truth, simplicity and love

Truth, Simplicity and Love

Essential Haidakhan Babaji

By

Pritam

ii

© Copyright (2020) by (Pritam) - All rights reserved.

The words of Shri Haidakhan Babaji belong to the whole of humanity and can be quoted at will, with the reference to the Teachings of Babaji or this publication. The same applies to the images of Shri Babaji already present in the public domain.

Otherwise, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published by: Roche Miette Books, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

ISBN 978-0-9812582-4-9 (pdf)

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This book is dedicated to:

The struggling Humanity.

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Table of Contents Preface................................................................................................................................. 1

Why do we need Shri Babaji’s teachings? .............................................................. 3

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5

PART I: Babaji’s Self-Awareness .................................................................................... 10

Chapter One: Messenger of Revolution. ............................................................... 10

Chapter Two: Mahaprabhuji (Great God)............................................................. 12

Chapter Three: Mahavatar Babaji. ........................................................................ 14

Chapter Four: Guru of All Gurus. ......................................................................... 15

Chapter Five: Servant of All Humanity. ............................................................... 16

PART II: Babaji’s Doctrine. ............................................................................................. 17

Chapter Six: Sanatana Dharma. ............................................................................ 19

Chapter Seven: Truth, Simplicity and Love. ........................................................ 22

Chapter Eight: Human Unity. ............................................................................... 27

Chapter Nine: Humanism. .................................................................................... 29

Chapter Ten: Karma Yoga. ................................................................................... 31

Chapter Eleven: Maha Kranti and the Need for Courage. .................................... 37

Chapter Twelve: Repeating God’s Name. ............................................................ 41

Chapter Thirteen: Purity. ...................................................................................... 43

Chapter Fourteen: Phuro! Inspiration. .................................................................. 46

Chapter Fifteen: Alertness. ................................................................................... 47

Chapter Sixteen: Duty and Determination. ........................................................... 48

Chapter Seventeen: Jai Vishwa! Earth as Mother................................................. 50

Chapter Eighteen: Unity Beyond Division. .......................................................... 52

PART III: Miscellaneous Statements................................................................................ 54

Chapter Nineteen: Some mantras.......................................................................... 62

Epilogue/Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 63

Person of the Future .............................................................................................. 63

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Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 65

Internet resources .................................................................................................. 66

Other versions of the book ................................................................................................ 67

Acknowledgments............................................................................................................. 68

About the Author .................................................................................................. 68

Statement by Dr. Arvind Lal, Chairman of Haidakhandi Samaj .......................... 69

Preface In May 2020 I had the pleasure to make a PowerPoint presentation, entitled “Haidakhan

Babaji – Unity Beyond Division,” during the online conference “Religious, Spiritual, Secular: Living in a Pluralistic Society,” organized by the Vancouver School of Theology. My challenge was to introduce Haidakhan Babaji and his Message to an audience that, by the nature of scholarly approach, and coming from different religious traditions, would likely be quite skeptical. Warm reception of that presentation by the conference participants, and, later on, by Babaji’s community, made me to think that there may be an appetite for a more systematic look at Shri Haidakhan Babaji’s Doctrine.

Doctrine may not be the most fortunate term as it may associate with a system of rigid thought, which I don’t believe applies to Shri Babaji’s teachings; however, for the time being, I don’t see a better word. What Shri Babaji taught is not a philosophy – the Message was typically expressed in an authoritative manner, meant to be considered seriously and followed. According to Wikipedia, “Doctrine (from Latin: doctrina, meaning "teaching" or "instruction") is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system.” This seems to reflect well the efforts of this publication. It is not my intention to establish a set of rules to be followed, but rather to introduce the general essence of the teachings of Shri Babaji to those who have never heard about him.

Why is it needed? It has been 36 years since Shri Babaji’s Mahasamadhi (death). The number of people who knew him directly is declining. Also, human memory is fallible and it is harder to recollect over time what Shri Babaji said exactly. On top of this, we all have our biases, making us selective in what we preserve and what we amend to our own needs. The longer this continues, the harder it will be, I worry, to preserve the original, authentic teachings of Shri Babaji.

For this purpose, in this book, I only use “The Teachings of Babaji” – the original publication containing what Shri Babaji, or people authorized by him (mostly Vishnu Dutt Shastriji), spoke about. I also include a few quotations from Gaura Devi’s “Babaji’s Teachings,” the publication which, reportedly, was authorized by Shri Babaji himself.

This book is not about Babaji himself, or about people’s experiences with Babaji. There have been a few good books written on this subject, which I include in the Bibliography. From among them, I would recommend two that I read myself and found very inspiring. These are Radhe Shyam’s “I am Harmony. A book about Babaji” and Gaura Devi’s “The Fire of Transformation. My life with Babaji.” They both beautifully describe Shri Babaji’s customs and his daily “spiritual routines.” They also effectively illustrate the tremendous love Babaji was instilling in his devotees.

This book is not meant to replace “The Teachings of Babaji,” the most authoritative source of Shri Babaji’s thought. “The Teachings” give more context and better flavor of what

https://youtu.be/W8kFqz53kkg


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Shri Babaji was about. However, as spontaneous recordings of his words, “The Teachings” are also more fluid and repetitive, which may discourage the unprepared reader.

In this book, I will also not try to convince the reader that Shri Babaji was a manifestation of a deity. This may be somewhat disappointing to Shri Babaji’s followers who love and worship him as manifestation of Shiva, or God in general. I will only introduce Shri Babaji in the most general terms, using the best-known facts, and, as objectively as possible, present what he was teaching.

In this effort toward objectivity, I will reach predominantly for the most universal aspects of Shri Babaji’s teachings. As Shri Babaji “manifested” in India, he was worshipped according to the local Hindu customs. These customs are mostly preserved in Shri Babaji’s ashrams all over the world. However, his Message was meant for the whole of humankind. To fully grasp his Universal Message, following Hindu customs is not necessary, and may even represent a hindrance.

A few technical remarks:

• “Babaji” is a generic term, expressing respect. It can be used toward a saint, a teacher or a venerable head of household. For the sake of simplicity, whenever I use the term “Babaji,” I refer to “Haidakhan Babaji” or “Babaji from Haidakhan.”

• Also, for simplicity, I will not always use the prefix “Shri” (Shree) before Babaji’s name. This shouldn’t be interpreted as lack of respect. The same applies to referring to Babaji as “he” rather than “He.”

• Unless indicated otherwise, all the quotes in this book come from “The Teachings of Babaji.” To keep things simple, I only give the date when these words were spoken.

• Throughout the book I placed a few pictures of Babaji that, in my opinion, often convey more information than the words. Both the words and the images of Babaji belong, I believe, to the whole of humankind.

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Why do we need Shri Babaji’s teachings?

How is Shri Babaji’s Universal Message relevant to the world we know? It appears that Babaji manifested because of the regrettable state of humankind and to prevent it from tipping into total catastrophe. To use Shri Babaji’s own words:

“People today are full of misery and unhappiness. Misery and unhappiness are not confined to the poor, but rich people are affected too. All are suffering from difficulties, misery, and unhappiness. The leaders of all countries are busy safeguarding their positions and have totally ignored their people’s needs and interests. These leaders are misguiding the public. There is complete insecurity. There is no safety of person or property. (…)”1

We could all point to a few leaders like this, I think. According to Babaji:

"The world now is in a state of turmoil. It is suffering from three kinds of pain – physical, mental, spiritual (…)”2 More so: “At present, demonic influences have engulfed men. Man will fight and devour men and they will destroy each other. (…)”3 He believed that: “There is a great possibility of war in many countries. Also, there are possibilities of civil wars. (…)”4 In his perception: “All countries have raised their heads, with mouths open, like cobras, waiting for the opportunity to swallow each other.”5

Babaji warned that this “enthrallment with the lower nature”6 of human beings is likely to lead to a global catastrophe, which will affect everything. He said:

“At present, not only humanity is in danger, but all sentient and insentient beings of the universe are in danger. I have not only to consider human beings but I have to save the entire Creation. (…).”7 And: “Not only is man in danger but every one of the 8,400,000 species as well (…)”8

Did he mean the phenomena related to Global Warming or COVID-19? – we don’t know for sure. There are many signs that the Earth’s ecosystem is on the verge of collapse. Babaji was also concerned about some sort of nuclear catastrophe, as indicated by the following words:

“(…) Life itself is uncertain and now atomic weapons and nuclear power, which will be eliminated, endanger the earth.”9 And: “(…) The bells of great destruction are already ringing. The war will be such that people sleeping will die immediately. There will be

1 28 Jul 1979 2 23 Sep 1983 3 28 Jul 1979 4 19 Oct 1983 5 1 Feb 1984 6 29 Jul 1982 7 23 Nov 1983 8 24 Sep 1983 9 17 Aug 1982

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atomic war. People will die immediately in their houses from gas and atomic and nuclear radiation."10

One could argue that these predictions have already been fulfilled partially by the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters, but that more may be to come.

The reason for this poor state of affairs may be that, according to Hindu beliefs, we are currently in Kali Yuga, the Age of Darkness. According to Wikipedia, Kali Yuga is characterized by “spiritual bankruptcy, mindless hedonism, the breakdown of all social structure, greed and materialism, unrestricted egotism, afflictions and maladies of mind and body.”11 Shri Babaji often made references to these negative phenomena, and explained that this was the reason for his manifestation – to mitigate the negative consequences of the current era. Babaji said:

"I have come to guide humanity to a higher path. I do not belong to any particular religion, but respect all religions. I seek the elevation of all mankind.”12

He explained:

“There is only one way for mankind to be saved and that is by changing the hearts of all people. (…)”13

10 7 Nov 1981 11 Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_Yuga on 25 Jul 2020. 12 29 Jul 1983 13 29 Oct 1983

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kali_Yuga

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Introduction

It would be somewhat awkward to present Babaji’s Message to an unfamiliar reader without writing at least a few paragraphs about the Messenger himself. I will try to do it briefly, and as objectively as possible.

The view from the sacred cave near Haidakhan Ashram.

It is believed that Babaji was first spotted meditating in this cave, across from Gautama Ganga River and Haidakhan Ashram in June 1970. As none knew his parents, and there was no record of him attending any schools, the local people concluded that he “manifested” himself.

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Haidakhan Babaji on top of Mount Kailash in October 1970

Beginning in October 1970, Babaji spent 45 days in a small temple on top of the local Mount Kailash, reportedly “without leaving his seat.”14 The photograph above, which is believed to be the first photo of Babaji, was taken at that time. He ate almost nothing, being in deep meditation most of the time. This convinced the locals that Babaji was a person of unusual power and self-control. Hundreds of people joined him on Mount Kailash for the festival of Navaratri, in spite of having to make a three-hour hike from the bottom of the valley.15

14 Leonard Orr, personal conversation. 15 Radhe Shyam. (1989). I am Harmony. P.111.

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One of the early pictures of Haidakhan Babaji

Also this early picture of Babaji, with its great intensity and beauty, seems to illustrate why people were drawn to him. He quickly developed a reputation for being able to read human minds and to perform miracles. Many of his followers believed he was a manifestation of Shiva. Over time, Babaji attracted many followers also from the West, including, reportedly, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple.16

16 See, for instance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJjOQ6Qy10s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJjOQ6Qy10s

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Babaji’s spiritual routine

Being around Babaji was a very demanding experience according to many of his followers17 on account of his spiritual routine. Babaji would typically start his day around 3:00 am, with a bath, often in the cold Gautama Ganga, which was followed by meditation or a short fire ceremony. Around 5:00 am, he would see his devotees for the ceremonial chandan (placing a mark on the forehead), followed by morning Aarti (devotional singing), around 6:00 am. Then, until noon, everybody would be engaged in some form of karma yoga (physical work). At noon the only meal of the day was being served, followed by more karma yoga in the afternoon. Sometimes a more elaborate fire ceremony, havan, would be performed around noon. In the afternoon, Babaji would sometimes see the devotees for individual meetings, known as darshan. Then there would be another bath, followed by the evening Aarti. After the evening Aarti, Babaji would give short speeches that were recorded in "The Teachings of Babaji."

