Advanced Stages of

Raja Yoga

 

 

REACHING THE HIGHEST STAGE

IN RAJA YOGA

 

Experience and understanding are the two legs of the aspirant who wishes to walk the path of Raja Yoga to its pinnacle. As the soul understands more, it experiences the opening up of newer and wider mental horizons. As a result of heightened experience, the soul develops wisdom on a deeper and subtler level. In fact, experience can be likened to an ocean;
the deeper I go the further it seems, as if it is unlimited, and the deeper I go the more I am steeped in
experience.

 

The accumulation of many powerful, soaring, subtle and loveful spiritual experiences over a period of time leads the soul to become an embodiment of achievements. Having achieved all that L spiritually worthwhile, the soul is able to reach the angelic stage, the karmateet stage (free from all kamic accounts), the stage of being a world
benefactor.

 

These stages are not so much matters of sitting in meditation and creating a pattern of thoughts as are the earlier stages. They are rather the automatic results of constancy and the practice of inculcation of all aspects. Sitting and
thinking, "I am an angel", "I am a world benefactor" and so on, does not produce a
definite and lasting experience in the initial stages.

 

The pathway to becoming an angel, a soul who can give blessings to others, who can transmit and control spiritual powers and virtues and who can be a benefactor to this world, is quite steep indeed.

 

But even so, Shiva Baba shows us how to reach that height. We also have the shining example of Brahma in front of us. His every step, his every thought, word and action, his
attitude and vision towards others demonstrated that he was surely pioneering the way to the peak of perfection. That he reached that
stage in 1969 was no surprise to those who lived and journeyed on the path of Raja Yoga with him. In his last years it was clear that he
had become the one hundred percent embodiment of all Shiva Baba's teachings. His natural and
constant stage was the embodiment
of all the aforementioned stages. As Raja Yogis we too are traversing the same path As
"Brahmins"; those who have taken spiritual birth from the knowledge of
Brahma, our goal is the same as his.

 

 

Faith

Through maintaining the Raja Yoga principles, the soul really starts to appreciate the benefits and powers gained. This becomes the foundation stone for a growing faith
that leads to further and greater inner victories in the many tests that come on
the way. There are four types of faith: Faith in God - As I become enriched with
Shiv Baba's spiritual treasures and
appreciate the value of each jewel of knowledge, my faith grows that Shiva Baba is really who He
says He is. As the Supreme Father, Baba showers me with love and gives me a glimpse of the unlimited inheritance available. As the Supreme
Teacher, Baba explains the meaning and purpose of existence and the laws which govern it. As the Supreme Guru or Guide, Baba provides the
orientation to liberate me from all bondages and reach the stage of perfection. Discovering each one of these relationships with Baba, I
become firm in the faith that it is really the

Supreme Being who is revealing all the secrets of the cosmos, and givingme the
experience of them as well.

 

 

Faith in Time - Understanding the cycle, I realise that it is only now in this Confluence Age that I can make efforts based on knowledge. The knowledge that Baba gives is
verifiable by experience, and so with each new and deeper experience I proceed a step closer to my goal. If this is
my last birth in this cycle, and God is here, lovingly showing me the way, then each second should be
maximised. If this is the age of rising up out of the shackles of ignorance and
impurity, let me take the gift of the lift that Baba is offering. It took me 84
births to descend the ladder from the highest stage to the lowest, so let me value this spiritual
birth. It is now or never.

The efforts I make now in this Confluence Age will be the efforts that I make every cycle. To get the best result each cycle, therefore, I have to show great determination now.

 

 

Faith in the Self- Just as through experience, I discover that Shiva Baba is truly the ocean of all positive qualities, likewise I discover that I am a tiny pinpoint of conscient
light that originally was pure. I really feel that my first births were in a
golden-aged world of truth and beauty, and now I am becoming that same deity
again. I am emerging from a long night of ignorance. I am becoming pure. Such feelings instill self confidence and
I am able to cross any obstacle that presents itself. While I do not have this faith, the winds of Maya (the
illusions of body consciousness) can still extinguish the flame of effort. When I have this faith, the winds and
storms only fan the flame brighter.

