The Key

As much as the mind loves to read books and absorb uplifting information, the Masters ceaselessly remind us that it is the application of those teachings that will actually make the difference in our spiritual life. It has been said many times that Sant Mat is a path of transformation, not a path of information; that there is a big difference between knowledge and understanding.

Meditation is the practical expression of the Sant Mat teachings and our greatest endeavour of this life. It is the key to our transformation. The Masters tell us that when we meditate and are in touch with the Shabd, the mind gets slowly detached from its desires, karmas are destroyed, and gradually we start to see little changes in ourselves. We become more positive in the way we think, in our attitude and behaviour and in the way we face our circumstances. We are more relaxed about life in general and more accepting of the events that unfold in our lives. Eventually, we experience the kind of tranquillity that does not depend on outward circumstances.

Just imagine if a pharmaceutical company suddenly developed a drug that could permanently induce these effects of meditation. Surely, the first thing we would do is run to the drugstore and pick some up regardless of how much it costs. Yet what the Master offers us is far beyond anything available in this world, and he lets us have it for nothing more than our sincere and one-pointed devotion at meditation.

But weakness is weakness and we fall prey to the irrational mind. It will prioritize seva, darshan and satsang instead of constant effort at meditation. The Masters explain to us that seva, darshan and satsang are means of support on the spiritual path. Their purpose is to create an atmosphere that will inspire us to meditate. In a way, they are like the vitamins that we take to supplement our diet. But the point is, we cannot live on vitamins alone: we need real food. Similarly, the mystics explain that the food for the soul is meditation, and there can never be a substitute for that.

Training the mind to let go of attachments and concentrate at the eye centre is a lifelong process. Whenever the mind runs out, we catch it and bring it back to the eye centre. Every time we bring it back, the mind gets a little more used to being there. The Masters promise us that one day it will become our friend and, in time, it will learn to sit at the eye centre.

In the meantime, evidence of progress is clear. Slowly but surely we are changing; we are growing up. If any disciple were to reflect upon the way he conducted himself in days gone by, before he was initiated, he would plainly see how much he has changed.

When we have the devotion of the Lord within us, that devotion, that love, brings all the qualities within us. It just transforms us; our whole outlook is changed. The more we go near to him, the more we find ourselves close to each other and the more we love one another. The more we find peace within, the more we find peace outside. It makes us true humans.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. II}

Hazur had been telling us all along: From meditation, love will come, submission will come, humility will come. Everything will come. And it is all coming. The Masters have always emphasized the Sant Mat bottom line – meditation is the key. It is the field where love blossoms. And even if all we had was a tiny spark of that love, we would be entering the world’s arena carrying it like a blazing torch. We would think with that love, we would speak with that love, we would act with that love, until one glorious day, we would discover that we are actually no more, and love is all there is.

The attraction of God’s love is more intense than any other attraction.
  It is the attraction of the devotee for the Beloved,
and this is also the key that enables one to unlock the secrets of God.
_{Jalaludin Rumi, as quoted in, Philosophy of the Masters, Vol. II}