDS is in the process of research, and development which may take several years to complete.
The basic thesis, and methodology of Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).

Central to mysticism, and religion is the concept of an unseen non-physical psychic, or spiritual universe. It is undetectable by our by five limited senses, and by other means. In religion, and indeed, in western philosophy it can only be accepted on grounds of faith, or belief. In mysticism though such non-physical realms can be "proven" via direct experience by the awakening sixth sense of mind, and conciousness during some form of meditation, or spiritual technology. This whole process involves "going within" oneself, and entering the inner realms, or planes of higher conciousness.

This normally invisible non-physical universe may well be a shared objective reality rather than the figment of the imagination. Those who claim to visit it via some form of meditation, or indeed, through deliberately induced out-of-body experiences (or OOBEs) should be able to independently come up with corroborative information concerning the major sights, and energies witnessed. This is the main underlying concept of MDS. Moreover, it puts emphasis on the need to collect data on the psycho-spiritual "energies" which are said to exist. Such claimed forces manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as colourful auras, pulsating lights, and sounds along with rays coming out of beings, and objects, et al.
To see whether such reports are indeed independently correlative, or not requires in MDS five special steps. They are explained in the following:-

Step One: A search for specific willing psychics, and mystics who have regular if not daily inner experiences of various "energies". They are termed as Multi-Dimensional Observers, or MDOs for short. A large number of them may well emanate from the psychic healing field.

Step Two: The aim here is to find out what kind of experiences they have via an initial questionaire. A more elaborate, and detailed one(s) may follow.

Step Three: When the data via the questionaires has been collected it may well be found that the "energies" described are independently corroborated beyond the mathematical laws of chance. If so such information should be converted on paper, and computer into images, or pictures of the Unseen.

Step Four: Such visible depictions of the "energies" should be interpreted into mathematical models for an on-going theory, or working hypothesis concerned with the nature, and purpose of the "Great Beyond".

Step Five: If MDOs continue to give largely reliable data concerning their inner experiences then they should be involved in various studies, and experiments. They may be able to help us see how psycho-spiritual "energies" can benefit humanity. In effect, MDS could be the greatest scientific breakthrough in the world because it offers for the first time methods that can prove (albeit indirectly) the non-physical psychic, and spiritual reality of life. This could have massive untold implications for medecine, psychology, physics, biology, parapsychology, et al. In academia the inner experiences discussed here are referred to as phenomenology.

Furthermore, for the individual it would mean that their existence would become more happier, and fulfilling as never before imaginable. The reason being that a new generation of meditational methods would come into existence based on scientific research rather than just on purely faith, and belief.

Knowledge concerning the psychology of human beings would include serious objective information concerning their "energies", and how they could be best used.

Moreover, there would be a far greater scientific understanding of claimed psychics powers, and their actual modus operandi will become clearer. Though mainstream science has given humanity many great technological benefits such as computers, television, aeroplanes, better medecine, and the like it will probably be nothing compared with the advances made by MDS. It may well be that in the far future people will become like "gods" self-reliant with "full" authentic knowledge concerning spiritual, and psychic development. Such evolution would ultimately supersede modern technology, and even Multi-Dimensional Science itself.

Apart from the above another suprising, and controversial aspect of our subject is that it may well be possible to quantify non-physical energies. This would be in keeping with true science. Let us take an example of what we mean. Suppose Mr. Z has an aura which is a certain measurement from the body. Tested, and reliable MDOs should by means of a simple physical "tool" be able to gauge its length. With their inner vision opened they should independently come up with the correct measurement. In a similiar manner other properties such as weight, and velocity concerned with psycho-spiritual energies should be quantifiable with the aid of physical detectors, or by non-physical methods not discussed here.

Of course, all that we have said may be utter nonesense. But, it is not, because its own inbuilt reasoning is simply alien to our normal ways of understanding. Moreover, counter-arguments could be created against MDS even if it produces correlative results via its questionaires of the MDOs. This could notably include that brain physiology being similiar from one person to another may be the real reason why mental "illusions" appear to be independently corroborative. In the philosophy of science such counter-arguments like this would appear to be in line with the concept of falsification posited by the philosopher Karl Popper.

The success, or failure of MDS largely rests on collecting sufficient corroborative data on the inner experiences of MDOs. As yet this needs to be done. Critics will undoubtedly claim that most of the ideas presented here are totally premature but the author, and indeed, originator of this unique system is confident that the necessary correlative information will emerge from the questionaires. This admitedly suggests bias, and an unscientific approach to the subject concerned. However, when the data has been brought together the evidence, or rather "proof" will speak for itself.

Multi-Dimensional Science is a New Paradigm.

At first sight MDS may appear similiar to other scientific, or "new age" ideas. This is incorrect. It is though made up of old methods brought together for the first time into one system. This is the key point to understand.

Firstly, the notion that MDOs, and other "senstive " people can be used by researchers to give hopefully correct information concerning "higher" energies is not completely new. Von Reichenbach for example used this method, and succeeded in getting corroborative data concerning the existence of the so-called Odic Force.Secondly, simple, and complex questionaires have been used by researchers, and organisations to explore Near-Death-Experiences (or NDEs), and Religious, or Mystical Experiences. Thirdly, converting images of the Unseen into visible pictures is again nothing new.

Charles Leadbeater, a leading light in the Theosophy movement notably had changes in the human aura recorded as "accurate" colourful depictions for all to see. Fourthly, using mathematics to try to describe something of the "other world" is by no means unique.

Developing Elaborate, and Detailed Questionaires.

There are a number of existing descriptions published of the "Great Unseen" which can help us frame questionaires. New unpublished reports about it from MDOs would also prove beneficial especially in connection with the "existence" of psycho-spiritual energies.

An important aspect of all this is that one needs to be aware that some of these inner experiences may to varying degrees be indescribable in the language of this world. Sometimes, symbols may be used, and these may still have a scientific value if they crop up again elsewhere. Infact, the questionaires themselves should give researchers some idea as to what extent, and in what way inner experiences, or visions if you will would be totally indescribable, or ineffable.
To get some notion of how elaborate, and detailed a questionaire could be the following should suffice. Readers can skip it, and go to the next section of the article/paper if they desire..

Auras: How large is it around the body usually? Does it have a specific colour? Do you see thoughts leaving, and entering it? What sounds does it usually make? Do you get specific "smells" from particular types of auras? Does it change shape around the body? Are there different layers in the aura? et cetera.

Inner Sounds: Do you hear sounds during waking conciousness from people, and objects which may be non-physical? Is there a specific one in meditation? If you hear more than just one inner sound then what is it like? Maybe they are instrumental, choral, or something else? Does the sound, or sounds enter the top of the head, through the ears, or wherever else? et cetera.

Inner Lights: Do you see disembodied lights now, and again in the physical, and non-physical worlds? How do they appear? Do they have colours which change? Do they "shape-shift" into particular objects that are easily describable? Do the inner lights create specific sounds? et cetera.........

The Chakras ( or energy centres of the psychic body). Do they create specific sounds? Do their coloured lights change? Are thoughts seen to enter, and leave them? Do they change shape sometimes? Do patterns appear in the centres? Can rays be seen entering them? et cetera...........

Some Important Theoretical Points About "The Hidden Reality".

No doubt many ordinary mainstream scientists will regard the following as being "pseudo-scientific".

However, this is unimportant as the following is only meant to be a brief non-technical account easily understood by anyone in connection with the "the higher worlds" of being.
It is believed that these realms exist at a vibratory rate beyond the speed of light itself. They consist of various levels, or Spiritual Regions in ascending order around our planet, and beyond. They can be simply illustrated diagrammatically by using horizontal (or circular lines)lines. The spaces in between them represent the Spiritual Regions. Each of these Realities can be sub-divided further by thinner lines which make up the intermediate planes, or spheres of existence. In other words, ("minor") worlds within Worlds (ie. the Spiritual Regions). Their number altogether is probably infinite. Traditionally, from an occult, or esoteric viewpoint they are seven Spiritual Regions, and seven intermediate planes. Yet, the number of these different levels tends to vary in mythology, and in mystical writings.

Each Spiritual Region is said to have distinguishing key sights along with inner Sounds, and (Coloured) Lights. As one ascends the "matter" of these worlds becomes increasing self-luminious, and more subtle in nature. At the same time, conciousness is progressively expanded.
To contact such realities via meditation, or OOBEs requires ones personal awareness to become like a mental radio. It tunes into the energy levels, or frequencies of the different intermediate planes. By doing so via concentrated effort one does not only see, and hear them but one can actually enter, and interact with them.

At this point, it is important to appreciate the fact that the simple, or complex visionary experiences cannot (as yet) be fully explained in purely materialistic terms in spite of the many decades of brain research. This is also true about certain powerful drugs, and electrical stimulations (ie. Neuro-Theology) which can cause such subjective experiences to manifest. But, it does not provide a scientific answer as to how the actual mental imagery itself is created. MDS takes the view that such visual thoughts may largely be a non-physical phenomena which is intimately related to the "wiring", or neuron nerve networks of the brain.

Esoteric tradition believes that human beings consist of multiple-parts referred to as subtle energy bodies. They exist simultaneously in different worlds. They belong respectively to the vital, emotional, mental, higher mental, and soul Regions.

The MDS questionaires may well reveals variations in what groups of MDOs may well describe in the Unseen Universe. This is because they may be able to tune into different intermediate planes, or spheres of being.

Deception (deliberate, or otherwise) and self-deception may cause problems, and experiments needed to determine such situations need to be carefully thought out. There may be beings, and powers that may bring about difficulties with future MDS studies.

The Question of Truth, and "Unknowingness"?

Many religions, and their (mystical) sects have a tendency to believe that theirs is the only pathway to "God", or the "Ultimate Reality". Whether this is true, or not is essentially a matter of personal belief. However, MDS may be able to throw some light on this subject, but admitedly it would probably be unable to fully prove it.

Here, it is suggested that the Radhasoami Faith could be the key to this great mystery. It believes that during what is called surat shabd yoga the soul can by means of inner Sound, and Light enter the highest Spiritual Region in which God can be realized. The Radiant Form of the inner living Perfect Master, or Satguru may well manifest itself. This acts as the essential guide to the Spiritual Regions. Like most eastern "groups" the Sikh sect of the Radhasoamis believes in reincarnation, and via shabd yoga one can be liberated from births, and deaths.

Anyway, it is claimed that it has as it were an accurate,and complete basic "road-map" to God in the highest Spiritual Region. It is interesting to point out that virtually all religions, and sects emanate from this "other world". Yet, the Radhasoamis claim that they all have their source of origin in the lower intermediate planes of the Spiritual Regions. In other words, their founders (eg. Buddha, and Mohammed) and indeed mystical practices (eg. raja yoga, kundalini yoga of the Indian tradition), and their practioners have mistaken these realms for being the final destination of their teachings. Incidently, such realms may have a residing "god" which would be easily mistaken for the highest of the highest. In other words, their spiritual knowledge is incomplete, and inaccurate.

Of course, the way to ascertain whether such claims are true, or false would be an elaborate comparative study via questionaire of the inner experiences had by them, and by those who follow surat shabd yoga.

Unfortunately, in keeping with esoteric tradition the world over such personal information is generally never disclosed.

Strictly speaking, the methods of some meditation, and resulting experiences are for the awakening intuition and not for the mind. They are thus meant to be experienced, and not discussed. As such they are largely kept "secret" from the masses, and are only intended for real seekers after Truth. Moreover, such knowledge in the wrong hands could be misused for personal rather than spiritual gain. In spite of all this alot already exists in the public domain.
As already mentioned the Radhasoamis not only believe in an inner Perfect Master but also in an outer one in the physical world. There are number of organisations which purport to have one. Such an Adept of shabd yoga is seen as being the visible material incarnation of the Supreme Power. However, Faqir Chand the "unknowing mystic" claimed that devotees came to him about their inner, and indeed, outer "miracles" with his spiritual form. Yet, though he was supposed to be omniscient he said he knew nothing about all these things. This same "unknowingness" appears in many present day "Perfect Masters". Some have argued that if they did display "knowingness" they would be openly using psychic powers to attract a following which is contrary to the teachings of the Radhasoami Faith. Thus, they pretend to be "human" when actually they are not.

Faqir Chand though came up with a simple theory. He believed that it was the devotees faith, and belief in him as the Master which prompted the inner, and outer experiences of his spiritual form. He, himself had nothing to do with it! He suggested, or so it would seem that it was the devotees Higher Self, or ones pure personal God within which actually acted as the Master on the inner, and outer worlds of reality. In other words, belief, and faith in the outer Teacher was essential for spiritual phenomena. This ofcourse also implied that even a criminal posing as a guru could have the exact same effect. This also may be the reason why a few Radhasoami Satgurus past, and present may have experienced "moral falls", and yet, in spite of this their outer form, and teachings could still be valid as it was the devotees Higher Self which ultimately was the real cause of spiritual evolution. Incidently, devotees claim that since the Master is "God" he, or indeed she can do anything as a test of faith. Who can question the Almighty?
This is a big subject which we cannot further expand upon here.

The Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.

If the questionaires yield valuable correlative material the next possible stage would be to set up a non-profit Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.

It would have the following basic aims:-

It would continue to search out willing MDOs for possible studies, and experiments.

It would try to build an ever-expanding directory of Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Judaic, Shinto, Sufi, and other mystical sects. This in itself would require detective work as most of them do not advertize themselves. This would involve i) contacing scholars, and writer ii) the internet iii) interfaith organisations iv) charity registers v) esoteric magazines vi) existing directories....and so on.

The need for on-going research, and development into a general theory, or working hypothesis of the Unseen Universe. This would involve ideas from Theosophy, the Alice Bailey Teachings, Spiritualism, Maharishis Vedic Science, and Technology, Pearsons Survival Physics, Bohms Implicate Order,and the like.

As well as this concepts from "mainstream" science would have to be included such as Quantum Mechanics, the Multi-verse, the Fourth Dimension, Tachyons, Anti-Matter Worlds, et al.
Finally, it must be remembered that the proposed Multi-Dimensional Science probably cannot give totally provable answers as to what the ultimate nature and purpose of Truth is really all about. It is quite possible that there are no absolute truths, and that the universe is itself infinite. Science can only go so far, and at the end of the day it is arguably our own personal experience that really matters.<./p>

Finally, MDS is a huge subject, and what has been presented cannot do it true justice. There are many many aspects to it.

An Important Notice.

Readers should understand, and appreciate another factor in the research, and development of MDS which was not fully high-lighted in the above body of the text. It is this. One of the big problems with "higher worlds" is that their lower intermediate planes, or spheres can be partly, or wholly made up of subjective projections externalised into objective realities. Such mental phenomena can be active, or static, or in between so to speak. Yet, the difference between genuine shared reality, and such self-created objects, and "beings" must be carefully determined with the Questionaire process already described.

It has been pointed out that MDS is similiar but not identical with Professor Tart's ideas referred to as State-Specific Science. However, the former arguably offers by far the most advanced, and complete set of methods for "scientifically" investigating "higher worlds," and so-called altered states of conciousness, or ASCs. This is the key point.

It is also interesting to claim that though genuine "objective" inner sights in shabd yoga, and other forms of meditation may not be necessarily experienced. In other words, it is possible to make spiritual progress, and "ascension" without even being aware of it during life....

Some References.

Ash, David, and Peter Hewitt, The Vortex; Key to Future Science. McMillans, 199O.
Bohm, David, Wholeness, and the Implicate Order, Routledge, and Kegan Paul, 198O
Capra, F. Tao of Physics, Shambhala, 2OOO edition.
Hardy, Alistair. The Spiritual Nature of Man. Oxford University Press, l979.
Karagulla, Shafica, Breakthrough to Creativity: Your Higher Sense Perception, De Vorss. n.d.
Leadbeater, C.W. Man, Visible, and Invisible, Quest Publishing. n.d.
McKinney, Neuro-Theology; Virtual Religion in the 21st Century. American Institute of Mindfulness 1994.
McTaggert, The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, Harper Collins 2001.
Muktananda, Play of Conciousness, Siddha Yoga Meditation Publications, 1994.
Moody, Raymond, Life Afte Life, Bantam, 1976 edition.
Puri, J R, The Radhaswami Teachings, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, l979, and also his two vol Mysticism: the Spiritual Path by the same publisher.

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Esoteric Secrecy.

2010-09-09T05:56:00.001-07:00

A cut, and paste copy of my esoteric secrecy article from the kheper website

Most mystical, or esoteric societies generally have something in common the world over. Their meditational practices, and the resulting inner experiences are regarded in the main as being confidential. Such esoteric "secrecy" has been around for centuries, and centuries. At initiation intellectual knowledge of the meditational practices are given. It may take place in a ritual setting where it is transmitted by speech. On the other hand, instructions may be sent via the post, or even by email! Anyway, there are a number of important reasons for esoteric secrecy which we shall discuss here:-

I. Direct Mystical Experience is not the same as Intellectual Knowledge.

Direct mystical experience is totally different to intellectual knowledge. This is the key reason why meditational practices are kept "secret". With mysticism we are dealing with higher realities that are very difficult to describe accurately in the language of this world. As such symbolism may have to be used. Some of this may for example appear in the Buddhist text of the famous Surangama Sutra, or the classic Tibetan Book of the Dead. What we are trying to say here is that mystics do not want to confuse esoteric experience with intellectual knowledge. The former is strictly speaking for the awakening intuition, and not the mind.
Moreover, from a traditional esoteric viewpoint inner visionary "ascents" in meditation are seen as proof enough that "greater realities" exist. Indeed, it has been argued why it is we should continually theorise about such things as reincarnation, pre-destination, subtle bodies, higher, and lower beings, et al when their existence can be proven "beyond doubt" by "going within"? This kind of mentality though is not totally suitable for the Western mind.
Anyway, it is possible to get some idea intellectually about "secret" meditational practices from privately (or publicly) circulated literature of a mystical society. Usually, there is someone with experience to whom one can turn to. For example, the author did so, and discovered that the Sufi Azeemia Foundation had practices similiar to surat shabd yoga in which the soul is transported by inner Light, and Sound via meditation.
It is also important to point out that some mystical societies have little, or "no" secret knowledge. For example, the Subud Brotherhood involves simply a transmission of purifying spiritual energy, and allowing it to take over the mind, and body. Its actions though can be stopped at will. On the other hand, kriya yoga has a whole progressive series of initiations in which "secret" techniques are divulged to the disciple for his, or her spiritual advantage.
Some esoteric societies have tried to get their new disciples to sign a legally binding document in which they cannot publicly divulge the inner "secrets" of their tradition. Reiki, or the so-called Radiance Technique has tried to do just that but much detailed information has already been published about it over the years.

II. Misuse of "Higher" Knowledge.

Another reason for esoteric "secrecy" is that such "sacred" information could be used notably for the development of psychic powers. Most mystical societies believe in the need to achieve "God-Realization", or alternatively the "Ultimate Reality" as understood by Buddhists. As such psychic powers if gained to any extent via meditation can prove to be a distraction on the path, and may lead one in the wrong direction. Intellectual knowledge as to how they can come about can also be corrupted, and cause all sorts of problems.

III. Ego Inflation.

Talking about initiation secrets, or ones inner experiences can seriously inflate the ego which is contrary to spiritual evolution. As stated earlier meditational instructions are intended for personal use, and not for anything else. Yet, some esoteric societies are not that strict. Their disciples may be allowed to disclose their inner experiences but only if there is a genuine need for it.

IV. Respect.

To keep the meditational knowledge as secret as is possible shows respect for ones chosen path. This is simple esoteric etiquette.
For example, Radha Soami Satsang Beas which teaches surat shabd yoga issues at initiation a piece of paper on which certain basic knowledge is contained. Ideally, this should be burnt after it has been read, and intellectually absorbed. This shows respect as there is now no chance of it falling into the wrong hands!
Significantly, masters can, and have been known to show respect for their own tradition. Here, we give again another example of this from surat shabd yoga. Rai Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj in one of the volumes of Prem Patra briefly discusses the Spiritual Regions. He uses the symbol of a flame in which he gives the names, and correct sequence of these Realms. At the same time, he describes them as having specific "lights", or luminous coloured "skies". Yet, he makes no mention of the key sights, or of the particular order of the Sounds for each successive Spiritual Region. In other words, he shows respect to his tradition because he does not give the full "secret".

