Introduction.


The following essay is concerned about the realization
of the psychic. This can be seen in some cases as the
"awakening" to things "supernatural" which seem
inexplicable by "normal" understanding. What follows
does not pretend to be a comprehensive account of the
subject but offers a few insights. It is also an
excuse for the author to reveal some of his own
experiences. Explanations are offered as to their
meaning which may be largely correct, or otherwise.


Psychic Realizations, and Some Personal Experiences.


Psychic realizations is when people usually in
childhood have unusual experiences that seem
"inexplicable" such as invisible "playmates", seeing
auras,reading peoples characters, perceiving "spirit"
lights, and dead people, et al. Quite often, such
young persons  may regard this as "normal" until they
are told otherwise. As the child gets older the
experiences may lessen, or usually vanish altogether
in adulthood. For some  though this can lead to a
"career", or an intense interest in some "New Age", or
psychic movement/society.

More rarely, such psychic realizations  can occur in
older people rather than in childhood. It might
involve someone going to a healer, and later
discovering  that they, themselves have suddenly found
the power to heal others! Certain UFO sightings along
with alleged alien encounters can transform peoples
lives. They feel somehow re-charged, and may even gain
"temporary" psychic "powers" such as telepathy,and
healing. Near-Death Experiences too, or NDEs can have
a like influence on the individual. Ofcourse, this can
result with certain people deceiving themselves into
thinking that they do have psychic powers, and/or a
special mission in life.

Many ordinary folk have a story to say about some
"odd" happening in their lives. Yet, such an occurence
is often a one-off, and is soon forgot. However, such
experiences would have at least made it known to the
person concerned that life is far stranger than it
appears. In this respect, they have much worth, and
can lead onto the more important issues of spiritual
evolution. In other words, a stepping stone towards
higher things.

In the following, I (the author)have described some of
my own personal experiences. Short remarks are
included. Some of it may seem a little bizarre but it
must be made abundantly clear that I have never ever
taken illegal drugs, and/or psychiatric ones from a
doctor. It should also be stated here that most people
who may have had psychic experiences are quite often,
or not in good mental health.

However, it is my belief that my own experiences were
partly the outcome of birth trauma when I nearly died
from suffocation. Indeed, the horror of such an event
was "relived"in 1968 as a child as I was sleeping in
the back seat of my parents car. This occured in
Spain.

Apart from that, I think rightly, or wrongly that when
I retired  the sleeping "unconcious" mind  would on
occassion allow normally negative "buried" memories to
re-emerge in some form, or other. Yet, this could
include on occassion unusual phenomena  initially
caused by the "re-enactment" of stiffling suffocation
of the birth trauma, and its concomittant subnormal
"subconcious" state of "being".This  acted  as a
"gateway" for certain lowly "attuned" forces to
interfere with my childhood. In other words, these
"forces" came from a sub-plane, or "world" where such
awareness exists as an interiorised, and exteriorised
energy "suitable" for "beings," and "things" at that
level. This may seem unorthodox to some, and as such
it  is  not our intention here to go into the more
"mainstream" ideas such as those of Freud, Jung,
Adler, or indeed, "re-birthing"..and the like.

This subnormal level of being below waking
conciousness was a feature of many of my early
experiences. It is my belief that the latter has been
responsible for a small amount of mental retardation
but nothing serious unlike those who for example have
cerebral palsy to a grave extent.

It must be clearly stated here though that many people
who have had such experiences in the main are in
excellent mental health be they child,or adult. This
must forever be bourne in mind especially the more
sceptical amongst us. Moreover, the birth experience,
and its degree of trauma (usually kept at an
unconcious level)is common for most people though it
can ofcourse cause mild, or serious psychological
problems for some.


1. Repeated Psychic "Assaults".


As a child when I was asleep I would on a few
occassions  become "aware" of my body at a subnormal
level of conciousnes. I then experienced electricity
around the back of my neck. Similiarly, the same
energy could be had around the base of the heels. If I
recall rightly in the book Shadow of Destiny by the
controversial Alexander Cannon this was the start of
what might be termed  attempted "possession" but in my
case it was technically speaking repeated psychic
"assaults".

Anyway, in the darkness I would feel something on top
of me, and it was grabbing my throat, and strangled
me. When this appalling experience reached that climax
I lost "awareness". Then,I would wake up in bed to my
normal waking conciousness.


2. Past Lives?

The above may be a repeated repressed memory at the
end of a previous life if we accept reincarnation. I
believe that the following experience is an instance
of another existence.

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

Strange as it may appear I discovered that the death
trauma memory had in World War II ofcourse occured
with other living individuals. It appears that many of
those who died were reborn quickly so that they could
be karmically "rewarded" by experiencing a "better"
life presumably in the rich countries such as Britain,
America, and Europe. Their "self-sacrifice" was not in
vain.

I believe I had another experience of seeing "myself"
in a past life. I must stress this is only a theory,
and could be completely wrong. It occured in a lucid
dream (ie.I was aware I was I "dreaming"). I was in
bed as a child, and next to me I saw a man lying by
me. His eyes were wide with amazement, and he
fearfully tried to touch my face with his
hand....whereupon I blacked out, and returned to
normal waking conciousness.

What was extraordinary was his appearance. He had a
wide ruddy face, and white dirty bedraggled hair. He
had a fur collar band, and on his arm he had a blue
(woad)design. Could this have been "me" in some far
off incarnation, or was it someone, or something else?
From the description he was probably an Ancient Briton
even though I knew next to naught about that subject
but I did develop an intense interest in history
later.Also, it should be added that I saw a strip of
silver light (astral light of occultism?)along the
side of his muscled frame. If I recall correctly Joan
Forman mentions something similiar in her book
entitled The Mask of Time in connection with
"time-slips".

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

There is much in psychic literature about
reincarnation. The subject is vast.


3. The Windsor Apparition.

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

My own personal experience occured in around 1968 in a
house which had just been built in Windsor, Berkshire
in England. I awoke one night, and felt an unnatural
clammy coldness even though it was very still summer
night. At the bottom of my bed I saw the form of a man
dressed in Victorian garb (a "vagrant"). He looked
perfectly solid. I froze with terror, and just stared
at him.

The "phantom" or whatever it was merely stood totally
stationary for a short while. He was dressed in a
large brown shabby overcoat that looked a bit dusty.
He had a matching top-hat, and the shade of its rim
covered his eyes. He seemed to have a scarf around his
neck. Quite mechanically his large form turned around,
and displayed a suprising array of different coloured
patches on the back of his coat. At the same time,I
could hear the crackle of electricity. This was a low
sound but it was distinct.

Slowly, but surely he moved towards the corner of the
room. As he started to gently fade away into the night
(quite literally!) I noted that parts of the furthest
edge of his coat were vibrating furiously, and then,
disappearing. Here, I stress the word "parts" as the
whole form did not become a vibrating mass of
energy..and then, dematerialize. This, along with the
crackling of electricity as he turned plus the initial
clammy coldness indicate that such phenomenon have
some kind of mechanics yet to be comprehended by
science.