Babaji’s ministry

Aerial view of Haidakhan Ashram

Babaji renovated the ashram in Haidakhan, which, it is believed, belonged to his “previous manifestation.” He established another ashram and hospital in Chiliyanaula, and performed many acts of charity. His ashrams were open to people of all religious denominations. In fact, many people from the West came to learn from him. Christmas, Jewish New Year, reading of Guru Granth Sahib, Jain holy days were all celebrated in his ashrams. Many people were fed in his ashrams every day.

17 Leonard Orr, personal conversation.

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Babaji performed many yagnas – sacred fire ceremonies – believed to be auspicious to the locals and the whole world. (See the explanation on page 59).

Babaji travelled to many holy sites in India, always drawing big crowds, to spread his Message.

In spite of Babaji’s “boundless energy,” all his ministries appeared to be taking a toll on him. Eating very little, he gained weight and appeared to age at an unusually high rate.

Though many of his followers believed he was immortal, Haidakhan Babaji “left his body” on 14 February 1984, only 14 years into his ministry, because a heart failure. The fact that he “left through his heart,”18 on Valentine’s Day, is often interpreted by the Westerners as a sign of his love for the whole of humankind.

Babaji foretold his death and explained it in the following way:

“My body is meant to dry up one day. This body is nothing; it is here only to serve people. (…) Even my own body has come only to perform a duty to serve all human and all living things.”19

Haidakhan Babaji shortly before being buried in February 1984.

18 Expression used in: Moriarty, Joe. (1984). All Our Teachers. The Melodies of Babaji. Tape recording. 19 2 Feb 1983

Pritam – Truth, Simplicity and Love. Essential Haidakhan Babaji.

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PART I: Babaji’s Self-Awareness It could be of interest for the reader to have a glance at Babaji’s self-awareness – what he

was saying about himself.

Chapter One: Messenger of Revolution.

Babaji trying to wake up the world?

Babaji referred to himself a few times as a “Messenger of Revolution.” It appears that by “revolution” he meant both upcoming physical destruction (Maha Kranti – more on it in Chapter 11) as well as “revolution of the heart.” He said:

“(…) I have to awaken the world from its sleep. The fact is that I, too, will have to come forward for this revolution. (…)”20

20 11 Apr 1983


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Babaji explained:

“(…) This revolution takes place for the sake of world peace. This is my sole aim and main task. (…). When unrighteousness prevails in the world this is the only path possible.”21

Babaji pondering on his mission?

21 12 Apr 1983


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Chapter Two: Mahaprabhuji (Great God). Babaji was recorded saying:

“I am Bhole Baba (Simple Father). I am nobody and nothing. I am only like a mirror in which you can see yourself. I am like a fire. Don’t keep too far away or you will not get warmth. But don’t get too near or you may burn yourself. Learn the right distance. My name is Maha Prabhuji (The Great God).”22

One of his most prominent followers, a scholar, Vishnu Dutt Shastriji, made the following assertions about Maha Prabhuji:

“Whenever the world faces grave problems, the Lord –takes human incarnation and comes to fulfil the needs and desires of mankind, however, when the Lord comes in human form, few recognize Him. It was the same with Ram and Krishna, Christ and Mohammed. Only those to whom the Lord wishes to reveal Him, realize that He is in fact more than just a normal human. (…)”23 “This is the real acknowledgement of God: whenever He comes, He unites all religions of the world into one religion. That is, He has made the Herakhan Samaj to accommodate Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, etc., in one family. We see that the realities of God exist in Shri Babaji.”24 “(…) Sitting here at Haidakhan, Mahaprabhuji has control over every particle of the Creation by the power of His mere wish, by His very thought. (…). Mahaprabhuji has control over the elements, the spiritual world-to say nothing of the world of men. He is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer of the world. Not a single blade of grass can grow but that He wills it. He has incarnated in a human body for the welfare of mankind. His sole desire - is to make it possible for the whole world to be liberated. He shall do His utmost to achieve liberation of the world.”25 “This Vishwa Mahadham is not an ordinary place. It is special because Lord Shiva, in His mortal body, is living and moving here. The earth, which is touched by the Holy Feet of Shri Mahaprabhuji, is holier than even the highest heaven.”26

22 Gaura Devi. (1990). Babaji’s Teachings. P.7. 23 23 Oct 1981 24 25 Dec 1981 25 31 Aug 1983 26 19 Oct 1983


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“Mahaprabhuji has control over Kal (Time), the God of Death. Mahaprabhuji can create many worlds and can destroy many Creations at His will. If you are His devotee or disciple, why should there be any fear in you? (…)”27

Babaji loved to laugh.

27 6 Nov 1983


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Chapter Three: Mahavatar Babaji. Babaji reportedly hinted a few times that he is the same being to whom Paramahansa

Yogananda referred, in Autobiography of a Yogi, as Mahavatar Babaji.28 This claim, I understand, is disputed by the Self-Realization Fellowship, the society founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.29

A drawing of Mahavatar Babaji commissioned by Yogananda and based on his own contacts with Babaji.

Paramahansa Yogananda, in his Autobiography, described Mahavatar Babaji's role on

earth:

“The Mahavatar is in constant communion with Christ; together they send out vibrations of redemption, and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age. The work of these two fully-illumined masters–one with the body, and one without it–is to inspire the nations to forsake suicidal wars, race hatreds, religious sectarianism, and the boomerang-evils of materialism. Babaji is well aware of the trend of modern times, especially of the influence and

28 Radhe Shyam. (1989). I am Harmony. P.312. 29 Ibidem, xvi.


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complexities of Western civilization, and realizes the necessity of spreading the self-liberations of yoga equally in the West and in the East.”30

Chapter Four: Guru of All Gurus.

Babaji on pilgrimage

Gaura Devi recorded Babaji saying to her:

“I am no one’s Guru, but I am the Guru of gurus.”31

30 Retrieved from Wikipedia, article “Mahavatar Babaji,” on 8 August 2020. 31 Gaura Devi. (1990). Babaji’s Teachings. P.9.


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Chapter Five: Servant of All Humanity.

Babaji stressed the importance of the attitude of service, and modeled this attitude to others. He said:

“My body is meant to dry up one day, so don't care to put too much oil on it. This body is here only to serve people. All the living beings, animals, flowers, plants, and stones have been given a form by God and this body has been given by God to perform a duty in this world. So even my own body has come only to perform a duty and to serve all human and living beings.”32

Babaji with a group of devotees

He considered himself to be the servant of others:

“I say all this in the service of humanity. To work, think good, and dedicate your life to Humanity is the best. The only necessity of this Yoga is karma yoga through service. Everybody must spread this message. More and more people must be acquainted with these thoughts and teachings. Each corner of the world must awaken to these words. It is my desire that there be harmony in the universe. My plan is one of love-one where the lion and the goat can drink from the same well.”33

32 2 Feb 1983 33 9 Jan 1983


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PART II: Babaji’s Doctrine.

Throughout the 14 years of Shri Babaji’s ministry, certain themes were repeated by him many times. I have identified thirteen themes that appeared in his speeches most often. In my humble opinion they constitute the core of Shri Babaji’s teachings, his most important values and the most important recommendations. These will be elaborated on in Part II.

In Part III, I will present Babaji’s other suggestions and recommendations, many quite interesting and beautiful. I will try to summarize these recommendations into a vision of an ideal human being - the Person of the Future.

Scholarly Babaji.


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The basic themes of Shri Babaji’s Doctrine are:

• Sanatana Dharma.

• Truth, Simplicity and Love.

• Human unity.

• Humanism.

• Karma Yoga.

• Maha Kranti and the Need for Courage.

• Repeating God’s Name.

• Purity.

• Phuro! Inspiration.

• Alertness.

• Duty and determination.

• Jai Vishwa! Earth as Mother.

• Unity Beyond Division. God’s Omnipresence.


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Chapter Six: Sanatana Dharma.

Shri Babaji in deep meditation.

Although worshipped according to local customs, Haidakhan Babaji explained that he

came to restore Sanatana Dharma rather than Hindu Dharma (Hinduism). Sanatana Dharma can

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanatana_Dharma

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanatana_Dharma

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism


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be understood as a primordial religion reflecting natural laws established at the beginning of Creation.34 Babaji asserted:

"I have come to guide humanity to a higher path. I do not belong to any particular

religion, but respect all religions. I seek the elevation of all mankind.”35 According to Babaji: “The Sanatana Dharma is the universal Law/Religion- eternal, without beginning,

without end. No one knows when it came into being-no one knows how long it will exist.”36 A scholar, Vishnu Dutt Shastriji, explained Sanatana Dharma in the following way: “We can determine the date from which every religion started. For example, Mohammed

started the Muslim religion 1400 years ago and this is recorded in their scriptures. Christianity started with birth of Christ, 2000 years ago. Before Christ and Mohammed existed, the world and its peoples were living. The Sanatan37 Dharma has been followed for thousands and millions of years and no one is able to trace the date it began. You may try to understand this spontaneous religion this way: The dharma (law or nature) of fire is to burn; the dharma of water is to be wet; the air has to blow. Can one tell on what day the fire started to burn, the water to be wet, and the air to blow? No one can say.”38

Shastriji explained further: “Sanatan Dharma is like a great ocean. From that ocean, each country has dug canals

according to their needs and purposes. But canals cannot give total satisfaction as the ocean gives complete bliss. The Lord is showing a vision of the Sanatan Dharma, which is like the great ocean, and this is the greatest form of knowledge.”39

As for our relationship with the ocean, Shastriji added:

“Until now, people only had knowledge of their own canals. Now the Lord is showing us

that we aren't just bubbles in a canal, but rather bubbles in the great ocean. As long as we have individuality, we are seen as bubbles; when we disappear, we are one with the ocean.”40

34 Radhe Shyam. (1990). I Am Harmony. A Book About Babaji. Crestone, CO: Spanish Creek Publ. P.109. 35 29 Jul 1983 36 26 Aug 1983 37 I believe both forms “Sanatana” and “Sanatan” are used interchangeably. 38 25 Mar 1982 39 Ibidem. 40 25 Mar 1982


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Radhe Shyam elaborated on the subject of Sanatana Dharma in his book I am Harmony. He wrote:

“Babaji spoke of the Sanatan Dharma as the underlying Law of the universe which guides the process of creation, by which Creation is expanded and maintained, and which impels the growth of all sentient creatures – governing the results of all activities within the created universe. The laws of physics and chemistry are a part of the sanatan dharma; so are the laws of karma – “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”41

Radhe Shyam added:

“The Sanatan Dharma is the Law which governs the created universes. When a person lives in harmony with this Law, life is a growing, enriching process; (…) When we break the Law by failure to live in harmony with it – either by ignorance of the Law or by intent – we find the universe a very difficult place to live in; life is a painful struggle. (…)”42

The concept of Sanatana Dharma seems to be very interesting in the context of interreligious dialogue. The world biggest religions, even if they make an effort to establish dialogue with each other, have difficulty finding common ground. They invariably focus on their differences, which makes dialogue and cooperation difficult. The concept of Sanatana Dharma offers a chance here. If all religions accepted, even if only implicitly, that they have to respect the Laws of Sanatana Dharma,43 that they all come from the same “ocean,” getting along would become much easier.