V. Esoteric Knowledge "Useless" without a Master.

Esoteric knowledge is generally taught by a master who has hopefully experienced most, if not all the possible pitfalls of his, or her path. Thus, spiritually fit to help other people he, or she is largely indespensable. Hence, intellectual data concerning meditational practices by itself is largely "useless" without such a one, and secrecy is necessary in so far as some other person may attempt to go it alone which could be "disasterous. "
Fortunately, or unfortunately, alot of information already exists on all this in the public domain. Often bits, and pieces of it are scattered about in a mystical societies "authorized" public, and private literature. With careful research it can be slowly, or quickly put together like an intellectual jigsaw puzzle. Thus, esoteric "secrecy" is to some extent a nonesense.

VI. Esoteric Knowledge is for the Few.

Trying for whatever reasons to spread meditational instructions to all, and sundry is wrong, and rediculous. Many people would think such knowledge was madness, or rubbish. Thus, the need to keep it largely to oneself.

Some Light on Instant "Spiritual" Experiences.

There are some mystical societies which claim that they can give instant "spiritual" experiences. Though such phenomena can be very encouraging for the disciple it does not mean that he, or she is any more special than anyone else in terms of spiritual growth. This is the key point to grasp. Depending on where one goes anyone can infact have an instant "spiritual" experience.
I, the author for example once attended a Sahaja Yoga meeting in which the now controversial guru Mataji Nirmala Devi was presiding. She claims that the kundalini can be activated by following her instructions, and that it is not experienced as heat, but rather as coldness, and/or wind. In one of her meditational "exercises" I suddenly became aware of a "vortex", or whirlpool of "wind" from the top of my head. Other people claimed to have had the same thing, and it is interesting to point out that psychic depictions of this energy exist.
At the time of the first initiation certain kriya yoga Teachers can make one aware of the kundalini going up, and down the spine. This instant spiritual experience can only continue if one is prepared to regularly undertake certain meditation practices which ofcourse are meant to be "secret". . for the disciple only.
However, some spiritual teachers believe that such inner phenomena are really just tricks. This may well be true in some cases but surely not all.
Sometimes due to past karmas, or actions (if we believe in reincarnation) one may across a specific mystical path, and may have an instant spiritual experience at the time of initiation, or even long before (eg. having a vision of seeing ones Master before physically meeting him or her).
Back in 1990 when I had finished interviewing Dr. Sharma (a "Satguru" of Shabd Yoga, and a successor of Faqir Chand) I became aware of being surrounded by highly subtle invisible energies of higher conciousness. The whole process of being possessed by them was so natural, and so spontaneous.
Postscript: I was once initiated "by mistake" into a Sufi sect headed by Sheikh Nazeem from Cyprus. At the Mosque I was suddenly surrounded by the "brothers" in their special robes, and hats. I was trapped I could not run away, and even if I did I felt it would be very rude of me. So, I just played along. Unfortunately, no instant spiritual experiences were involved!

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The Multi-Dimensional Science Paradigm........

2010-09-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

A cut and paste copy of my evolving project of
Multi-Dimensional Science.

RS.

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The subject matter of this p2pfoundation entry deals with a new paradigm known as Multi-Dimensional Science, and is concerned with claimed psychic, and spiritual phenomena.
Any reader here who has, or is able to experience a range of "energies" notably seeing auras, subtle bodies, inner mystical Sounds, and Lights, et cetera would be welcomed if they contact me personally in confidence. I am seeking attempted descriptions of such "phenomena".
I am also on the lookout for anyone who may be willing to divulge contacts in connection with little known esoteric societies in sufism, hinduism, judaism, paganism, or any other relevant grouping including alternative healing traditions. Cooperation in all this would be gratefully acknowledged.
My contact details are dharao4@yahoo.co.uk, or more rarely I use the following email address of robertsearle@live.co.uk
Thanking you,
Robert Searle.

Some bio-data http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/08/introduction-to-blogger-robert-searle.html

Basic Introduction to Multi-Dimensional Science
Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS represents a revolutionary approach towards a more objective understanding of claimed psychic, and spiritual phenomena.The ideas notably appeared on the kheper website run by Alan Kazlev, an authority on all things "esoteric". The link is as follows.

[1]

The "Science" word in MDS is ofcourse used in an entirely provisional sense.The subject can thus be also known as the Multi-Dimensional Hypothesis,or MDH. This is arguably a more accurate term. At present, it is purely at the "pseudo-scientific" stage of evolution.
The words "Multi-Dimensional" have been criticized but in this context it clearly implies claimed psychic, and spiritual dimensions, or worlds variously called spheres, planes of existence, higher realms, et al. They could be seen as being akin to a certain extent with "scientific" concepts of anti-matter worlds,parallel universes, and ofcourse the fourth (or the fifth, sixth, or more) dimension(s).

Important to Understand, and Appreciate.

Most of all that follows is highly speculative, and theoretical. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable due the nature of the subject in hand. Understandably, many mainstream scientists would regard MDS as nonsense, and too New Agey to have any credence. A few may be able to take it more seriously. Many of the things said here may come across a little dogmatic but this is not intentional. But, it is not always easy to describe "concepts" such as these in neutral terms.
Anyhow, let us try if possible to proceed with an open-mind.

The Aim of the Multi-Dimensional Paradigm.

The basic aim of Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS is to prove albeit indirectly the existence of so-called non-physical psychic/spiritual energies, and the claimed realities in which they are said to exist. If possible, and if it can be done within the context of a new version of the scientific method it would probably have untold benefits for physics,biology,psychology,psychiatry, parapsychology,et al. This in itself is a huge subject...infinite like the universe, and with infinite implications for humanity.
Most of what follows is essentially theoretical as already indicated, and would require in the goodness of time to be "proved" as far as possible via research, and experimentation.

The Basic Methodology of MDS.

There are five methodological steps in the process of "objectifying" the claimed "subjective" encounters of the unseen psycho-spiritual universe. Since what we are discussing are claimed to be non-physical energies it should be obvious that we cannot use normal "scientific" protocol as they are physically undetectable in the main unless they temporarily "materialize" within the electro-magnetic spectrum of the physical universe.

Anyway, the methods of research, and ultimately experiment are as follows.
i) Finding MDOs, or Multi-Dimensional Observers would be necessary, and a special directory could be created. These are specific psychics, and mystics who claim to have inner experiences of a range of non-physical phenomena notably the manifestations of claimed ethereal sounds,and lights. They may among other things be able to view the so-called subtle body, auras,discarnate entities, symbolic imagery, et cetera. Such data would in Western Philosophy be regarded as a form of phenomenology a concept notably offered by Edmund Husserl. Ofcourse,it should be added that people could be trained to become "reliable" MDOs via some form of meditation/out-of-the body "technology," or "technologies".
ii) A simple questionaire would probably be used first to ask MDOs what they experience. A detailed one would follow. The aim of this is to see how many obscure pieces of data are independently corroborated beyond the laws of mathematical chance. In other words, we have as it were "objective" non-physical phenomena which may not be the product of subjective imagination of the MDO.
iii) Such attempted descriptions of "higher worlds", and their "higher energies" are translated from words into images. This could ofcourse appear on a computer.
iv) Mathematical models,and theories could then be created.
v) On the basis of step iv experiments could be undertaken to see how reliable, and objective the initial data really is. If all things go to plan we would have an approach in which we could understand on a more scientific basis the actual workings of psycho-spiritual energies in both man, and the universe. This would be a huge step forward, and would have profound implications for the arts, and most notable of all the sciences themselves.

Multi-Dimensional Science represents the Complete System.

The idea of trying to marry science with esoteric mysticism, and religion is in itself nothing new. But what is so unique with MDS is that we have for the first time the Complete System to achieve it.
The idea of using mathematics to describe "higher worlds" is again nothing new (eg. Jewish Mysticism). The notion of trying to turn unseen realities, and energies into pictures is likewise (eg. Charles Leadbeater, and his famous images of the subtle bodies, and their auras). Similiarly, questionaires have been used to find out what people encounter during out-of-body experiences, or OOBEs, and so-called religious (or rather mystical) experiences have been undertaken by a number of individuals, and organizations (eg. the Sir Alistair Hardys Religious Experience Research Centre).Also,the use of psychics to try, and discover "secret knowledge"(eg. Besant, and Leadbeater in their clairvoyant reseaches into chemistry)and so-called "occult powers" is nothing new (eg. Reichenbach, and the Odic Force).
What MDS ofcourse tries to do is to bring together these four key approaches mentioned above into one complete system. Professor Tarts State-Specific Science,or S-SS comes close to it, but does not go far enough, and is hence,incomplete.
Describing the "Indescribable"?
Many psychics, and mystics have at times found it difficult to put into words their inner experiences of "higher worlds". Quite often they may resort to using symbolism of one form, or another. To what extent, and in what way this would be is is revealed by the questionaires. This could cause some degree of complication from a scientific perspective.
Much relies on the literal, and/or symbolic descriptive powers of the MDOs concerned though inevitably there will be "things" which can never be described at all. These would be indicated via the questionaires (which can incidently become more elaborate after the initial questions)ofcourse, and ultimately via the mathematical models.

Interfacing with the Physical,and Non-Physical .

If MDOs can collectively produce reliable data about the energies in, or around physical objects, and people it would be possible to measure them scientifically using physical instruments. For example, a microscope could be used to examine in detail certain materials, and tested (ie "reliable") MDOs should in theory be able to come up with the same data concerning their non-physical psychic structure, and eneriges.
In another example, person A may be able to produce claimed psychic rays from his, or her body. This could be accurately measured using some kind of physical instrument(s) with the help of what MDOs see, and may hear psychically in non-physical dimensions (ie.clairaudience).
A similiar process to the above could be had in which physical objects, and people do not exist. In other words, research, and experimentation in the "other world".Thus, wholly non-physical "measurements" and other "quantifiable" findings could be recorded.
Another problem which would probably be met with is this. Groups of MDOs may describe the same things differently irrespective of whether they are physical, or not. This suggests that they may see things at different levels of conciousness in different planes/sub-planes. Hence, the variations, or ofcourse, in certain cases they may be purely illusionary self-projections.
What we are also indicating here is that the science of the future will become increasingly more humanized, and less objective in the normal scientific sense. By "humanized" we are implying ofcourse that tested MDOs, or "special" people would become more, and more a part of the experimental process gradually unlocking the secrets of the physical, and non-physical universe. Again, it should be re-iterated that MDS offers for the first time the Complete System to achieve this.
A Note. It should perhaps be added that there is belief largely founded, or unfounded that these subtle psychic energies may also exist as a) the finest forms of energy existing to a certain extent in the physical universe either temporarily, or permanently, and b) that they could be detectable to some degree with certain kinds of physical instruments. This in itself is a big subject, and one is reminded here of the work of the physicist William Tiller, and the independent researcher Harry Oldfield, and the controversial claims of Kirlian Photography which for some have been interpreted as being a form of "bio-energy," et cetera.
However, it should be noted that MDS tends in the main to go beyond this "limited" approach because it believes that it may be dealing with higher non-physical energies (ie undetectable altogether by normal means), and hence, this knowledge would arguably have greater psychic, and spiritual benefits than dealing with low level energies that may be detectable, or become detectable, or "materialized" in the material world.

Basic Theoretical Concepts of Higher Worlds, and Higher Energies.

Many mystical, and psychic writings claim that there are a series of higher worlds, and hence, higher energies in the non-physical Universe. Such psychic/spiritual cosmologies have often been illustrated as a set of seven or more lines either in concentric, or linear forms. They are on occassions sub-divided into smaller worlds, or sub-planes (of a plane). On occasion they are shown concentrically around our planet earth, and extent ultimately into infinity.
There are a number of hermetic/alchemical texts which notably illustrate higher planes of existence as being concentric. Certain Buddhist depictions of the "after-life" realms indicate a linear, or concentric set of worlds, or planes.
In the Alice Bailey Teachings there is a scheme of spiritual cosmology in which there is in each plane a division of seven sub-planes.The reality of the situation is probably that there are an infinite number of planes, and sub-planes, and their number tends to vary from one esoteric, and/or mythological source to another.
It is said that as one ascends from one higher reality to another it becomes increasingly brighter, and there is growing expansion of super-conciousness, or mystical experience. Moreover, the energies of each succeeding plane, and indeed, each sub-plane become increasingly subtle. The content of such visionary ascents can as one progresses "upwards" become more difficult, or impossible at times to describe in the language of this world.
In relation to our physical world of the five limited senses, such realms could arguably exist as energies having a vibratory rate faster than the speed of light. Thus, ofcourse, they would transcend time, and space as we would understand it. Moreover, it is also believed that they may exist, and interact in other ways conceivable, and inconceivable in relation to our visible world.

The "Highest Truth", and "Objectivity"?

One advanced understanding of these other planes,or dimensions of Being are to be found in Sant Mat as propounded notably by the Radhasoami Faith. It claims among other things that most religions, and mystical sects reach only the lower worlds mistaking them to be the highest where true "God-Realization" or "salvation" occurs from reincarnation. Through meditation known as Surat Shabd Yoga the aspirant can "die while living" and gain contact to the higher worlds via the propulsion power of inner Light, and inner Sound. At the same time, the Radiant Form of the living Master acts as the inner Guide.
The point of all this is that the spiritual cosmology as revealed in Sant Mat (notably in the writings of Prof Puri published by Radha Soami Satsang Beas) give not only the claimed major Sounds, and Lights of each of the higher worlds, or planes but also their key "symbolic" sights. Thus, we have in effect an actual "road-map" to "salvation",or "God-Realization".
However, as with most forms of mysticism whether they be of Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, or whatever origin knowledge concerning the inner experiences of ones meditation are kept private as they are not of this world, and cannot at times be accurately described.In other words, they are for the awakening intuition, and not for the limited mind...
In spite of this from the MDS perspective they would still have some scientific value if the practioner is willing to disclose his, or her inner experiences for comparative analysis via questionaires. It is known however that the initial experiences of Shabd Yoga compared with "lesser" systems are independently corroborative, and hence, indicate their "objective" character.
To complicate matters further, there are those mystics from both East, and West who would perhaps argue that there are no set sequences of Lights, and Sounds, or in indeed, key sights on the way "up" to the "highest" plane. These may even be regarded as being largely, or wholly the projections of the mind! Whether this is true, or false is essentially an open question which will probably never be solved by natural means, or ofcourse by MDS itself. It is likely that the "other world" exists in an infinite number of ways conceivable, and/or largely inconceivable.
More importantly, mysticism both East, and West would probably argue that direct personal experience proves that higher worlds exist(irrespective of whether they have a set "road-map" to "God", or not) via some form of meditation and is thus far more important than the kind of possible studies, and experiments of MDS. This is probably true but peoples minds are becoming increasingly complicated, and they are not so easily satisfied by such a "simplistic" approach. Thus, MDS has it own role to play in the scheme of things. But it can never really substitute direct inner experience.

Subtle Bodies, or Vehicles of Conciousness

A key feature in occult, or esoteric lore is the concept of subtle bodies (which also appears in the Radhasoami Faith). Here we need to imagine the possibility of the human being consisting of a set of subtle bodies simultaneously existing in a number of planes of existence but "working" all together to a certain extent as if they were one.
It should also be said here that these forms have special centres, or what in the East are referred to as chakras which can be translated as "wheels" which are to a degree replicated in the higher bodies. These involve the transmissions of psychological energies in the literal sense existing in the subconcious, and unconcious parts of the human psyche. They manifest as inner subtle lights, and sounds, and have direct connections to various planes, and sub-planes.
Anyway, to return to the subtle bodies per se. The first of them traditionally is the etheric (or "health") body existing in the etheric world. Then there is the so-called astral, or emotional body inhabiting the plane of emotions. Next the mental body which inhabits the mental plane. Then, the the higher mental body which ofcourse exists in the higher mental plane. Finally, there is the Soul "Body" which is who, or what we really are but is largely controlled by the lower emotional, and mental body.

Meditation, and the Chandian Effect.

Meditation of one sort, or another, and pure living is the means by which people can let the Light of the Soul shine through them more, and more, and gain greater mastery over the lower subtle bodies, or "forces" of the human being. The Soul is said to be a part of God, or the Absolute Reality, and is sometimes referred to as our God-Self or Higher Self which can manifest Itself independently of the lower self, and can act as a Spiritual Guide, or manifest It-Self as the Ishta Dev (or Chosen Ideal such as Buddha, Christ, or some Guru etc) in the inner journey during meditation, or after death. This sometimes referred to Atma-Lila, or the Play of Self.
A respected mystic of Shabd Yoga called Faqir Chand claimed that though he was meant to be the physical "omniscient" manifestation of God he was unaware of his disciples experiences concerning their contact notably of his Radiant Form during meditation, or in some "outer," and/or inner miraculous happening.In Sant Mat this would have arguably implied that he was an "imperfect" master but he found that others like himself were also seemingly unaware of their disciples inner experiences. He came to conclusion that it was the FAITH, AND BELIEF of the followers enabled them to have the inner, and outer phenomena connected with him.
Essentially,Chand claimed that the inner Radiant Form was actually the manifestation of the disciples Higher Self taking on the appearance of their Master (ie. Chand as the Ishta Dev, or Chosen Ideal). The implications of this are remakable because it also implies that a "criminal" teacher, or guru could also do the same thing. Yet, the disciple would still benefit spiritually......
All this seems to indicate that powerful "subjective" dynamics are involved which are to varying degree projected (from a lower, or higher part of ones self, or selves, or indeed, ones Higher Self in the case of the so-called Chandian Effect described)into an "objective" psycho-spiritual universe. This is notably true in spiritualist literature in which the "dead" conciously, or unconciously create their surrounding world to some extent with their "thought-energy." This factor has always to be taken into account into the "objective" investigations into psychic, and spiritual phenomomena using MDOs.

The Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.

MDS is not just concerned about mysticism but also parapsychology, or psychical research as it used to be commonly called. It may be that with the aid of MDOs we would be able to understand, and even improve the development of a whole range of alleged psychic powers such as telepathy, psychokinesis, astral travel, precognition, clairvoyance, et al. Such "pseudo-scientific" subjects are slowly becoming to be taken more seriously through the long march of human intellectual, and scientific evolution.
However, most forms of mysticism per se sees these so-called powers, or siddhis (to use the Sanskrit term) as largely being unimportant, and possibly an obstacle from the direct path of "God-Realization", or "salvation".
Anyway, what is needed in the future is an Association for Multi-Dimensional Science,or AMS as explained in the kheper essay (edited version) on the subject..
"...It (ie AMS)would have the following basic aims:-
It would continue to search out willing MDOs for possible studies, and experiments (mainly drawn probably from the psychic healing groups).
It would try to build an ever-expanding directory of Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Judaic, Shinto, Sufi, and other mystical sects. This in itself would require detective work as most of them do not advertize themselves. This would involve i) contacting scholars, and writers ii) the internet iii) interfaith organisations iv) charity registers v) esoteric magazines vi) existing directories....and so on.
The need for on-going research, and development into a general theory, or working hypothesis of the Unseen Universe would be necessary. This would involve ideas from Theosophy, the Alice Bailey Teachings, Spiritualism, Maharishis Vedic Science, and Technology, Pearsons Survival Physics, Bohms Implicate Order,and the like.
As well as this concepts from "mainstream" science would have to be included such as Quantum Mechanics (often used by some scientists, and others as adding credence to the possibility of psychic powers), the Multi-verse, the Fourth Dimension, Tachyons, et al.
Finally, it must be remembered that the proposed Multi-Dimensional Science probably cannot give totally "provable" answers as to what the ultimate nature and purpose of Truth is really all about. It is quite possible that there are no absolute truths, and that the universe is itself infinite. Science can only go so far, and at the end of the day it is arguably our own personal experience that really matters.
Finally, MDS is a huge subject, and what has been presented cannot do it true justice. There are many many aspects to it...."
Feeback is always welcome.
Further editing may be needed, and new data may be added.