 

 

Faith in Others - When I feel self-confident I express self-satisfaction and contentment. I feel I am doing something truly worthwhile, that I am actually on the path to
perfection. When I am satisfied with myself I also satisfy others. Moreover,
nothing that others can do can dissatisfy 'me or bring me down. I am constantly on the lookout for the
positive aspects of others.
By fixing my vision on the positivity of others I am able to help them bring out and develop
those aspects. The faith that I have in others revolves around my vision of them. This type of
vision, a well-wishing positive
outlook, really helps me to create harmony and unity within my family, at work and amongst
my spiritual colleagues also.

 

 

 

Renunciation ("Tiag")

 

"Renunciation" has the connotation of giving up something that feels good but we know is not good for us. It conjures up images of caves hermits, monasteries, etc. Actually, physical renunciation is not
required' I do not have to renounce the
society or family I have to renounce the vices that influence my role within the society or family For example I don't leave my family, but I
leave the attachment that has bound me to so

 

many unnecessary obligations and blind observances. I replace the attachment with love and see "my" family as spiritual brothers and sisters, souls, fellow actors in this
world drama, for whom I continue to have responsibility. I see them as children of the same Father. Rather than leaving something
desirable, renunciation grants me something of immense value. In order to reach the shores of the new world, I have to cast off
from the wharf of the old by cutting each of the moorings that still hold me there. I do not stand
sadly at the stem waving off the
old world, but stand at the bow looking with wonder towards the new. Renunciation is the
leaving of things and sanskaras that are of no further use at this time of spiritual endeavour.

 

 

 

Intense Meditation ("Tapasya")

 

According to the extent to which I have cast off old negative tendencies and habits, to that depth I can be immersed in meditation. The depth to which I go and the level of
power I reach, are initially determined by my detachment from the things around me and the love
that I have for Baba. So
mentally I cut all of the bondages and momentary responsibilities that may be there and fill my
heart with love for Baba, while fixing my mind on Him and on, perhaps, aspects of the different
stages. When this union remains
unbroken and imperturbable it is called "tapasya". Tapasya is fire that bums away the effects of
the past and opens up unlimited horizons.

 

 

 

Service of Others ("Seva")

 

With renunciation and tapasya I can serve others by passing on to themthe treasures
that Baba is giving me; knowledge, powers and virtues. True charity is giving something of
eternal value. Through my thoughts, words and actions, backed by the power of yoga, I can inspire others to claim their inheritance. This might
happen through a virtuous action, or through a correctly placed word, or simply through a well-wishing attitude. By giving God's introduction to
others, they too are brought out of the confusion of ignorance and their happiness, love and peace can grow.
This gives the soul such a feeling
of its own value that it is projected further towards the goal of perfection.

 

 

 

Surrender - Being a Trustee

 

In order to embark on the road of effort, the soul has to have a deepperception of
just how degraded it has become, otherwise, the impetus to carry the soul to complete
liberation will not come. Self-deception and illusion prevent the soul from realising to what depth it has fallen. Weakness, sorrow and
suffering seem part of the human lot and should be borne. This prison is a tiny
cell indeed, completely limited and full of deceit, from which I can fly in meditation

 

Sitting at my highest stage where Baba takes me, I look back down on the restrained and weak identity I sometimes adopt and I see the way out. A prisoner will have to
surrender to the police, but in this case in order to get out, the prisoner of
body-consciousness has to surrender the ego to Baba. The very bars that confine
are thoughts of "I" and "my"; "I am this" and "I am that", "
I know best", "my position is such", "this is my talent, my ability", etc. These
thoughts limit the soul within very narrow frontiers. When one's level of
knowledge, position and talents are surrendered to Baba, those frontiers
disappear and the soul is able to serve with them to an unlimited extent. The
thoughts are directed towards Baba in this way: "It is through You that I am this,"
"It is through You that I use this ability or talent to uplift others".