I have to admit too that on very rare occassions I
sometimes saw the static outline of figures. Whether
this was purely a trick of the mind is impossible to
say with certainty. They seemed to be aborted
materializations.

In one instance of a similiar phenomenon, I saw the
shadow silhouette of a profile of a mans face at the
bottom of my bedroom door. It could have come from the
light outside but there was no one there! Moreover, it
was totally still, and seemingly inexplicable.
Ofcourse, none of this compares with the materialized
phantom I saw so many moons ago...

Morever, this "phantom" was not some replay from the
past but rather an "astral shell" I witnessed. In
other words, there was no intelligent life in it as we
would understand it.

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


4. A Psychic "Lightning Bolt".

This experience such as it can be called is perhaps
the most fantastical (1979). It commenced in a lucid
dream in which I was aware of being next to a Church
in Windsor. I saw in the seeming darkness around me a
harp which was making discordant sounds due to "wind"
(like an Aeolian harp). Then, I looked up, and could
hear the peels of thunder, and lightning. Suddenly, I
realized that that I had become the target for it. The
ligtning bolt struck me, and I  awoke in bed. I was
lying on my side, and noticed a flame-like aura along
my body. The bedroom  was half lit up by the orange
"lightning-flash".In seconds, it, and the aura (which
did not surround my body but just the side of
it!)disappeared leaving me astonished.

What on earth was all this about? I believe that
someone, or something was wanting to help me to
experience certain future trials, and tribulations. In
other words, it was a sudden transmission of healing
energy to enable, and empower me to face serious
problems. The orange aura is indicative of a force
emanating from my vital (or health)body.

I have to confess that on rare occassions in my early
childhood I sometimes experienced energy quickly shoot
through my "physical" body. On occassions, I would
jolt up in the air. Apparently, this may be caused by
the astral body returning to the physical body rather
quickly!


5. Psychic Healing.


It is claimed that everyone is able to develop psychic
healing if they wish. I recall once taking a friend to
the house of a famous medium on the Isle of
Wight(1979). I remember the whole room was saturated
with energy, and as I concentrated my mind on the
Third Eye the power also centred itself "there!"

However, I, myself had a healing which came quite
unbidden. I was seated with two Sikh friends who
belonged to Eckankar which drew its inspiration mainly
from Surat Shabd Yoga but mixed it up with other
techniques. I was in a very relaxed state of mind, and
I felt myself going into a light waking trance. At the
same time, I, and my companions were listening to a
tape by the controversial Paul Twitchell who was
talking about healing, and being healed! I also became
aware of what might best be termed very subtle
energies going through me in a most gentle manner.
After a short while I came out of this trance, and I
looked at one of my Sikh friends who thereupon said
"You should say thank you." Clearly, he knew what had
happened.

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


6.Synchronicity.

Many people have experienced synchronicity, or
meaningful coincidences. I have two interesting
examples though I have had many others of a less
"extraordinary" nature. Odd as it may seem they were
both connected with where I was living
(1977-1990)which was Stoke Poges, a very posh area
just outside Slough.

In around 1989 I was making enquiries about possibly
interviewing Ma Yogashakti a female guru for Yoga, and
Healing magazine (which was later published with
photographic material). My contact was with someone
who worked at the School of Oriental, and African
Studies at the University of London. She supplied me
with much useful information, and asked me where I
lived. I said Stoke Poges, and she claimed she used to
live in Chesham which was fairly nearby. However, it
also transpired that she actually had relatives at the
Orchard (built in the Edwardian age)which was the
house I was living in with mater, and pater!
Apparently, as a child she used to stay (or possibly
lived there if my memory serves me well!)there, and as
proof of these claims she did some photocopies of old
photographs from her family albums. This showed the
Orchard as it was in the early part of the 20th
Century. If I recall rightly, she made the claim that
this big house was also originally the place for high
ranking military people from British India to stay
temporarily when on leave.

The other "meaningful" coincidence involved a
telephone conversation from someone from a
metaphysical society. He claimed he could hear inner
psychic sounds at a distance, and they reminded him of
the poem by Thomas Grey known as the Elegy. I was
amazed by this because he did not know that I was
calling from Stoke Poges which was the place where it
was actually written! Indeed, there is an actual
monument to the Elegy near to the Church where Thomas
Grey is buried.

Such experiences are common especially in case of
those concerned with the search for Truth. They appear
to clearly show that the universe at some level is
interconnected into a Whole, and that we, ourselves
ofcourse are a part of It. Indeed, they also suggest
that there is something guiding our lives.

In the world of the psychic, and infact, the spiritual
there are various "guides" of one sort, or another. I
remember a long time ago waking up, and just recalled
in a "dream" a mist which seemed to be flattened in
part so that strange writing magically appeared by
itself. The script may have been Hebrew but it is not
possible to say for certain. I heard a voice from the
right of me saying that bad actions are good because
they could lead to good ones, or words to that effect!
In other words, learning via experience which we all
do. This may have been some kind of contact with a
guide of some degree, or possibly a trick of the mind.
However, this experience seemed  real enough, and
happened very quickly as I got the impression that I
was not meant to be conciously aware of it.

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





                  finis...

Key Introduction.


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

To many ordinary music lovers, musicians, and
composers the above will at first appear to be
outlandish. Evidence though clearly indicates though
that the human voice can be trained to imitate the
sounds of musical instruments very effectively.
Certain performances by a capella groups such as the
Swingle Singers,the House Jacks(American) and Vocal
Sampling (Cuban)are good examples of this. Indeed,
there have been some "experimental" uses of it (of
varying quality) via "mainstream" pop (eg. Bobby
McFerrin), and classical music (eg. Gorecki who used a
form of "chanting"in his famous Symphony No.
3.Incidently, chanting per se can be regarded as VIM,
and has been around for centuries).

Infact, the voice has not only been utilised  to
produce musical sounds effectively  but also a  whole
variety of other "noises" too. The Hollywood Film
Chorale Sounds Effects Choir springs to mind
especially their Honda advert which involved the
sounds of what a car can make in certain situations,
and climes. This ofcourse was undertaken by the human
voice.

Before going into more detail about AVIM it is
arguably necessary for us to get some futher insight
on ordinary VIM itself.


A.Basic Answers to Objections concerning ordinary
Voice Instrumental Music, or VIM.


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

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

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

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


B. The Emergence of Advanced Voice Instrumental
Music(AVIM) Theory, and Practice.


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

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

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

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

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

Ofcourse, it must be said that AVIM is not exactly the
same as the Jewish Nigunin of the Kabbalah tradition,
Tuva Singing, Scat Singing in Jazz, Buddhist/Tibetan
Chanting, Puirt a Beul(or Celtic Mouth Music, or
"diddling"),Beatboxing,and other throat, or overtone
singing. These vocal expressions are fine to a point
but are not necessarily "melodious". Yet, AVIM is in
essence more "refined", and artistic par excellence.
This is the point to grasp.

