True meaning behind the words….
I AM GOD! & The Secret of Advaita (Non-Duality)
Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838-1918)
Meher Baba of Ahmednagar (1894-1969)
True enlightenment is to drive off the darkness of ignorance in the heart with the light of reasoning, logic, facts & science and to recognize the true identity of GOD.
Dedicated to:
The Truth seekers….
CONGRATURLATIONS TO THE AUTHOR This is among the best books written on Mysticism in recent memory. The author of this book really deserves appreciation. He honestly understood, analysed and explained the mystical experiences of mystics or babas. With a great patience, he explained the meaning behind the experiences and declarations of Sai baba and Meher baba using modern scientific knowledge. It’s a great thing that while doing this, he has not insulted any of the mystics involved. Author has a simple style. Instead of using complex philosophical or scientific words it’s a very difficult task to present this analysis in common language. No doubt that those who have no philosophical knowledge also can easily understand this book. The author who has tremendous believe in Islam, excellently presented the contradictions in the propaganda of devotees in the name of Avataars. In fact, this book is readable even by those who don’t agree with the openions of author. Even the devotees of babas can develop a good understanding and modern viewpoint by reading this book. It can be seen that author has struggled a lot by reading thru many books and carrying out an honest research. It is my opinion that this work will impress all. It is indeed a great thing that a Computer system consultant has so much understanding of philosophical theories. I appreciate authors work and hope that readers too will like this book. Ch. Saambasivarao, Retired philosophy lecturer, Vijayawada, A.P., India.
Excellent Analysis about Mysticism Written by Abu Sohail, this is an excellent book that dealt with Mysticism in a modern scientific perspective. It’s readable by one and all. From the days when philosophical thinking started, humans imagined that there is a fundamental principle for their and all that is existing along with him. They thought it’s the Ultimate reality and started searching for it. Some philosophers searched for it in the external world while others searched for it internally. Those who searched for it internally declared that the infinite consciousness that is present in one’s self is ‘the Ultimate reality’ and that its responsible even for the existence of external world. They built their philosophical principles and system based on this idea. Meanwhile some of these philosophers gave more importance to the experience of merging in to this consciousness… They are the Mystics. This book clearly and precisely explained and analysed their experiences and the concepts they have expressed. The author understood the declaration of mystics i.e “I AM GOD” in a scientific way and exposed the systematic propaganda involved with babas and Avataars. The author analysed and explained Mysticism from a scientific perspective and exposed inconsistencies and contradictions of Mystical ideologies from an Islamic viewpoint. It is my opinion that it’s not irony that an author has scientific and Islamic view points at the same time. In support of this, author has provided modern scientific facts that were discovered in the Holy Quran. It is my opinion that its not wrong to carry analysis like this from two different view points. This book will be very much useful to Truth seekers, especially those wishing to understand about Mysticism. I congratulate author for his excellent work. Doctor Illa Ravi, Philosophy Lecturer SRR & CVR Govt College, Vijayawada., AP., India.
Contents
1. Introduction 1 2. Mysticism – Definition, Ideology and History
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3. Sai Baba & Meher Baba - Were they Mystics? 18 4. Secret behind the words – “I AM GOD” 5. How Mysticism influenced Hinduism 67 6. Meher Baba & Avatarhood
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7. Misrepresentation of Sai Baba 89 8. What this means to you?
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9. True Identity and Message of God Authors Message Appendices Notes
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147
Bibliography
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139
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“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind” - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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1. INTRODUCTION This book is primarily intended for those who are worshippers or admirers of either Sai Baba or Meher Baba. This book will certainly increase their understanding of their beloved figure in the right perspective. The analysis carried out in this book can readily be applied to any similar figure(s). Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838-1918) stood for principles of universal tolerance and peace, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of all mankind. Meher Baba of Ahmednagar (1894-1969) spent much of life exemplifying his motto of 'Mastery in Servitude' by helping the poor, lepers and the mentally ill. Sai Baba of Shirdi claimed to have attained God enlightenment during the year 1886. According to his biographers, he claimed himself to be God several times towards the end of his life. Meher Baba had God realization at the age of 19. He too claimed he is God and specifically an Avatar (around 1954). Both the Babas are equally revered by their devotees as Avatars of God and are worshipped daily with full devotion. Satya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi (Born 1926) claimed he is re-incarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. However, I will not discuss about Satya Sai Baba in this book and limit the scope to Sai Baba of Shirdi and Meher Baba of Ahmednagar. From here on Sai Baba implies that I am referring to Sai Baba of Shirdi. Also, this book is intended for those who are confused…. looking at the propaganda of various groups who promote a certain saintly figure as God. They are confused to understand whom should they choose to worship... who is the real God among these long list of Gods.. I believe this book will certainly help them to come out of their confusion and make some wise decisions. Not only this, I am sure you would have come across the terms like God-realization, Godintoxication, enlightenment, Mysticism and Mystical experiences etc., Ever tried to analyze what they mean? This book will provide answers and also clarifies the misunderstandings surrounding and arising from these concepts. Overall, this book will surely provide you with many clarifications; increase your spiritual or religious knowledge and specifically knowledge about God. So, I believe the effort you will put in to reading this book will surely be proved as worthy. I would like to stress the point at this very beginning that this book is not written to criticize any of the great saints covered in this book. I have high regard for the humanitarian excellence and service carried out by these two great saints. It is rather written to clarify the misunderstanding and misrepresentation surrounding them. It will also put their life history, actions and message in the right perspective.
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To be able to properly understand Sai Baba and Meher Baba, we must first understand a concept. Otherwise, we will only end up misunderstanding them totally. Unfortunately, this is what has happened with them. The concept that we need to understand and with which their ideology is connected is – Mysticism. It’s a surprise that many devotees of Sai Baba and Meher Baba do not even know what Mysticism is. I believe it puts them in a disadvantage in understanding the truths about their beloved idols. Lack of knowledge of mysticism combined with religious ignorance (this will be explained later) and a blind search for some idol to fulfill the thirst of our piety ne ss or devotion has resulted in this unfortunate scenario in which the mystics are raised to the level of God and in the process, true identity of God and his message to the humanity is completely lost and ignored. Just like we need the knowledge of fundamental principles of any scientific field before being able to carry out any research in it, we need to understand the fundamentals of Mysticism before being able to understand the Mystics themselves. So, we will start with the definition and analysis of what Mysticism is. This is done in Chapter 2 – Mysticism – Definition, Ideology & History. Both Sai Baba and Meher Baba were mystics. The supporting evidence that proves their mystical Identity is presented in Chapter 3 – Sai Baba & Meher Baba - Were they Mystics? Even though this book is primarily focusing on Sai Baba and Meher Baba, on the other hand it’s dealing with the whole ideology of Mysticism. This way, this book covers more than just these two personalities. But a proper segregation of these two figures from the rest was ensured for the benefit of admirers of a specific figure. Chapter 4 – Secret behind the words – “I AM GOD” unravels the enigma behind the most misunderstood utterance of “I AM GOD”. This opens up the secret of not just Sai Baba and Meher Baba but that of any similar figures of past, present and future. Once the mystery behind Mysticism is unfolded, it will become easier to understand the life histories and sayings of Sai Baba and Meher Baba. Chapter 5 – How Mysticism influenced Hinduism examines the logic behind the ideology of Mysticism based on the understanding achieved in the earlier chapter and presents how Mysticism influenced and fundamentally changed Hinduism. Chapter 6 - Meher Baba & Avatarhood. A big myth related to Meher Baba was dealt with in this chapter that should enable the admirers of Meher Baba to develop a proper understanding of him in the light of facts. In addition to this Misunderstanding of Meher Baba, various Misrepresentations of him are presented. Chapter 7 – Misrepresentation of Sai Baba presents how the true identity of Sai Baba has been corrupted by his biographers and devotees. Sai Baba was popular for having performed
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many miracles; this subject is also discussed here. Chapter 8 – What this means to you? From the facts and analysis presented in the previous chapters, admirers of Sai Baba and Meher Baba are presented with some serious questions they should ask themselves in r elation to their ultimate goal in life - that is - Salvation. Finally, Chapter 9 – True Identity and Message of God Examines how the Identity of God has been misunderstood, misrepresented and corrupted throughout the time. For those Truth seekers, in search of true tr ue identity of God, this chapter is the answer. answer.
A brief overview of the life of Sai Baba
Very little is actually known about the life history of Sai Baba until his last decade. According to legendary accounts, his date of birth that is given most frequently is 1838 and he was born to a poor Brahmin family. He was abandoned at a very young age by his birth parents because they had already renounced worldly life and could not take care of him. He was found and raised by a childless Sufi faqir* faqir * and his wife. Thus he was brought up as a Muslim. When the child was aged four or five, his faqir mentor died, and his wife, unable to cope, placed him with a g uru called Venkusha at Selu in the Nizams dominions. The number of years he remained there varies according to the source, but he eventually left this place on his guru’s death and arrived in Shirdi. According to another version of hagiography, hagiography, Sai Baba had a Sufi guardian until age four, four, and then he spent twelve years under a Hindu guru. Whatever may be the case, when he arrived in Shirdi at the age of 16, he was instantly recognized as a Muslim faqir having long hair under a cap. Soon after, after, he briefly disappeared for a period, which ranged from two months to seven years according to his various biographers. On his second visit dated 1858 or 1872, he remained in Shirdi for the rest of his life. He took up residence in an old masjid and began to minister to the villagers as a doctor and herbalist (hakim) and later resorted to curing illness and disease by simply applying some udi (ash). He was observed to be constantly repeating the name ‘Allah’, ‘Allah’, or phases such as ‘Allah Malik’ (God is the Master). In 1886, when he was nearing the age of fifty, fifty, after having a number of mystical experiences, Sai Baba claimed that he had a direct experience of union with God. After instructing Mhalsapati (the Hindu priest of a local temple) that he was ‘going to Allah’ and that his body be taken care of, of, Sai Baba appeared to die. After three days Sai Baba regained consciousness. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ * Sufis are a category of Muslims. faqir is one who voluntarily takes up poverty in rejection of the world and worldly goals and pursuits.
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Speaking to his devotee Nana Chandorkar about this state in which God has r evealed and unveiled himself, Sai Baba said: “At this stage, God becomes the same as man; praise, the same as blame, etc., they have no desires. They [the perfect ones called siddhas] are past the notion that the body is their home or their self. They feel their self to be identical with God. ‘I am Brahman’ is their feeling”
1 (See Notes on Page 147)
Sai Baba left no direct discourses or writing, merely short lectures to small groups of devotees that were told later to his biographers. During the years after his God realization, Sai Baba’s popularity increased slowly and he helped many needy and also guided his Sufi disciples towards the goal of God realization. Sai Baba breathed finally on October 15, 1918. For about 36 hours after his death, Hindu and Muslim devotees argued over his final resting place. As Sai Baba was a Muslim, Muslims wanted the body buried in an open space in the manner of a typical Sufi tomb called dargah whereas the Hindus wanted him to bury in the central area of the recently constructed Buty wada, a mansion built by the Nagpur millionaire, Buty. In the end, the Hindu majority view prevailed and he was buried in the Buty wada where his tomb soon developed in to a shrine. Initially it had the appearance of a dargah to respect the sentiments of Muslims but after a while it has gone through many changes to what it appears now and is called as Samadhi Mandir. Mandir. Before his death, Sai Baba declared that even after his death he would still be present to help his devotees. Today, his shrine is worshipped with full hindu traditional pomp, grandeur, rituals, abhishekam, garlands, puja and arati, in a manner usually reserved for H indu deities. Shirdi has become a boomtown, with visitors arriving round the year. year. There are numerous hotels built in the recent years (including 3 and 4 star e stablishments) catering to a floating population of about 25,000 pilgrims, which rises to 35-40,000 at major festivals.
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A brief overview of the life of Meher Baba Unlike Sai Baba’s, the events of Meher Baba’s life are well documented. Meher Baba was born in Poona, India on 25 th February 1894. His name of birth was “Merwan Sheriar Irani”. His parents were Irani Zoroastrians Zoroastrians who had emigrated to India (parsis). His father, father, Sheriar Mundegar had been a dervish dervish* * earlier and had become a prosperous teashop owner by the time of Merwan’s birth. Mundegar was also a self-taught scholar in Persian and Arabic and maintained an outlook on life that was saturated with Sufi ideas and perspectives. After matriculating successfully from a high school in Poona, Merwan became a university undergraduate at the Deccan College in 1911. Following his father’s precedent, Merwan use to spend solitary hours at the local Zoroastrian tower of silence and also at Muslim cemeteries. During his college studies Merwan became strongly linked to Babajan. Babajan was a female Sufi faqir who was reputed to be around a hundred years old and made her home unde r a neem tree in Poona. Merwan visited her every evening. In January 1914 Merwan’s mother Shirin was horrified to discover early one morning that he could not speak and was lying on his bed with wide open and staring eyes. It is reported that for nine months, he would not eat (unless forcefed) and did not sleep. His mother thought that he had become insane and came to blame Babajan for her son’s strange condition. Merwan later confirmed it was the case. After nine months, his condition changed to somewhat normal again and after a few months began to take long walks around the city followed by excursions to distant places. He visited several figures of Sufi background and also a few Hindu sages. He also visited Sai Baba in Shirdi. He gave up his education by now and made contact with the Hindu saint Upasni Maharaj who was Sai Baba’s disciple. After living for seven years in Sakori with Upasni Maharaj, Merwan started to attract a following of his own. His early followers gave him the name “Meher Baba,” Baba,” or Compassionate Father. Father. In 1922, Meher Baba and his followers established 'Manzil-e-Meem' (the House of the Master) in Bombay Bombay.. Baba demanded strict discipline and obedience from his disciples. Baba spent this period in meditation and fasting. After a year, year, Baba and his disciples moved to an area a few miles outside Ahmednagar, Ahmednagar, which he called 'Meherabad' (Meher flourishing). This ashram would become the center for his work. With his disciples he undertook long pilgrimages on foot, contacting and washing the feet of the poor and lepers as he traveled. In 1924, Meher Baba created a resident school at Meherabad, which he called the 'Prem Ashram'.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Mendicant ascetics performing whirling dances and vigorous chanting as acts of ecstatic devotion.
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From July 10, 1925 until his death in 196 9, Meher Baba was silent. He communicated first by using an alphabet board, and later by hand gestures, which were interpreted and spoken out, by one of his mandali (devoted disciples) In the 1930s, Meher Baba began a period of extensive world travel, circling the globe many times. He made frequent trips to England, Europe and America. It was during this period that he established contact with his first close group of Western disciples. In the 1940s, Meher Baba did extensive work with a category of people he termed “masts” (short for the Sufi term 'Mast-Allah' meaning 'intoxicated with God'). Although outwardly masts appear irrational or even insane, Meher Baba claimed that their spiritual status was actually quite elevated. In 1949 Meher Baba began an enigmatic period which he called the 'New Life'. Meher Baba selected twenty companions to join him in a life of complete 'hopelessness, helplessness and aimlessness'. They traveled about India disguised, without money, begging for their food, carrying out Baba’s instructions and living in strict accordance with a set of 'conditions of the New Life'. Meher Baba ended the New Life after a per iod of intense seclusion, and once again began a round of public appearances and extensive travel throughout India and the West. In the 1940s and ‘50s Meher Baba established two centers outside of India: Meher Spiritual Center, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA and Avatar’s Abode, near Brisbane, Australia. On May 24, 1952, Meher Baba suffered an accident in USA when his car was struck headon near Prague, Oklahoma. He and his companions were thrown from the vehicle and suffered many injuries. Meher Baba’s leg was severely broken and he had facial injuries. In September, 1953 Meher Baba gave his 'Highest of the High' declaration. On February 10, 1954 in Meherastana U.P., India, Meher Baba publicly declared his Avatarhood for the first time by spelling out on his alphabet board during a gathering, “Avatar Meher Baba Ki Jai.” In September of that year, Meher Baba gave a 'men-only' sahavas at Meherabad which later became known as the 'Three Incredible Weeks.' During this time Baba issued a number of messages and discourses, the most significant being 'Meher Baba’s Call'. In October of 1954, Meher Baba discarded his alphabet board and began using a unique set of hand gestures to communicate. Meher Baba’s cosmology, which syncretises Sufi, Vedantic, and Mystic concepts and terms, is fleshed out in detail in his 1955 book, 'God Speaks', the first eight chapters of which Meher Baba dictated using an English language alphabet board. Meher Baba said that 'God Speaks' was the most important book for this age.
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On December 2, 1956, He suffered another serious accident. Outside Satara, India, the car in which he was travelling went out of control. Meher Baba suffered a fractured pelvis and other severe injuries. Dr. Nilu, a close mandali, was killed. This accident seriously incapacitated Meher Baba. Despite his physician’s predictions to the contrary, after great effort Baba managed to walk again, but from that point was in constant pain and was severely limited in his ability to move. Meher Baba made one more trip to the West in 1958. On this visit, he often needed to be carried from venue to venue. He returned to India, and despite the physical toll it took on his body, He spent long periods in seclusion, fasting and meditating. His physical condition grew steadily worse. In 1967, two years before passing away, Meher Baba personally supervised the editing and publication of a new three-volume version of his teachings known as the Discourses (sixth edition). The widely available seventh edition of the Discourses (ISBN 1880619091), first published by Sheriar Press in 1987 (after Baba’s death), contains numerous editorial changes not specifically authorized by Meher Baba. In 1968, Meher Baba completed a particularly taxing period of seclusion, and emerged saying that his work was completed 100% to his satisfaction. By this point he was confined to a wheelchair. Within a few months his condition worsened, and he was bed-ridden, his body wracked by intense muscular spasms that had no clear origin. Despite the care of several doctors, the spasms grew progressively worse. On January 31, 1969, Meher Baba took his final breaths. His body was laid in his samadhi, amongst ice and sawdust, and covered with roses. It was kept available to the public for one week before its final burial. His samadhi (tomb-shrine) in Meherabad (outside Ahmednagar) has become a place of pilgrimage. These are the brief life histories of Sai Baba and Meher Baba. As mentioned earlier, we can only misunderstand Sai Baba and Meher Baba if we do not understand the fundamental concept and ideology of ‘Mysticism’ with which they are totally associated. The next chapter will introduce you to the world of ‘Mysticism’.
“One does not become a guru by accident.” - Fenton, James
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2. MYSTICISM – DEFINITION, IDEOLOGY AND HISTORY
Illustration showing the Mystic’s mystical search for spiritual worlds by circumventing the constraints of materialism
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What is Mysticism? “The belief that one can achieve direct consciousness of God or truth through meditation and intuition. In mystic practices, one attempts to merge with God or the source of creation”. 2 Generally speaking, a mental practice in which the mind is stilled so that it experiences the highest and most abstract conception of Godhead or Ultimate Reality free from any distracting thoughts whatsoever. The word ‘mystic’ original ly comes from the Greek word for ‘mystery’ – meaning ‘the unexplainable’ – whose own root word means quite simply, ‘with closed eyes’. An analysis of history of mankind and spirituality shows that there is always a group of people claiming that they experienced God and united with God. They are the Mystics. A very important point to note is that these people can be from any major religious tradition (like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism) or can be independent of any religious association.
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Mystics of Hinduism are called Siddhaas or Yogis. Yoga is one of several methods to achieve God realization through mystical experiences. Even though Yoga is used now a days mostly as a means to achieve physical and mental fitness, it has been serving the mystics for centuries to achieve their goal of God-realization. On the other hand, poet-saints of Hindu tradition used tools such as poetic out-pourings to achieve God-realization. Mystics who claim they are Muslims are called Sufis. Tasawwuf or Sufism is generally defined as the esoteric or mysterious branch of Islam that leads to direct vision of Allah (God) and unity with Allah. Sufis claim they have secret knowledge of Allah, which is not available to other average Muslims. Mysticism in Judaism is called ‘Kabbalah’. Similarly, Mysticism in Christianity is called ‘Gnosticism’. Buddhism and Taoism (china) are examples of religions found entirely based on mystical experiences. It has to be noted that there is no concept of God in Buddhism. Zen is a branch of Buddhism that is practiced in Japan. As you might know, Sanskrit word for meditation is ‘dhyana’. When Chinese learned this technique from Indians, they termed it Ch’an. Later, Buddhist monks transplanted this Ch’an form of meditation to Japan, where the Japanese pronounced it ‘Zen’. Thus, Zen stands for the school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation. Its system of meditation is called ‘Zazen’. Apart from these, there are other mystical traditions that are not associated with any particular religion. Examples are: Javanese mystical movements, Easter orthodox Hesychasm, Mormonism, Quakerism, Sumarah, Transdental Unitarianism etc.,
IDEOLOGY OF MYSTICISM
A study of literature left by mystics of various traditions makes one point very clear: They all had similar experiences. Only the descriptions varied according to language, cultural, circumstantial and religious associations. It is as if you show a movie to a group of people - each one of them may describe it in a different style but the story will not change. At the heart of all the mystic’s descriptions is a compelling conviction that they have risen above material existence and have spiritually united with the God. We have countless number of people who claimed that they have experienced God, merged with God, achieved God-realization, God-intoxicated and achieved Enlightenment. All these descriptions are fundamentally based on and are pointing to similar experiences.
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How do they do it? Mystics of different traditions have used many techniques to attain this God realization and union with God and developed rigorous systems of training and initiation, designed to help the devoted reach that rare state. In Zen, nonsensical koans are used to loosen the grip of the conscious mind, and open the doorway to the spirit. Koan means a puzzling, often paradoxical statement or story, used in Zen Buddhism (of Rinzai school), as an aid to meditation and a means of gaining spiritual awakening. Kabbalistic Jews performed complicated mental manipulations of numbers and images to reach the same end. Christian mystics relied upon intense prayer, fasting, silence and various forms of mortification (discipline of the body and the appetites by self-denial or self-inflicted privation) to free their minds from worldly matters and focus more intently upon God. Sufis too have a well developed system called Tariqat (literally means path) to guide it’s aspirants towards God realization. The path that Sufis traverse includes several well defined stations like - Repentance, Abstinence, Asceticism, Poverty, Patience, Complete trust in God and Quiescence of the heart. Whatever is the tradition, the first step in attaining mystical union is to quiet (silence) and free the conscious mind of thoughts. This is the reason why almost all mystic traditions prescribe a life of asceticism (extreme self-denial and austerity). Initiation is called ‘Sanyasa’ in Hindu Mysticism (the order of renunciant monks). The Spiritual figure leading the aspirant is called a ‘Guru’ in Hindu tradition, ‘Roshi’ in Zen Buddhism and ‘Shaik’ or ‘Murshid’ in Sufism. The aspirant is called ‘Murid’ in Sufism, ‘Yogi’ in Hindu Mysticism. God realization is called ‘fana’ or ‘marifa’ in Sufism, Hindu Mystics call it ‘brahmavilasa’ or ‘samadhi’, Buddhists call it ‘nirvana’ and the Christians ‘the mystic union’. Only the language is different, all these systems, their ideology and goals are same…. A God realized master leading a student to the same goal - God realization.
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Can we ever understand them? For ordinary people like us, the concepts of mystics look very unreal, puzzling and unbelievable. But they are not very difficult to understand. For example, suppose that we have taken some water in to a pot and started heating it. After some time, as the water reaches its boiling point, it evaporates – mixes in air. In this example, assume that the water is a human personality and the process of boiling is annihilating the self through acts like meditation, fasting, silence etc., If we assume the air to be the God then this process of evaporation can be compared to a mystic claiming to be visualizing God and uniting with God. Another similar example. Take a glass full of water. Mix a spoonful of sugar in it. Sugar dissolves and disappears into water. Assume that the water is God and sugar is the human personality. Before mixing the sugar, if you ask it –who are you? Assuming that it can talk - It will say – I am sugar. But after mixing, if you ask the same question… It says – I am no longer what I was. I am water (God) now! (Please note that these descriptions are given only as an example for illustrating how mystics express their ideology) Hindu Scripture says:
“The separate self dissolves in the sea of pure consciousness, infinite and immortal. Separateness arises from identifying the Self with the b ody, which is made up of the elements; when this physical identification dissolves, there can be no more separate self. This is what I want to tell you, beloved”.
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Fourteenth-century German mystic John Tauler said: “The mystic’s soul becomes sunk and lost in the Abyss of the Deity, and loses the consciousness of all creature distinctions. All things are gathered together in one with the divine sweetness, and the man’s being is so penetrated with the divine substance that he loses himself therein, as a drop of water is lost in a cask of strong wine.” 4 Taoist (Chinese) text says: “The Taoist first transcends the worldly affairs, then material things, and finally even his own existence. Through this step-by-step nonattachment he achieves enlightenment and is able to see all things as One” 5
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It’s this same experience that led Sufi master Mansur Al-Hallaj to describe his union with God: “I am He Whom I love, and He whom I love is I: We are two spirits dwelling in one body. If you see me, you see Him, And if you see Him, you see us both” 6
“O people! save me from God! For he has robbed me from myself, and He does not return me to myself! I cannot witness to Him the respect due to His presence, for I am afraid of His forsaking (me). He will leave me deserted, forsaken, outlawed! and woe to the one who feels deserted after the Presence and abandoned after the Union!” 7
The medieval German Catholic sage Meister Eckart has similar words: “How then am I to love the Godhead? You shall not love him as he is: not as a God, not as a spirit, not as a Person, not as an image, but as sheer, pure One. And into this One we are sink from nothing to nothing, so help us God” 8
Jewish mystic Rabbi Eleazar said: “Think of yourself as nothing and totally forget yourself as you pray. Only remember that you are praying for the Divine presence. You may then enter the Universe of Thought, a state of consciousness, which is beyond time. Everything in this realm is the same – life and death, land and sea…. But in order to enter this realm you must relinquish your ego and forget all your troubles” 9
Tukaram (1608-1650), a Maharastrian bhakti poet saint described how his self has merged in God saying: “Deep has called unto deep, and all things have vanished into unity. The waves and the ocean have become one. Nothing can come and nothing can now pass away. The self is enveloping Himself all around. The time of the Great End has come, and sunset and sunrise have ceased” 10
Jnaneswar (13th century), another Maharastrian bhakti poet saint described his unitive experience: “In that state of embrace, the feeling of union arises of itself, as water under water becomes one with water. As, when the wind is lost in the sky, the duality between them disappears, similarly in that ecstatic embrace, bliss alone survives” 11
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These are only a few of the very interesting expressions of Mystics from various times. From the above descriptions, it becomes apparent that the experiences reported by all mystics and of all times, even though they are associated with different religious traditions is strikingly similar. If you have read through the above descriptions carefully, the following observations can be made:
God is described as pure consciousness and pure spirit
A sense of unity with this (what is described as God) is experienced by the mystics
The sense of ‘self’ has been totally lost during that experience
The sense of ‘time’ is also lost during that experience
An experience that everything is One is strongly felt by the mystic
This experience is generally defined as enlightenment
Some famous Mystics The list is very long… there are literally thousands of mystics recorded in human history. Below is a very brief list. Probably you would have heard some of these names but never realized they were mystics. Hindu mystics:
Adi Sankara (788-820), Dattatreya, Jnanesvar (13 th Century), Namdev (1270-1350), Eknath (1533-1599), Tukaram (1608-1650), Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886), Vivekananda (1863-1902), Aurabindo (1872-1950) etc.,
Chinese Mystics:
Lao Zi (Lao Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tsu), Ge Hong, Zhi Dao-lin, Zhang Sanfeng etc.,
Christian Mystics:
Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), Angela of Foligno (1248-1309), St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Jewish Mystics:
Shimon bar Yochai, Abraham ben Samuel Abulafia (1240-1291), Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1810), Abraham Isaac Kook (1864-1935) etc.,
Islamic Mystics: Persian :
Al- Ghazali (d. 1111), Mansur Al-Hallaj, Abu Yazid Bistami, Jami, Ibn Arabi
Afghan :
Mawlana Faizain, (20 th Century)
Turkish :
Yunus Emre
Indian :
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Khwaja Nizamuddin Chishti, Qalandar Baba Auliya etc.,
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False Gurus There is another dimension to mysticism introduced by selfish people who took mysticism as an opportunity to deceive people. I am referring to those false gurus who have deceived and are still deceiving many innocent devotees. I will not discuss about them here and concentrate only on the genuine mysticism and mystics so as not to divert our attention from the scope of our discussion.
More on Sufism You are reading a bit more about Islamic aspect of Mysticism here than any other form of Mysticism because both Sai Baba and Meher Baba are strongly associated with Sufi tradition than with any other form of Mysticism. This will become clear to you as you read along. At least a basic understanding of Sufism is required for our task at hand that is to understand Sai Baba and Meher Baba in the right perspective. Sufism is defined by Sufis as – “The science of flight in God, with God, by God and Union and Communion with God” 12
A
C
D
B
In the above diagram, B is the starting point for the beginner. The arrows indicate the direction of the journey. BCA is the upward journey which finishes at A. It is called 'Sair-ila-Allah’ which means the 'Journey towards God'. At point A, 'Fana-fi-Allah' (absorption in to God) is achieved. Then follows 'Sair-fi-Allah' which means 'Journey in the Divine Soul'. A further progress is made by coming down to B, via ADB. This is known as 'Sair-min-Allah', which means 'Journey from God'. When one completes the circle, the spiritual course is completed and 'human perfection' is said to be achieved.
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For normal people (like us), all this looks very surprising. We just wonder – What?, Is there such a thing like Journey to God? Can we Journey inside God? We can’t understand. But this is what mystics talk about and live for. Sufis believe in the ideology of 'Wahad-ul-wajood' meaning 'One-ness of Being'. This is basically same as Advaitha ideology. If you analyze the mystical traditions, it becomes clear that despite the differences in the ways, the core ideology is the same (Oneness). To a Muslim who is even a little bit familiar with the fundamentals of his religion (Islam) and who is not associated with these Sufi practices, the very definition of Sufism and the concept of 'Wahad-ul-wajood' look alien and unacceptable too. The reason for this can be understood by having a basic understanding of what Islam is and what the concept of God in Islam is: The fundamental creed and message of Islam is the unity of God. This means God is one. This should not to be confused with the mystic’s universal message of Oneness of God. Oneness and One – both have different meanings. Oneness means everything is God… You, me, the book you are reading, everything around you, animals, plants and everything else in this world and universe are all included in God. This concept is also called Pantheism. Islam’s message of unity of God (that God is one) has entirely different meaning. Islam clearly states and differentiates between creator and creation and they are not one according to Islam. Everything is created by and belongs to God but not everything is God. Not only this, comparing or associating God with anything of his creation is clearly defined as the biggest sin that man can ever commit. Islam condemns comparing God with anything in creation. Islam condemns giving a form to God and associating partners with him, saying that he has a son etc., Definition of God in Islam is that He is the One & only power who is worthy of all the worship, owner of all the worlds (universe, heaven and hell), Almighty, most merciful and beneficent, king of the judgment day (that will come after the world is finished on the last day). He is one – in the sense that he has no partners. He is the creator, sustainer and destroyer of everything. He is not dependent on anyone and anything; everything else is dependent on him. He is never born, or will he ever die, he has neither parents nor any offspring, he is the greatest.
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Muslims call him ‘Allah’. The Arabic word ‘Allah’ literally means ‘the one worthy of worship’. It can be translated to English as ‘God’. But the Arabic word, ‘Allah’, is pure and unique, unlike the English word ‘God’, which can be played around with: If you add ‘s’ to the word ‘God’, it becomes ‘Gods’, which is the plural of ‘God’. ‘Allah’ is one and singular, there is no plural of ‘Allah’. If you add ‘dess’ to the word ‘God’, it becomes ‘Goddess’ that is a female God. There is nothing like male Allah or female Allah. ‘Allah’ has no gender. ‘Allah’ is referred to as ‘He’ only as a convenience in language and expression but he is not male, he has no gender. Islam clearly states that humans are created for the worship of this one Being who alone is worthy of all the worship. There is no concept or goal of visualizing him or apprehending or union with God present in Islam, as the Sufis believe in. Islam talks of a meeting with God but that is only after the end of the world and during that meeting on the Day of Judgment, God will decide our fate based on our deeds in this world. Not only this, Islam is totally against the concept of asceticism and many other means that Sufi mystics adopt and practice. So, it’s entirely surprising to see that the mystics who claim they are Muslims believe in concepts that are exactly the opposite to that of Islam. This fundamental ideological difference between Muslims and Sufis (Muslim mystics) has caused much trouble. This is why when the Musim mystic – Sufi master – Mansur Al-Hallaj uttered the words ‘Ana al Haq’ (I am the truth or God) and other statements as mentioned earlier in this chapter, Muslim authorities have passed a death sentence against him. When he was taken out to be executed, he said to his companions, “Do not worry about this, for I will return to you after thirty days” 14 His ashes were thrown into the Tigris River. And as a result of the promise of his return, his disciples waited there on the bank of the Tigris, in the hope that he would arise from it.
15
Mansur Hallaj never returned.
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MYSTICISM – A UNIQUE IDEOLOGY Whatever may be the reasons for mystics to associate themselves with different religions, they also utilize selective practices of those religions in their mystical practices. Like for example, most Sufis do practice Islamic prayers (namaz), fasting (roza) etc., that gives an impression that they are just Muslims but they also do so many other things that are not part of Islam. You must be wondering by now. So, what is the link between mysticism and religions? The point I want to highlight here is that - Mysticism is a unique ideology irrespective of religion it is associated with. Its ideology may or may not match that of the religion it is associated with. It may even be against the very fundamentals of that religion as we have seen in the case of Islam. So, we should proceed to understand and study Mysticism in this correct perspective and treat it as such. If we try to understand it from the perspective of the religion it is associated with, we will not only misunderstand mystics and mysticism but end up misunderstanding the religions also. And it will only add to the confusion already present with the presence of so many religions. How surprising it is that so many different people from so many different traditions and places report similar experiences that God can be Experienced, United with and Lived-in. This looks fascinating to those who are used to approach God in a totally different manner…. may be offering prayers to him by going to temple, church or mosque. When the reports of Mystics are so consistent, does it represent any guidance for others? Is it the correct way to approach God? Those who approach God in a different way, are they just wasting their efforts? How is the mystical ideology different from religious doctrines? Search for answers to these questions led me to this work and what I have discovered is presented to you in this book. I hope you will read and understand this book with an open mind, seeking Truth.
So, this chapter is a basic introduction to the fascinating world of Mysticism. In the next chapter, the proof that links Sai Baba and Meher Baba to the mysticism and speci fically to the Sufi tradition is presented.
