First Knot

The real state of enlightenment comes when we get into full consciousness of the condition of enlivenment and after imbibing its effect secure our merging in it. When we develop this state and merge into its consciousness we come to know all about it and thus become Jnani i.e., enlightened - upto that extent. The blissful state brought about by it, tempts our heart to go ahead and our touch with it offers inducement to enter into the next stage, Our courage intimates to us the happy tidings of our onward march towards the real life which follows every Layavastha 1 - state of merging. We get into it. It helps us further and we begin to advance towards the next point. The feeling of restlessness is no doubt there, but if our will is strong and our efforts sincere, the next condition, which is superior to the previous one, shall dawn without doubt. Though in fact we have to go nowhere everything being at hand, yet we have to arrive at the final state definitely. If we get a good guide who pulls out the inner poison then the nectar alone remains. By self- effort people some-times do proceed upto some distant limit as well but definitely they take a very long time and the danger of being caught within the whirls persists throughout. In the same way there are numerous sub-points and at each of them the states of merging and identicality repeat themselves.

Now I may throw some light on the state of consciousness which blooms after this first sub-point. When we cross this point to breathe in the next, everything seems to be changed. When we get merged into it a godly state begins to reign within and when identicality is developed we begin to feel that a peculiar state reflecting a tinge of Divine touch prevails over all objects, animate and inanimate. There is such an indescribable outburst of emotional feelings at this point as often drives people, who lack the support of a worthy Guru of calibre, to a state of madecstasy *2 - Avadhuta - which keeps him entangled in it for ever, putting a permanent full stop to his onward advancement. Now let us ask those who boastfully profess to be the enlightened ones or Jnani whether they have ever come across such a state, which in het is but the beginning of the first chapter of the Book of Knowledge. If we try to attain this state by applying our force of thought, it will only he artificial and not true and genuine.

Layavastha - state of merging. Merging really refers to a state of settledness in the condition at a certain point, or knot, arrived at by the Abhyasi. When after sufficient practice an Abhyasi is able to secure his entry into a certain knot or Granthi, he goes round in it for some time touring the place in order to acquire a thorough experience of it, By this process he begins to absorb in him the state prevailing at the place. When he becomes saturated with it, his merging has then come into effect. This is known as Layavastha (Merging). But the consciousness of the condition we have by now arrived at also exists, and so long as it does, the state of merging cannot be said to have matured to fullness. For this we have to proceed on further to acquire the state of settledness which is termed as identicality or Sarupyata. This again is not to the final phase, till it has developed into s still finer state of Sayujyata, where the impressions of the state of merging and identicality also become extinct.

*2 Avadhuta-Ecstatic. It refers to a person who is afflicted by a peculiar type of insanity. Under such a condition his talks are mostly irrelevant, his actions meaningless and strange and his general behaviour is self-willed. Apparently he seems to be like spell-bound by his own thoughts which tend mostly towards one particular direction. Such a condition sometimes comes upon on Abhyasi when he passes through a particular state prevailing at a knot or Granthi. It is more frequent in cases of Tantric or occult pursuits. In spiritual pursuits too such a condition sometimes arises when an Abhyasi comes across some charmingly attractive condition at a point. But that happens only when the master lacks proper understanding of the situation or is otherwise incapable of apprehending its course by his own power and calibre. ln this state an Abhyasi does not feel like going ahead and having been overcome by its charming effects settles down permanently in it with the result that his onward progress gets arrested for ever. It is In fact one of the foremost duties of a worthy Master to remain vigilant of the situation and save the Abhyasi from drifting into it. In our system this dangerous situation is avoided and the Abhyasi is made to by-pass such points with the help of the Master's extraordinary power, without even having an awareness of it.

Now we arrive at the next sub-knot. The consciousness of the condition prevailing at it is the second stage of knowledge. When by dint of our love and devotion we secure our approach upto it we find that the condition now becomes lighter and finer than the previous one. What is it that we find at this second knot? It is a state that presents to our view the presence of the godly state prevailing all round and pervading everything. It reflects a tinge of plainness and simplicity which shows that we have gone into it further. At every point the process of merging and identicality repeats itself, the latter being the final stage of the knowledge or Jnana of the point. When we have gone through it sufficiently and have experienced everything fully, the next knot then comes to our view.

Second knot

Our intensity of devotion now forces our way into it. It must be borne in mind that on enterning into every successive knot there is a slight feeling of heaviness in the mind on account of which people often discontinue the practice. But if we take into consideration that every attack of illness is followed by the restoration of good health, we will be encouraged better to attempt crossing of the knots. Now the tone of spiritual experiences is further changed. We feel considerably relieved of the previous denser effect. A clearer view of Reality now begins to dawn. Lightness develops to the extent of simplicity all through, though perfect purity is yet far off. This condition comes in about the end of the second knot. Here we feel glimpses of soul and our experiences at the point are of similar nature. For this reason it is known as the seat of Atman.

Cleanliness and simplicity are the characteristic features of this state. A feeling of moderation is also experienced to a certain extent. There are innumerable sub-points, the detailed description of which is not of much consequence and their difference is beyond words to explain. In short now the blissful conditions of the sphere of the soul are being unveiled unto us. We get acquainted with the characteristic features of the region and by continued meditation we secure our merging into it. The first covering is now removed and we begin to sense the fragrance of the Soul and similar visions appear within and without. Unless we have attained full realisation of this state we cannot claim to have acquired knowledge at all. If we try to develop it by the force of concentration it will only be sham. The extraordinary mental visions will no doubt come to view but since they have resulted from the exercise of thought-power they will only serve as a bondage to keep us ensnared so tightly that it shall almost be impossible to extricate ourselves from it. A true aspirant is he who adopts the right course and the right procedure from the beginning to the end.