 

Surrender to God is on both the physical and the spiritual levels. On the physical level I dedicate time and energy in the work of unlimited charity. My wealth and abilities I
also surrender to Him. It is not that God needs money or even my talents for Himself but He exhorts
us to use everything we have
in trust so that we can leave the ropes of "my" and "mine"
behind. As a trustee I am still
responsible for what I have and I use that in the service of others. By surrendering the feelings of
"my" and "mine," I free myself from the worries and headaches that normally accompany
responsibilities. What I have and what I am, in a worldly sense, are for this supreme purpose only.

 

On the spiritual level, surrender is much more subtle. There is the realisation that it was through my own thinking that I descended the ladder. There is the humble
recognition that the Supreme Soul knows best as far as my mind, intellect and sanskaras are concerned. Such language
as "I think", "My
opinion is the best one", "My idea should be accepted", "I know what is best for
me", yields to recognition of Baba. As with the surrender of
"my" and "mine", in which responsibility is retained
without the accompanying worry; with
the surrender of the ego-sense, "I", individuality is retained but it becomes unlimited.
This is because Baba takes
over the reins.

 

If I think, "I know what I should do now", Baba will allow it. Invariably, the mercury-level of happiness, peace and power comes down and the soul runs back to Baba like the
prodigal son. Then Baba says, "Let me show you how to elevate yourself. Just follow my
instructions." After such fluctuations,
"I" am forced to admit that "I" don't know how to control myself alone, so I surrender
mentally and intellectually to Baba. Surrender is not merely an adoption of yogic principles, nor an
intellectual appreciation of Baba's
teachings, nor a change of apparel. Selfishness and egocentrism is replaced by
love for Baba and with openness and obedience to His directions. Thus, instead of the ego-self
sitting on the throne of the heart,
Baba comes to sit there.

 

 

 

THE PERFECT STAGE

 

Passing through all these steps, the soul gradually becomes the embodiment of the four subjects: knowledge, yoga, the inculcation of divine virtues and service. "Embodiment", of course, describes
the practical application, but
there are also certain thought patterns and meditative stages that help create this.

 

 

The Embodiment of Knowledge

 

After much internal churning over the points of knowledge, the mental process begins to adopt these points and apply them to the scenes going on. Everything is seen with
the eyes of knowledge, so nothing can deceive the soul. This requires that the soul constantly
reminds itself of the following
points:

·       I am a soul.

·       I am a child of the Supreme Soul.

·       Now is the time to go home to the soul world.

·       I am a hero actor in this world drama.

 

This last point is not arrogant, but if the consciousness is truly this, action will also be extraordinary and divine. The practical result of being the embodiment of these points is that the soul becomes an observer of drama and a knower of the three aspects of time.

 

 

The Embodiment of Yoga

As with knowledge, yoga is not only something experienced when all is quiet and I am sitting alone, free from cares and responsibilities, it is a practical stage as well. The
best way to experience yoga whilst performing action is to relate to Baba as a companion. He is the
true companion of the soul,
the one who is absolutely dependable and who never lets you down. Because He is not limited, He
can be with you at any time or any place. With Baba's company I feel I can face anything on the field of action. I am not alone. Baba is behind
me giving me inspiration, in front of me giving me guidance and beside me giving friendship. God's role is my
role also. The vision that Baba
has of the world and other souls is the vision that I have. In His company I am flying, as He
protects me from
adversity. I
experience complete detachment. My companion is the ultimate authority. Knowing
and having Him as a friend, I know and have everything. Nothing or no-one else interests or attracts me.

 

 

The Embodiment of Virtues

The automatic result of being an embodiment of knowledge and yoga is that the Soul becomes an embodiment of virtues. Through knowledge the soul realises what its
original attributes are and through yoga the soul receives the power necessary to bring those
attributes into practice. With God as
companion, the soul maintains complete self-respect. There is no need to quarrel with anyone,
nor have greed, nor attachment, etc., because I realise that whatever are Baba's qualities are
mine.

 

This stage is summed up in three words:

 

"Nirakari"- incorporeal

 

"Nirvikari" - viceless

 

"Nirankari" – egoless

 

In the consciousness of being incorporeal, I am able to emerge my original qualities and virtues. As I practise going into this stage and then coming into action, those
virtues begin to manifest in my practical life. Like a tree whose branches become laden with many
fruits and then hang low, my
life becomes a tree with many virtues, bowing low with humility.