“We are led to Believe a Lie When we see not Thro’ the Eye” - Blake, William
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3. Sai Baba, Meher Baba – Were they mystics? If you visit the Shirdi Samadhi Mandir and Shrine of Sai Baba today, you get an overwhelming impression that Sai Baba must have been a Hindu saint, mistakenly referred to as a Muslim by some. With his large marble statue seated on an ornate silver throne, he is venerated in the manner of a Hindu deity, with regular Hindu rituals, abhishekam, aarthi and pujas and with special celebrations during Hindu festivals such as Ramanavami. Except for Sai Baba’s old masjid where he stayed for nearly six decades, there are no other Islamic features or marks seen around the area and that gives the visitors an impression that they had the darshan of a Hindu deity. The fact is that Sai Baba was neither a Hindu nor a Muslim. He was a Sufi, which by definition makes him a Mystic. He is not a Muslim in the sense that his ideology was not that of Islam but that of a Mystic. As you are aware from the previous chapter, Sufis are the mystics who associate themselves with Islam and call themselves Muslims but their fundamental ideology is exactly opposite to that of Islam and also their practices differ quite significantly from fundamental Islamic practices. This is why there is so much confusion surrounding Sai Baba of Shirdi. Hindus are not familiar with Islam & Sufism and it is specifically true of the Brahmins with whom he was strongly associated with during his lifetime. Many Muslims are also ignorant of the differences between Islam and Sufism. And Mysticism is not correctly under stood as a unique ideology but it is mixed with and understood from the ideology of the religion it is associated with (in this case, Islam). So, these factors caused the confusion surrounding his identity. Some say - Sai Baba is God and so his religious association is in-significant. Truth will not come forth with such explanations. There is quite reliable historical information and evidence to prove the true identity of Sai Baba and lets go through it now. We have it plainly in Sai Baba’s own words that he was a Muslim. When a Hindu devotee was a bit reluctant to come to visit him because of his Muslim identity, he angrily said to him: “I am a Muslim. Go and fall at the feet of Saadhu at Bhimashankar Temple”
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As mentioned earlier, Sai Baba was not a Muslim in the sense that he did not follow the fundamental Islamic principles. We will examine this aspect before proceeding to prove his Sufi Identity.
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But before that, I want to acknowledge the scholarly work carried out in this aspect by Dr. Marianne Warren (Ph.D). She is a British woman who after graduating in England, emigrated to Canada. She did her MA and Ph.D at University of Toronto and as part of her Ph. D dissertation, she chose her research on 'The Maharashtrian Sufi Context of Hazrat Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi'. Later she published the book – 'Unravelling The Enigma – Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism'. I want to clarify a point here that this book (of Warren) is not a work criticizing Sai Baba. In fact, I purchased this book at one of the Sai Baba’s devotional web site - www.saibaba.org. It is a scholarly work based on factual data and un-biased analysis that is intended to present and preserve the Sufi background of Sai Baba. I will quote quite often from her book along with the other sources as mentioned throughout. A great contribution of Warren is the notebook of ‘Abdul’ prepared in Urdu while he sat reading the Quran with Sai Baba. Abdul was Sai Baba’s servant. This notes was miraculously preserved just before it would have disintegrated and disappeared completely. She collected it from V.B. Kher of Mumbai who was a trustee of Sai Baba Sansthan at Shirdi from 1984-89 and coauthor of the book – 'Sai Baba of Shirdi – A Unique Saint'. Warren received photocopy of this from V.B. Kher as a gift and she included it in her book as Abdul’s Manuscript. After looking at Abdul’s manuscript, anyone who thought Sai Baba was a Hindu saint will realize, how wrong his or her assumption is.
Proof that Sai Baba was not a follower of Islamic principles When Sai Baba entered Shirdi, he moved to live at the old mosque that was almost in an unusable condition. He started a fire there (known as dhuni) that he kept burning continuously. This practice is contradictory to Islamic beliefs. You will not see this in any mosque anywhere in the world. Das Ganu (formally known as Ganpat Rao Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe, one of Sai Baba’s devotee during his lifetime) averred that Sai Baba sometimes came into conflict with local Muslims "as very often his acts and ideas did not agree with their orthodoxy"
2
Some Muslims wanted Sai Baba to go to the city to perform Friday prayers – the khutba (sermon) and namaz (prayer). At first he appeared to go along with the idea, but in the end refused to go. Das Ganu records that the Muslims ‘dared not do anything against this powerful Baba’ 3 Friday prayer is considered so important by Muslims as you can see from the gathering of Muslims on every Friday, which they do without missing. Anybody who is not interested in going to Friday prayer is simply considered as not worthy of being a Muslim.
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Not only this, Sai Baba directly questions the need for namaaz (prayer) and Haj (piligrimage to Macca). Abdul’s manuscript reads: “When in the nimbar (niche) of your heart, the Beloved (God) is enthroned, what is the need for the pesh-imam (priest)? If we can achieve ivadat (our end) by prayer to God (Allah), what is the necessity to go to the masjid to listen to Kutba (sermon of the priest)? If all the time we are engrossed in devotion to God, why should we do namaz f ive times a day, in the morning, noon etc.,? If we are all in love with the Beloved, we will go and reside in the mandir – why should we go to and visit the Kaaba in Mecca?” 4 Also written at the same place is a Quotation from a ghazal (Sufi poetry): "We are in the embrace of the love of the Beloved. We shall go and reside in the mandir and stay there. We will make collections and think of the non -believers. We have no interest in visiting the Kaaba (in Mecca). The face of the Beloved is engraved on my heart. Why should we do prostrations (sajda) and salaam? Why namaz, why fast? According to Islamic law (Shariat) I should be engaged in all these practices. Then what is all this qalam? [I am non-conformist]". 5 It has to be noted that Islam has 5 foundational principles (also known as pillars of Islam). First is to declare: 'There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger'. Second principle is performing prayers 5 times a day. Third is to observe fasting during the month of Ramzaan. Fourth – paying the obligatory charity to the poor and fifth – performing pilgrimage to Macca in Saudi Arabia (if one is capable). There is nothing more in Islam than obeying these fundamental principles meaning that whatever one does, if he is not following these basic principles, he is surely not a Muslim. Also, a basic understanding of Islamic principles shows that prayer (namaaz) is not only compulsory for all Muslims but it is considered as the difference between a Muslim and a non-Muslim. Even Messengers and prophets of God were not excluded from this duty. Not even a war situation provides exception to Muslims from this duty. Sai Baba quite openly declared that he is a non-conformist of these basic Islamic obligations. So, there is no need of any proof other than this to prove that Sai Baba was not a follower of Islamic principles.
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It is not an allegation that I want to make on Sai Baba that he was not a strict Muslim. It has to be noted that it is a characteristic hallmark of Mystics to denounce religious principles and ritual obligations. In case of Sai Baba- we find this characteristic in full force. Thus, it is a very important piece of information that only strengthens my assertion that Mysticism is a unique Ideology that is often incompatible with that of it’s associated religion. This understanding goe s a far way in unraveling the mystery surrounding mysticism and developing a correct understanding about mystics. Not only against the principles of Islam, Sai Baba was supportive of Mystics and their ideology. Again from Abdul’s notes: “When the pen is in the hands of wicked persons, why should not Mansur [al-hallaj] be put on the gallows?” 6 If you remember, Mansur Al-Hallaj was the Sufi master who uttered the words ("I AM GOD") and concepts which are against Islamic principles and was sentenced to death by Muslim rulers.
Was Sai Baba a (Sufi) Mystic? The confession by Sai Baba that he is a non-conformist (of Islamic principles) itself is half a proof that he was a mystic. Not all non-conformists can be mystics right? So, we will now go through evidence that strongly proves and establishes his Sufi mystic identity. Annasaheb Dabholkar, the very orthodox Brahmin biographer of Sai Baba and author of the Sri Sai Saccarita, consistently refers to the saint as ‘a Muslim faqir’, and records that Sai Baba by his own admission said: “Although I have accepted the life of a faqir, I am without care. I have stayed in one place giving up all involvements and attachments” 7 Dabholkar admits that he personally knew very little about Islam and certainly even less about the fine distinctions of the mystical path of Sufism, but he acknowledges Sai Baba’s Muslim facets. According to Bharadwaja, "there were quite a good number of Muslims who considered Baba a great Muslim saint and who were graced by him accordingly"
8
Another Muslim devotee, who also perceived Sai Baba to be a great Sufi mystic stated, "Baba is undoubtedly a saint of vast power. ‘Is’ I say – saints do not die. They pass from one state to another".
9
Warren says, this devotee picked on one of the most defining features of Sai Baba as a Sufi mystic, for he declared that he would not die, promising that he would still be present in some subtle form, to help devotees. So the promises that Sai Baba supposidly provided to his devotees were basically in the spirit of this Sufi ideology.
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It is a Sufi belief that saints do not die but that their essential power (baraka) remains at their tombs, and this has been the rationale behind saint worship practiced by some Muslims (who are ignorant of the differences between ideology of Sufism and Islam), construction of tombs known as ‘dargahs’ and annual ‘urs’ celebrations carried out around these places. It has to be noted that all these practices are contrary to Islamic principles. As we learned in the basics of Mysticism, one characteristic hallmark of mystics is asceticism – renunciation of worldly desires. These people are called faqirs. Derived from Arabic word faqr literally means poor, faqir designating those who take up poverty voluntarily for a higher purpose rather than poverty as an unfortunate condition of life. Sai Baba said: ‘The faqir life [of poverty] is the real royalty; it retains its status forever. Riches are transient.’
10
It is evident from Sai Baba’s life that he followed this key Sufi practice. All through his life, he ate only what was given to him through beg ging, not conscious of flavor or taste. His appearance was also unmistakably that of a Sufi. According to Ramgiri Bua, Sai Baba ‘had long hair flowing down to his buttocks’ when he arrived in Shirdi.’ 11
The young Sai Baba was seen
‘dressed as an athlete’ and had never had his head shaved. 12 After losing his wrestling match with a Muslim wrestler called Mohdin Tamboli, he started wearing the typical Sufi mode of dress of long shirt or kafni.13 He was not interested in new clothes donated by devotees and rather preferred to mend his old clothes. Abdul’s note book is full of Sufi references made by Sai Baba to Rumi’s (the famous Sufi of 13th century) sayings, poetry, Sufi Tariqat (the path to God realization), spiritual hierarchies, list of Sufis belonging to Chisti order (Sufis have different orders which can be considered as different schools). On this assessment, Warren strongly felt Sai Baba might have been linked to Chashtiyya order.
14
All these unmistakable and varied-sourced facts make it more than clear that Sai Baba was a Sufi Mystic.
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Was Meher Baba a Mystic? Unlike in the case of Sai Baba whose Sufi-Mystic identity was almost overridden by the Hindu gloss (as explained in Chapter 7), it is easier with Meher Baba to prove his mystic identity. In fact, asking if Meher Baba is a mystic is like asking someone to prove Tendulkar knows cricket. It is very easy to prove from the information we have about his life history that Meher Baba was a mystic. Even though the events of Meher Baba’s life are well documented, it is difficult to find books that avoid devotional bias to the events. An exception to this is the scholarly work of Kevin Shepherd (born in Cambridge, England in 1950). He is an independent researcher. Again it has to be noted that he is not a critic of Meher Baba. In fact, he is an admirer of Meher Baba since his childhood. He states his purpose in documenting Meher Baba’s life is "to establish History as it happened rather to glorify any story".15 He also corrects the allegations made against Meher Baba by other authors (for example by Paul Brunton, a London journalist in his book 'A search in secret India') and at the same time he corrects the misrepresentation of Meher Baba created by his Mandali and devotees. One can see a perfect balance of appraisal and critique in his work while adhering to his sincerity to establishing the truth. He is the author of the book 'Meher Baba – An Iranian Liberal'. Background of Meher Baba: It is interesting to see that most devotees of Meher Baba are ignorant of his background. The fact is that most of them are not concerned about his background. They don’t need any other information about him as they already considered him as God. For them he is God and that’s all. For those who value factual information, Meher Baba is strongly associated with the Mystic tradition which has origins in Iran. Meher Baba was an Irani Zoroastrian by blood, and a Parsi only by virtue of his environment, since both his parents were emigrants from Iran.16 Meher Baba’s father Sheriar Mundegar (d. 1932) was an ex-Sufi dervish in Iran (Qajar, Iran). He migrated from Iran, lived in India for a decade as a dervish and finally settled in poona. While dealing with the basics of Mysticism, it was seen that mystics associate themselves with most of the main stream religions. Just like Sufis are mystics associating themselves with Islam, there are mystics in Zoarastrianism. Azar Kaivan (d. 1618) was a Zoroastrian mystic. He emigrated along with his disciples from Safavid region in Iran to North India. Later they were known as Kaivanis (from the name Azar Kaivan). As can be expected from mystics, they shunned religious practices of Zoarastrianism and promoted mystical practices and ideas adapted to indian environment. Their philosophy was specifically known as Ishraqi . Sufism, Vedanta, Yoga, and
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Greek philosophy were all included in it. Eventhough Mehe r Baba himself disliked labels that will associate him with any particular tradition, it is evident from his ideology and teachings that he was strongly resembling Kaivani mystical tradition. It has to be noted that Kaivanis is just the name given by historians, Kaivani’s themselves did not like to be categorized. They included members from various traditions - zoarastrian, muslim, hindu, and jewish also. Again, what united them was their unique mystical ideology. Meher Baba referred to Azar Kaivan as 'the last true dastur', a reference to Azar’s mystical capabilities and also said “there has been no God-realized perfect saint amongst the Zoroastrians after Azar Kaivan”. The mystic philosophy of Ishraq (illumination) was formulated by the Iranian Mystic Shaikh Sohravardi Maqtul (d. 1191) and Azar Kaivan taught a variant of ishraqi philosophy using ishraqi elements outside Islamic framework (cross-cultural adaptation). Sohravardi was executed by Islamic authorities for establishing a philosophy that is against Islamic principles (while being a Muslim). ‘Maqtul’ added to his name actually means ‘the slained one’. Kevin comments, "In Meher Baba, the investigtor has the opportunity to view at close range the Iranian spirit stripped of Zoroastrian and Islamic dogma and ritualism. He is as much a 'Mazdakite' and 'Zurvanite' as he is sufi; he is both ishraqi and irfani (gnostic) in affiliated perspective.17 ‘Mazdkite’ and ‘Zurvanism’ are the ascetics and mystic traditions of pre-islamic era in Iran. References to Mansur Al-Hallaj: Like Sai Baba, Meher Baba also made several references to Hallaj (the Sufi mystic). Meher Baba classified him as “the one who gained the consciouness of a qutub”, and “who experienced the bliss of ‘I am God’ state”.18 The word 'qutub' appears many times in Meher Baba’s literature. It is a Sufi conceptual word meaning 'pivot, hub, or axis (center of the Universe)' In Sufism, the Qutub is the shaykh who provides a focus for spiritual teachings. Shunning religious practices: As we noted earlier, it’s a characteristic hallmark of mystics to shun religious practices. Just like Sai Baba openly declared he was a non-conformist of Islamic fundamental principles, we have Meher Baba saying: “Prayer books of all the religions … have nothing to do with the truth”
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Meher Baba also indicated “all religious scriptures are corrupt” specifying – ZendAvesta (religious book of Zoarastrians), the Bible, the Vedas and the Quran though he said “sometimes these changes came about without the intention of doing so when followers of avatars (Zarathushtra, Christ, and Muhammad*)would address large crowds of people, and their words were subsequently confused with those of the prophet”.20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Peace be up on the Messengers of God
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Zarathushtra is claimed by Zoarastrians as their prophet of God who spread the religion of Zoarastrianism. But nothing is known about Zarathustra to the modern scholars..his date of birth, his place of origin and his teachings. In light of this, it is quite difficult to attribute Zoarastrian religious scriptures as the actual teachings of Zarathshtra and it’s possible that zoarastrian priests would have been involved in it’s corruption. Kevin remarks – Some scholars of religion might concede such a possibility more readily in cases of Zarathushtra and Jesus, as the Quran is generally considered unusually authentic owning to its early date of copying down.21 So, this characteristic hallmark of mystics that shuns religions and religious practices while supportings earlier mystics is readily found in Meher Baba.
Mystic Masters and mystic practices: Meher Baba’s masters were Hazrat Babajan (a Sufi mystic) and Upasni Maharaj (a hindu mystic). Meher Baba spent an ascetic, celebate life with long periods in intense seclusion and fastings to the extent that he was not available to his visitors for most of the time.
Link with Sufi tradition: Not only initiated by a Sufi mystic and inspired by the poetry of Sufi mystics, Meher Baba also tried to rejuvenate Sufism. In this regard, his work with Ivy Duce is mentionable. She was leading a group of American followers of Meher Baba who preferred to retain their beliefs and practices of Sufi tradition formed by Inayat Khan (d. 1927)- the Sufi mystic Shaikh of Chishti order in India. She studied under Ada Martin (d. 1947) who was a pupil of Inayat Khan. She started the movement 'Sufism Reoriented' in 1950 in US. Meher Baba told her – “I am very serious about the reoriented Sufism and want the result to appear all over the world”
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He affirmed her that only the achievement of ‘fana’ and ‘baqa’ (words describing the concept of merger or absorption in to God) gives the ability to lead others to perfection saying – “I intend to change the whole affair, overhaul the whole thing, because I love Sufism with all my heart.”
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On another occasion he said: “I am the greatest Sufi of the past, present and future”23
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Mystic Ideology and quotes of mystic poets: Meher Baba’s teaching is definitely pantheistic which is the ideology of Mystics and he quite frequently used mystical poetry quoting famous mystics such as Hafiz of Shiraz (14 th century Iranian Sufi), Kabir, and Tukaram. He quotes Hafiz more frequently than others and it further proves his affinity with Iranian Mystic tradition. Meher Baba described both Hafiz and Kabir also as qutubs. An example to illustrate his Pantheistic ideology (Everything is God) is the first of seven Realities from his Discourses that states: “The only Real Existence is that the one and only God, who is the Self in every finite self” - Discourses, Volume 1, Page 17
His discourses is full of Mystic ideology:
“Thus, it is better to study God than to be ignorant of Him; it is better to feel God than to study Him; it is better to experience God than to feel God; and it is better to become God than to experience Him”
-Discourses,
Volume 3, Page 30
To be precise, Meher Baba’s teachings are a diligent combination of all major mystic traditions including Sufism, Iranian mysticism originating from the pre-Islamic era and Hindu mystic version of Vedanta.
So, the assertion that Meher Baba was a Mystic is unmistakable and impossible to prove otherwise.
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Mysticism – a Unique Ideology It is seen how Sai Baba and Meher Baba fit so precisely in to the profile of mystic’s identity. This analysis can be applied to mystics of all the time and the result is a clearly emerging pattern of the fact and it is my assertion as highlighted in the earlier chapter that – Mysticism is a unique ideology. So, it has to be treated as such to be able to correctly understand it. Even though it is associated with different religions, it’s ideology is surprisingly unique and so could contradict with it’s associated religion. So, if we try to understand a mystic and his sayings from the view point of his religious association, it will be a mistake and we will end up mis understanding both the mystic and his associated religion. A further proof to strenghten this assertion. An interesting pattern of 'unity-in-diversity' can be observed in mystical traditions. Mystics generally do not give significance to their religious associations. Sai Baba, a sufi mystic had both sufi disciples as well as hindu (example: Upasni Maharaj). Meher Baba’s masters were: Babajan (a Sufi) and Upasni Maharaj (a Hindu). Babajan herself had a Hindu master earlier. Even though it is not confirmed but Sai Baba also likely had a Hindu master. This is possible only because Mysticism is a unique ideology and all mystics are united by their ideology more than anything else and for them the religious association is a nonsignificant issue. By now you should have noticed that I have been emphasizing on another point: it’s a characteristic hallmark of mystics to shun religious practices. Those who reflect on this understading, may ask in surprise: 'Why do mystics shun religions, religious doctrains and religious practices?. After all, they look like the most religious people and long for God more than others?. How can they long for love of God, union with God and still criticise acts of worship to God? Do they have a different 'God' other than the one indicated in religions? What exactly is their meaning of 'God'?' so on…
Keep these surprising questions at the back of your mind. As you read through the next few chapters, your questions will be answered….
“Mind is the forerunner of all things. Mind is foremost, Of mind, are all things made”. - The Dhammapada Buddhist Text, Verse 1, 3 rd century BCE
“Brain is the organ of mind.” - Neurologist & Zen practitioner - James H. Austin, 2000 CE
4. Secret behind the words “I AM GOD”
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“Swami Abhayananda (original name - Stan Trout) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA on 14 August 1938. In June of 1966 he became acquainted with the philosophy of mysticism and experienced a strong desire to realize God. On 18th November of that same year, by the grace of God, he attained his goal. This contemporary American mystic and scholar tells the story of man’s recurrent experience of enlightenment throughout the ages, and presents in historical context the lives and words of over 40 famous mystics from both Eastern and Western religious traditions. He reveals the antiquity and endurance of the one Great Mystical Tradition and the unity underlying the diversity of its manifold expressions.” The above is an introduction to Swami Abhayananda’s book – “History of Mysticism- The Unchanging Testament”. In this book, he listed stories and sayings of famous mystics of all the ages: from Upanishadic seers, Buddha to the Mystics of Greco-Roman Era, Early Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages to Mystics of Modern Era (20 th Century Mystics)– Pir Hazrat Inayat Khan (18881950), Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952), Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950), Swami Shivananda (1887-1963), Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950), Sai Baba and Meher Baba. From Swami Abhayanda’s account and even otherwise, it can be seen that the Mystics have made their statements, assertions and theories not from mere philosophical speculations but they were based on experience – an exper ience so convincing, so real, that all those to whom it has occurred testify unanimously that it is the unmistakable realization of the ultimate Truth of existence. In Abhayananda’s own words: In this experience, called Samadhi by the Hindus, nirvana by the Buddhists, fana by the Muslims, and “the mystic union” by the Christians, the consciousness of the individual suddenly becomes the consciousness of the entire vast universe. All previous sense of duality is swallowed up in an awareness of indivisible unity. The man who previously regarded himself as an individualized soul, encumbered with sins and inhabiting a body, now realizes that he is, truly, the one Consciousness; that it is he, himself, who is manifesting as all souls and all bodies, while yet remaining completely unaffected by the unfolding drama of the multiplatform universe. Even if, before, as a soul, he sought union with his God, now, there is no longer a soul/God relationship. He, himself, he now realizes, is the one Existence in whom there is neither a soul nor a God, but only the one Self, within whom this “imaginary” relationship, but only the eternal and all-inclusive I AM. Not surprisingly, this illuminating knowledge of an underlying ‘I’ that is the Soul of the entire universe has a profoundly transformative effect upon the mind of those who have experienced it. The sense of being bound and limited to an individual body and mind, set in time and rimmed by birth and death, is entirely displaced by the keenly experienced awareness of unlimited Being; of an infinitely larger, unqualified Self beyond birth and death. It is an experience, which uniquely and utterly transforms one’s sense of identity, and initiates a permanently acquired freedom from all doubt, from all fear, from all insecurity forevermore. 1
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The above two paragraphs from Abhayananda’s book are very important to our understanding of the core ideology of Mysticism. This is the root of all Mystical teachings, assertions and conclusions of Mystics from all ages (including Sai Baba & Meher Baba) based on their mystical experiences. Again, this is the basis of all of Meher Baba’s teachings and theories on human creation in his book, ‘God Speaks: The Theme of Creation and Its purpose’ and his ‘Discourses’ of several volumes. It is very difficult to rationalize what mystics have said: They say everything is a part of God – Humans, animals, things, nature, planets, solar systems and whatever you can imagine. Thinking about it, many may wonder – I am also a part of God?, Why didn’t I ever realize that?, why am I so powerless then? If I am God myself, then why do I need to pray? What is the purpose of my creation? Etc. So many questions pop up in the un-enlightened minds. All this seems confusing. If you too are confused, let the confusion remain as it is. As you journey through this chapter, all this will become clear.
Mysticism and Science What does Science say about Mystics and Mystical experiences? As science has rationalistic and empirical demands, scientists for long regarded these mystics as the victims of damaged or deluded minds. Certainly, there is evidence to support that point of view. For example, certain pathological conditions such as schizophrenia and temporal lobe epilepsy can trigger voices, visions, and other hallucinatory effects that often posses religious connotations, and that occasionally these hallucinations can lead to an abnormal fascination with spiritual affairs. 2 Another explanation offered until recently was Freud’s theory which regards mystical experience as the result of a regressive, infantile neurosis. This theory is based upon the state of “Oceanic bliss” that he believed fills an infant’s mind before the lines between 'self' and 'not-self' have been drawn. Freud proposed that – the mystic’s longing for spiritual union is really an unconscious desire to escape a harsh, disappointing reality by returning to the world of blissful unity and completeness we knew when we were babies. So, for some time now, scientists and those who don’t believe in mystics alike attributed mystical experience largely to hallucinations and other mental ailments. However, considerable research done during the last few decades proves these theories as baseless. Studies have shown that people who experience genuine mystical states enjoy much higher levels of psychological health than the public at large. The research proved that the mystical experiences are significantly different from hallucinations caused by schizophrenia and other psychotic states. With the scientific data available now, it can be said with great certainty that mysticism is not a product of psychotic delusion or pathological conditions like temporal lobe epilepsy even though these conditions may cause experiences that look similar to mystical experiences. Hallu-
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cinations are simply not capable of providing the mind with an experience as convincing and real as that of mystical experience. The mind remembers mystical experience with the same degree of clarity and sense of reality that are associated with memories of “real” past events. This does not happen in case of hallucinations and delusions.
Then how are these mystical experiences occurring? Can you guess the answer to this question? You can, actually. The answer is a part in your body that you use mostly. Even now, while reading this book, you are using that part to process these very lines. Yes, it’s your Brain. Even though, it’s your eyes that are reading the book, they just convey the signals to Brain that eventually constructs the picture (of what you are seeing) and processes the information. Understanding, analyzing and memorizing the information – is all done in the Brain. Years of research, have led scientists to understand that Mystical experiences are biologically, observably and scientifically real. Advanced techniques like SPECT * (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), PET* (Positron Emission Tomography) have enabled scientists to study the functionality of Brain in meditators and uncover the secrets behind the enlightenment. Now, scientists not only can exactly map the parts of the brain that are responsible for mystical experiences, they can explain in clear detail the processes involved in and leading up to these experiences.
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*SPECT camera: It is a high-tech imaging tool that detects radioactive emissions. The main advantage of this is that it allows research to be carried out on Meditators while allowing the Meditator to perform the meditation outside the scanner and in a peaceful natural setting. During peak mystical experiences, a radio active tracer is injected (remotely) in to the meditators blood stream. These specific tracers locks almost immediately into brain cells and remains there for hours. After the meditation, the subject’s head is then scanned by SPECT camera that detects the location of the radioactive tracer and thus it gives an accurate freeze-frame of blood flow patterns in subject’s brain just moments after injection – during the mystical experiences. These pictures are then converted by a computer into three-dimensional representation of the brain. PET camera: In this, an isotope emits a positron (an anti-electron), which emits two photons when it encounters an electron. These emitted photons can then be detected by a camera and converted into an image. These sophisticated techniques developed in the last three decades are much more advanced than the earlier CT, MRI scans and can provide functional imaging of Brain that was never possible before.
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Every animal you can think of - mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians - all have brains. But the human brain is unique. It gives us the power to think, plan, speak, imagine and …… to have mystical experiences.... It is truly an amazing organ. The research done on Brain during the last few decades is unremarkable. The very proof of it is in the fact that Neuroscientists have received most of the Nobel prizes in the fields of medicine and physiology during the past quarter-century. Even the United States Congress, in an inspired moment, voted to call the ten years of 20th century (1990-2000): “The Decade of the Brain”. The search for answers on Mystical experiences brings us to the forefront of neuroscience that deals with the scientific study of the brain and nervous system. Developments in this field proved that … Mystical experiences are a result of the changes happening in brain due to the practices developed by mystics. These changes result in some special states of consciousness known as – alternate or altered states of consciousness in which the Brain generates a series of stunningly convincing experiences as reported by mystics of past and present. The rest of this chapter will explain how these fascinating states of consciousness develop and the physiological* processes behind them and the psychological** impressions that these states leave on those who experience them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Psychology -The science that deals with mental processes and behavior **Physiology - The biological study of the functions of living organisms and their parts
Altered/alternate States of Consciousness
All dictionary definitions of “consciousness” refers back to that core of “self” in the center. Never do the definitions acknowledge a striking fact (and this is very important in our understanding of mystical experience): Some extraordinary forms of consciousness (mental states) retain no subjecting ‘I’ inside them. Still they are witnessed.
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We will look at the “self” and “I” later but first let us know what is ordinary consciousness and what is altered/alternate states of consciousness.
What is ordinary consciousness/mental state? We all know what ordinary consciousness feels like. The frame of mind that you are in now (while reading this book) can be considered as the normal or ordinary state of consciousness (unless you have done something to be in a different state of consciousness). This is the state in which we live for most part of our life.
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In the Normal state of consciousness or state of mind, we have a sense of “self” and “other”, we have an awareness of time and space, we are continuously processing inputs from our sensory organs etc., and these are all the characteristics of our normal consciousness. Over years, our Brain has so efficiently built this mental state that we don’t even have to think about its presence. We are in it.. That’s all. We never even try to analyze how many systems of neural networks in our Brain are working in tandem to make this state of consciousness possible. We just take it for granted. Yes, we have lot of other things to worry about in our life; we simply can’t sit wondering about having this consciousness and state of mind..... right? But, you may be a little surprised to know that there are several other states of consciousness that we are capable of being in. These are called the “alternate or altered states of consciousness”. If you have any difficulty in understanding this, imagine that the total consciousnesses is like a pond of water 10 feet deep. Say our normal conscious awareness is the first 1 feet depth of water. Then that other 9 feets of water represent those other states of consciousness that are possible. Or another example. Imagine consciousness is an orange. If our normal consciousness is like the skin of the orange, inner or ange then represents other levels of consciousness possible. This means to say that we are all capable of being in other states of consciousness other than our normal consciousness. Neurologist-turned-Zen practitioner James H. Austin classified states of Consciousness in to 10 levels, grouped under 3 main categories as shown below:
Ordinary and Meditative States of Consciousness: 1. Ordinary Waking States (You are in it Now! I hope so) 2. Slow-Wave (S) Sleep 3. Desynchronized (D) Sleep 4. Levels Reached During Concentration and Receptive Meditative Modes: Shallower, Deeper
Extraordinary Alternate States of Consciousness: 5. Heightened, Emotionalized Awareness without Sensate Loss 6. Absorption without Sensate Loss: External Absorption 7. Absorption with Sensate Loss: Internal Absorption (Samadhi, fana)
Advanced Extraordinary Alternate States of Consciousness: 8. Insight-Wisdom 9. Ultimate Being, beyond Expression (Buddhist nirvana) 10.The Stage of Ongoing Enlightened Traits.
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In the above classification, the first three are very familiar to us and these are the states
that we routinely slide in and out: Waking (1), sleeping (2), and dreaming (3). If one undergoes meditative training, they can soon access different levels of consciousness present in the 4 th state. There are so many interesting facts to know about these four states. But so as not to loose our focus, we will not discuss these states further and will only concentrate on those states that are related to mystical experiences: Extraordinary and Advanced Extraordinary Alternate States of Consciousness. Months and years of meditative practice can ultimately lead to the Extraordinary and Advanced Extraordinary Alternate States of Consciousness. Specifically, the states from 7-10 are the ones associated with mystical experiences. William James, the famous American psychologist-turned-philosopher observed through his own experiences: “It is that our normal waking consciousness, rational consciousness as we call it, is but one special type of consciousness, whilst all about it, parted from it by the filmiest of screens, there lie potential forms of consciousness entirely different. We may go through life without suspecting their existence; but apply the requisite stimulus, and at a touch they are there in all their completeness” 4 Now, it will be a big surprise for you to know the fact that some of the above states of consciousness do not have the feeling of “self” and sense of “time and space”. These are the states of consciousness that Mystics of all the times have experienced. These states of consciousness hold the key to the secrets of Mysticism. In the next few sections, we will examine How this sense of “self” is dropped and sense of “time and space” is lost and what results in such states of Consciousness that forms the basis of the mystical ideology.
Parts of the Brain involved in Mystical Experience You need to understand a few basics of how the Human Brain works to be able to understand Mystical experiences. It will be too voluminous (and boring for you) to write the function of each and every part of our Brain. So, we will only look at those key components of the Brain that are involved in and are related to the explanation of Mystical experiences. Next few pages may be a bit boring for some but without going through them you can not easily understand the Mystical experiences, so just be patient in going through the next few pages. Once the basic rules of a game are learned, you can appreciate and enjoy it. Neuroscientists have divided the Brain and Central Nervous System into numerous subdivisions. The ma jor subdivision is right and left hemispheres (usually known as right and left brains). The hemispheres look almost identical. Each hemisphere contains cerebral cortex (also known as neo-cortex). This is a very important part that separates human beings from animals because it is the part that gives us our intelligence (Cerebrum in the figure).
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If we imagine a layered architecture to represent the whole Brain and Central Nervous System, hemispheres can be considered to be the top layer (layer 1). The next layer, layer 2 is below the hemispheres and it contains what is known as subcortical structures (meaning below the cortex) such as the thalamus and the hypothalamus. These are involved in basic life support, hormone regulation and primal emotions. These groups of structures are collectively called the ‘limbic system’. Limbic system is associated with complex aspects of emotional expressions (such as fear, aggressiveness, happiness and love). There is another layer (layer 3) known as ‘Autonomic nervous system’. This helps connect the Brain to the rest of the body. (Note – Layered description is used for ease of understanding only. This does not mean layer 1 can only communicate with layer 2 and layer 2 with layer 3. For example, autonomic nervous system has direct extensions in to higher br ain structures)
Layer 1 – Left and right Hemispheres: The left cerebral cortex receives and analyzes sensations from right side of the body and vice versa. The right cerebral cortex generates movements in the left side of the body and vice versa. The left hemisphere is more involved with analytical and mathematical processes as well as timesequential (sense of passage of time) and rhythmical aspects of consciousness and language capability. So, It is often referred to as “dominant hemisphere”. The right hemisphere is usually involved with abstract thought and emotional aspects and it is often r eferred to as “non-dominant hemisphere”. Both Hemispheres are inter-connected with a structure known as Corpus Callosum. Each hemisphere is in turn divided in to many areas. We will primarily focus on the areas related to mystical experiences: Attention Association Area (AAA): The actual name for this area is ‘prefrontal cortex’. For the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, we will refer to it as ‘Attention Association Area’ or simply AAA. The AAA plays major role in governing complex, integrated bodily movements and behaviors associated with attaining goals. It helps body with simple tasks such as organizing the behaviors necessary for reaching desired objects or moving toward some chosen destination and in complex tasks of goal-oriented behaviors and actions requiring focus upon a particular object or idea. For this reason, it is often referred to as ‘The neurological seat of will’. Damage to this area of Brain results in loss of ability to concentrate, plan future behavior and carryout complex perceptual tasks that require mental focus and attention. It is found that during the meditation, activity in this area increases.
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Orientation Association Area (OAA): This is a key part of the Brain in understanding of Mystical experiences. The actual name for this area is ‘posterior superior parietal lobe’. For the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, we will refer to it as ‘Orientation Association Area’ or simply OAA. The Primary Job of OAA is to orient the individual in physical space – it keeps track of which end is up, helps us judge angles and distances, and allows us to negotiate safely the dangerous physical landscape around us. To perform this crucial function, it must first generate a clear, consistent cognition of the physical limits of the self. In simple terms, it must draw a sharp distinction between the individual and everything else, to sort out the ‘you’ from the infinite ‘notyou’ that makes up the rest of the universe.