This second knot covers the entire sphere of the soul. It comprises innumerable sub-points appearing in the form of layers, settled round one after the other and which we have all to get over in order to emerge out of the region. Anyhow we now exert ourselves to get out and arrive at the next stage by the help of the Divine grace. Now our entry into the next sphere of Divine enlightenment justifies our claim to have become Jnanai or knower upto that extent.

Third knot

Existence comprises of all the various forms and conditions in which the different elements appear to us. Now the next stage comes in when the Divine luminosity appears in the form of bursting flames of fire. A true devotee associates the heat thereof with that of true love. I may also add that at the time of the creation the Origin wherefrom the currents began to flow out was cold because it was unalloyed with matter. As they flowed out they gave out jerks which went on multiplying. The jerks occurred mostly at the point wherefrom the process of creation had started. It will be more comprehensible if for the sake of understanding we divide it into three parts. When the coolness got extended upto the limit where it started generating heat mostly by its own actions, therefrom it began to assume the differentiated form. It was of course the central part. Now the same central part came to our lot in the form of a Granthi or knot. There we find some circling rings in it. To be more plain I may frankly say that the very Root-Element now by itself turned into a knot and owing to the multiplicity of actions and counter actions, assumed such denseness as to transform it into matter. Now we are absorbed in it through our thought and are wandering round in it so that we may be able to proceed onwards. When our intense craving brings us in direct contact with the real condition at the knot we End it to be related with the element of Fire. By securing merging in it one acquires command over the element of fire. When we cross this sub-point we come to the consciousness of its original state which serves as a ladder for our further approach towards fuller apprehension. Merging has developed in ns the knowledge of the condition of the place. It is now ours and we have acquired mastery over it, and have become Jnani upto that level. This is what Jnana really means and such is the actual condition of a Jnani- the knower of the Divine knowledge. The real knowledge of a state means complete identicality with the state we have merged in. It brings us to full consciousness of the condition and for this very reason it is interpreted as the real life which can be experienced only by an animate being. Being thus encouraged we now begin to aspire impatiently for further knowledge.

Fourth knot

We proceed on and come to the next higher region, The state of tire now disappears. This shows that we have now entered the state which is quite opposite in character to the previous one and it is that of Water. If we settle down at this merging, then inspite of all our wanderings in it we can but master this element alone. The help that knowledge offers us is that it infuses us with a longing for the search of the Ultimate. If this longing is absent or one does not crave for Reality in true sense, he stops at the point and begins displaying miracles. We can truly realise the condition of the region only when our craving for reality helps us to develop in us the state of identicality which follows every merging. Since we aim at the absolute Reality, we, inspite of our mastery over the knot, never feel inclined to utilise this power. There is such a soothing tranquility at this point as one would feel by the refreshing effect of a vast stretch of water before his view. Identicality with that condition will bring the Abhyasi to fuller realisation of the state.

Yet there remains one thing to be brought to light. It is that at every knot the state of identicality following the merging is not in fact the final phase of the condition at the point. This state of identicality too merges again into another finer state known as Sayujyata (i.e., close conformity). When that has been attained, then alone can the knowledge gained be deemed as complete. Now this closeness or Sayujyata having been attained we proceed on further for higher knowledge.

Fifth knot

There is a great difference between search and craving, the latter being more appropriate.Our craving brings us to the knot which is decidedly superior to all previous ones.

Now we have reached the point and begun traversing it through and experiencing things in a practical way. Now we have our firm stand on it, and our thought assumes a similar trend which continues till at last we develop the state of merging in the state of wandering. This offers us opportunity to experience its condition which is somewhat peculiar in nature.

By now we acquire control over the element of Air. But the air here is quite changed. There are no gusts in it. It is something very calm and soothing. At this paint an Abhyasi often develops two conditions. Sometimes a feeling of sadness is felt and tears well up while he is passing from this state of knowledge to that of the real one. And sometimes the air here thrills him with experiences exciting laughter and weeping. In our system an Abhyasi is not allowed to stay long at this state but is taken onwards after having developed the state of identicality through the Master`s power. Thus the time now comes for the Abhyasi to move ahead. The full knowledge of the Pind--or the Material Sphere -is now attained.

There is a particular sound too at every knot, the higher the knot the sweeter is the sound. It is loudest in the Pind – Material Sphere - but it grows softer and softer as we ascend higher. If one concentrates one’s attention over these sounds or on their rhythmic rise and pitch he develops only the Siddhis or the miracle-working capacity. The sound at all the five knots, though slightly different, is much similar to each other. It is known as the Wisdom of Five-Fires *3 (Panch Agni Vidya) over which Ravana had acquired full control. But friends, my purpose is not to make one a demon, so I keep them unrevealed. Let anyone who likes to do so, try for himself. The vibrations at the point are such as to

*3 Wisdom of the Five Fires :-The Five elements viz. earth, fire, water, air and Akash (Space) are closely related with the Five points of the Pind-Desh (the material sphere) which are located in the human body in the region of the chest. Mastery over these points means command over the Fires (powers) of the elements related with them. All the material forces are directly or indirectly connected with the power of the elements. Thus a yogi, having gained mastery over these five points, secures command over the elements and can utilise their power for every genuine purpose. Make one feel the echo of the sound there. They grow loud and low with the change in condition.

