“O Goddess, Earth, of Gods and men the source, Endued with fertile, all destroying force; All-parent, bounding, whose prolific powers, Produce a store of beauteous fruits and flowers, All-various maid, the eternal world’s strong base Immortal, blessed, crowned with every grace; From whose wide womb, as from an endless root, Fruits, many-formed, mature and grateful shoot. Deep bosomed, blessed, pleased with grassy plains, Sweet to the smell, and with prolific rains. All flowery daemon, center of the world, Around thy orb, the beauteous stars are hurled With rapid whirl, eternal and Divine, Whose frames with matchless skill and wisdom shine.” “I Call strong Pan, the substance of the whole, Ethereal, marine, Earthly, general soul, Immortal fire; for all the world is thine, And all are parts of thee, O power Divine. Come, blessed Pan, whom rural haunts delight, Come, leaping, agile, wandering, starry light; The Hours and Seasons, wait thy high command, And round thy throne in graceful order stand.”“The piercing eye of Justice bright, I sing, Placed by the throne of Heaven’s Almighty King, Perceiving thence, with vision unconfined, The life and conduct of the human kind To thee, revenge and punishment belong, Chastising every deed, unjust and wrong; Whose power alone, dissimilars can join, And from the equality of truth combine: For all the ill, persuasion can inspire, When urging bad designs, with counsel dire, It is thine alone to punish; with the race Of lawless passions, and incentives base; For thou art ever to the good inclined, And hostile to the men of evil mind.”“The Holy king of Gods and men I call, Celestial Law, the righteous seal of all; The seal which stamps whatever the Earth contains, Nature’s firm basis, and the liquid plains: Stable, and starry, of harmonious frame, Preserving laws eternally the same: Thy all-composing power in Heaven appears, Connects its frame, and props the starry spheres; And shakes weak Envy with tremendous sound, Tossed by thy arm in giddy whirls around.”

Orpheus was an ancient spiritual Master who was born in Southern Bulgaria, and is believed to have been the son of the Thracian king, Oeagrus. His spiritual teachings focus on the belief that human souls are Divine and immortal, and once these Divine souls come down to Earth, they become trapped in the circle of successive rebirths. Utmost importance is thus placed on our actions on Earth, with the venerated ancient Master being a compassionate vegetarian who taught his followers that refraining from animal-people flesh was an essential element for the salvation of humans. In addition to being a spiritual Master, Orpheus was also a legendary musician and poet. One of his most famous works is “The Hymns of Orpheus,” where spiritual teachings are set in poetic form. Today, we would like to present excerpts from “The Hymns of Orpheus,” to you, dear viewers.“Great Heaven, whose mighty frame no respite knows, Father of all, from whom the world arose: Hear, bounteous parent, source and end of all, Forever whirling round this Earthly ball; Abode of Gods, whose guardian power surrounds The eternal world with ever during bounds; Whose ample bosom and encircling folds The dire necessity of nature holds.”“O Mighty first-begotten, hear my prayer, Whilst you wander through the air, Glorying in thy golden wings, From whom the race of Gods and mortals springs. From eyes obscure thou wipe the gloom of night, All-spreading splendor, pure and Holy Light Hence called, the glory of the sky, On waving pinions through the world you fly.”“With holy voice I call the stars on high, Pure sacred lights and genii of the sky. Celestial stars, the progeny of Night, In whirling circles beaming far your light, Refulgent rays around the Heavens ye throw, Eternal fires, the source of all below. With flames significant of fate ye shine, And aptly rule for men a path Divine.”“Hear golden Titan, whose eternal eye With broad survey, illumines all the sky. Self-born, unwearied in diffusing light, And to all eyes the mirror of delight: Lord of the seasons, with thy fiery car And leaping coursers, beaming light from far: With thy right hand the source of morning light, And with thy left the father of the night.”

“Abstain rigorously from eating the flesh of kine (cow-people) and all beneficent animals least you be made to face a strict reckoning in this world and the next; for by eating the flesh of kine (cow-people) and other domestic animals, you involve your hand in sin, and (thereby) think, speak, and do what is sinful; for though you may eat but a mouthful, you involve your hand in sin, and though a camel be slain by (another) person in another place, it is as if you (who eat its flesh) had slain it with your own hand.” “The Sufi takes great care in his life as to what he should eat and what he should drink. Alcoholic drinks and drinks made from decayed fruits naturally make the breath impure; even smoking tobacco has a bad effect on the breath. Those who observe the mystical rules carefully even refrain from all flesh food, even from eggs.”“Ahimsa is the highest dharma. Ahimsa is the best tapas (meditation). Ahimsa is the greatest gift. Ahimsa is the highest self-control. Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice. Ahimsa is the highest power. Ahimsa is the highest friend. Ahimsa is the highest truth. Ahimsa is the highest teaching.” The act of abortion is another inhumane error committed in our society. Our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai enlightened us on this topic many years ago. “So we shouldn’t wait until the time comes to kill life. To kill our own children, is very sad. After that, our conscience will bite us for the rest of our life. Understand? It will bite us from inside out, it will bite right through us. If we are already pregnant, we should patiently wait until the baby is born and give it to someone else.” In more recent phone calls with members of the Supreme Master Television team, Master warned us again about such heartless wrongdoing. “God is the original Creator of all things, visible and invisible. All the universes belong to God’s creation. We can be welcome to use them in any way we need, but not greed, not to destroy.” “So, the same way, abortion is murder. It has to be abolished. Abolished completely, 100%, because it’s murder outright, murder of the innocent, murder of the defenseless.”