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It may appear strange to you that our brain needs such a special mechanism to keep track of our own self. We think it just happens. That’s only because we are so much used to it and OAA does its job so perfectly and efficiently. Look at the babies… the hardship they go through while learning to walk indicates among other things the OAA learning its work. Once it masters its work, it works tirelessly for years to the extent that we do not even feel that a system is required for these tasks. To appreciate the need for OAA, you need to see the people who suffer injuries to this area. They have great difficulty maneuvering in physical space. Even simple tasks like sitting in a chair becomes so impossible for them, they will often fall down while trying to sit in a chair or going to bed. Even though it is unknown to us, all these tasks require complex mathematical calculations. Brains with damaged OAAs simply can’t perform the calculations required to make these tasks possible. To put it simply, without OAA’s help, we can’t locate ourselves in space mentally and physically! OAA does its job by processing a constant stream of nerve impulses from each of body’s senses almost instantaneously. Its capacity to process data is like that of a super computer. It integrates the senses of touch, sight, and hearing, and creates an overall concept of space and time. In fact, there are two orientation areas, one located in each hemisphere of the brain. They perform related but distinct operations. The left OAA is responsible for creating the mental sensation of a limited, physically defined body, while the right OAA is responsible for generating the sense of spatial coordinates that provides the matrix in which the bod y can be oriented. In other words, the left OAA creates the brain’s spatial sense of self, while the right OAA creates the physical space in which that self can exist.
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INPUT (From senses)
INPUT (Blocked)
Orientation Association Area (OAA)
Orientation Association Area (OAA)
OUTPUT: Orientation of Limited Self, sense of Time
OUTPUT: Sense of Infinite self & No sense of Time!
Now, it is very interesting trying to understand what if OAA is deprived or blocked of any input data. Note that I am not saying OAA is damaged, I am just saying that its input is blocked somehow. Would it still continue to search for the limits of the self ? As there is no input to OAA, it will not be able to find any boundaries to the ‘self’. It is still working by its internal logic and trying to generate a sense of space and time e ven without any inputs. What would the brain make of it? OAA will give an indication to brain that there is no boundary to the ‘self’. The Brain will interpret that the self is boundary less or endless and intimately interwoven with everyone and everything the mind senses. The result is a sense of no space and no time, or conversely, it might be described as infinite space and infinite time. No matter how it is described, the experience is same. And this perception will be strongly felt as real as it’s the only choice Brain is left with in such a situation. How do we understand the scenes and images that we see on a daily basis as real? Because the eyes generate the signals in relation to these images and transmit them to our brain where they are processed and analysed. 'Being analysed in the brain' is the basis for the sense of reality. As the sense of infinite space and time is also generated in the brain, it will be felt like it’s utmost real. Even if you tell that person that not everything is one and things are different from each other, he will simply say – ‘No, you do not know, everything is one’. This is explained in the simple block diagrams above. If you understand the above explanation then you can understand what mystics have been saying all along:
“As the river flowing east and west merge in the sea and become one with it, Forgetting that they were ever separate rivers, so do all creatures lose their separateness when they merge at last into” (Chandogya Upanishad. 10:1-2)
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“The separate self dissolves in the sea of pure consciousness, infinite and immortal. Separateness arises from identifying the Self with the body, which is made up of the elements; when this physical identification dissolves, there can be no more separate self. This is what I want to tell you, beloved”. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Chapter 2, 4:12)
“In that state of embrace, the feeling of union arises of itself, as water under water becomes one with water. As, when the wind is lost in the sky, the duality between them disappears, similarly in that ecstatic embrace, bliss alone survives” - (Janeswari, V:134)
“Think of yourself as nothing and totally forget yourself as you pray. Only remember that you are praying for the Divine presence. You may then enter the Universe of Thought, a state of consciousness, which is beyond time. Everything in this realm is the same – life and death, land and sea…. But in order to enter this realm you must relinquish your ego and forget all your troubles” - (Jewish mystic Rabbi Eleazar) SPECT scans of Meditators show remarkable drop in activity around OAA occurring during the peak moments of meditation, which is consistent with the explanation of what happens in such a case.
Layer 2 - Limbic system: Hypothalamus, thalamus, Amygdala and hippocampus. Hypothalamus - The master controller: One of the major roles of the hypothalamus is to link the operations of the autonomic nervous system to the higher structures of the brain’s neocortex. It provides the key link through which the brain can instruct the autonomic nervous system to regulate body functions. It has two basic sections: the inner section, connecting to the quiescent system generating calming emotions, and the outer section/edge, which is an extension of the arousal system into the brain. As we will see later, Hypothalamus also plays a role in generation of mystical experiences. Even though the hypothalamus is part of the limbic system, due to it’s control over autonomic nervous system, it’s referred to as the master controller of autonomic nervous system.
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Amygdala – The Watchdog: In addition to emotional and motivational functioning, the Amygdala is involved in attention, learning, and memory. The outer region of Amygdala receives nerve connections that originate from the outer region of hypothalamus, which in turn is connected to the arousal system. Amygdala does not exert its influence directly up on autonomic system; instead it activates the hypothalamus, which in turn influences autonomic activity. Amygdala monitors sensory stimuli throughout the brain, searching for any input requiring action. That’s why it’s referred to as a watchdog. Brain imaging studies demonstrated increased Amygdalar activity during arousal states. Hippocampus – The Diplomat: Shaped like a telephone receiver and located slightly behind Amygdala, it plays a major role in information processing, memory, new learning and attention. Hippocampus and Amygdala complement each other, interact with regard to the focusing of attention and generation of emotions linked to images, as well as learning and memory. Hippocampus also exerts a regulatory effect on another limbic structure, the thalamus. The hippocampus, both by itself and in conjunction with the thalamus, can often block sensory input to various neocortical areas. This function known as de-afferentation is very important in understanding mystical experiences. Layer 3 – Autonomic nervous system (Arousal and Quiescent Systems) With the input from Brain, the autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating fundamental functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and digestion. This consists of two subsystems: the Arousal and Quiescent systems. Arousal system basically generates fight-or-flight responses and causes expenditure of energy. Quiescent system conserves energy and responsible for regulating sleep, inducing relaxation etc., Even though these two systems operate in antagonistic fashion (Increased activity in one system results in decreased activity in the other) during routine activities, there are situations in which both systems function at the same time when pushed to maximal levels resulting in extraordinary alternative states of consciousness. Thus, these systems are also vital in the formation of mystical experiences.
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Semantics of Self “The central problem of understanding states of consciousness is understanding who or what experiences the state. Our theories evolve with the center missing; mainly the “I”, the Witnesser” - Arthur Deikman Obviously, a self must exist. Experience needs an experiencing self usually known by the word ‘experient’. Without having this ‘self’, we cannot feel anything, learn anything, and do anything. While explaining about OAA (Orientation Association Area), it is mentioned that the boundaries of “Self” may disappear when input is blocked to Orientation Association Area (OAA). But how is this “self” come in to existence in the first place? Let us see…
Ever wondered - How our ‘self’ is constructed? We all know that Self can be defined something like: “One’s consciousness of one’s own being or identity; the ego” * We can’t believe that there can be consciousness without this ‘I’. How could any brain modify it’s awareness so remarkably that it leaves no subjective ‘I’ inside which does the attending? We struggle to understand. But this is what happens during a mystical experience. It will become clear as you go along. You might have noticed children arguing. One boy says “No.. Who said so?”, another replies – “Me, myself, and I”. Consider these three words. They he lp us to understand how our “Self” is build. When did you your-self uttered these words? Can you recall? We built our “Self” slowly, using nerve cells and circuits as building blocks. It takes years to assemble all of them. Now, our adult “Self” resides inside immense, distributed nerve networks.
....................................................................................................................... * ‘Self’ should not be confused with ‘soul’. Both are different - scientifically and spiritually also.
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It all happened slowly, but in a sequence of steps:
Even by our first birthday, our brain still remains immature. It still lacks that personal “self” and therefore, it can’t yet possess things personally.
At around 18 months, we start to make the vital elementary distinctions. Now we can distinguish between “me” and “you”, between self and other. This enables lines to be drawn in certain terms.. At this point we firmly claim – “This is Mine”.
Sometime between fifteen and twenty-four months of age, we act self-consciously. Placed in front of a mirror, we will be able to recognize our face and any imperfections. “Me” and “I” are developing by now. The sequence of this learning is – “mine”, “me”, “you”, then comes “I”.6
Also around age two, we start projecting our own mental states outward, relating them to other persons. Suppose mother pretends to be distressed. We will reach out to console her with budding empathy. 7
Yet we still wont have gone on to establish a firm sense of our own identity – of our ‘self’ as a presence. This happens somewhere between six to nine years.
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By the end of that first decade, most of the brain will have finally insulated over its bare wiring. The messages are passing readily from one side of the Brain to the other via the white bridge linking the two halves of the brain called Corpus Callosum thus unifying the verbal capacity (of left brain) and non verbal capacity (of right brain).
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Thus, there is a long (almost a decade of) developmental process in Brain behind creating this “self”. Our “skin” is considered to be the boundary between ‘self’ and ‘other’. So, this sense of “self” is always present in our brain ever since it’s constructed, every moment is being witnessed by it, every thought is centered around it. Dissolution of this “self” as it can happen during intense meditation, can have very big impact on the way brain perceives the resulting state of mind. This is the very essence of what happens during Mystical experiences.
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Now that we have a basic understanding of the parts of Brain involved in Mystical experiences and how our “Self” is built, we will examine the mystical experiences in detail:
Have you ever had a Mystical experience? It is not true that Mystical experiences can happen to only meditators or mystics. We all have the capacity for mystical experiences. You will be surprised to know that you would have already tasted the mystical experience of a lower degree during some time in your life. For example, imagine you love music and after a very long and tiring day, now you are relaxing in the bed listening to a slow music. The slow, steady rhythms activate the body’s quiescent system. As quiescent activity rises, it causes the hippocampus to exert a mild inhibition on neural flow, which causes a slight de-afferentation (blocking) of the orientation area, and a mild unitary state that might be experienced as a very pleasant surge of serenity. If the music continues, however, the quiescent levels continue to rise, that serenity might deepen into something more intense, as prolonged activation of the calming response causes the orientation area to become effectively blocked. This more extensive blockage would result in a stronger unitary state that might feel to you as if you were being blissfully absorbed into the music. What happened to you is - 'fana-fi-music' or you were in 'music-samadhi'. Another example can be – 'fana-fi-cricket' or 'cricket-samadhi' that may happen to you if you love cricket and watching a very interesting match (say for example, world cup final between India and Pakistan). You will become so fascinated while watching the match that you will totally forget and loose yourself in to the match. These are examples of mystical experiences that can be classified as the 'Level 6 Absorption without Sensate Loss: External Absorption' in our grouping of Extraordinary Alternate States of Consciousness as mentioned earlier (Page 32). He re, the subject is absorbed in to some external event. But they are not the high-level Mystical experiences of Mystics. They differ in a number of ways. First, our experiences have no spiritual intent. Next, the degree of absorption is also low compared to that of a Mystical experience of devotion and intent to experience God. And most importantly the sense of “self” and sense of “time & place” are not totally lost during our experiences, they are just degraded. In the next section we will discuss about the high-level Mystical experiences. It has to be noted that, like all experiences, moods, and perceptions, these unitary states are made possible by neurological function. More specifically, they are the result of softening of the sense of self and absorption of the self into some larger sense of reality that occurs when the brain’s orientation area is de-afferented, or deprived of neural input.
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Real Mystical Experiences: De-Mystified Now that we are familiar with the basics of Mystical experiences, we will go through the details of what exactly happens in neurological terms during the meditation that generates socalled peak Mystical experiences and powerful unitary states. It has to be noted that peak Mystical experiences do not come just like that. As Mystics develop their meditation skills and the concentration levels are increased, they get closer to experiencing the peak Mystical experiences through the altered states of consciousness. Through initial stages of meditation, all Mystical traditions develop Mystic’s ability to clear the mind of distracting thoughts. As they reach this stage, they will start focusing the mind completely on some object of attention – a mantra, a symbol or a scriptural verse. A saint may use a symbol of cross, Buddhist may chant a koan or just stare at a bowl of water, a Sufi may long for vision of and union with Allah. Meher Baba’s “Discourses” explains a very detailed approach to God-realization through Meditation. Most of the Volume 2 is catered to describe the Types of Meditation (65 pages spanning 8 chapters). “Meditation is the first stage of a process which gradually develops into concentration. In concentration, the mind seeks to unite with its object by the process of fixing itself upon that object, whereas meditation consists of thorough thinking about a particular object to the exclusion of every other thing” - Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, Pg-116.
I reproduce in the next page, Meher Baba’s Classification of Types of Meditation:
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Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, page 135.
If you notice, there is a striking correspondence between Meher Baba’s “Nirvana or Absorption” to James H. Austin’s “Extra-ordinary alternate state of consciousness: Absorption with Sensate Loss: Internal Absorption”. And Meher Baba’s “Nirvikalpa” corresponds to “Advanced Extra-ordinary alternate state of consciousness: Ultimate Being, beyond Expression”.
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Real Mystical Experience - Absorption with Sensate Loss: Internal Absorption (Meher Baba’s Nirvana or Absorption): Absorptions (fana or Samadhi ) are hyper attentive states on the meditative path that change many sensory and affective impressions. The Sanskrit term Samadhi means “placed together” suggesting the uniting nature of the experience in which the awareness moves toward, blends into, finds itself held onto, and becomes absorbed into whatever is in its field. Note the word “field”. This indicates what the Meditator is concentrating on. It could be internal or external. It’s internal when the Meditator is focusing his concentration on the object he is imagining in mind. It’s external when the Meditator is focusing his concentration on the external object- for example a candle, a water bowl etc., The Meditator experiences absorption in to the field. According to Meher Baba: “When the mind is rightly tuned to the object of meditation, it merges in the Truth and experiences Sahaj Samadhi or state of spontaneous enjoyment of uninterrupted Self-knowledge in which the aspirant loses his limited individuality to discover that he is identical with God, Who is in everything”
-Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, Page. 172.
“This state cannot be grasped by anyone whose mind is working. The God-state is beyond the mind, for it dawns when the limited mind disappears in final union with the Infinite.” -Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, Page. 176.
“This state of God-consciousness is infinite, and is characterised by unlimited understanding, purity, love and happiness”. -Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, Page. 177.
Meher Baba suggests Meditation on the “formless and infinite aspect of God” apart from other forms of Meditation that are mostly linked to Meditating on different aspects of the Master. Refer to table on page 150 in Meher Baba’s Discourses (Volume 2) for a complete list.
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A Neurologist & Zen practitioner’s description (based on his personal experience): “State 7 represents a much greater change in consciousness10. The outcome is called absorption. It is an extraordinarily clear, intense, involuntary awareness. Brief hallucinations may occur at moments when excitation reaches such positive heights. But the brain quickly snuffs them out, summoning powerful reactive inhibitions. Now vision, hearing, and body sensations come to a definite halt. And bypassed, at the same time, are the person’s next adjacent filmy layers: the notions about time, place, and the bodily self. What is then witnessed is a vast void of silent space, a new visual overview remarkable in scope.
The characteristics of this state are: Type of Awareness: Internal (Focal and contracted, Diffuse and expanded Ambient) Awareness of : Awareness itself, permeated with black, silent space Intensity of awareness: 4-5 Usual, experiencing, bounded self : 0 (zero) Sense of time and place: 0 (zero) Sensate perceptions registered: 0 (zero) Positive affect: Enchantment, bliss, rapture, ecstasy; awe and some sacramental Quality on emerging Detachment from cravings: 4 Aversions: Temporary Events that follow: Alerting, quickening, feelings of lightness; memorable and temporarily transforming Comment: More common after concentrative meditation approaches; sensate loss is distinctive; variable in depth, duration, and quality.” 10 [Note: All values are on a scale of 0-5 (0=None, 5=Maximum)]
Now, you need not be a Guru to understand that what Meher Baba and James H. Austin (Neurologist and Zen practitioner) have described is nothing but the same state. Not only during intense static Meditation, Absorptions can also occur when one’ s body is moving. Along with Meditation while sitting, walking Meditation is also a common practice in Zen Buddhism and these Buddhists experience Absorptions while walking just as powerful as it’s static counterpart.
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For the purpose of this illustration let us assume a static Absorption and that the Meditator is a Buddhist concentrating his focus on a koan. As explained earlier, a koan is a nonsensical word. Let us assume that this Buddhist is concentrating on the koan known as - “mu”.
The mystical experience develops in the following sequence of steps 11:
STEP 1 – MAXIMUM AROUSAL: The Attention Association Area (AAA)’s constant attempt to focus causes visual association area and right OAA to fix the object of concentration (In our example “mu”) in the mind. Discharges travel from right AAA through limbic system to the hypothalamus causing arousal activity. As the focus of Meditator or Mystic on the object deepens, the arousal activity rises to it’s maximum.
STEP 2 – SPILL OVER: The spill over occurs when the antagonistic reaction between arousal and quiescent systems reach maximum levels. As the arousal activity reaches it’s maximum level, it activates the quiescent (calming) function of hypothalamus.
STEP 3 – MAXIMUM FOCUS: The simultaneous activation of both calming and arousal functions generates stimulation through limbic structures to the AAA. Activity in AAA is pushed to its maximum level that in turn maximizes AAA’s ability to focus upon object of concentration.
STEP 4 – ABSORPTION: In the Left OAA – de-afferentation occurs due to restriction of neural flow by hippocampus resulting in dropping of ‘self’. This is because the left OAA is crucial in the generation of the subjective sense of self and time. But in the right OAA, the changes are different. The right OAA is responsible for creating the neurological matrix we experience as physical space. As it’s focusing more and more on the object of concentration, all other input to it is filtered and it only has the object of concentration as it’s input – the object of concentration enlarges until it is perceived as ‘everything that is’ (means the object of concentration appears as if it’s the only reality existing, there is nothing other than this existing). In our example, as the object of concentration is “mu” then the mystic will perceive that “mu” is the ultimate re ality, there is nothing other than this, “mu” is all that IS. Now, we have a scenario where the sense of ‘self’ and time are slowly dropped (due to deafferentation of left OAA) and the object of concentration has become the ultimate reality (due to maximal activation of right OAA). As the sense of self is completely gone, the mind would experience a startling perception that the individual self had been mystically absorbed into the ultimate reality (object of concentration). This process is also called Unio Mystica- the Mysterious Union.
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The Mystic in our example will feel that he is being totally absorbed in to “mu” and finally he will feel that he is “mu” now! This is a common experience of Buddhists who concentrate on “mu”. D.T. Suzuki described this experience: “by then, I had lost every artificial separateness which had previously been implied by the phrase, “being conscious of” mu. Instead, I was “in mu”. United with my Koan.”
12
If the object of concentration is the Sufi’s desire to unite with ‘Allah’, then this experience results in ‘FANA-FI-ALLAH’. If the object of concentration is the Yogi’s desire to unite with ‘Brahman’, then this experience will be called ‘SAMADHI’. In Zen Buddhism, where there is no concept of a personal God, this state is called ‘SEKIDA’. Buddhist ‘nirvana’ lies further ahead on the path of mystical experiences.
This is the secret behind the Mystical experience of ‘Absorption’. One important point to note here is that the mystic had a totally convincing experience that he is absorbed in to the object of concentration, no explanation can make him deny this experience! But the fact is that, he is where he is. Neither 'mu' has entered him or became equal to him nor he became 'mu'. He only lost the sense of time but time has not stopped for him or for anything around him. Let us assume the object of concentration is 'bowl of water'. Same explanation applies. He has not been absorbed into and became one with the bowl of water. Bowl of water is not the ultimate reality (even though he strongly feels it as the ultimate reality). Same explanation applies to any object of concentration. Nothing is really happening.
What’s happening is just the experience generated in the brain due to changes that are happening in it as a direct result of his concentrative practice. Also it would be interesting to note that breathing could be considerably reduced or even stopped during Absorptions. This is attributed to inhibition, within the medulla, of its usual rhythmic in-and-out respiratory cycle. Also it is found that the feeling of Bliss arises from release of several key peptides in midline brain r egions.13
James further explains this experience using the following diagrams: OUTER WORLD VISUAL STIMULI – “SIGHTS”
AUDITORY STIMULI “SOUNDS”
Seeing
Hearing
SELF Proprioception
Touching
OUTER WORLD
Ordinary Mental field
OUTER WORLD
Seeing is blocked
Hearing is blocked
CLEAR AMBIENT AWARENESS
Touch is blocked OUTER WORLD
Mental field during Absorption*
* No “Self” boundary in this state, the dotted circles only indicate their previous boundaries
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Real Mystical Experience - Ultimate Being, beyond Expression When the Mystic is released from such a focused concentration and while rising up and out from Samadhi or Absorption, a sudden stimulus may trigger the next level of consciousness. D.T. Suzuki explained his own experience saying that when a bell awakened him out of Sekida (Samadhi), he went on to experience Satori (advanced extra-ordinary consciousness). But this advanced state could come after many such absorptions and separated by weeks, months or even years. As the concentration on the object is relaxed, right OAA is now deprived of it’s only input (object of concentration). So, both right and left OAAs are totally deprived of any inputs now. This situation also results when the Mystic simply practices a passive mode of meditation (no object of concentration). As said earlier, the right OAA is responsible for creating the neurological matrix we experience as physical space. With no input, it generates a sense of absolute spacelessness. The mystic experiences this as a sense of absolute spacelessness or infinite space and eternity; a timeless, spaceless void. As the left OAA is crucial in the generation of the subjective sense of self, with no input, this sense of self drops. The mystic feels himself as limitless. At this point, there would be no discrete objects or beings, no sense of space or the passage of time, no line between the self and the rest of the universe. There would be no sense of Self; only an absolute sense of Unity-without thoughts, words. The mind would exist without ego in a state of pure, undifferentiated awareness or consciousness. This state of pure mind, of awareness beyond object and subject is called as Absolute Unitary Being (AUB), the ultimate unitary state. While being in this state, subjective observations are impossible as there is no subjective self exists to make the observations and there is nothing distinct to be observed; the observer and the observation are one and the same. Experience becomes the Experient. There are no degrees of difference; there is no this and no that, as the Mystics say. There is only Absolute unity and it is felt as the Ultimate reality.
It has to be noted that, as the object of concentration is felt as the ultimate reality in the case of ‘Absorption’, as there is no object of concentration in this case, the pure consciousness (all that is left) is experienced as the Ultimate reality. Just like “mu” and “bowl of water” are not Ultimate realities, this is also not the Ultimate reality even though it is strongly felt as such. There is a simple comparison to it – This state of mind is like that of a frog in the well which feels that the well is the only world or reality.
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Secret Behind the Words “I AM GOD”
If we compare the literature of Mystics as we did in the introductory chapter to Mysticism, it becomes apparent that Mystics of all traditions whether it is Sufism, Yogic, Vedic, Zoroastrian, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist – all have similar Mystical experiences. This is quite Obvious. Because all Human Brains have similar faculties and respond in similar fashion to similar stimulations. All Humans Brains have capacity for Mystical Experiences that lie in the Altered or Alternate states of Consciousness. Mystics explore these states of consciousness while non-mystics just live in the normal states of consciousness. But apply the requisite stimulus, and at a touch these altered states are there in all their completeness. The stimulus is Meditation. Is it the only stimulus? No, there are other ways. For example, some Sufi traditions also achieve these altered states of consciousness through whirling dances and vigorous chanting. These actions also lead the Brain to similar unitary states. Apart from this, there are lots of natural and synthetic drugs that causes altered states of consciousness but there are lot of dangers associated with them. Even though there is some difference between drug-induced altered states and altered states achieved through Meditation with spiritual intent, it has to be noted that drugs can induce very much similar unitary states. We will talk about this drug induced altered states later in this chapter. So, what we have observed so far is that Brain is the key for generating Mystical Experiences by transitioning in to so called altered or alternate states of consciousness. These states of consciousness are achievable after intense Meditations and they are very special and different from our normal state of consciousness. As a result of de-afferentation (blocking of input stimuli) to certain parts of Brain responsible for constructing the sense of “self” and sense of “space and time”, these senses which are the pivotal elements around which our normal consciousness functions are lost in these advanced states thereby generating an experience of infinite and pure consciousness and timelessness. Intense “Absorption” in to the object of concentration is also experienced if the Meditator is focusing his attention on a specific object (external object or internal imagination). Further advances in to these states cause those rare states of Absolute Unitary Being, which convinces Mystic to believe that he is infinite, everything is connected and interwoven and is One. This experience is so real and no one could convince the Mystic including his own self that what he experienced is un-real. This is because the Brain is processing this experience, the very same parts that process the other real life – nor mal consciousness experiences. Same parts, but working in a different configuration where some parts are de-afferented, which does not happen in real life - normal consciousness experiences… that’s all!
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Suppose you saw in a dream that you have 3 heads and tell your friend that you got such a dream. Suppose your friend tells you “No, you have not seen that dream, you are just making up a story”. How will you feel? You will say “No, I have really seen that in my dream. I am not saying I have 3 heads, I am just saying I saw it in my dream and I am sure I saw it, I can still remember it, I can replay that scene in my mind”. This is because the information is processed by Brain that also processes other real information. Just because you experienced (through a dream) in a real convincing manner that you have 3 heads, does not generate additional two heads on your body when you wake up. Similarly, what the mystic experiencing (through mystical experiences) need not be true even though the conviction that what he has seen is really strong. Even though products of the same organ (Brain), note that 'Dreams' and 'Mystical Experiences' are very much different. The analogy is used only for the purpose of explanation to underline the real ness of the experience. These states during which the consciousness is pure, vivid and infinite also leave a convincing experience on the Mystic that all exists is that (pure, infinite consciousness), it is the Ultimate reality. This is explained as God (if the Mystic traditio n believes in God), Mystic traditions that have no concept of God perceive it as 'nothingness (void)'. Mystic who witnesses this extraordinary state of mind expresses this experience with the words…'I AM GOD'. For the Mystic, this state of mind is God…This is the concept of God for a mystic and it is the Ultimate Reality - All that IS. Means it is all that exists, nothing else exists. As they strongly believe that they have witnessed the Ultimate Reality, they have no hesitation in claiming that they are God or an Avatar of God etc., After unlocking the secret behind the Mystical experience and knowing the truth about how it’s happening, Mystical utterances (of mystics generated by linking spirituality to these experiences) can be easily understood.
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Mystical Experiences & Sai Baba’s Utterances
On a day in 1886, Sai Baba told Mhalsapati that he was ‘going to Allah’ and that his body be taken care of. There is no doubt that Sai Baba achieved these peak Mystical experiences specifically ‘FANA-FI-ALLAH’ ‘FANA-FI-ALLAH’ as he was a Sufi Mystic. After regaining r egaining consciousness he told Nana Chandorkar: “At this stage, God becomes the same as man; praise, the same as blame, etc., They have no desires. They [the perfect ones called siddhas] are past the notion that the body is their home or their self. They T hey feel their self to be identical with God. God . ‘I am Brahman’ is their feeling”
14
And again, these are the very experiences that have led Sai Baba to proclaim:
“God is everywhere. there is no place from which he is absent. But behold the power of Maya that does not allow Eswara to be seen and recognised (in all). I, you and all the world are Amsa i.e., parts of the Lord.” 15
“I am Parvardigar (God). I live at Shirdi and everywhere. My age is lakhs of years. My business is to give blessings. All things are mine. I give everything to everyone.” 16
“I am formless and everywhere. I am in everything. I am in everything an d beyond. I fill all space. All that you see taken together is Myself. I do not shake or move.”
“All that is seen is my form; ant, fly, prince, pauper.”
17
18
“I am in the water, in dry places, in woods, amidst crowds, and in the solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and in ether. I am not limited to any place.”
19
Placing the food meant for him in front of a hungry hun gry bitch: “Is not the bitch also a Jiva? We talk, bitches do not. She is hungry; she and I are one and the same. It is the same if I eat or she eats.” 20
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Mystical Experiences & Meher Baba’s Utterances Certainly, after having these experiences, Meher Baba gave his “Highest of the High” declaration saying: “…….when eventually man consciously consciousl y experiences that he is Infinite, Eternal and Indivisible, then he is fully conscious of his individuality as God, and as such experiences Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Power and Infinite Bliss. Thus Man becomes God, and is recognized as a Perfect Master, Sadguru, or Kutub. To worship this Man is to worship God.”
All of Meher Baba’s teachings and books are full of references to these states. “Individuality “Individuali ty becomes limitless by the disappearance of ignorance. As it is unimpaired by the separateness of maya and unentangled in its duality, dual ity, it enjoys the state of liberation in which there is object-less awareness, pure being and unclouded joy. Such a person has no longer any illusions which perplex and bewilder man. In one sense he is dead. The personal ego, which is the source of the sense of separateness, has been forever anni hilated. But in another sense, he is alive forevermore with unconqu erable love and eternal bliss. He has infinite power and wisdom, and the whole universe is to him a field for his spiritual work of perfecting mankind.” - Meher Baba, “Discourses” Volume 1, pg 43-44
It has to be noted that, this personal ‘ego’ is lost only during the mystical experience. Specifically due to de-afferentation of OAA. Once out of mystical experience, experience, once stimuli starts flowing to OAA again, the ‘ego’ is back. This ‘ego’ is requir ed in every work we do, in every experience we have. If this is not back, that person will surely experience a dangerous mental imbalance.
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Surely these experiences are the target or goal of Yogic practices as can be understood from Vivekananda’s experiences:
“That the mind itself has a higher state of existence, beyond reason, a super conscious state, and that when the mind gets to that higher state, then this knowledge beyond reasoning comes…. All the different steps in yoga are intended to bring us scientifically to the super conscious state of Samadhi… Just as unconscious work is beneath consciousness, so there is another work which is above consciousness, and which, also, is not accompanied with the feeling of egoism…. There is no feeling of I, and yet the mind works, desireless, free from restelnessness, objectless, bodiless. Then the Truth shines in its full effulgence, and we know ourselves- for Samadhi lies potential in us all- for what we truly are, free, immortal, omnipotent, loosed from the finite, and its contrasts of good and evil altogether, and identical with the Atman or Universal Soul” 21
There is another dimension to Yoga, popularly known as
Kundalini .
It is a process lasting
from a few months to many years, during d uring which a person passes in and out of different states of consciousness. Experiences associated with Kundalini usually start after a few months or years of meditative practices. These experiences usually begin with tingling and heat sensations in arms and legs followed by inner lights, sounds and visions. The sensations travel from back of the spine to back of neck, over to forehead or face and end at throat or abdomen. Spontaneous body movements with body assuming classic hatha yoga postures, Abnormal breathing patterns, Detachment of ones own consciousness from the body (watching all that is happening including his or her own thoughts and feelings from a distance), Single seeing (as if there is only one eye), out of the body experience, great body (experiencing oneself to be larger than the normal size of one’s body) etc., are also reported. These experiences vary from subject to subject but belong to a well known list of experiences that can be expected. Negative side effects such as pains, sleepless nights, depression and even paralysis etc., are a part of it ! Again, there is no god or goddess in action here as it is usually believed and publicised. Activation of specific functions in brain as a direct result of specific meditative practices causes this process. Scientists now have accurate models detailing which parts of the brain are involved and how this whole process is happening. It will be off-track to discuss this topic here. If you are curious, you can read 'Appendix A - Science Explains Kundalini' to know more about this aspect of Mysticism and links to find more information regarding this.
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So what? Baba devotees or other critics may say – So What? You are trying to explain Mystical experiences with Science? You are challenging spiritual experiences with science? Science says, “There is no God”, so surely they will give some stupid explanation to prove everything spiritual as wrong. So what’s your point? we do not accept this non-sense. You are insulting our Baba, our devotion and our belief in God. I agree with and understand their sentiment. I would like to clarify a few points. First of all, it’s a misunderstanding that Science says, “There is no God”. We will discuss about this later. Secondly, I am not an Atheist (One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God). I am a believer in God. All I want to do through this work is to bring your attention to the notion of God as being presented by Mystics of the past and present. For a moment, keep aside your sentiment or presumption that a particular Baba is God, just try to understand first what your beloved figure is saying about God.
What is God according to Mystics? If you have observed all the statements of the Mystics I have quoted throughout this book, you will notice the following: God is being defined by Mystics basically as: “Infinite, Pure consciousness.” Sai Baba refers to God throughout his Charters and Sayings as Brahman even though he was a Sufi mystic because the definition of God for mystics is that it is “infinite, pure consciousness”. This concept of Brahman as God originated from Upanishadic mystics who wrote Vedanta (end of Vedas). It has to be noted that the meaning of Brahman in Vedas is considerably different from this. Meher Baba’s “Discourses” is full of references to “consciousness” of pure awareness and bliss described as God and techniques to achieve this level of consciousness. So, this is what is God according to Mystics. For a moment, keep aside all the scientific data presented and just listen to what is being said.
The Sense of ‘self’ will be dropped during that stage.
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I am not saying this and Science is not saying this alone. Mystics themselves are saying this referring to their Mystical experiences. Now, can you agree with me that as Human beings we have a ‘consciousness’ and a ‘sense of self’? This ‘sense of self’ is attached to our ‘consciousness’ giving our Brain the normal functionality of distinguishing ‘other’ from ‘self’. Now, due to some reason if this ‘self’ disappears, then what will happen? What is left? ‘Consciousness’ without the ‘self’ that limits it. So, the person to whom this happens, surely experiences an ‘ infinite consciousness’. That’s all. This is not God. You don’t even have to be a neuroscientist to understand this. We have seen how this dropping of ‘self ’ is happening in the light of science… that’s all! Meditation is a means to calm down the Brain. How is it done? Normally our Brain will be thinking intensely and our thoughts will be jumping between so many issues. We all know this, no need to elaborate on this. Through Meditation, it is possible to filter thoughts one by one and slowly bring the Brain to a stand still. When we reach to a state where the Brain is stilled, what remains is only our ‘pure thoughtless Consciousness’ and the sense of ‘Self’. Up to this is normal. But if ‘Meditation is carried further, it will drop that ‘Self’. If Experient (the one experiencing) is removed, what remains is Experience. How is it possible?. Why not? Did we not start our lives with a missing sense of ‘self’? Did we born with any sense that ‘this is mine’, ‘that is mine’? The selfcomplex (‘I-Me-Mine’) was all missing when we were born. But other parts of our Brain were also not developed to feel how it feels like when the ‘self’ is missing. The sense of ‘Self’ (‘I-Me-Mine’) is slowly developed as we grow along with rest of our Brain. So it’s not only during the altered states of consciousness that our ‘self’ is missing. To be precise, we started our lives with a missing sense of ‘self’. But we could not feel the infinite consciousness, space and timelessness during that stage because our rest of the Brain is also not developed. Not only this, we do not have this feeling of ‘self’ during sleep every night. This is a simple explanation in plain terms; this does not even need you to believe in any of the scientific data presented. Scientific data is only telling you how it is happening. Now, I will give you even more explanation to prove that what Mystics are experiencing is not God.
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“A catholic nun for whom God is the Ultimate reality, might interpret any mystical experience as a melting into Christ, while a Buddhist, who does not believe in a personalized God, might interpret mystical union as a melting into nothingness.”