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Meeting with Swami Paramanand Ji Maharaj.....

2010-09-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

In Chalvey, Slough (UK) the local Hindu Temple, in Keel Drive hosted a Satsang with Swami Paramanand Ji Maharaj, a highly respected guru. I saw him there, and he gave a talk in his native tongue. However, I was able to descern sanskrit words such as Shabd, Paramatma, Maha Kal,...plus, the famous Om Shanti!! Indeed, just before a bhajan, or devotional singing I gave my take of the OM Sound which is ofcourse is meant to be the Sound of God.

Swamiji himself radiated a subtle form of energy but not of a quality, or intensity of that which I had notably experienced with Harjit Singh, and the Southall Radhasoami Sangat. He was thin, and dressed in the traditional reddish orange robes of a sannyasin. He sat crossed legged on a low dias of the HinduTemple. He was very humble, and self- effacing. Some devotees placed some money before him.

After the Satsang, and devotional singing I managed to talk somewhat briefly with Swamiji. I discovered he taught a number of Yoga Systems. Apparently, Nada Yoga was one of his specialities, and like many gurus regarded Shabd Yoga as being the same thing which is incorrect.

The lady with him turned out to be an American called Valerie. She claimed that he came from the Shankaracharya line of gurus, and she been in his company for quite a long period of time, and seemed to regard him as the genuine article. Indeed, I later discoverd by chance her testimonial on him on the internet.

http://www.globalserve.net/~sarlo/Fparam.htm

By chance, before coming to the above meeting I had seen Swamiji on the television....apparently on the Sikh channel. This happened on a visit to one of the Asian run shops in Chalvey, and I looked a little over the counter, and saw a TV programme in which he was talking!!

http://akhandparamdham.com/

Religare, Gurinder, and Beas Satsang, Part Two.

2010-09-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

The Bloggers comments on the previous two articles by Brian Hines................

Sometime after my initiation into the Radhasoami Satsang Beas, or RSSB someone claiming to be an English teacher who worked in Spain came out with a claim. He revealed that Gurinder (shortly before Charan passed on) had done some kind of business "mistake," but Beas Satsang sent a message claiming that he was a Perfect Master. Hence, he could do no wrong. The English teacher then asked me what sort of power we were dealing with? This was somewhat disturbing at the time as I did have some doubts about Gurinder which unfortunately are now bourne out by the revelations at Brian Hines Blog.

Another red flag was raised when I was with some friends at a home Satsang in which there was mention about the construction for a run-way of sorts at Haynes Park so that Gurinder could land his aircraft! However, this came to nothing....probably due to the bureaucratic local planning authorities!! Admitedly, I did not think much of this...and everyone seemed to regard it as amusing. But is a "run-way" a best way of using money....probably money which originated from the Satsang itself...?

The question which I am concerned here is this. Does it all matter? In one sense, it does as revealed in Brian Hines two articles. But it must be remembered that the physical Master like many incarnations in India is seen as the physical manifestation of God. What I present here are three ways of looking at this subject with an open mind. Admitedly, I am a bit of a Radhasoami apologist because I feel there is more than meets the eye ....

KEY CLAIM I.

Whether Gurinder is perfect, or not probably does not matter as the following extract reveals, and is believed to have been said by Sawan Singh..

“....If the Guru himself has not reached Satlok, but his Guru is perfect or, like Swami Ji Maharaj, has come straight from Anami(the Nameles Region, the highest of all), he will take his disciples up to the stage he has attained himself, and beyond that his Guru, or his Gurus Guru, or Swami Ji Maharaj Himself will take them. There should be no worry about this.”

Ref With the Three Masters, by Munshi Ram page 68, 2001 edition.

But the question is this? Why should an "imperfect" Master exist? The answer maybe that the Mauj (or Divine Will) of God wants to "wind up" RSSB for reasons best known to Itself. Indeed, the whole organization has become absurdly big, and "bloated". It does need to radically reduce its size. Ideally, Gurinder should step down from his position of Master, and possibly have set up a number of "Satgurus" who would be elected by advanced Satsangis. Such spiritual elections have already notably happened in Dayalbagh. However, this is unlikely to happen unless there is a serious power struggle at the top....

Furthermore, many people have complained that nothing is experienced in meditation after many years of practice. What is required is a database on which to draw upon made up of anonymous Satsangis who could give attempted descriptions of their experiences. This could act as an encouragement.

KEY CLAIM II.

In RSSB the the physical Satguru is meant to be omnisicient....but there is plenty of evidence on the contrary though a disciple would simply regard this as as test of faith, and/or come out with some kind of rationalization......

........Just after Maharaj Charan Singh former head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas died in 1990 a book appeared on him, and his discourses entitled Treasure Beyond Measure. In it he discussed his own experiences about the utter suprise that he was appointed Sant Satguru in 1951 by the previous deceased incumbent Maharaj Jagat Singh Ji. He regarded the whole matter as a cruel trick of fate. To a Satsangi, or devotee this shows his utter humility! He was pretending that he was not a real Master!!However, what perhaps was Maharaj Charan Singh really saying without giving the game away? He was arguably indicating to those "in the know" that he was telling the truth pure, and simple as far as he could understand it at the time.

To understand what follows it is best to examine a mystic called Faqir Chand. He, like Maharaj Charan Singh was regarded as a much respected teacher of shabd yoga. But Chand claimed that though he was regarded as the physical manifestation of God he was not omniscient. He did not know anything about the miracles that his devotees expressed to him in which his Radiant Form would appear in the outer, or inner worlds of matter, or spirit. He found this same unawareness with other masters of the shabd yoga tradition, and this is borne out by evidence. He concluded that it was the BELIEF AND FAITH of the devotees which generated the phenomena of inner visions, and miracles due to their devotional love for him. However, this did not imply necessarily that they were merely hallucinations but in many perhaps most cases that it was their Higher Self (ie ones Personal God) which appeared in a Radiant Form that looked like him! Thus, Maharaj Charan Singh may be indicating the "truth" indirectly of the above phenomenon.
It should be added that for the Chandian Effect to be genuine in the guru world one, or more of a line of Masters should be bona fide in the spiritual sense.

Gurinder Singh though has on one, or more occassion indicated in his Satsang that he (using the "I" in context to his discourse) is aware of his devotees wherever they are! If correct, he has tried to suggest indirectly that he is omniscient which runs counter to the claims of Faqir Chand.

Yet, in a letter to a devotee I used to know he claimed that she could continue with her Bhajan (attempts at trying to listen to the Sound Current in this context) but admitted that she did not even do it! This she found puzzling! There may well be some other similiar evidence...This would be no surprise.

A rather odd thing occured in connection with myself. This is not a meditation experience per se but happened quite naturally, and spontaneously as I was walking. An image of Gurinder Singh appeared in the area of my Third Eye in a "circle" shape. He was dressed with his turban, and a white suit....the one which I wore at initiation back in 1993! The image changed but with the same suit. Perhaps this "mind trick" was suggesting in a crude manner that the Master was myself which is rediculous! However, my present Lower Self entangled in mind, and matter is ofcourse NOT the same as my pure Higher Self which is what Chand was really on about. But it was an odd "mind trick".

However, I do believe rightly, or wrongly that "God-Realised" Masters exist who are to a high degree "omniscient". Yet, most are probably not. Moreover, I suspect that if Gurinder,(or should I say Babaji?) and those like him are indeed as such it may well be that this process of unfoldment (ie.a degree of "omniscience") may be "gardually" developed either before, or after their mastership. This is a big subject, and appears to have something to do with the mechanics of higher conciousness.

KEY CLAIM III.

Depending on ones sensitivity when I have attended Satsang at Southall there is an intense concentration of the subtle energies of higher conciousness. This awareness I believe has been increased after my experiences with Sant Harjit Singh. What is significant is that this "sea" of higher energies does NOT come from the Satsangis alone. In other words, it may well have a divine source, or sources. I recall feeling this Power descending from the ceiling of the Satsang Hall in most a gentle, and spontaneous manner. Sometimes ofcourse one can see a white glow in some of the Satsangis themselves which is extremely subtle.

When I leave the Southall Satsang this higher energy of conciousness can be experienced in the wonderful park nearby. I also recall Sant Harjit Singhs energy not only in his house but also outside...and beyond ofcourse. This is a matter of personal experience, and I cannot prove it unfortunately...

Ofcourse, critics would say that the above is experienced in places like football matches, and pop music festivals...when the atmosphere becomes electric!! However, what I experience (along with many others) is something far more than this. It is A POWER unlike anything of this world...

In other words, RSSB is still a living faith par excellence....................

Religare, Gurinder, and Beas Satsang, Part One.

2010-09-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

The following two articles comes from Brian Hinnes blogspot of the Church of the Churchless.

( http://hinessight.blogs.com/church_of_the_churchless/2010/04/the-big-money-surrounding-radha-soami-satsang-beas.html )

I have contributed quite alot to the above blog, and it maybe of some interest to readers. However, I have given my key responses in a more digestible form in Religare, Gurinder, and Beas Satsang Part Two......

.....Religare's money connections with the Radha Soami guru.

Religious institutions often have an intimate relationship with money. The hugely rich Catholic Church comes to mind, naturally. There's nothing inherently wrong with this.
People simply should be aware when spirituality gets tangled up with financial dealings, and make up their own minds about what, if anything, it means to them.
In that spirit, someone forwarded me an email message regarding Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) that reportedly has been circulating among members of this India-based organization.
RSSB, as a branch of the Sant Mat ("Path of Saints") religious philosophy, is led by a guru who is considered by the faithful to be God in human form. Or at least, as divinely realized as any human being can be.
The current RSSB guru is Gurinder Singh Dhillon. The email says that he has two sons, Gurpreet Singh Dhillon (age 26) and Gurkirat Singh Dhillon (age 20). I wasn't able to confirm this by any online information, but I checked with the sender of the email and it seems like the information is correct.
(Note: in this blog post I'm sticking to Internet-accessible facts as much as possible. In another post on this subject, I'll be more subjective and share how I feel about those facts, perhaps along with some thoughts from others about the financial dealings related below.)
Gurpreet and Gurkirat are substantial shareholders in a company called Religare. Religare and Fortis, another large Indian company, are part of a family conglomerate headed by Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh.
[Update: a commenter on this post wrote, "Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh of Ranbaxy are the grandsons of Charan Singh, which makes the current Guru their uncle." This casts a somewhat different light on the facts below, but doesn't affect a central point: spiritual and financial affairs have become intimately intertwined in RSSB.]
As this story says:
Malvinder Singh, who will earn some Rs.100 billion ($2.4 billion) from selling his family’s stake in the pharmaceutical firm to Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo, is now planning to make huge investments in Religare and Fortis, the family’s financial service and healthcare companies. “Healthcare and financial services are two areas where we have existing businesses, where we will make investments,” Ranbaxy CEO and managing director Malvinder Singh said Sunday.
For some perspective, the average per capita income in India is about $1,000 (U.S.), while in the United States it is about $39,000. So millions and billions that seem like a lot of money here are considerably farther out of the ordinary for most Indians.
Malvinder Singh, an initiate of RSSB, is deeply involved in the Radha Soami Satsang Beas organization, as is the rest of his family.
This helps explain why the RSSB guru's sons, Gurpreet and Gurkirat, each ended up with about 10% of the shares in Religare according to a 2007 prospectus. On page 25 it says that Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh were allotted 49,575,000 equity shares in Religare at 10 rupees (about 23 cents) a share.
Malvinder then transferred 6,250,000 shares to Gurpreet Singh, and Shivinder transferred 6,250,000 shares to Gurkirat Singh under guardianship of Ms. Shabnam Dhillon -- almost certainly because Gurkirat is only twenty years old.
The cost also was 10 rupees a share. So the guru's sons each got 6,250,000 shares of Religare for $1,437,500 or thereabouts through an insider deal. The share price on April 6, 2010 was 395.80. Thus, converting into dollars, 6,250,000 shares of Religare currently are worth $55,716,271 (today's exchange rate shows 1 rupee = .022523 US$).
This explains how Gurpreet and Gurkirat appear on a 2009 "Billionaire Club" list of wealthy Indians. They're ranked near the bottom at 364 and 365.
(A billion rupees is only $22,523,000, so it's a lot easier to be a billionaire in India. Interestingly, though, the rupee is worth about 1/44 of a dollar, and the per capita income in India is about 1/39 of the United States per capita income. So seemingly Gurpreet and Gurkirat's net worth makes them the Indian equivalent of an American billionaire.)
The guru's sons seemingly acquired even more Religare shares recently, according to this insider trading report. It appears that each son got 6,183,000 additional shares (for a total of about 12,400,000 shares).
And the RSSB guru himself -- Gurinder Singh Dhillon -- got 26,333, leaving him with a total of 65,833 (or about $587,000 worth). So the question is... so what? Well, as I said above, that's a subject for a follow-up post. What I've shared here simply are publicly available facts, accessible to anyone with a web browser via some Google'ing.
As this Indian blogger notes, "Gods and Godmen have always had their role to play in the world of business."
For instance, the patriarch of the Radha Soami sect headquartered at Beas (he is also called the Beas Sant or the saint of Beas) is reported to have played his role in the succession drama at Ranbaxy after the death of then CEO and promoter Parvinder Singh in 1999.The use of gurus isn’t an oddity in the global business environment. After all they fall in the same category as mentors, executive coaches, and consultants.
Hmmmm. I can't agree with that last statement.
But maybe I have an old-fashioned view of what the role of a spiritual guru is supposed to be. I'll have more to say on this subject in my next post.

April 09, 2010.

RSSB's ties to Religare mix money and spirituality

As shown in my previous post, there's an intimate relationship between Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB), a religious/mystical organization headquartered in India, and Religare -- a large global financial services group.
The current RSSB guru is Gurinder Singh Dhillon. His sons, though only 26 and 20 years old, are among the 400 richest Indians owing to millions of Religare shares having been transferred to them at a very low cost via insider trading deals.
And the guru himself has acquired about half a million dollars worth of Religare shares in a similar fashion. (For details on all this, read "Religare's money connections with the Radha Soami guru.")
When I first received an email from somebody who was knowledgeable about the RSSB - Religare relationship, my first reaction was there's nothing wrong with making money.
I still feel that way.
However, the more I learned about the ties that bind RSSB and Religare, the more I was bothered by how the "vibe" of the spiritual organization I was an active member of for over thirty-five years has changed.
The guru who initiated me back in 1971 was Charan Singh. My recollection is that his family owned quite a bit of farm land in the Punjab, and this is how he and various relatives supported themselves.
Back then it appeared to us Western disciples that business dealings and spiritual pursuits were kept entirely separate in the Radha Soami Satsang Beas organization. If there were ties between members of the group becoming rich, and becoming godly, this wasn't obvious. The emphasis was on "selfless service," not self-aggrandizement.
Times have changed. I've been told that almost all members of the board of directors of Religare are Radha Soami Satsang Beas initiates, or "satsangis."
Also, that the RSSB guru literally runs the company -- he makes all the important decisions and spends a considerable amount of time driving the business. The children of high-ranking satsangis, along with family members and friends of the guru, work for Religare.
All Religare establishments reportedly are strictly vegetarian, in accord with one of the rules for RSSB initiates. No employee, whether a member of RSSB or not, is permitted to bring any sort of non-vegetarian food inside the gates of the buildings. So no pepperoni pizza delivery for a guy or gal working late on company business.
Charitable activities of RSSB reportedly have been cut back considerably, with the guru being quoted as saying, "We are a spiritual organization, not a charitable one." This strikes some initiates as hypocritical, given how busily the guru and those close to him are acquiring wealth through RSSB connections.
Apparently now the only organized RSSB charitable activity for the poor is the Beas hospital that was built many years ago, when Charan Singh was the guru. The annual "eye camps" that provided free medical care for cataracts and other problems have been discontinued. (Another guru's "dera" offers them, though.)
Sunil Godhwani, Religare's Chairman and Managing Director, is a Radha Soami Satsang Beas follower and the guru's closest aide. Malvinder and Shivinder Mohan Singh, the brothers (nephews of the guru) who founded Religare and transferred millions of shares in the company to the guru's sons also are RSSB initiates.
I have some personal experience with insider transactions, since my father was a co-founder of a company -- Systems and Computer Technology Corporation -- back in the 1980's or thereabouts. (My mother divorced my father when I was very young and I never had any contact with him until I was in my thirties, so I'm sort of vague on details.)
Feeling guilty over how he had ignored one of his sons, my father transferred several thousand shares in the company to me. As a founder, he'd gotten them dirt cheap. And over the years, as I followed the company's fortunes, I saw how frequently shares were traded back and forth in insider deals.
In general, this is completely legal. Also, common.
However, there's something strange about the sons of a guru, who is considered by disciples to be "God in human form" and master of their spiritual destiny, becoming some of the richest people in India after being gifted millions of shares in Religare without ever having worked for the company.
(Gurpreet, the oldest son, is a director of Religare's British affiliate; I've been told that Gurkirat, the youngest son who is still in college, has no connection with the company.)
My wife worked as a psychotherapist in private practice for quite a few years. Through her I learned about the issue of "dual relationships."
Dual relationships exist whenever a therapist interacts with a client in any capacity beyond the one role as therapist, for example, also being their client’s teacher, consultant, business partner, or sexual partner. If you perform a role other than therapist for your client, it may introduce desires and goals that are yours rather than the client’s and can risk the possibility that you will place your needs above theirs. Maintaining unselfish judgment is critical to your role as an effective, professional therapist.
If this is true of someone who merely functions as a guide to living a more satisfying worldly life, it sure seems that a guru who is viewed by his clients/initiates as being the master of their spiritual life (including an afterlife) needs to be even more careful about mixing up money with a therapeutic relationship.
Here's another view of dual relationships:
Dual relationships between psychotherapists and their clients/patients are in the most general sense considered inappropriate or unethical. In nearly all situations a dual relationship involves a risk that treatment may become biased or influenced by a non-treatment relationship between the professional and consumer.
During the more than three decades I was involved with Radha Soami Satsang Beas, I frequently observed first-hand the astounding devotion initiates, which naturally included me, had toward the guru.
I've seen destitute Indians happily placing a rupee (23 cents) or two into a "seva" (donation) container. I've seen initiates working tirelessly without pay for hours, days, and weeks in a spirit of service to the guru. I've seen disciples jump at the chance to do the most dirty or difficult volunteer work if this would further a project ordered by the guru.
It's well known that when people are in different positions of power (such as boss/employee or teacher/student), different interpersonal dynamics come into play. The lower-ranking person really isn't "free" in the usual sense of the word.
This is why psychotherapists are so concerned about the dangers of dual relationships. Power imbalances can easily result in people being taken advantage of, even when they appear -- and may even feel themselves -- to be acting voluntarily.
What I've learned about the dealings between Radha Soami Satsang Beas and Religare doesn't feel right to me.
It definitely goes against the grain of what I used to enjoy about being a member of RSSB: the focus on meditation, mysticism, charitable giving, and service to a spiritual community where everybody did their share, and nobody (seemingly) tried to get more than their share.
That said, maybe I'm old-fashioned.
Maybe I don't understand how modern-day gurus and their relatives can engage in insider trading deals with disciples while still remaining true to their philosophical principles. Maybe I'm missing the benefit to RSSB of having an inner circle derive large financial benefits that aren't available to other initiates.
All I know is that philosophically and ethically, there are reasons for concern here. This morning I dug out a couple of RSSB books that I've got stored away in our garage.
I wanted to remind myself what was said in "Honest Living," one of the core Radha Soami Satsang Beas publications, about materialism.
Since it is a natural tendency of all human beings to strive for happiness and to improve their situation in life, the success of our spiritual journey depends on what we put first, our spiritual or material goals.
...The danger lies in making material goals our priority. We are then equating riches with happiness and we immediately become vulnerable to compromising those very principles established to safeguard us.
Now, everybody has to support themselves in some way. The RSSB teachings certainly don't discourage initiates from trying to make money.
However, it strikes me as discordant when the RSSB guru, his family, and high-ranking members of the RSSB organization are so deeply involved in the business of Religare. Should a religious group whose aim is release of the soul from the bonds of worldly attachment be so heavily focused on materialistic corporate goals?
It's also important to keep in mind that relationships between people in a guru's family can be quite different from the usual sorts of familial ties.
I can understand why at first glance my arguments above about "dual relationships" would be discounted -- given that the founders of Religare who gifted shares of the company to the guru's sons (and Gurinder Singh himself) are related to the guru. What's wrong with family members giving gifts to each other, and going into business with each other?
Usually, nothing.
But being related to a guru who is considered to be God in human form is a much different deal than being related to an everyday Homo sapiens. This really often is a dual relationship in the classic sense, because the guru functions both as an infallible spiritual guide and a relative: father, grandfather, uncle, son, or whatever.
In Legacy of Love, a RSSB biography of Charan Singh, Gurinder Singh's predecessor (and uncle), this special relationship of a guru with devoted family members is described:
Sardar Harbans Singh, Marharaj Ji's [Charan Singh's] father, was the third son of Great Master. More than anything else, he was remembered for his absolute obedience to Great Master. When he was told by him to send his boys -- Maharaj Ji and Shoti -- to Dera for their education, he never questioned Great Master's wish.
He handed them over so fully into Great Master's trust that for many years the boys had no idea he was their father and thought of him as an uncle. His complete faith first in Great Master, and later, in his son, needs to be seen in the context of the practical difficulties those very close to a Master face in accepting his divine power and role.
For someone to accept a close relation or friend as the Master, he or she has to be able to relinquish all self-interest in the relationship. Since, as Maharaj Ji so often pointed out, most of these relationships are based on some level of self-interest, it is a rare person who can make such a sacrifice. It is a gift of grace, Maharaj Ji would say, to recognize a saint.
Fascinating.
First Sardar Harbans Singh gave all his obedience to his father, who also was his spiritual guru. Then, when Charan Singh became the guru, Sardar Singh transferred his "complete faith" to his own son.
This is difficult to understand for those, like me, who aren't steeped in Indian culture. I, along with my psychotherapist wife, can't believe that any human being is capable of rising above any form of self-interest -- and is worthy of unconditional obedience and trust.
Yet this is how a "perfect guru" is viewed by ardent disciples, including members of his own family. As the saying goes, if the guru says jump, the only question for them is how high?
This offers a different perspective on financial dealings among and between initiates of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. When the guru is involved in these dealings, they take on a deeply spiritual perspective since Gurinder Singh is considered to be (1) infallible and (2) utterly unself-interested.
Well, as I often say, maybe. But that's highly unlikely.
So when profound religious faith in a guru is intertwined with business transactions that involve him, there's a strong possibility of spirituality becoming strangely mixed up with material concerns and desires.
April 11, 2010