The feet of Shri Babaji were the object of great reverence

41 Radhe Shyam (1989). I am Harmony. A book about Babaji. P.209. 42 Ibidem, P.211. 43 Ignoring these laws typically leads to embarrassing incidents, such as opposing Copernicus discovery.


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Chapter Seven: Truth, Simplicity and Love.

Another unifying concept of Babaji is that of Truth, Simplicity and Love. Babaji proclaimed:

"All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity and Love.”44

When I mention this idea to people of different religious backgrounds, they all invariably confirm that these values are present in their respective religions. Babaji added:

“The creation is vast and there are many doctrines. Adhere to one principle - that of truth, simplicity and love. Live in truth, simplicity and love and practice Karma yoga.”45

On another occasion Babaji stated:

"To follow and demonstrate the path of Truth, Simplicity and Love is man's supreme duty and the highest Yoga. (…)”46

Yet on a different occasion he said:

“Truth, Simplicity and Love are like a Triveni (A Triveni is the joining place of three rivers.). The way to success is to join Karma Yoga to this Triveni. (…) If, with full faith and devotion to God, and with a firm determination, people follow the Path of Truth, Simplicity and Love, with karma yoga, they will reach their goal. (…)”47

These values are more or less understood intuitively, and may be that is why Babaji didn’t elaborate on them. But why not to have a bit of discussion on this subject. What does it really mean to live in Truth, Simplicity and Love?

Truth.

So, what is truth? Many thinkers pondered about it and most religions came up with some explanation of what constitutes truth. For instance, Paramahansa Yogananda stated:

“Truth is ultimately understood or "proved" solely by intuition, soul realization.”48

Vivekananda commented:

“Truth is strengthening. Truth is purity, truth is all knowledge. (…). The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, simple as your existence.”49

44 25 Dec 1981 45 29 Jul 1982 46 30 Sep 1982 47 29 Oct 1983 48 Paramahansa Yogananda, Man's Eternal Quest, P.151. 49 Vivekananda, quoted in: Nikhilananda, Vivekananda, A Biography, P.120.


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This simplicity of truth was also pointed out by Jesus Christ. He said:

“All you need say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”50

Swami Rama commented in a similar manner:

“Truth is the ultimate goal of human life, and if it is practiced with mind, speech and action, the goal can be reached. Truth can be attained by practicing non-lying and by not doing those actions which are against one's own conscience. Conscience is the best of guides.”51

According to Adi Granth:

“Truth is supreme, but higher than truth is truthful living.”52

According to the Baha’i World Faiths declaration:

“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. Without truthfulness, progress and success, in all the worlds of God, are impossible for any soul. When this holy attribute is established in man, all the divine qualities will be acquired.”53

One of the attributes of truthful living seems to be that it frees us from fear. For instance:

“One who speaks the truth is always fearless. Hence make it your duty to always speak the truth.”54

A similar statement was made earlier by Christ:

"If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."55

Truth is such a high thing that some equate it with God. For instance, the Quran says:

“God is truth, (...).”56

Truth allows us to see God as He is, suggests Svetesvatara Upanishad, and this by itself frees as from fear and bondage:

“Even as a mirror of gold, covered by dust, when cleaned well shines again in full splendor, when a man has seen the Truth of the Spirit he is one with him, the aim of his life is

50 Matthew 5:37 51 Swami Rama (2001). Living with the Himalayan Masters, P.61. 52 Adi Granth. Some variations on this statement exist. 53 Attributed to Abdul’ Baha. Retrieved from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/character-

conduct/truthfulness-trustworthiness-justice on 28 Aug 2020. 54 Shanti Vachan Bhandar, 2076. 55 John 8:31 56 Quran 22:62

https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/character-conduct/truthfulness-trustworthiness-justice%20on%2028%20Aug%202020

https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/character-conduct/truthfulness-trustworthiness-justice%20on%2028%20Aug%202020


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fulfilled and he is ever beyond sorrow. (...) Then he sees God, pure, never-born, everlasting; and when he sees God he is free from all bondage.”57

According to Chinese philosophy:

“The highest truth cannot be put into words. Therefore, the greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service, and never worries.”58

The truth is self-evident and that is why:

“There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; (…).”59

Also Nisargadatta believed that:

“Truth is simple and open to all. Why do you complicate? Truth is loving and lovable. It includes all, accepts all, purifies all. It is untruth that is difficult and a source of trouble. It always wants, expects, demands. Being false, it is empty, always in search of confirmation and reassurance. It is afraid of and avoids enquiry. It identifies itself with any support, however weak and momentary. Whatever it gets, it loses and asks for more. (…).”60

Knowing this great importance of truth, Haidakhan Babaji said:

"You must all walk in the Path of Truth and give right teachings and instructions to the world. Everyone should walk the Path of Truth and teach family, and friends, and all."61

He elaborated:

“Walk on with courage and bravery. Go on working to improve humankind and establish the Path of Truth. I want a creation full of brave and courageous people and you should make the next generation brave and courageous too. I am against non-violence that makes a human being a coward. Fight for truth! (…).”62

Simplicity.

The relationship between truth and simplicity has already been signaled in the previous sub-heading. All the authors who wrote on Haidakhan Babaji stressed his simple life style and detachment from material goods. His disciples were also expected to live simply. Gaura Devi expressed the principle of simplicity in the following way:

57 Svetesvatara Upanishad, quoted after: Novak Philip, The World Wisdom, P.19 58 .” Hua Hu Ching 23, quoted after: Novak Philip, The World's Wisdom. P.174. 59 Quran 2:256. 60 Sri Maharaj Nisargadatta. (2005). I am That. P.69. 61 5 Apr 1982 62 16 Jan 1983


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“In a country as hot as India, a person really requires very few essentials in order to live: one vegetarian meal a day, bread rice, vegetables and lentils, two pieces of clothing to wear, a mat, a blanket, a lota, a water container - just enough to fulfil our bodily requirements. In fact, we don't have a bathroom, shower or toilet here but have to go down to the river to wash, and for everything else we squat among the stones. Cooking takes place outside on an open fire and we sleep on the floor, tucked up on a mat in any place we can find. There is no need for shoes, for it is better to walk barefoot, nor a suitcase because it is sufficient to wrap one's clothes up in a bundle. Mother India is a great teacher of simplicity. (...)

Probably the original message of every religion is common to all, the meaning so simple and straightforward, but our sophisticated minds complicate everything, especially in the Western world. Our civilization, the one of blind materialism, of violence and of overpowering others through war, lacks discrimination. Here in the Indian jungle, I have found a corner of the world where peace and human love exist; it is real, lived every day, a spark of light.”63

Love.

Love, the most powerful force, driving human beings and the universes alike, has been pondered on by philosophers and saints, and expressed by poets, such as Rumi. It naturally was also a big part of Haidakhan Babaji’s Message. Many people commented how loving Babaji was in his daily interactions with everyone. Interestingly, Babaji seemed to emphasize the practical aspects of love. For instance, he said:

“(…) one should not have any hatred towards anyone; one should try not to let down other people; one should try to help others; one should try to love all.”64

In particular, Babaji emphasized that human work should be done “with love.” He commented:

“All of you have worked very hard here, with love. Those who dedicate themselves to universal service are fortunate and great.”65 And:

“By working hard, a man can achieve peace within himself and in the world around him. If everyone works diligently, and with love, there will be peace throughout the world.”66

Love being such an important thing, it is not surprising that Babaji urged his followers:

"Like spreading light by lighting one candle from another all around a room, so we should spread love from heart to heart."67

63 Gaura Devi (2001). Fire of Transformation. My life with Babaji. West Leigh, Crediton, Devon, UK:

Nymet Press. P. 74, 85. 64 25 Dec 1981 65 25 Jun 1982 66 29 Jun 1982 67 6 Apr 1982


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Haidakhan Babaji liked to play with children and puppies.


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Chapter Eight: Human Unity. Babaji was an ardent advocate of human unity, which, he claimed, is natural when people

are really attuned to God. He expressed this idea in the following metaphor:

"In any town there is always a central place; all the roads in the town or from out of town lead to that central place. Similarly, all religions lead to one point, and that is God Himself; and therefore following any religion you will ultimately reach God.“68

He stated:

"We are all equal, despite the country we come from, and national differences should be ignored. We are all a unity. We must shed all jealousy and envy because they are harmful. We are all one with each other and with God."69

In this context, it seems, he saw the concepts such as “nationality” as outdated. Babaji said:

“Everyone should forget nationality: we are one here. This is a universal family. Have no idea of separation of identity: discard feelings of separateness. Serve the people with mind, body, wealth, and brain.”70

One of Babaji’s most prominent followers, a scholar Vishnu Dutt Shastriji, expanded on this view in the following way:

“Shri Babaji teaches us about the unity of creation. We are all made from the five elements; we are all of one spirit. In all respects, we are one humanity, one human family. Limitations arise from political beliefs and world leaders who hold thinking to time, place and culture, thereby creating differences and separateness. The birthright of all mankind is to love and follow God. Limitations arise from erroneous human beliefs. Shri Babaji has appeared to illumine the minds and hearts of mankind, so that all may know unity and harmony.”71

On another occasion (reading of Guru Granth Sahib), Shastriji reverberated the main idea:

“(…) Shri Babaji shows us the practical side of the teachings of great saints like Guru Nanak, who did not preach a particular religion or cult. He gave teachings of spiritual perfection, valid for all mankind. To follow these teachings is to realize good for all humanity and the unity of all humanity and the unity of the individual soul with the universal Soul. It is for this reason that Shri Babaji is spreading His teaching, so that we may, understand unity. (…)”72

68 24 Dec 1981 69 3 Apr 1980 70 16 Dec 1981 71 30 Oct 1982 72 10 Apr 1983


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Babaji called for unity also because of the efficiency of working together. He stated:

“You must know that by living together in a united way, anything may be achieved in this world. People in this area must become united to progress. There is great power in union. If there is unity and love among you, then only can you lead a peaceful and happy life. We must work united. We must all work together to complete our task. In this way, all work becomes easy. Through division of opinions, great kingdoms and many city-states were ruined in the past; but by living in unity, ruined kingdoms have received new life. On this auspicious day, everybody should take a vow to work together in this life.”73

These were not just ideas. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, C.P.N. Singh, who visited Haidakhan on 29 Oct 1983, made the following observation:

“Here we see a wonderful thing, which we do not see at any other place: there is no differentiation here of caste, creed, religion, rich or poor. All are treated equally here. And that is a great thing.”74

Babaji urged his followers, both in India and elsewhere, to stay connected. He said:

“(…) Everybody must make contacts on all sides of the world and unite together.”75

Staying united is naturally easier said than done. It requires overcoming our selfish impulses, false pride, and attachment to our own kin. Babaji appealed:

“(…) When you all belong to this whole universe, where is the place for 'I' and 'mine'? We must unite as one universal family and march forward in unity. By this means only will the world be benefited. (…)”76

This “marching forward in unity” is not only the way to accomplish progress in the world, but also a matter of our survival. Babaji was quite unequivocal when he stated:

“(…) Everyone must remove the differences between themselves and others and work in the world in unity; otherwise the disorder, which is spreading in the world, will go on increasing and there will be no cure for it. There is only one way for mankind to be saved and that is by changing the hearts of all people. (…)”77

73 31 Aug 1983 74 29 Oct 1983 75 22 Mar 1983 76 29 Oct 1983 77 29 Oct 1983

http://upgovernor.gov.in/en/post/shri-chandeshwar-prasad-narayan-singh?brd=1


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Chapter Nine: Humanism. Though he himself was often revered as a manifestation of a deity, Haidakhan Babaji

nevertheless preached “humanism.” It seems he understood humanism as “benevolence toward one’s fellow humans” or “friendly spirit and good feeling toward all men without distinction.”78 Babaji proclaimed:

"One can follow any religion, one can follow any practice or path, but one must be humane.”79

He said:

"The world now is in a state of turmoil. It is suffering from three kinds of pain – physical, mental, spiritual – and there is only one way of being cured from these. We have to root out inhumanity and replace it with humanity. (…)”80

On another occasion, he reiterated this idea:

“(…) Nowadays humanism has been completely killed. Human beings have become like animals. I want to bring back humanism into the soul of every person. Because of the lack of human spirit, every individual is in tension and fear. I want to relieve everyone from this state.”81

Shri Shastriji expanded on these ideas when he said:

“Babaji likes human beings. Humanitarian work should be done by all of us. Babaji wishes humans well. A person who follows this and who always keeps humanitarian rules in mind will be loved by everyone and shall survive all this destruction and shall remain happy. One should try to bring these humanitarian ideas to everybody who does not have them. What does one mean by humanitarian rules and humanity? Babaji says one should not have any hatred towards anyone; one should try not to let down other people; one should try to help others; one should try to love all.”82

Babaji proclaimed:

“(…) I seek the general good of all people in the world. You must do all work to perfect humanity. By saving humanity, everyone will be saved. (…)”83

78 Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism on 1 Sep 2020. 79 22 Jan 1983 80 23 Sep 1983 81 11 Oct 1983 82 25 Dec 1981 83 26 Dec 1982

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanism


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Babaji stated:

“I say all this in the service of humanity. To work, think good, and dedicate your life to humanity is the best. The only necessity of this Yoga is karma yoga through service. (…)”84

On many occasions he called upon his followers to take action to protect “human rights.” He said:

“I request that all of you work hard for the upliftment of humanity. Try to protect the rights of humanity. Step forward to protect humanity!”85

This active attitude on our part should be there even if it is associated with unpleasantness or suffering. Babaji requested:

“(…) step forth for the benefit of all humanity. Leaving behind dishonesty and craftiness, step forward to cultivate humanitarian qualities and protect humanism and humanity!”86 And:

“(…) We must all have one purpose before us - to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of humanity. We must live for humanity and die for humanity. We all must offer our lives for the welfare and security of society. (…)”87

According to Babaji, this humanistic attitude is the only one that brings true meaning to human life and makes it successful. Babaji commented:

"The only true man is one who practices 'humanism.' (…) this is the only way to success in life.”88

According to Babaji:

“The only religion is humanity. There must be tolerance and forgiveness. It is our duty to set an example for this. Everyone must be human. (…)”89

84 9 Jan 1983 85 17 Dec 1983 86 17 Dec 1983 87 25 Dec 1983 88 29 Oct 1983 89 24 May 1983

Vishnu Dutt Shastriji with Haidakhan Babaji


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Chapter Ten: Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga, to put simply, is the yoga of work. Haidakhan Babaji spoke about the

importance of work in almost every of his speeches, thus, the message of Karma Yoga should be considered central to his teachings. Below is a selection of his statements, pointing out different aspects (benefits, reasons for) of Karma Yoga.

1. Karma Yoga is vital for our health.

• Babaji said: "If you are engaged in doing good deeds and go on doing good acts, you will have good sleep, good appetite and bad thoughts will not cross your mind. Otherwise, you will always be criticizing others. In inaction, your minds will always be engaged in thinking critically of others. Karma – activity – is the only thing which can drive out all evils"90

• Babaji: “Everyone who comes here should be prepared to do any kind of work. In this Age, work purifies you and is the best spiritual practice (sadhana). Lord Krishna has said in the Gita that a man should work until his last breath. Work is so good that it prevents disease and gives you mental ease. Work is such a good thing that it relieves man of all ailments.”91

• Babaji: “(…) Without Karma Yoga it is not possible to progress in life-not only to achieve material progress; Karma Yoga is essential for spiritual perfection, as well. I consider an inactive man a dead man. Only through Karma Yoga can you advance in your life; your heart becomes purified; your thinking will be good. Karma Yoga is also beneficial for your health; you will sleep well and have a good appetite. A man with good appetite and sound sleep is always a healthy man and with good health he can achieve anything in life.”92

• Babaji: “(…) Karma is the only Yoga, which brings success to a person. This Yoga is so powerful that even a little practice of it relieves a person from sorrow and sickness. Only that work which benefits the majority of people is truly called 'Karma Yoga.'”93

90 17 Nov 1983 91 5 Apr 1982 92 17 Aug 1983 93 23 Nov 1983


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2. Karma Yoga is the only practice that can lead to liberation.

• Babaji stated: ”In every Age people reached salvation through different types of action and sadhana (spiritual practice), but in this Age one can reach liberation only through hard work. (…) We need not consider religion or caste, but only look to hard work.”94

3. The benefits of our Karma Yoga are carried past our lifetimes.

• Babaji pointed out: “(…). This work will go with you wherever you go; even after you leave the body and go to the other world; this work will go with you. You will be benefited by it. Whatever kind of garden you will make here, and whatever seeds you will sow here, you will get there, also. This is spiritual work, not material. This is neither my work nor yours; this is the work of the whole universe-nay, the whole cosmos.”95

4. Karma Yoga purifies the mind.

• Babaji said: “(…) It is best that you spend as much time as you can for this (work); this will be good for you in the future. The more time and the more energy you use here will prove to be more beneficial to you. Your health will also improve by this; your digestion will be good and you will sleep well, also. Your mind will be purified.”96

• Babaji: “Man's mind is very fast, faster than the wind. By doing work while repeating God's name, your mind becomes cleansed of thoughts and useless, negative thoughts cannot enter it. To uplift man, for the progress of the whole of humanity, karma is a great sadhana. All of you, therefore, continue to make progress through karma.”97

5. This is an Age of Action.

• Babaji: “It is the duty of each individual to pay attention and drop unnecessary activity. Do your duty! Do not be idle. This is an Age of Action. Perform your karma yoga. Show the world ideal actions. Service to humanity is service to and worship of God.”98

94 21 March 1983 95 14 Mar 1980 96 14 Mar 1980 97 30 Jun 1983 98 16 Dec 1981


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• Shastriji: “God Himself says that action is the real duty. One who lives like an idle man is a dead man. (…) This is the Karma Yuga (the Age of Work). Only he who acts is considered to be alive; without action, one is like a dead person.”99

6. Karma Yoga is an easy way to find God.

• Shastriji: “God comes to initiate us in Karma Yoga. Those who live in this world, which is a field for work, lose a great deal if they don't work and, don't progress or remain idle. In every atom of this earth, Brahman100 is all pervasive. Therefore, knowing this, if one tries to work day and night in this world, they find God easily.”101

7. We should not hesitate from doing any kind of work.

• Babaji: “(…) To engage in work is the duty of everyone, whether rich or poor, high or low, old or young, man or woman. You should not hesitate to do the lowest kind of service, if it is needed. (…)”102

• Babaji: “(…) I want everyone to be honest and dutiful. Everyone must do his duty correctly. You must know what you should do and be busy doing it. By Karma one will not fall but will always rise higher. That is why you should never be afraid of doing hard work. We must do everything according to the need of the times. No work is low or bad in this world if it is done in the right spirit. (…) That is why a man should never hesitate to do any work. Whether it is high or low, big or small, no work is bad. Work is work.”103

8. Karma Yoga is the highest form of yoga.

• Babaji: “(…) Karma yoga is the highest form of yoga (mahayoga) and any advancement is done through karma alone. Proceed by doing karma. You have worked in a way that has brought together heaven and earth. (…) By karma yoga great things can be achieved. You can bring heaven down to earth. You can change the whole of creation.”104

99 25 Dec 1981 100 Brahman connotes the highest Universal Principle, the Ultimate Reality in the universe. Retrieved from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman on 24 Sep 2020. 101 25 Mar 1982 102 29 Jun 1982 103 1 Feb 1984 104 11 Jul 1983

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman


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• Babaji: “Shri Mahaprabhuji stresses Karma Yoga and states that this is the highest Yoga. All other Yogas can fructify only after your death, but Karma Yoga brings instant results to you. (…) You must be always active and hardworking. (…) Through Karma Yoga-working hard-you can bring peace, happiness, joy and contentment to the world.”105

9. The Law of Karma is supreme.

• Babaji: “The law of karma is so deep that no words are great enough to describe it. The day karma stops on this earth will be the day of its dissolution (pralaya).”106

• Babaji: “So all of you have to go beyond the fear of death and the hope of life and go on doing Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the only type of yoga that gives immediate results. Whatever you do in the morning, you can see the results in the evening, standing before you like a picture. The seeds sown in the morning sprout by the evening. The farmer harvests the results of his Karma Yoga after six months. Everyone does karma naturally; no one can remain without it. We must perform those actions, which will benefit others-and, not only other people but also the whole of Creation.”107

• Babaji: “(…) I have told you many times that Karma Yoga is supreme and, through it, I will bring the Revolution to the world. (…)”108

10. We were born to be active, to work.

• Babaji: “(…) You were born to do karma (work, action), so continue to do karma. Karma is the highest thing in this world. Only through karma can man advance. Lazy, idle people are always in trouble. Karma is supreme.”109

11. Laziness, inaction is the root-cause of all problems.

• Babaji: “(…) Firstly, I give you karma yoga. You can advance only through karma yoga; by karma yoga you may benefit others also. A lazy person cannot do karma and is like a dead person. Give great importance to karma yoga and proceed. When laziness is rooted out from this world,

105 10 Jan 1984 106 19 Sep 1983 107 23 Sep 1983 108 17 Aug 1983 109 30 Jun 1983


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all the world’s sorrows and troubles will come to an end. Only hard work can make person powerful and energetic. (…)”110

• Babaji: “(…) Today you should all take a vow to root out idleness. Through hard work, it is possible to achieve anything in this world. You can even change creation itself. Have faith in karma yoga. Get peace and happiness through karma yoga. Idleness is the root of all misery in this world.”111

12. Technological progress is not necessarily good for everyone.

• Babaji: “Science has made great progress in this world. Where we used to engage a thousand men to work, now a bulldozer does the work in seconds. But that makes a thousand people useless and unemployed. While unemployment is increasing in this world, people have lost their peace of mind. The reason for this is because man has ceased to work. Due to this inaction, all kinds of pains and sicknesses are increasing in the world. I want you to take the energy of the machines into yourselves and work like machines! (…)”112

13. Proper work ethics is essential.

• Babaji: “(…) I want all work to be done punctually on time. Whatever work you do, do it with a sense of duty. I do not need more work to be done but I want work done with concentration, efficiently and expeditiously. Everyone must do his or her work here as his or her own work. I want everybody to be very active and hard – working. Activity, hard work – is the only way to infuse new life into your country.”113

14. We should model Karma Yoga for our children.

• Babaji said: “Train your children in karma yoga, that they may become people of good and strong character.”114

• And: “(…) We must all become hard working and teach coming generations as well. All other forms of yoga come second only to karma yoga because the whole world is maintained by karma. (…)”115

110 27 Mar 1983 111 31 Aug 1983 112 20 Nov 1983 113 19 Oct 1983 114 31 Aug 1983 115 23 Sep 1983


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15. Work is a sign of true devotion.