22
If you have noticed, I have been talking about Buddhism (and it’s variant in Japan called Zen Buddhism) all along in this book. If you study the basics of Buddhism, there is no concept of God in Buddhism. Yes. Still the Buddhist Meditators achieve same states of consciousness as any other Mystics because they also follow the same Meditative path. They just say what they have experienced is “Infinite nothingness”, not “God”. This is because, all human brains – whether of Buddhists or of Sufis have the same faculties and react similarly to similar stimulation, Meditation in this case. Don’t you believe? Buddhists themselves acknowledge this: “According to early Buddhism, there is no Creator or Ruler of the universe, and no unchanging metaphysical principle underlying it. In the place of a Supreme deity or metaphysical principle, early Buddhism’s Ultimate reality and goal was ‘Nirvana’, the cessation of rebirth and thereby suffering. The term ‘Nirvana’ literally means ‘blown out ’”. 23 “Zen (Japanese variant of Buddhism) holds that there is no GOD outside the universe that created it and created man. God- If I may borrow that word for a moment – the universe and man are on indivisible existence, one total whole. Only THIS- is. Anything and everything that appears to us as an individual entity or phenomenon, whether it be a planet or an atom, a mouse or a man, is but a temporary manifestation of THIS in form; every activity that takes place, whether it be birth or death, loving or eating breakfast, it is but a temporary manifestation of THIS in activity. Each one of us is but a cell, as it were, in the body of the Great Self. [Having come into being, this cell] performs its functions, and passes away, transformed into another manifestation.” 24 Further, James Austin wrote: “Put simply, the insight of Zen beholds this ‘Great Self’, not God. If so, then where does the experience of this Great Self come from? ‘From the Brain’ because the Brain is the organ of the mind. The same perspective holds whether mystical or peak experiences arise spontaneously, are cultivated, or are drug-induced. Prior Meditative training and daily life practice help release basic, preexisting neuro-physiological functions. Thus, mystical experiences arise when normal functions reassemble in novel conjunctions.” 25
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If you still have any doubt that what Buddhists experience is different from other Mystics, Please read the book “Zen and Brain: Towards Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness ”. Who else can better explain these experiences than a neuroscientist and a Zen practitioner? James H. Austin, M.D., author of the book (Zen and Brain) is Professor Emeritus of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and the author or coauthor of more than 130 publications in the fields of neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, and clinical neurology. He started Zen meditation during his sabbatical leave to Kyoto, Japan. He is a rare combination – a neurologist familiar with in and out of the Brain and up to date with latest developments in neuroscience and a Zen Meditator who experienced the Extraordinary and Advanced Extraordinary Alternate states of consciousness. Who else can better write about these experiences in a scientific (physiological and psychological) terminology? I have only quoted a few important points from his work. I recommend you to read it to get a full understanding of the functioning of Brain, meditation and enlightenment in a scientific way. You will discover the true mechanics of Mysticism and find that it has nothing to do with God. If one reads the history of Buddha, it will be clear that Buddha was a non-believer in God but he was transformed in to God by his followers at a later time. As such Buddhism presents a big problem for Mystics. Though the Buddhists follow the same path of meditation and go through similar experiences as other Mystics, as Buddhists call these experiences as ‘infinite nothingness’ instead of ‘God’, Mystics try to give a lot of explanations. For example, Abhayananda wrote that Buddha was too afraid to tell that what he experienced is God: “He (Buddha) had seen how the talk of ‘God’ by the unenlightened led men to a false understanding of the God; & he determined, therefore, to explain the knowledge of unity in a way radically different from his Vedic predecessors.” 26 [This is Abhayananda’s own explanation, there is no Buddhist text or source is presented in support of this assertion.] In fact, the concept of 'Brahman' (God as that one pure, infinite consciousness) was prevalent at Buddha’s time. In fact, Buddha’s early teachers were Brahman Yogis whom he left after realizing that there is no truth in these Yogic experiences. Buddha was in a strong pursuit for the truth. Nothing could have stopped him from telling the people that what he experienced is God if that is what he felt. When he did not bother Hindu outcast for shunning caste dogmas, how can we think that he was worried about something to reveal the truth about God?
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Meher Baba, in an attempt to explain Buddha in the context of his spiritual planes of God consciousness said: “For instance, it is said Mohammed stationed himself after God-realisation in the 7th plane, Buddha in the 5th and Moenuddin Chisti of Ajmer in the 5th, though they are conscious of all the planes simultaneously.
- Meher Baba, “Discourses” Volume 2 ,
page. 110
According to Meher Baba, there are 7 planes. One after the other, after experiencing the 7th plane, the process of experiencing God is complete. Poor Buddha. He achieved Advanced extra-ordinary states of consciousness (including Buddhist nirvana) but only credited with a 5 th plane’s achievement according to Meher Baba. Let us see what Meher Baba means by 5th plane: “The merging into the fifth plane is called 'Fana-e-Jabaruti' or the annihilation of all desires. Here the incessant activity of the lower intellect comes to a stand-still. The pilgrim does not 'think' in the ordinary way, and yet he is indirectly a source of many inspiring thoughts. He sees, but not with the physical eyes. Mind speaks with mind and there is neither worry nor doubt. He is now spiritually safe and beyond the possibility of a downfall; and yet many a pilgrim on this exalted plane finds it difficult to resist the delusion that he has attained Godhood. In his self-delusion he thinks and says, 'I am God', and believes himself to have arrived at the end of the spiritual Path.”
- Meher Baba, “Discourses”, Volume 2, Page 26.
Anyone who is familier with the history of Buddha will know that the behavior of Buddha was entirely different from that of Meher Baba’s explanation. Forget about claiming that he is God, Buddha never even talked about God. “The first historically significant non-theist (non-believer in God) was probably Gautama Buddha, who, when asked whether God existed, usually responded with complete silence. On one occasion, he responded with a story of a man shot with a poisoned arrow saying: When the doctor arrived to remove the arrow, the man grabbed the doctor’s hand and asked, “Before you start treating me, Doctor, tell me, who was it that shot me? Was he of warrior class or some other class? Was he tall or was he short? Was he young or was he old? Was he dark skinned or light skinned?” The doctor ignored the questions and removed the arrow. Had he taken the time to answer the questions, the patient would have died. For this reason, said the Buddha, I will not answer your question about God. If I did, you would just spend your time in endless speculation, and never awaken from your current state.” “Struck with Buddha’s extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence, a Brahman priest asked Buddha: ‘Are you a God?’, ‘No’ he replied. ‘Are you an angel, then?’ ‘No.’ ‘A saint?’ ‘No.’ ‘Then what are you?’ Replied the Buddha, I am awake.’” (Source: Sut Pitaka, Anguttara Nikaya, one of the oldest of the Pali Buddhist scriptures)
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So, surely Buddha didn’t show any signs of that self-delusion in which he thinks and says, 'I am God'.
Abhayananda is saying that Buddha did not talk about God because he was afraid people would misunderstand his words. Meher Baba is saying that Buddha stopped his spiritual development by getting entangled in the delusion by thinking and claiming that He is God. Who is right? History stands as a proof that both the assumptions are wrong, as Buddha neither believed what he is experiencing through Mystical Experiences is God nor he ever claimed he is God.
The states he experienced are described by Buddha as follows: “Of one who has entered the first trance the voice has ceased; Of one who has entered the second trance reasoning and reflection have ceased; Of one who has entered the third trance joy has ceased; of one who has entered the fourth trance the inspirations and expirations have ceased; of one who has entered the realm of infinity of space the perception of form has ceased; of one who has entered the realm of the infinity of consciousness the perception of the realm of the infinity of space has ceased; of one who has entered the realm of nothingness the perception of the infinity of consciousness has ceased; of one who has entered the realm of neither perception nor yet nonperception, the perception of the realm of nothingness has ceased; of one who has entered the cessation of perception and sensation, perception and sensation have ceased. Of the priest who has lost all depravity, passion has ceased, hatred has ceased, infatuation has ceased.” 27
So, it can be seen from the above that Buddha not only experienced the state of “infinite consciousness” (Absorption/Samadhi) but also went beyond that and achieved more advanced states.
It has to be noted here that Meher Baba uses the word Nirvana as a synonym for Absorption or Samadhi. Even according to Buddhists, Absorption is Samadhi, the state of infinite consciousness (extra-ordinary state). But Nirvana comes later (advanced extra-ordinary state). This causes some confusion with the word 'Nirvana' but it has to be remembered that the original Buddhist definition of 'Nirvana' means ‘blowing out’, as the flames of desire are blown out on attaining peace. There is no longer any craving, or sensation, but one is brought to a standstill, or extinguished in phenomenal existence. This is the Ultimate state in Buddhist Meditative path. This confusion with word 'Nirvana' started when it was associated with the word 'Brahman' in Hindu scriptures. Specifically in Bhagavad Gita (believed to be written between 50 BCE - 500 BCE), which is undoubtedly influenced by Buddhist teachings, ‘Nirvana’ was joined with ‘Brahman’ to make a compound ‘Brahman-Nirvana’ to give Nirvana a theistic meaning. But a basic study of Buddha’s original doctrines clarifies that Nirvana lies much ahead of Absorptions. Neither the ‘Absorptions’ nor the ‘Nirvana’ are indicated by Bud dha as anything to do with God.
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Story of another Mystic - Rama Krishna (1836-1886)
When he became totally absorbed in the worship of Kali while serving in the Kali temple outside Calcutta (Dakshineswar) as an assistant priest, Rama Krishna had the mystical experience. He was longing for the vision of Kali spending his time in a restless search of her, spending his nights in forests, meditating in an abandoned cremation ground and looking so restless that his brother thought he has become mad. RamaKrishna explained his Mystical experience:
“…………suddenly the blessed Mother revealed Herself. The buildings with their different parts, the temple, and everything else vanish ed from my sight, leaving no trace whatsoever, and in their stead I saw a limitless, infinite, effulgent Ocean of Consciousness. As far as the eye could see, the shining billows were madly rushing at me from all sides with a terrific noise, to swallow me up! I was panting for breath. I was caught in the rush and collapsed, unconscious. What was happening in the outside world I did not know; but within me there was a steady flow of undiluted bliss, altogether new, and I felt the presence of the Divine Mother”
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Once when Ramakrishna fed the rice intended as the ritual offering to Kali to the temple cat, an official who had seen this act complained to Mathur, the manager. Ramakrishna explained his act by saying:
“The Divine Mother revealed to me in the Kali temple that it was she who had become everything. She showed me that everything was full of Consciousness. The image was Consciousness, the altar was Consciousness, the water-vessels were Consciousness, the dorr-sill was Consciousness, the marble floor was Consciousness – all was Consciousness. I found everything inside the room soaked, as it were, in Bliss, the Bliss of God. I saw a wicked man in front of the Kali temple; but in him also I saw the power of the Divine Mother vibrating. That was why I fed a cat with the food that was to be offered to the Divine Mother. I clearly perceived that all this was the Divine Mother-even the cat.”
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The rest is history that Ramakrishna was declared as Avatar of God by a wandering sannyasini (only known as the Brahmani) who teached him the tantric sadhana. Later he met Totapuri who was a strict Advaitist or Non-dualist in the manner of Shankara. When he initiated Ramakrishna into monkhood (sanyasa) asking him to renounce everything that tied him to the world and meditate to contemplate Brahman, after some effort Ramakrishna got the glimpse of Brahman remaining in a deep trance of samadhi for 3 days. He later explained:
“Kali is none other than He whom you call Brahman. Kali is the primal Shakti. When It is inactive, we call It Brahman. But when It has the function of creating, preserving or destroying, we call That Shakti or Kali. He whom you call Brahman, She whom I call Kali, are no more different from each other than fire and its power of burning”
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Even though Kali and Brahman were said to be different, note the similarity in Mystical experiences of Rama Krishna while experiencing Kali and Brahman. The point or question is: Is it God? A Sufi longing for Allah, a Christian mystic longing for Jesus, a Hindu mystic longing for Brahman, or anything else - all are getting similar experiences. Some people may still explain this saying that God will respond whatever way you invoke. But then, it should not be the case with a Buddhist who has no belief in God, doesn’t be lieve in the existence of God. If this state is what it represents God, then a Buddhist should not enter this state. The fact is that Buddhists, not only enter these states, they go beyond. THE TRUTH AS IT CAN BE ESTABLISHED FROM ALL THIS IS THAT, THESE ‘PLANES’ OR ‘STATES OF CONSCIOUNESS’ ARE NOT CONTEMPLATING GOD BUT ARE JUST STATES RESULTING DUE TO BRAIN FUNCTIONS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF MEDITATIVE AND CONCENTRATIVE PRACTICES. Now I will present even further evidence to prove that these experiences are nothing but the work of the Brain.
Mystical Experiences and the Drugs connection At some time in our long distant past, human beings first discovered, probably entirely by accident, that certain plants- that certain hallucinogenic plant material – had an inherent ability to alter perception and consciousness in the individual to a profound and remarkable degree. Normal consciousness and daily reality would be overtaken by the experience of increased perception and the ability to see what appears to be the normally invisible universe. The use of hallucinogenic plant material soon became a ritual of religious proportions in our primal tribal societies. Some of these religious plant rituals still survive to this day in the rainforests of the Amazon and in remote parts of Africa and Asia. Collecting and grinding special plant material which is either eaten, or ingested through the nasal cavities, the native shamans still claim to be able to – in their dreams and trances transcend the physical, material world, and enter into a luminous world of spirits and ancestors. One such plant extract is Mescaline. It occurs naturally in some types of Cactaceae. It causes mystical experiences. Users typically experience visual hallucinations and radically altered states of consciousness, often experienced as pleasurable and illuminating and a feeling of temporary splitting/destruction of ego. It is not physically addictive. Famous English author Huxley described his experience with Mescaline- "A world of radiating light, of a beauty beyond words. A world transcendent from the material dimension."
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LSD: In 1952, it was discovered that there was a close similarity in the chemical composition of mescaline and adrenaline. Further research revealed that lysergic acid (LSD) an extremely potent hallucinogen derived from ergot, has a structural biochemical relationship to the others. LSD was banned worldwide as it became a controversial drug in mid 1960s. It’s founder Dr. Albert Hofmann a swiss scientist said: “LSD wanted to tell me something, It gave me an inner joy, an open mindedness, a gratefulness, open eyes and an internal sensitivity for the miracles of creation.” Famous American psychologist Stanislave Graph explained his relationship with LSD as: “My consciousness was separated from my body and I became Infinite. I have become the consciousness of the whole universe. I felt as if all the planets, Black holes, white holes were all in me.” D.M.T: It stands for Dimethyle Tryptamine. Hungarian Steven Sara discovered it in 1931. This proved to be more powerful than LSD. This can cause many types of Mystical experiences. As soon as it is consumed, different shapes appear in front of the eyes (as if a hidden world is being discovered). Cannabis: This herb also has similar properties.
It’s used for thousands of years in herbal
remedies and religious rituals. It has the property to relax and expand the mind (by dissolving the sense of ‘self’). At the University of Tel Aviv new research data has now confirmed that a chemical present in cannabis is also naturally present in the human brain itself. Millions of people all over the world who have exper ienced altered states of consciousness induced by psychoactive plants or drugs also report similar feelings. There are r eports of heightened sense of awareness and sensory perception, an increase in the experience of cosmic love and beauty. A feeling of connectedness, or Oneness with all things. Time and space become distorted in general with expanded perception.
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The similarity in the experiences once again suggests that all human Brains have similar faculties and respond in similar way to similar stimulus (in this case – drugs).
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Is the experience same? Is the mystical experiences produced by these drugs same as that pr oduced by other means (like meditation)? 1962 Good Friday experiment Huston Smith engaged this question forty years ago. Smith cites considerable evidence supporting the claim that, phenomenologically, psychedelic drugs (Mescaline, psilocybin) can induce religious experiences that occur spontaneously. This evidence includes a study using either psilocybin or active placebo by 30 Harvard theology students and professors in the setting of a Good Friday service in church. The psilocybin was administered double-blind to 15 participants and the control group of 15 received nicotinic acid, which produces a physiological response (flushing; tingling) but no psychedelic properties. Double-blind is a testing procedure, designed to eliminate biased results, in which the identity of those receiving a test treatment is concealed from both administrators and subjects until after the study is completed. Neither the researcher nor the subjects know whether they received placebo (nicotinic acid) or active drug (psilocybin). Some of the faculty and students who received the psilocybin, including Huston Smith, reported the deepest religious experiences of their lives. Smith concludes that, given a proper mental set and setting, experiences of a religious nature induced by drugs cannot be distinguished descriptively from their natural religious counterparts.
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Dangers with Drugs As the research has shown, these drugs have a lot of side effects ranging from mild headaches to permanent Brain damage. This is the reason many of them are banned (during 196070s). While Meditation is an orderly approach to stimulating these conditions in Brain that cause Mystical experiences, drugs bring these changes in an abrupt manner that may have negative consequences. It’s interesting to note that Meher Baba also took it up as a cause to fight this “God in a pill” situation created in 1960s saying that drug use was spiritually damaging. After 1990, again a lot of research was done on these drugs and very interesting facts emerged.
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How drugs induce Mystical Experiences? LSD, DMT, psilocybin and other drugs that induce spiritual awareness, mystical experiences, and religious ecstasy, for example, are known to affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system in several brain regions. The serotonin system regulates our perception and the variety of stimuli reaching our awareness. The investigators found that the number of serotonin receptors correlated significantly and inversely with subjects’ scores for self-transcendence—the higher the score on self-transcendence, the fewer the number of receptors in all brain areas scrutinized. Thus, “the serotonin system may serve as a biological basis for spiritual experiences,” the researchers concluded.
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Scientists have also discovered how these funny shapes and what is believed to be hidden worlds that are being visualized after consumption of some of these drugs. It was found that all this is happening due to sporadic discharges in the neurons of Visual Cortex and the resulting consequences in the surrounding neurons. It will be off-track to explain this phenomenon in detail here. What has to be observed is that – even though there is nothing in front of the eyes, one can visualize various shapes and phenomenon as a result of changes in Brain. So, the lesson here is that these drug induced mystical experiences are being caused by chemical reactions in the brain. So, this proves the existence of faculties in the Brain that when stimulated can cause Mystical Experiences even though in different ways depending on the type of stimulation. There are many ways to stimulate them. Drugs, Meditation and other acts (such as whirling dances and vigorous chanting of some Sufi traditions). They all lead to same experiences. It is scientifically proven. It’s all happening inside the brain. If these experiences are what repr esents comprehending God and becoming equal to God, we should not be able to achieve them through such means as consuming drugs. Don’t you agre e? So, all the arguments and proofs presented in this chapter prove that Mystical Experiences are brain functions resulting due to Meditational practices. These experiences, even though they are realer than real in nature, have nothing to do with God.
“The mystic purchases a moment of exhilaration with a lifetime of confusion; and the confusion is infectious and destructive. It is confusing and destructive to try and explain anything in terms of anything else, poetry in terms of psychology.” - Bunting, Basil
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So, this is the science and truth behind Mysticism and Mystic claims of “I AM GOD” and the related Mystical ideology of Non-duality or Advaita. In the Mystical systems that have the concept of God, Mystics are trained by their Masters and are conditioned to look forward for these experiences which they are told is “GOD”. So, as soon as they experience these states of consciousness, Mystics claim that they have attained God enlightenment, absorption in to GOD and that they are GOD. These evolving experiences involving absorptions and Unitary states further strengthen their belief in their ideology. Also these Mystical experiences lead to a stunningly new perception of the world: Because of what is experienced by the mystic as the all that IS (means there is nothing else other than what they have perceived, that infinite consciousness and a state in which everything was connected in an inseparable unity). This explains how the concept of “Everything is One and is God and we are a part of God” is put forth by Mystics of all ages. Thus science explains the secret behind these mystical experiences and it is proved that the very concept of God in Mystical ideology is nothing but a delusion caused by brain as a result of meditative practices of Mystics. Mystics have shown their influence on all religions. But the effect on Hinduism seems to be much more than on any other religion. The concepts of Maya, reincarnation and Moksha are not present in Vedas with the meanings given by Mystics. These were later introduced by Mystics of Upanishadic age. Next chapter examines how these concepts drastically changed the face of Hindu religion.
“We follow the mystics. They know where they are going. They, too, go astray, but when they go astray they do so in a way that is mystical, dark, and mysterious.” - Kapuscinski, Ryszard
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5. How Mysticism influenced Hinduism Mystical Ideology of Maya, re-incarnation
Illustration depicting the transmigration of the soul.
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Maya is a very important concept in Mystical Ideology. Enlightenment is nothing but “to know Maya”. “Maya” must be seen through in order to achieve “Moksha” (the salvation). Until that is not done, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (called Samsara) continues. So, the salvation, which is the ultimate goal, is linked to Maya. These concepts of Maya, Samsara and Moksha are not something new that Meher Baba taught, they are the fundamentals of Hindu Mystic tradition. Meher Baba combined these concepts with that of other Mystic traditions: Zoroastrian & Sufism. During Mystical Experience, as the sense of limited self is dropped due to de-afferentation of OAA in Brain, Mystic experiences a sense of Infinite conscious awareness, which they assume is God (If the mystic is a believer in God, otherwise it is considered as infinite nothingness by Buddhists). So, they will undergo a very strong realer than real experience that only this is real, all that IS, Other than this there is nothing (as the sense of limit itself is missing during that experience). But when they come out of that experience, when the de-afferentation of OAA in the Brain is over, the sense of limited self is restored. Now they feel a sense of contradiction. In their mystical experience they saw what they strongly felt is the Ultimate Truth that what they witnessed is the only Real thing and it is Infinite. But then what is this they are witnessing? Their own body, surroundings and this World? They need to explain. So, they call this world an illusion, and a falsehood.
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LOGIC BEHIND THE RE-INCARNATION In this regard Dr. S. Radhakrishnan writes about the actual concept of rebirth and that how it has been transformed in to a doctrain of life (Janma) after life until the Soul is merged into the God Almighty, as is being professed in existing Hinduism: “The concept of rebirth occupies a dominant position in the Upanishads. Their view is that the soul is not annihilated at death. They have a strong conviction as to the continuity of life. It is corollary to the law of Karma. In the Upanishads the belief is transformed into the doctrine of rebirth in the world, in contrast to the belief in the Brahmans (Vedas) of birth in the next world. The highest kind of immortality is becoming one with Brahman. So life eternal is, union with Brahman. The undeserved soul is subject to the law of births and deaths and has to work-out its destiny by lives on earth. The kind of birth depends upon the nature of work. Between one life and another, there is persisting identity …” 2 Thus the concept of rebirth in the next world as present in Vedas was transformed in Upanishads to the concept of rebirth in this world itself. Even in other religious scriptures (Judaism, Christian & Islamic) the concept of rebirth in another world is present which is similar to that of Vedas. That means we will be reborn in another world (not in this world) and on the day of judgment we will be awarded with a place in Paradise or Hell depending upon our actions in this world. The most important thing is that this life in the Hereafter is eternal (permanent). So, it is not possible to come back to this world and reborn again. Thus the concept of rebirth professed by Mysticism is entirely opposite to that of the concept of rebirth present in religious scriptures. It is clear that only one of these can be true, the other is a falsehood or invention. So far in this book, it has been shown in the light of scientific evidence how the mystical experiences lead to the development of mystical ideology that consists of concepts of maaya, mystic union (samaadhi) and rebirth in this world. Some may not believe in this explanatio n. In this chapter, the same argument is presented in the light of Hindu religious scriptures. Which concept of rebirth does Hindu religion profess? It is illogical for any religion or ideology to profess two contradicting ideas. Right? Let us observe what the most prominent scriptures of Hinduism – Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavat Geeta are professing.
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CONCEPT OF REBIRTH IN THIS WORLD IS ABSENT IN VEDAS Concept of Rebirth in this world is publicized so much that we have just taken it for granted. Observe the words: “… all this is due to my karma”, “due to good deeds in my previous life… ” . It shows how we consider this concept as a basic principle of life. It has lead to the situation where due to the presumption that we will be here only in some form or the other, we are unable to even think about the possible situations we can be in, after death. Vedas are the most ancient, prominent and authentic religious scriptures of Hinduism. Concept of rebirth in this world is not present in Vedas. It would be clear to those who read Vedas that the Aryans believed in the concept of rebirth in the Hereafter. Observe the following: ‘By ignoring the Day of Judgement and overlooking the logic and teachings, they are crossing the limits fixed by me’. (Rig Veda 1-4-3)
‘Like fodder is fixed daily for the horse, O fire, egoist and affluent will also be questioned on the last day (Day of Judgement) by me’.(Yajur Veda 50-11-75)
- Dr Radhakrishnan writes in Indian Philosophy (Volume 1, page 12-116) that the concept of reincarnation is not present in Vedas. Similar claims have been made by several other Hindu scholars. - Prominent orientalist Max Muller who has exhaustively studied Vedas, writes ‘The viewpoint of reincarnation is not available in Vedas whereas a concept of the Day of Judgement is present’. - Satyartha Vidya Alankar writes, ‘I can even b et that Vedas do not advocate the viewpoint of reincarnation’. (Avagwan Page 104) - Dr Parada Chauhan remarks in his book ‘Vedas do tell us about reincarnation but only once after this life, and not time and again. (Punarjanam and Vedas Page 93)
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UPANISHADS – THE BEGINNING OF MYSTICAL IDEOLOGY Upanishads – considered as the roots of Indian philosophical thought seems to have originated during 1000 BCE to 300/200 BCE. Numbering more than 100 these were written by various people. As analyzed in this book, one can find the descriptions of mystical experiences and ideologies based on mystical experiences in Upanishads. Upanishad means “sitting near by” (Upani-sad) – symbolizing students sitting near master (guru) to learn. It can be said that the whole essence of mystical Ideology i.e. “IAM GOD” is contained in the following four Upanishadic words: “Pragnaanam Brahma = Brahma is pure consciousness (The conscious awareness of self in every living being is Brahma)” – Aitareya Upanishad “Tatvam Asi = You are that” - Chandogya Upanishad “Aham Brahmasi = I am Brahma” - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad “Ayamaatma Brahma = This Atma is Brahma itself” – Maandukya Upanis had
Upanishads are also called as Vedaanta meaning end of Vedas signifying that they are filled with the teachings of Vedas. It is believed that by reading Vedaanta one can grasp the essence of all Vedas. In fact Vedaanta has proposed ideas that are against the ideas in Vedas and professed Mystical ideology consisting of rebirth in this world, maaya, samsaara and Moksha. Nanduri Rammohanrao in his book: “An introduction to Indian Thought” wrote: “Upanishads are a revolt on Vedas, the religion professed by Upanishads is a different religion to that of Vedas” 3
It is clear that Upanishads contain anti-vedic ideology. Thus, calling Upanishads as Vedaanta itself is a big contradiction. The reason for this naming (Vedaanta) is simple – to prevent this ideology from being labeled as anti-vedic and to give this ideology due weight. Otherwise, this mystical ideology would have been labeled as anti-vedic just as the Jain and Buddhist ideologies. Because of this name (Vedaanta) it has gained wide popularity and acceptance of the masses. Instead of blindly believing whatever is taught in the name of Vedas, how many of us really verify if these concepts being professed in Vedanta are present in Vedas?
Mysticism lead to divisions in Hinduism In the spiritual history of India one important thing can be noticed – religious concepts, piousness, philosophical thoughts, mysticism, mythology, legends & folk-lore etc., gets intermingled. Notice how it happened: Upanishads not only had mystical but other philosophical thoughts too. There was a pressing need to systematically streamline these scattered, diverse and contradictory ideas. Baadaraayana is the one who did just that. Nothing is known about him except his name. His writings are known as “Vedaanta sutras (principles)” or “Brahma sutras”.
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From these Vedaanta Sutras, many commentaries were written: Adi Sankara or Sankaracharya established ‘Advaita’ Ideology (Mysticism), Ramanujacharya established ‘Visishtadvaita’ where as Madhavacharya established ‘Dvaita’ Ideology. These are contradictory ideologies to each other. It has to be noted that the Ideologies that came after ‘Advaita’ were specifically targeted to disprove the God as pure, formless (nirakara), attribute-less (nirguna) and infinite consciousness. Advaita: Everything - this world and living beings (jeeva) – is an illusion (maaya), there is nothing, only consciousness is there and that is God (Brahma) – pure, formless, attribute-less and
infinite. It’s the ultimate truth, rest all is falsehood. Knowledge (Gnaana) is the only way of salvation. Visishtadvaita: World and life are not illusion. Brahma or God is not nirguna (attribute -less), it’s saguna (having attributes). God is Vishnu. Jeeva is different, God is different but God is independent, jeeva is dependent. Piety ness (Bhakti) is the only way of salvation. Dvaita: Jeeva is different, God is defferent. Jagat (World) is different, God is different. Jeeva and Jagat are not illusion but truth. God is not nirguna but saguna and he is the creator, Vishnu or narayana or srihari or vasudeva or Krishna. Piety ness (Bhakti) is the only way of salvation. Meanwhile, a lot of mythical legends full of anti-vedic descriptions of God were written. These are the Puranas. In the Bhagavata purana – the dasaavatara stories of Vishnu and especially krishnas childhood stories and miracles were propagated. Puranas having stories of Shiva also were written. Vaishnavas equated Brahma with Vishnu where as Shaivas equated Brahma to Shiva. Even the legendary wife of shiva (parvati) became an object of worship with different names like uma, gouri, durga, kaali, chamundi etc., Thus, the Ideologies that were originall y made with the objective of disproving the mystical ideologies got mingled with anti-vedic puranas.
CONCEPT OF HEREAFTER IN BHAGAVAT GEETA
“Killed - you will reach heaven (Swarga). Victorious – you will enjoy the Earth. Therefore o son of Kunti, Airse, Resolved to fight” (Geeta 2:37) “Bewildered by many a fancy, entangled in the snare of delusion, addicted to the gratification of lust, they fall in to foul hell” (Geeta 16:16) "And the man also who hears (the teachings of Geeta) full of faith and free from malice even he, liberated (Muktah), Shall attain to the happy worlds (Subha Loka) of the Righteous” (Geeta 18:71)
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“Men of the three Vedas, the soma drinkers, purified from sin, worshipping Me by sacrifices, pray for the goal of heaven; they reach the holy world of the Lord of the Gods and enjoy in heaven the heavenly pleasures of the Gods.” (Geeta 9:20)
It becomes quite clear from analysis of many such verses in Geeta that Salvation (Moksha) means ‘attaining heaven (Swarga)’ and that it does not mean ‘merging in to God’. If in case salvation means ‘merging in to God’ and if it was more beneficial than attaining heaven then why it is said that the drinkers of soma juice with great scriptural knowledge of Vedas, purified of their sins are asking God for heaven? Why are they not asking for merger in to God? Salvation is what a human soul desires. When it is said that they are asking for heaven it becomes apparent that heaven is the place for those who are eligible for salvation and not merging in to God. Thus, Geeta contains the concept of Hereafter with heaven and hell which is just opposite to that of Mystical ideology. Not only that, it quite clearly disproves the concept of rebirth in this world: “Beings have their beginning unseen, their middle seen, and their end unseen again. Why any lamentation regarding them?” (Geeta 2:28) This verse itself is enough to prove that the concept of birth and rebirth in this world is wrong.
“Whatever is sacrificed, given, or done, and whatever austerity is practiced, without faith, it is called `asat’. O Partha; it is naught here or hereafter.” (Geeta 17:28)
“O Partha, neither in this world nor in the next is there destruction for him; none, verily, who does good, My son, ever comes to grief.” (Geeta 6:40)
“The ignorant, the faithless, and one of doubting self, is ruined. There is neither this world, nor the other, nor happiness, for one of doubting self.” (Geeta 4:40)
If it is true that man attains Punar-janma (life after life endlessly) in this world until he merges into God, then why is it specifically mentioned in all the above verses of Geeta that man either suffers happiness or suffers punishment in Hereafter (Para loka)?
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CONCEPT OF REBIRTH (IN THIS WORLD) IN BHAGAVAT GEETA On the contrary to this concept of eternal Hereafter (heaven or hell), there can be seen verses in Geeta that profess rebirth in this world. As if to reconcile these two contradictory concepts, a time limt has been applied for the stay in heaven or hell. It is said that after living for some time in heaven or hell a man will be reborn in this world. Notice the following verses: “Having attained to the worlds of the righteous and having dwelt there for eternal years, he who failed in Yoga is reborn in a house of the pure and wealthy. Else, he is born in family of wise Yogins only. This, verily, a birth like this, is very hard to obtain in this world.” (Geeta 6:41,42) “There he gains touch with the knowledge that was acquired in the former body and strives more than before for perfection, O son of the Kurus.” (Geet 6:43) “Verily, a Yogin who strives with assiduity, purified from sins and perfected in the course of many births, then reaches the Supreme Goal.” (Geeta 6:45)
Thus these two contradictory ideologies appear side by side in Geeta. How is it possible for any devine scripture to contain such contradictions? Thus only one of these two ideologies is true, the other is a falsehood or invention. These verses that contain the doctrine of life after life in this world (which is also an anti-vedic concept) contain inconsistencies and self-contradictions. This is a big proof that they were not divine statements but inventions of human brains.* Thus it can be easily understood that these mystical ideologies that contradict the ideology of Hereafter as present in Vedas and Geeta were introduced by Mystics in later times. It is a historic fact that Bhagavat Geeta went through revisions in the course of history. According to historians, from the days of it’s or iginal conception it has gone through many modifications and additions. For example, Sri Nanduri Rammohan Rao wrote this: “Just like Mahabharata didn’t come in one shot and from one hand, so is the case with Bhagavat Geeta well knows as a part of Mahabharata. Geeta contains 18 chapters and 700 verses. Researchers conclude that all these were written by different people in different times. The main reason for saying this is the self contradictions present in Geeta.” 4 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Those who wish to understand the inconsistencies and self-contradictions in these verses can refer to the book by Ahmed Ali : “My findings from Geeta – Confirm with Quran”.
