II.

Science of the Soul

As theory precedes practice, it is but essential that one must have a crystal clear idea of the theoretical aspect of the eternal truths of life, which are conveyed through the correct interpretation of the various scriptures, the right import whereof can only be explained by one who has actually realized Truth for himself, and has established eternal contact with the Divine Link within him. The ultimate Truth is, of course, one and the same in all religions, but the sages have described it variously, each according to the measure of his own spiritual advancement on the God-Way. One who has actually traversed the path completely is termed a Perfect Master or Sant Satguru. He, being fully conversant with the various details of the journey, can explain matters suitably and reconcile the seeming differences, if any, in the scriptural texts. He is a guide on the spiritual path from plane to plane, as the soul, after voluntary withdrawal from body consciousness, proceeds along with Him. The different scriptures are but wares in the hands of the Master for convincing those who have but little faith in one or the other, of the religious beliefs. By apt quotations from sacred books of different religions, the Master Saints emphasize the essential unity of all religions on the common ground of Spirituality, for each embodied soul, after transcending body consciousness, escapes from all denominational labels attached to the physical body. It is a practical question of "Self knowledge'', and an actual experience thereof is given by the Master to each individual at the time of Initiation. Testimony is always directly based on first hand experience and not on hearsay or book learning. Sant Kabir says,


Oh Pandit (one well versed in religious learning), you and I cannot possibly agree in our conclusions, for you speak of things as you have read in sacred texts, while I speak what I have seen.


Again,


Listen ye to the true testimony of the Saints, for they give out what they verily see with their own eyes.


Nanak does not utter a single syllable of His own, except as He is moved from within.


Christ said,


I do nothing of myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.