Naturally enough, AVIM  challenges orthodox musical
thinking, and if successfully performed could open up
new areas of music.It could even have esoteric, or
spiritual implications too. It could be used as a form
of creative concentration, and meditation. The scope
is infact vast as well as the possible introduction of
new spontaneous styles done in a mature manner.....

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

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


C. Some Explanation About the Author, and his Evolving
"Invention" of Basic AVIM Theory.


My (the author) interest in the subject concerned came
about with my melodious whistling in Slough, and
Windsor (UK). I have done many performances in public
as a sort of pastime, and received many positive
comments (plus an unofficial "fan club"!}. AVIM came
about through this, and I suddenly realized its huge
potential. The downside of it is the possible wear,
and tear it can have on the vocal chords. There are
though many natural "remedies" for this, and they are
still under investigation. This situation is also met
by "normal" singers, and indeed, voice impressionists,
voice-over, and other vocal artists  as well. High
dosages of healthful Vitamin C could also be helpful
in maintaining health of the human voice....

Some would argue that AVIM is "unnatural" for the
voice. This is a controversial area but like most
things in life "unorthodox" vocal training should be
done in moderation. My mistake was to overuse my voice
when I realized I could imitate instrumental sounds
somewhat successfully.

Hopefully, proofs of my talents (quality spontaneous
solo performances plus voice transmutation to other
instrumental sounds, and  "normal" singing)will be
heard, and indeed seen via yet-to-be  recordings, and
film footage. This will possibly (God-willing)occur
towards the end of 2008, or 2009. They will appear on
a special website which could help encourage the
research, and practice of VIM, and more importantly
AVIM. In other words, a showcase, and indeed,
clearinghouse of data on the subject. Probably, the
first in the world!

At present, my concern is setting up a busines(es),
and making money! Certainly, AVIM has great commercial
potential but it would take time for it to become a
viable proposition.

Whenever I did VIM in the mall it was amusing how
people would come in, and look around to see where the
harmonious musical sound (usually a woodwind-like
instrument which are the easiest to copy with higher,
and lower notes ofcourse)came from. Then, they guessed
by seeing me with my lips partially opened, and my
cheeks vibrating. Apart from their "funny" look, they
would sometimes ask me how I did it, and I would
explain to them that I was doing throat singing, or
Voice Instrumental Music (usually Renaissance, and
Medieval tunes... my main "loves").


D. Internet Resources for VIM.

There are a number of internet resources available for
Voice Instrumental Music, or VIM (as opposed to AVIM
which has yet to be properly developed). They
demonstrate quite clearly that the human voice can
imitate musical instruments. For those who are
interested I include a number of useful search words.
However, I am not going to spoonfeed people with
direct links but I will give some indications as to
where to go to on the internet........

You Tube is an obvious stopping place, and  has
excellent resources of melodious, and arguably
"non-melodious" VIM. Useful search words for
audio/visual materials are as follows i) Swingle
Singers (clips notably include the 1812 overture, and
the theme music of Mission Impossible all performed by
means of the mouth!).ii) Beatboxing video clips.iii)
House Jacks (clips notably include the theme music of
James Bond!}.iv) Vocal Sampling.....

Wikipedia had an extremely interesting article on VIM
later renamed Vocal Music. The latter though gives
some basic information, but the early versions of it
are much more important, and informative especially
under the old VIM heading.

Ofcourse, there are a number of societies, and a
cappella group websites that are easily traceable via
simple word searches. Samples of their work can
usually be downloaded.


    "Vocalised Dance Music is suprisingly widespread...."

                    David Munrow (1942-1976).

Introduction

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

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

This article, or paper is a simple brief non-technical account of the above subject. Incidently, MDS is in the process of research, and development which may take several years to complete.

The basic thesis, and methodology of Multi-Dimensional Science (MDS).

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

This normally invisible non-physical universe may well be a shared objective reality rather than the figment of the imagination. Those who claim to visit it via some form of meditation, or indeed, through deliberately induced out-of-body experiences (or OOBEs) should be able to independently come up with corroborative information concerning the major sights, and energies witnessed. This is the main underlying concept of MDS. Moreover, it puts emphasis on the need to collect data on the psycho-spiritual "energies" which are said to exist. Such claimed forces manifest themselves in a variety of ways such as colourful auras, pulsating lights, and sounds along with rays coming out of beings, and objects, et al.

To see whether such reports are indeed independently correlative, or not requires in MDS five special steps. They are explained in the following:-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Multi-Dimensional Science is a new paradigm.

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

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

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

Developing elaborate, and detailed questionaires.

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

An important aspect of all this is that one needs to be aware that some of these inner experiences may to varying degrees be indescribable in the language of this world. Sometimes, symbols may be used, and these may still have a scientific value if they crop up again elsewhere. Infact, the questionaires themselves should give researchers some idea as to what extent, and in what way inner experiences, or visions if you will would be totally indescribable, or ineffable.

To get some notion of how elaborate, and detailed a questionaire could be the following should suffice. Readers can skip it, and go to the next section of the article/paper if they desire..

Auras: How large is it around the body usually? Does it have a specific colour? Do you see thoughts leaving, and entering it? What sounds does it usually make? Do you get specific "smells" from particular types of auras? Does it change shape around the body? Are there different layers in the aura? et cetera. Inner Sounds: Do you hear sounds during waking conciousness from people, and objects which may be non-physical? Is there a specific one in meditation? If you hear more than just one inner sound then what is it like? Maybe they are instrumental, choral, or something else? Does the sound, or sounds enter the top of the head, through the ears, or wherever else? et cetera.

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

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

Some important theoretical points about "The Hidden Reality".

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

However, this is unimportant as the following is only meant to be a brief non-technical account easily understood by anyone in connection with the "the higher worlds" of being.

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

Each Spiritual Region is said to have distinguishing key sights along with inner Sounds, and (Coloured) Lights. As one ascends the "matter" of these worlds becomes increasing self-luminious, and more subtle in nature. At the same time, conciousness is progressively expanded.

To contact such realities via meditation, or OOBEs requires ones personal awareness to become like a mental radio. It tunes into the energy levels, or frequencies of the different intermediate planes. By doing so via concentrated effort one does not only see, and hear them but one can actually enter, and interact with them.

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

Esoteric tradition believes that human beings consist of multiple-parts referred to as subtle energy bodies.

They exist simultaneously in different worlds. They belong respectively to the vital, emotional, mental, higher mental, and soul Regions.

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

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

The question of truth, and "unknowingness"?

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

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

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

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

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

Strictly speaking, the methods of some meditation, and resulting experiences are for the awakening intuition and not for the mind. They are thus meant to be experienced, and not discussed. As such they are largely kept "secret" from the masses, and are only intended for real seekers after Truth. Moreover, such knowledge in the wrong hands could be misused for personal rather than spiritual gain. In spite of all this alot already exists in the public domain.