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Anti-Vedic and Illogical concept of God Incarnation (Avatar) “The foolish regard Me as the unmanifested coming in manifestation, knowing not My higher, immutable, unsurpassed nature.” (Geeta 7:24)
During the course of time, several Anti Vedic doctrines plagued Hinduism. Apart from Mysticism most notable among them are – Idol worship and concept of God incarnation (Avatar). Ved Pandit Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was asked: "We know that God is formless. But he manifested as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha etc., and incarnated as Rama and Krishna. So their Idols are built. Is this also illogical and incorrect?" He replied: "Yes, yes. This is also falsehood. Because – God is ‘aja ekapaat’, ‘akaayam’ - meaning that God is unborn and undead and he has no fleshy appearance. This is according to Vedas. Even if you apply logic it can be understood that God is not incarnating. Because God is infinite, all-encompassing, above all human characteristics. How can he come in such a small body? Saying that the unseen, unmoving, all-encompassing is manifesting in human form is like visiting the grand son of a sterile man." This concept of God incarnating or Avatara is made popular by Puranas. The stories of ten avatars of Vishnu is strongly believed by most Hindus. Ved pandits give the following explanation about how this Anti-Vedic concept developed: In the old days, Sun was known as Vishnu as can be seen in Vishnu purana and Mahabharat. Also sky is know as Vishnupada because the place of sun is in the sky (pada = place). Some scholars invented the concept of Vishnu for describing Sun. The main reason for this could be to make the Vedic concepts easily understandable by masses and thereby attracting their attention to the Vedic religion. Accordingly they established the characteristics of Sun in Vishnu. In the Puranas God Vishnu is described as living in the ocean. The fact is that in the Vaidic language samudra means sky. For example, Adharva veda says: 'sahasra srungo vrushabhoyaha samudraadudeecharat'. Meaning that – 'the bull with thousand hor ns raised from samudra - the
sky. There are many such examples in Vedas. Similarly the word ‘aapa’ in vaidic language means sky'. But they started using it in Sanskrit with the meaning of 'water'. This lead to stories such as: "God was sleeping in water, from his navel Brahma originated so on & so forth….." Thus the descriptions present in Vedas about the sun in the sky resulted in descriptions of Vishnu sleeping in the ocean. It just didn’t stop there. Authors of Puranas furthered these stories. Their creative imaginations lead to the concept of Avatara in the long run. Notice how it happened:
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In the story of Agastya who drinks the ocean, actually Agastya is again sun, ocean i.e samudra is the sky. Agastya means the one who destroys the clouds. As the sun is destroying the clouds in the sky during rainy season he is known as Agastya. This description transformed in to that of a sage (Agastya) drinking the ocean and further stories were woven. Same is the case with the popular story of great ocean churning (Samudra madhana). This story appears in Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata and valmeeki’s Ramayana with a few differences. Keeping the differences apart, the story line is something like this: Devathas (Angels) and Asuras (demons) churn the ocean to find Amrita (nector). Asuras try to escape with Amrita and then Vishnu comes in the disguise of Mohini to steal back the Amrita from Asuras and give it to devathas and thus devathas become immortal. The actual meaning of this story is this: As explained earlier samudra means not ocean but sky. The word ‘asura’ literally means cloud. Devathas are the sun rays, the thing being churned is sky, Amrita is the water (water wont be destroyed – it stays forever in the form of rain, frost or vapor and hence the description of immortality). Before the rain, the black clouds that move fastly is described as Asuras running away with Amrita, the lightening that destroys the clouds to bring out the rain is described as Vishnu coming in the disguise of Mohini to steal Amrita. That means the natural scene of raining is described in this way. Without understanding the true meaning behind such descriptions, considering these stories as reality is ignorance according to Ved pandits.
Story of Vaamana Avatara In a similar fashion Sun is again behind this story. Trivikrama means Sun. This is because Trivikrama means the one occupying three worlds. This is simply the description to represent sun rays occupying the earth, heaven and the universe. Vaamana Avatar story: Devathas and Asuras fight a war and Asuras become victorio us and thus devathas loose all their powers to asuras and they are depr essed. One day a sage known as Kasyapa visits them and finds out what happened and suggests them to pray Almighty. After some time, Vaamana rises from the womb of aditi. All the devathas prostrate to Vaamana. Vaamana goes to the king of demons – Bali in the disguise of a short Brahmin, carrying a wooden umbrella and requests for three steps of land for him to live in. As soon as Bali promises him the land, Vaamana grows so huge that he could cover from heaven to earth, earth to lower worlds in two simple steps. Bali unable to fulfil the promise of three steps of Land to the Brahmin, offers his head for the third step. Thus Vaamana places his third step on Bali’s head and sends him to paatala. The meaning behind this story is this: Before the sunrise, darkness (Bali in the Avatara story) is spread all over the world. As the sun rises, darkness is destroyed – this phase is described as Vishnu sending Bali to paatala. Then the devataas meaning the living beings are benefited.
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Thus the stories woven around the descriptions in vedas and carried forward by the imaginative were considered as realities in the later times. As a result people equated the imaginary characters in these stories and started worshipping these characters. What is the relationship to all this with Mysticism? Mystics used this popular Avatara concept to support their personality worship. The number of Avatars is also not consistent in Puranas. In some puranas it is 10, somewhere else it is 22, 25 etc., Thanks to these Puranas, even a stringent unbeliever in God - Buddha also became an Avatar of God. This also proves how inventory in nature this concept is. Modern day mystics tried to place themselves in to the hierarchy of this concept. Some mystics declared themselves as Avatars where as some other were made Avatars by their followers. Sai Baba devotees placed him between Buddha (9th Avatar) and Kalki (last Avatar) as per NarasimhaSwami’s Charters & Sayings No. 147. Meher Baba devotees are now calling him the Kalki Avatar. It’s enough to read the description of this Avatar a littlebit to understand how wrong it is to say that. A lot of people claimed they are Kalki. For example: Bahaulla (Persia), Adi da (America), Alejandro Biondini (Argentina) and recently Vijay Kumar (Kalki Bhagavan) of Tamilnadu. Whatever is the case, it is undisputable that Meher Baba declared himself as an Avatar. On many occations, he publicly declared his Avataric status. In the next chapter, we will closely examine this claim of Meher Baba.
“Saying that the unseen, unmoving, all-encompassing is manifesting in human form is as impossible as visiting the grand son of a Sterile man.” – Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati.
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6. MEHER BABA & AVATARHOOD “God-Man is a unique messenger of God who is called down by the five Perfect Masters once in a cyclic period ranging from 700 to 1400 years.” -
Meher Baba, Discourses, Volume 3, pg. 35
“Of the most recognized and much worshipped manifestations of God as Avatar, that of Zoroaster is the earliest — having been before Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed. He is worshipped by some who accept Him as God; and glorified by a few who know him as God on Earth” - The Highest of the High declaration Given by Meher Baba on 7 September 1953
There are so many contradictions that can disprove Meher Baba’s claim that he is an Avatar of God. Let us focus on Meher Baba’s reference to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)*. For the benefit of those who are not familiar with Muhammad (PBUH), he is considered by Muslims as the last Prophet or messenger of God (Allah) to arrive on this earth before the Day of Judgment. In Islam, a messenger is no more than a human being but has a special status as he is chosen by Allah to convey His message to the Humanity. In no way, a messenger in Islam is considered as God. This is totally against the very basic principle of Islam, which states that “There is no God except Allah and Muhammad is his servant & messenger”. More details are given on Muhammad (PBUH) in a next chapters, but for now it is important to note that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Archangel Gibrail (Gabriel).
Muhammad (PBUH) was a Human Being: Allah has Himself commanded the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to declare in the Holy Quran, that he (Muhammad, PBUH) is no more than a human being. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Say (O Prophet): “ I am but a man like yourselves , (but) the inspiration has come to me that your Allah is one Allah: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord admit no one as partner .”
[18:110]
“Before you (O Muhammad) also the Prophets We sent were but men to whom We granted inspiration: if you realize this not, ask of those who possess the Message.”
[21:7]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *PBUH stands for Peace Be Upon Him. This is a suffix used after the names of Messengers or prophets of God mentioned in the Holy Quran.
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Muhammad (PBUH) never demanded worship for himself: Muhammad (PBUH)’s mission and message was to welcome humanity to the worship of One God (Monotheism). Meher Baba’s message was that everything is God (Pantheism) and that he is an Avatar. While Meher Baba openly justified and encouraged worship to the Avatar, Muhammad (PBUH) took every precaution to avoid it not only when he was alive but even after his d eath. Muhammad (PBUH) has taken utmost care in making sure that after his departure, people do not commit the same mistake again as committed by the people after the departure of earlier prophets. Muhammad (PBUH) accordingly, missed no opportunity to eliminate this possibility. He was never tired of warning his followers against the evil and the imprudence of associating exaggerated feelings of respect and veneration for him. He said: “Do not utter such exaggerated words of praise for me as the Christians do for the Prophet Jesus, the son of Mary. I am nothing more than a servant of Allah and His Apostle. So, call me only that.” (Source:
Bukhari and Muslim)
And: “Some communities before you had converted the graves of their Prophets into objects of worship. You must not do so. Beware, I have warned you.” (Source:
Muslim)
In the same vein was the following p rayer of the Prophet (PBUH): “O Allah; Do not let my grave be made into an idol to which worship may be offered.” (Source: Malik)
Not only that, Muhammad (PBUH) strictly rejected even such small acts like prostrations as a mark of respect for him. The following incident is just an example: Some companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) happened to go to a foreign land where they saw that when the citizens went to their chiefs they prostrated themselves before them. On returning home they related their experience to the Prophet (PBUH) and begged his permission to do the same to him. The Prophet (PBUH) asked them: “Would you prostrate yourselves before my grave after my death?” The Companions knowing full well that prostration before a grave could never be permissible in Islam promptly replied that they would not. The Prophet (PBUH) then said: “When you know that I am a mere man and one day I will die and be buried in the grave after which even you will not consider me worthy of that reverence, why should you show it to me in my lifetime?” (Source:
Abu Dawood)
To a similar request by Hazrat Salman of Persia, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “(THEN) DON’T PROSTRATE YOURSELF BEFORE ME. KEEP IT FOR HIM (GOD) WHO CAN BE TOUCHED NEITHER BY DECAY NOR DEATH.”
(Source: Kanz-ul-Ummal)
Compare this with the statements of Meher Baba openly accepting and justifying worship and veneration for him (throughout his Discourses) in the form of a Master, Avatar etc.,. Thus the difference between the ideologies of Meher Baba and Muhammad (PBUH) is simply too much...
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Some people who are very much used to venerating and worshiping humans may say what’s wrong if one worships Muhammad (PBUH)? May be he just disliked being worshipped unlike Meher Baba, so he was asking his followers not to worship him but still he was an Avatar of God as mentioned by Meher Baba and there is nothing wrong if one worships Muhammad (PBUH). The answer is - Islam is very much clear on the issue of worship: Allah* Alone deserves that we pray to Him, call upon Him, serve Him, sacrifice for Him, fear Him, obey His laws, follow His appointed Messengers, and unconditionally obey and follow the commandments of His Revealed Book – The Holy Quran. If one does any of the above for anybody else other than Allah, then it would constitute ‘Shirk’. Shirk’ literally means ‘sharing or associating partners i.e. associating partners with Allah’:
Shirk is “The greatest sin” which Allah will never forgive ‘Shirk’ is the absolute single biggest sin in the sight of Allah, which Allah has Himself promised in the Holy Quran never to forgive if one were to die in that state! This sin is so heinous and so monstrous, that Allah has promised to forgive any of the sins of man, except this one sin!. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Allah certainly does not forgive associating of partners with Him (polytheism); but He forgives Anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up Partners with Allah is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed” [4:48] “Allah certainly does not forgive (The sin of) associating of partners with Him; but He for gives Whom He pleases other sins Than this: one who joins Other gods with Allah, has strayed far, far away (From the Right).” [4:116]
Shirk leads to hell fire It is said in the Holy Quran: “Whoever commits ‘shirk’ (invoking anything with Allah), Allah shall forbid for him Paradise, and Hell shall be his abode. And for such wrong doers there will be no one to help.” [5:72] Not only this, what ever good deeds (charity, service etc.,) one does all his life will also be of no use in the sight of Allah as long as the person was committed to Shirk in his life: “If you commit ‘shirk’ all your works will be rendered vain and you will be among the losers. Therefore, you should worship Allah Alone, and be among His grateful servants. [39:65-66] All the Prophets of Allah who were ever sent warned the believers to beware of this heinous sin of ‘shirk’, which renders all the deeds of man worthless in the sight of Allah. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * As mentioned earlier, the Arabic word ‘Allah’ literally means ‘the one worthy of worship’. It can be translated to English as ‘God’. But the Arabic word, ‘Allah’, is pure and unique, unlike the English word ‘God’, which can be played around with. The word 'Allah' has no plural form or gender.
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So, Meher Baba’s assertion that Muhammad (PBUH) was an Avatar of God (God-Man, God becoming Man) is grossly incorrect which in turn makes his claim of Avatar incorrect and selfinvented unless you believe God can be so incorrect. On the other hand, let us assume that Meher Baba’s de finition of Avatar is a messenger of God, Not God in Human form but a human spreading God’s message and that he (Meher Baba) is a successor to Muhammad (PBUH). It’s very difficult to make this assumption from Meher Baba’s other statements regarding the definition of Avatar. But let us for the sake of argument consider this (Avatar as a human messenger). Then it has to be noted that: Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of God to the Humanity. Muslims are not saying this. It is revealed by God in the Holy Quran: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” [33:40] “The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will)....[3:19] “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah., never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” [3:85] Not only this, Muhammad (PBUH) is declared as the final messenger of God in various religious scriptures. This is enough from a logical point to prove Meher Baba’s Avataric claim as incorrect. He is simply yet another Mystic.
Meher Baba devotees may say – No, we have nothing to do with Muhammad (PBUH). For us, Meher Baba is God. That’s all. Then, the concern is: how can God be so drastically wrong? “The Avatar is always one and the same, because God is always One and the Same, the Eternal, Indivisible, Infinite One, who manifests Himself in the form of man as the Avatar, as the Messiah, as the Prophet, as the Ancient One-the Highest of the High” – Meher Baba. So, how can the one with perfect and infinite knowledge be wrong about what he has preached and done during his last Avatar?
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It would have been different if Meher Baba never referred to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at all. But this is not the case, "For instance, it is said Mohammed stationed himself after God-realisation in the 7th plane, Buddha in the 5th and Moenuddin Chisti of Ajmer in the 5th, though they are conscious of all the planes simultaneously."
- Meher Baba Discourses Volume 2 ,
page. 110
This is what Meher Baba means by 7 th plane: “If the pilgrim ascends to the seventh plane he experiences the last merging which is called 'FanaFillah' or the final annihilation of the self in God. Through this merging the pilgrim loses his separate existence and becomes permanently united with God. He is now one with God and experiences himself as being none other than God. This seventh plane Fana-Fillah is the terminus of the spiritual Path, the goal of all search and endeavour. It is the Sahaj Samadhi or the Nirvikalpa Samadhi which is characteristic of conscious Godhood. It is the only real awakening. The pilgrim has now reached the opposite shore of the vast ocean of imagination, and realises that this last Truth is the only Truth and that all the other stages on the Path are entirely illusory. He has arrived at his final destination.”
- Meher Baba, “Discourses” Volume 2 ,
page. 27-28
There is no single incident in Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s life to indicate that he was a mystic or practiced Mysticism or supported Mystical practices or ideology. The word ‘Fana’ and the concept of ‘Fana-fi-Allah’ are nowhere found in the Quran or Authentic sayings (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It will be a mistake to assume that this analysis with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is being done to undermine Meher Baba’s position in relation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is being done to establish if the Avataric claim of Meher Baba is correct or not. Claiming to be an Avatar of God is not a joke. It is a very big claim in whatever sense it is done – Avatar meaning a human messenger of God or God himself in human form. Both these should stand the test of reasoning and truth. It should be noted that I am not applying any external criterion here. I am not applying the principles of another religion (Islam) to verify if Meher Baba is an Avatar. No, I am just using the words of Meher Baba himself to see if they are true and valid. I am just doing the verificatio n from the historical and authentic life events of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran. They are open to everyone. To the skeptics who are still in doubt that what Meher Baba has spoken about Muhammad (PBUH) is not wrong, it is my request that they read the Quran and a basic life history of Muhammad (PBUH). The truthfulness in the assertion of Meher Baba will come forth. Meher Baba will be an Avatar of God only to those who have no issue in accepting that an Avatar of God or God himself can be very much incorrect and wrong in every sense.
Contradiction right from the basics – Purpose of Creation
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According to Meher Baba: “The sole purpose of creation is that the soul should be able to enjoy the infinite state of the Oversoul consciously. Although the soul eternally exists in and with the Oversoul in an inviolable unity, it cannot be conscious of this unity independently of the creation, which is within the limitations of time. It must therefore evolve consciousness before it can realise its true status and nature as being identical with the Infinite Oversoul, which is One without a second. The evolution of consciousness required the duality of subject and object—the centre of consciousness and the environment (i.e., the world of forms).”
- Meher Baba, “Discourses” Volume 2 ,
page. 142-143
“....the purpose of creation, which was to enable the Oversoul to know itself.” -
Meher Baba, “Discourses” Volume 1,
page. 62
The Oversoul here is that ‘infinite consciousness’, ‘Brahman’ that Mystics refer to as ‘God’. If one is wondering why it needs to know itself, the mystical tradition’s explanation is that as it’s just pure consciousness, it can’t know itself unless it takes some form. This is the idea of God in Mysticism! Purpose of creation from the Quran: “I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should worship Me alone.” [51:56] “Worship Allah! You have no other deity worthy of worship but Him.” [7:59] “As
to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise” [18:107] “...Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (for ever)” [23:11]
“If anyone contends with the Messenger e ven after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that becoming to men of Faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell- what an evil refuge it is!” [4:115]
This is the purpose of Creation as conveyed to humanity by God who sent his message through his messenger, Muhammad (PBUH). If Meher Baba is also an Avatar of God or a messenger of God, the message should have been the same.
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When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to know that some people are going to extreme ends in worship of God by cutting themselves off from worldly contacts, fasting excessively, spending sleepless nights and leading celibate lives, he said: “What is wrong with those people? But rather I fast and I refrain from fasting, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. So whoever turns away from my tradition, then he is not from me" Furthermore He said that the innovation of living like monks (monasticism) is forbidden in the Quran and recited the following verse: “...the Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them...” [57:27]
If we go on comparing like this, nothing will tally between the ideology, practices, teachings of Meher Baba and Muhammad (PBUH).
Meher Baba is saying that Muhammad (PBUH) was his previous Avatar and a God-man just like him and that an Avatar is always one and the same. So, how can the one with perfect and infinite knowledge be wrong about what he has preached and done during his last Avatar? The truthfulness of his knowledge on Muhammad (PBUH)’s message is established here and thus proving that Meher Baba’s claim as an Avatar of God is incorrect in every sense.
Why there is so much difference in the teachings? Because, all of Meher Baba’s assertions right from purpose and method of creation to his own identity are based on his Mystical experiences and ideology so they revolve around consciousness. The God for any Mystic is that infinite, consciousness. If you read the book – 'God Speaks' by Meher Baba, you will understand that as mentioned in its Introduction, "The evolution and perfecting of consciousness is itself described as the entire purpose of Creation". According to this, the soul (atma) which is actually a part of Oversoul (God or Paramatma) evolves through a number of stages (Stone-metal-vegetable-worm-fish-bird-animal-human) just to experience itself until the experience is per fected in human form. This differs drastically from the teachings of Muhammad (PBUH) and the knowledge conveyed to us about the purpose of creation and how God created this universe and human beings. This knowledge is not based on Mystical experiences but it’s conveyed by God to his messengers. As interesting as it might be, it will also be too space consuming if I start explaining the vast difference between the message of Meher Baba and Muhammad (PBUH) related to human creation, purpose and guidance. I recommend the devotees of Meher Baba to read “God Speaks” by Meher Baba (if they have not read it so far) and then read the Holy Quran to find out how incorrect is Meher Baba’s claim or assertion that he was Muhammad (PUBH) in his previous Avatar or that Muhammad (PBUH) was an Avatar of God just like him and that he (Meher Baba) is an Avatar of God for this age.
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Contradiction even on Mystical Self-Identities According to Meher Baba, Sai Baba is a Perfect Master / Sadguru / Salik / Man-God. Meher Baba’s definition of this from his Discourses: “When man becomes God and has creation-consciousness, he is called Sadguru (Man-God or Perfect Master). When God becomes man, he is called Avatar (God-Man or Messiah).” - Discourses, Volume 3 ,
page. 29
But we have Sai Baba saying (while explaining his Mystical Experiences): “At this stage, God becomes the same as man…”
- Charters
and Sayings, No. 122
“I am Parvardigar (God). I live at Shirdi and everywhere. My age is lakhs of years. My business is to give blessings. All things are mine. I give everything to everyone.” -Charters
and Sayings, No. 62
“I am Allah (my Allah Hu)” -
Devotee Experiences Part I, Page 26.
If Sai Baba was just one of the perfect masters as declared by Meher Baba then why did Sai Baba proclaimed “Mai Allah hu.. I am God”? Not only this, Meher Baba says Avatar comes every 700-1400 years. As per this, since both of them are contemporaries, only one of them can be an Avatar. But Sai Baba also declared himself an Avatar saying: “……Next follows Dasavatar naming Matsya, Kaccha, Varaha, Narasimha, Vaman, Parasuram, Krishnaji, Boddha, Charters and Sayings, No. 147., “…..Present
Avatar of Kalyug is Saibaba…..” (Abdul’s
Me, Kalki……” -
book)
Not only these, there are many contradictions in the explanations of these two babas related to hierarchy of Masters and Avatars. As many that a separate book can be written on this subject alone. All these contradictions between Mystics about their own Identity proves how much truth is there in their claims. It is a further proof about the nature of Mystical Experiences, all Mystics have the experience in which they assume they are absorbed in to God and so at some point, they will claim they are the Avatar. But they have to face other Mystics in real world, so they try to invent all these hierarchies (Qutubs, Abdals, Masters, Avatars etc.,). If the knowledge they gain from their Mystical experiences is correct and perfect, there should not be any such contradictions. But as devotees we do not care to verify any of these facts, we just presume 'My baba is God' and nothing else is required.
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Misrepresentation of Meher Baba We have seen that the Ideology of Meher Baba, which is the Mystical Ideology, does not stand the test of intellectual reasoning and does not even explain the fundamentals of our own existence as it states that everything is an illusion.
The basic elements of this Ideology which
are the Mystical Experiences are proved to be not contemplating God but just a state of consciousness created by Brain due to Meditative practices. His claim of Avatarhood is proved to be incorrect. The following events present the facts that will un-cover how in addition to his own misrepresentation, Meher Baba is being further misrepresented by his mandali and devotees. The ‘Darshan’ contradiction and a sudden death: In July 1968, Meher Baba stated that his 'work' in seclusion was completed one hundred per cent to his satisfaction. Devotees then requested him for darshan now that seclusion 'work' is completed. He responded in October with the message that he would give darshan the following year, during the summer at Poona. But this prediction of Meher Baba never fulfilled. In Late December 1968, his health seriously deteriorated. On January 31st, he expired at mid-day while sitting on his bed after suffering severe spasms. Eruch Jessawala attempted a mouth to mouth resuscitation for nearly thirty minutes along with Francis brabazon and Bhau Kalchuri. Dr. Goher, one of the women mandali, gave the inert body of Meher Baba several injections in a desperate attempt to revive him. The mandali at first could not believe that he had died. Baba’s sister Mani Irani argued with Dr. Ginde that Baba had once told her that if he went into a coma, he would revive after seven d ays. Dr. Ginde duly explained that what had happened was not coma, as a person in coma still has a beating heart. Yet Mani would not agree with the medical verdict.1 She finally realized that Baba is dead after much persuasion. Even his close devotees were disappointed at the lack of any sensational element in Meher Baba’s death. The only sensation was that he had died without telling them, and the shock wave was strong.
2
Baba’s corpse was laid to rest in his tomb at Meherabad and remained on view for a week to the many visitors who arrived to pay their respects. This happened during 1st week of Feb 1969. This was initially called the 'last darshan'. But then again another darshan was organized at Poona at (Guruprasad) during the summer 1969 as per the original plan before Baba’s death. This time no living Baba and no corpse, devotees only came there with the belief that they are having his 'last darshan'. This anamoly (which one is the real 'last darshan') was ignored in the movement. The Poona event became known as the 'Great Darshan'.
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The ‘Breaking of silence’ contradiction: Meher Baba predicted that he would break his silence and speak the 'Word'. Some devotees had apparently expected this to happen. But Baba did not utter any 'word'. An uncertain number of people are said to have forsaken their allegiance on this account. 4 Bhau Kalchuri came out with a disclosure in 2001 that Meher Baba said to him just before his death – “Remember this, I am not this body”. body”. Even though Kalchuri explained that Baba made the utterance to prove that his vocal chords had not become defunct, and that it did not amount to the promised 'word of words'. This disclosure became questionable even among the mandali members specifically Kalchuri and Don Stevens.
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The ‘Successor’ contradiction: In 1962, at the East-West gathering, Meher Baba told Charles Purdom that there would be a successor to him but did not gave any identity 6. But after his death, the mandali has emphasized that there is no successor to Baba and thus further elevating his Avataric status.
Contributions of mandali in Elevating or distorting the status of Meher Baba: After Meher Baba’s death, the mandali certainly seems to be responsible for elevated devotion and personality worship with members like Mani K Irani who established the mood that Baba had not really died 7 and Don. E. Stevens, an American who considered himself an expert on Baba’s Discourses and gave 'Avatar 'Avatar Only' lectures.
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During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of people emerged from a hippy background in psychedelic drugs and became devotees of Meher Baba. They contributed in pr omoting such phrases as “Don’t worry, be Happy”, “Baba’s umbrella” etc., distorting his image in a way. Kevin commented, it would seem that Delia De Leon (d. 1993) paved the way for New Age messianism, though Meher Baba himself might be writhing in his tomb at the prospect of even more mis-representation. The New Age ad includes the glib quotation “Don’t worry, worry, be happy, I will help you”. Again the lack of context lifted in to a sectarian message struggling to find recruits for a new religion which Meher Baba in reality said that he did not want.
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Meher Baba’s words were misrepresented in many occasions. Mandali propagated Baba’s after-death presence in an extreme manner by saying that Baba is infallibly guiding his devotees. Meher Baba did not undertake to guide people after he died, he only said his tomb would be revered and that his influence would linger (these are common expectations of Sufi masters).
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On visiting shrines, Meher Baba himself said that “It is the spiritual atmosphere, the quickened vibrations, that give value to the shrines of saints; the saints themselves are not present in some more subtle body, nor is there any special virtue in the dry dust and bones of their physical bodies” 10. But the visitors to Meher Baba’s tomb are encouraged by the mandali to attend arati services and to sing arati songs at that spot although the tomb resembles more of a Sufi dargah. There is no reference in any of Meher Baba’s messages to any personal guidance in the after-death phase. But the mandali came out with a topic saying that “for 100 years after his passing, being at the tomb is the same as being in Baba’s living presence”. Bal Natu, a Hindu devotee is specifically associated with this invention.
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From the paper back cover of J.A. Grant, Practical Spirituality with Meher Baba (Sydney: Merwan Press, 1987): “Masters of the path and perfect masters, although they retain their power when they drop the body, they do not have the authority to use that Power. But in the case of the Avatar it is different – God always retains Absolute Power and the Authority to use it, whether he is in the body or not.” not.” 12 This invention was to justify the attendance at Meherabad and Meherazad whe re Baba’s presence is said to be felt. But this gave rise to ne contradictions. According to Meher Baba the Avatar re-incarnates every 700 years. If he is all the way present (even after death), then what is the need for reincarnation? And also this means that the Devotees are waiting for the next Avatar, Avatar, who is somehow already present with them!.. and then what about the previous Avatars?! Similarly, Similarly, the definition of Avatar as “the eternal living Perfect Master” was devised by Don E. Stevens. D. E. Stevens, intro. To To Meher Baba: Discourses (Myrtle Beach, S.C.: Sheriar Press, 1987), p. xvii. This phrase was not there in 6th edition of Discourses (1967) but emerged in the editorial footnote in 7th edition of Discourses. Meher Baba never wanted to establish a religion…. Now it can be seen that his devotees are really turning his ideology in to a religion by the way he is being worshipped, by constructing his temples etc., this is a clear deviation from the ideological principles of Meher Baba. Meher Baba was even against creating Baba centers. This issue rose during the Andhra tour in 1954, when he convened a special meeting of devotees at Rajahmundry on March 1 st. He told the audience that “for my work it is not necessary to have centres or offices, nor accounts and the collecting of money” 13. He disclaimed responsibility for any formal centers that might be established. He abolished all Baba Centres in Andhra and dissolved a publications venture vent ure known as Meher Publications strongly criticizing the devotional obsession being attached with Baba centres.
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The celebratory slogan slogan of "Avatar Meher Baba ki Jai" Jai" began to appear at places like like Andhra in 1954. The following year, year, Baba stated: “There is no sense in shouting Avatar ki jai” every now and then. If you want to shout, do so within your hearts; let it not be heard by others”. others”. May be he meant that people have to take the path of Mystical ideology to achieve liberation and not just limit themselves to such occasional shouting, observing silence or worshipping him alone. All the above suggests that Meher Baba was yet another mystic. He had mystical experiences just like thousands before him. Being an educated one and living in a comparatively modern society, society, he was able to achieve a few things that other mystics could not. He traveled to foreign countries and was able to attract considerable foreign following along with that in India and established a sophisticated system of communications with devotees by maintaining a mandali. He came out with an elaborate mystical ideology combining elements of Zoroastrian, Sufi and Vedantic mystic principles. Other events in his life are normal other wise. He had no control over his fate of accidents, disease and death. He has misrepresented himself as 'God' and Avatar and that was further carried on by his Mandali and devotees after his death. It has to be noted however that his service to the poor, lepers and mentally ill is un-comparable to that of any other mystic.
“Irony dissolves sentiment, but occasionally a sentiment is strong enough to dissolve irony”. - Cooley, Mason
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7. Misrepresentation of Sai Baba Ever wondered how is it possible that people who love God, pious and devote go in search of God and they become God themselves? So, this is how it happens. This is how Sai Baba, Meher Baba, just like thousands of other mystics have witnessed the magic of Mystical experiences and the states of Absolute Unitary Being (AUB) and Unio Mystica and uttered the words 'I AM GOD'. Now, imagine those people around them who don’t have a clue about Mysticism and Mystical experiences. How would these people perceive such utterances (“I AM GOD”)? Those who do not have a proper understanding of the word 'God', they can surely consider a human being as ‘God’. If Mansur Al-Hallaj lived in India, we would surely have another Baba God today (may be ‘Mansur Baba’) in addition to Sai Baba and Meher Baba. I am sure; devotees of Sai Baba and Meher Baba will be surprised by now. Awareness of Mysticism, its ideology and knowledge of Mystical experiences would surely give them a new understanding of their sayings. They might still wonder how is it then that these Mystics are so strongly and faithfully considered as Avatars of God by their followers? . The answer is in the question - “followers”. The Mystics felt they are God and we, the followers really made them Gods. The fact is that the misrepresentation starts right with the Mystic’s uttering these words equating themselves with God thereby claiming that they are the Avatar of God. The followers surrounding them complete the misrepresentation by going to extremes in their veneration. This extreme veneration turns blind and gets misdirected after the Mystic’s death when temples are constructed to worship them. The result is the situation we are witnessing now and surely this is what has happened in the case of both Sai Baba and Meher Baba. In this chapter, we will examine how such a transformation has happened in case of Sai Baba.
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Sai Baba – From Sufi Mystic to Hindu Avatar Where is the Muslim Sufi faqir Sai Baba and Hindu Avataric figure Sai Ram? What a corruption of identity! This is our ignorance in devotion. We just become blind in our veneration of our idol figures and will accept just anything and everything said about them without least bothering about reasoning or facts. Warren comments – It is not my purpose to undermine any form of devotion which Sai Baba himself inspired or indeed to deny Sai Baba’s universal qualities. On the other hand, it is an incontrovertible fact that all great prophets, saints and sages have emerged out of a particular religious tradition, and we can better understand their message by being aware of that tradition. For example, Jesus is better understood by knowing his Judaic roots, and the Buddha by understanding his Hindu background. My research has revealed that Sai Baba’s thought and path to God-realization were shaped within the Sufi tradition. How then has he come to be perceived by many as a Hindu saint?
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Let us examine how such a transformation of Identity has happened in case of Sai Baba.
Early life If Sai Baba lived in Shirdi from around 1858 until his death in 1918, then this amounts to a time period of some 60 years, of which only the last 10 years were recorded in any detail. In those days in rural India, information was passed orally. By the time Sai Baba became well known, many of the people who knew him as a youth would have passed away. Thus, little verifiable historical data that can be gleaned from Sai Baba’ s early decades and information tends to be mainly hagiographical. Most of the information about Sai Baba has been mediated through books, because it is now more than three-quarters of a century since his demise, and everyone who knew him personally has now passed away. In Warren’s experience during her research, when interviewing some local Hindus, including elders, in Shirdi, she found that the most part they can only repeat information and stories culled from books such as the Sri Sai Saccarita.
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The major biographies of Sai Baba were written for the most part after his d eath. Although Sri Sai Saccarita was started by Dabholkar around 1910 during Sai Baba’s lifetime, at his death in 1918 only two of the final 53 chapters had been written, and the biography was not completed and published until 1929. Research for Narasimhaswami’s four-volume Life of Sai Baba was not started until 1936, 18 years after Sai Baba’s death, and was not completed and published until 1955-56. Thus, there was plenty of scope for the Hindu view and interpretation of Sai Baba to take root and grow.
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Muslims Have lost interest in Sufism and were not so interested in claiming Sai Baba who was not a strict Muslim by all means. The great Sufi orders of the past are no longer in operation as institutions and almost no Muslims are willing to follow the austere world-renouncing Sufi path. Warren writes that she met a number of individuals whose fathers or grandfathers were famous Sufi Masters, but the present generation has opted to become school-masters or to pursue professional careers.
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In 1897, a festival was arranged to honour Sai Baba in Shirdi which is called ‘urs’ which is a celebration normally done by Muslims to honour the great people in their community. This event was continued for 15 years until 1912. During this year, it was suggested that it be held jointly with the Hindu ‘Ramanavami’ celebration. Sai Baba agreed for this to accommodate and appeal the growing Hindu devotees. Today, however the ‘urs’ has been completely over-shadowed and dominated by the ‘Ramanavami’ celebration and it’s Muslim origin all but forgotten. After Sai Baba passed away, Abdul Baba was the sole custodian of his tomb for about 3 to 4 years. But he himself was a penniless faqir with no institutional resources. In 1922, Hari Sitaram Dixit visited Shirdi and observed that the shrine was not being cared for adequately and challenged Abdul’s authority over the tomb. He set up a Public Trust or Sansthan through the district court to administer the shrine complex, which was comprised of a majority of Hindus. Adbul baba challenged this and claimed that he should be the custodian as he has served Sai Baba for 29 years while he was alive. Abdul baba lost the case and was evicted from Sai Baba’s tomb. By this act, Hindus publicly laid claim to the area. Adbul baba was later allowed to return but by that time he lost his authority due to whatever happened thus far and was not in a position to resist any changes. Until then the tomb was having just a small photo of Sai Baba. As more and more Hindus started visiting the place, the place started changing. The photo was enlarged, an umbrella was placed on it and the words “Ohm” were written along with Sai Baba’s name. From then on the simple tomb and shrine became the Samadhi Mandir and many Hindu rituals were established in the following years.4 This evolution of the place is described in Warren’s book with detailed photographs. In 1952, two years before Abdul’s death, the Sansthan installed a large imposing marble murti of Sai Baba immediately behind the tomb, a murti that had been especially created by Balaji Vasant Talim of Bombay.