Encountering Radhasoami Satsang Beas............

2010-09-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Originally, I was interested in Eckankar, and "by chance" I came across a movement called Radha Soami Satsang Beas in 1980. A friend of mine happened upon a booklet he found on his parents table. It was called the Inner Voice by Colonel Sanders which gave a basic introduction to Sant Mat. It was fascinating....and I was determined to find out more. I noticed that the owner of the booklet had left his address inside so I went to him to enquire more. His name was Jit Johal, and I spent a few occassions visiting him. He informed me that I should really go to Satsang in London which I duly did. It was there that I met a number of interesting people including some notables such as Nigel North (a famed lutenist who even did some work for David Munrow), and Judith Durham of the Seekers who I use to tower over, and called me Sir on a number of occassion rather than my first,or last name. Another well-known follower, or Satsangi was Martin Shaw, the actor.

Anyway, I was also suprised to find how much had been printed on Sant Mat, and I studied this stuff avidly. Every Sunday I started to regularly attend Satsangs, and I felt at times imbued with a highly subtle version of bliss....I also acted as a sevadar too. This took the shape of myself being a "doorman" at the Satsang Hall (now demolished but used to be fairlyclose to Paddington station).

Near the end of 1980 I wrote a long letter to Maharaj Charan Singh Ji who was the Present Living Master of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. His reply was remarkably comprehensive considering his busy time schedule. He notably complimented me on being a genuine Truth Seeker who was not just interested in intellectual "gymnastics" (as he put in one, or more times in his printed letters in certain Satsang books). This was true even though I came across as something of an "intellectual" to some people.

However, I was suffering from an obssession. Apart from being a determined Seeker After Truth I had a morbid complex about a possible early physical demise before getting initiated into surat shabd yoga by Maharaj Charan Singh Ji. At times, this obssession was driving me mad. I wrote to him about my concern.and he claimed that I should leave everything in Gods hands. Moreover, he made the claim that "....the Master (ie. himself) was only responsible for particular souls assigned to him by God."

All this lead to a bizarre twist of events. For many years I was due to parental pressure not being able to go fully vegatarian, and hence, become an initiate, or Satsangi. Yet, nothing remains the same forever. For a time I lost contact with the London Satsang, and in 1990 I was free to "do my own thing". In effect, I had just left my parents home as they had moved onto Oxford. I rang up a Satsangi friend, and she informed me that Maharaj Charan Singh had just passed on...! I was amazed. Charan was right. I was not meant to be initiated by him! It was to be his successor Baba Gurinder Singh .

PS. There is one thing I would like to add. When I was visting Jit Johal I saw a large photo of Maharaj Charan Singh laughing. Anyway, whilst I was doing some outdoor work at a golf club I was feeling very devotional, and had the sensation of doing everything for the Master as if he were physically present. This seva, or service can raise the conciousness to a high level which it did in my case. The upshot of this was an unexpected "telepathic" flash of the photographic image of Maharaji which shot by me. I rang Mrs."Chip" Wood who was the extremely knowledgeable, and experienced British representative of the Radh Soami Satsang Beas, and appeared to confirm the genuineness of what happened to me. She described it as dhristi, or a "glance" of Grace from the Master.

...............................................................................................

..............In 1990 Gurinder Singh was made head of Radha Soami Satsang. I first saw him in the flesh at the huge Satsangs in Birmingham when he was visiting England. This took place in the National Exhibtion Centre, or NEC. Security was high there too with police, and plain clothed detectives keeping an eye on things as the Sikh terrorism was still very much a problem.Gurinder, or more respectfully Babaji gave a number of discourses plus questions, and answers with his booming voice. In the latter sessions l asked him when he was going to start initiation, and whether he would initiate me. Instead of hearing what he actually said I heard something else (ie a bizarre trick of the mind.) He said that he would initiate me but ofcourse he did not actually say that....... The reason for all this was that I was going through a strange phase in life that I had become so obssessed with wanting to get initiation that it was starting to drive me "insane". I was also unnaturally concerned about the possibility of an early death (as mentioned earlier). This would ofcourse mean that I would not get initiated!!

Quite often at Satsang in London, or at the charming local home groups someone I knew , or not know would say that "I was going to die!" The imitation voice was just like that of the speaker...virtually indistinguishable. I should point out that I have never taken drugs, or psychiatric medecine. I believe what happened above was a "by-product" of a certain experience with Eckankar possibly during a "healing" session (see Realization of the Psychic). Ofcourse, esoterically the meaning of "you are going to die" implies not physical death but spiritual rebirth in the material body. Apparently, in withcraft the mental phenomenon of voice imitating someone else, and tricking someone into believing what he, or she is saying is for "real(!)" is not entirely unknown!

Anyway, in 1993 I, along with a batch of people went to recieve Nam under the new Master Babaji ( though physically not present) at Haynes Park near Bedford. This was the UK headquarters of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Mrs. "Chip" Wood presided over the initiation, and later everyone was put into circular groups, and taught how to repeat, and pronounce the Five Holy Names.On another occassion, I actually saw Babaji at Haynes Park itself. Some people including myself possibly saw his face changing to that of his previous Master Baba Charan Singh.

I recall once being in the London Satsang, and Babaji suddenly appeared out of the blue, and gave a discourse. This has happened since apparently. He likes now, and again to give unofficial appearances presumably to inspire truth seekers, and satsangis.I felt very devotional during my "honey moon" period before initiation. But I was disappointed after initiation as the power, and aspiration suddenly "disappeared." I felt betrayed, and disheartened. I have come to the conclusion that a real Master must be able to give an initiate before, and AFTER initiation (be it shabd yoga, or whatever) "something to work on". In other words, an awareness at least of some kind of Power working for ones good. It is then that the inititiate increases its Grace via spiritual practice. Without some kind of inner support meditation can be incredibly difficult. It is vital to have some internal "drive", and "inspiration" to continue practice as we are such weak souls.............Many people have complained about this. Some Beas Satsangis have understandably gone to one of the Sant Kirpal Singh groups which claim that one can have "something to work on" in the spiritual sense. This is VITAL!!

As I was starting to move away from Radha Soami Satsang a bizarre number of synchronicities occured with chance meetings with "devotees". The first of these though was in Newbury which I had never been to before. A lady called Iris I recognized from the London Satsang was spotted, and I went upto her, and she comfirmed that she was the very same person. She was suprised to see me. As indicated there were other similiar "chance" meetings which are hard to explain rationally. Yet, it does indicate that somehow we are all interconnected in this Cosmic Drama of Life.....

The most recent one occured in Windsor in 2007. I was sitting next to an elderly Asian tourist who was looking at his young granddaughter . Some of his relatives were around visiting Windsor, and its famous castle. For some reason or other we talked, and the topic of reincarnation, and gurus cropped up. I said I had an interest in both subjects especially the latter. He asked me whether I had a Master. I said I had been initiated into Radha Soami Satsang Beas. He was astonished as he claimed that he was initiate too! He said that I was very lucky to have been initiated by Gurinder Singh as not everyone is!!Apparently, he claimed to be a retired chief of border control in (his name may have been Dhawan but I do not have the exact details with me at the time of writing) India, and knew Mr. Mann who was the "top man" in the organization of Radha Soami Satsang!! Anyway, he gave me his name, and number including that of the latter, and said if I ever I wanted to stay at his home I would be welcome to do so! Will wonders ever cease? Who knows? But synchronicity has played an important part in my life, and not just those instances connected with Radha Soami Satsang Beas.

Another PS!

Just one other "event" in 2005 could be mentioned here. I recall once sitting on a bench in Langley near Slough. An Asian suddenly appeared from behind me, and said, "Your Master is sitting next to you!" I replied I could see no one in the non-physical sense. I did though just about recognize the Asian from a very long time ago. He was an initiate of the Radha Soami Satsang!

Some Futher Details on Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga.

2010-08-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

The following is to do with the background of the RS Faith which teaches Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga, and is a long essay from the kheper website. However, the version that appears on site run by AK usually turns up the old original version which later went through some revision. So, to find the most accurate, and up-to-date version it is necessary to use search words that include the following Harjit Singh, Non-Absolutist Sant Mat, Kheper....Anyway, I give the cut, and paste essay which can be discussed here if desired...However, I have added some more changes which appear exclusively on this blog ...!

RS.

SOME FURTHER DETAIL ON SANT MAT, AND SURAT SHABD YOGA.

The Kheper website presents the teachings of Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga.The source of this information comes from Rajinder Singhs Science of Spirituality. His group is known as the Sawan-Kirpal Mission, and one of many branches in the Radhasoami Faith. Apparently, the word "Radhasoami" is a "phonetic misspell" of Radhaswami which is the correct way of pronouncing it. Essentially, it can be translated as meaning the Lord of the Soul, or God. It has many adherents all over the world.The aim of this write-up is to highlight certain vital points lacking in the main body of the Sant Mat article even though resource links of interest have been added.

A.THE SOAMIBAGH SATSANG. A BRIEF HISTORICAL "OVERVIEW" OF THE RADHASOAMI FAITH.

The Radhasoami Faith was founded in 1861 by Shiv Dayal Singh who was a banker at Agra. He was as his Will indicates "born almighty" in the sense that he had no guru who initiated him into the science of Surat Shabd Yoga. His teachings are contained in Sar Bachan meaning True Words, and it is believed that they were dictated by him to his chief disciple Rai Saligram or Huzur Maharaj who succeeded him.Strange as it may seem it was him, and not Dayal Singh who introduced the name Radhaswami. Huzur Maharaj claimed that this word was like the Sound reverberating in the highest Spiritual Region. Thus, it was to be treated as something extremely sacred. Moreover,it was an innovation in the medieval sant tradition which advocated Shabd Yoga. Huzur Maharaj claimed that the old Indian saints or Satgurus who taught contact with the Sound Current only reached the fifth Spiritual Region. He disclosed that there was an even higher one where God in its purest manifestation existed. Indeed, the Holy Name of Radhaswami was used as a means of concentration during simran (repetition) in meditation.

Huzur Maharaj was highly respected, and was a post-master general who was honoured by the British. He is credited with what might be termed the systemization of the Faith, and wrote a number of classic books. After his death Brahma Sankar Misra, or Maharaj Saheb became the next Satguru. He notably wrote a book in which he tried to compare the teachings of Radhasoami with the physics of the day. Maharaj Saheb claim to fame is the introduction of the Central Administrative Council which seeked to try to avoid splits within the Faith. Unfortunately, due to its "strict" rulings it had the opposite effect. The last "official" Satguru of this "parent rock" of the Radhasoami Faith was Babuji Maharaj. After his passing a period of interregnum occured in which no "official" successor was recognised. This line of Masters made up the Soamibagh Satsang, Agra.

B. RADHASOAMI SATSANG BEAS, OR RSSB.

Radhasoami Satsang Beas, or more simply RSSB was the first group to break away from the Central Administrative Council. It was headed by Baba Jaimal Singh who had been initiated by Shiv Dayal Singh. He was a "soldier saint", and during his retirement became recognised as a Satguru. He did not ultimately accept the Holy Name Radhaswami, and instead used the Five Holy Names of the earlier medieval sants claiming that this was Dayal Singhs original mantra for repetition, or simran which appears to be true.

Anyway, it was a good enough excuse for a split to occur between Soamibagh, and his group later known ofcourse as RSSB. The Central Administrative Council decided to "excommunicate" him, and he died shortly afterwards in 1903. It was claimed that his disciples, or Satsangis only reached the fifth Spiritual Region known to previous medieval saints, and not the higher one above known as Radhasoami Dham, or the Abode of the Lord with the Name resounding in it. RSSB believes that the ultimate Sound, or Shabd of the Universe is actually inexpressible, and cannot be put into the language of the world in any way.

This rift in the interpretation of the RS Faith has caused much heartache.In the Beas edition of Sar Bachan reference to Radhaswami as understood by Soamibagh has been edited out. Moreover, something else is also introduced into the text. It concerns successorship. The Beas Sar Bachan claims that when the Satguru dies those initiated by him must continually have faith in him. In other words, his Radiant Form must manifest within during Shabd Yoga, and not that of his living successor. The latter though can act as the outer guide to help Satsangis. The Soamibagh edition of Sar Bachan (as dictated to Huzur Maharaj) makes it clear that the present living Satguru must manifest itself as the inner Guide instead of the deceased predescessor!! RSSB claims to this day that their edition of Sar Bachan is the "unedited" version as originally intended by Shiv Dayal Singh. Huzur Maharaj simply edited it to present the importance of the Name, and ofcourse, the question of successorship. But, Dayal Singhs Will seem to clearly state that there are two Shabd Yoga Path one started by himself (ie.Sant Mat), and the other by Huzur Maharaj (ie. Radhaswami Mat). Both of them basically teach the same thing.

Anyway, RSSB is arguably the most influential organisation of the Radhasoami Faith. It was the first to introduce the teachings to the West notably through a book entitled The Path of the Masters by Dr. Julian Johnson in 1939. The present head of RSSB is Gurinder Singh.

C.SOME OTHER RADHASOAMI ORGANISATIONS.

There are many "splits", or rather branches of the Radhasoami Faith each having its own living Satguru.Dayalbagh Satsang is perhaps the most famous one for those in the know. It broke away from the Central Administrative Council, and like RSSB set up its own Colony in which a high degree of industrialization took place. Unlike RSSB it appears that certain successors to the guru gaddi (or throne) have been chosen by spiritual election rather than by written Will. Sadly, Dayalbagh has for many years contested in the Courts the property rights of Soamibagh Satsang whose authority it does not recognize. It also believes in the Holy Name of Radhasoami which it also uses in Shabd Yoga.When the Great Master Maharaj Sawan Singh Ji of RSSB died in 1948 he wrote a Will in which he ordered that Jagat Singh should succeed him. However, Sant Kirpal Singh who was highly regarded formed his own break-away-group. This was the Ruhani Satsang. However, when he died his son Darshan Singh formed another organisation called the Sawan-Kirpal Mission now headed by Rajinder Singh.

An interesting aspect of the above is it believes that the new seeker into Shabd Yoga can receive some kind of inner experience of some description at the time of initiation. Yet, RSSB has claimed that this is just a "trick". However, a real Teacher should be able to give a disciple "something to work on" irrespective of how unadvanced he, or she might be. This acts as a vital inspiration to continue on the Path.

What is intriguing about all this, and to some extent suspicious is the tendency for a line of gurus to be physically related to one each other. For example, Rajinder Singh was the eldest son of Darshan Singh. When Shiv Dayal Singh died he actually nominated his wife Radha Ji to become the Satguru but she insisted that Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj should replace her as the living guide. Infact, there is a sect in which a certain highly respected academic, Agam Prasad Mathur is directly related to Saligram himself. He is the author notably of The Radhasoami Faith; A Historical Study (1974).

Incidently, another more important source for Radhaswami history are the writings of S.D. Maheshwari of Soamibagh Satsang who wrote much on the subject.Lastly, Professor Mark Juergensmeyer wrote Radhasoami Reality; The Logic of a Modern Faith which gives some understanding of this subject. He was notably helped by the research undertaken by David Christopher Lane who is a Professor of Philosophy, and Sociology in the USA. He is still interested in the subject, and set up the Neural Surfer website. He is also among other things famed for his investigative research on Eckankar which drew its inspiration from Sant Mat, and surat shabd yoga.There are a number of organizations which have partly, or largely changed the teachings altogether. Yet, they still trace their origins to the Radhasoami Faith. One such is headed by Shree, Shree Mentu Maharaj which uses the Holy Name for meditation but without the Sound initiation known to Surat Shabd Yoga.

D. THE ESOTERIC IMPORTANCE OF THE RADHASOAMI SPIRITUAL COSMOLOGY.

Though the Kheper article on the subject concerned gives some details about the spiritual cosmology of the Radhasoami Faith it is not complete. For that we have to turn to the writings of L.R. Puri an academic who notably wrote Mysticism, the Spiritual Path Vol II, and The Radhaswami Teachings all published by RSSB. Shiv Dayals basic details concerning the "road-map" to God appear in Sar Bachan. They present a more fuller "depiction" of the Spiritual Regions than can be found in the writings of the medieval sants.In Discourses on Sant Mat there is a collection of Sawan Singhs talks at Satsangs, or meetings. He gives a few interesting examples in which he shows symbolism of the medieval sants as being corroborative, and thus, possibly suggestive of their "objective" reality.

Counter-arguments though can be presented.Interestingly, many Indian teachers of any spiritual tradition tend to regard inner experiences of higher worlds as being essentially unimportant, or even partly, or wholly illusionary, and as such should be ignored. In Sant Mat this is also true to a certain degree, and emphasis is placed on ones full attention on the Radiant Form of the Satguru during Shabd Yoga. The aim here is to avoid the Satsangi from being sidetracked into lower planes, and beings who would hold up his, or her progress to the "highest" Region of God-Realization. Dr. Alfonso Caycedo, a Spanish psychiatrist wrote back in the sixties a fascinating work on gurus, and inner experiences entitled India of Yogis. Dr. Ranade a renowned mystic, and academic authored the Pathway to God volumes in which examines in detail the writings of the medieval shabd mystics, and to some extent their internal experiences. There is further enlargement of all this in the last section of this "essay".