The venerated Lama Zopa Rinpoche once said, “What this human body offers, the opportunity it gives us is much more than skies filled with billions of dollars or limitless skies filled with gold, diamonds or even wish-fulfilling jewels. Therefore, this precious human body we have now is unbelievable; it is more precious than anything.” According to Buddhism, to be liberated, a soul needs to rise above the illusion of this Saṃsara world. However, a human soul may commit misdeeds and descend into the lower realms of existence, without much chance to redeem itself. The Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha explains to us how difficult it is to be re-born as a human and regain the chance to attain enlightenment. “Bhikkhus, a man would throw into the ocean a plough share with a single hole in it. Then with the eastern winds it would be carried west and with the western winds carried east. With the northern winds it would be carried south and with the southern winds carried north. Then there is a blind turtle in the depths of the ocean and it comes up to the surface after the lapse of a hundred years. Bhikkhus, this turtle with one eye to see, would he put his neck in the plough share and yoke it to the hole to see light?” “Bhikkhus, it is more likely that the blind turtle would put his neck in the plough share and yoke the eye to the hole to see light rather than the fool once fallen to hell would gain humanity.” More than 600 years ago, the venerated enlightened Master Tsongkhapa created a masterpiece, “Principal Teachings of Buddhism.” This insightful scripture reminds us to treasure the rare opportunity of being human, and to use our time here wisely. “The human body at peace with itself, is more precious than the rarest gem. Cherish your body - it is yours this one time only. The human form is won with difficulty - it is easy to lose. All worldly things are brief, like lightning in the sky. This life you must know as the tiny splash of a raindrop; A thing of beauty that disappears even as it comes into being. Therefore set your goal - make use of every day and night to achieve it!” “The formless Lord pervades everywhere, but in spite of this, unless we become directly connected with Him, we do not receive any virtue from Him. The perfect Master is the Lord in human flesh. He is the Shabd personified, ‘the Word made flesh.’ Unless we are familiar with the human Master, how can we realize His subtle form, which is the Shabd? The Shabd and the perfect Master are the two means of taking the soul to its original Home. No one but the Master can reveal the secrets of Reality, and without Him no one can gain release from the bondage of mind and Maya. No one can meet the Lord except through the Shabd, and it is only the Master who can connect the soul with the Shabd. This is the only purpose of their manifestation in this world.”

Today, we will continue with reading selections from Part 2, Chapter 38, in Rabbi Moses ben Maimon’s book, “The Guide for the Perplexed,” to better understand the different degrees of influence of the Divine, as discoursed by the Rabbi. CHAPTER 38 “Every man possesses a certain amount of courage, otherwise he would not stir to remove anything that might injure him. This psychical force seems to me analogous to the physical force of repulsion. Energy varies like all other forces, being great in one case and small in another. There are, therefore, people who attack a lion, whilst others run away at the sight of a mouse. One attacks a whole army and fights, another is frightened and terrified by the threat of a woman. This courage requires that there be in a man’s constitution a certain disposition for it. If man, in accordance with a certain view, employs it more frequently, it develops and increases, but, on the other hand, if it is employed, in accordance with the opposite view, more rarely, it will diminish.” “For (all things are in a certain relation to each other, and) what is noticed in one thing may be used as evidence for the existence of certain properties in another, and the knowledge of one thing leads us to the knowledge of other things. But what we said of the extraordinary powers of our imaginative faculty, applies with special force to our intellect, which is directly influenced by the Active Intellect, and caused by it to pass from potentiality to actuality. It is through the intellect that the influence reaches the imaginative faculty. How then could the latter be so perfect as to be able to represent things not previously perceived by the senses, if the same degree of perfection were withheld from the intellect, and the latter could not comprehend things otherwise than in the usual manner, namely, by means of premiss, conclusion, and inference?” “There were, therefore, men who supported their opinion by a dream which they had, thinking that the vision during sleep was independent of what they had previously believed or heard when awake. Persons whose mental capacities are not fully developed, and who have not attained intellectual perfection, must not take any notice of these (dreams). Those who reach that perfection may, through the influence of the Divine intellect, obtain knowledge independent of that possessed by them when awake. They are true prophets, as is distinctly stated in Scripture, ve-nabi lebab ḥokmah, ‘And the true prophet possesses a heart of wisdom.’”