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After Abdul’s death a few years later, the Sansthan installed the murti on a silver throne with a silver umbrella over it. Above the murti the Hindu devotees placed a painted sign which read: ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, Patita Pavan Sainam’ which means ‘King of the Raghu Dynasty, Lord Ram, who is also known as Sai, the uplifter of the downtrodden’. The word ‘Sainam’ replaced the ‘Sita Ram’ of the original bhajan. This identification of Sai Baba with the Hindu god Ram, with its overtly Hindu symbolism, was untenable to most Muslims. At this point, many Muslims at once stopped coming and also, according to Rahim Khan, Abdul’s grandson, the wandering faqir community immediately ceased visiting the shrine.5 Since his death Sai Baba has been hailed as the arbiter of Hindu-Muslim unity and harmony. Unfortunately, the act of placing a statue in the Shirdi Mandir effectively sends the opposite message.
Role of literature in transforming Sai Baba’s image The major biographies of Sai Baba were written for the most part after his death. An important point to note is that there has been no Muslim biographer of Sai Baba. All the biographers were Brahmins who had very little or no knowledge of Islam and Sufism and personally more interested in providing a Hindu bias to Sai Baba due to their veneration for him.
Dabholkar – The first biographer of Sai Baba His full name was Govindarao Raghunath Dabholkar. Dabholkar is also known by the name ‘Annasaheb’ to his friends and Sai Baba affectionately called him ‘Hemadpant’. He came to hear about Sai Baba through Nana Chandorkar in 1910 and interacted intermittently with Sai Baba for the following 8 years until his death. He has written a devotional biography of Sai Baba in Marathi named – ‘Sri Sai Sacharita’ . The book was complete and published in 1929, 11 years after Sai Baba’s death. Dabholkar followed the traditional Maharashtrian style of sacred literature in which precise dating of events is skipped and modeling his work on the style of 15th century Marathi classic text, ‘Sree Guru Charitra’ by Gangadhar Saraswati about the life of Sri Guru (also known as Dattatreya, and two of his major incarnations). ‘Sri Sai Sacharita’ is written in verse form and contains 53 chapters (51, plus an Epilogue and Epitome). Dabholkar was a Brahmin and had no knowledge of Islam and Sufism. So, It naturally happened that He would rationalize Sai Baba’s sayings and events in conformity with his own religious background. One classic example is given here:
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Wheat-grinding Leela / miracle This leela occurred when Dabolkar observed that a cholera epidemic subsided almost immediately after Sai Baba ground wheat into flour, and had it scattered around the perimeter of the village as mystical protection. Typically, searching Hindu philosophy for a spiritual explanation of the wheat-grinding incident, Dabholkar designated the two millstones as karma (action) and bhakti (devotion) and the mill handle as jnana (wisdom). Thus he, interpreted Sai Baba as grinding away our sins, and our mental and physical afflictions including ahamkara (ego) and the three gunas or qualities of sattva (purity), rajas (energy) and tamas (lethargy), until pure self-realization is reached.
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He includes this lengthy explanation in his book and this is clearly a Hindu gloss which foreshadowed many such glosses associated with Sai Baba’s teachings in the biogr aphies written by Hindus. Taking the same incident, let us see how a Sufi biographer might have interpreted it. The Wheat chaff, according to Sufi may well have been so many veils, which, through underg oing the process of winnowing, symbolizing ascetic practices and following the stations of Sufi Tariqat, are gradually peeled away with the aid of the two mill stones of nista and saburi which are faith in God and patience (two qualities often stressed by Sai Baba), revealing the pure unadulterated flour symbolic of one’s pure divine nature. This Sufi interpretation is equally plausible and valid. Had Sai Baba’s first biographer been a Sufi-Muslim, this explanation might well be popular today instead of the Hindu interpretation.
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In spite of the handicap of being unfamiliar with Muslim practices and language, Dabholkar nevertheless faithfully recorded events bearing on Islamic practices. For example, he recorded the fact that Sai Baba would occasionally go through the special Muslim sacrificial ritual, known as takkya, when a goat was about to be killed on an altar, in order to ensure that the meat would be halal or purified. English Translator - Gunaji His full name was Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji. He translated the ‘Sri Sai Sacharita’ (written in Marathi by Dabholkar) in to English naming it – ‘Sri Sai Satcharita – The wonderful Life and Teachings of Shri Sai Baba.’ This book was published in 1944. Although Nagesh merely claimed that his work is an adaptation of the Marathi work, Warren found that a basic research reveals that this is not the case.
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Gunaji frequently added sections of his own Hindu interpretation of Sai Baba’s words and actions. He included quotations from the Shri Sai Leela journal, which has been publishing devotee’s experiences since its inception in the late 19 20’s, and is the ‘official organ of the Shirdi Sansthan’. Sometimes Gunaji includes extra information which was not originally available to Dabholkar at the time of his writing such as details to the story of how Sai Baba’s padukas or footprints, came to be installed under the neem tree.
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In other places, material from the Dabholkar’s original is omitted altogether. altogether. An example is the graphic description of the above mentioned goat slaughter is completely missing from chapter 38 in the English adaptation, where Gunaji simply re ports that Sai Baba made pulav with meat. Gunaji deliberately omitted whole sections that include numerous specific references to Muslims, Muslim practices and Sufi percepts. A small example is Dabholkar’s description of Sai Baba’s control of the elements, when during a fierce thunderstorm with lightening and floods of water, water, Sai Baba cried: ‘Sabur Sabur’ in Urdu. The English version ‘Stop, stop your fury’, although grammatically correct, has lost all the Muslim innuendo of these two words. 10 Although Dabholkar recorded Sai Baba’s life and teaching from his own Hindu perspective, invoking the Hindu deities and Hindu sastras, he nevertheless included many Muslim incidents. Gunaji on the other hand, omitted most of the references to Sai Baba’s Muslim and Sufi aspects. A big example for this is described below. When Sai Baba on one occasion declared himself himsel f to be a Muslim saying, “I am of the Muslim caste (ma jatica Musalman)”. Musalman)”. This was recorded by Dabholkar but this section was not translated and not included in Gunaji’s English adaptation.
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This incident happened when whe n Dr. Dr. Pandit applied sandal paste to the forehead of Sai Baba. When someone asked how baba let him do this, he replied: Gunaji’s translation: “Baba replied that Dr. Pandit believed Him to be the same as his Guru, Raghunath Maharaja of Dhopeshwar, known as Kaka Puranik, and he applied the paste to His forehead, as he was doing to his Guru. Hence He could not object.” Notice that in the above translation, there is no reference to the word “Muslim”. Now notice the actual translation of marathi version: “Even though I am a Mulsim and he is a Brahmin, without thinking that he will be dishonored by worshipping a Muslim, he applied the paste visioning his Guru Guru in me…” (11:84) Gunaji was curios to include the name of the guru of Dr. Dr. Pandit which is actually not there in Marathi version. But he was not interested in properly translating Sai Baba’s own words. His intentions could be understood. This work was taken by the English world to be a verbatim translation of Dabholkar’s original work and so carried further the Hindu gloss attached to Sai Baba by Gunaji and Dabholkar. Dabholkar. Warren comments that many of the secondary authors have made the mistake of assuming that Gunaji’s book is a direct verbatim English translation of Dabholkar’s work. 12 Examples are Perin S. Bharucha’s ‘Sai Baba of Shirdi’ and Satya Pal Ruhela’s ‘What researchers say on Sri Shirdi Sai Baba’ Baba ’. Thus the Muslim Sufi identity of Sai Baba was masked.
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Memoirs of contemporary devotees
While Dabholkar was the major writer detailing the last decade of Sai Baba’s life, having written two chapters before Sai Baba passed away and the rest after, after, a number of other contemporary devotees subsequently wrote their own memoirs which were later published: Das Ganu, G. S. Khaparde, Rao Bahadur B ahadur M.V. M.V. Pradhan, hari Sitaram Dixit, and Waman Bhai Patel alias Sai Sharan Anand – all of whom it should be noted were wer e Hindu and more specifically high-caste Brahmins. Das Ganu was a kirtankar, kirtankar, singing the praises of saints, and performing regularly at the urs fair of Sai Baba from 1897, and after 1912 at the combined Ramanavami-urs festival at Shirdi. Apart from his books in Marathi praising saints, he also composed a poem Shri Sainath – Stavan Manjari. As Das Ganu was a Hindu, the praise of Sai Baba is couched in ornate Hindu symbolism and mythology, and in his kirtans he elaborated a poetic hagiography around the life of Sai Baba, drawing on earlier folk tales. M. V. V. Pradhan published a small booklet in 1933, 1933 , Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi (A Glimpse of Indian Spirituality). Warren comments that that his booklet reflects a view of Sai Baba at the end of his life, as encountered by a Hindu striving to understand the enigmatic saint’s Mystic utterances.
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Secondary Authors: Narasimhaswamy – The apostle of Sai Baba Narasimhaswamy Narasimhaswamy, Sai Baba’s second biographer, biographer, only came to hear about Sai Baba in 1933, 15 years after his demise, at a time when the Hindu interpretation of him was already well under way. way. The biography of Narasimhaswami is called the Life of Sri Sai Baba. Baba. Narasimhaswami founded the ‘All India Sai Samaj’ in Chennai, and was responsible re sponsible for popularizing Sai Baba of Shirdi in South India. His original name na me was Narasimha Iyer. Iyer. He was an orthodox Brahmin, a brilliant br illiant student stud ent and a successful advocate, who was socially and politically active in the community of Salem where he lived with his wife and two small children. The tr agic accidental drowning of both his children in the well of his house caused him to withdraw from worldly life and initiate a quest for a spiritual guru. The search took him initially to Tiruvannamalai and the ashram of Ramana Maharshi, where he lived for some time and where he also wrote that saint’s biography. biography. After a few years, he found the spiritual path of jnana advocated by the Maharshi too cold and intellectual for him and he decided to embark upon a pilgrimage to holy places, and visit bhakti saints and sadhus.
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Thus it was after extensive traveling, that he met Meher Baba and Upasni Maharaj. Narasimhaswamy wrote Sage of Sakori, Sakori, a glowing biography of Sri Upasni Maharaj. By the late 1930s Narasimhaswami was dismayed by a growing notoriety and scandal surrounding Upasni Maharaj and disassociated himself from him. He left the Sakori ashram in 1933, and continued his search for a guru. Although Sri Upasni Maharaj had spoken highly of his own master Sai Baba, Narasimhaswami Narasimhaswami admits that he was not drawn to enquire further about Sai Baba as he was a Muslim. However, around 1936, he started to meet more devotees of Sai Baba and, hearing their glowing testimony, testimony, he came to realize that he was in his words ‘the Kohinoor among saints’. saints’. He became a committed advocate of Sai Baba to the extent that he eventually became known as Sai Baba’s ‘Apostle’. ‘Apostle’. In 1942, he published ‘Devotees ‘Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba’, Baba’ , which consists of interviews of devotees he conducted during 1936 and 1938. He also collected ‘sayings’ of Sai Baba from these same memories of devotees, many of which are not found elsewhere, and he published them in 1942 under the title ‘Sri ‘ Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings.’ great majority of devotees interviewed by Narasimhaswami Narasimhaswami were Hindus and more specifically Brahmins. See Appendix E of Marianne Warren’s, Warren’s, ‘Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism’ for a detailed list of devotees interviewed. It was Narasimhaswami who stated that Sai Baba knew Sanskrit and was familiar with the Bhagavad Gita. Gita . In fact, this is based on a misunderstanding of the incident, which occurred between Nana Chandorkar and Sai Baba. For full version of this incident, see Warren’s book pages 356-359. Many Hindu writers today quote Narasimhaswami’s statement. This further added Hindu gloss to Sai Baba. Baba . One of Narasimhaswami’s standard pre-set questions to all the devotees he interviewed was whether they thought that Sai Baba taught Vedanta, and in all cases they said he did not. It is apparent from his teachings that Sai Baba did in deed teach Tauhid (Oneness of God) and in particular Sufi Tauhid which is a mystics version of Tauhid. Thus we can see that, as the biographies are all written by Hindus, any Sufi or Muslim reference surrounding the life and history of Sai Baba are usually ignored or masked.
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While interrogating Sai Baba’s contacts and devotees, Narasimhaswami also met Abdul baba. Abdul baba showed him the transcript of the book he has written in the presence of Sai
Baba. This book containing so many details of Sai Baba’s Sufi identity was not given any importance or publicity by Narasimhaswami. Instead, as there was a mention of dasa avatars (ten incarnations) in that book, Narasimhaswami just concluded that: “Quite ob viously, Sri Sai baba and following him Adbul, revere the Hindu Avatars, Maruthi etc., and pray to them.” 14 It is clear that Narasimhaswami painstakingly gathered tainted memories of devotees related to very old incidents connected with Sai Baba. But despite assuming the role of apostle of Sai Baba, he still did not give any importance to the huge amount of direct information (over 130 pages) voluntarily provided by Abdul who was a servant of Sai Baba for 30 years while he was alive. This shows the determination of Narasimhaswami to ascribe only a Hindu gloss to Sai Baba’s identity. This information didn’t come to light until an English writer (Warren) came to our country and did a research. Not only this, Sri Sai sansthan also did not publish this information. Warren commented about this: “The fact that the manuscript’s Islamic nature does not fit in with the accepted Hindu interpretation and presentation of Sai Baba may explain why it has remained unpublished by the Sansthan.” 15 The other secondary authors (who are also having Hindu background) further carried the Hindu gloss already given to Sai Baba by Dabholkar, Gunaji and Narasimhaswami. Mani Sahukar’s 'Sai Baba: The Saint of Shirdi', published in 1952. She was a devotee of Sri Upasani Maharaj and the latter’s successor Sati Godavari Mata. Her orthodox Hindu interpretation of Sai Baba would make a casual reader to conclude that Sai Baba was a Hindu saint.
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Rao Saheb Harshad P. Mehta’s 'The Spiritual Symphony of Shree Sainath of Shirdi' was published in 1952. His work attempts to integrate Sai Baba into a more universal worldview, incorporating ideas from Biblical history, parallels with the life of Christ, the Bhagavad-Gita, the philosophy of Sankaracharaya and some western philosophers, as well as those of individuals such as Max Muller, John Woodroffe and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Mehta also is Hindu and the overall tenor of his book reflects this fact.
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Arthur Osborne’s 'The incredible Sai Baba: The Life and Miracles of Modern-day Saint' was published in 1957 in India and was re-published in Great Britain in 1958 introducing Sai Baba to western audience. Osborne was particularly steeped in Hindu mystical thought, specifically Advaita Vedanta and was an admirer of Ramana Maharshi in Tiruvannamalai and discovered Sai Baba through the writings of Narasimhaswami. Osborne thus perp etuates the Hindu gloss on Sai Baba initiated by the Indian biographers.
Even the recent movies follow these standard Hinduized biographies thus popularizing a Hindu image of Sai Baba in the minds of audiences.
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Others writers: Krishnarao Jageshwar Bhishma
A whole new genre of bhakti (Hindu) devotional literature has emerged on behalf of Sai Baba, such as the works by the kirtankar – Krishnarao Jageshwar Bhishma. He composed a number of Marathi bhajans, prayers, songs called abhangas, and aratis or hymns of praise for the ritual worship of Sai Baba. Being a devotee of Vitthala at Pandharpur, he modeled his aratis on those sung in Padharpur throughout the day: morning of kakad arati; noon arati; evening arati and bedtime arati. He also wrote a ‘Mahima Stotram’ or ‘Hymn of Glory to Shri Sainath’. All these are traditional Hindu offerings. Thus they were associated with Sai Baba and are now used daily in the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir at Shirdi. All these compositions are collected under the title ‘Shri Sadguru Sainath Sagunopasana’ (‘Worship of the Manifested Shri Sadguru Sainath’ ) These are all the factors that slowly transformed the image of a Sufi Mystic faqir Sai Baba in to that of a Hindu deity and Avatar of God being wor shipped daily. If we carefully dissociate all these Hindu bias and gloss and analyze the facts associated with Sai Baba’s life rather than folklore and stories, the true Sufi identity of Sai Baba emerges. Those who visit the Shrine of Sai Baba at Shirdi would witness such typical Hindu practices as Kakad arati in the morning – waving the sacred flame, and the abhishekam – ritual bathing with rose water and milk of the marble figure, after which the murti of sai baba is dried and rewrapped in a fresh cloth. The visitor may well go away with the impression that this is the shrine of a Hindu holy man who is sometimes unaccountably referred to as a Muslim faqir (where as just the opposite is true). Although, Sri Sai Baba Sansthan in Shirdi maintains that all religions are represented among the devotees, the majority by far are Hindus, mostly from Maharashtra state and in particular from Bombay. Given this elaborate Hindu ritual and the appearance of idol worship, any new visitor would easily conclude that Sai Baba was a saint in the Hindu tradition. It can also be said that Sai Baba himself laid the foundation for a Hindu interpretation of him, for the last 8 or so years of his life, he acceded to his Hindu devotees love of religious display, pomp and ceremony in order to please them. For example, at the insistence of his devotees he reluctantly agreed to a procession with music, dancing and fireworks, from the masjid to the chavadi where he slept on alternate nights.
What does ‘Sai’ actually mean? The wandering Sufi faqirs in the 19 th century were known generically by the Persian term sa’ih or sayyah, and this is probably the origin of the name ‘sai’.
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Now it is transformed to mean Sakshat iswara (incarnation of God), Sai being derived from the first two letters of ‘sakshat’ and the ‘i’ of ‘Iswara’!!!
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MIRACLES..MIRACLES...MIRACLES Meher Baba & Miracles There is nothing to write on this subject as Meher Baba never performed any miracles nor he claimed he could perform them. He consistently denied that miracles are a sign of divinity and in fact indicated that temptations to perform Miracles hold the aspirants in the lower planes blocking their spiritual march to higher planes. The expectation of miracles was evidently high on Meher Baba’s blacklist. He disliked exponents of siddhis. He never claimed himself any healing powers, he considered these as of no consequence. He zero-rated those powers.
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Meher Baba said: “I want to warn all who approach me that they should not expect health, wealth, wife, or children from me; I tell you that those who have associated with me through love have suffered complete material pain.” 20
Sai Baba & Miracles In case of Sai Baba, it’s different. He is famously associated with Miracles such as treating the ill and granting children to child-less couples etc., Just like one need to understand Mysticism before being able to understand Mystic’s utterances, we need to understand that when it comes to Miracles attributed to any saint, a great deal of exaggeration, distortion of factual details, folklore and mob mentality will be involved. For example, even though Buddha did not perform any miracles, so many were attributed to him in later years. A study of the entire history in relation to Buddha clarifies this point. Recent Television serials on Sai Baba show him performing many Miracles. How many devotees take note that all these are based on folklore and stories in circulation? For those who watch these, it will appear as if all this happened just as being shown. This is how hagiology becomes history. If one studies all the accounts of miracles attributed to Sai Baba, it will be clear that the overall impression that Sai Baba used to perform Miracles at will is a over statement by all means.
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The following should be noted regarding Sai Baba’s Miracles: Mr. Justice M. B. Rege, in his foreword to Sai Baba’s Charters & Sayings by NarasimhaSwami wrote: “The onward march of Science may some day co-ordinate these phases in the frame of the Intellect. The miracles referred to in the book may cause a skeptic to stare. To the devotees in tune with the Infinite Baba they are only events in the process of evolution-mysterious to the mere man-but explicable in the light of Faith and Love”.
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Sai Baba was a Hakim (herbalist) When Sai Baba first came to Shirdi, he stayed with a Muslim man called Amanbhai who gave him food. A young relative of Amanbhai, who was very sick at that time was cured by a young Sai Baba, who came to the house and administered cobra poison to him as medicine.22 But due to some reason, Sai Baba stopped giving him medicine and that person died as the disease developed. “Baba gave him some medicine and further had him branded with red-hot irons (one on each temple and one on the back), Baguji recovered his health (i.e) escaped death and fever. Baguji had leprosy. That was arrested by Baba’s grace but not cured”.
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So, it’s not the case that Sai Baba gave the medicine and leprosy was cured forever. Sai Baba is known to have wandered in forests for many years, so it will not be a wonder that he might have developed the skills of administering herbs to deal with ailments such as fever and other infections and diseases. Another such incident can be observed from Devotees Experiences: It will be too foolish to consider such incidents as miracles. At first Sai Baba treated people with herbal remedies, but eventually resorted to the less time-consuming expedient of gifting udi (ash) from his dhuni. The recipients credited this ash with healing powers.
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A devotees account clarifies Sai Baba’s own admittance that he can not perform miracles and also proves that his foretelling wasn’t correct all the time: “We were all concerned with Baba’s chamatkaras, prophecies, goshties (i.e. moral talks) etc. and we did not mind about philosophy at all. My father said that after 1913, the crowds that flocked to Baba were too heavy and there was no more peace for Baba, and that Baba once said with tears. “No one cares to take from me what I am prepared to give abundantly. But they want from me what I am unable to give”. Baba once told my father about chamatkar something very interesting. It was about 19031904. My elder sister Minathai, had been helped at delivery by Baba with udhi, sent through a Gosavi. That child, however, died very young. My sister also was widowed at that very early age and had no other issue. This cast a gloom over all of us. My father and all of us went to Shirdi.... Baba: Why are you so silent? C: Baba! You know everything. While we are under your care these calamities have befallen us, bereaved of child, and son-in-law etc., Baba: If you care for child (or son-in-law) and come to me for that, you are mistaken. You need not come to me for these. These are not in my power. These i.e. (birth of child and death of relatives) are dependent on poorva karma *. Even Parameswar, great God who has created the world, cannot alter these. Do you think he can tell the Sun or the Moon, ‘Rise some two yards farther away from your usual or appointed place?’ No, He cannot and will not do that. That would produce disorder and chaos. C: If that is so, how is it that you tell some one “You will have a son” and he gets a son, and you will tell another “You will get appointment” and he gets it? Are these not chamatkaras of yours? Baba: No, Nana. I do not do any chamatkaras. You have your village astrologers. They work 2 or 4 days ahead and give out their prediction. Some of them come true. I look further ahead. What I say happens. My art also is a sort of astrology. But you people do not understand this. To you, my words look like chamatkaras, because you do not know the future. So, you regard events as proofs of my miracle working power and you turn your reverence to me. I, in my turn, turn your Bhava reverence on to God and see that you are really benefited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * This is another proof of Sai Baba’s sufi identity. The concepts of reincarnation and poorva karma are not present in Islam but Sufis believe in them, they call it ‘tanasukh’.
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Baba spoke some numerous goshties but I do not remember them now. In 1913-1914, my father was unwell and on long leave. So, he went and stayed at Shirdi, My mother also was there and when they were by baba’s side and I was worshipping him, he (Baba) said: “I will go away now. I will take birth as the child of Bapu. At that time, Nana’s head (or wrist) will be shaking thus and thus” (and moved his hand like the shaky neck of an old man). My father construed this to mean that he (my father) would not die till a son was born to me. Unfortunately he died in 1921. During his fatal illness, I remembered this prophecy and hoped my father would survive, as I had not even got married and had no son, of course. But Fate willed it otherwise and my father died in 1921. I got married in 1922. My father’s head was never shaky.” [Bapu Rao N. Chandorkar S/o Nana Saheb Chandorkar] 24 If one reads such first hand accounts, it won’t give a feeling of Miracles but a helping nature of a kind Mystic herbalist (whose treatment may work in some cases and may not work in other cases) and a sort of astrologer (whose prophecies may come true in some cases and may go wrong in other cases). Then why is there so much lore of Miracles associated with Sai Baba? This was done in later years and more by devotees like Narasimhaswami, Ramalingaswami etc.,
So called Public Miracle: Too much was made of an episode ascribed by some to the early 1890s. Narasimhaswami included this in his Life Of Sai Baba, and described it as the first public miracle performed by Sai Baba in which Sai Baba said to have changed water in to Oil when he was denied oil for his lamps by the local vendors. Kevin comments: Did he resort to a magical trick, did he have an emergency supply of oil, or was the episode a product of the hagiological imagination? Such stories do not prove spirituality and nor any adult appreciation of saints.
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A critic may well ask if Sai Baba can convert water in
to oil, then why he need to ask for oil in the first place? But it will be sufficient to say that these kind of second hand reports are turned in to Miracles by too much importance given to them by biographers like Narsimhaswami whose fascination is more with Miracles than Facts.
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Ramalingaswami, 'Ambrosia in Shirdi' contains within a hagiographic mould, about two h undred episodes of Sai Baba’s miraculous feats. Half of those feats are said to have occurred after the saint’s death. These kind of works or collections are responsible for exaggerating the Miraculous abilities of Sai Baba. It has developed in to an attitude of devotees that accept miraculous explanations for all events related to Sai Baba more easily than the normal explanations. As the famous writer on mystics Prof. R.N. Kaul writes: “It is not only natural but almost imperative (un-avoiadable) to blend fact with legend when dealing with the lives of saints or mystics. Miracles become integral parts of their messages or of their personal experiences. Even if no miracles occur, it is sometimes necessary to invent some in order to brighten the halos round their heads and then great saints, mystics and prophets become God’s instruments to bring under discipline the moral and spiritual and even secular lives of men and women living on this planet of ours. These miracles become proofs of their spiritual powers or of their powers of endurance and self-restraint. Divested of these, their lives become dull studies and their messages fail to convince the masses.” 24
All Characters are not Authentic. They are based on certain folk-lore and many legend prevalent about this mythology which have been used to dramatise the narration. This is the notice shown before Sai Baba’s program on Starplus channel. Legends appear like reality if watched with ignorance and blind reverence.
“Ignorance is not innocence but sin” Browning, Robert ∑
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8. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU?
So far in this book, I have presented how Sai Baba and Meher Baba are related to a unique ideology that is “Mysticism”. They are among many thousands of Mystics who traversed the Mystical path of Meditation and had Mystical Experiences that left a strong conviction on them that they have realized God and absorbed in to God. We have seen in detail about the Science behind the Mystical Experiences and how they are caused by Brain functions. The proof that these experiences do not mean one has become God or even experienced God is presented. It was explained how infinite and pure consciousness is experienced during some extra-ordinary states of consciousness that Mystics relate to God. It was analyzed in detail why achieving these states does not make them God. Mystical Experiences are the foundations to the development of Mystical Ideology consisting of Maya, Samsara and Moksha. The reasons behind development of such concepts and how they have influenced Hinduism is presented. We have seen in detail how the claims of Meher Baba that he is an Avatar of God are incorrect and doesn’t stand in the light of his own statements and facts. We have seen other contradictions among Mystics in regard to their own identities. It is presented how Sai Baba’s identity of Sufi Mystic is turned in to that of a Hindu Avatar by his biographers and Devotees.
Misrepresentation by devotees: Excessive veneration, construction of temples etc.,
Claims of Mystics: I am God, I am Avatar & Mystical Ideology (Maya-SamsaraMoksha)
Mystical Experiences
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“Mystical Experiences” are the root of all this dogma. It is proved that these experiences are nothing but responses caused by Brain functions reacting to Meditative practices. These states do no equate man to God or God to man. The Mystic’s claims of “I am God”, “I am Avatar” are the result of these experiences. The Ideology of Mysticism (of Maya-Samsara-Moksha) is developed from the interpretation of these experiences. This does not stand the test of reasoning and can’t explain how this universe is created, all it can conclude is that God alone exists. This is because of the Mystical experience itself that devoid experiencing self there by causing this impression. Followers and Devotees take the further steps by going to extremes in veneration by ignorantly considering Mystics as Gods and constructing temples for them. We have seen in detail how this process happens. In spite of all the above facts, if you are still un-convinced that God can not be represented by any particular Baba, I request you to do a simple and sincere self-analysis of what you are doing to know if what you are doing is right or wrong.
Are you on the right path to your salvation? If you have accepted a Baba as your Master (Guru), this means that you are following the mystical Ideology and Mystical path for your salvation. But are you doing the right thing on this path to achieve your goal of salvation? The Master-Aspirant (Guru-Siddha) model of mystical path is quite same across all mystical traditions. A Master is a God-realized soul leading aspirants to the same goal. The concept of Guru bhakti (veneration for Master) has originated from this model. You have to traverse the Mystical path and achieve your goal of salvation. Remember Moksha is seeing through Maya. You cannot achieve Moksha until you achieve this. But what are you doing? Simply considering a particular Mystic or Baba (Sai Baba or Meher Baba) as your God and worshiping them as such? This does not guarantee you Moksha even according to their own ideological principles. Take for example the master student relationship in our normal life. How can a student pass the exam? He has to understand what the Master has taught, work hard by reading the books and attend the exam himself, write well and pass. Will he simply pass the exam by sitting and praying his master? A living master can still help him in some way, but suppose the student is praying a master who is no longer in this world, can he still pass the exam by just doing that? Meher Baba and Sai Baba too had their Masters (Upasni Maharaj and Venkusha respectively). They did not sit worshipping their masters but strived on the Mystical path to achieve their salvation. Similarly, you have to follow the Mystical path on your own, work hard and reach your goal of salvation (Moksha). Otherwise, you will ever be entangled in “Samsara”, is it not correct? So, just assuming a Baba to be God, praying him everyday, asking him for everything, visiting his tomb etc., will not grant you Moksha. By doing this, you are contradicting yourself by not following the Ideology in which you are keeping your belief.
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Realizing that a particular Baba is God does not grant you Moksha. If you want to become a cricketer, knowing that Tendulkar is a Great cricketer and admiring him will not make you one, you have to learn cricket, practice it and become perfect on your own. God according to the path you have chosen (Mystical Ideology) is formless, pure and infinite consciousness. There are thousands of Mystics who achieved this so called God-realization and they all had the same experience of absorption in to this infinite consciousness and claimed, 'I AM GOD'. Meher Baba said: “The state of Nirvana and the Nirvikalpa state are similar to the state of Mukti or Moksha, representing the merging of the individual soul in God and yielding the eternal bliss and infinite knowledge of super-consciousness. But Mukti or Moksha is experienced after the soul has dropped its body”
- Discourses, Volume 2, pg. 178
Assuming they all achieved Mukti or Moksha, which means they have been absorbed in to God now. So, God is now again that same pure, formless and infinite consciousness. A Mystic alone cannot represent him. You have to traverse this mystical path and achieve God-realization yourself to be able to achieve your salvation. Meher Baba said: "....Therefore, the goal is to realize the reality and attain the I AM GOD state in human form." (–God Speaks, Pg. 190). Sai Baba was crying. Why? He wanted people to follow the spiritual path to salvation instead of just coming to him for boons. Are you doing that? To do that, you have to follow in the footsteps of Mystics. Abandon all your desires; lead an ascetic life and Meditate. But be careful, there are dangers along the path: “Some get intoxicated with their extraordinary powers and, tempted to use them, have a long pause in their Godward march. They get stuck in the consciousness of the intermediate planes. Some become dazed, confused and even self-deluded. Some are caught in a coma” - Meher Baba, Discourses Volume 3, page. 25 This is not a false warning; the physical abuse and intense meditations of the Mystical path have made many people insane. People in this state can be seen throughout the Indian Subcontinent, especially near the tombs of the Sufis. They are referred to as, “Majzoobs”. Meher Baba worked with them extensively, calling them “Masts” or “God-intoxicated”. But the fact is that our Brains are not designed to withstand such self-abuse. Meditation beyond certain limits is a dangerous practice and if carried out in an improper manner, it can cause permanent psychological or brain damage. Using the word 'God-intoxication' to represent this state is illogical & ignorance.
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Liberation or Slavery? Mysticism and Mystics are gladly appreciated by some liberals and philosophers for liberating people from meaningless religious rituals, caste dogmas and slavery to false deities and providing with a direct path to God and experience of God. Surely there is some truth in this. But is it all true? Think about it...What Mystics have in-effect done is to distance the people from the true Identity of God, presenting the God as just a pure consciousness that does not even have any power to create this world and turning themselves in to Gods. A basic study of the Mystical tradition of Master-Aspirant model proves that Master is to be obeyed, venerated and worshipped unconditionally. In Sufi tradition, this veneration goes to extremes. It will consume too much space if that need to be explained here. Meher Baba’s 'Discourses' details how the Master has to be serviced, obeyed, worshipped and meditated up on. What kind of liberation is this? Mystics have in effect liberated people from worship of God and enslaved them in their own worship. If this is not believable to you we can also say that we have enslaved ourselves in their worship. Whatever may be the case, it has to be noted that we have gone far away from worship of real God. Mystics are against all religious rituals offered to God, they shun these practices openly but are we not doing all those same rituals again to them daily by constructing temples for them and considering them as God? Don’t you see the Irony? Mystics were humans; they lived and died just like other humans. They met with accidents, they too had diseases. They had no control over their fates, how do you believe that they can control your destiny and grant you salvation? For those who accept the facts and reasoning presented against the Mystics and their Ideology, it’s time to wonder, what is the true path for salvation then? According to Mystics, God is pure and infinite consciousness. Is this all about God? Or is there any other explanation? If God is there, why did he not give us any clear guidance? Why did he not communicate with us the correct path to reach him and achieve salvation?
The answer to these questions is that God has given the guidance and in a very clear way: Through His Messengers.
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Messengers of God Who are they? Messengers are not Man-God or God-Mans. They are just humans, chosen by God for communicating his message to the humanity. The first being the very first Human being created by God., Adam (PBUH) and the last being Muhammad (PBUH) preceded by many other great messengers like Noah (PBUH), Ibrahim (PBUH), Moses (PBUH) and Jesus (PBUH) etc., How can and why should non-Muslims have to believe and accept Muhammad (PBUH) as their messenger? Muhammad (PBUH) was not a messenger meant for a certain community but He was the last messenger for whole of Humanity. This is proved by many religious scholars who studied various scriptures. For details, see Appendix B. Why should we listen to Muhammad (PBUH)’s message only and not oth ers? All the Messengers conveyed the same message to Humanity from time to time. But the message was ignored, corrupted and lost. All religious scriptures unanimously agree that there is only One God and only he should be worshipped. But we see that the followers of every religion are worshiping anything and everything but God. They made their prophets, pious men, mystics or the characters of mythical stories invented by their ancestors as God. Mystics have the lions share in distracting people from true Identity of God. Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of God and his message is for whole of Humanity. God himself promised that He would keep this message uncorrupted in the form of a Holy book – The Quran. We will listen to just anybody and accept anything when said about God. Can’t we at once, listen to the message of the last messenger of God? In the next chapter, we will see what the message of God’s messengers is, how different is it from that of Mystic’s and most importantly if it stands the test of reason-
ing and science.