• Babaji: “You must consider work as the real devotion and go on doing Karma Yoga always. (…)”116

• Babaji: “I want a world of brave and courageous people. Indeed, those who work hard, and are agnostics, are more acceptable than lazy spiritual hypocrites.”117

16. Work is a matter of our survival.

• Babaji: “(…) The time is coming when you will have to be working to be saved.”118

17. It is the duty of us all to spread the message of Karma Yoga.

• Babaji: "The Lord Himself created the law of karma- ‘as you sow, so you shall reap.’ Keeping this basic principle in Mind, our main duty should be to spread the message of Karma Yoga in the world, we ourselves giving an example to all, by practicing it. (…) By karma alone can we become prosperous. We have to work to our last breath.”119

18. We should work to our “last breath.”

• Babaji: “Until you breathe your last breath, you should not abandon Karma Yoga. Inaction is like death-that is why you must go on working, advancing, and making progress.”120

• Babaji: “(…) Work is Mahayoga, Supreme Yoga. To go astray from the path of karma is to create trouble for ourselves. Action is the source of all joy. Go on working! Go ahead, making progress. Work until your last breath.”121

116 17 Dec 1983 117 17 Aug 1982 118 26 Dec 1982 119 20 Apr 1980 120 5 Nov 1983 121 19 Sep 1983


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Chapter Eleven: Maha Kranti and the Need for Courage.

As it has been established in the previous chapter, the world seems to be in danger because humankind is not active enough to preserve it. From early in his ministry Haidakhan Babaji was warning about the upcoming Great Destruction (Maha Kranti) involving "earthquakes, floods, accidents, collisions and wars (...). “122 According to him, "A great Revolution shall come to the world. Destruction is a most necessary aspect of creation. (…) The Revolution will come quickly, (…), and spread everywhere.”123 Back in 1982 Babaji claimed that “(…) A lot of revolution has already taken place. (…). The revolution is already on-all around the world.”124

Did he mean phenomena related to Global Warming, or something like COVID-19? We don’t know for sure. Part of the difficulty was that Babaji was talking about “revolution” as involving both physical destruction and change of hearts (as mentioned in Chapter 7).

Maha Kranti as physical destruction.

Babaji announced:

“In this Yuga, the destruction will come within the flicker of an eye. This destruction will be such that those sleeping will be left sleeping; those standing will be left standing. The whole world will be transformed like this. In this destruction everything will finish; nothing will remain the same. You should therefore leave your attachment to the world. Only repetition of God's name will be useful for you; (…)”125

It seems he was concerned not only about human beings but the whole of creation. Babaji said:

“At present, not only humanity is in danger, but all sentient and insentient beings of the universe are in danger. I have not only to consider human beings but I have to save the entire Creation. How is this possible? (A long pause). It is quite impossible. The calamities, which are coming to this world, are unavoidable. Only he who has a strong determination to do good acts and who is strongly devoted to God can survive this destruction.”126

According to Babaji:

“(…) By this great Revolution even the geography of the world will change.”127

122 26 Jul 1979 123 23 Aug 1983 124 2 Feb 1982 125 26 Dec 1982 126 23 Nov 1983 127 17 Dec 1983


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On a couple of occasions Babaji revealed that Maha Kranti will involve some form of nuclear disaster. He said:

“(…) The bells of great destruction are already ringing. The war will be such that people sleeping will die immediately. There will be atomic war. People will die immediately in their houses from gas and atomic and nuclear radiation."128

On another occasion he said:

“(…) This Revolution will be so fierce that it will melt the hearts of men. This Revolution will annihilate the trees and leaves in the world, as the result of nuclear destruction. (…)”129

Whether he meant disasters such as of the Chernobyl or Fukushima power plants, or something more cataclysmic yet to come is unclear.

Courage.

In the context of these cataclysms, Babaji called for courage:

“Only courageous people can survive such critical times. (…) (those who are) beyond the fear of death and the hope of life.”130

He said:

“When you lose your heart, when you lose courage -this is death. Don't lose courage. You can move the mountain. (…) Yoga is to be courageous. To get dejected or to lose courage is not yoga. (…)”131

Babaji demanded:

"(…). Don't be afraid of death, nor of the storm of water and fire. This life itself is water and fire. Don't try to stop it, but rather become like lions."132

According to Babaji, we also need “spiritual courage.” He said:

“The great revolution is very near! There is no one in this world to stop it. This is a time of great destruction. Everyone must become spiritually strong and courageous. He alone can survive who has spiritual courage. Without spiritual courage, one is dead though he is living. The time is coming very soon. So that is why you people all must work. And be brave. Everyone must consider himself a humble servant of the world.”133

128 7 Nov 1981 129 17 Aug 1983 130 23 Sep 1983 131 14 Mar 1980 132 7 Nov 1981 133 25 Mar 1982


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We should have a “spirit of adventure” and “be wed to truth.” Babaji proclaimed:

“(…) This revolution will set fire to the whole world. Only those will live who have adventure in their hearts, those who are wed to truth. You should all go forward with courage and adventure. (…)”134

Babaji stated:

“(…) Only the man who is daring and has courage, who is prepared to die for the sake of righteousness, is fit to face the Revolution. (…)”135

What is important, Babaji claimed, is that we “go beyond the hope of life and the fear of death.” He said:

“Today the world is playing with fire. We have to be ready to face fire, water and great storms and not be shaken. We have to go beyond the hope of life and the fear of death. Whatever happens we must go ahead. Then only can we benefit the world. (…)”136

Babaji said:

“(…) I have spoken to you many times about the extent of the calamities to come. They will be so terrible that people without courage will die instantly from heart failure. We have to have the courage to face floods, fire and storms We have to go beyond the fear of death and the hope of life.”137

He expanded:

“Leaving behind the fear of death and the hope of life, you must advance. You should not be afraid of fire or water. When the need arises, we will have to jump into the ocean; when the time comes, we must be prepared to jump into the fire. That is why all of you must be as firm and stable as Mount Meru. (…)”138

Along with courage, we should also be alert (more on this in Chapter 15):

“(…) We must be alert. At this moment, people are jumping into the fire because of their ignorance. We must save these people, and we can do so only if we have great courage. We should give this courage to others as nothing can be done without it. Courage is the most important thing. (…)”139

An interesting question – why work when everything is about to collapse – was addressed by Shastriji. Speaking for Babaji, he commented:

134 21 Mar 1983 135 22 Mar 1983 136 19 Sep 1983 137 23 Sep 1983 138 17 Dec 1983 139 7 Apr 1983


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“The coming destruction is going to take place in such a manner that only, the person who is doing some karma, some work, will survive it. One should not lose courage, one should always be enterprising, trying to do something more than what he is doing. A person might argue that when destruction is going to take place, why should I work? Why should I do any karma? But that is not right. One should work to his last breath. Idleness should always be avoided.”140

The overall picture appears to be clear. In Babaji’s vision:

“(…) Only he who has courage is a true living being. One who has no courage is like a dead man, even though he lives. (…)”141

Haidakhan Babaji in the mountains.

140 25 Dec 1981 141 31 Jan 1984


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Chapter Twelve: Repeating God’s Name. Besides “working to the last breath,” “staying spiritually strong” and being “courageous,”

Haidakhan Babaji suggested one other line of defense during Maha Kranti – repeating God’s Name. This practice is known in India as japa, but, in fact, has been known in different faith traditions under different names.142 Babaji proclaimed:

“This world is transitory; the Name of God is the true reality. Everything in this world is destructible, transient, ephemeral. So you must all repeat God’s Name (…).”143

Babaji elaborated:

“Of greatest importance is that the repetition of God's name increases daily. In this way, your heart and mind will be purified. Only then will you find God in yourself. The mind can be purified only by japa. This is the only medicine for the disease of the mind. While your mind and heart are impure, how can God live in your heart? The water to clean your heart is the Name of God. So teach everyone to repeat the name of God everywhere. (…) I do not want japa to be a pretext for idleness. Do japa with your work and be liberated. I do not want God's Name to be like stagnant, muddy water, but like sparkling, running water. Work and be Light; repeat God's Name. With a concentrated mind always repeat God's Name.”144

Babaji said:

“Every moment, in each breath, while eating, sleeping, and working, you should remember the Lord's Name.”145

The question is which God’s Name to use. Haidakhan Babaji favored Om Namaha Shivaya, which, he explained, is the original mantra. He taught:

“(…) When Primordial Energy first appeared, the first mantra that She uttered from Her holy mouth was Om Namah Shivaya.”146

Being the primordial sound of creation, Babaji taught, Om Namaha Shivaya is stronger than anything else, “stronger than all the bombs.”147 That is why, he claimed, when we chant Om Namaha Shivaya, we can “defy death.”148 Babaji proclaimed:

“Prayer will be the only safeguard and savior against destruction. Forget past and future, abolish all other thoughts, but pray with total concentration of mind and soul and

142 You may find more on the practice of calling, invoking or repeating God’s Name on

http://www.onegodsite.net/name.html 143 17 Dec 1983 144 16 Nov 1982 145 17 Aug 1982 146 22 Jan 1983 147 3 Apr 1980 148 28 Jul 1979


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have full faith in God. Chant OM NAMAH SHIVAYA and you can defy death. Have no thought about your life and death. No evil influence will ever come near you if you pray with purity of heart and mind and with all faith and concentration.”149

With this mantra being so powerful, it is not a surprise that Haidakhan Babaji wanted it to be spread throughout the world. He said:

“(…) No place must be without the name of Om Namaha Shivaya; on every street, in every house it must be spread. (…) This Om Namaha Shivaya is like nectar; feed everyone with this nectar. Shri Mahaprabhuji wishes that all words would disappear from this world, except for three - Om Namah Shivaya. (…)”150

Though favoring Om Namaha Shivaya, Babaji was open to the idea of other God’s Names. According to Gaura Devi, Babaji declared that one can use any God's Name that “his religion teaches.”151 This liberal attitude was also affirmed by Shastriji when he said:

“At Herakhan, no one is restricted to only one kind of devotion or learning. All have a right to their form of devotion to God.”152

Babaji himself stated:

“Those who pray to their chosen divinity will not be affected.”153

It seems that the essence of the practice is to repeat the God’s Name of one’s choice. As with many other sadhanas (practices), repetition of God’s Name, needs to be practiced to have its protective power. Babaji stressed the importance of this practice even shortly before his Mahasamadhi (death). He urged his followers:

“(…) Along with your Karma Yoga, you must repeat the Name of God within your heart.”154

149 28 Jul 1979 150 22 Jan 1983 151 Gaura Devi. (1990). Babaji's Teachings. P.6. 152 30 Oct 1982 153 26 Jul 1979 154 1 Feb 1984


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Chapter Thirteen: Purity.