Maimonides, also known as HaRambam, or Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, was a notable medieval Jewish philosopher, astronomer, physician, and intellectual figure. Today, we will read selections from Part 2, Chapter 37, in Rabbi Moses ben Maimon’s book “The Guide for the Perplexed,” to better understand the different degrees of influence of the Divine, as discoursed by the Rabbi. CHAPTER 37 “The same relation may be observed throughout the whole Universe. There are some beings so perfect that they can govern other beings, but there are also beings that are only perfect in so far as they can govern themselves and cannot influence other beings. In some cases, the influence of the Active Intellect reaches only the logical and not the imaginative faculty; either on account of the insufficiency of that influence, or on account of a defect in the constitution of the imaginative faculty, and the consequent inability of the latter to receive that influence: this is the condition of wise men or philosophers. If, however, the imaginative faculty is naturally in the most perfect condition, this influence may, as has been explained by us and by other philosophers, reach both his logical and his imaginative faculties: this is the case with prophets. But it happens sometimes that the influence only reaches the imaginative faculty on account of the insufficiency of the logical faculty, arising either from a natural defect or from a neglect in training.” “It is clear that, without this second degree of perfection, no books would have been written, nor would any prophets have persuaded others to know the truth. For a scholar does not write a book with the object to teach himself what he already knows.” “It is further the nature of this element in man, that he who possesses an additional degree of that influence, is compelled to address his fellowmen, under all circumstances, whether he is listened to or not, even if he injures himself thereby. Thus, we find prophets that did not leave off speaking to the people until they were slain; it is this Divine influence that moves them, that does not allow them to rest in any way, though they might bring upon themselves great evils by their action.”

Dhammapada means “Words of Doctrine” or “Way of Truth” in Pali. The objective of the text is to guide one in leading a spiritual life by firstly attaining happiness in this life or in the future lives, and subsequently achieving spiritual liberation, freedom, and absolute peace.Chapter 7: The Wise Verse 90 “For him (an arahat, who has gained insight into the True Nature of existence and has achieved Nirvana) whose journey (round of rebirths) is ended, who is free from sorrow and from all, who has destroyed all fetters, there is no more distress.”Verse 94 “The arahat whose sense-faculties are calm, who is free from pride and moral intoxicants – such an arahat is held dear even by the devas.” Verse 95 “Like the Earth, the arahat is patient and is not provoked to respond in anger; like the door-post he is firm; he is unperturbed by the ups and downs of life; he is serene and pure like a lake free from mud. For such an arahat there will be no more rebirth.” Verse 96 “An arahat is calm in his mind, calm in his speech, and also in his deed; truly knowing the Dharma, such an arahat is free from moral defilements and is unperturbed by the ups and downs of life.” Verse 97 “He who is not credulous, who has realized the Unconditioned (Nirvana), who has cut off the links of the round of rebirths, who has destroyed all consequences of good and bad deeds, who has discarded all craving, is indeed the noblest of all men.” Verse 98 “In a village or in a forest, in a valley or on a hill, wherever arahats dwell, that place is delightful.” Verse 99 “Forests are delightful, but the worldlings find no delight in them; only those who are free from passion will find delight in them, for they do not seek sensual pleasures.” Chapter 8: Thousands Verse 102-103 “Better than the recitation of a hundred verses that are senseless and unconnected with the realization of Nirvana, is the recitation of a single verse of the teaching (Dharma), if on hearing it one is calmed. A man may conquer a million men in battle, but one who conquers himself is the greatest of conquerors.” Verses 104-105 “It is better indeed, to conquer oneself than to conquer others. Neither a deva, nor a gandhabba, nor mara together with Brahma can turn into defeat the victory of the man who controls himself.”Verse 110-115 “Better than a hundred years in the life of an immoral person who has no control over his senses, is a day in the life of a virtuous person who cultivates Tranquility and Insight Development Practice. Better than a hundred years in the life of an ignorant person, who has no control over his senses, is a day in the life of a wise man who cultivates Tranquillity and Insight Development Practice. Better than a hundred years in the life of a person who is idle and inactive, is a day in the life of one who makes a zealous and strenuous effort (in Tranquility and Insight Development Practice). Better than a hundred years in the life of a person who does not perceive the arising and the dissolving of the five aggregates, is a day in the life of one who perceives the arising and dissolving of the five aggregates. Better than a hundred years in the life of a person who does not perceive the deathless (Nirvana), is a day in the life of one who perceives the deathless (Nirvana). Better than a hundred years in the life of a person who does not comprehend the Noble Dharma, is a day in the life of one who comprehends the Noble Dharma.”

