The Holy Science

1. God is the Only Reality

The Eternal Father, God, Swami Parambrahma, is the only Real Substance, Sat, and is all in all in the universe.

The nature of reality. The core teaching of The Holy Science is that God, referred to as Parambrahma, is the singular, eternal, and complete reality. Everything else in the universe is a manifestation or expression of this ultimate substance. This concept challenges the perception of the material world as the primary or sole reality.

Implications for understanding. Recognizing God as the only true substance shifts one's perspective from the transient and illusory nature of the material world to the unchanging and eternal nature of the divine. This understanding encourages a focus on spiritual pursuits and the realization of one's connection to the divine source.

Practical application. By acknowledging God as the ultimate reality, individuals can cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly attachments and find inner peace and stability. This realization can lead to a more meaningful and purposeful life, grounded in spiritual awareness and devotion.

2. God's Nature is Comprehended Through Love and Force

The Almighty Force, Shakti, or in other words the Eternal Joy, Ananda, which produces the world; and the Omniscient Feeling, Chit, which makes this world conscious, demonstrate the Nature, Prakriti, of God the Father.

Dual aspects of divinity. God's nature, or Prakriti, is expressed through two primary attributes: Shakti (force or energy) and Chit (consciousness or feeling). Shakti represents the dynamic power that creates and sustains the universe, while Chit embodies the omniscient awareness that permeates all of creation.

Human connection to God. Humans, being created in God's image, possess these same attributes within themselves. Shakti manifests as will and the capacity for enjoyment, while Chit manifests as consciousness and the ability to perceive and experience the world.

Achieving comprehension. By turning inward and cultivating both will and consciousness, individuals can begin to comprehend the nature of God. This involves developing self-awareness, strengthening one's will power, and cultivating a deep sense of love and compassion for all beings.

3. Creation Arises from the Word

Parambrahma causes creation, inert Nature (Prakriti), to emerge. From Aum (Pranava, the Word, the manifestation of the Omnipotent Force), come Kala, Time; Desa, Space; and Anu, the Atom (the vibratory structure of creation).

The power of vibration. The universe originates from Aum (also known as Pranava or Amen), the divine sound or vibration that emanates from Parambrahma. This sound is not merely an auditory phenomenon but the fundamental force that gives rise to all of creation.

Manifestation of reality. From Aum arise the essential elements of existence:

• Kala (Time): The principle of change and duration.
• Desa (Space): The principle of division and extension.
• Anu (Atom): The basic building block of matter.

Unity of creation. These four elements—the Word, Time, Space, and the Atom—are interconnected and inseparable, representing different aspects of the same underlying reality. The material world is thus a manifestation of the divine vibration, Aum, and is ultimately inseparable from God.

4. Ignorance is the Root of Suffering

Atoms the throne of Spirit the Creator. These Atoms, which represent within and without the four ideas mentioned above, are the throne of Spirit, the Creator, which shining on them creates this universe.

The nature of Maya. Ignorance, or Avidya, is the perception of the material world as the only reality, obscuring the true nature of God. This ignorance is also known as Maya, the illusion that veils the divine light and keeps individuals bound to the cycle of suffering.

The role of the atom. Atoms, the building blocks of the material world, are considered the "throne of Spirit," but when viewed without spiritual insight, they become sources of illusion. They distract from the underlying divine reality.

Overcoming ignorance. By recognizing the illusory nature of the material world and seeking knowledge of the divine, individuals can begin to overcome ignorance and free themselves from suffering. This involves cultivating spiritual awareness, practicing meditation, and seeking guidance from enlightened teachers.

5. Self-Realization is the Ultimate Goal

When man raises himself above the idea creation of this Darkness, Maya, and passes completely out of its influence, he becomes liberated from bondage and is placed in his real Self, the Eternal Spirit.

Liberation from bondage. The ultimate aim of human existence is to achieve liberation, or Kaivalya, from the cycle of suffering and the illusion of Maya. This involves realizing one's true self as the Eternal Spirit, which is one with God.

The path to liberation. Self-realization is attained by transcending the limitations of the material world and cultivating spiritual awareness. This requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality, a commitment to ethical living, and the practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines.

The nature of Kaivalya. In the state of Kaivalya, the individual self merges with the universal Self, experiencing complete freedom, bliss, and unity with God. This is the ultimate fulfillment of human potential and the culmination of the spiritual journey.

6. The Path to God Requires Penance, Study, and Meditation

Tapas is religious mortification or patience both in enjoyments and in sufferings. Swadhyaya is sravana, study, with manana, deep attention, and thereby nididhyasana, forming of an idea of the true faith about Self; that is, what I am, whence I came, where I shall go, what I have come for, and other such matters concerning Self.

Three pillars of spiritual practice. The path to God-realization involves three essential practices:

• Tapas (Penance): Cultivating patience, discipline, and equanimity in all circumstances.
• Swadhyaya (Study): Engaging in deep study and contemplation of spiritual truths.
• Brahmanidhana (Meditation): Immersing oneself in the divine sound of Aum.