 

 

Angelic Stage

When I have the consciousness that I am incorporeal, even others begin to notice. By remaining in this angelic, soul-conscious stage, others will also feel a sense of lightness and
upliftment in my company.

 

Angels are thought to be mythical creatures who have a human form withwings, who are
always in the company of God and help Him in guarding and protecting souls.
Actually, angels are human beings who have divine qualities. The wings symbolise the lightness and
freedom of such souls. One of
the wings of the angel is to be the embodiment of knowledge, the other is to be the embodiment
of virtues. With such wings the angel flies constantly in the company of God. Its lightness is because it has no attraction towards anything
in the physical world. This freedom comes from having no bondages, all the chains have been broken. The angel is the embodiment of God's
powers.

 

Because I have the absolute and constant support of Shiva Baba I can be the support and protector of many others. My language is silence. My love for humanity is unbounded,
yet I am completely detached as Baba is and no power on earth can shake me. I experience that whatever comes through me in thoughts, words or
actions has the effect of blessing other souls, as if I am able to perceive
immediately what each soul needs. My thoughts, words and actions are all serving.

 

 

Embodiment of Service - The World Benefactor

When such angelic qualities are experienced over a long period of time, the soul can be a world benefactor. The world benefactor stage is truly unlimited. When everything I
have and "am" is serving others spiritually, then I am a world benefactor.
My attributes and actions affect the whole of humanity and the entire physical
world, just as Baba's attributes have that effect.

 

Everything, my vision, outlook, attitude, words and deeds are offeredfreely and impartially,
always seeking to guide other souls back to their natural qualities and to the lap of their Father. In
this stage, I am truly God's
right hand in the work of establishing the new world. My actions are the highest possible. The
soul becomes a ruler and truly follows the footsteps of Prajapita Brahma.

 

 

 

MEDITATION EXERCISES

 

 

The Observer Stage

 

I am a soul... child of the Supreme Soul... I see the vast drama stretched in front of me from my highest vantage point... my sweet home in the company of sweet Baba... within that I see my role... I
see others also as actors playing roles... each one eternally
individual... tiny points of light playing roles through
matter... I am a soul with an eternal role... they are also... I
can see that every situation is just a combination of roles and movements...
no need to worry about anything... let me just stay in my home with
Baba watching this endless chain of events swirl around me... I am the
observer with Baba.

 

 

The Angelic Stage

I am a soul... Baba is my companion... I feel completely free from the corporeal world... just a tiny soul in a body of light.. The ocean of love is breaking in my heart... and I send out rays of
light and might... like a lighthouse radiating Baba's love... peace... light...
power... I experience how firmly my consciousness is planted in Baba's heart...
nothing can shake me.

 

Seeing the Three Aspects of Time

I am here with Baba... observing the drama... Having freed my self from the limitation of my present role... I see all of my roles flashing before me... my stage in the soul world... my role as deity on this
earth... the decline... the role of searcher and worshipper... searching for
the very One with whom I am now... the One who had made me a deity... the
search and now the fruit... now... my role in helping Baba establish that
perfect world again... my role as an angel helping God protect and uplift my
fellow souls who are not so strong. I see the three aspects of time
unfolding... the past, present and future... I am the angel... I am the
deity... I am the searcher... I am the one who finds... I am the one who has
the role of a hero.

 

The Soul Coming into Action

I am a soul... acting on this world stage... I am with my highest and truest companion... sweet Baba... who is ever constant... walking... talking... sifting... standing... working with me. He is my
companion helping me... showing me... I am with the Supreme Authority... Every
action is filled with that force: Shiva and shakti (power).

 

God's Company

I am a soul... a companion of God... His company colours me with virtues... I see others as He sees them... with such compassion and mercy... as if He can accommodate all souls in His heart... I begin to feel
so much pure love for others...! radiate His virtues... His sweetness... I am
His instrument.