Sixth knot

Now we move on to the Supra-material sphere, the Brahmanda Mandal. It is now the sixth knot, wherefrom the supra-mental sphere begins. It may not be here out of place to mention that one who after passing through the Pind-Desh has stepped into the Brahmanda Mandal shall not return to this earth for rebirth. This is the only benefit derived from knowledge upto this limit. The form of experiences is now changed and the effect of matter thins away considerably. From this point we now proceed either by the usual course stated previously or if available by the help and support of a worthy guide, who does not detain him longer than it is absolutely necessary but helps him on to the next knot after creating in him the conditions of the previous points, Those who proceed independently also get upto it through the usual process of merging and identicality but the result often is that they are attracted by its charming aspect and do not feel like going up towards the next stage. There is sufficient light at this knot along with a slight tinge of haziness. When we attain identicality, the haziness melts away and light alone remains. This point is the distributor of power coming down from the above. It also supplies power to the Pind or the Material sphere.

Seventh knot

We have now come to the seventh knot which is completely in the supra- mental sphere or Brahmanda Desh and is also known as the region of Virat. What to say of its grandeur. May God help everyone to get up to it so that the happy prospects of further progress be opened to him. Here the feeling of holiness and piety is predominant, but still the effect of matter breathes. The power of the atom which was utilised in the war of Mahabharat is immensely great. The powerful electric energy which a yogi must have full control over, is in abundance at this point and almost every Indian yogi did possess it to a great extent. Perhaps there might hardly be one among the ancient sages of India who might have been devoid of this great power. It is so charmingly attractive that often an Abhyasi comes to a stop at it and his further arrested. Yet the condition thought seemingly marvellous, is in respect of yoga but a toy for a child to play with. This power had grown abnormally great in Rishi Durvas and it had become linked with the Rudra-Shakti, the centre where the faculty of upsetting others to the extent of tears is predominant. Yet India holds saints in such great esteem that even Durvasa was accepted as the incarnation of Rudra. I do not want to comment upon the actual position of Durvasa in the spiritual field or how far he was successful in achieving his object of life in view of such adverse developments.

The region is the store-house of inexhaustible energy which supplies power to every- thing in the Pind-Desh. Here every thing is present in the microcosmic state. When we get into the knowledge of this region we become conscious of every power present there. When our merging in it starts we feel in every point within us immense power similar to that of electricity. Our expansion in it now begins and we realise that we are expanded all over the world. It is so because by the effect of our expansion in it, we develop corresponding expansion in the Pind- Desh as well. Yogis can utilise this power even for the temporary suspension of a law of Nature. He can use this power any way he likes even for the greatest work of any kind. If he gets completely merged in it he can set at naught the force of the fiercest explosives. All events occur here in the astral form before they actually happen on the earth in the physical form, and one can read them there before they come into action in this material world. If we are sensitive enough we can discover at even the most minor points in the Brahmanda the presence of all great powers which govern the parts of the universe connected with them. Modem science may perhaps exert itself to discover means for utilising them for producing destructive weapons, but only the advocates of Western culture can take up this job since their view-point is more material than Divine. But a yogi thinks the other way, and his object being realisation, he utilizes these powers for the betterment of the world and the well-being of its people, such occasions no doubt being exceptions when Nature itself demands their destructive use which happens off and on. It is such a vast region that even thousands of years may not be enough to have a complete round through the region. Complete traversing of the region is possible only when we get such a worthy guide as may by his own power take us round through the entire region in the shortest possible time. We do need such a guide because we have to attain the goal after crossing all these various knots. He receives light from this sphere to distribute it everywhere. The moon, the stars and planets all get their light from it.

It is therefore necessary for us to have our merging in this knot and to traverse it all through in a way to know most about it, after going through the usual process of merging and identicality. It is the point where often people embark upon the state of mad-ecstasy like that of an Avadhuta, which bars his further progress. Anyhow when we acquire the states of merging and identicality, the phase changes and the knowledge of the sphere is gained. The feeling of purity persists still though with some sharpness which affirms the existence of some force in it, What answer will the Jnanis - Agnostics of today, give if they are asked about the extent of their knowledge, although to confess the truth the condition of the real knowledge has not even dawned in them as yet. It is a matter of regret that people often present themselves in false colours - in a state which they never have arrived at. The fact is that either they misunderstand it or they only mean to show off in order to impose their own greatness. The people having eyes and vision are no doubt rare and even if there happens to be one, none of them will ever be inclined to accept him as such or to believe in what he says, rather they will all join together to drown his judgment in their clamour.

How nice a place, beyond all appreciations! A fuller description of the region might cover volumes. I may here add that the Sudarshan Chakra - Finger-Wheel of Lord Krishna which is so highly spoken of in the book of yore, possessed the power of this very region. Now I probe into the Knot to tell you something more about it. On entering into its mysteries an Abhyasi finds in it some sort of whirling rings which contain so much power and momentum that if it is applied to any of the biggest objects it will not only be shaken but even shattered to pieces by the effect. There are many other things which an Abhyasi may experience when he gets into this state.