As already mentioned the Radhasoamis not only believe in an inner Perfect Master but also in an outer one in the physical world. There are number of organisations which purport to have one. Such an Adept of shabd yoga is seen as being the visible material incarnation of the Supreme Power. However, Faqir Chand the "unknowing mystic" claimed that devotees came to him about their inner, and indeed, outer "miracles" with his spiritual form. Yet, though he was supposed to be omniscient he said he knew nothing about all these things. This same "unknowingness" appears in many present day "Perfect Masters". Some have argued that if they did display "knowingness" they would be openly using psychic powers to attract a following which is contrary to the teachings of the Radhasoami Faith.

Thus, they pretend to be "human" when actually they are not.

Faqir Chand though came up with a simple theory. He believed that it was the devotees faith, and belief in him as the Master which prompted the inner, and outer experiences of his spiritual form. He, himself had nothing to do with it! He suggested, or so it would seem that it was the devotees Higher Self, or ones pure personal God within which actually acted as the Master on the inner, and outer worlds of reality. In other words, belief, and faith in the outer Teacher was essential for spiritual phenomena. This ofcourse also implied that even a criminal posing as a guru could have the exact same effect. This also may be the reason why a few Radhasoami Satgurus past, and present may have experienced "moral falls", and yet, in spite of this their outer form, and teachings could still be valid as it was the devotees Higher Self which ultimately was the real cause of spiritual evolution. Incidently, devotees claim that since the Master is "God" he, or indeed she can do anything as a test of faith. Who can question the Almighty?

This is a big subject which we cannot further expand upon here.

The Association for Multi-Dimensional Science.

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

It would have the following basic aims:-

1. It would continue to search out willing MDOs for possible studies, and experiments.
2. It would try to build an ever-expanding directory of Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Judaic, Shinto, Sufi, and other mystical sects. This in itself would require detective work as most of them do not advertize themselves. This would involve i) contacing scholars, and writer ii) the internet iii) interfaith organisations iv) charity registers v) esoteric magazines vi) existing directories....and so on.
3. The need for on-going research, and development into a general theory, or working hypothesis of the Unseen Universe. This would involve ideas from Theosophy, the Alice Bailey Teachings, Spiritualism, Maharishis Vedic Science, and Technology, Pearsons Survival Physics, Bohms Implicate Order,and the like.

As well as this concepts from "mainstream" science would have to be included such as Quantum Mechanics, the Multi-verse, the Fourth Dimension, Tachyons, Anti-Matter Worlds, et al.

Finally, it must be remembered that the proposed Multi-Dimensional Science probably cannot give totally provable answers as to what the ultimate nature and purpose of Truth is really all about. It is quite possible that there are no absolute truths, and that the universe is itself infinite. Science can only go so far, and at the end of the day it is arguably our own personal experience that really matters.<./p>

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

An Important Notice.

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

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

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

Some References.

Ash, David, and Peter Hewitt, The Vortex; Key to Future Science. McMillans, 199O.

Bohm, David, Wholeness, and the Implicate Order, Routledge, and Kegan Paul, 198O

Capra, F. Tao of Physics, Shambhala, 2OOO edition.

Hardy, Alistair. The Spiritual Nature of Man. Oxford University Press, l979.

Karagulla, Shafica, Breakthrough to Creativity: Your Higher Sense Perception, De Vorss. n.d.

Leadbeater, C.W. Man, Visible, and Invisible, Quest Publishing. n.d.

McKinney, Neuro-Theology; Virtual Religion in the 21st Century. American Institute of Mindfulness 1994.

McTaggert, The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, Harper Collins 2001.

Muktananda, Play of Conciousness, Siddha Yoga Meditation Publications, 1994.

Moody, Raymond, Life Afte Life, Bantam, 1976 edition.

Puri, J R, The Radhaswami Teachings, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, l979, and also his two vol Mysticism: the Spiritual Path by the same publisher.

This is an update on the essay which appears on the kheper website. It appears that the old one continually re-appears rather than the more accurate, and updated version which includes new data of some import.

R.Searle.

The Kheper website presents the teachings of Sant Mat, and Surat Shabd Yoga.The source of this information comes from Rajinder Singhs Science of Spirituality. His group is known as the Sawan-Kirpal Mission, and one of many branches in the Radhasoami Faith. Apparently, the word "Radhasoami" is a "phonetic misspell" of Radhaswami which is the correct way of pronouncing it. Essentially, it can be translated as meaning the Lord of the Soul, or God. It has many adherents all over the world.

The aim of this write-up is to highlight certain vital points lacking in the main body of the Sant Mat article even though resource links of interest have been added.

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

The Radhasoami Faith was founded in 1861 by Shiv Dayal Singh who was a banker at Agra. He was as his Will indicates "born almighty" in the sense that he had no guru who initiated him into the science of Surat Shabd Yoga. His teachings are contained in Sar Bachan meaning True Words, and it is believed that they were dictated by him to his chief disciple Rai Saligram or Huzur Maharaj who succeeded him.

Strange as it may seem it was him, and not Dayal Singh who introduced the name Radhaswami. Huzur Maharaj claimed that this word was like the Sound reverberating in the highest Spiritual Region. Thus, it was to be treated as something extremely sacred. Moreover,it was an innovation in the medieval sant tradition which advocated Shabd Yoga. Huzur Maharaj claimed that the old Indian saints or Satgurus who taught contact with the Sound Current only reached the fifth Spiritual Region. He disclosed that there was an even higher one where God in its purest manifestation existed. Indeed, the Holy Name of Radhaswami was used as a means of concentration during simran (repetition) in meditation.

Huzur Maharaj was highly respected, and was a post-master general who was honoured by the British. He is credited with what might be termed the systemization of the Faith, and wrote a number of classic books. After his death Brahma Sankar Misra, or Maharaj Saheb became the next Satguru. He notably wrote a book in which he tried to compare the teachings of Radhasoami with the physics of the day.

Maharaj Saheb claim to fame is the introduction of the Central Administrative Council which seeked to try to avoid splits within the Faith. Unfortunately, due to its "strict" rulings it had the opposite effect.

The last "official" Satguru of this "parent rock" of the Radhasoami Faith was Babuji Maharaj. After his passing a period of interregnum occured in which no "official" successor was recognised. This line of Masters is referred to as Soamibagh Satsang, Agra.

B. RADHASOAMI SATSANG BEAS, OR RSSB.

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

The Central Administrative Council decided to "excommunicate" him, and he died shortly afterwards in 1903. It was claimed that his disciples, or Satsangis only reached the fifth Spiritual Region known to previous medieval saints, and not the higher one above known as Radhasoami Dham, or the Abode of the Lord with the Name resounding in it. RSSB believes that the ultimate Sound, or Shabd of the Universe is actually inexpressible, and cannot be put into the language of the world in any way. This rift in the interpretation of the RS Faith has caused much heartache.

