Baba

== ON-SET OF DISEASE AND HUMAN HEALTH ==

Namaskar,
We know that to build one human society and create a healthy humanity, all the problems– physical, psychic, and spiritual– must be properly identified and neatly solved. This is our human endeavour; this is part and parcel of the aim of Ananda Marga..

THE WEST CLASSIFIES ALL MENTAL PROBLEMS AS BRAIN DISEASES

In this present, ultra-modern era, we are step by step witnessing the spread of various mental disorders etc. This outbreak is happening most drastically in those so-called first-world nations. So this situation needs to be addressed and solved, properly.

But around the globe, and especially in the west, many medical professionals and psychologists are under the impression that all such mental disorders fall within the realm of brain diseases. Thus whether one has brain cancer or clinical depression, western medical specialists are treating all such mental disorders as brain diseases, using traditional allopathic medicines. This is their standard approach.

BABA: BRAIN DISEASE & PSYCHIC DISEASE ARE DIFFERENT

In AM, however our approach is different. Baba clearly guides us that within the realm of mental disorders there are both (1) brain diseases and (2) psychic diseases. And furthermore these two problems are worlds apart. According to Baba, brain diseases and psychic diseases are not at all of the same nature.

Baba says, “Psychic disease and brain disease are not the same thing; they are quite different.” (‘Faculty of Knowledge-3′)

So in His above teaching Baba is clearly differentiating between brain disease and psychic disease. And here below Baba explains how they are different.

Baba says, “Brain disease occurs due to some disorder in a part of the brain, or due to a congenital defect, or perhaps due to hereditary causes which hamper the proper formation of the brain. Mental disease is different. It arises due to a disorder in the objectivated mind.” (‘Faculty of Knowledge-3′)

BRAIN DISEASE VS. PSYCHIC DISEASE

Thus per Baba’s aforementioned teaching, brain disease means a physical disorder or biological defect in the brain such that the brain is unable to function properly. Some examples of brain disease are strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, brain cancer, metabolic brain diseases, autism, brain tumors, etc. These all come within the scope of brain diseases.

In contrast psychic diseases stem from a “disorder in the objectivated mind”, such as depression, mania, phobia, inferiority complex, hallucination, being ‘possessed’ by certain deities, superiority complex, fear complex, melancholia, schizophrenia, maha’many’ta’ (superiority complex) etc.

So by these above examples we can see that brain diseases and psychic diseases are two clearly different categories– according to Baba. Already it is been explained that brain diseases result from a structural defect or biological problem in the brain organ. Here below we will discuss how psychic diseases develop.

WHAT IS THE “OBJECTIVATED MIND” AND HOW DOES IT WORK

As we know, everyone has an objectivated mind: It is that chamber or part of the mind which contains one’s object of ideation. So the first step is to look at how the objectivated mind works.

For example, if someone is thinking about the post office then the post office is in their objectivated mind. And if a frog is thinking about a mosquito then a mosquito is in its objectivated mind. So anyone’s object of ideation is what comprises their objectivated mind.

Furthermore, this objectivated mind can function in two ways: With the eyes open & with the eyes closed. A person can physically see a post office with their eyes and have the idea of that post office enter into their objectivated mind. Or they can mentally imagine a post office and put the idea of that post office in their objectivated mind, without actually physically seeing that post office. So it can work in two ways: Using one’s physical eyes or one’s mental imagination

The same can happen with the frog and mosquito example. The frog can physically see that mosquito or mentally imagine a mosquito. In both circumstances that mosquito enters into the frog’s objectivated mind.

PSYCHIC DISEASES: HOW THEY GROW IN THE OBJECTIVATED MIND

So then how do psychic disease enter into the picture? Often times people can harbor thoughts which are figments of their imagination or which are untrue ideas. People can think that there is a ghost in their house; people can think that everyone hates them; people can think that they are going to die tomorrow; people can think that they are better than everyone else; or people can be afraid of the dark. And when any of these types of ideas dominate one’s thinking and flood the objectivated mind, then that results in a psychic disease.

Here Baba explains further how such psychic diseases like superiority complexes and inferiority complexes develop.