How is this power generated? When several planets constellate they create a force which maintains them at their respective places. Mastery over this point endows a man with similar powers. Acquiring mastery over a certain condition is nothing but merging in it just like medicine which gets dissolved into the body of a man. When we have achieved so much then a little higher above we come across another thing which I have termed as Maha-Kal-Chakna *4 - the Wheel of the Supreme. It is that which creates field for the force which maintains stars at their respective places. It is far more strong and effective than the Krishna-Chakra which cannot hold candle to it. It is the mightiest instrument which is utilised for effecting a complete overhauling of the entire Universe. This force exists at the point where the seventh knot ends. I may, with due apology, also say that most probably Lord Krishna too might not have had it for the reason that it was not required at the time. But now the time for it has come and it is very likely that Nature might have allotted it to somebody for use.

*4 Maha-Kal-Chakra (the wheel of the Supreme) : The Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Kirshna is well known to everybody. I! is represented in the form of a bright disc which could be cast at the target aimed at after revolving it round the finger. For this reason it is often called as the Finger-wheel of Lord Krishna. It was the most powerful weapon which Lord Krishna had utilised for bringing about the required Change in the world structure. It had the full power of the ‘Virat’ region in it. The Sudarshan Chakra was in fact not the material instrument (in the form of the disc) which Lord Krishna possessed but the subtle power (in the form of a revolving ring) which was under full command of Lord Krishna. The Maha-Kal-Chakra is a stronger power than the Sudarshan. It is infused with the power of the Time. (See Appendix I) It descends under rare circumstances when its use for some immensely great task is inevitable. The present over-hauling of the universe is a far heavier task than the one for which Lord Krishna had come down to the earth. Consequently it is now the time that demands the use of this superior power for bringing about the Change on a much larger scale and for which the great Divine Personality has already come down to earth and is working for it with the help of this superior power under his command.

I may herein deal with another striking point which may no doubt be shocking to some of the people, but let the truth be out. Aham Brahmasami - I am Brahman- is supposed to be the highest state at present and those who claim to understand it are taken as the wise or the knower of the Divine knowledge - Gyani. But can any one claim 'hand aufs herz' *5 that the condition has actually developed in him? Just as for the description of the taste of wheat one might express it to be slightly sweetish, but the fuller understanding of it is never possible unless he has practically tasted it, so is the case with these wiseacres - Jnanis of today who by turning over the pages of books arrive at a declared conclusion without having any direct practical experience. Some light is thrown on this pitiable state of affairs in the 'Reality at Dawn’. Briefly here I may add that the feeling of Aham Brahmasmi *6 is experienced at every knot on the point of contact of the body and the soul. But this experience becomes more vivid and real when this knot is arrived at and one's mental trend so harmonises with it as to keep the sense of the experience alive in him. He feels that the heat and the light of the sun, the brightness and the cool effect of the moon and the glow of stars are all his. So much so if anyone talks about Rama, Krishna or other higher souls, he feels that it is a talk about himself and for this he feels no scruple. After continued experiences when the condition gets matured another mystery is unravelled. When we have become intensely attached to it or in other words, have merged the experiences too, our vision then turns upwards and promotes a tendency for the feeling of ‘It is what it is’. A slight tinge of this state does exist after every merging but here it is more obvious because we are now present in the vast sphere of Divinity - Ishwari Mandal. When we go ahead and merge into the state of ‘It is what it is’ we have then no other experience than ‘All from Him'.

*5 'Hand aufs herz'- An oath for truth, meaning ‘hand on the heart'.

*6 Aharn-Brahmasmi-I am Brahman :- This is perhaps the most popular sign of the so-called Jnani of today, who goes about reciting mechanically similar phrases to impose upon others a show of achievement. It is not in fact the mere recitation o phrases that makes a Jnani but the actual merging in the state when it is arrived at internally. ln strict sense it applies to an inner consciousness of the feeling of inseparableness with the Absolute, according to the level ofthe Abhyasis approach. According to the view taken up in this book, it is a spiritual state which develops in the course of our march towards the Ultimate. At every point or knot there is some consciousness of this feeling in some form or the other. It goes on growing finer and liner as one advances towards higher levels. There are generally three phases of it. At the lowest level it appears in the form of feeling, ‘I am Brahman’ (i.e. lnseparateness). Next it turns into the feeling of ‘All is Brahman ' which conveys a sense of universal inseparateness. Last of all it assumes the form of the feeling of ‘All from Brahman’ which conveys a sense of extinction of every view.

It is a mighty vast knot comprising of innumerable different states. One peculiar feature of this region is that after sufficient progress when an aspirant views a thing outside, he does not actually feel its presence though its physical form is before his eyes. That means his heart remains free from the impression of its existence. I have herein dealt with only the main features of the region, If the aspirant has sufficient interest and eagerness for it and also a capable guide to lead him on, he then gets the happy intimation of proceeding on to the next knot after the state of identicality gets matured.

Eighth knot

Our craving now brings us to this eighth knot. The entire scene is now changed. The conditions which had been experienced at the seventh knot come to view now in a more subtle form. Here the Abhyasi feels that the world is like a dream or the playground of Nature. Sense of dissociation or unattachment - Vairagya - becomes very strong. Beyond it, even Vairagya, as it is, has no access, for it changes its form and then alone it can be taken as fully matured. Everything here seems to be very light. Thought loses its weight and the Abhyasi begins enjoying peace and settledness. This blissful state of peace is in due course transformed into Reality. But dear brethren, a real seeker is he who all along with his state of tranquility, feels a restless craving for the realisation of the Ultimate. It is in fact the very thing which removes thorns and thistles from our path and facilitates our march onwards.