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A PARADIGM SHIFT
The word paradigm (derived from the Greek paradigma, meaning “pattern”) refers to the commonly accepted theories, values, and scientific practices that constitute ‘normal science’ within any particular discipline. Over time paradigms change. The process begins when the existing paradigm encounters an anomaly–an observation that cannot be explained by the current worldview. Because our assumptions as to how the world works are so deeply ingrained, the anomaly is initially overlooked, or rejected as an error. Or, if it cannot be so easily discarded, attempts are made to incorporate the anomaly within the existing paradigm. An example of this is that for more than a thousand years, astronomers had interpreted their observations on the model formulated by the Greek philosopher Ptolemy, around 140 CE: The sun, moon, planets, and stars all revolved around the earth in circular orbits. They use to come out with many explanations to cover the anomalies pointed out by other scientists. But the findings of Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Kepler and Isaac Newton even though ridiculed initially, slowly caused the paradigm shift that lead to accept the fact that earth is not at the centre of the Universe but it is the Sun (geocentric worldview changed to a heliocentric worldview). For those who are used to the Mystical concepts of God (God as pure consciousness or God as a particular Baba) as a result of veneration to Mystics and their Ideology that has taken deep roots in their hearts, any other concept of God looks unreal and alien and something not meant for them. Even though their concepts does not stand the tests of reality and fail to explain our very existence and purpose, they try to defend their ideas. What is required is a paradigm shift in our thinking to realize the true Identity and Message of God. Only a quest for Truth brings such a change. “Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. In the first, it is ridiculed. In the second, it is opposed. In the third, it is regarded as self-evident.” - Arthur Schopenhauer
“Soon we shall show them our signs in the furthest regions of the horizons and into their soul until it is clear to them, that this is the Truth”
- The Holy Quran [41:53]
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9. True Identity and Message of God God revealed in the Holy Quran:
“We sent Noah to his people. He said: ‘ O my people! Worship Allah!* You have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day!’ The leaders of his people said: ‘Most certainly we perceive you in clear error’ He said: ‘O my people! There is no error in me but I am an Apostle from the Lord of the worlds. I deliver to you the message of my Lord and I counsel you right’ ” [7:59-61] “To the Aad People (We sent) Hud one of their own brethren. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. You do nothing but invent your other gods! O my people! I ask of you no reward for this (Message). My reward is from none but Him Who created
me: will you not then understand?’ ” [11:50-51] “……They said, ‘Have you come to us (to tell us) that we should worship Allah alone and leave off (worshipping) that which our forefathers worshipped? Then bring to us that with which you threaten us, if you are truthful’. He said, ‘Punishment and wrath from your Fosterer have already fallen on you. What! Do you dispute with me about names which you have named, you or your forefathers**, for which Allah has not sent down any authority, then wait, I (too) will wait’. We saved him and those who adhered to him by our mercy and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our signs and did not believe.” [7:70-72] “And to (the community of Samood) (We sent) Salih one of their own brethren. He said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. It is He Who has produced you from the
earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him and turn to Him (in repentance): for my Lord is (always) near ready to answer.’ They said: ‘O Salih! Earlier to this, you were one among us, in whom our (high) hopes were placed. Do you forbid us to worship of that which our fathers worshipped? And we are certainly in doubt causing restlessness, concerning that which you
invite us to.’ He said: ‘ O my people! Do You see? if I have a Clear (Sign) from my Lord and He has sent Mercy unto me from Himself, then who will help me against Allah if I were to disobey Him? Then you will add nothing to me except loss’”
[11:61-63]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * As mentioned earlier, this Arabic word literally means 'The one worthy of worship'. 'Allah' should not be considered as only the God of Muslims. He is not just God of Muslims but He is the God of all humanity and rest of His creation. ** It means that they say there is one God for wind, one for prosperity, one for health etc., In fact, none of them are Gods for anything… these are just the names people invented. One who fights over this is just fighting over some names and not for any Truth.
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“To the Madyan people (We sent) Shuaib one of their own brethren: he said: ‘ O my People! Worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. And do not measure and weigh less than what is
due. I see you in prosperity today but I fear for you the Penalty of a Day that will compass (you) all round.’” [11:84]
“Ibrahim said to his people: ‘Worship Allah and fear Him. That would be best for you if you but
knew it. Instead of Allah you worship only idols. You are inventing a lie. Those you worship besides Allah have no power to provide for you. So seek the beauty of Allah and worship Him. Give thanks to Him for it is to Him you shall be returned. And if you deny, then the nations before you had (also) denied, and the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the message) plainly.’” [29: 16-18]
“He [ Ibrahim] said, ‘You have adopted idols instead of Allah but your love of them will last only in this life. But then on the Day of Rising, you will reject and curse one another. The Fire will be your shelter. You will have no helpers.’” [29:25]
“... He [ Ibrahim] said to his father, ‘Father, knowledge which never reached you has come to me, so follow me and I will guide you to the right path. Father, do not worship Satan. Satan was disobedient to the All-Merciful. Father, I am afraid that a punishment from the All-Merciful will afflict you, and turn you into a comrade of Satan.’” [19: 43-45]
“... He [ Ibrahim] said, ‘My Lord is He Who has power to give life and to cause death.’ The other said, ‘I too have the power to give life and to cause death.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Allah makes the sun come from the East. Make it come from the West.’ And the disbeliever was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers.’” [2:258]
“... He [ Ibrahim] said, ‘Are you arguing with me about Allah when He has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you ascribe to Him unless my Lord should will such a thing to happen. My Lord encompasses all things in His knowledge, so will you not p ay heed? Why should I fear what you have associated with Him when you yourselves apparently have no fear of serving idols not sanctioned by Allah? Which of us is more deserving of salvation? Tell me if you have any knowledge. Those who believe and do not taint their faith with any wrongdoing, shall surely earn salvation for they follow the right path.’” [6: 80-82]
“When he [Ibrahim] said to his father and his people, ‘What do you worship?’ They said, ‘We worship idols and we remain constantly in attendance on them.’ He said, ‘Do they hear you when
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you call or do they help you or do you harm?’ They said, ‘No, but this is what we found our fathers doing.’ He said, ‘Have you really thought about what you worship, you and your forefa-
thers?’” [26:70-76] “When he [Ibrahim] said to his father and his people, ‘What are these statues you are clinging to?’ they said, ‘We found our fathers worshipping them .’ He said, ‘You and your fathers are clearly misguided.’ They said, ‘Have you brought us the truth or is this but a fest?’ He said, ‘Far from it! Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the Earth, He Who brought them into being. I am one of those who bear witness to that.’” [21:52- 56] “He [ Ibrahim] said, ‘Do you worship something you have carved with your own hands, when Allah created both you and all that you have made?’” [37, 95-96] “AND WE BROUGHT the children of Israel across the sea; and thereupon they came upon people who were devoted to the worship of some idols of theirs. Said [the children of Israel ]: ‘O Moses, set up for us a god even as they have gods!’ Moses said, ‘You are indeed an ignorant people. What these people are doing is destined for destruction. What they are doing is purposeless.’ Then he asked, ‘Should I seek something
other than Allah as a god for you when He has favoured you over all other beings?’ [And he reminded them of this word of Allah.] ‘Remember when We rescued you from Pharaoh’s people who oppressed you cruelly, killing your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a terrible trial from your Lord.’” [7: 138-141] “He ( Jesus) said, ‘I am the servant of Allah , He has given me the Book and made me a Prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am and directed me to be steadfast in prayer and give alms to the poor as long as I live, and to show devotion to my mother. He has not made me insolent or arrogant. Peace be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die and the day I am raised up again alive.’ Such was Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam. That is the whole truth about which they are still in doubt.’” [19: 30-34]
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“Jesus said ‘Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path.’” [43: 64] “Jesus said ‘Tribe of Israel, I am the Messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Torah which came
before me and giving you the good news of a Messenger after me whose name is Ahmad…’” [61: 6]
This is the unique message of the Messengers: To identify the true creator and to worship him alone without ascribing any form and partners to him. Then came Muhammad (PBUH), the final messenger of God:
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O mankind! Verily, I am an apostle of God to all of you, [sent by Him] unto whom the dominion over the heavens and the earth belongs! There is no deity save Him; He [alone] grants life and deals death!’ Believe, then, in God and His Apostle-the unlettered Prophet who believes in God and His words-and follow him, so that you might find guidance!” [7:158] “O mankind! The Messenger (Muhammad) has come to you with truth from Allah: believe in him: it is best for you. But if you reject Faith, to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allah is All-Knowing All-Wise.” [4:170] “O mankind! Fear your Lord! For the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a thing terrible!” [22:1] “O mankind! If you have a doubt about the Resurrection (consider) that We created you out of dust then out of sperm then out of a leech-like clot then out a morsel of flesh partly formed and partly unformed in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term then do We bring you out as babes then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die and some are sent back to the feeblest old age so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further) you see the earth barren and lifeless but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life) it swells and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).”
[22:5-7]
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“O you who believe ! Celebrate the praises of Allah and do this often And glorify Him morning and evening.” [33:41-42] “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [49:13] “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah but do (precisely) what they are commanded. (Hence,) O you who are bent on denying the truth, make no (empty) excuses today: (in the life to come) you shall be but recompensed for what you were doing [in this world]. [66:6-7] “O you who believe ! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when you hear
(him speak).” [8:20] “O you that believe ! Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.” [8:27]
As it can be observed from the above quotations, the message of all messengers (Peace be upon them) before Muhammad (PBUH) was meant for a particular people (Note those messengers said… ‘O my people’…). But the message of Muhammad (PBUH) is addressed to all mankind as it can be seen the terms used are ‘O mankind!….’, or ‘O you Children of Adam…..’, or ‘O you who believe…..’, or ‘O you disbelievers …..’. Thus Muhammad (PBUH)’s message was not
just for Arabs or any particular community but for all humanity.
Message of Muhammad (PBUH)
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It is reported from an authentic chain of narrators that once a man wearing pure white clothes came to the place where Muhammad (PBUH) was with his companions. The narrator says that they had never seen this man before in Medina and he had no marks of travel on his apparel and his appearance. The man asked Muhammad (PBUH): “O Prophet of Allah, please explain to me what is ‘ iman’ (faith)?”
The Muhammad (PBUH) replied: Iman (faith) is: 1. To believe and worship Allah Alone, without associating any partners with Him. 2. To believe in all the Messengers sent by Allah. 3. To believe in all His revealed Books. 4. To believe in the angels of Allah. 5. To believe in the Hereafter. 6. To believe in the ‘Qadr’ (that everything that happens in the Universe is in the Program and Planning and Control) of Allah.”
The man said: “Sadaqta” (You have spoken the Truth!) and then asked Muhammad (PBUH): “O Prophet of Allah, please explain to me what is Islam?” Muhammad (PBUH) replied: “The foundation of Islam is based on five pillars: 1. To testify that “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger”. 2. To establish the (obligatory congregational) prayers. 3. To pay Zakat (obligatory charity). 4. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. 5. To perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).
The man said: “Sadaqta” (You have spoken the Truth!), and went away. Muhammad (PBUH) then turned to his companions and said: “That was Angel Gibrael (PBUH) who
came in the form of a man to teach you your deen (religion).” From the above narration and several other authentic narrations, it is evident that Muhammad (PBUH) declared that there are five pillars in Islam and no Muslim, who fears Allah and The Last Day, has dared to add/subtract from the above 5 pillars of Islam.
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Allah says in the holy Quran: “The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will).Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs , evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account. [3:19] “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah., never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” [3:85]
“We [Allah] have, without doubt, sent down the Message [The Noble Quran]; and We will assuredly Guard it (from corruption).” [15:9]
Thus, in conclusion, when the world was ready for One Global and Universal Message that would supercede all the Shariahs (laws) and last till the end of time, Allah in His Perfect Wisdom and Knowledge sent His Last and Final Messenger, Muhammad (PBUH) with His Last and Final Revelation, The Holy Quran. And Allah also guaranteed the authenticity and survivability of His Glorious Revelation until the end of time, so that no man could have an excuse that the Message of his Lord never reached him in its perfect form! For those who still want some proof that Muhammad (PBUH) was not only a religious but a great historical figure, it will be worth mentioning another fact. Michael H. Hart wrote the book 'Hundred most influential people in the world', - He gave the No. 1 position to the last and
final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Isaac Newton is in 2nd position where as Jesus Christ in 3rd.
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Some may say, your work is basically to use a few scientific terms and concepts related to Brain which no one can understand and thereby discrediting our Baba who is an Avatar of God. Even we can apply scientific knowledge and terminology to your religion and conclude the same thing. I welcome this comment. Let us examine the message of Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran under the light of scientific knowledge:
First of all, it has to be noted that Messengers were not Mystics . They did not practice meditation or ever claimed that they have witnessed God, absorbed into God, they are same as God, they are Avatar of God, have access to infinite and perfect knowledge etc., God’s message came to them sometimes directly through God’s inspiration or sometimes through God’s Angels. Some scientists make this statement: “Mystical Experiences are the root of all religions”. Having explained Mystical Experiences as functions of Brain with practical proofs, these scientists conclude that all religions and concept of God itself are therefore nothing but Brain’s creation. This is a very big mistake. Because the truth is that Messengers were not Mystics . As anybody who does a basic survey of religions originated through people claiming to be God’s messengers see that the messengers had nothing in common with Mystics (neither they did practice meditation nor they claimed they are Gods). We have seen at length, the differences between Meher Baba and Muhammad (PBUH) in this regard. Some Scientists even claim that Muhammad (PBUH) may have suffered from some sort of mental decease (some specify it as Epilepsy) that made him hear voices and caused delusions which he thought were revelations from God and wrote them down as the Quran. Truth seekers must consider all options. Let us see if these allegations have any strength of truthfulness to stand. I said some Scientists because there are other scientists who say that Muhammad (PBUH) must have been a prophet of God. Most of them are not even Muslims. But the difference is that those who say Muhammad (PBUH) was a madman did not read the Quran and mostly they were atheists and those who say he must have been a prop het read the Quran and Hadith (Authentic sayings of Muhammad, PBUH). Let us see what some scientists are saying about the Holy Quran and Muhammad (PBUH):
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Dr. Moore Professor Emeritus, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Toronto. Distinguished embryologist and the author of several medical textbooks, includi ng Clinically Oriented Anatomy (3rd Edition) and The Developing Human (5th Edition, with T.V.N. Persaud).
He said: “For the past three years, I have worked with the Embryology Committee of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, helping them to interpret the many statements in the Quran and Sunnah (traditions of Muhammad, PBUH) referring to human reproduction and prenatal development. At first I was astonished by the accuracy of the statements that were recorded in the 7th century AD, before the science of embryology was established . Although
I was aware of the glorious history of Muslim scientists in the 10th century AD, and some of their contributions to Medicine, I knew nothing about the religious facts and beliefs contained in the Quran and Sunnah.” 1 At a conference in Cairo he presented a research paper and stated: “It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quran about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, or Allah, because most of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. Th is proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God, or Allah .” 2
Professor Moore also stated that: “...Because the staging of human embryos is complex, owing to the continuous process of change during d evelopment, it is proposed that a new system of classification could be developed using the terms mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah . The proposed system is simple, comprehensive, and conforms with present embryological knowledge. The intensive studies of the Quran and Hadith in the last four years have revealed a system of classifying human embryos that is amazing since it was recorded in the seventh century A.D... the descriptions in the Quran cannot be based on scientific knowledge in the seventh century...” 3
What led Dr. Moore to say the above?, Dr. Moor’s findings:
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What Dr. Moore found in the Holy Quran is an accurate description of the human embryo’s stage-by-stage development, which was proposed by Western experts in 1940 and most of which was proved only in about the past 15 years. Asked whether the descriptions may have resulted from crude dissections, Dr. Moore said that at this stage the embryo is about one-tenth of a millimetre long and would appear like a little dot to the human eye. He said: “To discern its shape would require a powerful microscope and microscopes were not developed until the seventeenth century”. He said Islamic scholars at the university presented them with English translations of several different Quranic verses to determine if they had any scientific meaning. One of the verses they interpr eted read: ‘God makes you in the wombs of your mothers in stages, one after another, within three veils of darkness.’ Dr. Moore said the three veils could reasonably be interpreted to mean the mother’s abdominal wall, the wall of the uterus and the amniochorionic membrane. Another verse read: ‘Thereafter, we created of the drop a thing which clings, a leech-like structure.’ Dr. Moore and the others found that the Arab leech bears a striking resemblance to the embryo at 24 days, and Dr. Moore said the embryo does cling to the wall of the uterus at this stage. A subsequent verse says the leech-like dot appears later like a chewed substance. Dr. Moore shaped some plasticene like the embryo at 28 days and put his own teeth marks into it. His chewed plasticene was the carbon copy of the embryo at this stage with pairs of bead-like marks similar to the teeth marks.
The verse noted that only some parts of the substance are distinguishable at this stage and, in fact, the heart and eye lens are, Dr. Moore said. He said verses describe the semen ‘gushing’ from the male upon ejaculation but fertilizing sperm being derived from only a small portion of the semen.
Dr. Moore said in his paper: ‘It was not until the eighteenth century that Spallanzani showed experimentally that both male and female sex prod ucts were necessary for the initiation of development’. It is difficult not to interpret the mixed drop mentioned in the Quran in the seventh century as a reference to the mingling of the male and female sex cells described 11 centuries later.’
Another verse talks of the minute, dot-like (nutfa, in Arabic) amount of sperm containing a plan or blueprint for future characteristics and features. Among the collected sayings of the Prophet that Dr. Moore examined was one that said that 42 days after conception, God sends an angel to give the dot-like substance human features such as eyes and ears. Dr. Moore believes it is quite reasonable for Muslims to believe that these verses are revelations from God and hence so accurate.
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E. Marshall Johnson
Professor and Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, and Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
“...in summary, the Quran describes not only the development of external form, but emphasises also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasising major events recognised by contemporary science.” “As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see. I can understand embryology and developmental biology. I can understand the words that are translated to me from the Quran. As I gave the example before, if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I do today and describing things, I could not describe the things that were described... I see no evidence to refute the concept that this individual Muhammad had to be developing this information from some place... so I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what he was able to write...” 4
T.V.N. Persaud Professor of Anatomy, and Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
“It seems to me that Muhammad was a very ordinary man, he couldn’t read, didn’t know how to write, in fact he was an illiterate... We’re talking about 1400 years ago, you have some illiterate person making profound statements that are amazingly accurate, of a scientific nature... I personally can’t see how this could be mere chance, there are too many accuracies and like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind reconciling that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which lead him to these statements.” 5
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Joe Leigh Simpson Professor and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecolog y, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
“... these Hadiths (sayings of Muhammad) could not have been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available at the time of the ‘writer’... It follows that not only is there no conflict between genetics and religion (Islam) but in fact religion (Islam) may guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches... There exist statements in the Quran shown centuries later to be valid which support knowledge in the Quran having been derived from God.” 6
Gerald C. Goeringer Professor and Co-ordinator of Medical Embryology in the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
“...In a relatively few ayahs (Quranic verses) is contained a rather comprehensive description of human development from the time of commingling of the gametes through organogene sis. No such distinct and complete record of human development such as classification, terminology, and description existed previously. In most, if not all instances, this description antedates by many centuries the recording of the various stages of human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature.” 7
Professor Siaveda Professor of Marine Geology, Japan.
When asked “What is your opinion of what you have seen in the Quran and the Sunnah with regard to the secrets of the Universe, which scientists only discovered now?”, he replied: “I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true, the book is really a very remarkable book, I agree.” 8
Alfred Kroner
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Professor of the Department of Geosciences, University of Mainz, Germany.
“Thinking where Muhammad came from... I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe , because scientists have only found out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case.” “Somebody who did not know something about nuclear physics 1400 years ago could not, I think, be in a position to find out from his own mind for instance that the earth and the heavens had the same origin, or many others of the questions that we have discussed here... If you combine all these and you combine all these statements that are being made in the Quran in terms that relate to the earth and the formation of the earth and science in general, you can basically say that statements made there in many ways are true, they can now be confirmed by scientific methods, and in a way, you can say that the Quran is a simple science text book for the simple man. And that many of the statements made in there at that time could not be proven, but that modern scientific methods are now in a position to prove what Muhammad said 1400 years ago.” 9
Yushidi Kusan Director of the Tokyo Observatory, Tokyo, Japan.
He was presented with a number of Quranic verses describing the beginnings of the universe and of the heavens, and the relationship of the earth to the heavens. He expressed his astonishment, saying that “the Quran describes the universe as seen from the highest observation point, everything is distinct and clear. I say, I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in Quran, and for us modern astronomers have been studying very small piece of the universe. We have concentrated our efforts for understanding of very small part. Because by using telescopes, we can see only very few parts of the sky without thinking about the whole universe. So by reading Quran and by answering to the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe.” 10
Professor Armstrong Professor Armstrong works for NASA and is also Professor of Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
When asked, “You have seen and discovered for yourself the true nature of modern Astronomy by means of modern equipment, rockets, and satellites developed by man. You have also seen how the same facts were mentioned by the Quran fourteen centuries ago. So what is your opinion?” Armstrong replied: “That is a difficult question which I have been thinking about since our discussion here. I am impressed at how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent Astronomy. I am not a sufficient scholar of human history to project myself completely and reliably into the circumstances that 1400 years ago would have prevailed. Certainly, I would like to leave it at that, that what we have seen is remarkable, it may or may not admit of scientific explanation, there may well have to be something beyond what we understand as ordinary human experience to account for the writings that we have seen.” 11
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William Hay Professor of Oceanogprahy, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
When asked about his comment on the information present in Quran regarding the marine surface, the divider between upper and lower sea, and about the ocean floor and marine geology, he said: “I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scriptures of the Holy Quran, and I have no way of knowing where they would have come from. But I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some of the passages.” And when he was asked about the source of the Quran, he replied, “Well, I would think it must be the divine being.” 12
Durga Rao Professor of Marine Geology teaching at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
He was presented with many verses dealing with his area of specialisation, and when asked: “What do you think of the existence of the scientific information in the Quran? How could Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have known about these facts fourteen centuries ago?”, Prof. Durga Rao replied: “It is difficult to imagine that this type of knowledge was existing at that time, around 1400 years back. May be some of the things they have simple idea about, but to describe those things in great detail is very difficult. So this is definitely not simple human knowledge. A normal human being cannot explain this phenomenon in that much de tail. So, I thought the information must have come from a supernatural source.” 13
Tejatat Tejasen Chairman of the Department of Anatomy and is the former Dean of the faculty of Medicine, University of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Professor Tejasen studied various articles concerning the Quran and modern embryology. He spent four days with several scholars, Muslims and non-Muslims, discussing this phenomenon in the Quran and Hadith. During the 8th Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia he stood up and said: “In the last three years, I became interested in the Quran... From my studies and what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Quran fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means.
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Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who is eligible creator. This creator must be God, or Allah.
I think this is the time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God), Muhammad rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger of Allah...
The most precious thing I have gained from coming to this conference is La ilaha illa Allah, and to have become Muslim.” 14
Dr. Maurice Bucaille Born in 1920, former chief of the Surgical Clinic, University of Paris, has for a long time deeply interested in the correspondences between the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and modern secular knowledge.
After a study that lasted ten years, Dr. Maurice Bucaille addressed the French Academy of Medicine in 1976 concerning the existence in the Quran of certain statements concerning physiology and reproduction. His reason for doing that was that: “...Our knowledge of these disciplines is such, that it is impossible to explain how a text produced at the time of the Quran could have contained ideas that have only been discovered in modern times.” “The above observation makes the hypothesis advanced by those who see Muhammad as the author of the Quran untenable. How could a man, from being illiterate, become the most important author, in terms of literary merits, in the whole of Arabic literature? How could he then pronounce truths of a scientific nature that no other human-being could possibly have developed at that time, and all this without once making the slightest error in his pronouncement on the subject?” Dr. Maurice Bucaille is the author of a best-seller, “The Bible, The Quran and Science” (1976). His other works include: “What is the Origin of Man” (Seghers, 1988), “Moses and Pharaoh, the Hebrews in Egypt”, (NTT Mediascope Inc, 1994); and “Réflexions sur le Coran” (Mohamed Talbi & Maurice Bucaille, Seghers, 1989)
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The Quran and Science There is so much Scientific knowledge in the Holy Quran that complements and in compliance with Modern discoveries. This covers the fields and topics as described below: ASTRONOMY 'CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE' 'THE BIG BANG' 'INITIAL GASEOUS MASS BEFORE' 'CREATION OF GALAXIES' 'SHAPE OF THE EARTH IS SPHERICAL' 'MOONLIGHT IS REFLECTED LIGHT' 'THE SUN ROTATES' 'THE SUN WILL EXTINGUISH' 'INTERSTELLAR MATTER' 'THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE' PHYSICS 'ATOMS CAN BE DIVIDED' HYDROLOGY 'THE WATER CYCLE' 'EVAPORATION' 'WINDS IMPREGNATE CLOUDS' GEOLOGY 'MOUNTAINS ARE LIKE TENT PEGS' 'MOUNTAINS FIRMLY FIXED' OCEANOLOGY 'BARRIER BETWEEN SWEET AND SALT WATERS' 'DARKNESS IN DEPTHS OF OCEAN' BOTANY 'PLANTS HAVE MALE AND FEMALE' 'FRUITS HAVE MALE AND FEMALE' 'EVERYTHING MADE IN PAIRS'
ZOOLOGY 'ANIMALS AND BIRDS LIVE IN COMMUNITIES' 'THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS' 'THE BEE AND ITS SKILL' 'SPIDER’S WEB, THE FRAGILE HOME' 'LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNICATION OF ANTS'
MEDICINE
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'HONEY:HEALING FOR HUMANKIND' PHYSIOLOGY 'BLOOD CIRCULATION AND MILK' EMBRYOLOGY 'DROP EMITTED FROM BETWEEN THE BACK BONE AND THE RIBS' 'NUTFAH – MINUTE QUANTITY OF LIQUID' 'SULALAH – QUINTESSENCE OF LIQUID' 'NUTFATUN AMSHAAJ – MINGLED LIQUIDS' 'SEX DETERMINATION' 'FOETUS PROTECTED BY THREE VEILS OF DARKNESS' 'EMBRYOLOGICAL STAGES' 'EMBRYO PARTLY FORMED AND PARTLY UNFORMED' 'SENSE OF HEARING AND SIGHT' GENERAL SCIENCE 'FINGERPRINTS' 'PAIN RECEPTORS IN THE SKIN'
There are many works (articles, books) by scholars and Scientists on this topic. It will be too lengthy to include in this book all those verses in the Quran and their explanation. I hope for those who believe, the above quotations from scientists are a big sign. If you are interested in this area, you can access the web sites mentioned in Appendix B – Links to Further Reading. These web sites contain the free online version of articles and books on this topic.
Could a mad-man have written such a text as the Quran? Now lets come back to those Scientists who said Muhammad (PBUH) must have suffered from some mental disease. Not only some modern, atheist-scientists but the Arab pagans around the Prophet also accused him of madness, as Allah mentions in the Holy Quran: “And they [the Arab pagans] say, ‘O you to whom the Reminder has been revealed! You are most surely insane!’” [15:6]
If the product of this “madness” were anything other than the Glorious Quran, there might be some weight to the claim. But as it stands, the question must be asked: Could a madman produce a seemingly perfect text? In fourteen hundred years of intense scrutiny and examination, not a single contradiction, grammatical flaw, or comparable imitation has ever been found. Could a madman inadvertently compose a text that stood as the foundation of the most successful and extensive empires ever to grace the earth? Could a madman write a book that has united peoples of hundreds of different languages and races for over fourteen centuries? A text that directly generated radically original systems of government, economics, human rights, and scholarship that stood the test of time and have subsequently inspired the rules and governing systems by which we live today?
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To call the Quran the product of insanity is no less implausible than a group of monkeys jumping on a keyboard and producing an unflawed copy of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. Furthermore, the Quran itself challenges such accusations through its self-declared inimitability (i’jaz). Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful. But if you do it not – and you can never do it – then be on your guard against the fire of which men and stones are the fuel; it is prepared for the unbelievers.” [2:23-24]
Messengers Vs Mystics The main intention of this work is to present the concept of God as conveyed by Mystics and to show how different it is from that of Messengers of God. It is beyond the scope of this book to explain everything about Islam. It’s just an introduction and as such we will concentrate only on the aspect of how God is represented by Mystics and Messengers. Let us re-examine the message of Muhammad (PBUH):
Shahadah - First pillar
The first pillar of the faith in God is to declare the faith in one God, This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah. This is done by saying & believing whole heartedly:
“There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
This is a simple formula that all the Muslims pronounce countless times all their life. This formula is also called as Kalima.
A very important observation has to be made here . In Arabic, the first part of the kalima is: “La Ilaah Illa-Allah”
La = None Ilaah = worthy of worshipping Illa = except Allah = Allah (God, the one worthy of worshipping)
If you notice, a negative approach is used by God here. He is not just saying “I am worthy of worshipping” (It would have been positive approach then).
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He is saying – “There is no one else worthy of worshipping except me”. The intent here is to reject all other objects or personalities of worship first and foremost and then worship the one & only God.
Please think why God is asking to reject all other objects and personalities of worship first before even thinking of worshipping him. In Pre-Islamic Arabia, the Arabs use to believe in the existence of one supreme God but also use to worship their self-invented idols and personalities as a way to reach the one God. It’s same as what Hindus or many other religious communites are doing now. It will be clear to those who read history that in the period prior to Muhammad (PBUH), Indians and Arabs had the same religion. If this kind of worship is valid and is acceptable to the God, then he would not have sent the message (through Muhammad, PBUH) of his Oneness and importance of praying him alone. Please think about it. Second part of the Kalima is: “Muhammad ur rasoolullah” = “Muhammad is messenger of God.” This is to clarify the position of Muhammad (PBUH) as a messenger of God.
Otherwise, for the personality of Muhammad (PBUH) – people would have surely elevated his position to that of God. Now let us see How Sufis (The Mystics claiming they are Muslims) corrupt the fundamental pillar of Islam, the Kalima. They translate “La Ilaah Illa-Allah” as “ALLAH ALONE IS”
This is the level of corruption about God’s identity. This is to satisfy their mystic Ideology that everything is God and that God alone exists, everything else is a reflection of God or Maya. Please note how much difference is there between Muhammad (PBUH)’s message and that of Mystics. This is a basic example. I recommend those who are devotees of Mystics (either Sai Baba or Meher Baba) to read both Meher Baba’s literature (God Speaks, Discourses) and the Holy Quran. You can easily understand the difference and it will be very clear how wrong Meher Baba was with his declarations like “I am the next Avatar after Muhammad”, “I am the Ancient One”, “All religions are in me” etc., These were the Mystic’s way of avoiding people from reaching to the message of the Messengers.
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God is warning about such people in the Holy Quran: “Who is more wrongful than he who forges lies against Allah, to lead people astray without knowledge? Surely, Allah does not guide the wrongful.” [6:144]
We are instructed by God to follow only Muhammad (PBUH): “Say (to men, O Muhammad!), ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” [3:31]
Thus the love of Allah necessitates following the commands of the Messenger of Allah with hope for reward and fear of punishment in the Hereafter.
Muhammad (PBUH) warned us not to follow others: “The Messenger of Allah made a straight line on the ground with his hand, then he said, ‘This is the straight way of Allah.’ Then he made (short) line on each side of the straight line; then he said, ‘These (short) lines, each one has a shaitan inviting people to it.’ Then he recited the verse: ‘And this is My path, straight. So follow it, and do not follow (other) ways, lest they lead you away from My path.’” [6:153] “He who will live (long enough) will see many different (ways). Keep you to my way, and the way of the well-guided followers’; hold fast thereto. And beware of innovations (in matters of religion). Verily, every innovation (in religious matters) is a bid’ah (wrongdoing), and every bid’ah is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.”
(Source: Abu Dawood & an-Nisaa’ee)
“Verily those who fear their Lord with reverence, and those who believe in the signs of the Lord, and those who ascribe no partners to their Lord, and those who give what they give while their hearts are full of fear, because to their Lord they will return.” [23:57-61]
Conclusion
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“O man! What has deluded you in respect of your Noble Lord?” [The holy Quran, 82: 6]
This book has presented you with many proofs that will make it clear to you that Mysticism is a unique Ideology that is entirely different from that of the messengers of God. We have seen in detail how Mysticism and its ideology are not only different but also against the message of the Messengers of God. We have seen the Messengers were not Mystics and that the Mystics claims that they are messengers or Avatars of God are simply incorrect even in the light of verifying their own explanations.
Mystical Experiences: Through these, the Mystics are claiming that they comprehend God and
are being absorbed in to and becoming equal to God. We have seen how these experiences are functions of Brain and how they are happening as a result of intense Meditational practices and have nothing to do with God. Also, as a result of these experiences, Mystics are representing God as pure, infinite consciousness.
Mystical Ideology: We have seen how the Mystical Ideology that is developed based on the
Mystical experiences fails to explain the basics of our very existence.
Misrepresentation of Mystics: We have seen how our ignorance of Mysticism, coupled with our
blind piety ness furthers the self-imposed misrepresentation of Mystics. How our veneration turns these figures in to God, worshipped in temples.
It has always been the nature of humanity to corrupt the identity of God. We compared and equaled him with everything we can imagine from rocks to humans. Mystics have equated him to the consciousness.
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him” [The Holy Quran 42:11]
Can’t we understand this simple message of God? Can’t we stop searching for him in humans and start worshipping him without associating any form or partners to him and in a way communicated to us by his messengers?
Let’s not be self-deceivers
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“And do not follow (blindly) any information of which you have no (direct) knowledge. (Using your faculties of perception and conception, you must verify it for yourself). ( In the Court of your Lord,) you will be held accountable for your hearing, sight, and the faculty of reasoning.” [17:36]
Sai Baba stood for principles of universal tolerance and peace, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of all mankind. Throughout his life, Sai Baba begged for his food. He would eat unconcerned about taste and used to put any surplus food in an earthenware pot and leave it outside the Masjid for anyone in need including dogs, cats and crows. Sai Baba use to demand Dakshina (money) from his visitors but only for the purpose of re-distributing it to the poor and needy and by the end of the day he use to retain nothing, remaining as a penniless faqir. He treated all women as sisters and mothers. Similarly, Meher Baba’s service to the poor, lepers and the mentally ill is mentionable in it’s own right. It proves beyond any doubt that they were very kind beings. Similarly, we have Mother Theresa. There is no need to tell anyone about the service she has carried out for the poor and ill. But does it make her a God? Similarly, the good nature, humility and service to the poor of any person or saint cannot be a criterion to make a God out of him. These are great Human qualities, to be followed up on and not to be used to corrupt and destroy the identity of God.
I am sure, the facts presented in this book will hurt you in one way or the other. This is a result of your devotion towards your Baba. There could be different reasons how you became a devotee. Some become devotees having witnessed positive happenings in life after visiting a particular Baba’s temple or shrine or after praying a Baba for help. Some just follow in the footsteps of their family members. Whatever may be the reason, as a devotee you will have a complete confidence that your Baba is the greatest human soul on earth who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and for you he is undoubtedly the God in human form on earth. Having read the facts presented in this book about the mystical experiences and the sequence of events in transforming the image of Mystics in to that of God, it’s only natural that you must be surprised and hurt too. My dear friend, please try to understand that I have nothing against your devotion or piety ness. All I want to advise you, through this work is to direct your devotion towards the correct identity of God. I just want to highlight to you that, you are wr ong if you have a feeling that this work is intended to undermine the position of your Baba. If you realize, it’s not about your Baba, the real question is about yourself. Do not deceive your own self…. this is the message of this book.