Buddha or Gautama Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni Buddha, was a great extraordinary spiritual Master from ancient India. Dhammapada is an anthology of verses spoken by the Buddha on various occasions in response to a certain unique situation. It is one of the most popular and widely read Buddhist scriptures enjoyed by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Its original version is in the Khuddaka Nikaya, a Pali Canon division of Theravada Buddhism. In total there are 423 verses in the 26 chapters of the Dhammapada that convey the philosophical and practical foundations of the Buddhist tradition. We will now share with you “Selections from The Dhammapada, Chapters 5 to 8.” Chapter 5: The Fool Verse 60 “Long is the night to one who is wakeful; long is (the journey of) one yojana to the traveller who is tired; long is samsara (round of rebirths) to the fool, who is ignorant of the true Dharma (the teaching of the Buddha).” Verse 61 “If a person seeking a companion cannot find one who is better than or equal to him, let him resolutely go on alone; there can be no companionship with a fool.” Verse 63 “The fool who knows that he is a fool can, for that reason, be a wise man; but the fool who thinks that he is wise is, indeed, called a fool.”Verse 66 “With themselves as their own enemies, fools lacking in intelligence, move about doing evil deeds, which bear bitter fruits.”Verse 75 “Indeed, the path that leads to worldly gain is one and the Path that leads to Nirvana is another. Fully comprehending this, the bhikkhu, the disciple of the Buddha, should not take delight in worldly gain and honor, but devote himself to solitude, detachment and the realization of Nirvana.” Chapter 6: The Wise Verse 78 “One should not associate with bad friends, nor with the vile. One should associate with good friends, and with those who are noble.” Verse 79 “He who drinks in the Dharma lives happily with a serene mind; the wise man always takes delight in the Dharma expounded by the Noble Ones (Ariyas).” Verse 84 “For his own sake or for the sake of others, he does no evil; nor does he wish for sons and daughters or for wealth or for a kingdom by doing evil; nor does he wish for success by unfair means; such a one is indeed virtuous, wise and just.”Verse 85-86 “Few among men reach the other shore (Nirvana); all the others only run up and down on this shore. But those who practice according to the well-expounded Dharma will reach the other shore (Nirvana), having passed the realm of death (i.e., samsara), very difficult as it is to cross.”Verse 89 “Those, with mind well-developed in the seven Factors of Enlightenment, having rid themselves of all craving, rejoice in their abandonment of attachment. Such men, with all moral intoxicants eradicated, and powerful, have realized Nirvana in this world.”

Today, we would like to continue to introduce you to the wisdom from “The Songs of Kabir.” The selections from Songs 65 to 76 reveal the importance of seeking and practicing with a perfect living Master, and the genuine path to God realization. “O brother! when I was forgetful, my true Guru showed me the Way. Then I left off all rites and ceremonies, I bathed no more in the holy water: Then I learned that it was I alone who was mad, and the whole world beside me was sane; and I had disturbed these wise people.”“If God be within the mosque, then to whom does this world belong? If Ram be within the image which you find upon your pilgrimage, then who is there to know what happens without? Hari is in the East: Allah is in the West. Look within your heart, for there you will find both Karim and Ram; All the men and women of the world are His living forms.” “Go thou to the company of the good, where the Beloved One has His dwelling place: Take all thy thoughts and love and instruction from thence. Tell me, how could thou hold a wedding-feast, if the bridegroom himself were not there? Waver no more, think only of the Beloved; Set not thy heart on the worship of other gods, there is no worth in the worship of other masters.”“When you meet the true Guru, He will awaken your heart; He will tell you the secret of love and detachment, and then you will know indeed that He transcends this universe. This world is the City of Truth, its maze of paths enchants the heart: We can reach the goal without crossing the road, such is the sport unending.” “There the swan plays a wonderful game, There the Unstruck Music eddies around the Infinite One; There in the midst the Throne of the Unheld is shining, whereon the great Being sits — Millions of suns are shamed by the radiance of a single hair of His body. On the harp of the road, what true melodies are being sounded! and its notes pierce the heart: There the Eternal Fountain is playing its endless life-streams of birth and death. They call Him Emptiness who is the Truth of Truths, in Whom all truths are stored! There within Him creation goes forward, which is beyond all philosophy; for philosophy cannot attain to Him: There is an endless world, O my Brother! and there is the Name-less Being, of whom nothing can be said.”

Kabir was a great Indian poet who was fully devoted to the Creator. He was a Saint who not only endeavored to live the Truth, He wrote about it through His Divine gift of verse. The book, “The Songs of Kabir”, illustrates the Mystic’s thoughts and emotions whose range includes ecstasy, despair, beatitude, devotion, eagerness, illuminations and intimate love of God. Today, we would like to introduce you to the wisdom from “The Songs of Kabir.” The selections from Songs 51 to 63 underline Saint Kabir’s intense longing for His perfect living Master, wonderful experience of inner Heavenly Music and God’s unconditional Love. Song 51 “Dear friend, I am eager to meet my Beloved! My youth has flowered, and the pain of separation from Him troubles my heart. I am wandering yet in the alleys of knowledge without purpose, but I have received His news in these alleys of knowledge. I have a letter from my Beloved: in this letter is an unutterable message, and now my fear of death is done away. Kabir says: ‘O my loving friend! I have got for my gift the Deathless One.’”Song 55 “Subtle is the path of love! Therein there is no asking and no not-asking, There one loses oneself at His feet, There one is immersed in the joy of the seeking: plunged in the deeps of love as the fish in the water. The lover is never slow in offering his head for his Lord's service. Kabir declares the secret of this love.”Song 57 “Receive that Word from which the Universe springs! That Word is the Guru; I have heard it, and become the disciple. How many are there who know the meaning of that Word? O Sadhu! practice that Word! The Vedas and the Puranas proclaim it, The world is established in it, The Rishis and devotees speak of it: But none knows the mystery of the Word. The householder leaves his house when he hears it, The ascetic comes back to love when he hears it, The Six Philosophies expound it, The Spirit of Renunciation points to that Word, From that Word the world-form has sprung, That Word reveals all. Kabir says: ‘But who knows whence the Word cometh?’”