We have persistently been hearing that the world is like a dream and that we should take it to be so. But to my mind those bookworms themselves have never been able to visualise it in that light, though the preachers have ever been emphasising it vigorously. As a matter of fact it is an inner condition which blooms automatically by the effect of the right practice when one reaches upto it. If we force our mind to accept it as such it will be a mere hoax, far far away from Reality. It is in fact the condition of a particular place which a pilgrim on the path comes across during the course of his journey. If we harden this feeling through artificial means and thereby draw the conclusion that we have acquired knowledge and that we have actually realised the world as a dream, it will be highly deceptive. The characteristic feature of the place is peace and our merging in it means that we have absorbed it fully. When we emerge out of it to attain identicality we gain full experience of the condition. In this state we feel a sort of freshness like that which a sun-stricken person would feel after a cool bath in the river in the hot summers. Now when we have attained identicality which, in other words, means living in the life of the place, the condition that develops after merging further into that living too, brings to us the happy tidings of our approach to the next knot.

Ninth knot

We now enter the ninth knot. The form of experiences changes further and we now come to the point where from the real contact with Bhuma - the Absolute - starts. We enter a state in which we feel like born anew into another world. Our expansion in it now begins and along with it we also begin to gain consciousness of That to whom the sphere, we are now reborn in, belongs. Our feeling brings us to a conscious understanding of it and the mind recognises the presence of the Lord. His presence impresses the Abhyasi so deeply that unconscious worship starts within. Individual activities of worldly nature get almost exhausted before coming into this state and the bare relationship between the Master and the servant remains to view. ‘ He is the Master and we are his slaves ’ is the predominant feeling at this knot, together with a reverential consciousness of His presence. Our own state at this stage is that of extreme supplication with an inexpressible softness of heart, marking the total absence of all feelings of ill will or enmity. This in fact opens to us the very first chapter of Divine Knowledge. From this point the sense of self- existence begins to dissolve and the more we probe into it the more we are successful in the negation of self. For further clarification of the condition of self at this stage I may cite the example of Hanuman, whose inner powers were awakened only when he was reminded of their presence in him. Otherwise he remained quite forgetful of them. But onwards still we have to go, passing through the usual states of merging and identicality at every point. When all these conditions get merged into the state of identicality which in its turn reaches the merging point, we feel our happy approach to the next knot.

Tenth knot

When we reach this tenth knot the previous conditions change their phase. By now we become so much accustomed to supplication that we begin feeling His home to be ours. That is to say, we begin to sense a feeling of ‘Master Hood’. But this, not being an imposition, is the actual condition of the place which develops by the effect of our close proximity with the Lord and which must come to an Abhyasi at this level. Just as on witnessing the gentle flow of a watery current one often begins to feel the dancing of the waves in his heart, so does an Abhyasi at this stage feel and is inwardly prompted to revere his own self. Putting it another way I may say that for enjoying the tine fragrance of the Sandal one has to go to the tree itself, but when he applies its paste on his forehead he gets close to it and enjoys it just in the same way. We are now at His portals and feel the cool breeze coming from within. The Master too starts sensing that one of His slaves is in wait for Him. Same-ness also begins to develop to some extent though much is yet to be covered in respect of closeness. Here the function of Ishwar, in the sense of the Creator, ceases and the Ishwar has no access beyond. Onwards we begin to contact with the Bhuma - The Absolute and attain freedom from bondage. It is a place of rare approach. The air does not breathe there, rather the air at the place is of the type which is hardly attainable even after persistent labour, and practice, or we might as well say that the air transforms into its real essence which we have now to pass through. What is that essence? To call it as Vacuum may not be quite appropriate, to express it as the reflection of Bhuma may also not be exact, because all these are comparatively heavier. In all fairness it can only be said that the Bhuma is there and a conscious feeling of its existence is present in the heart which determines that there is a certain Eternal and Universal Existence towards which we have to move on. Then only we must understand that we have come upto the next knot.

Eleventh knot

Having accomplished this we now step into the eleventh knot. OH goes the veil and the vision of Reality now comes to light. We now feel helpless, beyond control. A constant craving for Him accompanied by all its aches and pangs prevails every moment. There is no rest or peace without Him. Truly speaking peace has now departed from us. What remians instead may better be expressed as a condition of peace from which peacefulness is sucked out. That is exactly the condition of the knot which we experience and get it finally merged. What remains there now? Everything seems lost except the pang which persists still and which is the only thing which helps our onward approach. It ends when we have plunged into the Reality and moved on into the state of identicality. When that too is merged we come to a state of refined identicality which marks our approach to the twelfth knot.

Twelfth knot

Now we arrive at the twelfth knot. What is there ? It is the merging point of all things, acquired at the different states of merging and identicality. We now enter automatically into the state of refined identicality or Sayujyata, where the panorama is so much vested with purity that even simplicity may seem to be a hundred times heavier. If any other more appropriate word may have been available to denote the condition further on that too must be many times heavier than even simplicity. New we proceed on with refined identicality and begin to perceive a new form of existence which comes to our experience at the next knot.