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Prepare for the Worst Day…. Mystical Ideology is teaching us that this life we are enduring on this earth is just one of thousands of lives in the cycle of birth and re-birth. Messenger’s message is teaching us that this life is the only opportunity we have to realize the true identity of God and to worship him alone without associating any form or partners to Him. Mystical Ideology is teaching us that we will continue to be reborn in to this world until we achieve enlightenment i.e. to realize our true nature that we are one with God. Messenger’s message is warning us that the greatest sin we can ever commit in this life is to associate partners with God (this is known as ‘shirk’). Mystical Ideology is teaching us that there is nothing like hell or heaven* (as everything is God) and that we will all become re-united with God ultimately even though it may take thousands of lives. Messenger’s message is strictly warning us of a day of judgment and that the consequence of ‘shirk’ is everlasting punishment in the ‘hell’ and the reward of recognizing the true identity of God and following his commandments is everlasting happiness in the ‘heaven’. Even if the mystic’s ideology is correct, there is nothing you are loosing by being a believer in one God in this life. You will get many more lives to realize that you are the God. But on the other hand, imagine what if the messengers warning come true and only after death you realize this? You will have no chance to amend for this mistake. Eternal Hell will be the only choice as clearly warned. For this life of 60-70 years, we do so much planning even for little, virtually insignificant & temporary events of life because we do not want to loose anything. But, we do not even think of events after death, possible situations we could be in and the actions that we need to take now in order to be on the safe side then. Can we take such a big risk while the everlasting eternal life is at stake? Truly we are warned of a dangerous and worst day ….
“When the Deafening Blast comes, the Day a man will flee from his brother and his mother and his father, and his wife and his children: on that Day every man among them will have concerns enough of his own.” [80: 33-37] “On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the mountains like tufts of coloured wool. No good friend will ask about his friend even though they can see each other. An evildoer will wish he could ransom himself from the punishment of that Day, by means of his sons, or his wife or his brother or his family who sheltered him or everyone else on earth, if that only meant that he could save himself.” [70: 8-14]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * According to Meher Baba, heaven and hell are just temporary experiences of the soul in between re-incarnations to balance out the impressions!
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Faith in One God, worship of his true Identity and following his commandments only can help us on the Day of Judgment. As much as we use our faculties of reasoning, verification of facts, logical thinking when it comes to worldly affairs, we close all these intellectual faculties when it comes to accepting a human being as God. What if we have to regret for this ignorance?
In the Quran, God is describing the regret that people will feel in His presence:
He will say, “Oh! If only I had prepared in advance for this life of mine!” [89: 24]
... “Oh, if only I had not associated anyone with my Lord!” [18: 42]
… “Alas for me! If only I had gone the way of the Messenger! Oh, Woe is me! Would that I had not taken so-and-so for a friend!” [25: 27-28]
“Alas for us, that we disregarded it!” [6:31]
A person who would not like to desperately utter these words should, right at this moment, submit to his Lord and live by the principles laid by his Creator.
“Respond to your Lord before a Day comes from Allah which cannot be turned back. On that Day you will have no hiding-place and no means of denial.” [42:47]
“There are people who set up equals and rivals with Allah and adore them with the adoration due to Allah! Whereas the believers adore Allah most ardently. Would that these transgressors could realize now what they will realize, when they see the chastisement before them: that power and authority wholly belong to Allah, and that Allah is severe in punishment! When He will inflict punishment, those very leaders and guides whom they followed in the world will disown them. But punishment they shall get and all their bonds shall be cut off. Then those who followed them will say, ‘Would that we were given another chance to return to the world.
Then we will disown them just as they have
disowned us today!’ Thus Allah will bring before them the deeds they did in the world in such a manner as to make them wring their hands in regret, but they shall be unable to come out of the Fire.” [2:165-167]
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Because, there is no second chance. We were warned beforehand and were invited to the straight path. We had enough time to contemplate and embrace the right way. Yet we did not listen when we are warned, ignoring the Hereafter. Then in the Hereafter, we will have no chance to get back to this world and correct our errors. In the Quran, Allah relates these regretful expressions as follows:
“If only you could see when they are standing before the Fire and saying, ‘Oh! If only we could be sent back again, we would not deny the Signs of our Lord and we would be among the believers.’” [6:27] They will say, “If only we had really listened and used our intellect, we would not have been Companions of the Blaze.” [67: 10] “We have warned you of an imminent punishment on the Day when a man will see what he has done, and the disbeliever will say, ‘Oh, if only I were dust!’” [78: 40]
“They will call out, ‘Malik (Master), let your Lord put an end to us!’ He will say, ‘You will stay the way you are. We brought you the truth but most of you hated the truth.’” [43:77-78] We see really humble people talking very nice things in the religious and spiritual meeting s. But sadly, when it comes to the identity of God, they only misguide us, they themselves being mis-guided. There is in fact a lot of confusion due to the presence of so many religions. In the midst of all this confusion, there is a message of true identity of God and a message of warning of bitter consequence for ignoring this message. Can you see these Signs of God before it is too late? Because that day, God will say,
“Just as Our Signs came to you and you forgot them, in the same way you too are forgotten today.” [20: 126] They will be told, “Today We have forgotten you as you forgot the meeting of this your Day. Your refuge is the Fire and you have no helpers.” [45:34] “Those who took their religions as a diversion and a game, and were deluded by the life of the world. Today We will forget them just as they forgot the encounter of this Day and denied Our Signs.” [7:51]
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Say: “Shall I inform you of the greatest losers in their actions? People whose efforts in the life of the world are misguided while they suppose that they are doing good.” Those are the people who reject their Lord’s Signs and the meeting with Him. Their actions will come to nothing and, on the Day of Rising, We will not assign them any weight.” [18: 103-105]
“Turn to your Lord and submit to Him before punishment comes upon you, for then you cannot be helped. Follow the best that has been sent down to you from your Lord before the punishment comes upon you suddenly when you are not expecting it.” [39: 54-55]
“That Day some faces will be radiant, laughing, rejoicing. That Day some faces will be dust-covered, overcast with gloom. Those are the dissolute disbelievers.” [80: 38-42]
Our Duty is only to invite The duty that God has laid on the believers is only to invite mankind and anyone who wishes to listen to good caution, to the message of Muhammad (PBUH) i.e. to the truth of Islam. To accept and believe or reject and deny is a decision each individual will have to make for himself; and every person will be responsible only for his deeds. They will have to answer for their own deeds in the Court of God. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and excellent admonition and argue with people in the best manner. Your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Way and who is Rightly guided.” [16:125]
Don’t get cheated by Mystics and Atheists Mystics have professed that this whole world is nothing but an illusion and only God exists and declared themselves as God and distanced people from the true identity of God. Atheists have professed that there is no God and this world is the Ultimate Reality and thereby distanced people from the true identity of God. Those who understand this truth will recognize that the message of the messengers only recognize God as the creator of this world and gives him his due place in the hearts of the people and shows them his true identity. Not only this, they also recognize that following this message and worshipping the God alone without ascribing any partners to him leads to salvation. “Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): ‘In what (condition) were you?’ They reply: ‘We were weak and oppressed on earth.’ They (angels) say: ‘Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?’ Such men will find their abode in Hell - What an evil destination!” [4:97]
Thus those who know the truth and right path but still do not follow it giving excuses are being warned by God. Even a slave is warned that he should emigrate if that is required to lead the life of a believer. Today we live in a modern society of personal and religious freedom. Those who think they still can’t do anything to follow the true path must think again.
TRUE MAAYA- TRUE ENLIGHTENMENT & SALVATION
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Mystical Experience is MAAYA; the Ideology of mystics based on mystical experiences that keeps us away from the true Identity of God is MAAYA. Also, it is that ignorance in which we do endless acts of worship to the images of Humans, journey to their tombs, thinking that the dead who cant even listen to us are providing boons while the true giver is the One God who is ever present.
“O mankind, remember the favor of Allah upon you. Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky and the earth? There is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded from the Truth?” [35:3]
“Allah is the one who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, and then will give you life. Are there any of your ‘partners’ who does anything of that? Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” [30:40]
“You only worship, besides Allah, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allah do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allah provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned.” [29:17]
“ ...When Allah gives them a good child, they ascribe partners to Him concerning that which He has given them. Allah is High above what they associate with Him.” [7:190]
“ To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what he wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He gives them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.” [42:49-50]
“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of Power, the Strong.”
[51:58]
“Or who is it that could provide for you if He withheld His provision? But they have persisted in insolence and aversion.” [67:21]
“.... And you cannot make those who are in graves to hear.” [35:22]
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True enlightenment is to drive off the darkness of ignorance in the heart with the light of reasoning, logic, facts & science and to recognize the true identity of GOD.
Moksha or Salvation lies in recognizing the true identity of God and worshipping him Alone without ascribing any partners to Him.
“To Him [alone] is the real prayer (for help). And those they call upon besides Him do not respond to them with a thing, but like one who stretches his hands towards water [from afar, calling it] to reach his mouth, but it will not reach it. And the prayer of the disbelievers is nothing but in vain.” [13:14]
“Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not, compared to the Hereafter, except [brief] enjoyment.” [13:26]
“But, [on the contrary], We have provided good things for these [disbelievers] and their fathers until life was prolonged for them. Then do they not see that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? So it is they who will overcome?” [21:44]
“And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allah a lie or denies His verses (signs)? Those are the persons whose portion of (of which is written in) the book (as destiny) will reach them till Our messengers come to them to take them in death, Our messengers will say, ‘Where are those you used to pray besides Allah?’ They will say, ‘They have gone away from us,’ and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.” [7:37]
“…So exalted be Allah, the True King; no god is there but He, the Lord of the honorable dominion. And whoever invokes besides Allah another deity for which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.” [23:116-117]
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“And there will not be for them among their [alleged] partners any intercessors, and they will [then] be disbelievers in their partners.” [30:13]
“Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come, or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., arising of the sun from the west)! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: “Wait you! we (too) are waiting.” [6:158] “Then on the Day of Resurrection He will disgrace them and say, “Where are My ‘partners’ for whom you used to oppose [the believers]?” Those who were given knowledge will say, ‘Indeed disgrace, this Day, and evil are upon the disbelievers’” [16:27] My dear friend, I end this book with a sincere hope that you will evaluate the facts presented in this book, try to understand the difference between the message of mystical ideologies and that of Messengers of God and ultimately find the true Identity of God and the path to Salvation and ever lasting happiness in the Hereafter.
“Let there be no compulsion in religion, truth stands out clear from what is error.” [The Holy Quran 2:256]
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Author’s Message Science – Philosophy – God’s Message
Who am I? Why am I here? Was I there before I was born? Where will go after I die? What is the purpose & meaning of this life? Is there God? If yes, how he will be? If not, why not? So on…..These questions have bothered mankind for ages. We get answers to these questions from Science, Philosophy and Religions. But there are so many contradictions between these three that those who dare to digest them will feel – why should I ask such questions? It’s useless!!. In my opinion, the reason for this is simple. Science and Philosophy make statements as if they know the Ultimate Truth without realizing (or acknowledging) their own limitations. I will explain what I mean by this. Science
Science needs exact proof and measurements. Without this nothing is considered as Truth. As far as the physical world is concerned, it can invent many Truths and be a reason for the development of humanity. This needs no explanation and we know it very well.
According to science, Universe is created with a Big bang. Universe is expanding infinitely – if this scene is rewound it will become clear that everything started from a point or r oot material. Science can explain things from that point of time onwards (big bang of this material). Even they count the time from this point onwards. Science can not explain why this bang happened, from where the energy came for this explosion? For science these are meaningless questions. Because, according to it there is nothing present to explain about before the big bang. This shows the limitation of Science.
Ok, after big bang… Why this world is like this? Why it is not in a different way? Why is it following only these set of principles and why not a different set of principles? Scientists who tried to find answers to these questions discovered that – if it was following different set of principles we wouldn’t have been here to ask these questions in the first place.
For example, if the material was slightly denser than it is, this whole universe would have fallen in to a black hole. On the other hand, if the density was anything less – then the whole universe would have moved away with such a speed that the formation of galaxies, stars and planets would have been impossible. Who controlled this density? Science has no answer.
Same with the origin of life. You will be greatly surprised to know how many controls were required on the earth for the possibility of life’s existence. Science can tell us what are those controls but it can’t tell us who did that. Evolution (concept that humans originated or evolved from animals) is being proven as false with the discovery of new information. Instead, intelligent creation theory is gaining support of the evidence. With this it’s becoming clear day by day that humans were created as humans and not evolved from animals.
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Thus Science can discover and invent many such things. It can unravel many mysteries.. for example, the mystery of mystical experiences as detailed in this book. It can set us free from superstitious beliefs. But how everything is created from nothing? – Science can never explain. Yes, Scientists admit it too. Philosophy
As if to explain this, philosophers proposed many theories and are still proposing. These theories are up to a large extent contradictory to each other. It’s not possible to explain them all here. There are many books on Philosophy that detail philosophies of all ages. The problem with these theories is that they are the creation of human brains and predictions only. This is their limit. I am not saying they are useless. Their study will be very interesting. But nothing can be concluded from that for sure. Many theories start with questions like - Is matter first? Or mind first?. Finally, they can only produce contradictory theories and can not establish any Truth.
One important thing to note is that not only did social and political situations influenced the philosophical thinkers, even mystical experiences also. We can actually categorize mystics in to a special type of philosophers. Unlike other philosophers, they proposed their theories based on their mystical experiences. In this book we have seen how far these mystical experiences can be taken seriously. There is a limit to our knowledge meaning that whatever we know, we can still know more but ultimately there is a limit to what we can know and how much we can know.
God’s Message
Unless we accept the limits of Science and Philosophy – we will not get satisfactory answers. Fundamental to this is believing that there is a God and that he has sent his message through his chosen messengers. It is not required to blush away Science and human intelligence but just enough to know their limits. A category of modern day mystics even profess based on mystical experiences caused by various drugs and herbs. For example they claim that psilocybin mushrooms (which induce mystical experiences) was left on the earth by aliens to send a message to us. But sadly they do not believe that God can send his message through his messengers! Most frequently discussed topic in Philosophical thoughts (especially in Indian tradition) is about the Soul. The general idea is that the soul in the humans is same as the super soul (God). This is the basis for Advaita ideology also. It has to be noted that this is a theory formulated based on mystical experiences only and it’s not a knowledge or part of the message from God. These mystical ideologies debate questions such as : You are saying “my hands”, “my legs” so on.. actually what is this “my or mine”? At the end it concludes that “I am the God”.
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We have to question our self – are we getting far away from the duty of worshipping the true identity of God and following his commandments by delving endlessly in such philosophical speculations and theories? Not realizing the limitation of these philosophical theories, linking the piety ness and devotion of God with them (especially with mystical ideologies), ignoring the God’s message or by corrupting it and thereby idolizing the ones who brought the message (instead of the one who sent the message) resulted in various religions and confusion about the true identity of God. Added to this, mystics are being turned in to Gods in recent times. Mystical experiences are the reason for the statement made by mystics ('I am God'). It is require d to understand the mystical experiences to properly understand their statement. The secret of mystical experiences lie in the Brain. Brain is a key part in human body. If blood flow is interrupted to brain, it will die within minutes followed by the physical body. Brain is ever working even when we are deep asleep. For example, if your body is threatened by danger such as lack of oxygen due to difficulty in breathing, the brain may create a fearful dream to wake you up. The central component of Brain is awareness or consciousness. Awareness is required to know boundaries, size, limits, identifications, and the sense of self and the sense of other. But awareness itself has no intrinsic size, boundary limits, or any other attributes of it’s own. Awareness is required to know all these attributes. It is this pure awareness that comes in to experience during meditation. The sense of time, the sense of beginning and the end requires memory. Awareness always precedes memory or awareness serves as the background and base for memory. But the memory cannot have any trace of the beginning or end of awareness. This makes awareness feel eternal (no sense of time, beginning or end). This is what is experienced during meditation. Every experience is possible only through the brain. Be it the experience of a child watching circus or a mystic experiencing what he calls is God. Sound, vision, smell, taste, touch, pain, pleasure etc., all these are coming in to experience through brain. The pictures we view or sounds we hear are translated as electrical signals and transmitted to brain and presented to billions of neurons (brain cells). Take the scene of watching stars and galaxies for example. The light reflecting from the scene is converted by the eyes in to electrical signals and these signals are
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transmitted to our brain. The scene is built in the visual cortex of our br ain. Thus, all the experiences are being built inside the brain and not outside of our body. When we meditate and realign our focus on the background of consciousness, this fact will be discovered. Similarly, the sensation of “I am my body” is itself an effort of the Brain. Due to the unmatched efficiency of the brain, this sensation is so well developed that we don’t even have to think about it. The surprising thing is that brain can not only convince you that “I am my body” but it can also convince you that ‘I am something else’. For example, those who meditate on an object (say a flower or a candle or a bowl) become convinced that they are that object (‘I am flower/candle/bowl’) and also that it’s the Ultimate truth (Only that exists and nothing else). This experience is known as ‘Samaadhi’ in Hindu tradition. Brain is constantly sending and receiving signals to and from different organs including the organs that control our senses and thus generating the sensation of our body. The more frequent and stronger the signals, the more solid the body feels. Meditation is a way to relax brain and quiet down its constant communication with the body organs and to reduce the frequency of thoughts. With the latest technological devices, scientists now understand that the activity in the parts of the brain that generates the sensation of space & time is diminished during meditation. Thus during intense meditation, the sense of ‘I am my body’ and sense of space & time starts to fade away. Thus the only remaining pure consciousness is experienced as infinite, timeless and ultimate reality. This is the truth behind the mystic’s claims of ending the ‘ego’, enlightenment and mystical union with God. Thus what mystics are experiencing is nothing but their own consciousness. Being able to achieve these states not only through meditation but also through some drugs and other physical practices is another strong proof of this. All these issues were dealt with in this book in detail. Even though our scriptures and Gods message are clearly informing us that God is incomprehensible to human mind and that he is unborn, we are venerating the mystics who declared themselves as God after having these mystical experiences. This is not only ignorance but sin too.
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God, the creator has designed our bodies with great intelligence. He has filled our brains with analytical skills, intelligence and consciousness. Through this intelligence we are expected to recognize his true identity, worship him alone and follow his commandments. Mystics are the ones who have devised ascetic life styles, strange practices and deluded by their experiences with consciousness, declared themselves as God. It is due to our religious ignorance that we are accepting their claims and constructing temples for them and worshipping them. This entire phenomenon is explained in this book. Even in this modern era which saw mystical experiences being de-mystified by science and technology, mystics and their mystical ideology are still being venerated. People are ignorantly unknown that this ideology is nothing to do with God's message and identity. Islam once again presents the God’s message in right perspective. It reminds us again and again that it’s the creator who deserves our worship and not the creation. It reminds that worshipping anyone and anything other than this supreme power is a big sin punishable by hell. It puts forth our purpose of life, duties and the reality of hereafter. As explained in this book, it is in perfect agreement with many scientific discoveries and completely against the mystical ideology. Even Islam suffered due to mysticism in the form of Sufism. By analyzing the histories of two popular Sufi masters, a lot of facts were put forth. Thereby it is proven how mysticism is completely against the message of Islam. It is proven who is more important – a guru or God? It is true that even a lot of Muslims went astray by not properly understanding the message of Islam. This is due to their negligence in reading of Holy Quran and the traditions of prophets (Peace be upon them). The true message of Islam camouflaged by Sufism is presented and it is explained how the Sufi saint Sai Baba is turned in to a Hindu Avataric figure. I would like to take no credit for writing this book as it is only a collection of information from various books, religious scriptures and research articles. I have added my analysis to that information here and there… that’s all. The intention is to present to you the True message of God which is corrupted by mysticism thereby enabling you to recognize the true identity of God that is corrupted by mystics. I sincerely hope that you will read this book with open mind and intention of seeking truth and by doing so become successful in recognizing the true Identity of God. May God bless you.
A. Sohail.
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Appendix A – Science Explains Kundalini Reference: http://www.skaggs-island.org/humanistic/sannella/kundalini.html
Itzhak Bentov’s model of the micromotion of the body explains many aspects of Kundalini process. This postulates that various body structures can potentially form resonant oscillators with each other leading to the production of increased magnetic currents in the cerebral cortex. Bentov correlates this enhanced electromagnetic action in the cortex with kundalini release.
Motor signs and symptoms: The cerebral current may stimulate the motor cortex or thalamic
centers having to do with associated or group muscle movements, such as the posturing reflexes. The apparent non-specificity of some of these movements may indicate that the focus of disturbance is deep in the brain, rather than in the cortex. Breathing patterns may be similarly stimulated, and paralysis is probably a secondary effect.
Body Sensations: Body sensations may be attributed to direct stimulation of the sensory cortex
by the current generated in the cerebral hemispheres. The characteristic sequence of affected body parts corresponds to their sequence of representation in the sensory cortex: first the toes, then the limbs, back, head, eyes and face, to the throat, and finally the abdominal area represented just above the temporal lobe. According to Bentov’s model the earliest body sensations appear in the foot, especially in the left big toe represented in the brain’s central sulcus. (The holy river, Ganges, is said to have originated from the large toe of God. In siddha yoga the feet of the Guru are especially venerated, particularly the large toe. ) The exact correspondence between the sequence of stimulation in the typical physio-kundalini cycle and the sequence of representation in the sensory cortex gives strong support to this aspect of Bentov’s model.
It is interesting to note that in this model the throat and abdomen are the last opening sites, thus indicating the completion of the cycle. The importance of the throat is substantiated by the reference to it in the name given to the kundalini in the Hindu scriptures; they call it Vagshwari, the Goddess of Speech. Supposedly, it is after the throat opening when all the lege ndary powers undergo an increase in the adept.
Heat and cold : These may be caused by hypothalamic stimulation. The representation of our
body in this area of the brain is less specific than in the cortex, which may explain the lack of regularity in the movement of these sensations. Objective manifestation of extreme heat is difficult to explain with Bentov’s model alone. It does not contradict it, but suggests that other factors also involved in the kundalini phenomenon.
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Light and Sound: These could be due to stimulation near the lateral and medial geniculate
regions, as well as from standing waves generated in the ventricles. The usual lack of formed elements could be due to the large distance of the circuit from cortical representation for light and sound. Formed visions and voices may indicate spread of stimulation to the more adjacent associative areas for speech, sound, and vision.
Pains: These might occur when the current generated in the brain meets with some resistance
that is not easily overcome (a block that is not easily purified out of the system). The perception of the pain may be referred out and seem to come from various parts of the body, or motor stimulation could cause tension, generating pain in the periphery itself. In practice, it makes little difference whether these impurities or blocks to the rise of kundalini are actually in chakras (psychic energy centers) in the spinal canal, as the yogis say, or in peripheral body parts, or in specific brain regions, or at some more subtle level of the mind. These various possibilities are not mutually exclusive, and the net result is the same.
Emotions and Distorted Thought Processes: These are not inconsistent with Bentov’s model,
but are too complex to be explained by it at this time.
Detachment and Dissociation : Wilder Penfield (1958) reports experiences akin to these upon
direct stimulation of area 39 of the cortex. Thus they could be a simple result of the circulating current, or they could have a more subtle psychological origin.
If you are interested in knowing the complete details of Bentov’s explanation of Kundalini, how this resonance between body parts is established, how magnetic current is generated etc., you can purchase the following books at www.amazon.co.uk:
-Stalking the wild pendulum: On the mechanics of consciousness by Itzhak Bentov Inner Traditions Bear and Company (13 Oct 1988). ISBN: 0892812028 -The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence? Author: Lee Sanella, M.D. (ISBN: 0941255298) Integral Publishing (Jun 1987)]
So, this is the secret behind Kundalini. Due to specific practices, different parts in the body are coming in to a state of resonance and forming magnetic current flows in the part of the Brain that has a map of human body thereby generating various experiences as detailed by Yogis. You can understand yourself how they are lead astray from the path of God those who believe these experiences are liberation and serve the Gurus for years and struggle with these practices and their side effects.
Appendix B – Links to further reading
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Suggested Readings:
The Holy Quran, Revealed by God to his last messenger, Muhammad (PBUH)
Scientific Knowledge in the Quran:
http://home.swipnet.se/islam/quran-bible.htm
This is the online version of the best-seller book – The Bible, The Quran and Science by Maurice Bucaille. As a surgeon, Maurice Bucaille has often been in a situation where he was able
to examine not only people’s bodies, but their personalities. This is how he was struck by the existence of Muslim piety and by aspects of Islam which remain unknown to the vast majority of non-Muslims. In his search for explanations which are otherwise difficult to obtain, he learnt Arabic and studied the Quran. In it, he was surprised to find statements on natural phenomena whose meaning can only be understood through modern scientific knowledge. He then turned to the question of the authenticity of the writings that constitute the Holy Scriptures of the monotheistic religions. Finally, in the case of the Bible, he proceeded to a confrontation between these writings and scientific data. The results of his research into the Judeo-Christian Revelation and the Quran are set out in this book. Other websites detailing Scientific knowledge in the Quran:
http://rationalreality.50webs.com/sci.htm http://www.answering-christianity.com/sci_quran.htm http://www.harunyahya.com/ http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Science/ http://www.irf.net/irf/download/index.htm
Muhammad (PBUH) in Other Religious Scriptures: http://www.allaahuakbar.net/ On this site, click on “Comparative Religion” on the bottom-right side. There you can find information about other religions and mentioning of Muhammad (PBUH) in their scriptures, such as: Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Christianity, Jewish etc.,
Notes
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Chapter 1 – Introduction
1. NarasimhaSwami, Sri Sai Baba’s Charters & Sayings, No. 122 Chapter 2 - Mysticism – Definition, Ideology and History
1. 2. 3. 4.
Wikipedia – Online encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org) Ibid Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Chapter 2, 4:12 Quoted in Andrew Newberg, D’Aquili, Why God Won’t Go Away
5. Ibid
6. Nicholson R.A., The Mystics of Islam, Page 151. 7. Massignon, Louis, Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr, Page 142. 8. Quoted in Andrew Newberg, D’Aquili, Why God Won’t Go Away 9. Ibid
10. Tukaram: Abhanga 1815, quoted in Ranade, Mysticism in India, Page 303. 11. Jnaneswari, V:134, quoted in Ranade, Mysticism in India, Page 126. 12. Rabbani, Islamic Sufism, Cover page 13. Ibid, Page 81. 14. Massignon, The Passion of al-Hallaj , Page 597. 15. Ibid, Page 571. Chapter 3 - Sai Baba & Meher Baba - Were they Mystics?
1. NarasimhaSwami, Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Page. 180 2. Ibid, Page 132 3. Ibid 4. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 301-302 5. Ibid, Page 302 6. Ibid, Page 306 7. Dabholkar, Sri Sai Saccarita, 13:4 8. Bharadwaja, Sai Baba the Master, Page 61. 9. NarasimhaSwami, Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Page 151. 10. Dabholkar, Sri Sai Saccarita , 8:112. 11. NarasimhaSwami, Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Page 255. 12. Gunaji, Sri Sai Satcharita, Page 24. 13. Ibid 14. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 109. 15. Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal, Page 274. 16. Ibid, Page, 127. 17. Ibid, Page, 134. 18. Abdulla, Shri Meher Baba: his Philosophy and Teachings, Page 31. Qutoed in Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal, Page 135. 19. Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal , Page 129. 20. Ibid, Page 130. Also see – The Glow (Dehra Dun, 1976) 11(2):2, for a verbatim report taken down by one of the mandali members present at the time. 21. Ibid, Page, 131. 22. Duce, How a Master Works, Page 85. 23. Ibid 24. Ibid, Page 263.
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Chapter 4 - Secret behind the words – “I AM GOD”
1. Abhayananda, History of Mysticism, Page 2-3. 2. Andrew Newberg, D’Aquili, Why God Won’t Go Away, Page 107. 3. James, Zen and Brain, Page 34. 4. James William, The Varieties of Religious experiences, Page 422. 5. Andrew Newberg, D’Aquili, Why God Won’t Go Away, Page 5. 6. A. Gesell, The first five years of Life: A guide to the study of the pre-school of child, quoted in James, Zen and Brain, Page 38. 7. J. Anderson. The development of self-recognition: A review , quoted in James, Zen and Brain, Page 38. 8. M. Hoffman. Developmental synthesis of affect and cognition and its implications for altruistic motivation. Developmental Physchology 1975, quoted in James, Zen and Brain, Page 38. 9. A. Salamy. Commissural transmission: Maturational changes in Humans, quoted in James, Zen and Brain Page 38. 10. James, Zen and Brain, Page 304. Original James classification of this state is state VI-B, I described it as State 7 for sake of clarity 11. These descriptions are based on the work of Researchers Andrew Newberg and Eugene D’Aquili 12. D.T. Suzuki. The Training of Zen Buddhist Monk, quoted in James, Zen and Brain, Page 477. 13. James, Zen and Brain Reflections, Page 319. 14. NarasimhaSwami, Sri Sai Baba’s Charters & Sayings, No. 122 15. Ibid 16. Ibid, No. 62 17. Ibid, No. 66 18. Ibid, No. 67 19. Ibid, No. 68 20. Ibid, No. 69 21. VIVEKANANDA, Raja Yoga, London, 1896. Sited in James William, The Varieties of Religious experiences, Page 437. 22. Andrew Newberg, D’Aquili, Why God Won’t Go Away, Page 123. 23. Noble Rosss Reat, Buddhism – A History, Page 32. 24. R. Sasaki. Zen: A method for religious awakening, quoted in James, Zen and Brain. 25. James, Zen and Brain, Page 18. 26. Abhayananda, History of Mysticism, Page 75. 27. Jyot, Theology of Buddhism, Page 23. 28. Nikhilananda, The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Page 13-14. 29. Ibid, Page 15-16. 30. Rolland, The Life of Ramakrishna, Page. 156, quoted in Abhayananda, The History of Mysticism 31. Crystal Love, The Mystic Mind – The Science behind the Supernatural 32. Huston Smith, Cleansing the doors of perception: The religious significance of Entheogenic plants and chemicals. 33. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/160/11/1965?
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Chapter 5 - How Mysticism influenced Hinduism
1. Wikipedia – Online encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org) 2. Radhakrishnan, Glimpses of World Religions, Page 38 3. Ramamohana Rao, Viswadarsanam – Bharatiya Chintana, Page 137 4. Ibid, Page 296 5. Dayananda Saraswati, Satyartha Prakaasam, Page 269 6. Pandit Gopadev, Purana Vishnuvevaru? Points taken from this book and language simplified for sake of easier understanding. Chapter 6 - Meher Baba & Avatarhood
1. Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement, Page 151-152 2. Ibid, Page 153 3. Ibid, Page 155 4. Ibid, Page 153 5. Ibid, Page 268. 6. Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal , Page 270 7. See Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement, Page 156 for more details. 8. Ibid, Page 246 9. Ibid, Page 252-253 10. Duce, How a Master Works, Page 171 11. Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement, Page 261 12. Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement, Page 158 13. Purdom, The God-Man, Page 217, quoted in Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement Chapter 7 - Misrepresentation of Sai Baba
1. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 338-339 2. Ibid, Page 347-348 3. Ibid, Page 336 4. Ibid, Page 347 5. Ibid 6. Gunaji, Sri Sai Satcharita, Page 3 7. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 350 8. Ibid, Page 5 9. Gunaji, Sri Sai Satcharita, Page 24-25 10. Dabholkar, Sri Sai Saccarita, 11:146-8, Gunaji, Sri Sai Satcharita, Page 66 11. Dabholkar, Sri Sai Saccarita, 11:84 12. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 6 13. Ibid, Page 10 14. NarasimhaSwami, Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Page. 144 15. Marianne Warren, Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, Page 267 16. Ibid, Page 12 17. Ibid
18. Ibid, Page 338
150
19. Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal, Page 154 20. Purdom, The God-Man, Page 284, quoted in Kevin, Meher Baba, An Iranian Liberal 21. NarasimhaSwami, Sri Sai Baba’s Charters & Sayings, Foreword 22. NarasimhaSwami, Devotees Experiences of Sri Sai Baba, Page. 257 23. Ibid, Page 258 24. Ibid, Page 228-230 25. Kevin, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement, Page 151-152 26. Cited at http://www.koausa.org/Saints/LalDed/article6.html Chapter 9 - True Identity and Message of God
1. Moore, Keith L. and al-Zindani, Abdul-Majeed A., The Developing Human with Islamic Additions, Third Edition, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1982, with Dar Al-Qiblah for Islamic Literature, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 1983, page viiic. Limited Edition 2. al-Zindani, Abdul-Majeed A, This is the Truth (video tape). Scientific Signs of the Qur’an and Sunnah containing interviews with various scientists. Available in Arabic, English, French, Urdu and Turkish. A full English transcript of this video with illustrations is also available: Al-Rehaili, Abdullah M., This is the Truth, Muslim World League, Makkah alMukarrammah, 1995. Also available on the web at: http://www.it-is-truth.org/ 3. Ibid 4. Ibid 5. Ibid 6. Ibid 7. Ibid 8. Ibid 9. Ibid 10. Ibid 11. Ibid 12. Ibid 13. Ibid 14. Ibid
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Abhayananda S., History of Mysticism – The Unchanging Testament, London: Watkins Publishing, 2002. Ahmed Ali, My Findings from Geeta confirm with Quran, Kakinada, AP, 2005. Andrew Newberg M.D, Eugene D’Aquili, Ph.D, WHY GOD WON’T GO AWAY, New York: Ballentine Books, 2001. Bharadwaja E., Sai Baba - The Master, 4 th edition, Ongole, AP: Sri Guru Paduka Publications, 1993. Crystal Love, THE MYSTIC MIND – The Science behind the Supernatural, London: Fusion Press, 2004. Dabholkar G. R., Sri Sai Saccarita (Marathi), Shirdi: Sri Sai Baba Sansthan, 1929. Dayananda Saraswati, Satyartha Prakaasam, Amba-Ramarya Satyartha Prakaasa Trust, Secunderabad, A.P., 2006. Duce, I.O., How a Master Works, California: Sufism Reoriented, 1975. Gunaji, Nagesh Vasudev, Shri Sai Satcharita. 13 th ed., Bombay: Sri Sai Baba Sansthan, 1987. Huston Smith, Cleansing the doors of perception: The religious significance of Entheogenic plants and chemicals, Boulder, CO, Sentient Publications, 2000. James H. Austin, Zen And Brain – Towards understanding Meditation and consciousness, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, Cambridge, 2000. James H. Austin, Zen And Brain Reflections, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, Cambridge, 2006. James William, The Varieties of Religious Experience, New York: Modern Library, 1994. Jyot Devasthan, Theology of Buddhism - Volume 1, New Delhi: Dominant Publishers and Distributors, 2000. Kevin Shepherd, Investigating the Sai Baba Movement - A clarification of Misrepresented Saints and Opportunism, England: Citizen Initiative, 2005. Kevin Shepherd, Meher Baba – An Iranian Liberal, England: Anthropographia Publications, Cambridge, 1986. Marianne Warren Dr., Unravelling the Enigma – Shirdi Sai Baba in the light of Sufism, New Delhi: Sterling Publishers (P) Ltd, 2004. Massignon Louis, Hallaj: Mystic and Martyr, translated by Herbert Mason, abridged edition, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1994. Massignon, The Passion of al-Hallaj , translated from french by Herbert Mason, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, Princeton, Vol.I, 1982. Meher Baba, God Speaks, Sufism Reoriented, 1997. Muhammad Farooq Khan, Hereafter and Indian Traditions, Markazi Maktaba Islami Publishers, New Delhi, 2003. Nanduri Ramamohana Rao Dr., Viswadarsanam – Bharatiya chintana (An Introduction to Indian Thought), Likhita Prachuranalu, Vijayawada, 2003.