“We have learned in the ‘Book of Concealed Mystery’ that every work exists in order that it may procure increase for Mercy, and that it may establish the same; also, that this is not to be cut off nor removed from the world. This is that which is written: ‘And My Compassion shall not depart from thee.’ Namely, the Compassion of the Ancient of Days. And this compassion of the Ancient of Days is the mercy of truth. And (this phrase) ‘mercy of truth’ is not said concerning the life of the body, but concerning the life of the soul.” “Also, we have learned that from those apples goes forth the life of the universe, like as it is written, Numbers 6:25 ‘The Lord makes His countenance to shine upon thee.’ Here is understood the exterior countenance which when it shines, blesses the universe. And we have learned that whensoever those external inner Heavenly Lights shine, He blesses the whole world, and wrath is no longer found in the universe.” “This is that which is said, ‘May He return and have mercy upon us!’ May He return, that is, again; whence it is to be noticed that sometimes they are concealed and sometimes uncovered; wherefore it is said: ‘May He return and have mercy upon us!’” “Rabbi Eleazar, his son, arose, and commenced, and said: ‘All things depend from the Divine influx, even the Book of the Law (The Torah) in the Temple. This we understood from the ‘Book of Concealed Mystery.’ Therefore, do not then all things depend from the Divine influx? Also, we have learned that the Book of the Law (The Torah) must be Holy, and its covering Holy, and the Temple Holy.”“Also, we have learned that all things depend from that Divine Influx which is (symbolised by) that tress of (hair of the beard) from which all (the other) hairs depend. Why is this called the Divine Influx? Because from it depend the influences and the influences of the influences, and from it come forth those which are above and those which are below. And that in it, all the things of the universe depend, superiors and inferiors; also in the last place the Book of the Law (The Torah), which is in the Temple, and is crowned with the ten Holinesses, is not excepted, hence with the other Holinesses. All things depend from the Divine Influx.”

Kabbalah is the ancient mystical school of thought of Judaism. Literally meaning “the received,” Kabbalah is also an esoteric method believed to have been revealed to elect saints and preserved by a certain few since the time of the Garden of Eden. Kabbalah aims to explain the relationship between God – the unchanging and eternal Ein Sof (The Infinite), and God’s creation – the mortal and finite universe. One of the most foundational of the Kabbalistic texts is the Sefer HaZohar, a Kabbalistic commentary on the Torah, which means the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Today, we will be presenting selections from the Great Holy Assembly, a volume of the Zohar where Rabbi Schimeon leads a group of holy sages through a discussion of the principles of Divine mercy as symbolized by the various parts of the beard of Macroprosopus. Macroprosopus is an aspect of Divine emanation in the Kabbalah, representing Divine will and the source of Divine compassion. “Rabbi Schimeon began, and said: Woe unto him who extends his hand unto that most glorious supernal beard of the Holy Ancient One, the concealed of all. That is the beard of adornment, true and perfect, from which flow down thirteen fountains, scattering the most precious balm of splendor. The beard of ornament of the Ancient of the Ancient Ones, the most concealed of all things, is configurated in thirteen dispositions.” “We have taught in the ‘Book of Concealed Mystery,’ that certain (dispositions) are found in the universe, according to those thirteen (dispositions) which depend from that venerable beard and they are opened out into the thirteen gates of mercies.”“All things are comprehended in those dispositions; all things raise themselves up in order that they may receive these dispositions of the Mighty King, of the Ancient One, the most concealed of all. And all those are mitigated by those ordinations of the King, the Ancient One.” “I have meditated, and lo, I have beheld the most excellent light of the supernal inner Heavenly Lights. It shone forth, and ascended on three hundred and twenty-five sides. And in that inner Heavenly Light was a certain obscurity washed away, like as when a man bathes in a deep river, whose divided waters flow round him on every side from that part which is above. And that inner Heavenly Light ascends unto the shore of the deep superior sea. I asked of them what might be the interpretation of that which I beheld; and, commencing they replied, ‘Thou hast beheld iniquity being taken away.’”