The point of all this comment on Radhasoami Spiritual Cosmology is to make people aware that it has arguably the simplest, and most authentic, and complete understanding of the higher Regions ....unlike most esoteric traditions. Hence, its greatness, and importance for the seeker after Truth.

E. SURAT SHABD YOGA IS NOT THE SAME AS KUNDALINI YOGA.

Sadly, there is a certain amount of misinformation and misrepresentation of the teachings of Surat Shabd Yoga, and Sant Mat. This notably appears on the Internet such as the Secret History website. It is the claim that Surat Shabd Yoga is the same as Kundalini Yoga (though ofcourse the inner experiences of both systems may seem similiar to a certain extent). This is incorrect for the following reasons;-

i) The origin of the above seems to largely come from the claim that at the first initiation into the Self-Realization Fellowship (which teaches Kriya Yoga involving Kundalini)
contains in full, or in part the exact knowledge of the Sant Mat Sound sequence. Whether this is true, or false is actually immaterial because replicas of the key sights, coloured "lights", and sounds can be found in the lower as well as in the higher Spiritual Regions!

ii) Shabd Yoga does not involve special breathing practises or deliberate arousal of the Kundalini, or concentration on the lower centres, or chakras of the subtle body with the exception of the one at the Third Eye. Moreover, there are said to be certain "secret" centres in the grey matter of brain which may be unknown to Kundalini yogis.

iii) Unlike mainstream Yogic thought, Shabd Yoga does not require the Kundalini to be raised in the traditional manner for Enlightenment. It is a far safer, and natural system of meditation. It should not be confused with astral travel which just deals with the lower psychic realms. Rather it is more accurate to say that conciousness is withdrawn to the Eye Centre, and like a "mental radio" it can contact specific key Sounds. With increasing concentration occuring naturally (ie.not forced) its power to "ascend" or communicate with higher states of conciousness becomes progressively possible.This is a process of "dying daily" via meditation.

iv) It is true that Shabd Yoga borrows some terms from Kundalini Yoga but this does not mean that it is the same thing. Misleadingly, Kriya Yoga master Sri Yukteswar is said to have written a book entitled Surat-Shabda-Yoga!!! However, since it revealed too much esoteric information about the Kundalini it was apparently withdrawn from circulation! (The author would welcome a copy of it for his work into the research, and development of Multi-Dimensional Science).Incidently, the term Shabd, Shabad,or Shabda can mean inner, and indeed,outer Sound, or Music depending on context. Many references to it can be found in Kundalini texts.

v)There is yet the claim that the Adi Granth Sahib the Sikh "Bible" has many references to Kundalini as being possibly the same as Shabd Yoga. This is more "incorrect thinking". Infact, the Granth Sahib is a massive work, and there are virtually no references to the Kundalini itself!Finally, Surat Shabd Yoga is NOT to be confused with Nada Yoga. The latter is the old Vedic system of contacting inner Sounds but these relate to the lower ones of the intermediate planes of the Astral Region. In Shabd Yoga there are five major Sounds. These pertain to the Five Major Regions.

F.THE "PROBLEM" WITH SCANDALS IN THE RADHASOAMI FAITH.

On the internet especially there have been a number of possible "scandals" concerning certain "Satgurus" (and indeed, gurus of other traditions) of the Radhasoami Faith. Much of this is questionable, and usually has little, or no independent corroboration from other witnesses. Moreover, the further back in time we go there are less records if any on any "Satguru". Some of these "records" can be found in India Office Library and Records in London. Jaimal Singh is for example listed as being in the army there, and reference can be found to Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj being honoured by the British. Furthermore, it is possible to trace pamphlets (some proscribed), and books about the early attempts to denigrate the Radhasoami Faith, and its Satgurus. Most if not all published information had to be registered under a specific Act of Parliament

Nowadays, it is possible to quickly find out anything about anybody "illegally" via detective agencies especially on the internet where they can hack into government, and commercial computers. For example full background checks may well be possible into someone like Gurinder Singh the head of the RSSB. Yet, even these agencies admit that their data may not always be correct, and should be taken with a pinch of salt.Moreover, there is information which is essentially speculation par excellence on people by various governmental bodies around the world. For instance, Gurinder Singh was ludicrously suspected of being a drug baron. As such he was unable to leave a certain country. It turned out that the term "patron of the RSSB" was mistranslated into meaning a drug baron..!

Anyway, The the following claims may well have much greater validity concerning the reputation of certain "Satgurus." For legal reasons, indentifying names, and places have been omitted:-

1. One "Satguru" sexually abused women now, and again. Actual witnesses statements exist.

2. A writer on the Radhasoami Faith published the claim that a certain "Satguru" sexually interferred with young girls. However, full corroborative evidence has yet to be made public.

3. A certain "Satguru" possibly used disciples to illegally smuggle in presents from other countries.

4. One "Satguru" has collected computers for the Satsang and some of these may belong to the restricted technology listing, and it would thus be illegal for them to have been imported into India.

5. Another "Satguru" had a mistress. To his credit, he admitted that this was true...Such revelations are excellent gun-fodder for sceptics.

However, I (the author) believe that in certain cases these may be a test of faith, or psychic tricks (or riddhis, or illusions, or visual psychic tricks which could involve an advanced form of mass hallucination, or "magic") to fool people.Some "Satgurus" may well be initiators acting purely on the behalf of their predescessor with whom they probably have inner contact. This implies they may not necessarily have reached the highest planes of "perfection", and that their character may not also be perfect in the spiritual sense. Thus, they may do things which may be wrong, or even criminal on "rare" occassions. Yet, they still have the authority to initiate new seekers into Surat Shabd Yoga because their line of "Satgurus" has at least one Perfect Master with full spiritual power. As to why this could well be is still subject to speculation.

To find out more light on this the reader can go if desired to my article on Multi-Dimensional Science on the kheper website where there is a section which deals in part with this very "problem". Reference is also made to the teaching of Faqir Chand who was a respected Shabd Yoga Mystic, and seemed to believe that its ones Higher Self which acted as the real inner Satguru (ie the Radiant Form of the Teacher) during Shabd Yoga, or any other similiar practice, and that the outer Master irrespective of his, or her actions only acted as a catalyst.

Sawan Singh though seemed to claim that at initiation he actually created the Shabd Form in each of his Satsangis. Whenever there was a serious crisis this Form would telepathically transmit its message to the physical master who would thereby make a decision. It is quite clear that we have more to learn about the actual modus operandi operating between disciple, and master.

Yet, Chands ideas in the main are still valid, and relevant as far as they go.Moreover, what matters in Surat Shabd Yoga is the need to practice, and reform oneself. It is claimed that Sawan Singh claimed in the book entitled With the Three Great Masters by Munshi Ram that there should be no worry about whether a Shabd Yoga Master is Perfect, or not as one, or more of his predecessors may appear within to help the the disciple to ascend the higher Regions. In other words, the Light of Truth reveals Itself via inner expereience. As already suggested but expressed a little differently, the Higher Self (in the Chandian context) which is ultimately our real Satguru may even manifest ItSelf as a replica of the imperfect outer Master of Shabd Yoga. Whether something like this actually happens or not probably depends on spiritual background, and other factors. This "replica" or rather the Radiant Form may well be able to take the disciple to the "highest" plane of spiritual liberation (or as Sawan Singh is said to have suggested a genuine previous Master may appear "inside" to replace the "imperfect" Master to take the soul upwards). Yet, the outer manifestation of this "Guide" can do no such thing in the inner journey.

In keeping with most Indian mystical movements the Radhasoami Faith does not believe in the development of psychic power. Yet, the late Dr. Puri in Liverpool (UK) tried to use Shabd Yoga as a means of healing certain ailments.

G. NON-ABSOLUTIST SANT MAT..?

As mentioned Faqir Chand was a Shabd Yoga Master but his view about Sant Mat can be regarded as being non-absolutist. In keeping with mystical Hinduism he believed that different types of Yoga appealed to different kinds of people. They ultimately lead to the Supreme Source of Creation. In other words, Surat Shabd Yoga is just one of many many Paths leading to Samadhi in contradiction to what we have been saying in this essay. Chand was very open, and honest about his inner experiences in Shabd Yoga. He even admitted that he was not necessarily right, or even had doubts about whether he reached the "highest" state of conciousness.This may be a display of pure humility, or perhaps a degree of ignorance.One of his recognized successors was Sant Harjit Singh. It is claimed that he uses a mantra with a specific "charge". When practised it allows the listener to go deeper, and deeper into the Sound, and Light until a state of "no-thought" is reached (referred to in this context as Maha Sunn).

A number of people who practice "pure" Surat Shabd Yoga come to him for help. Interestingly, Harjit Singh though does not believe that the inner stages "described" in the writings of Dayal Singh, and other Satgurus exist. They are regarded as projections of the mind.Harjit Singh has pointed out that most gurus, and yogis are totally unknown to the public. As usual there is the claim too that Surat Shabd Yoga evolved from the Siddha Tradition, the Udasi branch of Sikhism, and other sources. Undoubtedly, there is great truth in all this.At the end of the day, the individual must reach his, or her conclusion on such matters.

As far as the author is concerned it is probably the best bet to accept the absolutist stance on Sant Mat, and get initiated by a Perfect Master....otherwise there could be possible "danger" of just going to the lower pure planes which are not beyond the realms of reincarnation. The ultimate aim probably of human life is to achieve true Liberation via Self-Realization, and genuine God-Realization in the "highest" Region of Super-Conciousness.

Apart from the Radhasoami Faith proper there are other virtually unknown groups which believe inner Sound, or the Word is the sole means of achieving the Truth. One headed by the "Satguru" Santsevi springs to mind.Surat Shabd Yoga is quite probably not just another Yogic Path in spite of what many people "in the know" may say. However, in an infinite spiritual universe anything is possible, and it is important to retain an open mind. As the Masters say...the Truth lies ultimately within.

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Mental Illness, Psychic Self-Deception...and Danger!

2010-08-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have come across a few people who appear to suffer, or have suffered some form of "mental illness," and/or self-deception in connection with psychic, and spiritual matters. One person I knew used to wander at the dead of night proclaiming all manner of occult claims including the belief of being the Messiah, and having his Third Eye fully opened.

One elderly individual called Ralph who died in April 2007 was well known in Slough as he used to bicycle about in his shorts in all climes! He was by his own admission a bit eccentric, and claimed that when he was young he was struck by a Tesla (a word he used to describe a thunderbolt which I had never come across before). He survived it, and claimed that this enhanced his health, and well-being possibly giving him inner heat for him to peddle about Slough, and its environs in his shorts whenever it was freezing! When I used to see him Ralph often, or not talked about his late brother George who appeared to have been suffereing (if that is the right word in this context) from the delusion of being someone special to the Royal Family at nearby Windsor Castle even though he was electrician by trade! Apparently, it was claimed among other things that:-

i) He had saved King George, et al from a bomb attack at Windsor during World War II.

ii) He had been developing a number of advanced technologies (including an ant-gravity device) but the government was not interested because it would cost too much money .

iii) George, and some other "experts" managed to teleport some creature, or object from England to America, or vice versa but it caused Battersea Station to shut down!

iv) He knew Lord Mountbatten well along with other notables often being privy to special meetings, and social occassions.

v) He claimed that he appeared in two places at once!

vi) He said that there were two, or more places in Windsor through which one could travel back to the past by crossing over a line of light. Indeed, one story featured him taking a Medieval cup, and burying in its own time by a pub, and later in the present time dug it up. Obviously, it had deterioted somewhat through the passage of time!!

Ralph seemed to have lapped all this up, and was suprised that the Royal family had not sent a message of condolences when George sadly died! It seemed that he had being living a kind of Walter Mitty like existence, and I came across this before from someone who seemed to imagine himself being some kind of James Bond figure working in the military!

One person I came across and who happened to be a "Satsangi" of some Sant Mat group claimed to have seen certain people turn into "reptilians" (shades of David Icke to put it very mildly!), and that he believed in some kind of hidden government of the world. He also feared staring up at helicopters (invisible ones!) as they would shoot a beam of light at him, and he would suddenly freeze!

However, such "delusions" can be dangerous, and I include here the following account in which I was actually attacked by a "nutter". In order to protect myself I have not given out the name of this individual, and use instead the pseudonym of X. This person who regards himself as a "low standard" Sikh is a somewhat chummy, and chubby. X was interested in many aspects of the occult/paranormal, and was especially interested in dealing with "Voodo witch doctors," and Indian psychic helpers who sometime advertized themselves in Asian papers, and mags.

In the latter case, one of them had examined his hand in which he could see Xs chakras, and claimed that they were out of line..! This could be seen perhaps as an indication of his long history of depression which he fully admited to me.

Indeed, he even claimed that he had attacked someone called Kevin from behind at the local day centre. This individual had been a friend of Xs for many years apparently. Xs assault on him was stopped by a support worker who along with Kevin it transpired (from another source)were threatened with death!The reason for the above was because X whenever he was befriendedby anyone over a period of time he developed a dangerous paranoia complex! In other words, he became increasingly suspicious, and believed that his "friend" was passing on information about him to the "enemies" as he called them for money!! This ofcourse is absurd as he is essentially nobody! I asked him what he meant exactly by the word "enemies". But I never really got a clear answer. I

t was baffling...especially when he had such a deep interest in Sikhism, and regularly did the meditation practices prescribed by that religion (though he still drank alcohol, and was non-vegetarian). Quite often, he would discuss deep spritual philosphy, and I mentioned Harjit Singh a spiritual teacher already discussed to some extent on this blog. X expressed some interest in him but I never gave him his full address, or phone number for obvious reasons.

It is a great shame that X had this deep psychiatric problem with paranoia, and its delusions.Indeed, he used to think that whenever Kevin went to phone up someone in the public booth he imagined that he was passing on information about him to his enemies for money!

As such X had become obssessed in somehow protecting himself from his "enemies" notably his desire to get special rings made which would protect him. He also wanted to leave town altogether after he received enough money from his alleged Court Case. He intended to "disappear" to India where he claimed he could live off his newly acquired money invested in one, or more of the state banks there. As time went by X became suspicious of me, and asked whether I was passing information about him to the enemies for money!!!!??? This ofcourse I denied as it was patently absurd....and made no sense at all. Things came to ahead outside the library when he chuckled at the notion that the Queen was possibly a shape-shifting repitilian (David Icke again!). He then went onto to reveal that he was going to do a sort of psychic name check on me undertaken by some Indian psychic in London! It was his way of trying to determine whether I was genuinely his friend, or not ...and apparently costing £30, or so! X also revealed that I would soon experience unusual dreams in which the psychic would probe my mind!! Needless to say nothing of the sort happened! Vainly, I tried to explain to X that I was a genuine friend of his but it was becoming clear that he did not really believe it and that it would be a waste of time trying to convince him. He then went on to say how bad it was that anyone could betray him to the "enemies" by passing on information about him for money, and claimed that if the psychic name checked proved positive it would bring bad luck for the rest of my life. The whole thing had by now become absurd in extremis. So, I parted with him.

A few days later I went to a certain cafe. It was infact the one which X had claimed in our last meeting was the actual place where I passed information on him to the "enemies" for money. When he first "realized" this he laughed at the absurdity of the notion (!) as he had been wondering why I often went to this specific cafe other than just eat, and drink! ! It was now all clear to him!!!Anyway, on the day in question (August 28th 2008) I entered the cafe concerned and had a plate of saag(spinach), and rice. A little later X entered, and saw me. He muttered "You are doing it again. Will you never learn!" whereupon he headed straight towards me at the table, and rained down a whole load of punches. I lifted my hands, and arms to protect my face, and head. I fell off the chair, and there was short pause before he started to assault me again but this time I used my shoulder bag to protect me. He then left as if nothing had happened, and there was stunned silence in the cafe. No one ofcourse lifted a finger to help me. No suprise there! Also, the saag, and rice I had been eating coated the wall, and the plate was smashed to pieces. My nose started to bleed, and was in part broken. The police were called but I decided not to have X arrested, and charged even though the whole thing was probably recorded on camera. He got away scott free but if he were to do something like that again I would have no choice but to make sure he serves time, and ideally, be committed to a mental institution so that he cannot be a risk to the public with his idiot paranoid delusions.

However, he did though attack me one more time but not as seriously as the last incident. As I was going down some steps he gave me a kick from behind, and I turned around to confront him, and uttered my anger at him whereupon he threatened me with death or words to that affect!Now, ofcourse, I try to avoid him like the plague. It is clear that the mind can be misled, and distorted.

Illicit drugs can also cause mental problem ofcourse. One example was a Muslim I used to know, on, and off. He claimed that he, and some friends had seen me commit a crime which was utterly false. He also said the same kind of thing (ie. false accusation based on an imaginary experience)to someone else I knew. It transpired that ofcourse he had taken certain drugs which could give rise to powerful delusions about people. He was also a member of the Sheikh Nazeem sect based in Cyprus. This is a Sufi organization. I once asked him about his inner experiences, and he was amazed to find that I knew about certain basic details concerned about his initial meditation experiences which were similiar to Shabd Yoga,and other types of practices. Ofcourse, drugs especially LSD can lead to "mystical" or rather psychic type experiences, and these can be similiar if not seemingly identical to genuine ones had through non-drug induced meditations.

The person I notably mentioned right at the start of this blog entry also had drug problems, and clearly it contributed to his delusions of being something spiritually special, and extraordinary. Infact, he revealed that he had a bad premature experience with the controversial Guru Maharaj who was known for opening the third eye to inner Sound, and inner Light. Anyway, as far as I know X did not do drugs save alcohol which can arguably be regarded as being something similiar.As I mentioned in the blog article The Realization of the Psychic I have never ever taken drugs, or indeed, legal psychiatric ones. Moreover, I hate alcohol, and never drink the stuff, and I am ofcourse a vegetarian.

A NOTICE.

Due to a problem with answering the one comment here I am unable at present to use the normal response box. However, I published it as an amusement...and I should add that I am NO conspiracy theorist as most conspiracy theories are the workings of paranoid delusions rather than something real, and objective......

An Esoteric Miscellany.....

2010-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I present here what may be termed an esoteric miscellany dealing with some interesting subjects written by myself....

A. Meeting Dr. Douglas Baker.

Posted on Oct 7th, 2009 by Bob

Dr. Douglas Baker is somewhat well-known in esoteric circles. Here is a link to him, and his site.

http://www.douglasbaker.com/

It is claimed that he has written over 100 books on esoteric subjects. Having seen some of them they appear I am afraid to be often, or not short, and shallow. Moreover, from what I have found so far at least that there is no obvious reference to his wholesale use of Theosophy, and the Alice Bailey Teachings. He should by rights give direct indications of his source materials otherwise it gives the false impression that he is an innovator.

Anyway, back in the early eighties I used to meet a plump well-dressed Indian astrologer who was called Matthew. He claimed that he was jeweller, and emanated from Brighton. On occassion, I met him at a hotel that used to exist opposite Slough train station. We often talked about esoteric subjects, and once I said that I believed I had been killed in the last world war. In response, he said that he had been a saint in India in another incarnation!For whatever reasons, Matthew seemed impressed by the writings of Dr. Douglas Baker. He recommended them to me but I was not overly impressed.

However, I did go to see Baker at the former workings mens club in Slough where he was giving a talk on astral projection. Among other things, he mentioned his friend Peter Sellars, and his heart attack in which he had out-of-body experience (though if I recall correctly there was more than one instance of this). At the end of this ofcourse came the book signing session. I used this as an opportunity to ask him why he had no replied to me on a letter concerning greater information on surat shabd yoga, and the Radhaswami Faith. At this, he said nothing, and gave me a sssh! with one finger over his mouth. He seem to realize the huge esoteric importance of the subject, and clearly was not willing to discuss it.! However, apart from this I was not impressed overall by him as a person, or indeed, his books!!