Thirteenth knot

As we reach this thirteenth knot we begin to feel existence all through-an eternal existence. I have taken up only the major knots because the minor ones are innumerable and their difference is beyond words. So far words have somehow struggled on to express but they are henceforth helpless. Still our pilgrimage continues. Numberless such knots come in our way and we pass through the conditions of merging and identicality at each of them. At onward stages Maya loses its touch, though that point is yet far off. After that there comes another knot where egoism almost falls off after having acquired the states of merging and identicality in it. And further on, it changes its form. This state is attainable after thousands of years of labour and toil but the onward march is only possible when a capable guide or Master is available. Whosoever has got such a Sad-guru traverses every knot and finally reaches the shores of infinite ocean which is the ultimate limit of knowledge.

My only urge to the people in general is that they must try to judge themselves in the light of this version. Only then they will have a clear understanding of what true knowledge is and where it ceases to function. Its function ends where its experiences are over, and the condition becomes like that of an innocent child who knows nothing. This is our actual condition when we arrive at the shores of the infinite Ocean. This state falls in the sphere of knowledge-less-ness and this alone is the actual condition of the Real Knowledge and the final stage of it.

THE FINAL STATE

But dear brethren, all that has been talked about so far is not yet the end. We have to move further still, but now without the support of knowledge. This knowledgeless-ness alone, which I have termed as ‘Ignorance'1 is now ours, which in refined state will lead us on to our ultimate Goal. Nothing else can be capable of it. All the states and conditions of identicality and closeness are now over. Knowledge-less-ness has now developed in us, and it is but proper, for a man of knowledge shall never plunge into the ocean because he knows that the moment he does so his life shall be nowhere. That means he possesses that much of understanding. It is only our Juana-hinata or knowledge-less-ness that has at last launched us into the fathomless ocean. When we had plunged in, our eagerness for the end began to develop. Now we go on with that very thought; no boat is available because it had already sunk before we reached this place. Now there is nothing but going on and we swim on and on covering leagues after leagues. It is but certain that in the course of our voyage, now, we come across numerous ripples, folds and wrinkles, but all of them are quite silent and inactive except for a faint impression of their being. We proceed on with it till at last that impression too fades away as it finally must; and the surface becomes quite smooth without folds or wrinkles. The seven rings of the Central region as explained in the ‘Efficacy of Rajyoga’ refer to this very condition. Just as a man who has been travelling long, sometimes comes to a state in which he forgets his tiredness - an empirical point which can be verified by experience - so does our Jnana-hinata which has brought us to the verge of the ocean, also wears out from even thought and gets quite extinct. But we have to go on further still.

1 See Appendix II.

Our Jnana-hinata too has now come to an end. The next state that develops – though more appropriately it cannot be said to have developed - can better be expressed as the state of Tam - ‘no light and no darkness’. This is what takes us along now and there is no end to it. We may go on and on but this will remain with us forever. If there be a great soul of calibre who may be able to comprehend what lies beyond, he may be able to discover that there is a point, rather a ring, there. The conception of a ring round the centre is indispensable. Such a one as is capable of having an experience of the central point is very rarely born. Still let me reveal something about it. Suppose there be such a great soul in existence who wishes to discover what exists within, tries to peep into the ring around which all the powers of Nature originate, then he is pushed back from it: Anyhow, if after undergoing all shocks he is finally able to make out something of it then words would fail to express it. This is the final limit of human approach and none so far has been able to go beyond, and for the future let others conjecture if they can. Advancement even upto this point is well-nigh impossible. What are these seven rings? They are the concentrated essence of power which originates from the Central Ring upto which access is almost impossible. Still let me, however, lay down the means for it. They are quite simple and easy. When the thought of jumping up arises in his heart it gets itself linked with the ring. Now if one picks up courage to merge his thought into the ring, but with a careful precaution that he must keep a close watch upon his heart lest it might burst forth, he may be able to have some glimpse of it, but only for a few seconds after which he shall have to get back. I have thus laid down the method and it is now upto others to dare if they like.

Another important feature of spirituality is the Special Will. Probably few may be aware of its full significance. When it is applied from a very high level of spiritual advancement its effect is sure beyond doubt. It must also be borne in mind that it works freely upto the point or knot which it hits on, and if it is fixed beyond the seven rings of the Central Region it is quite unfailing and the effect thereof shall definitely come to light in due course. It can even stop the motion of the stars and planets or counteract their effect. This infallibility of will is in fact the real interpretation of the characteristic feature of Brahma-gati - the state of Brahman - which has been represented in so many diverse ways in our scriptures. Here I have given so much - though yet it beggars description - only for the avowed saints to help them form a correct estimate of themselves. It is also but certain that such a personality never comes off and on and that he uses this Special Will only in matters of the spiritual nature and never elsewhere.

What is the ‘Special Will'? It is the ‘that’ which admits of no doubt or misgiving. The negative phase being quite out of imagination, that alone which is to be remains in sight. Confidence grows so strong that nothing contrary can ever stand in the way, Of course there are some brave souls in whom it develops right from the beginning, but in that case it works only within its own sphere and not in higher ones. I now reveal this mystery so that people may try for it. In all matters whether worldly or spiritual a man should make use of it and try to avoid harbouring thoughts of failure or disappointment. Though in fact it relates exclusively to spirituality yet it does not mean that this science should not be utilised for worldly purposes. For a spiritual man, the use of it is of course indispensable and he can utilise it whenever he likes.