Today, we are honored to share with you excerpts from Chapters 8 through 13 of “Pistis Sophia.” Let us continue with the Vesture (clothing) of (inner Heavenly) Light which has been given to Lord Jesus Christ, and its power and magnificence. “‘And in this [third] Vesture (clothing), which we have just sent thee, is the glory of the name of the mystery of the Revealer, which is the First Commandment, and of the mystery of the five Impressions, and of the mystery of the great Envoy of the Ineffable (God), who is the great Light, and of the mystery of the five Leaders, who are the five Helpers. There is further in this Vesture the glory of the name of the mystery of all orders of the emanations (original source) of the Treasury of the Light and of their saviors, and [of the mystery] of the orders of the orders, which are the seven Amens and the seven Voices and the five Trees and the three Amens and the Twin-savior, that is the Child of the Child, and of the mystery of the nine guards of the three gates of the Treasury of the Light.’”“‘It came to pass then, when I saw the mystery of all these words in the Vesture which was sent me, that straightaway I clothed myself therewith, and I shone most exceedingly and soared into the height.’”“‘I entered into the houses of the sphere, shining most exceedingly, and there was no measure to the (inner Heavenly) Light that was about me. And all the rulers and all those who are in that sphere, fell into agitation one against another. And they saw the great (inner Heavenly) Light that was about me, and they gazed upon my Vesture and saw thereon the mystery of their name.’”“‘And I left that region behind me and came to the gate of the second sphere, which is the Fate. Then were all its gates thrown into agitation and opened of themselves. And I entered into the houses of the Fate, shining most exceedingly, and there was no measure for the (inner Heavenly) Light that was about me, for I shone in the Fate forty-and-nine times more than in the [first] sphere.’”“‘And all the rulers and all those who are in the Fate, were thrown into agitation and fell on one another and were in exceeding great fear on seeing the great (inner Heavenly) Light that was about me. And they gazed on my Vesture of (inner Heavenly) Light and saw the mystery of their name on my Vesture and fell into still greater agitation; and they were in great fear, saying: 'How hath the Lord of the universe passed through us without our knowing?'"

“Pistis Sophia,” meaning “Faith-Wisdom,” or “Faith in the Light,” is a Gnostic scripture of teachings given by Lord Jesus Christ in the 11 years following His resurrection.Today, it is an honor to share with you excerpts from Chapters 8 through 13 of “Pistis Sophia,” where the Lord Jesus Christ reveals the Divine happenings which were set in place before He and His disciples were born on Earth, as well as the role of the First Mystery, in all that has happened. “And Jesus continued again in the discourse and said: ‘It came to pass then thereafter, that at the command of the First Mystery I looked down on the world of mankind and found Mary, who is called “my mother” according to the body of matter. I spoke with Her in the type of Gabriel, and when She had turned Herself to the height towards me, I cast thence into Her the first power which I had received from Barbelo – that is the body which I have borne in the height. And instead of the soul I cast into Her the power which I have received from the great Sabaoth (the hosts of Heaven), the Good, who is in the region of the Right.’” “‘This [power], which from the beginning I brought out of myself, I have cast into the First Commandment, and the First Commandment cast a portion thereof into the great (inner Heavenly) Light, and the great Light cast a portion of that which it had received, into the five Helpers, and the last Helper took a portion of that which it received, and cast it into the Mixture. And [this portion] is in all who are in the Mixture, as I have just said unto you.’” “‘Lo, I have then put on my Vesture, and all authority hath been given me through the First Mystery. Yet a little while and I will tell you the mystery of the universe and the fulness of the universe; and I will hide nothing from you from this hour on. I will tell you all mysteries from the exteriors of the exteriors to the interiors of the interiors. But hearken that I may tell you all things which have befallen me.’” “‘O Mystery, which is without in the world, for whose sake the universe hath arisen, – this is the total outgoing and the total ascent, which hath emanated (originated) all emanations (original sources) and all that is therein and for whose sake all mysteries and all their regions have arisen, – come hither unto us, for we are thy fellow-members. We are all with thyself; we are one and the same.’”

“‘The Six Paramitas (Perfections) contain all Buddhist teachings. To those who practice Dharma (true teaching), Wealth is but a cause of diversion. He who gives his (wealth) all away, Will be born a Prince of Heaven. Noble is it to practice charity! Moral discipline is a ladder to Liberation Which neither monks nor laymen can discard; All Buddhist followers should practice it! Buddhist patience, by the Patience-preacher exemplified, Is the virtue which the Buddha cherished most. It is a garment difficult to wear, Yet all merits grow when it is worn. Diligence is the short path to Freedom And a necessity for Dharma-practice. Without it nothing can be done. Ride then upon the horse of diligence! These four Dharmas (true teachings) bring merit to men, Being indispensable for all. Now I will speak of Wisdom. Meditation is a teaching between these two, As it applies both to Wisdom and Merit practice. By it, all distractions are overcome, For all Buddhist practice, it is most important. Wisdom-Paramita (Perfection) is the teaching of Final Truth, The dearest treasure of all Buddhas. Enjoy it then without exhaustion. It is the Wish-fulfilling Gem of Heaven, Fulfilling the hopes of all sentient beings. To those who can renounce activities, Wisdom-Paramita (Perfection) will bring final rest. This provision of Wisdom is most precious, Whereby, one will reach perfection step by step.’”“‘If to Nirvana (the highest paradise) you aspire, Abandon then this world. If from the depths of your heart You want to practice Dharma (true teaching), Listen to my words and follow in my footsteps. If you want to consummate the (Supreme) Accomplishment, Never forget that death will come. If hard and long you meditate, all Buddhas In the past, the present and the future Will be well-pleased. If you are ever straight-forward and upright in the Dharma (true teaching), You will receive the grace of your Guru. If without error you understand these words, You can be sure that more happiness And joy will come your way, For such is my experience.’” “‘Should you, oh, faithful lady Devas, Intend to practice the Dharma (true teaching) often, Inwardly you should practice concentration and contemplation. The renunciation of external affairs is your adornment. Oh, bear in mind this remedy for external involvement! With self-composure and mindfulness, You should remain serene. Glory is the equanimity of your mind and speech! Glory is the resignation from many actions! Should you meet disagreeable conditions, Disturbing to your mind, Keep watch upon yourself and be alert. Keep warning yourself: “The danger of anger is on its way”. When you meet with enticing wealth, Keep watch upon yourself and be alert. Keep a check upon yourself: “The danger of craving is on its way”. Should hurtful, insulting words come to your ears, Keep watch upon yourself and be alert, And so remind yourself: “Hurtful sounds are but delusions of the ear”. When you associate with your friends, Watch carefully and warn yourself: “Let not jealousy in my heart arise” When you are plied with services and offerings, Be alert and warn yourself: “Let me beware lest pride should spring up in my heart!” At all times, in every way, keep watch upon yourself. At all times, try to conquer evil thoughts within you! Whatever you may meet in your daily doings, You should contemplate its void and illusory nature. Were even one hundred saints and scholars gathered here, More than this they could not say. May you all be happy and prosperous! May you all, with joyful hearts, Devote yourselves to the practice of the Dharma (true teaching)!’”