In the Beas edition of Sar Bachan reference to Radhaswami as understood by Soamibagh has been edited out. Moreover, somethng else is also introduced into the text. It concerns successorship. The Beas Sar Bachan claims that when the Satguru dies those initiated by him must continually have faith in him. In other words, his Radiant Form must manifest within during Shabd Yoga, and not that of his living successor. The latter though can act as the outer guide to help Satsangis. The Soamibagh edition of Sar Bachan (as dictated to Huzur Maharaj)makes it clear that the present living Satguru must manifest itself as the inner Guide instead of the deceased predescessor!!

RSSB claims to this day that their edition of Sar Bachan is the "unedited" version as originally intended by Shiv Dayal Singh. Huzur Maharaj simply edited it to present the importance of the Name, and ofcourse, the question of successorship. But, Dayal Singhs Will seem to clearly state that there are two Shabd Yoga Path one started by himself (ie.Sant Mat), and the other by Huzur Maharaj (ie. Radhaswami Mat). Both of them basically teach the same thing.

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

C.SOME OTHER RADHASOAMI ORGANISATIONS.

There are many "splits", or rather branches of the Radhasoami Faith each having its own living Satguru.Dayalbagh Satsang is perhaps the most famous one for those in the know. It broke away from the Central Administrative Council, and like RSSB set up its own Colony in which a high degree of industrialization took place. Unlike RSSB it appears that certain successors to the guru gaddi (or throne) have been chosen by spiritual election rather than by written Will. Sadly, Dayalbagh has for many years contested in the Courts the property rights of Soamibagh Satsang whose authority it does not recognize. It also believes in the Holy Name of Radhasoami which it also uses in Shabd Yoga.

When the Great Master Maharaj Sawan Singh Ji of RSSB died in 1948 he wrote a Will in which he ordered that Jagat Singh should succeed him. However, Sant Kirpal Singh who was highly regarded formed his own break-away-group. This was the Ruhani Satsang. However, when he died his son Darshan Singh formed another organisation called the Sawan-Kirpal Mission now headed by Rajinder Singh.

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

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

Incidently, another more important source for Radhaswami history are the writings of S.D. Maheshwari of Soamibagh Satsang who wrote much on the subject. Professor Mark Juergensmeyer wrote Radhasoami Reality; The Logic of a Modern Faith which gives some understanding of this subject. He was notably helped by the research undertaken by David Christopher Lane who is a Professor of Philosophy, and Sociology in the USA. He is still interested in the subject, and set up the Neural Surfer website. He is also among other things famed for his investigative research on Eckankar which drew its inspiration from Sant Mat, and surat shabd yoga.

There are a number of organizations which have partly, or largely changed the teachings altogether. Yet, they still trace their origins to the Radhasoami Faith. One such is headed by Shree, Shree Mentu Maharaj which uses the Holy Name for meditation but without the Sound initiation known to Surat Shabd Yoga.

D. THE ESOTERIC IMPORTANCE OF THE RADHASOAMI SPIRITUAL COSMOLOGY.

Though the Kheper article on the subject concerned gives some details about the spiritual cosmology of the Radhasoami Faith it is not complete. For that we have to turn to the writings of L.R. Puri an academic who notably wrote Mysticism, the Spiritual Path Vol II,and The Radhaswami Teachings all published by RSSB. Shiv Dayals basic details concerning the "road-map" to God appear in Sar Bachan. They present a more fuller "depiction" of the Spiritual Regions than can be found in the writings of the medieval sants.

In Discourses on Sant Mat there is a collection of Sawan Singhs talks at Satsangs, or meetings. He gives a few interesting examples in which he shows symbolism of the medieval sants as being corroborative, and thus, possibly suggestive of their "objective" reality. Counter-arguments though can be presented.

Interestingly, many Indian teachers of any spiritual tradition tend to regard inner experiences of higher worlds as being essentially unimportant, or even partly, or wholly illusionary, and as such should be ignored. In Sant Mat this is also true to a certain degree, and emphasis is placed on ones full attention on the Radiant Form of the Satguru during Shabd Yoga. The aim here is to avoid the Satsangi from being sidetracked into lower planes, and beings who would hold up his, or her progress to the "highest" Region of God-Realization.

Dr. Alfonso Caycedo, a Spanish psychiatrist wrote back in the sixties a fascinating work on gurus, and inner experiences entitled India of Yogis. Dr. Ranade a renowned mystic, and academic authored the Pathway to God volumes in which examines in detail the writings of the medieval shabd mystics, and to some extent their internal experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

v)There is yet the claim that the Adi Granth Sahib the Sikh "Bible" has many references to Kundalini as being possibly the same as Shabd Yoga. This is more "incorrect thinking". Infact, the Granth Sahib is a massive work, and there are virtually no references to the Kundalini itself!

Finally, Surat Shabd Yoga is NOT to be confused with Nada Yoga. The latter is the old Vedic system of contacting inner Sounds but these relate to the lower ones of the intermediate planes of the Astral Region. In Shabd Yoga there are five major Sounds. These pertain to the Five Major Regions.

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

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

Nowadays, it is possible to quickly find out anything about anybody "illegally" via detective agencies especially on the internet where they can hack into government, and commercial computers. For example full background checks may well be possible into someone like Gurinder Singh the head of the RSSB. Yet, even these agencies admit that their data may not always be correct, and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Moreover, there is information which is essentially speculation par excellence on people by various governmental bodies around the world. For instance, Gurinder Singh was ludicrously suspected of being a drug baron. As such he was unable to leave a certain country. It turned out that the term "patron of the RSSB" was mistranslated into meaning a drug baron..!

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

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

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

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

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

5. Another "Satguru" had a mistress. To his credit, he admitted that this was true...

Such revelations are excellent gun-fodder for sceptics. However, I (the author) believe that in certain cases these may be a test of faith, or psychic tricks to fool people.

Some "Satgurus" may well be initiators acting purely on the behalf of their predescessor with whom they probably have inner contact. This implies they may not necessarily have reached the highest planes of "perfection", and that their character may not also be perfect in the spiritual sense. Thus, they may do things which may be wrong, or even criminal on "rare" occassions. Yet, they still have the authority to initiate new seekers into Surat Shabd Yoga because their line of "Satgurus" has at least one Perfect Master with full spiritual power. As to why this could well be is still subject to speculation.

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

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

Moreover, what matters in Surat Shabd Yoga is the need to practice, and reform oneself. Dayal Singh indicated in his Sar Bachan that one should not worry whether the Master is perfect, or not. This may be revealed within, and further inner, and perhaps outer guidance may be given to find a real one who has attained the highest plane. In other words, the Light of Truth reveals Itself.

As already suggested but expressed a little differently, the Higher Self which is ultimately our real Satguru may even manifest ItSelf as a replica of the imperfect outer Master of Shabd Yoga. Whether something like this actually happens or not probably depends on spiritual background. This "replica" or rather the Radiant Form may well be able to take the disciple to the "highest" plane of spiritual liberation. Yet, the outer manifestation of this "Guide" can do no such thing.