I am sure Dr. Baker means well in his own right along with his Claregate College on esoteric studies but I just feel that perhaps the genuine motivations for it all were somehow lacking. However, whether true, or not he has played an important in popularising the subject for which we should be thankful.

B. A "Kabbalah" Mystery?

Posted on Nov 26th, 2009 by Bob

I would be grateful to know whether anyone knows the possible meaning of this Kabbalistic symbol. It is drawn on a public wall with a black felt tip pen by a person, or persons unknown as I enter, and depart from a block of flats in which I live. Essentially, it appears as a trident (bowled shaped like the Jewish Menorah)without the pronged endings. Two magan davids are to be seen both sides of it save the central "column" so to speak. At the base of the latter there is one more magan david. There also appears here to be a little "flame" on one of the apexes of the two triangles. The same is true of the one on the top left of the "trident". These may have no significance at all along with where they are placed exactly. The question is this? Is this a genuine Kabbalistic symbol possibly? Or is it just something made up by someone who has an interest in magic? Could it be a symbol of good luck, or bad luck, or indeed, nothing at all of note??I may sometime post a drawing, or photo of it but the detail in the first paragraph should be clear enough to its possible "identification," and "significance".

C. Who are the Eloists?

Posted on Sep 28th, 2009 by Bob

Sometime ago I had a black and white dream. I could only recall the fag end of it. It was like an old grainy film being played in which someone looking like some Old Testament Prophet strolled along towards me with a staff in a stoney scenery. All of a sudden the words ELOIST appeared. I had never come across the word before, and so I had to go to the internet to find out what it meant. The following comes from the GG dictionary

.....E*lo"hist (?), n. The writer, or one of the writers, of the passages of the Old Testament, notably those of the Pentateuch, which are characterized by the use of Elohim instead of Jehovah, as the name of the Supreme Being; -- distinguished from Jehovist. S. Davidson. - Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Elohist, a name given by the critics to the presumed author of the earlier part of the Pentateuch, whose work in it they allege is distinguished by the use of the word Elohim for God; he is to be distinguished from the Jehovist, the presumed author of the later portions, from his use, on the other hand, of the word Jehovah for God.More light was forthcoming in the following "revelation" if such it could be called......Here, reference is made to a publication entitled Radiance which is connected with Oahspe an esoteric society which has been around for sometime...

Within Radiance flows the spirit of the Eloists. It is an expression of Light, and speaks with the Voice of the Living Spirit as It has come to be known through the Eloist family. 'Eloist' means a 'doer of the Creator's will.' The objective of Radiance is not so much to educate as it is to strike a keynote or set a tone that will help the reader to become attuned to 'the realm of thought in which angels dwell,' and in that harmony to learn how to rise in spirit to embrace a higher purpose.

Radiance, a publication of The Eloists, a religious non-profit organization, incorporated in 1918.....

PS. As Alan Kazlev pointed out I could have seen the the word Eloist before but completely forgot it until I had this "dream" experience..

D. The Guru Granth Experience..?

Posted on Nov 27th, 2009 by Bob

Sometimes I have langar or free food at the local Sikh temple, or gurdwara in Slough (near Montem). I have the greatest respect for Sikhism. It ofcourse does not have a Living Master as their guide but their holy book the Guru Granth Sahib acts as their Teacher instead, and is worshipped,and respected as if it were a highly esteemed "human being".I once had four copies of this marvellously inspired mystical work which if I recall correctly was translated by Dr. Gopal Singh. I bought them at a Radha Soami Satsang Beas meeting in London!

I have to admit that I did find it difficult to accept a book rather than a living spiritual master as a guide. But my views have changed. It is possible,and feasible. The reason for this change of heart is when I saw the Guru Granth Sahib being taken out of a car covered in cloth. This happened just outside the gurdwara. Some people nearby paid a respectful namaste, or greeting to it. I did likewise, and much to my surprise a ray of light shot from it at me. Whether this was a trick of the mind, or something else is difficult to know. However, I have seen pictures of the Guru Granth Sahib with spiritual energies depicted around it. This indicates that it is more than just a book......

.PS. I was surprised to hear that the Hindu Temple in Slough was the first one to be built in Britain. It is very close to where I live in Chalvey,and found out about this when a group inspired by the Guru Ravi Shankar (not the musician ofcourse!) was making a presentation of their yogic teachings in December 2008.This group incidently claimed that it was the largest voluntary organization in the world. I do not know how true this claim is but I like to keep an open mind.

E. Recalling John Garland..

Posted on Nov 26th, 2009 by Bob

In the late 1970s I recall meeting John Garland, the noted astrologer. He used to work for a time as a teacher at the Tutorials a private school at Windsor where I used to go to. It was run by Mr. Blundell (a rather Dickensian sounding name in my humble opinion).Anyway, John Garland was a charming fellow with a boyish visage, and ruddy complexion. If I recall correctly he had ginger, or blond hair. It is nice now to see him doing so well with his work in astrology as the following biodata reveals from Astrology Enterprises found on the net along with other "psychics", and astrologers

..."One of Britain's most respected and well established astrologers, John Garland's work has featured in the most diverse range of media over a highly successful, 24 year long career. John also has a unique distinction amongst other astrologers - in terms of understanding the needs of the media, for he worked as a journalist, leader writer and an editor, before the clarion call of astrology become too strong and led to his full-time profession. John writes traditional Western astrology but also has an avid interest and deep knowledge of Chinese astrology, a specialisation, and he has written extensively for Horoscope and Prediction Magazines'. In fact John was the first astrologer to introduce Chinese astrology to the west in the 1980's - strongly influenced by his Grandfather, who lived in China for many years, and who was imbued in Daoism and a great admirer of Confucius. From this John acquired a considerable knowledge of Chinese spiritual culture, including the "I Ching". Over his career, John has written for many of the most established Women's titles, has had much work published and his specialisation is in providing sparkling, either bespoke or regular content, with an almost lyrical and enchanting dimension. His is a rare voice of true authority in the astral and divination firmament."

In around 1983 I came across him again. He used to live in Upton Park, Slough in a basement flat. I got to know him pretty well as he had an easy charm about him. Often, or not the subjects we discussed were to do with psychic, and spiritual topics notably my growing fascination in gurus. He, himself seemed at the time to be much taken by the Western pagan tradition notably the celts, and their culture. Indeed, he even produced his own magazine aptly entitled CELT in capitals. I wrote an article on the mysticism of Inner Sound for his second, or third issue. This appeared on the front cover along with the drawing of a weeping willow if I recall correctly. He described my writing as being "scholarly" which took to be a compliment.

Anyway,John Garland was among other things an artist. He showed me a number of his unusual "psychic" paintings. Indeed, I even saw per chance an exhibition of them at some fair in London. This was after I lost contact with him, and I was suprised to see him once more.

He apparently claimed to have written, and published a book entitled the Mire. Brian Edgar who was one of my teachers at the Tutorials contacted me after 30 years via the "miracle" of the internet, and . I was amazed to receive his email. He claimed that he had seen the Mire but unfortunately he was not taken by it.

I later read about John Garland claiming in the local rag to have had some kind of "premonition" about the Hungerford Massacre (1987). The next time I came to know of him, and his work was again in printed form. It was in the Maidenhead local paper in which he appears to have a syndicated column on his his artful, and insightful column on astrology! It is good to see that he has been doing well, and I wish him future good luck! Maybe we will meet again..or maybe not.... but ofcourse thats all in the stars!

The Realization of the Psychic....

2010-08-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Psychic Realizations, and Some Personal Experiences.

Psychic realizations are when people usually in childhood have unusual experiences that seem"inexplicable" such as invisible "playmates", seeing auras, reading peoples characters, perceiving "spirit"lights, and dead people, et al. Quite often, such young persons may regard this as "normal" until they are told otherwise. As the child gets older the experiences may lessen, or usually vanish altogether in adulthood. For some though this can lead to a"career", or an intense interest in some "New Age", or psychic movement/society.More rarely, such psychic realizations can occur in older people rather than in childhood. It might involve someone going to a healer, and later discovering that they, themselves have suddenly found the power to heal others! Certain UFO sightings along with alleged alien encounters can transform peoples lives. They feel somehow re-charged, and may even gain"temporary" psychic "powers" such as telepathy, and healing. Near-Death Experiences too, or NDEs can have a like influence on the individual. Ofcourse, this can result with certain people deceiving themselves into thinking that they do have psychic powers, and/or a special mission in life.Many ordinary folk have a story to say about some"odd" happening in their lives. Yet, such occurencies are often a one-off, and is soon forgot.

However, such experiences would have at least made it known to the person concerned that life is far stranger than it appears. In this respect, they have much worth, and can lead onto the more important issues of spiritual evolution. In other words, a stepping stone towards higher things.In the following, I (the author) have described some ofmy own personal experiences. Short remarks are included. Some of it may seem a little bizarre but it must be made abundantly clear that I have never ever taken illegal drugs, and/or psychiatric ones from a doctor. It should also be stated here that most people who may have had psychic experiences are quite often,or not in good mental health.

However, it is my belief that my own experiences were partly the outcome of birth trauma when I nearly died from suffocation. Indeed, the horror of such an event was "relived"in 1968 as a child as I was sleeping inthe back seat of my parents car. This occured in Spain.Apart from that, I think rightly, or wrongly that when I retired the sleeping "unconcious" mind would on occassion allow normally negative "buried" memories to re-emerge in some form, or other. Yet, this could include on occassion unusual phenomena initially caused by the "re-enactment" of stiffling suffocation of the birth trauma, and its concomittant subnormal"subconcious" state of "being".This acted as a"gateway" for certain lowly "attuned" forces to interfere with my childhood. In other words, these"forces" came from a sub-plane, or "world" where such awareness exists as an interiorised, and exteriorised energy "suitable" for "beings," and "things" at that level. This may seem unorthodox to some, and as such it is not our intention here to go into the more"mainstream" ideas such as those of Freud, Jung,Adler, or indeed, "re-birthing"..and the like.This subnormal level of being below waking conciousness was a feature of many of my early experiences. It is my belief that the latter has been responsible for a small amount of mental retardation but nothing serious unlike those who for example have cerebral palsy to a grave extent.It must be clearly stated here though that many people who have had such experiences in the main are in excellent mental health be they child,or adult. This must forever be bourne in mind especially the more sceptical amongst us. Moreover, the birth experience, and its degree of trauma (usually kept at anunconcious level) is common for most people though it can ofcourse cause mild, or serious psychological problems for some.

1. Repeated Psychic "Assaults".

As a child when I was asleep I would on a few occassions become "aware" of my body at a subnormal level of conciousnes. I then experienced electricity around the back of my neck. Similiarly, the same energy could be had around the base of the heels. If I recall rightly in the book Shadow of Destiny by the controversial Alexander Cannon this was the start ofwhat might be termed attempted "possession" but in my case it was technically speaking repeated psychic"assaults". Anyway, in the darkness I would feel something on top of me, and it was grabbing my throat, and strangled me. When this appalling experience reached its climaxI lost "conciousness". Then,I would wake up in bed to my normal waking conciousness.

2. Past Lives?

The above may be a repeated repressed memory at the end of a previous life if we accept reincarnation. I believe that the following experience is an instanceof another existence.It occured at a subnormal level of "conciousness" to some extent.

I was on a stoney beach in France, and I was a soldier. Troops were near me, and one had a bazooker. I could see the cliffs, and a pill box with a rifle sticking out, and pointing downwards. For some reason or other I moved foolishly away from the troops, and became an easy target. A shot was heard,and entered my stomach. I fell backwards clutching it.Interestingly, the full pain, and suffering of the experience seemed to be blocked by the mind. Yet, I awoke from this "memory" which was like a replay of some vague grainy black, and white film. It was more of a tactile experience rather than a clear visual phenomenon. Anyway,I was still clutching my belly, and writhing about in my pyjamas! I also felt myselfseveral times being inside, and outside the body. In other words, an out-of-the-body (or OOBE) experience ofwhich I had a number of spontaneous occurences but again at a subnormal level of conciousness (eg.rolling in, and out of bed but not physically so!).

Strange as it may appear I discovered that the death trauma memory had in World War II ofcourse occured with other living individuals. It appears that many of those who died were reborn quickly so that they could be karmically "rewarded" by experiencing a "better"life presumably in the rich countries such as Britain,America, and Europe. Their "self-sacrifice" was not in vain.I believe I had another experience of seeing "myself"in a past life. I must stress this is only a theory, and could be completely wrong. It occured in a lucid dream (ie.I was aware I was I "dreaming"). I was in bed as a child, and next to me I saw a man lying by me. His eyes were wide with amazement, and he fearfully tried to touch my face with his hand....whereupon I blacked out, and returned tonormal waking conciousness. What was extraordinary was his appearance. He had a wide ruddy face, and white dirty bedraggled hair. He had a fur collar band, and on his arm he had a blue (woad) design. Could this have been "me" in some far off incarnation, or was it someone, or something else?From the description he was probably an Ancient Briton even though I knew next to naught about that subject...but I did develop an intense interest in history later.Also, it should be added that I saw a strip of silver light (astral light of occultism?) along the side of his muscled frame. If I recall correctly JoanForman mentions something similiar in her bookl in connection with "time-slips".

Another instance at a rather lower level of subnormal conciousness than usual was a "visitation" of a monk whose face I dared not look at. He had a wooden bowli n which he dipped his finger to make the sign of the cross on my forehead! I did not really understand the full significance of this at the time. Could this have been "me" in a previous incarnation as a medieval monk possibly?There is much in psychic literature about reincarnation. The subject is vast.

3. The Windsor Apparition.

Ghosts have been reported all over the world. Evidence seems to suggest that most of them are probably replays of minor, or major happenings of the past.Usually, they are of a tragic nature. Strong negative emotions seem to impose themselves most easily onto the ether unlike positive uplifting ones.

My own personal experience occured in around 1968 in ahouse which had just been built in Windsor, Berkshire in England. I awoke one night, and felt an unnatural clammy coldness even though it was very still summer night. At the bottom of my bed I saw the form of a man dressed in Victorian garb (a "vagrant"). He looked perfectly solid. I froze with terror, and just stared at him.The "phantom" or whatever it was merely stood totally stationary for a short while. He was dressed in a large brown shabby overcoat that looked a bit dusty.He had a matching top-hat, and the shade of its rim covered his eyes. He seemed to have a scarf around his neck. Quite mechanically his large form turned around, and displayed a suprising array of different coloured patches on the back of his coat. At the same time,I could hear the crackle of electricity. This was a low sound but it was distinct. Slowly, but surely he moved towards the corner of the room. As he started to gently fade away into the night(quite literally!) I noted that parts of the furthest edge of his coat were vibrating furiously, and then, disappearing. Here, I stress the word "parts" as the whole form did not become a vibrating mass of energy..and then, dematerialize. This, along with the crackling of electricity as he turned plus the initial clammy coldness indicate that such phenomenon have some kind of mechanics yet to be comprehended by science.

I have to admit too that on very rare occassions I sometimes saw the static outline of figures. Whether this was purely a trick of the mind is impossible to say with certainty. They seemed to be aborted materializations. In one instance of a similiar phenomenon, I saw the shadow silhouette of a profile of a mans face at the bottom of my bedroom door. It could have come from the light outside but there was no one there! Moreover, it was totally still for a very longtime, and seemingly inexplicable.Ofcourse, none of this compares with the materialized phantom I saw so many moons ago...Morever, this "phantom" was not some replay from the past but rather an "astral shell" I witnessed. In other words, there was no intelligent life in it as we would understand it.

There is a strange footnote to this spectral materialization. I experienced the same clammycoldness (acting as a warning?) twice just before I saw two fatal road accidents. The most horrendous of which was the one up in the mountains of the Pyrennees in Spain. In my parents car I saw a huge lorry which was about to tip over the edge of a cliff. A vehicle had rammed into it, and a man in a white shirt hung out of it covered in blood. A priest was present presumably giving the last rites. A woman who was pinned into the back seat next to the dead man was understandably hysterical. A man in a suit lay on the road but no obvious trace of blood but I knew he was dead. After I saw all that I stuck my head out of my parents car, and vomited. No child, or adult should have to see something like that.

4. A Psychic "Lightning Bolt".

This experience such as it can be called is perhaps the most fantastical (1979). It commenced in a lucid dream in which I was aware of being next to a Church in Windsor. I saw in the seeming darkness around me a harp which was making discordant sounds due to "wind"(like an Aeolian harp). Then, I looked up, and could hear the peels of thunder, and lightning. Suddenly, I realized that that I had become the target for it. The ligtning bolt struck me, and I awoke in bed. I was lying on my side, and noticed a flame-like aura along my body. The bedroom was half lit up by the orange"lightning-flash".In seconds, it, and the aura (which did not surround my body but just the side of it!) disappeared leaving me astonished.What on earth was all this about? I believe that someone, or something was wanting to help me to experience certain future trials, and tribulations. In other words, it was a sudden transmission of healing energy to enable, and empower me to face seriousproblems. The orange aura is indicative of a force emanating from my vital (or health) body.I have to confess that on rare occassions in my early childhood I sometimes experienced energy quickly shoot through my "physical" body. On occassions, I would jolt up in the air. Apparently, this may be caused by the astral body returning to the physical body rather quickly!

5. Psychic Healing.

It is claimed that everyone is able to develop psychic healing if they wish. I recall once taking a friend tothe house of a famous medium on the Isle ofWight(1979). I remember the whole room was saturated with energy, and as I concentrated my mind on theThird Eye the power also centred itself "there!"However, I, myself had a healing which came quiteunbidden. I was seated with two Sikh friends whobelonged to Eckankar which drew its inspiration mainly from Surat Shabd Yoga but mixed it up with other techniques. I was in a very relaxed state of mind, and I felt myself going into a light waking trance. At the same time, I, and my companions were listening to a tape by the controversial Paul Twitchell who was talking about healing, and being healed! I also became aware of what might best be termed very subtle energies going through me in a most gentle manner.After a short while I came out of this trance, and I looked at one of my Sikh friends who thereupon said"You should say thank you." Clearly, he knew what had happened.

Though not related to healing I also had an experienceof the Eck Master Darwin Gross. I recall seeing a photo of him printed in a book produced by Eckankar.As I concentrated on it I could full distinct vibrations! Whether this was a trick of the mind, or not is an open question.

6.Synchronicity.

Many people have experienced synchronicity, ormeaningful coincidences. I have two interestingexamples though I have had many others of a less"extraordinary" nature. Odd as it may seem they wereboth connected with where I was living(1977-1990)which was Stoke Poges, a very posh areajust outside Slough. In around 1989 I was making enquiries about possiblyinterviewing Ma Yogashakti a female guru for Yoga, and Healing magazine (which was later published withphotographic material). My contact was with someonewho worked at the School of Oriental, and AfricanStudies at the University of London. She supplied me with much useful information, and asked me where I lived. I said Stoke Poges, and she claimed she used to live in Chesham which was fairly nearby. However, it also transpired that she actually had relatives at the Orchard (built in the Edwardian age) which was thehouse I was living in with mater, and pater!Apparently, as a child she used to stay (or possibly lived there on, and off if my memory serves me well!) there, and as proof of these claims she did some photocopies of old photographs from her family albums. This showed theOrchard as it was in the early part of the 20thCentury. If I recall rightly, she made the claim that this big house was also originally the place for high ranking military people from British India to stay temporarily when on leave.The other "meaningful" coincidence involved a telephone conversation from someone from a metaphysical society based in Hastings. He claimed he could hear inner psychic sounds at a distance, and they reminded him of the poem by Thomas Grey known as the Elegy. I was amazed by this because he did not know that I was calling from Stoke Poges which was the place where itwas actually written! Indeed, there is an actual monument to the Elegy near to the Church where ThomasGrey is buried.

