Over the Years

Over the years, our joys and sorrows have taught us that nothing is permanent and everything is subject to change. These experiences lead us to search for the truth and reflect upon the purpose of our existence. Looking back, it becomes clear that these events in our lives are the Lord’s way of bringing us towards him.

The number one sign of his being merciful to anyone is that he creates in the disciple dissatisfaction with the worldly routine and a longing to seek the truth. The second sign is that he brings him in touch with a Master. The third sign is that the Master imparts to him the secret of the sound current. The fourth sign is that the initiate works diligently and faithfully on the sound current and starts his spiritual journey.
_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, Spiritual Gems}

When we begin our spiritual journey, we become aware of the power of Master’s love, and the wisdom of his teachings. Our interests begin to change. Our possessions and desires for worldly objects no longer hold the same appeal and grip over us. Social gatherings which we were once so enthusiastic about are not as fulfilling. Instead, we begin to enjoy dedicating more time to satsang and seva and being in the company of the Master.

Then come the challenges. There are days when we feel dry and empty, and other days when we feel lifted by the Master’s grace. But as time goes by, we learn that each step is a necessary phase that contributes to our spiritual growth. We realize that spiritual progress cannot be measured - it all depends upon the Lord’s grace, and all we can do is to put in our best efforts.

God considers a soul’s advancement and progress, but takes no account of time. One soul may have achieved more in six months than another in twenty years, since, as I have said, the Lord gives at his own pleasure, and to him who is readiest to receive.
_{The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila}

As life continues, we recognize the precious blessings that the Lord bestows upon us. Being in the presence of the Master, having the opportunity to visit Dera, attending satsangs and having the privilege of participating in seva are all his gifts.

If we reflect on what our lives would have been like if we did not have a Master or a spiritual path to turn to, where would we be today? What if we did not have satsangs, seva or meditation in our lives? As a satsangi wrote:

Deeply moved, I realized that without Sant Mat I would never have been able to make any sense of my life or all my spiritual longing and striving. I would never have known who the inner guide was, who led me from my youth, who took me into the desert and who made me walk over the ridge. Without the Master, I would never have known whose gaze had supported me when - figuratively speaking - I had to go over the sharp edge of a sword. Without Sant Mat, the mystery of the universal Christ and of God’s plan for the salvation of souls would not have been revealed to me…. Without initiation into the path of the Masters, I would never be able to experience, one day, the highest aspirations of my religion: the awakening of the soul in God, the true resurrection from death to eternal life and the union of my soul with the Holy Spirit, the audible Word.
_{Adventure of Faith}

In this world of pain and suffering, we are fortunate that we have a Master who guides us through our everyday lives, who gives us the strength and encouragement to realize the true purpose of life. As the years go by, we become grateful for everything the Master does for us, and we learn to show our appreciation in the deepest, most meaningful way - by living the teachings and sincerely attending to meditation.

My God, in whom is my delight, my glory, and my trust,
  I thank you for your gifts and beg you to preserve and keep them for me.
Keep me, too, and so your gifts will grow and reach perfection
  and I shall be with you myself,
  for I should not even exist if it were not by your gift.
_{Saint Augustine, The Confessions}