While discussing the various aspects of knowledge I have thrown some light on the science of matter too, but that is only in a way that it can be followed after deep study. The powers of creation and destruction are both present in Nature. Wherever the power of creation exists there also exists the power of destruction along with it. There is something like a dot or a grain in the centre of the first knot related above. In our spiritual pursuit we take up this very point or dot, from which as from a nucleus thin fibres shoot out forming a sort of cobweb. We merge ourselves into this point or nucleus to emerge forth into the state of identicality. I have also stated that where Bhuma is, in whatever state it be, there is a ring round about it which, to make more comprehensible, may be said as a sphere of light or power and which allows none to stay within it. The same exactly, is true about this nucleus too. It has also a ring or circle round it, but it is not so powerful as to prevent anyone from probing into it. This ring possesses all the

destructive properties and can create a state of destruction within its own range, that is, it can be used in making or marring any of the material objects of the world. It was this very power which Hanumanjee had made use of, for attracting the gas of the Indian Ocean to set Ceylon on tire as discussed in the ‘ Efficacy of Rajyoga`. The ordinary process for applying such destructive elements is to draw them by the will-force and to locate them on the particular spot to effect the desired results. Itis possible to cast the force of the ring upon some distant part with the result that it may be reduced to ashes. But if it is used for some good purpose it can create a state of light like that which Moses saw on the mountain. In this way both good and bad results can be brought about by it. But as a Yogi always aims at the good, he never uses it for adverse results save in specially ordained circumstances. Similar is the case with all the following knots.

I may also bring to light another mystery. We have been saying I out of devotion that there is providence in the fall of a sparrow and not a leaf trembles without the divine will. And that is a fact too. But if I say that God too does not move without the will of his devotee, I do not know what the wiseacres of saints might think of me, But that is a fact beyond doubt and a fact must be declared in order to reveal reality, For myself I may say that since I started practice at the feet of my master, Samarthguru Sri Ram Chandra Ji Maharaj of Fatehgarh, U.P., I have taken him to be my all in all and may this feeling of mine continue for ever, It was he who brought me deliverance, so I remained unattached with everyone else. Now I again come to the point. God, taken in the sense of the Centre or Bhuma, does not possess mind or Manas. Had he had it the law of Karma - action -would have applied to Him as well and he would have been in the world like us. Mind (Manas) is an instrument which He has bestowed upon man. A part of it is with us and the other end extends nearly upto Him. Our attention is towards both of them. With the former we attend to our worldly affairs while with the latter to the Divine. When we connect the former with the latter the same one current begins to flow all through. For this we have to practise, so that a throb in the latter may begin to resound in the former - the human mind. Now imagine what the condition of a man would be when, after making his heart like that, he hits into the central region and crosses the seven rings to acquire swimming in the Infinite Ocean, He shall definitely be nearmost to Bhuma and further on if contact is developed which is nothing but the state of merging or Layavastha in the Bhuma, then everything is accomplished and all his activities in the spiritual field come to an end. Whatsoever little remains may be beyond the grasp of imagination. The life which is acquired after this final merging is the real life which is attainable only after complete negation of self. Now if we dissolve that, the life would then be a retiued existence and if that too is merged then whatever remains would be the Real. Words fail to picture that which comes after the ultimate merging of that last state. At this level there remains but a nominal difference between him and the Bhuma. Further on, the next condition is when the conception of Bhuma is thoroughly vivified. Nothing beyond it can be said, though thought goes on further still, and no end can be traced out. When we arrive at the final condition and begin receiving commands, our understanding fails to decide as to wherefrom they have come. When this condition dawns we must realise that we have arrived at the state where it can be rightly presumed that God does not move till moved by the devotee. When we enter this ultimate state we are in a state of oneness. This is in fact the real sphere of Adwaita though, if consciousness of it remains, duality has not yet forsaken us in the true sense. In other words, the ultimate changeless state has not so far dawned. As a matter of fact it is the place where the feelings of both duality and non-duality become extinct. In the words of a poet, it can be translated as, - ‘ I ’ has turned into ‘ you ’ ‘ I ’ become the body and ‘ you ’ the life in it, so that none may henceforth say that I and You are apart from each other". When we settle down in it having merged to the last possible limit what do we achieve thereby? I will simply say that all powers originating from below the Centre come to us and an Abhyasi at this state of attainment can do all what Nature does. All the forces of Nature are under his command, and he supplies them power to keep the work of Nature a-going unimpeded. The sacred books often contain references to the effect that at times the different gods received power through different Yajnas to bring out the desired, results. But such methods are adopted only by those who abide in the sphere of duality. But all that is in an Abhyasi, who is forgetful of his state of non-duality, is the reality of the' real. He has power even to shorten the spam of existence or affect whatever change he would like. His will shall work in all matters, though it may take time. The Manifestation too has been a very long process covering a period of about 120,000 years time when judged through deep concentration from the level of highest super-consciousness. Though there was only one shock in the region of power just below the Bhuma yet the manifestation of the effect thereof and the accumulation of the necessary material for the purpose took the entire period mentioned above.

For the interest of the readers I may also say that the momentum of all the creative activities was clock-wise; if it now be turned anti-clockwise the universe will begin to dissolve. The sun and the moon will begin to lose their light and the span of the earth`s existence will be reduced.

Now again the border ring round the centre, as I have said before, does not allow anyone to cross over it. Yet if there be one so highly specialised as to be capable of forcing a few seconds peep into it, he can bring the entire existence to naught if by the force of his will he affixes round the Ring a living thought of ending the universe and diverts its How towards the Central Region. It will then combine with the Central Energy, creating vibrations which, when expanded, will force its descent downwards. Now greater the force generated the stronger will be its action. Another method for it would be to reverse the downward flow of powers towards the Centre by the force of the will. By doing so the momentum itself will turn anticlockwise, and the effect of will shall quicken the process. On the other hand if he only locates his will on the ring round the Centre then it will come into effect slowly.