Such experiences are common especially in case of those concerned with the search for Truth. They appearto clearly show that the universe at some level is interconnected into a Whole, and that we, ourselves ofcourse are a part of It. Indeed, they also suggestthat there is something guiding our lives.In the world of the psychic, and infact, the spiritual there are various "guides" of one sort, or another. I remember a long time ago waking up, and just recalled in a "dream" a mist which seemed to be flattened in part so that strange writing magically appeared by itself. The script may have been Hebrew but it is not possible to say for certain. I heard a voice from the right of me saying that bad actions are good because they could lead to good ones, or words to that effect! In other words, learning via experience which we all do. This may have been some kind of contact with a guide of some degree, or possibly a trick of the mind.However, this experience seemed real enough, and happened very quickly as I got the impression that I was not meant to be conciously aware of it.

7. Psychic "Vision?"

I once attended a meeting concerned with Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga. One of the participants so to speakwas seatted near me in the gloom of the room. I noticed what appeared to be a "cloud" (a form of ectoplasm?).In it I was able to discern what appeared to be a horrificcar crash. I later asked the person about it, and he was shocked especially when I gave him the colours of the two vehicles involved. He had somewhile ago just survived a horrific crash in which the vehicles were horribly mangled. He still suffered from the pains of this appalling experience.............

The above experiences in this essay are just examples which appear to suggest that there is something more to life. Yet, no doubt, there are many who may read this who may have had more interesting, and extraordinary happenings. Such material appears in internet forums, specialist magazines, and/or goes into biographies, and autobiographies of mediums, and other "psychic" notables such as Derek Acorah, and UriGeller. It is hard to see how sceptics continue to pooh pooh such annecdotal evidence, and its commonality when it should be clear to anyone that"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy...." to use the classic Shakespearean line.

The Two Inner Awakenings; A Personal Account..

2010-08-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Meeting Dr Sharma in London 1990.

Back in summer 1990 I met up with Dr Sharma also referred to as Manav Dayal a teacher of "Shabd Yoga" in the Faqir Chand tradition. I came across him via a contact who claimed that it might be best to meet him at Heathrow Airport which was not far from where I lived at the time (ie Slough). This I did, and went to the correct arrival point for passengers. I had a sign with his name on it. The only pic I had of him was as a younger man, and it was not a particularly good reproduction. Anyway, I waited awhile as the passengers left the plane, and then I saw an Asian go towards a portly elderly man from the crowd of onlookers. He put a garland around the new arrival to Britain. This I knew to be a traditional gesture of respect to someone of importance, and I rightly guessed that it was Dr. Sharma being honoured. The Asian devotee though seemed taken aback by this....Anyway, I talked briefly to Dr. Sharma, and for whatever reasons he mentioned something about psychic odours. Personally, I found this an odd subject compared with the high brow thinking of "Shabd Yoga", and Sant Mat. Indeed, I have to confess that I found Sharma to be somehow eccentric in manner.

After that, I drove down to Hammersmith, London to a certain address to meet him again for an interview I was doing for the magazine Yoga and Healing Dr. Sharma was staying with some devotees, and I hardly got any questions out as he seemed to be intent in giving a long rambling intellectual discourse on Hindu mysticism. This was recorded ofcourse but unfortunately the tape was later lost. Anyway, he referred to Sant Mat as Sat Mat ,or the Path of Truth, and regarded Beas Satsang as ".....being like an empire." He may well have got these two points from his own master Faqir Chand, and simply repeated them to me. He also gave the old traditional interpretation of the word Radha, and reversed it by repeating it as "Dhara, Dhara, Dhara,"......meaning spiritual current! At some point during the interview (or should I say discourse from Dr Sharma!) I thought I heard him say the following......"I do know not who is saying this. Some current is flowing through me.." or words to that effect. Again, I must stress the word "thought" of him saying this as I do not fully recall whether this actually appeared on the tape, or not! Maybe a trick of the mind........After all this, I had an informal chat with him. At one point, he left the room, and thereupon re-appeared, and said "I am your Satguru!" Later, we had a wonderful vegetarian lunch.

When I left to return to Slough in my car I had an extraordinary experience. I became aware of a power flowing through me. It was controlling me in the most NATURAL, and SPONTANEOUS manner. There was no fear of any sort involved. It was as if something truly wonderful had been re-discovered from ages past. This energy was incredibly subtle in a way that is difficult to describe. It was a super-tactile experience. No sounds, or lights, or anything similiar was had. It was a PROCESS of AWAKENING from the dream-like creation of the physical universe. Though I used the word "natural" just now in capitals it was somehow more than "natural". This experience went on for a long while. The following day after my encounter with Dr. Sharma I rang him about it. He commented to his suprise "......that it was happening already " (spontaneous initiation). However, I felt that this subtle energy seemed to be trying to "control" me too much, and I managed to break away from it. I would have loved the intensity of that experience to have continued but the problem was that I did not really take Dr. Sharma very seriously, and did not regard him as my real Satguru. Yet, as Jashan Vaswani once informed me that "THE REAL SATGURU IS WITHIN YOU" Oddly enough, this was what Faqir Chand claimed...that the physical master only acts as a catalyst for psycho-spiritual experiences. This was something I did not appreciate at the time.

Sadly, Dr. Sharma passed on several years ago, but the teachings continue through various lines of "masters".

Postscript. I should also said that at the interview Dr Sharma claimed that the Sound Om could be heard not just in the lower realm but also in the higher ones. A Sant Mat purist might well interpret this as indicative that his "version" of Shabd Yoga did not lead beyond the planes of Kal, and Maya. Morever, it is not seen as the highest spiritual meditation, but seen as being one of many.

Meeting Sant Harjit Singh in Southall.

In January 2007 I made contact with Sant Harjit Singh. He is one of the recognized successors of Faqir Chand. Before actually visiting him in Southall I viewed his website, and on occassions listened to his music, or rather extracts of it to be more precise. It definitely carried a highly subtle energy, and helped to create a devotional "atmosphere" in me (ie. a heightening of conciousness). What occured was a PROCESS largely identical to that experienced after visiting Dr. Sharma back in 1990. This could be suggestive that both teachers reached the same "highest", or "ultimate" level of superconciousness usually indicative of "God-Realization" though ofcourse there are an infinity of different planes. The key features of the PROCESS OF AWAKENING are as follows.

i) An awareness that ones own inner lower self was being slowly transmuted into something else in the most NATURAL, and SPONTANEOUS manner. In other words, I was "dying" to gradually be reborn into a higher state of being......

ii) An awareness of being surrounded by the unseen energies of higher conciousness especially in the evening.

iii) An awareness at times of being "possessed" in the most NATURAL, and SPONTANEOUS fashion by these extremely subtle "forces" without any sense of fear at all. Yet, there was something akin to awe by the growing onset of these experiences, and at times an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This was ones feeble response to the awakening process.

iv) An ability to spontaneously control, and dissolve any improper thoughts entering the mind.

v) A greater ability as never before to actually calm the mind without any mental chatter . In other words, I often became one-pointed with the repetition of the Five Holy Names in a wonderfully NATURAL way. I suspect the unseen energies were stilling my mind oftentimes to perform "real" meditation.

The above is all GRACE without which any kind of spiritual practice is virtually impossible. Infact, I am coming to the conclusion that a true Master of any degree should be able to successfully transmit such experienes irrespective of the evolution of the disciple. However, I suspect that it depends on ones sincerity for it to happen rather upon the amount of purity an individual soul may, or may not have.

Anyway, I met Sant Harjit Singh at his Southall home. Just before that, and earlier on at home in Slough I was acutely aware of energies of higher coniousness. When I arrived at Harjits home positive vibrations were virtually palpable, and inspiring. As I entered the front room I shook hands with him. He was dressed in orange, and wore a homemade turban if I recall correctly.

I explained I had some experiences before meeting him. I claimed that the higher conciousness which was trying to "posses" me in the most SUBTLE, NATURAL, AND SPONTANEOUS fashion was influencing my behaviour for the good. Submission to it was proving beneficial.

I mentioned being suddenly awoken in the bed when I felt a transmission of energy shoot right though me. This caused my body to jerk. Harjit claimed that this was do with the (spiritual) heart though I did fully understand what he meant by this.. I mentioned my contact with a certain Sound though this may well have been a trick of the mind.

Though I asked only few questions Harjit two, or three times asked "Can I go now?" as he was wanting to do some meditation upstairs. Admitedly, he did have some doubt about the genuiness of my experiences. He also seemed to regard Dr. Sharma, the chief successor of Faqir Chand a little questionable too. This was evident in the way he spoke. Like many devotees of the latter Master the former was not liked particularly. However, Sharma did visit Harjit Singh on a certain occassion.

One thing that did clearly tanspire in the meeting was this. Harjit Singh clearly revealed that there was no set sequence of planes as indicated in the Radhaswami literature. Indeed, such things were merely mental projections nothing more.

Harjit Singh understandably wanted his exact address secret. The reason was that he wanted to make sure that whoever visited him was "genuine" in their desire for spiritual progress rather than someone who was merely interested in intellectual "games".

WITHOUT GRACE FROM ABOVE, AND BEYOND, SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IS IMPOSSIBLE. CONCENTRATING ONES THOUGHTS ON A GENUINE TEACHER CAN WAKE UP THE SOUL. THE PROCESS OF AWAKENING IS SPONTANEOUS, AND NATURAL. IT BECOMES THE POWERFUL INFLUENCE IN TRYING TO CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOUR. YET, IF THIS IS TO BE A PERMANENT PHENOMENON REGULAR MEDITATION IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL..............

PS. Sometime before I met Harjit, and had the above experience a woman unknown to me use to say to me in the high street in Slough that "You will be reborn." At one point, I followed her into the mall, and asked for an explanation. It turned out that she was a Peruvian, and a spiritist. She believed to in reincarnation, and even suggested that I might have been her husband in one of her previous lives. What her strange statement of "You will be reborn" was probably a kind of prediction in which I would be reborn in the spiritual sense via my encounter with Harjit Singh.

Significantly, a link to my awakening process appeared on a yahoo forum. This was the forum connected with Harjit Singh which seemed to validate the genuiness of my experience. Morever, Mushin Schilling on his blog seemed to regard it as such as it was probably like those of his group which had a kind of an "awakening".

Meeting Gurus in Britain...

2010-08-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

My inspiration at large for all matters esoteric comes from gurus as the following reveals...Posted on Jul 21st, 2008 by Bob In the past I met a number of gurus. The one that impressed me most was probably Swami Chidananda the recognized successor of the great Swami Sivananda. I recall going to interview him for Yoga and Health magazine. He was staying at a devotees home in Sutton (London area). He was a charming, and self-effacing man. I asked him a whole number of questions, and the interview lasted for over two hours....much to the amazement of the devotees as this was a rare thing for him to do! Ofcourse, the editor of Yoga, and Health magazine had to reduce the length of the transcript of my meeting with him!! It appeared in published form in December 1989. It revealed some fascinating light about himself, and the workings so to say of his Divine Life Society. Unfortunately, the original tape recording of the interview went amiss.

Apart from him I also came across Jashan Vaswani (whose voice was reminiscent to that of a Dalek!), Shivabalayogi (who called his meditation "mind-control" a term which has negative connotations in Western society!), Pandit Ravishankar (who had a strange effeminate voice, and not be confused ofcourse with the famous Indian musician!) S.A.A Ramaiah ( who was a somewhat "severe" sharp-minded intellectual guru who did not cut his finger, and toes nails as he claimed that this was because it made him more sensitive to "energies"), Mataji Nirmala Devi, Mata Amritanandamayi ( who in one of her "love-ins" put her finger on my forehead, and whereupon I received an instantaneous injection of energy which was meant to send me into higher conciousness!) Shyam Ma, et cetera..

........One individual I met where I lived in Slough also appeared to be guru of sorts . Though he was clearly of Asian descent he used the Jewish name Moses for himself. He advertized his "Occult Group" in a local free-ads paper. I rang him, and he claimed that alot of people who phoned, and thought he was into magic....or possibly black magic involving ritualism, and nudity! I informed him that he was wrong to use the word "occult" in his advert as this has a negative meaning to many, and thus, he had beern attracting the wrong kind of public. Anyway, I went to his flat in Langley, and there was only one other "devotee" with him. It transpired that he taught a form of Christian meditation involving the Kabbalah. Personally, I did not like him particularly, and he became somewhat defensive when I asked him whether he could give me any references of people who might have benefited via his meditation.He claimed that I was testing him.....which was not my intention. Among other things he also asked me whether I knew about the power of silent command (or so-called Telecult Power notably popularised by Reese Dubin) to which I said yes......When I left his flat, and walked home I could feel his energy but it soon wore off. Clearly, he had some degree of power but how genuine he was is another matter altogether.

Another guru I came across was via an add in Yoga Today in about 1987. He had published an article therein on Ajapa Yoga, and inner Sound. I contacted him as he was interested in starting a group on the subject. His name was Marjan J. Ebert who was German, and he travelled to England to meet me. One thing he taught me was something very worldly. In a pure vegetarian restaurant he explained how Thali ( a mixture of Asian curries in little metal containers along with nam bread, samosas, et al) is eaten correctly in India. Apparently, all the little food containers are turned upside down along with everything else making a "mess" on the large metal plate they were on! A grand nosh if ever there was one! Marjan J. Ebert complained that in his meditation groups in Germany he would ask for donations to help forward his Ajapa Yoga. But this did not generally work out so he had decided on a fixed charge! However, he would give his meditation free if the person concerned happened to be Prince Charles!

Another guru I met was Kehar Singh. He was billed as being a Sant Satguru of Surat Shabd Yoga. In the early 1990s I was waiting to get initiated into Radha Soami Satsang Beas, and I came across Tarn Taran Satsang. This latter group was for many decades recognized by the former as being bona fide. However, when Kehar Singh "came to power" (so to speak!) Maharaj Charan Singh of the Beas Satsang tried to publicly avoid him unlike his predecessor, or so the story goes. Anyway, I thought I would pay a visit on Kehar Singh who was staying with some devotee in Slough. We shook hands both uttering a lusty resounding Radhasoami as a greeting.I mentioned Maharaj Gurinder Singh to him, and he did not react negatively but merely referred to him as Mr. rather than Maharaj his honorific title. Amongst the small band of people I was with at the time one Beas Satsangi was staring at me "trance-like" with eyes wide open. It was claimed that he had reached Sach Khand, and was greatly respected. It is not clear why he was present. Maybe he recognized Kehar Singh as being the genuine article. This would ofcourse contradict the stance held by Beas Satsang! As with all these things it suggests to me that subjective dynamics play a big part in all this.Unfortunately though, things went little awry with Kehar Singh in Slough as it emerged that he was becoming impatient in trying to raise funds for his organization as well as certain other matters.Yet, he did manage to get his picture in the local newspapers with some notables! So his trip to Britain was not totally wasted. Ofcourse, none of this means that he is an imperfect "Sant" .

Gurus are after regarded in the main as incarnations of the Absolute Power of the Universe, and can do anything even if it contradicts the mores of society itself which if they occur are seen as tests of faith.....Finally, I hardly if at all had any kind of "spiritual" experiences with any of the above with the exception of two Teachers. These two are the late Dr. Sharma (aka Manav Dayal), and Harjit Singh both drawing their inspiration from Baba Faqir Chand. See the next blog post......................

Brief Introduction to Key Indian Esoteric Societies by Robert Searle

2010-08-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

The following is a brief listing of 17 Indian esoteric societies. They represent the key ones which Westerners have come across, and have become influential to varying degrees. There are of course many other ones which are largely, or wholly unknown. Most of them do not have any formal organization at all, and as such we will probably hear nothing about them, or their "background".

This though for a truth-seeker is largely unimportant because the informal "societies" ( if such they can be called) largely teach types of meditation that are already known to the key ones in the 17 given below.

(editors comment: Where the gurus and teachings are already described in detail on Kheper net, I have added a link the appropriate page. In the case of those that aren't, I have included a link to the home page or home pages - MAK)

1. The Ramakrishna Mission.

Regarded as arguably being the first Indian society, or movement to seriously introduce mainstream yogic meditation practices, and Vedanta to the West. This occured through the pioneering work of Swami Vivekananda who succeeded Ramakrishna as the chief guru. He tried to present it as being like a "science" rather than purely as a faith in which the unseen spiritual universe could be proved directly to onself along with the superconcious realization of "God".

Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

2. The Divine Life Society.

This was started by the highly influential Swami Sivananda who wrote many authorative works on various types of yogic meditation. His chief successor was the noted Swami Chidananda who was a highly respected mystic of great influence. Ma Yogashakti, and Vishnu Devananda are a few notable teachers who drew their inspiration from the life and work of Swami Sivananda.

Divine Life Society

3. Ramana Maharshi.
He taught a form of yogic (jnana, or knowledge) meditation in which one could find ones Inner God, or "Higher Self" through a form of "self"-discrimination. His ideas became known in the West notably through the writings of Arthur Osborne. As with the other societies mentioned here there are a number of recognized, and unrecognized successors.

More

4. Sri Aurobindo Society.

Sri Aurobindo was a highly educated, and brilliant spiritual teacher who developed Integral Yoga via his published writings.It claims that one can become a channel for the Divine which can be experienced in the physical world, and at the same time help to spiritually transform it. His partner Mira Richard helped his movement to flourish, and was known respectively as the Mother. Auroville in Pondicherry, India is a large evolving "New Age" township of people concerned with putting Integral Yoga into action.

Among many other subjects, Sri Aurobindo himself also wrote some interesting ideas concerned with dream interpretation. He was also originally a political activist who wanted Self-Rule for India but his interest later turned to higher matters especially after some visionary experiences.

More

5. Siddha Yoga Dham.

This society was inspired by the controversial Swami Muktananda whose practices notably involve chanting mantras, or words of power as a way of awakening the psycho-spiritual energy known as kundalini. He also wrote a remarkable book in which he gave a highly detailed description of his inner experiences. It is called Play of Conciousness, and it has been claimed to initiate "awakenings" in people who are new to Siddha Yoga Dham.

Siddha Yoga

6. Sahaja Yoga.

This was founded by Mataji Nirmala Devi who is able to awaken the kundalini directly in people either "en masse," or on a one to one basis. She claims that this is experienced as a "psychic" wind rather than as "heat". The latter phenomenon it is claimed only happens to those gurus, and students who "misuse" the Kundalini which appears at first sight to contradict centuries of tradition, and understanding on the subject!

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7. Ananda Marg.

This society was founded by the controversial Anandamurti who believed that the world could be seriously transformed with the aid of kundalini which could create something akin to a "super-race" existing in proposed "anti-capitalist" type communities. It has also has involved itself in politics, and has notably been "persecuted" by the Indian government.

Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha

8. The Brahma Kumaris, or BKs.

This large organization teaches "RajaYoga" meditation but is not the same as Patanjalis system, and claims to get messages en direct from Shiv Baba, or "God". Like some Christian sects it believes that its followers will be reborn into a Golden Age on earth after the world as we know it has been largely destroyed.

The BKs, or "Raj Yogis" have tried to do much good in the world, and have helped to raise the social status of women in India.

Brahma Kumaris International website

9. Shiva Yoga.

This form of meditation was notably expounded by Kumarswamiji, and has had some influence in the West. It involves meditating on the lingam ( in this instance an egg-shaped object, and symbol of Lord Shiva) which along with repetition of a mantra can arouse the kundalini into activity, and ultimately lead to "Enlightenement", or "God-Realization."

Shiva Yoga

10. Transcendental Meditation/TM.

This was introduced to the world by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi notably with help from the Beatles. Essentially via a "mantra" ones thoughts can be ultimately traced back to their origin which is seen as the Ground of Being of Everything in Existence (ie. the "Absolute Reality," or "God"). This ofcourse is Transcendental Meditation, or TM the physical, and mental benefits of which have been studied scientifically. It along with its worldwide organization has drawn much public attention especially its "yogic flying" which is said to release positive collective spiritual energy to influence the world for the good (eg. reducing crime....).