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

G. NON-ABSOLUTIST SANT MAT..?

As mentioned Faqir Chand was a Shabd Yoga Master but his view about Sant Mat can be regarded as being non-absolutist. In keeping with mystical Hinduism he believed that different types of Yoga appealed to different kinds of people. They ultimately lead to the Supreme Source of Creation. In other words, Surat Shabd Yoga is just one of many many Paths leading to Samadhi in contradiction to what we have been saying in this essay.

Chand was very open, and honest about his inner experiences in Shabd Yoga. He even admitted that he was not necessarily right, or even had doubts about whether he reached the "highest" state of conciousness.This may be a display of pure humility, or perhaps a degree of ignorance.

One of his recognized successors was Sant Harjit Singh. It is claimed that he uses a mantra with a specific "charge". When practised it allows the listener to go deeper, and deeper into the Sound, and Light until a state of "no-thought" is reached (referred to in this context as Maha Sunn).

A number of people who practice "pure" Surat Shabd Yoga come to him for help, and initiation. Interestingly, Harjit Singh though does not believe that the inner stages "described" in the writings of Dayal Singh, and other Satgurus exist. They are regarded as projections of the mind.

Harjit Singh has pointed out that most gurus, and yogis are totally unknown to the public. As usual there is the claim too that Surat Shabd Yoga evolved from the Siddha Tradition, the Udasi branch of Sikhism, and other sources. Undoubtedly, there is great truth in all this.

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

Apart from the Radhasoami Faith proper there are other virtually unknown groups which believe inner Sound, or the Word is the sole means of achieving the Truth. One headed by the "Satguru" Santsevi springs to mind.

Surat Shabd Yoga is quite probably not just another Yogic Path in spite of what many people "in the know" may say. However, in an infinite spiritual universe anything is possible, and it is important to retain an open mind. As the Masters say...the Truth lies ultimately within.

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The following essay has been taken from the kheper site.

R.Searle

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

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

Direct mystical experience is totally different to intellectual knowledge. This is the key reason why meditational practices are kept "secret". With mysticism we are dealing with higher realities that are very difficult to describe accurately in the language of this world. As such symbolism may have to be used. Some of this may for example appear in the Buddhist text of the famous Surangama Sutra, or the classic Tibetan Book of the Dead. What we are trying to say here is that mystics do not want to confuse esoteric experience with intellectual knowledge. The former is strictly speaking for the awakening intuition, and not the mind.

Moreover, from a traditional esoteric viewpoint inner visionary "ascents" in meditation are seen as proof enough that "greater realities" exist. Indeed, it has been argued why it is we should continually theorise about such things as reincarnation, pre-destination, subtle bodies, higher, and lower beings, et al when their existence can be proven "beyond doubt" by "going within"? This kind of mentality though is not totally suitable for the Western mind.

Anyway, it is possible to get some idea intellectually about "secret" meditational practices from privately (or publicly) circulated literature of a mystical society. Usually, there is someone with experience to whom one can turn to. For example, the author did so, and discovered that the Sufi Azeemia Foundation had practices similiar to surat shabd yoga in which the soul is transported by inner Light, and Sound via meditation.

It is also important to point out that some mystical societies have little, or "no" secret knowledge. For example, the Subud Brotherhood involves simply a transmission of purifying spiritual energy, and allowing it to take over the mind, and body. Its actions though can be stopped at will. On the other hand, kriya yoga has a whole progressive series of initiations in which "secret" techniques are divulged to the disciple for his, or her spiritual advantage.

Some esoteric societies have tried to get their new disciples to sign a legally binding document in which they cannot publicly divulge the inner "secrets" of their tradition. Reiki, or the so-called Radiance Technique has tried to do just that but much detailed information has already been published about it over the years.

II. Misuse of "Higher" Knowledge.

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

III. Ego Inflation.

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

IV. Respect.

To keep the meditational knowledge as secret as is possible shows respect for ones chosen path. This is simple esoteric etiquette.

For example, Radha Soami Satsang Beas which teaches surat shabd yoga issues at initiation a piece of paper on which certain basic knowledge is contained. Ideally, this should be burnt after it has been read, and intellectually absorbed. This shows respect as there is now no chance of it falling into the wrong hands!

Significantly, masters can, and have been known to show respect for their own tradition. Here, we give again another example of this from surat shabd yoga. Rai Saligram, or Huzur Maharaj in one of the volumes of Prem Patra briefly discusses the Spiritual Regions. He uses the symbol of a flame in which he gives the names, and correct sequence of these Realms. At the same time, he describes them as having specific "lights", or luminous coloured "skies". Yet, he makes no mention of the key sights, or of the particular order of the Sounds for each successive Spiritual Region. In other words, he shows respect to his tradition because he does not give the full "secret".

V. Esoteric Knowledge "Useless" without a Master.

Esoteric knowledge is generally taught by a master who has hopefully experienced most, if not all the possible pitfalls of his, or her path. Thus, spiritually fit to help other people he, or she is largely indespensable. Hence, intellectual data concerning meditational practices by itself is largely "useless" without such a one, and secrecy is necessary in so far as some other person may attempt to go it alone which could be "disasterous. "

Fortunately, or unfortunately, alot of information already exists on all this in the public domain. Often bits, and pieces of it are scattered about in a mystical societies "authorized" public, and private literature. With careful research it can be slowly, or quickly put together like an intellectual jigsaw puzzle. Thus, esoteric "secrecy" is to some extent a nonesense.

VI. Esoteric Knowledge is for the Few.

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

Some Light on Instant "Spiritual" Experiences.

There are some mystical societies which claim that they can give instant "spiritual" experiences. Though such phenomena can be very encouraging for the disciple it does not mean that he, or she is any more special than anyone else in terms of spiritual growth. This is the key point to grasp. Depending on where one goes anyone can infact have an instant "spiritual" experience.

I, the author for example once attended a Sahaja Yoga meeting in which the now controversial guru Mataji Nirmala Devi was presiding. She claims that the kundalini can be activated by following her instructions, and that it is not experienced as heat, but rather as coldness, and/or wind. In one of her meditational "exercises" I suddenly became aware of a "vortex", or whirlpool of "wind" from the top of my head. Other people claimed to have had the same thing, and it is interesting to point out that psychic depictions of this energy exist.

At the time of the first initiation certain kriya yoga Teachers can make one aware of the kundalini going up, and down the spine. This instant spiritual experience can only continue if one is prepared to regularly undertake certain meditation practices which ofcourse are meant to be "secret". . for the disciple only.

However, some spiritual teachers believe that such inner phenomena are really just tricks. This may well be true in some cases but surely not all.

Sometimes due to past karmas, or actions (if we believe in reincarnation) one may across a specific mystical path, and may have an instant spiritual experience at the time of initiation, or even long before (eg. having a vision of seeing ones Master before physically meeting him or her).