One of the renowned Masters of this religion is Jetsun Milarepa, meaning Milarepa the Revered One. A former magician who became a yogi, poet, and hermit, this spiritual hero of Tibet lived from 1052 to 1135, and His story of personal redemption has inspired lives across many generations. Through songs called dohas, Jetsun Milarepa imparted Divine teachings on spiritual devotion and wisdom. Supreme Master Ching Hai has spoken about the venerated Milarepa on several occasions, as during this lecture given in 1992, at the Hsihu Ashram in Taiwan, also known as Formosa. “Milarepa, His faith in seeking the Truth was very firm. He was terrified of hell and knew that His karma was unimaginable. So no matter how much His Master scolded Him, He endured it. His faith was from inside. He wasn't taught to do so. No one taught Him to do so and no one forced Him. From the hardships that He underwent, we can see why He was able to attain the Truth.” “Milarepa sang in reply: ‘Property and wealth are like dew on grass; Knowing this, gladly should one give them away. It is most precious to be born a leisured and worthy human being; Knowing this, one should with care observe the precepts As if protecting one’s own eyes. Anger is the cause of falling to the realms below; Knowing this, one should refrain from wrath, Even at the risk of life. Benefit to oneself and to others Can never be achieved through sloth; Strive, therefore, to do good deeds. A perturbed, wandering mind Never sees the truth of Mahayana (the Buddha’s Great Way of Wisdom-Compassion); Practice, therefore, concentration. The Buddha cannot be found through searching; So contemplate your own mind. Until the autumn mists dissolve into the sky, Strive on with faith and determination.’” “‘If the poisonous snake of Klesa (defilement) is not killed, The yearning for wisdom only leads to fallacy. If venomous jealousy is not overcome, One’s yearning for the Bodhi-mind will be an illusion. If one refrains not from hurting people, One’s longing for respect and honor Is merely wishful thinking. If one cannot conquer ego-clinging and prejudice, One’s craving for the Equality of Dharma (true teaching) Only brings wrong views. If one cannot subdue the demon, clinging-ego, One’s Klesas (defilements) will be great and his Yoga bound to fail. If one’s actions conform not with the Dharma (true teaching), One will always hinder the good deeds of others. If one has not yet absorbed one’s mind in Dharma (true teaching), One’s babbling and prattling will only disturb others’ minds. Therefore, do not waste your life in words and chatter, But try to gain the assurance of no-regret And the confidence of facing death!’”

Let us continue with the book “Leaves of Morya’s Garden,” where the venerable Master Morya explains the love and care of the Enlightened Master to their disciples, as well as how disciples should be brave, benevolent, and true to the Truth.“Naught can deter the Hand of the Creator of the New World. I say unto you: My Shield has taken many arrows, but at the Spirit’s Feast We will assemble, victorious. I know My Daughter wishes to adorn with roses the path to My School, but these times are bitter and cold. All will be well. Displaying fearlessness, you show a noble example to those around you. I teach you to face life’s experiences with hearts alight. I shall explain - I am hastening your karma, and on the way, I strip away all masks, that you may see. Your power increases at the understanding of another soul. You will reach the goal predestined for you by Christ.” “Better to pay heavily, the sooner to learn the predestined path. The eye will perceive instead of briars a garden nurtured by love. The heart is aware of the phantoms of the mind, but it knows the truth.”“As often as Karma permits, My Hand removes the dangers from your path. Earthly ways obscure the view of the mountains, yet you shall reach them.” “Morya has many towers and sentinels upon the slopes of the Himalayas. None without a guide shall penetrate the snowy barriers. Amidst the glaciers, Giants keep watch over the currents of the world.”“My Hands overflow with bounty, but opponents must be stopped. I shall manifest the power of My Teachings to those of narrow mind.” “On pure soil do you begin My Manifestations. I shall point out the time for every pure beginning. Need will not afflict you. Outer laws will not violate your inner order.” “Only with great travail can the Hand of Truth bend the prison bars. From Above rain words of Truth, and men have unfurled umbrellas to shield themselves from the downpour of God’s Clouds. But the shower will reach even their dry hearts.”