When things stand so none can perhaps have a true estimate of the Man’s inner powers though I have hinted everything in a very guarded manner. If one, having progressed upto that extent, wants to effect any remarkable change in Nature, the method would be quite simple and unfailing, for hardly would there be anything too far from him. The method would be, to join his own thought to the real state in such a way that there be no words in it but only a suggestion to express his purpose. The same thing will then set to work for the accomplishment of the task and that would be the Divine Command as well. But this will happen only when, as stated above, the contact with the Bhuma is so established that the thing existing in the heart may be resounding there just like the other end of the wire which begins to vibrate by the effect of touch at one end. When a devotee attains this stage he no longer remains a supplicant in the strict sense, though his humble supplications persist still as duly they must. Really it is only on account of his gentleness of character that the relation which has brought him upto it is maintained all through. In accordance with it he receives commands for the work required for the world. His own position in this respect is practically nil. He is in a way only a part of the Bhuma. This condition does not fall to anyone’s lot except on rare occasions when nature wants overhauling of the world or the universe. There can never be two personalities of this category at the same time in the world. There shall be one and only one such personality in all the universe at a time and that too only when Nature is in need of it.

I have now dealt with the different conditions of Knowledge upto the last. If we try to express it more appropriately the word knowledge would be far too inadequate. Let aspirants try to reach up to the point. It is just likely that there may be something beyond that too, but that is only a suggestion for the posterity, and those who are in the present may also ponder over it.

APPENDIX  I

At the time when there was only the Absolute and no Creation, the question  of TIME did not arise at all. When the thought of creation got enlivened in the  Base, it was perfectly free from everything. It proceeded on and due to the effect of motion, got transformed into power, with its tendency directed towards action. But for the action, it must naturally stand in need of Held or base. Now the brief   pause, intervening between the original Thought and subsequent Being, or in other words between cause and effect, was already there. This can appropriately be interpreted  as ‘Duration’ or ‘Time’ and served for the field for its action. Thus Time having merged into the power, got transformed itself into power, for further action towards creation.

As a general rule a thought when it becomes deep brings into effect something like a pause, which has a tremendous force. In case of the Centre, the question of depth does not arise at all because of perfect uniformity there. The idea of velocity of force, the direct action of the mind, was also absent there, since the Centre or the Ultimate Brahm, though Absolute, did not possess mind.

Thus whatever existed between the thought and the action was Power, which is termed as ‘TIME ’. The same power we too have got as our share but in accordance with our limited capacity. Now in order to utilise this power we have to merge it in the greater power of the Centre, which is all and absolute. There is nothing in the world - not even the Megaton Bomb of the modern science -- to match this great power. The modern science may not yet have realised its full significance, though even if it had, it would have utilised it for the destructive purposes only.

The power can however be brought down to earth and utilised in work by the exercise of strong will-power. A yogi at the highest level of ascent is however with  it consciously or unconsciously. To my view, the science of physics cannot be   taken as complete without a full knowledge of this great power which is in fact the root of all powers.

APPENDIX  II

Ignorance and knowledge are the two extremities of the same thing. Upto a certain extent it is termed as ignorance, after that it turns into knowledge. They are like the two poles of a magnet. Thus Avidya (ignorance) has no existence without Vidya (knowledge) and Vidya without Avidya. If one is there the other must also   be there. That means when the veil of ignorance is torn off, Avidya and Vidya are both gone. Thus Avidya covers the entire sphere included in both Avidya and  Vidya. That is the state of Tam which is beyond both. It is in true sense the state of realization - where there is neither Avidya nor Vidya. What is it there then? Neither of    the    two    a    state    of    perfect    latency,    not-knowingness,    or  complete knowledgelessness which may roughly be denoted as the state of ignorance just as   it is at the age of infancy. Ignorance is in fact the highest pitch of knowledge. That comes to mean that we start from the level of ignorance and finally end in a state of higher ignorance (or complete ignorance as I call it). The sphere of knowledge (in the popular sense of the term) is only an intermediary stage. Really so far us it is   the sphere of knowledge. it is all ignorance in true sense.

Can that which dawns after the veil of ignorance is torn off, be ever  expressed as knowledge? Certainly not, though one does call it so in the outer sense taking into view the two opposites. Does it cover the sense of knowledge? No: knowledge implies awareness of that which is beyond self. Realisation means merging or oneness with the Absolute. In that case no question of knowledge can ever arise. What that may then be- knowledgelessness-not knowingness-ignorance  or what? In short it must be something like that, though it may well-nigh be impossible to express it in words. Complete Ignorance as I have put it may however be nearest to appropriateness.

One on the Divine path is supposed to be marching from darkness to light.  Let darkness be Avidya (as it is commonly represented) and light Vidya. Sahaj  Marg does not have Light for its goal. It is but an intermediary stage which we pass through during our march to the Ultimate, which is neither light nor darkness but beyond both. Thus do we start from Avidya (ignorance) and pass through Vidya (knowledge) on to that which is neither Avidya no Vidya beyond both, What word can denote exact sense of that which is neither light darkness or which is neither Avidya Vidya? Is there any word for that in World Vocabulary? None, for sure. Let it therefore be, as I say, ‘Complete Ignorance’ different from its crudest slate of preliminary ignorance.

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