Back in 1990 when I had finished interviewing Dr. Sharma (a "Satguru" of Shabd Yoga, and a successor of Faqir Chand) I became aware of being surrounded by highly subtle invisible energies of higher conciousness. The whole process of being possessed by them was so natural, and so spontaneous.

Postscript: I was once initiated "by mistake" into a Sufi sect headed by Sheikh Nazeem from Cyprus. At the Mosque I was suddenly surrounded by the "brothers" in their special robes, and hats. I was trapped I could not run away, and even if I did I felt it would be very rude of me. So, I just played along. Unfortunately, no instant spiritual experiences were involved!

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This is a very important subject to which I may add further light on this page rather the kheper site.


R. Searle.

This short "thought-piece" challenges the esoteric orthodoxy of many traditions. It centres on the concept, and likely reality of reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma, or "perfect justice". It is accepted without question especially in the Buddhist, and Hindu traditions.

Reincarnation is also the "only" real explanation for the so-called injustices of life itself. Yet, it is believed rightly, or wrongly that there is a fundamental "flaw" in it which undermines the need for the "continous necessity" of re-birth, and indeed, the law of karma itself. This can no longer be ignored, and needs to be openly discussed as never before. Here, we will just touch upon the key areas.....

1. Free Will, or Conditioned Free Will?

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

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

The central ethical problem is this. Since we are largely unaware of what makes us decide the way we do then it becomes clear that "we" are not totally responsible for our actions. In various esoteric traditions it can be said that our (mechanical) mind is in control of the soul (both can be seen as independent "entities" which interact with one another). The injustice of this is that we are really unaware of this predicament, and how it so greatly influences us to do right, or wrong. How many times have we heard people say that "I did not mean to do it", or "I cannot help the way I am"?

Western, and eastern psychologies recognize this in their own ways. If we were fully aware of how, and why we do certain things, and were in true concious control then the law of karma would be rightly applicable. The opposite situation appears to be true, and makes a mockery of the resulting "justice". The question is why? There are esoteric answers but they do not seem to fully justify this situation as we shall shortly see.

Furthermore, with the possible future emergence of Multi-Dimensional Science we may well be able to find how much of our minds are conditioned from actions in this, and previous lifetimes. This could be undertaken via controlled experiments.

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

Many psychic communications from the "lower planes" usually claim that "free will" exists. Man is seen as the concious architect of his destiny. However, when we come to great mystics such as the Sufi, and Christian ones (eg. Rumi, and Boehme) it would appear that "free will" is nothing but an illusion as perceived from the "higher planes" of Being. Everything is seen in this world, and the next as the outworkings of the Divine.

Anyway, let us see the key arguments for, and against what has so far been discussed.

1a) In order to achieve spiritual evolution (ie. learning via experience to try, and hopefully bring about higher virtues, and greater purification in ourselves from one life to another) people have no choice but to have a mind through which the soul has to somehow function. Reincarnation notably into the limited physical universe is the only way to do this.

2a) The above claim assumes wrongly that an almighty, and super intelligent God, or the Universal Power cannot come up with something far better, and much fairer to achieve spiritual unfoldment, and ultimately union with the Divine after seemingly endless incarnations. In other words, we do not have full justification for the present "universal" predicament.

1b) The amount of suffering via life after life is nothing compared with the infinite bliss, and final union with the Divine.Thus, whether the process is"unfair" in any way is largely immaterial.

2b) Again, this does not address the central ethical problem of human beings making, and paying off good, and bad actions which are largely the outcome of conditioned free will. This is naturally confounded by the seeming fact that we are unaware of the subconcious, and unconcious influences of our minds!

3a) It has been claimed that what we are discussing here is simply beyond the mind, and the reasons for it can only be understood intuitively.

3b) Many people would regard this "argument" as a cop out when perhaps we have not really thought, and/or researched hard enough. Yet, to be fair it would also be right to say that we cannot explain everything in esotericism by the mind as there are always worlds, and forms of knowledge which are totally ineffable.

4a) In certain hypnotic regressions into past lives, and especially what happens between lives it has been claimed that souls are usually given a plan for the next incarnation. Indeed, they may well agree to receive specific negative experiences (meant to be remedial rather than retributive) that may help them to "grow" more spiritually. These are usually the result of "their" past actions. More incredibly, certain "advanced" souls may "volunteer" to experience bad things for the ultimate aim of speeding up their progress towards total perfection (the ultimate goal of spiritual evolution via experience after "endless" rounds of rebirth. and probable union with the "Divine").

4b) From the general mystical perspective, lives on earth,and other planets are meant to be a means of learning via experience for the pressing need to develop greater, and greater spiritual qualities. This ofcourse can be an uneven path, and may result in a certain amount of spiritual "devolution".

An added dimension to this is the Higher Self which is our Pure Being working to a certain extent via the lower subtle bodies including the mind (ie. the mental body). It is the "God Within", and at the same time is part of the Infinite Power. It is who, or what we really are. Reincarnation is the way in which we re-discover our Selves. Since It can manifest ItSelf as our Chosen Ideal (eg. Christ, Krishna et al), and act as an inner guide before, or after death. It emanates from realms well beyond our limited understanding of time, and space.

In the light of what has been said the Higher Self may during the intermediate stage between births, and deaths may make the lower self, and lower mind accept certain future negative experiences to encourage spiritual growth. This whole process is laid bare in a state of superconciousness when one can see ones previous lives instantaneously, and objectively. It is then that we understand "everything". But is this really a full moral justification? Is it right that when one is incarnate that one is largely unaware of this arrangement if we had agreed to it conciously in the intermediate stage? Again, let us repeat ourselves is there not a better way of doing things? The answer we think is yea!

If what we have been discussing are part justifications rather than full ones it could perhaps even be argued that to a large degree reincarnation, and the so-called law of karma are "null,and void." In the physical world we could perhaps get legal recompense for such an "injustice!" In the spiritual one we have a different ball game. The person, or rather Being to be blamed ofcourse would be our own Higher Self which ofcourse to the limited vision, and understanding of our human mind is absurd! All the same, if our initial claim is indeed correct it should be possible to change things on the "other side" (or via controlled OOBEs, or meditation) with the help possibly of like-minded beings. It could be powerful bargaining counter for the lower mind, and self to achieve liberation from the wheel of births, and death (plus possible other matters) since the very ethical basis of this whole process of "evolution" is seriously in doubt.

4.Beyond the Mind, Beyond All Reason?

In a most bizarre fashion all that has been said for, and against this major ethical issue in esoterism is all correct. If we assume that the infinite psycho-spiritual universe consists of non-absolute truths then this would be possible, and "acceptable!" In other words, Esoteric Relativism.

On the other hand, the endless unseen realities would have absolute truths. Such Esoteric Universalism seems to be more "rational", and acceptable. Yet, it could be said that if the unseen (and indeed, the visible) universe is infinite then everything, and anything is, and can be possible. In effect, it goes beyond all reason which would be seen as the "ultimate(!)" limited illusion.