The esteemed mystical and philosophical writers Nicholas and Helena Roerich are two of the most influential spiritual thought leaders from Russia, recognized for founding the doctrine of Agni Yoga, also known as Living Ethics. Traveling extensively throughout Asia to deepen their spiritual studies, the Roerichs eventually met their Master in Darjeeling, India. Morya revealed messages of higher wisdom to Nicholas and Helena Roerich, which they recorded on paper and later gathered into a series of texts. Today, we will present excerpts from the lovingly dictated messages of Master Morya, as recorded by his disciples, in the book “Leaves of Morya’s Garden.”“When satisfied with worldly life, the spirit cannot enter the Promised Temple. True happiness knocks at the heart’s portals, but the Holy Words are not given entrance. Happiness rejected is happiness departed. I send you Bliss.” “A miracle performed is like a lamp when lit. Afterwards, none will remember the darkness of the chamber. God knows all worlds. Love and create, and full joy will come. Wonders are manifest in life. Open your eyes and you will perceive.”“The unworthy will depart. The Great Plan for the rise of the new race is wisely designed.”“When amidst the highest vibrations, the body is transformed. The body obeys the spirit.” “Love and knowledge will conquer all. Your spirit will ascend and you will pass by the uncomprehending ones swiftly, as you would mileposts on the way. Smile at the difficulties upon your path. I vouch, you will conquer!” “Miracles surround you, but amidst life’s tumult you heed them not. Inscrutable are the ways of God in their infinite means to bring the message of the spirit; even a blade of grass can convey the Tablet of Commandments.” “It is better to trust your Guide upon the night path than to grope your way, alone in the dark. My children, these hazardous days will pass and you will safely enter the New World by the appointed path.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a renowned 19th-century American essayist, philosopher, lecturer, poet, and a leader of the transcendental philosophical movement. Emerson is most famous for his essays, through which he expresses ideas of freedom, spirituality, individuality, the great ability of humans to have profound realizations and the relationship between the soul and the surrounding world. Today, we will read a selection from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays, First Series, Essay 4 entitled “Spiritual Laws,” in which the philosopher talks about the virtues of humankind with an in depth description on mannerisms, nature, and our belief in God. “Over all things that are agreeable to his nature and genius, the man has the highest right. Everywhere he may take what belongs to his spiritual estate, nor can he take anything else, though all doors were open, nor can all the force of men hinder him from taking so much.”“God screens us evermore from premature ideas. Our eyes are holden that we cannot see things that stare us in the face, until the hour arrives when the mind is ripened; then we behold them, and the time when we saw them not is like a dream.”“A man passes for that he is worth. What he is engraves itself on his face, on his form, on his fortunes, in letters of light. Concealment avails him nothing; boasting nothing. There is confession in the glances of our eyes; in our smiles; in salutations; and the grasp of hands.”“Virtue is the adherence in action to the nature of things, and the nature of things makes it prevalent. It consists in a perpetual substitution of being for seeming, and with sublime propriety God is described as saying, I am. The lesson which these observations convey is, be, and not seem. Let us acquiesce. Let us take our bloated nothingness out of the path of the divine circuits. Let us unlearn our wisdom of the world. Let us lie low in the Lord's power, and learn that truth alone makes rich and great.”

We now invite you to continue listening to excerpts from the Twelfth lecture of “Uttaradhyayana,” one of the most important scriptures in Jainism. The story continued, as Harikesa-Bala, a great rishi, was badly treated by priests. “‘I am a chaste Sramana, controlling myself; I have no property, nothing belonging to me, and do not cook my food; I have come for food which is dressed for somebody else at the time when I call.’” “‘All the world knows that we are (as it were) the field on which gifts sown grow up as merit; Brahmanas of pure birth and knowledge are the blessed fields.’” “‘He is that austere ascetic, of noble nature, who subdues his senses and controls himself; the chaste man, who would not accept me when my own father, king Kausalika, gave me to him.’ ‘He is the man of great fame and might, of awful piety and power; do not injure him who cannot be injured, lest he consume you all by the fire (of his virtue).’” “‘Prostrate yourself before him for protection, you together with all of them, if you want to save your life and your property; for in his wrath he might reduce the world to ashes.’” “‘Doing no injury to living beings of the six orders, abstaining from lying and from taking what is not freely given, renouncing property, women, pride, and deceit, men should live under self-restraint.” “‘Penance is my fire; life my fireplace; right exertion is my sacrificial ladle; the body the dried cowdung; Karma is my fuel; self-control, right exertion, and tranquility are the oblations, praised by the sages, which I offer.’” “‘The Law (spiritual precepts) is my pond, celibacy my holy bathing-place, which is not turbid, and throughout clear for the soul; there I make ablutions; pure, clean, and thoroughly cooled I get rid of hatred (or impurity).’ ‘The clever ones have discovered such bathing, it is the great bath praised by the seers, in which the great seers bathe, and, pure and clean, they obtain the highest place.’”