Leaves from the Tree of Life: Sayings, Meditations and Prayers for a New Age (As Spoken by Baba Dovid Yusuf)

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The Spiritual Master, Baba Dovid Yusuf, has spoken about The Living Spirit which is a living expression of the Eternal Truth. The contents of this book have been compiled by people from different religious backgrounds and origins, thereby respecting and appreciating the rights of masses and paying homage to cultural differences. Life has many phases and this book will teach us how it can be lived with peace and harmony. The book focuses on three important aspects of life. They are —the unity and sanctity of life, the oneness of the human family and the common basis of religion.

The main aim of the book is to spread universal brotherhood and spiritual well-being. It will guide the readers towards self- improvement and self-knowledge. The sayings, meditations and prayers in the book connect us to the Supreme truth of the world, i.e., God.

This book makes the best possible effort to motivate the readers to modify their goals and bring unity among them. It shows them the path of humanity and spirituality David Heinemann, D. Psy. (Hon), has spent most of his working life as a medical psychologist, distinguishing himself as a pioneer in the creation of a new field of medicine known as ‘Psychoneuroimmunology ‘(the relationship between the neurological and immunological systems).

Heinemann has set up alternative medicine centers and instigated new approaches to cancer He is particularly interested in holistic healing and the mind—body connection.

This book represents in a very inadequate and limited form — a living expression of the Eternal Truth, which from time to time, is respoken by a living Master. ‘When Baba spoke, the words were not his own, but those of the Living Spirit that spoke within and through him. When that happened it was evident to all, the difference between these words and those which as an ordinary man he used in everyday life.

Sometimes, Baba did not voice the words he heard (which were for him personally rather than others), but in appreciation for the direction he received responded by uttering an inspired and sung prayer as in the examples in the last section of the book. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reproduce the beautiful melodies he used to accompany these prayers.

We pray that this book will convey something of the spirit with which these words were spoken, but it cannot replace the experience of those who were able to be present on such occasions.

Many of the prayers used here are Baba’s rendering of what was originally in Arabic, Hebrew, or some other language. They may not have been precise translations (except for those drawn from The Recitation or Qur’an, and other Holy writings) but in all cases were an attempt to capture the real, intended meaning. A number of these prayers- like the meditations and sayings – are unique and were chanted, in response to questions, crisis situations, or at spiritual celebrations. Some of these prayers were written by others and adapted by Baba for his own use, but many of these prayers though in his own words, were attributed to others; e.g., pp 44, 58, 70, 73, 85, 92-9, etc., demonstrating his inspired ability to enter into the spirit of those for whom he spoke.

Baba was not a medium, nor did he ever claim to bring a new religion. His sole aim- as is also true for those who continue to speak for him-was/is to recognise unity amongst diversity; the one in all and the all in one. Though he spoke ahead of his time, his message is especially relevant today and the 3 divine principles he propagated are essential for our survival.

In addition to using this book for devotional activities, special occasions and times of conflict or crisis, it can also be used to answer questions, or give personal direction! To use it for this purpose follow these steps:

1. Using key words, locate references in the Index.
2. Using the references discovered in the sayings & Meditations sections, contemplate on the meaning of these passages.
3. Say the whole meditation referred to loud and as many times as necessary.
4. Using references found in the Prayers section, pray the whole prayer referred to silently and with serious intent.
5. Having done all the above, sit silently for at least 15 minutes, absorbing the spiritual incentives, answers, or guidance you receive.
6. Allow this guidance to modify your thinking and way of life.
7. Be prepared for change, acting immediately where possible to implement the direction received!