Haidakhan Babaji, reportedly, strongly encouraged purity and cleanliness. He used to take two baths a day, most often in the cold Gautama Ganga, and constantly urged his followers to keep the ashram and its surroundings clean. He also taught that spending time around natural fire has a healing, “purifying” impact.155 On one occasion, Babaji said:

“God resides only in cleanliness. If there is impurity in you, how can God reside in

your heart? So to reach God, look to cleanliness. (…) In life, everything is action, kriya, eating, drinking, coming and going. Everything is full of activity; every moment is full of action. It is the duty of everyone to be active; to be lazy is like making yourself dirty. Those who live in Haidakhan must be very clean, take baths, and have only clean thoughts.”156

As with many of his other teachings, Babaji was quite practical in his approach, mindful

of weather and seasonal changes. On another occasion, he said: “(…) Everyone should be mindful of cleanliness, so diseases may not spread. (…)

Now the season is changing and we therefore need more cleanliness. Summer is taking a step towards winter. The change of climate engenders chemical changes in the body and sicknesses increase. Therefore, take care of your body. (…) It is very important to have good health.”157

155 One of his followers, Leonard Orr, used to quote Babaji saying: “Earth, water, air and fire cleanse the

mind faster than the mind can cleanse itself.” (Personal conversation). 156 29 Jan 1983 157 11 Sep 1983

Abhishek - a ritual bath of Haidakhan Babaji


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Babaji’s message of cleanliness was often reinforced by Shastriji. Of great interest is Shastriji’s statement on the importance of the cleanliness of fire. Shastriji said:

“(…) In many religions, the fire is sacred and is the witness of spiritual practice. It is

considered divine. In ancient India, the rishis guarded their sacred fire most carefully and kept it clean, as it was believed to be the residence of divinity. Sitting by the dhuni purifies one's vibrations. This you can find out for yourself. Whenever you have any kind of trouble, go to the dhuni and let it give you solace and uplift your spirit.”158

Speaking for Babaji, Shastriji stated: "(…) you should look to the areas of your countries where people are poverty-stricken

and helpless and then do all you can to raise their standard of living, teaching them cleanliness and high morals. To serve the needy truly and from the heart is true service to God. (...)“159

A very interesting paradox was also noted by Gaura Devi who recorded Babaji saying: “Nothing can be achieved without knowledge, and yet everything can be achieved

just through a pure heart.”160

Sacred dhuni in Haidakhan.

158 2 Aug 1983 159 20 Apr 1983 160 Gaura Devi. (1990). Babaji's Teachings, P.7


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Babaji taking a bath in Gautama Ganga.

At the bank of Gautama Ganga. The string across Babaji's chest signifies that he is a yogi.


46

Chapter Fourteen: Phuro! Inspiration. Haidakhan Babaji urged his followers to be "inspired" and not-attached to materialistic

values. He stated:

"Everything in this world is 'PHURO' – transient. It has no reality. True reality is to proceed on the path of truth, to keep the company of saintly people, and to render service to men.“161

On another occasion, he said:

“This entire world is transitory, only God's Name is eternal. (…)”162

He associated the Phuro mantra with another mantra well known in Indian culture:

“This is a 'Phuro - mantra' - 'Pinda Kacha Shabda sacha'. (The body is perishable; the Word is eternal.)”163

He was calling his followers to:

“Awake! Arise! Go to the wise and gain knowledge! Realize the Self! Be of firm determination – fully concentrated – achieve your goal! (…)”164

161 31 Aug 1983 162 23 Dec 1983 163 26 Aug 1983 164 17 Aug 1983

Energetic Babaji!


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Chapter Fifteen: Alertness.

Haidakhan Babaji also called on his followers to be “alert.” This is important, he claimed, in lesser and greater matters. He said:

“Many times before, I have told you that you must be very alert and observe the

rules of the ashram. The life of the ashram must be guided by alertness and attention. I do not like careless people. It is your duty to bring alertness, promptness and attentiveness into your lives.”165

Alertness, so it seems, is also

a matter of our survival. Babaji said: “You must awake others

and make them arise and be alert. If you are always alert, this will be of great benefit to you. You will achieve happiness and you will be saved from the calamities, which are coming very soon.”166

Alertness, Babaji taught, is a sign of spiritual advancement and a necessary condition for success in life. Babaji stated:

“Only those who are very alert and careful can be successful in their life. Everyone who comes here must consider himself a yogi; yogis have to be very alert.”167

165 27 Mar 1983 166 27 Mar 1983 167 20 Dec 1983

Alert Babaji


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Chapter Sixteen: Duty and Determination. Equally important as alertness, according to Babaji, are the virtues of duty and

determination. Babaji proclaimed:

“(…) Be dutiful for the sake of duty. Be prepared to make sacrifices; do not fear the floods and flames of life. Be alert and prepared to face changes. (…)”168

He further stated:

“Fulfilling your duty is the highest accomplishment -- higher than other sadhana, penance and the rest. Your own duty comes first. The result of hard work is happiness and the result of laziness is pain. Troubles of this world are caused by inactivity. (…)”169

He later said:

“Every human being should understand his duty. A real human being is he who does his work/duty equally, whether I am present or not. (…)”170

And:

“(…) Do your duty with faith and devotion. You must remove hatred and jealousy from your hearts to be of real service. (…)”171

On another occasion, Babaji commented:

“Everyone must use his own common sense - he should do his duty without waiting to be told what to do. To do your duty is the greatest worship (puja), the greatest service (seva), the greatest devotion (jap) and penance (tapas).”172

Babaji taught that dutifulness is the highest path. He said:

“(…) The fact is, to do duty, to be dutiful, is what I call Mahayoga. (…)”173 And:

“(…) The best meditation is to do your duty. To obey orders is real yoga.”174

Along with alertness and dutifulness, we should also possess, Babaji taught, the virtue of determination:

“(…) Wake up yourselves and others. Control your mind and have firm determination. (…). Be firm like a rock, deep and serious like the sea.”175

168 25 Jun 1982 169 17 Aug 1982 170 21 Mar 1983 171 10 Apr 1983 172 21 Dec 1983 173 11 Apr 1983 174 30 Jul 1983 175 7 Apr 1983


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Determination is a sign, Babaji taught, of a good, productive life. He said:

“To lead a true life, one must have firm determination and be aware that there is one Soul present in all people. (…)”176

Determination is also required for personal growth. According to Babaji:

“(…) You must all advance with a firm determination. To have firm determination is Yoga; to be stable and firm in your determination is yoga. You should not be shaken from your determination. To be shaken from your determination is to lose your direction (…)”177

Determination is also essential in pursuing goals. Babaji stated:

“(…) whatever decision you make, whatever goal you set, go after it with great faith and firm determination, focused on it entirely. (…) One must have firm faith, strong will and complete concentration.”178

Babaji pondering on his duties?

176 8 Apr 1983 177 21 Dec 1983 178 31 Aug 1983


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Chapter Seventeen: Jai Vishwa! Earth as Mother. As mentioned in Chapter 11, Haidakhan Babaji was concerned not only with the welfare

of humankind, but of all sentient beings. That is why he urged his followers to see the earth as the mother. He said:

"Think of the earth as a mother. This is one earth. Don't be divided by thinking of yourselves as belonging to different countries. We belong to one earth. Proceed with this in mind. Look to the future with a vision of good deeds for the whole world, not just one country. (…)”179

To advance this understanding he coined a new slogan:

“I want the welfare of the whole universe so I am starting a new slogan - 'JAI VISHWA!' (Victory/Honor to the Universe)”180

He stressed: "You must have only one aim, one goal, to serve every living being in the

universe."181 He reinforced this point: “Shri Mahaprabhuji has the wish that we all must work for the welfare of the whole

universe. Whatever we do, we will to do, must be based on the universal good. I tell you that you must all spend your time and energy working for the good of the entire universe. (…)”182

It appears obvious that Babaji was concerned about some sort of ecological disaster that

will affect everyone – humans, animals, and the rest of the ecosystem. Babaji said: “Calamities will fall not just on one country but also on the whole universe; the

whole universe is in danger. The terrible times, which are approaching, will engulf the whole world; the whole universe will be enveloped in this destruction. (…) Because you must consider the whole universe, we should say (…) 'Jai Vishwa!’ It means 'Victory to the Whole Universe!'”183

179 7 Apr 1983 180 1 Jan 1984 181 17 Dec 1983 182 17 Dec 1983 183 31 Jan 1984


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As with many other matters, Babaji’s teachings were quite practical. Among others, he urged us to consult with scientists and use their recommendations to avert the upcoming destruction. He said:

“All of you must be always ready and make efforts for universal good. You must

help each other for that. You must always be prepared to do good acts and, wherever you live, you must organize weekly or monthly satsang (meetings for the Truth). Have large gatherings to discuss measures to be taken for the good of the whole world. Invite learned men and scientists; consult with them and take their advice. You must find ways and means to do universal good.”184

Babaji urging his devotees to do good acts?

184 1 Feb 1984


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Chapter Eighteen: Unity Beyond Division.

As mentioned in Chapter 16, Haidakhan Babaji taught that “there is one Soul present in all people.”185 This is a concept that is hard to swallow for many. “All people” means literally all: all races, all religions, Indigenous people of all continents, Jews, Palestinians, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, LGBTs and so on. If we keep this understanding in mind at all times, the world has a chance to become a better place.

Babaji said:

“In the eyes of God, no one is big or small. In every heart, the Consciousness there is His Reflection. (…)”186

Awareness of the presence of one Universal Soul, active in everything, has a potential of making us better citizens of the world. Babaji stated:

“Those who see the great God in the sun, moon, stars, earth, air, fire, and water, and always meditate on Him only, get success in life and are the true devotees.”187

This “unity in diversity” seems to be nicely expressed in the metaphor used by Shastriji:

“Placed before the sun in the sky, a thousand pitchers of water will reflect the sun. Then you will see that the sun in the sky is only one, but the reflections are many. As the sun reflects in all the pitchers, Babaji, sitting here, reflects in the entire universe.”188

In this perception, it seems, we are all “reflections” of the One Source. Keeping this metaphor in mind will make it easier for us to unite with each other. Another point to keep in mind, is that God doesn’t take sides (like in a battle), but is always interested in the welfare of the whole of Creation. Shastriji expressed it eloquently in the following way:

“When the Supreme manifests and comes on to the stage of life, the ships of all world religions come to sail the seas. Books written some thousand years ago make it clear that God comes for the benefit of devotees of different religious paths and by doing so He unites the different paths, making them one. (…)”189

It seems that at least on one occasion Haidakhan Babaji asserted that he is this one Soul present in all people. He was recorded saying:

"I am everywhere – in your every breath. I have come to help you realize unity beyond division. I will show you a freedom you have not imagined. You must seek that

185 8 Apr 1983 186 25 Mar 1982 187 25 Mar 1982 188 25 Mar 1982 189 10 Apr 1983


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unity from whence there is awareness that we are all one. (…) Seek harmony in all that you do. I am harmony. (…) If you are in peace, I am in peace. If you are troubled, I am troubled. If you are happy, I am happy. Be happy! (…).”190

While being present in his physical form Babaji is simultaneously present in everything else? Image courtesy of Paolo

Polli (www.paolopolli.com)

190 12 Apr 1980. See also: Babaji Mahavatar. "The descent of Eternity into time." (1983). Back cover.


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PART III: Miscellaneous Statements.

Besides delivering his central teachings, described in Part II, Haidakhan Babaji made numerous comments on a variety of topics. Most of them are quite beautiful, full of wisdom, or simply interesting. In part III, I present a selection of these comments, in no particular order.

Human love

On one occasion, Babaji was asked by a devotee the following question: How can I put together my love for my girlfriend and my love for God? Babaji responded: “You can first concentrate on the love for the girlfriend and when you are satisfied, then come to God.”191

This very non-doctrinal answer seems to reflect Babaji excellent understanding of human conditions and human psychology.