The role of patience. Tapas involves enduring both joys and sufferings with a balanced mind, recognizing that all experiences are part of the divine play. This cultivates inner strength and resilience.

The importance of self-inquiry. Swadhyaya involves not only reading scriptures but also reflecting on their meaning and applying them to one's own life. This leads to a deeper understanding of the self and its relationship to the divine.

7. Love is the Foundation of Spiritual Growth

The heart’s natural love is the principal requisite to attain a holy life.

Love as a transformative force. Love, the heart's natural inclination, is the most important element for spiritual growth. It has the power to heal, invigorate, and transform individuals, leading them toward a holy life.

The effects of love. When love is cultivated, it removes causes of excitation, cools the system, and strengthens vital powers. It promotes physical and mental health, enabling individuals to understand the guidance of nature.

Love and relationships. Developed love enables individuals to understand their own position and the positions of others. It facilitates the company of divine personages and ultimately leads to salvation. Without love, life becomes a burden, and peace remains elusive.

8. Moral Courage is Essential for Progress

To keep company with the Guru is not only to be in his physical presence (as this is sometimes impossible), but mainly means to keep him in our hearts and to be one with him in principle and to attune ourselves with him.

The role of the Guru. Moral courage, or Virya, is developed by directing one's love toward the Guru, or spiritual teacher, and following their instructions. The Guru is not merely a physical presence but a principle to be internalized and emulated.

Identifying the true Guru. Anything that relieves misery, clears doubts, and brings peace is worthy of respect and can be considered a Guru. Conversely, anything that destroys peace, creates doubts, and causes misery should be avoided.

Cultivating moral courage. By keeping the Guru in one's heart, reflecting on their attributes, and following their teachings, individuals can develop moral courage and progress on the spiritual path. This involves aligning oneself with the principles of truth and righteousness.

9. Natural Living Supports Spiritual Practice

To live naturally, the lower animals can select these for themselves by the help of their instincts and the natural sentinels placed at the sensory entrances—the organs of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

The importance of natural choices. Natural living involves making choices that align with the body's innate needs and instincts. This includes selecting natural food, dwelling in a natural environment, and keeping company with those who promote well-being.

Natural food for humans. Based on observations of teeth, digestive canals, and sensory organs, humans are best suited to a frugivorous diet consisting of fruits, grains, roots, milk, and pure water. Unnatural foods can lead to disease and premature death.

The role of environment and company. A natural dwelling place is one with fresh air and ventilation, such as a mountaintop or a garden. The company one keeps should be with those who promote harmony, vitality, and love.

10. The Heart's Five States Determine Spiritual Status

There are five states of the human heart: dark, propelled, steady, devoted, and clean. By these different states of the heart man is classified, and his evolutionary status determined.

The spectrum of consciousness. The human heart progresses through five distinct states, each reflecting a different level of spiritual development. These states determine an individual's classification and evolutionary status.

The dark heart. In the dark state, the heart is characterized by misconceptions and a belief in the material world as the only reality. This state is associated with the Sudra class and is prevalent in Kali Yuga, the dark age.

The propelled heart. As individuals begin to question the nature of reality, their hearts become propelled to seek knowledge and truth. This state is associated with the Kshatriya class and represents a struggle for enlightenment.

The steady heart. In the steady state, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the internal world and the nature of their own consciousness. This state is associated with the Dvija class and is prevalent in Dwapara Yuga.

The devoted heart. As individuals withdraw from the external world and focus on the internal, their hearts become devoted to the divine. This state is associated with the Vipra class and is prevalent in Treta Yuga.

The clean heart. In the clean state, all external ideas are withdrawn, and the heart is able to comprehend the Spiritual Light. This state is associated with the Brahmana class and is prevalent in Satya Yuga.

11. Adeptship Requires Purification and Grace

Adeptship is attainable by the purification of the body in all respects.

The path to mastery. Achieving adeptship, or Siddha, requires purifying the body, mind, and spirit. This purification can be attained through natural means, penance, and mantras.

Purification through nature. The material body is purified by natural elements and practices. The electric body is purified by patience and equanimity. The magnetic body, or heart, is purified by regulating the breath through mantras.

The role of the Sat-Guru. The process of purification is best learned at the feet of divine personages who witness the Light and bear testimony to the Christ Consciousness. These Sat-Gurus provide guidance and support on the path to adeptship.

12. Emancipation is Union with the Divine

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The ultimate transformation. Emancipation, or Kaivalya, is the final goal of spiritual practice. It involves transcending the limitations of the individual self and merging with the Eternal Spirit, God the Father.

The journey to Kaivalya. This unification is achieved through a process of purification, devotion, and self-sacrifice. It involves withdrawing from the material world, entering the spiritual realm, and abandoning the illusion of separate existence.

The nature of oneness. In the state of Kaivalya, the individual comprehends that all creation is a mere play of ideas within the divine consciousness. There is nothing in the universe besides the Self, and the individual is unified with the Eternal Father forever.

Last updated: February 26, 2025