Sadguru – the Incarnation of Kindliness and Love: Mystic Hymns from the Padavali of Maharshi Mehi Paramhans (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Maharshi Mehi Paramhans was a legendary spiritual Master of the ancient Hindu tradition of Sant Mat, or “Teachings of the Saints.” Through His study and diligent meditation with Sadguru, or true Teacher, Baba Devi Sahib, Maharshi Mehi achieved self-realization. Maharshi Mehi found that all the venerated Saints, like Shakyamuni Buddha, Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Tulsi Sahib, spoke of God-realization through the practice of Drishti Yoga (the Yoga of inner Heavenly Vision) and Surat-Shabda Yoga (the Yoga of inner Heavenly Sound). We will now share with you excerpts from “The Padavali,” a collection of hymns and mystic poetry written by Maharshi Mehi Paramhans.

“O Lord! Kindly listen to my various modes of thinking; I don’t try for disciplining my mind even in the little, So that I may concentrate my mind on Your lotus-feet; What would give me Satsanga (the company of a Guru), teach me that, I may follow the same path as followed by the devotees; If You don’t teach me that, I shall be burning with triad tribulations, As those without Sadguru have been burning; Mind does not leave its make-up, So I am really afraid, O Guru!”

“O Guru! Lift me up to that glorious symmetry, Which You had asked me to ascend through the tenth door containing the luminous star, But that path is not at all visible; O Gurudevaa (luminous Guru)! Gripping, You take me above darkness and the luminous star, And lead me to the galaxy of stars, And then further on to the lotus with a thousand petals, Where the flame of divinity ever glitters and the Moon too is visible; O Gurudevaa (luminous Guru)!”

“Give me courage again to mount up the empty region, And going beyond it, I be lifted up above the Supra-causal realm (Bhambara Gupha); Where You make me pure, driving off triad gunas (qualities) and removing false wrappings; And then take me to the nameless land which is beyond all words, Thus bringing me to the nameless abode, You drop upon me Your exceptional grace.”

“Listen to me fully, O Sadguru, there is no one like You, Snatching me away from the path of time, Remove me from being engrossed in vain pursuits, Blindfolded, I falter into the traps of sensualities, That keep me away from the right path.”