Having children

When talking about the calamities (Maha Kranti), Babaji was asked if one should have children in such dangerous times. He replied: “Having children is a law of nature; what will happen will happen, you cannot stop it.”192

Misuse of non-violence

On a few occasions, Babaji commented on the doctrine of non-violence (Ahimsa), made famous in the West by Gandhi and his followers. He believed that with time this idea was corrupted and used to justify cowardice and inaction. Babaji stated:

“Work, which I want to accomplish, is to remove the misuse of non-violence. People have become lifeless and their blood has become like water. You should be brave and courageous - afraid of nothing. You should not be afraid of being burned by fire or drowned by water. If you are brave and courageous, nothing will harm you, not even the atomic bomb. You must be fearless for yourself and for all humanity.”193

On two other occasions Babaji reiterated this point:

“I want to see the misuse of non-violence eliminated. Man's powers of discrimination and his very blood have become thin from pursuing false doctrines. Those who would misuse appeasement defeat the purpose of life and become like mindless donkeys carrying loads on their backs.”194

191 14 Sep 1981 192 14 Sep 1981 193 21 Jun 1982 194 17 Aug 1982


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“I want to weed out the prevailing non-violence in the world. It is a cause of apathy and idleness. This non-violence has cooled the blood of men so that it has become like cold water. This attitude of non-violence produces a lack of discrimination between good and evil. Everyone should lead a life of bravery and courage. A man without courage is like a dead man. Life without courage is no life.”195

At the same time Babaji stated: “You should not do anything which will do harm to others. You should do those good deeds, which benefit the majority of the people. (…)”196

Drugs

In this matter, Babaji stated unequivocally: “(…) Nobody should use intoxicating drugs. (…)”197

Being strong

Babaji stated: “Times will change, so you must resolve in your hearts to be industrious and courageous. Those who are strong like iron are fit to flourish. To become strong does not mean to become harsh and heartless. To become strong means to grow beyond pleasure and pain: beyond heat and cold.”198

His protection

Babaji stated: “(…) To devotees I give Abhaya Dhan, the blessing of My protection, by which you will always be protected and should be fearless. I am responsible for you and your liberation. (…)”199

Death in unity

Babaji said: “The fear of death is born with man, though this is the only thing that he knows is certain to happen to him. Attachment to material things makes man cling to life. When you chant the Name of the Divine, when you are one with the divine, you accept death. While you are attached to life and afraid of death, you die with that fear and that weight clinging to you. If you have attained liberation you are free from death (you accept the inevitable). You die without fear and by remembering the Name of God, your soul leaves the body free of that fear and attachment. If you are reborn, your soul is still free from that fear. If you die in "unity," you are free from rebirth, unless you will it.”200

195 10 Apr 1983 196 23 Nov 1983 197 25 Jun 1982 198 29 Jun 1982 199 1 Oct 1982 200 1 Dec 1982


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Joy of life

Babaji commented: “There is but one instruction to give. There should be humanity in you. People of all countries should unite with each other as brothers. All of you must be happy and healthy and appreciate the joy of life. (…)”201

Where there is hatred, there is no religion

Babaji commanded: “Remove hatred and jealousy from the heart. The same thing has been repeatedly written in the Bible and spoken through Christ. Where there is jealousy and hatred, there is no religion. (…)”202

Managing time

Babaji commented: “(…) Manage your time effectively, so you are prompt. (…)”203

Gossiping

Babaji said: “(…) I dislike idleness and gossiping. You have taken this birth on Earth to work. Work hard! After death, what will you show to God? (…)”204

Acting like sheep and deceitfulness

Shastriji: “Two traits, which Shri Babaji dislikes in people, are acting like sheep, one blindly running after the other, and deceitfulness or cunningness. (…)”205

Spending money

Babaji: “(…) Whatever money comes to you, spend it for good purposes.”206

Spreading his message

Babaji commanded: “All of you, who are here, from all countries, must vow to spread the message of Babaji. Help those who are deceived and show them the path of righteousness. Societies today have degenerated greatly; you must help elevate them. Inspire them that work is the highest thing.”207

The visiting Governor of Uttar Pradesh, C.P.N. Singh, commented: “(…) If you have any responsibility in the spreading of His Light, it is to work with faith; everyone should share this

201 24 Dec 1982 202 24 Dec 1982 203 5 Jan 1983 204 5 Jan 1983 205 30 Oct 1982 206 9 Jan 1983 207 16 Jan 1983


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Message with ten more people. If you are able to spread the Message and transform lives, then your life is lived at its best.”208

Change

Babaji said: “A change in the world is coming soon. Change is nothing new; it is the law of nature. The rhythm is that those who are born must die and those who die must be born. (…)”209

Devotional singing (kirtan)

“Kirtan should come to you naturally and through your soul. When you sing, you and those who listen to the kirtan should enjoy it, it should be sung in harmony, with a slow rhythm. Put your soul into it and it will flow. Don't sing kirtan as though you are competing with one another or fighting with each other, beating very fast rhythms - the melody should flow in all its sweetness.”210

“You should sing devotional music in a way that stirs the soul - it should evoke deep feelings. (…) You should sing with love. (…) When you make music, it should touch the heart so that it leaves a memory on the mind. Whatever you do should have strength in it.”211

Liveliness

“When you say 'JAI', say it so the earth trembles and the heavens fall down! Don't say it like dead people, reluctantly and without life. You have time to be without life when you are dead. Say the 'jaikara' with love and enthusiasm so that people realize someone is alive around here. While you are alive, be lively, enthusiastic, and courageous.”212

Being brave

“(…) Be brave. I like brave people. I dislike cowards. Now people with courage are needed. It is better to die, facing life with courage. To live as a coward is shameful - it is better that the coward drown himself in the river. (…)”213

Punctuality

“The main order of Mahaprabhuji is that you must be punctual in all your duties, always.”214

208 29 Oct 1983 209 16 Jan 1983 210 21 Mar 1983 211 15 Apr 1983 212 11 Jul 1983 213 5 Jul 1983 214 28 Jul 1983


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Being drawn to sacred places

“When a man's bad karmas are coming to an end, then he is naturally drawn to a sacred place and the company of good people. On the contrary, when the sins of a man reach a climax, then he is drawn to places of low vibrations and to bad company. His karma does not allow him to remain in a sacred place. This is why every man must walk the path of truth.”215

Bathing in the Gautama Ganga (Ganges River)

“(…) The waves of the Gautama Ganga are roaring; her waves are flowing to a poetic rhythm. Thousands of people owe their lives to her sacred waters. Bathing in them redeems all from all ailments. (…)216

A similar comment was made by Shastriji: “(…) Those who bathe in these holy waters (of Gautama Ganga, flowing next to Haidakhan ashram – Pritam) will be liberated from the ocean of this world.”217

Always going forward

“(…) In whatever condition or position you find yourself, always go forward. Go ahead! Go ahead! Advance with courage! (…)”218

Music, song and dance

“In the Court of Mahaprabhuji, the orchestra of musicians is playing and the heavenly maidens are dancing. When there is music, song and dance, this is an ideal combination of three divine elements.”219

Standing on one’s own feet

“(…) I want a creation where there is no dependence of any kind. Everyone should be able to stand on his/her own two feet. The problems of all countries can be solved when everyone becomes hard working. As long as there is laziness in the world, people cannot attain happiness. (…)”220

Marching on

“(…) Oh, my children! Youth of the world! Be brave and courageous and be prepared to face life as it comes (…). Wherever you live, get organized, unite and awaken the people. Show the path of Righteousness and Truth to all. (…) Remove all differences

215 30 Jul 1983 216 30 Jul 1983 217 30 Oct 1982 218 20 Aug 1983 219 31 Aug 1983 220 23 Sep 1983


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from your minds and unite like one great chain. (…) Forget profit and loss - do not be concerned for praise or abuse - march on! (…)”221

When a person is fearless …

“There is no place for fear; people must work fearlessly in the world. (…) when a man is fearless, no man can stand against him in battle, either a battle in material life or in spiritual life. He is victorious in all the battles of life.”222

The union of morning and evening

“The fact is that your daily routine work from morning till night is the real Kriya Yoga. The union of morning and evening (that is, the work of your whole day) is the real Kriya Yoga. The union of that work which is started in the morning and finished in the evening is real Kriya Yoga. (…). Perfection in work is the real Kriya Yoga.”223

Kriya yoga

“(…) Only that is Kriya, which brings peace and happiness and all kinds of benefits to people. To do good action is Kriya Yoga. (…) You must all do service to humanity, THAT is Kriya Yoga. The times now demand this of you in this world. In every way, in every manner possible, do good to others and make them happy - that is Kriya Yoga. To each individual and to every country, provide what they lack.”224

Proper nutrition

“The food, which we eat, must be clean and nutritious (…). We should eat nutritious food so our bodies become energetic and our brains work better. (…) I want people who work with all their bodily energies. (…) You must generate energy in order to exist. Everyone must always be working hard. (…)”225

Taking care of health

“You must all advance by taking good care of your health. Only by taking good care of your health, you can gain success. The fact is that if your health is not good, how can you do your service? Taking care of your health is as important as any of the other duties of your life. It is your duty towards your body. If your body does not work, how will you function and advance?”226

221 28 Oct 1983 222 29 Oct 1983 223 10 Nov 1983 224 10 Nov 1983 225 17 Nov 1983 226 9 Jan 1984


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The human body

Speaking for Babaji, Shastriji said: “This body is a moving temple the Lord. He wants us to make this temple so beautiful that wherever it goes, people would like to worship, have great reverence for it, and try to gain knowledge from it.”227

Having purpose

“(…) If you go anywhere, go for some purpose. If you do anything, do it for a good purpose. (…)”228

Having doubt

“(…) He who has doubts is ruined.”229

Havan (fire ceremony)

“Havan it is that brings rain, which brings grain. The origin of Creation stems from the Havan. The Havan is the real form of the gods: whatever we offer to the Havan goes directly to the gods who are being invoked. By doing Havan, people gain happiness and all the pleasures of life; they all have good thoughts and love for each other. The smoke from the Havan destroys the harmful germs in the atmosphere and the good bacteria, useful to life, grow in it. This increases the plentifulness and prosperity of the world.”230

Babaji performing Havan

227 25 Mar 1982 228 17 Dec 1983 229 17 Dec 1983 230 22 Dec 1983


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Salvation

“(…) To attain salvation is the highest achievement of man. You must seek liberation and help to liberate others.”231

Christmas

“I request all of you not to miss the golden opportunity of this beautiful and significant day. This day comes only once in a year. Many people will come, many people will go, many will be born and many die on this day. The world is a place where people are always coming and going. (…) Everyone knows that someday everyone has to leave this world. So you must make the best use of this holy day, which comes only once a year. It is possible that whatever you have been unable to achieve in your whole life, you might achieve in this one Day. (…) From tonight at twelve to noon at Christmas Day, no evil spirits will come. For twelve hours these evil spirits and ghosts will leave the planet Earth. During these twelve hours Christ will come and go to many places where Christmas is being celebrated. (…) There are few days, which have been fixed for such things, when all the bad spirits are made to leave. On these days people can achieve liberation and attain what they wish.”232

Proper leadership

“People should select someone from their own country to be in charge of their group. Everyone will have to obey the leader of their group. In your country you must select a leader for the country and people must work according to the leader's instructions. The leaders should be those who are very able, who are full of all virtues and capable of spreading the message of Shree Babaji. There must be weight and wisdom in their words, so people would like to obey them. A leader must be selfless; one who desires to work for the upliftment of humanity who will lead humanity to progress. The people of every country must select a person like this.”233

Haidakhan as a universal pilgrim center

“It is the greatest holy place of the world. There are many holy places that are limited to a particular religion. There have been and are many temples, churches and religious centers, but this is the only universal pilgrim center. That is what gives this place its great significance. All the gods and goddesses - the divine beings - reside in the mountains around here.”234

231 23 Dec 1983 232 24 Dec 1983 233 20 Dec 1983 234 1 Jan 1984


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Chapter Nineteen: Some mantras. Over the course of his ministry, Haidakhan Babaji suggested a few mantras to his

followers. They can also be of interest for a general reader as they also reflect Shri Babaji’s set of values. Below I present a selection of them with translations.

• OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA – there are a few ways to translate it. The translation offered to me by Shastriji was – “I bow, I surrender, and I take refuge in Lord Shiva.”235 Lord Shiva is a Hindu conception of a one Supreme God. This mantra has been used for millennia.236

• JAY MAHA MAYA KI! – typically translated as “Glory to the Great Primordial Creative Energy of the Universe.”237

• BHOLE BABA KI JAI! – this is how Babaji was greeted by his devotees. It means “Glory to the Simple Father!”238

• YATATAMA DRIRNISHCHAY – “He who has control over himself, who is of determined mind, will succeed in life."239

• UTIS THATA JAGRATA PRAFT VARAN NIBHOD DHAYAT – “Arise! Awake! Go and seek the wise and learn from them."240

• SABKA KALYAN HO! – “May all beings be liberated!”241

• SARVE BHAVANTU SUKHINA, SARVE SANTU NIRAAMAYAA, SARVE BHADRAANI PASHYANTU, MAA KASHCHID DHUKHBHAG BHAVET – “May all be happy; May all be free from disease; May all realize what is good; May none be subject to misery.”242

• PINDA KACHA, SHABDA SACHA – “The body is perishable; the Word is eternal.”243

• PHURO! – “Be inspired!”244 And – “Everything in this world is transient!”245

235 Personal conversation in 1986. 236 Teachings of Babaji, Foreward, P.5. 237 22 Jan 1983 238 24 Dec 1981 239 19 Sep 1983 240 19 Sep 1983 241 24 Sep 1983 242 11 Oct 1983 243 26 Aug 1983 244 17 Aug 1983 245 31 Aug 1983


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Epilogue/Conclusion

To summarize, these seem to be the basic tenets of Shri Haidakhan Babaji’s Doctrine:

• All religions come from the same Primordial Source • All religions lead to the same goal – God • All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity

and Love • The only true religion is humanism • Hard work is more important than religion • Repeating God’s Name is the best protection at the times of trouble • God is Omnipresent (is „in every breath”)- as “life” and/or

“consciousness” is active in every human being • We are all one – national or religious differences should be ignored

– we all belong to “One Earth”

Person of the Future

According to Babaji, these are the characteristics of the ideal Person of the Future:

• Hard working “to the last breath”

• “Wed to truth” – willing to “fight for truth”

• Living a simple life

• Humane and tolerant – “not hating anyone, not letting down other people, trying to help others, trying to love all”

• Aware that “the same Soul is present in every person”

• Selfless – performing actions that benefit other people and “the whole of Creation”

• Considering oneself “a humble servant of the world” – not hesitating to do “the lowest kind of service”

• Trying to protect “the rights of humanity”


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• Clean physically and “having only pure thoughts”

• Inspired – working toward universal good

• Seeing the Great God “in the sun, moon, stars, earth, air, fire, and water,” and always meditating on Him

• Alert

• “Every moment, in each breath, while eating, sleeping, and working,” remembering the Lord's Name

• Dutiful

• Determined and purposeful – “always going forward”

• Punctual

• Taking good care of one’s body

• Being unattached to one’s body, relatives and country

• In control of one’s mind – using common sense

• Independent - standing on one’s own feet – thinking one’s own thoughts

• Being “firm like a rock, deep and serious like the sea”

• Fearless – “beyond the hope of life and the fear of death”

• Energetic, lively and enthusiastic

• Appreciating the joy of life

• Happy


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Bibliography

Babaji Mahavatar. The Descent of Eternity into Time. (1983). Shri Hairakhan Baba Prachar Sangh Foundation. Amsterdam. NL. ISBN 90-70867-01-X

Berry, David. (1986). Have Guru Darshan. VHS and DVD film. DB Productions.

Caddy, Renata. ( ). Encounters with Babaji, Master of Himalayas. Findhorn Press. ISBN 978-1-84409-574-2

Churchill, Pola. (1997). Shiva Mahavatar Babaji. Los Angeles, CA: Churchill Publ.

Gaura Devi. (1990). Babaji's Teachings. Allahabad: Haidakhandi Samaj.

Gaura Devi. (2001). Fire of Transformation. My life with Babaji. Devon, UK: Nymet Press. ISBN 0-9541839-0-8

Giridhari Lal Mishra. (2011). From Age to Age: Stories of Haidakhan Babaji. Powell's Books. ISBN 0578085461

Goodman, Shdema Shivani. (1990). Babaji, Meeting with Truth at Haidakhan Vishwa Mahadham. ISBN 9780874180398

Gunnel, Minett. (1986). Babaji – Shri Haidakhan Wale Baba. Stockholm, SE.

Lal, Arvind. (2018). Corporate Yogi: My journey as a Spiritual Seeker and an Accidental Entrepreneur. HarperCollins India. ISBN 935277678X

Malhotra, Ashok. (2013). The Babaji Affair. ISBN 978-1492329558

Moriarty, Joe. (1984). All Our Teachers. The Melodies of Babaji. Tape recording.

Orr, Leonard. (1988). Physical Immortality: The Science of Everlasting Life. ISBN 0-945793-01-4

Orr, Leonard. (1995). Babaji: The Angel of the Lord. ISBN 0-945793-18-9

Pritam (2004). Unity Beyond Division. Haidakhan Babaji’s Message to the World. ISBN 0-9685539-3-1

Radhe Shyam. (1990). I Am Harmony. A Book About Babaji. Crestone, CO: Spanish Creek Publ. ISBN 0-9626421-0-X

Reichel, Gertraud. (1988). Babaji – the Unfathomable. 108 Encounters. Weilersbach, DE.

Romola Butalia. ( ). Sri Babaji: Immortal Yogi of the Himalayas. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 8120832574


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Taylor, Peter (2004). Shiva's Rainbow. Ethos-UK. ISBN 0-9547064-0-4

The Teachings of Babaji. (1983, 1984, 1988). Haidakhan, U.P.: Haidakhandi Samaj.

Wosien, Maria-Gabriele. (1990). Babaji – Message from the Himalayas. Reichel Verlag. ISBN 978-3926388148

Internet resources • Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haidakhan_Babaji • Wikiquote - https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Haidakhan_Babaji • One God Site - http://www.onegodsite.net/

More general information is available at:

• www.babaji.nl (Dutch)

• www.babaji.fr (French)

• www.babajiashram.de (German)

• www.haidakhandisamaj.in (English, India)

• www.csph.net (Italian)

• www.samajitaliano.org (Italian)

• www.babaji.pl (Polish)

• www.babaji.ru (Russian)

• www.babaji.org.uk (English, UK)

• www.ukbabaji.com (English, UK)

• www.babajiashram.org (English, USA)

• www.babajisamaj.org (English, USA)

There are also some resources devoted to Shri Babaji on Facebook:

• Babaji.net

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haidakhan_Babaji

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Haidakhan_Babaji

http://www.onegodsite.net/

http://www.babaji.nl/

http://www.babaji.fr/

http://www.babajiashram.de/

http://www.haidakhandisamaj.in/

http://www.csph.net/

http://www.samajitaliano.org/

http://www.babaji.pl/

http://www.babaji.ru/

http://www.babaji.org.uk/

http://www.ukbabaji.com/

http://www.babajiashram.org/

http://www.babajisamaj.org/

https://www.facebook.com/babaji.net


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• Bhole Baba Seva Dham

And a few discussion groups such as:

• Haidakhan Babaji (494 members as of 2020-06-06) • Haidakhan Babaji (3.7K)

• Haidakhan Babaji Ashrams Worldwide (260)

• Experiencing and Living the Teachings of Babaji from Haidakhan (1.1K)

• Haidakhan Babaji Bookstore (205)

• Centro Spirituale di Pace (604) (Italian)

Other versions of the book

There are other versions of this book available:

• Softcover (color) – ISBN 978-0-9812582-2-5

• Softcover (black and white) – ISBN 978-0-9812582-3-2

• ePUB – ISBN 978-0-9812582-5-6

• Kindle (.AZW3) – ISBN 978-0-9812582-6-3

For the current prices and a distributor near you, please, visit www.piotrrajski.com

If you would like to see the PowerPoint online presentation, which prompted this publication, it is available at: https://youtu.be/W8kFqz53kkg

https://www.facebook.com/bholebabasevadham

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437917799619960




https://www.facebook.com/groups/shridivyakathamrit


http://www.piotrrajski.com/



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Acknowledgments Great thanks to all who reviewed the manuscript and helped to improve it. Great

appreciation for all of those who showed enthusiasm for this book and helped at all stages of its production.

About the Author Principally, it is Shri Haidakhan Babaji who should be considered the author of this book.

It is the wisdom and the beauty of his teachings that make this book attractive.

As for the humble servant who put this book together:

Piotr Rajski (Pritam) was born in Poland in 1954. Graduated with a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Silesia, Katowice, in 1978. Psychologist. Breath and unity worker. Interned during the War State in Poland in 1982. Emigrated to Canada in 1989. Member of professional organizations. Author of books and articles. Blogger. Lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Married, father of two adult sons.

Author’s web pages:

• www.onegodsite.net – a collection of quotations stipulating the underlying unity of all religions

• www.piotrrajski.com – home page

http://www.onegodsite.net/

http://www.piotrrajski.com/


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Statement by Dr. Arvind Lal, Chairman of Haidakhandi Samaj

Pritam (Piotr) has captured the essence, tone and message of our guru, Shri 1008 Haidakhan Babaji (Maha Avatar Babaji), very well. He has been able to explain in detail and in simple English that Babaji wanted all us to be more human and loving towards each other. He wanted us to live like one family having compassion for all humanity, especially towards the downtrodden, sick and poor. He wanted man to rise up to the occasion and live in harmony with other persons irrespective of cast, color and creed. Babaji’s extolled the virtues of living in Truth, Simplicity and Love. He explained that to become spiritual in the dark age of ‘Kalayuga,’ one has to perform Karma Yoga, i.e. doing one’s duty to the best of his ability and to constantly practice chanting God’s name or ‘Japa Yoga,’ irrespective of whichever faith or religion he belonged to. He never wanted anyone to change his religion but to constantly chant the name of his deity in his own religious language. As He was an avatar of Lord Shiva, He gave the mahamantra (universal mantra) ‘Om Namaha Shivay’ that would help take the devotee out of troubled waters and make him lead a happier and contended life. This book describes the enormous strength of repeating God’s name and doing one’s duty. I firmly believe that there was no greater teacher in the world than Babaji and I congratulate Pritam to have understood His teachings in toto.

(Honorary) Brigadier Dr. Arvind Lal, Padma Shri

Chairman

Haidakhandi Samaj


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From whatever source the truth comes, accept it!246

246 Ascribed to Moses Maimonides, a Jewish scholar, philosopher, physician and mystic, (1135-1204).

truth, simplicity and love

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