Transcendental Meditation

11. International Society for Krishna Conciousness/ ISKCON.

Very well-known Indian society which claims that repeating the Holy Name of Krishna can link directly to the Supreme Personality of the Godhead. Unlike most Indian societies it does not believe that its recognized teaching "gurus" are the physical manifestations of God.
Sri Prabhupada in his seventies left India virtually penniless to start up ISKCON in America, and helped many of the youth to adopt a high ethical life free of drugs, and alcohol. He also wrote many interesting, but "simplistic" books on Krishna, and the ancient Vedic scriptures.

ISKCON

12. 3HO Yogi Bhajan.

It involves a wide variety of meditational, and physical exercises to awaken the kundalini into activity. The 3 HOs mean Healthy,Happy, and Holy Organization. Yogi Bhajan its original teacher was among other things responsible in helping to popularize genuine interest in Sikhism, and like ISKCON (and other "movements") helped to reform many young people.

3HO Foundation

13. Shivabalayogi.

After many years of austerity Shivabalayogi introduced to the world his dhyana, vibuhti, bhajan, bhava samadhi, or respectively his meditation, holy ash (said to have healing powers), spiritual songs, and divine trance. The last item can be facilitated by "energy" emitted from one of the successors of this tradition. During spiritual songs some, or indeed, many people can enter into a trance, and temporarily leave the body in a state of higher conciousness, and see their Ishta Dev, or Chosen Ideal (eg. Christ, Shiva, etc), and become "possessed" ecstatically by It.

Official Website

14. The Self-Realization Fellowship.

This society was originated by the "ageless", and "mythical" Mahavatar Babaji. The specific line of Masters in the Self-Realization Fellowship included the illustrious Sri Yukteswar whose chief successor was Paramahansa Yogananda. They taught Kriya Yoga which involves the awakening of kundalini via a series of initiations, or "grades" of development using a variety of meditation techniques... which tend to vary from one "sect" to another teaching the "same system" with the same name!

Yogananda took this teaching to the world to much acclaim, and authored the classic book on the subject "The Autobiography of a Yogi"

Self-Realization Fellowship

15. Osho Shree Rajneesh.

Controversial Osho Shree Rajneesh was a very prolific author of books especially concerned with mysticism.Essentially,he belived that "anthing goes" including sex. By indulging in it we could ultimately go beyond it, and attain "Enlightenment". In other words, a form of Tantra Yoga.Moreover, his ideas, and his meditational practices notably included "Western pop psychology" in which via certain forms of pent-up emotions (eg crying, wild laughing, etc) could be released in a structured manner (eg in Dynamic Meditation) so that they could no longer ultimately become a problem in life.

Osho International Foundation

16. The Meher Baba Association.

Meher Baba regarded himself as the "Highest of the High, the first Perfect Master, or Avatar. He went through several phases of his "Universal Work", and became well-known in India, and abroad. From July 10th 1925 he maintained silence, and communicated via an alphabet board, and special hand gestures.

More (pages in need of revision!)

17. The Radhasoami Faith / Sant Mat, or the Teachings of the Saints.

This believes that one can "die before death" in a meditation referred to as surat shabd yoga. It claims to have a "complete" understanding of the Spiritual Regions, and claims rightly, or wrongly to go beyond the reach of all other forms of eastern, and western meditation practices. This inner journey involves guidance from the Radiant Form of a Master, and utilizes the inner mystical Sound, and indeed, the inner Light as a means of visionary "ascension," or Mystic Transport.

The best known "movement" to spread surat shabd yoga especially in the West is the Radha Soami Satsang Beas notably via the classic book The Path of the Masters (1939) by Dr. Julian Johnson. Of course, other groups ofcourse exist each with their own teacher, or Satguru, or Perfect Master.

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There are a number of other gurus/socieites which have been excluded for one reason or another. They include Guru Maharaj, Sathya Sai Baba, Jashan Vaswani, Amritanandamayi, Swami Ramdas, Gururaj Ananda Yogi, Shri Chinmoy, Brahmarishi Kumar Swami, et al..........

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Encountering the Brahma Kumaris, and "Raja Yoga".

2010-08-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

My first encounter with Indian mysticism proper was with the devotees of Brahma Kumaris. They teach a system referred to as Raja Yoga but it is not the same as the Patanjali version which they would probably regard as being a later corruption . Anyway, I first discoverd the BKs back in 1980, or thereabouts. I saw an add in the local rag claiming that someone was teaching hypnosis, or something very much like it. I got into contact with the advertiser who happened to be a certain Brother Julius. He was a pleasant enough person, and seemed more interested in making me aware of the BKs. I had to confess this supplanted my initial interest in discussing hypnosis. Yet, the more I learned about its philosophy the more doubts it engendered. Ofcourse, apart from Julius the devotees were very pleasant. Unfortunately though, the former appeared to have blind faith in it altogether. It was if his critical mental faculties were totally suspended which was a shame, and this caused undue stress in his family life.

BK philosophy is fine as far as it goes...the Raja Yoga as it is propounded by them is positive, and uplifting. It uses visualization, and auto-suggestion in which one imagines oneself being a point of light at the Third Eye, and one repeatedly convinces oneself that "I am (indeed) a point of light, a peaceful soul (Om Shanti....which is also used as a greeting between devotees)..et cetera . The aim of this is to become "bodiless", and at the same imagine being bathed in the reddish light of God, or Shiv Baba residing in the Silent Ocean of Bliss in Brahmloka. Yet, official communication from the "Supreme Being" comes in the form of "mediumistic" sourced teachings (or Murlis, meaning the flute of Krishna ) with the BK movement. Baba made the following claims to his "sweet children."...acha acha acha.....

1) He has stated that God is not omnipresent, and that no guru, or incarnation is manifestation of the Supreme Power in human form

2)There are only a certain number of souls who are meant to follow him. They are the ones which are meant to start the Golden Age at the beginning of the so-called Five Thousand Year Cycle (made up of the Four Ages). This Cycle is repeated again,and again EXACTLY IN EVERY DETAIL. At the present time we are living in what is called the Iron Age which is soon to come to an end. Those souls who do not follow Shiv Baba are born in in one of the Four Ages of the Five Thousand Year Cycle. This whole process is called Drama. Shiv Baba claimed that "No one can question Drama" even though it is clearly nonsensical...and the traditional Hindu Swastika sign is used in their illustrations of this "evolutionary" process.

3) The BKs believe that Sat Yuga, or the Golden Age would be a world of wonders. The life expectancy of the reborn BKs would be extremely long, and healthy. Special vimanas, or "aircraft" would be able to take them to various destinations at the speed of thought. Buildings would be built like palaces, and if one recalls rightly crystals would be used as special energy rather like electricity.

4) The BKs try not to mention anything about the above claims concerning '"doomsday", and the succeeding Golden Age. This is deliberate as to not alarm newcomers into their sect. This is arguably dishonest of them.

5) Ofcourse, the BKs claim that religions are based on subconcious memories of the Golden Age when concious knowledge of the Five Thousand Year Cycle was known about but later forgot.

6) It has been claimed that at the end (ie.doomsday)of the Iron Age (ie. our present time) the magnetic fields of the earth could be altered leading in part to repitilians suddenly growing in size, and becoming dinosaurs. This is an explanation for the prehistoric remains of such creatures!!!! This though is not something suggested by Shiv Baba himself as far as I know...

Also, I made Brother Julius (mentioned earlier) aware of a certain section(s) in the book Treastise on Cosmic Fire by Alice Bailey which seem to predict the emergence of the Brahma Kumaris. This was something which was recognized by Benjamin Creme (a noted esotericist) when I phoned him. In Sant Mat the reddish sky or "Brahm Element" in which Shiv Baba resides is usually associated with Kal, or the Negative Power which is concerned with the continuation of the physical creation.....

The "Vision" of the "Spiritual Sun".

2010-08-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

The following experience may be of interest....it is connection with a "Vision" of the "Spiritual Sun" back on August 12th 1977.

.... It was a timeless experience. It seemed to go on, and on, and yet at the same time (so to speak!) it seemed to be just a few minutes, or so.. Whether it can be exactly called a Vision, or "waking dream" is another matter. Let us assume that it is the former. It began when I was aware of darkness all around me. I was stumbling about until I suddenly opened a door, and lo, and behold I saw a spectacle which was most esoteric in significance.... What I saw, or I presume I saw was the Sun with two outpourings of sparks whose soothing sizzling sound could be heard. This for some could be interpreted as the "I AM" presences or souls descending, and ascending. They issued from each side of the lower portion of the Sun which could be interpreted as being the Solar Logos, God, or the Higher Self. Yet, it was partly this peaceful experience that helped to inspire me to deeply explore the world of the esoteric. It was the start of my Truth-Seeking though this had also been triggered off so to say by a certain book by the researcher Guy Lyon Playfair.. Anyway, there is also a further note to this. Shortly, after the above Vision I moved to Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire, England. I went upstairs to what was to be my private sanctum ( I was 16 at the time), and suddenly realized as I opened the door that this very same door was the one in the Vision. When it was fully ajar I saw infront of me my future desk, and chair, and the physical sun shinning its rays into the room...

An Introduction to Robert Searle, the Blogger of "Thoughts, and Visions"..

2010-08-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Robert Searle is an autodidact, and independent researcher. He is the originator of two major paradigms known as Multi-Dimensional Science, and Transfinancial Economics. He is also the originator of the Eleutherian Theory, and Improvised Voice Instrumental Music.

He was born on April 30th 1961 at Upton Hospital, Slough in England. His family were middle-class. His father who lives in Selsey is a structural/civil engineer who has been involved in a number of major jobs including those at Hampton Court, and St. Georges School, Windsor.

His mother was of Hueguenot ancestry. She was a part-time antique dealer, and a registered breeder of burmese cats. After she died in Oxford in 2005 his father (in his late seventies) re-married in 2008 to a former noted Russian ballet dancer by the name of Irina Ishmetov. She claims to have healing powers, and emanates from a wealthy background.

Searle was educated at the Royal Free, and at a private school in Windsor called the Tutorials. His main interests then were art, and history. He had a gift for drawing (especially "instant" portraiture), and painting. As a teenage he acted as an unofficial guide to the Curfew Tower at Windsor Castle (circa 1974-76). He also had the privilege of entering the huge “secret” tunnel which the public were not allowed to see.

He was a keen photographer, and loved visiting other historical places in the UK, and abroad. Because of his interest in history he had a fascination for archaeology, and undertook practical work at the excavation site in Wraysbury near Windsor.He even wrote an article for Young Rescue about the dig at old Windsor, and the surrounding area in 1975 drawing his data from the Guildhall which incidently hosted the marriage of Prince Charles, and Camilla in 2005.

After attending the Tutorials he went onto College where he was studying French, Biology,and History. He was intending to study archaeology at the University of London but decided not to.After he left College he took jobs as a clerical worker notably for Sony, and Department of Health, and Social Security. He also later became a self-employed horticulturist (1980-96) working in the "stockbroker belt" of places like Gerrards Cross, Stoke Poges, Farnham Common,Iver, and elsewhere . One of his clients who also became a great friend was Sir Michael Shersby, former MP for Uxbridge, who died suddenly, just after Tony Blair came to power in 1997.

Robert Searle has relatives on his fathers side who are the world experts on orchids. One of them though, Brian Rittershausen died in 2010. His surviving sister Wilma continues to popularize the orchids. Searle, and they are a part of the Austrian Von Rittershausen family. The word Rittershausen means the House of the Knight, and has a coat of arms with a latin motto meaning Iron Will. Its history can be traced a long way back, and consisted of a line of powerful barons who played an important role in the Hapsburg Empire. In the early part of the 20th Century though due to the rise of the Nazis, the Rittershausens fled to England, and notably stayed in London.

Apart from being a horticulturist Robert Searle has also been a professional fundraiser (1996-2005). This involved the direct selling of charity tickets for two childrens charities, notably the Lee Sykes Centre in Sunderland before it closed down. However,he learned to hate this kind of work. He believes that there is far better way of helping charitable non-goverment organizations, or NGOs which is discussed in his“working paper” on Transfinancial Economics. This can be notably found as an entry in the P2P Foundation website which was started by Michel Bauwens who is a noted pioneer, and populariser of the importance of computers in the global networking of people, and ideas.

A Seeker After Truth.

To return to when he was a child, Searle had a number of psychic experiences which made him re-think his life, and purpose. In August 1977 serious intellectual interest was ignited (along with a “vision” of the "Spiritual Sun") by a book entitled The Unknown Power by Guy Lyon Playfair. In around 1980, he became a member of the Society for Psychical Research, which was the earliest "scientific" society of its kind (1882).

He has been connected with other “groups.” These are of a far less scientific value such as the Theosophical Society, the Arcane School. and the College of Psychic Studies. At the age of 16, and 17 he wrote a projected book on the paranormal plus a novel concerned with post mortem existence.Unfortunately, they did not go into print.The same occured with his paper in 1977 for the Galpin Society which was concerned with reviving ancient Etruscan Music. In it he used existing data (largely iconographical). He connected it up for the first time with the poetic incantations of Italian peasants who gave clear references to Etruscan (pre-roman) gods in a book (published in 1892) by Charles Godfrey Leland.

As an adult though he published a number of articles on eastern esoteric subjects. Four appeared in a small but scholarly journal called The Pentacle which sadly folded. His work though has appeared in Yoga Today, and its successor Yoga, and Healing for which he also divised a few competitions. Some of his artwork was also published.Essentially, he has written on Indian Mysticism.

In the 21st century he has contributed largely seminal "essays" to the influential, and largely comprehensive Kheper website dealing with the esoteric. It is run by Alan Kazlev, a Jew living in Australia.

Besides his literary endeavours, Searle has met, and in certain cases interviewed a number of gurus visiting Britain. They included such people as Ma Yogashakti, Swami Chidananda Maharaj, Ravi Shankar, Mata Amritanandamayi, Shivabala Bala Yogi, S.A.A. Ramaiah, Kehar Singh, Mataji Nirmala Devi, and the like.

Transfinancial Economics (TFE) .

Since around the turn of the 20th century Robert Searle became very interested in economics, and especially how money played its role in society. He came across monetary reform which believes in radical changes in the banking system.

In London, he became involved with meetings of the Global Justice Movement(GJM). It is not to be confused with a Canadian based group of the same name. The GJM in the UK is "headed up" by Peter Challen, and Rodney Shakespeare, a worldwide authority on Binary Economics. These "meetings" tended to be very small but informative. All the same the GJM did, and does attract a number of high calibre people such as a successful authoress, Ellen Brown, and a well-known American Senator, Dennis Kucinich.

Apart from this, Robert Searle used to attend the committee rooms at the Houses of Parliament where there were on occasion lectures on monetary reform. It was there that he met such people as James Robertson, and Stephen Zarlenga, the founder of the American Monetary Institute.

It was at such meetings, and talks that as a concerned citizen he was inspired to develop Transfinancial Economics, or TFE. Some of his feedback about it came from the internet forum of the Global Justice Movement itself. Since August 2004 he contributed hundreds of posts to it not all ofcourse dealing with his paradigm.

Essentially, Transfinancial Economics, or TFE has been evolving on the internet from something which was relatively simplistic, and less informed to something which is more complex, and more informed. This has been a long process, and has involved a degree of intuitive awakening. However, it was discovered later on that it was very similiar to Social Credit which was founded by Clifford Douglas.

Anyway, TFE, itself believes that enough new unearned money can be created which would in time make the need for taxes, and/or indeed, fundraising in many cases unnecessary. If at all necessary inflation could be controlled directly, and eletronically rather than by the indirect methods of raising interest rates, and taxation.

A futuristic, but realistic political philosophy may also be developed. It would largely be influenced by Technocracy set in the basic framework of open democracy, and universal human rights.

As for TFE, it is hoped that in a few years time a book possibly entitled Towards Super Economics, Financial Revolution, and Global Justice will be published.It should be said here that a paper was actually accepted by a scholarly journal of high standing. After signing copyright clearance forms though Searle had a dispute with the editor/publisher, and withdrew it. At the time of writing, it has been sent elsewhere. It has also attracted interest from some economists including Professor Prem Sikka, and the autodidact, Hazel Henderson.Finally, TFE was one of the key subjects presented at the scientific International Conference of Engineering, and Meta-Engineering in April 2010 which took place in the USA.

Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).

Multi-Dimensional Science, or MDS (also referred to as the Multi-Dimensional Hypothesis) if true could (like TFE in economics) be seen as a major breakthrough in our understanding of psychic, and spiritual phenomena. It has also attracted some interest from a number of people including Elisabet Sahtouris, Stanley Krippner, Jean Houston, and Ron Pearson, the originator of Survival Physics.

MDS offers for the first time a methodology in which we can "objectively" understand how the non-physical spiritual, and the psychic could be proved (albeit indirectly in the main),and hence, how this could revolutionise physics, psychology, biology, psychiatry, and the like.Searle believes that ideas, and mathematics similiar to modern physics do have a huge relevance in the development of MDS even though some of the findings may be partly, or wholly ineffable as they deal with claimed "mystical experiences".Moreover,he has suggested that some non-physical phenomena could be “accurately” described, and made “provable” by using semiotic, or symbolic type coding when it comes to mystical ascents into “higher worlds”. It is hoped that a book will result possibly entitled Towards Super Science; The New Psychic, and Spiritual Paradigm. This project will take longer than TFE. Those with an academic background in the sciences, and to some extent in the arts would be necessary to help forward the evolutionary development of this new “science.”. An Association for Multi-Dimensional Science (AMS) may be set up.

Searle is creating a worldwide directory/database of well-known, and more importantly little-known esoteric societies whose mystical, and psychic knowledge may prove invaluable for the theoretical dimension of MDS. This project when completed, and published will probably be the most comprehensive ever produced. Simple codes may be used to reduce the amount of information given per entry of this projected directory/database.

The Eleutherian Theory is a "spin off" from MDS. It offers a "new" esoteric philosophy concerned with "free will". He is also interested in the idea of the Universal Debating Project which is also very similiar to another evolving concept already present on the internet.

The Voice As Improvised Instrumental Music.

Apart from his two major projects of TFE, and MDS his other concern is Voice Instrumental Music.This is the use of the human voice as if it were a musical instrument. It is a huge subject with great potential not fully appreciated. There are many examples of it such as Tuva throat singing, the Jewish nigun, Beatboxing, the Hollywood Sound Effects Choir, and notably the A Cappella groups such as the Swingle Singers, the House Jacks, Vocal Sampling, et al. Searle hopes to undertake some pioneering contribution in this obscure area of music. He believes in the development of an avant garde theory, and practice refered to as Improvised Voice Instrumental Music.This involves the use of greater musical intelligence which can lead to the creation of impromptu, or on the spot performances of high quality music of various genres. This could be recorded. Thus, each “professional” improv concert of whatever musical style would produce new music spontaneously.

Furthermore, Searle is a great lover of colourful, and interesting interpretations of Medieval, and Renaissance Music, or Early Music believing that it has great possibilities which are slowly being realized. As such, he has created the largest audio-visual internet collection of its kind on the subject intended to essentially interest, and inspire amateurs, professional musicians, and composers. It is known simply as Searle8. He has also contributed much material on David Munrow (1942-1976)using the pen name of "piedpiper" at the forum of the tribute site dedicated to this great musician.

Among other things he has been witness to a few historical events at Windsor including a visit to the lying in state of the Duke of Windsor in 1972, at St Georges Chapel, and more spectacularly the Great Fire at Windsor Castle in 1992. The former, and especially the latter received huge worldwide news coverage.

In 1993 he was initiated into Surat Shabd Yoga. He also had two major spiritual awakenings from two gurus Dr. Sharma, and Sant Harjit Singh. Both traced their lineage to Baba Faqir Chand.

The above bio-data may be subjected to further modifications, and updates…

Please go to my links at the following page.

http://thoughtsandvisions-searle88.blogspot.com/2010/11/relevant-links-to-biodata-on-robert.html