There are certain arguments which could be used in support for Esoteric Relativism,and they could include the following;-

i) Who created God? This is the classic question notably found in Western Philosophy. One answer is ofcourse is that He created Himself..... and we as the Higher Self are a part of It,and potentially It! This whole notion ofcourse defies reason...

ii) The universe in its "totality(!)" is probably infinite. This too defies reason because how can anything be limitless, and beyond our ability to imagine, and completely quantify in any "scientific" manner?

iii) In the many worlds interpretation of Quantum theory it is perfectly possible that parallel universes exist with an infinite number of alternate histories. Ofcourse, if correct this has some rather interesting implications for mysticism, and especially our claimed "unfairness" of the reincarnation process in connection with the mind, and conditoned free will.

No doubt we could present some more "evidence" that Esoteric Relativism could be the Absolute Reality so to speak. Whether it is, or not is largely unprovable by normal means, and will probably remain an Eternal Mystery. Yet, the claimed "unfairness" of reincarnation just mentioned would be fully, or partly justified in an infinite number of ways, and indeed, in an infinite number of worlds. This point was already expressed differently right at the start of this section of the present essay.

Indeed,there would probably be realities where reincarnation as a means of spiritual evolution would not exist. Again, such realities would inhabit countless numbers of different universes, and have their own kinds of "justifications." In the end the Truth cannot really be limited by finite reality but is boundless, and creative in any infinite number of ways both conceivable, and inconceivable to our limited mind, and vision.

What we have been reading here is very important. It can also be expanded by further debate, and research in the future. It is something which is well worth exploring.

A NOTE. Opinions expressed above are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the webhost, or anyone else on the Kheper website.

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I thought I might as well add here my  evolving You Tube Website which people may find of interest. Alot of the stuff there is mainly musical... namely  brilliant examples Mediaeval, and Renaissance Music..


                                 http://youtube.com/user/Searle8

Since 2004 I have been making many frequent contributions on an almost daily basis to the the Discussion Group of the Global Justice Movement.net. It is hosted by Peter Challen, and Rodney Shakespeare who are notably concerned with the propogation of monetary reform, and binary economics. Naturally,  interest is expressed in other similiar matters.

In my case I have found the Discussion Group useful for notably presenting my evolving concepts of Transfinancial Economics, and the feedback has been interesting to say the least!



http://globaljusticemovement.net/mailman/listinfo/discussion_globaljusticemovement.net


http://youtube.com/user/globaljustice8


R.Searle

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

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

One individual I met where I lived in Slough also appeared to be guru of sorts . Though he was clearly of Asian descent he used the Jewish name Moses for himself.  He advertized his "Occult Group" in a local free-ads paper. I rang him, and he claimed that alot of people who phoned, and  thought he was into magic....or possibly black magic involving ritualism, and nudity! I informed him that he was wrong to use the word "occult" in his advert as this has a negative meaning to many, and thus, he had beern attracting the wrong kind of public.

Anyway, I went to his flat in Langley, and there was only one other "devotee" with him. It transpired that he taught a form of Christian meditation involving the Kabbalah. Personally, I did not like him particularly, and he became somewhat defensive when I asked him whether he could give me any references of people who might have benefited via his meditation.He claimed that I was testing him.....which was not my intention. Among other things he also asked me whether I knew about the power of silent command (or so-called Telecult Power  notably popularised by Reese Dubin) to which I said yes......When I left his flat, and walked home I could feel his energy but it soon wore off. Clearly, he had some degree of power but how genuine he was is another  matter altogether.

Another guru I came across was via an add in Yoga Today in about 1987. He had published an article therein on Ajapa Yoga, and inner Sound.  I contacted him as he was interested in starting a group on the subject. His name was Marjan J. Ebert who was German, and he travelled to England to meet me. One thing he taught me was something very worldly. In a pure vegetarian restaurant he explained how Thali ( a mixture of Asian curries in little metal containers along with nam bread, samosas, et al) is eaten correctly in India. Apparently, all the little food containers are  turned upside down along with everything else making a "mess" on the large metal plate they were on! A grand nosh if ever there was one! 

Marjan J. Ebert  complained that in his meditation groups in Germany he would ask for donations to help forward his Ajapa Yoga. But  this did not generally work out so he had decided on a fixed charge! However, he would give his meditation free if the person  concerned happened to be Prince Charles!

Another guru I met was Kehar Singh. He was billed as being a Sant Satguru of Surat Shabd Yoga. In the early 1990s I was waiting to get initiated into Radha Soami Satsang Beas, and I came across Tarn Taran Satsang. This latter group was for many decades recognized by the former as being bona fide. However, when Kehar Singh "came to power" (so to speak!) Maharaj Charan Singh of the Beas Satsang tried to publicly avoid him unlike his predecessor, or so the story goes. 

Anyway, I thought I would pay a visit on Kehar Singh who was staying with some devotee in Slough. We shook hands both uttering a lusty resounding Radhasoami as a greeting.I mentioned Maharaj Gurinder Singh to him, and he did not react negatively but merely referred to him as Mr. rather than Maharaj his honorific title.

Amongst the small band of people I was with at the time one Beas Satsangi was staring at me "trance-like" with eyes wide open. It was claimed that he had reached Sach Khand, and was greatly respected. It is not clear why he was present. Maybe he recognized Kehar Singh as being the genuine article. This  would ofcourse contradict the stance held by Beas Satsang! As with all these things it suggests to me that subjective dynamics play a big part in all this.

Unfortunately though, things went little awry with Kehar Singh in Slough as it emerged that he was becoming impatient in trying to raise funds for his organization as well as certain other matters.Yet, he did manage to get his picture in the local newspapers with some notables! So his trip to Britain was not totally wasted. Ofcourse, none of this means that he is an imperfect "Sant" . Gurus are after regarded in the main as incarnations of the Absolute Power of the Universe, and can do anything even if it contradicts the mores of society itself which if they occur are seen as tests of faith.....

Finally, I hardly if at all had any kind of "spiritual" experiences with any of the above with the exception of two Teachers. These two are the late  Dr. Sharma (aka Manav Dayal), and Harjit Singh both drawing their inspiration from Baba Faqir Chand. I have already written about them on this blog.





              

David John Munrow was someone I had never met. Yet, I heard him on ocassion on the radio with his series on music called Pied Piper. He exploded into the world of early music and in 10 years he popularised it as never before.

He was my childhood hero so to speak, and made a great impact upon me. His enthusiasm for music was palpable as he spoke. His manic energy was tremendous, and caused people to wonder in awe. He was sui generis.

Apart from gaia, and elsewhere I have contributed info  on the life of DJM essentially  at the forum dedicated to him,and his work (utilizing the user name of piedpiper). It might be of some interest to others. 


                     http://www.davidmunrow.org/



R. Searle