Baba says, “A defect in the objectivated mind may also cause inferiority complex or superiority complex. When the objectivated mind becomes large enough to pamper one’s ego, one develops a superiority complex. One starts considering oneself to be superior to others in points of knowledge, the capacity to act, organizational calibre and other qualities of leadership, and unnecessarily slights others. Such a person expects preferential treatment, VIP status, and unquestioning obedience. If by accident their ego is hurt even slightly, they become violently angry. This is another kind of mania.” (‘Faculty of Knowledge-3′)

And here below Baba describes another type of psychic disease.

Baba says, “Moreover, because of problems in the objectivated mind, people suffer from various psychic complexes. For example, there are those who are inclined to think that no one, neither their friends and relatives nor even their domestic animals, cares to think of them. They unnecessarily think that everyone deliberately avoids them, dislikes them, or ignores them, and therefore they become disappointed, dejected, and dispirited. Life loses all its charm and attraction for them, and they may even commit suicide. This type of mania is called melancholia.” (‘Faculty of Knowledge-3′)

So whenever anyone’s mental plate gets polluted and deformed due to such type of faulty ideas then we say there is a defect in their objectivated mind. And when those ideas enter the objectivated mind in an uncontrolled manner & people become obsessed with that idea, then we say it is a psychic disease.

So a psychic disease occurs when one is totally consumed by a particular defective thought process such as ‘everybody hates them’, or ‘there is a ghost in the house’.

IF JUST ONCE THEN NOT A PSYCHIC DISEASE

Once again all psychic diseases stem from a defect in the objectivated mind. And through constant thinking about those faulty ideas, day after day, then a particular psychic disease develops.

But if it happens just once then we cannot call it a psychic disease. For example, if after playing a good game of cricket Shyam then thinks that he is ‘king of the world’ for an hour or two but then he returns to his normal state, then we cannot say that Shyam was suffering from a psychic disease.

Only when those defective thoughts happen on a continual basis can we say it is a psychic disease. When those fabricated ideas pollute the objectivated ceaselessly then that is the stage when it becomes a psychic disease.

HOW PSYCHIC DISEASES ARE BEING TREATED IN THE WEST

As mentioned above, there are various kinds of psychic diseases such as inferiority complex, superiority complex, phobias, manias, depression, and on and on the list goes. Unfortunately now in the west, everything is treated as a brain disease and they do not recognise the existence of psychic diseases.

For that reason if someone is suffering from depression western doctors & psychologists will prescribe some type of strong allopathic medicine for that patient. Because those doctors think the patient is suffering from a defect in the brain, when in fact that patient is suffering from a defect in their thinking– not a defect in the biological structure of their brain. So that patient does not actually need allopathic medicine or drugs per se. Rather what they need is a change in their thought process. That is the proper treatment.

Unfortunately though, in countless cases, western science addresses psychic diseases as brain diseases. This confusion is common in the west. That is why western doctors prescribe sleeping pills to a grieving widow or they will prescribe other medicines to a child who is afraid of dying. But this is not the proper way because such persons do not have an organic problem in the brain– just they suffer from defects in their objectivated mind., i.e. in their way of thinking.

PSYCHIC DISEASES SPREADING IN THE WEST

At present, the manifestation of psychic diseases in the west is growing exponentially due to the fast-paced, imbalanced way of life. Everyone is feeling tension and stress and harboring defective ideas in the mind like ‘I am shelterless’, ‘nobody loves me’, ‘I am inferior’, ‘nobody cares about me’, ‘everyone hates me’, ‘I am ugly’, ‘I am alone’ etc. This type of defective thinking creates depression and other types of psychic diseases.

By this way psychic disease has become rampant in the west yet all such patients are all being treated as if they have brain disease. And they are given various steroids or drugs in order to treat the problem. But that only makes the situation worse.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?

SADHANA IS THE SOLUTION TO PSYCHIC DISEASES

So for the situation to be remedied, allopathic medical science has to accept the existence of mind and then treat ailments related with the objectivated mind as psychic diseases– not brain diseases. And of course the main treatment for psychic diseases is sadhana. That is beyond the area of present day medical science. They think that belongs to theology. But Baba guides us that sadhana is alone is the proper treatment for psychic diseases.

Baba says, “Most psychic diseases, if not all, grow out of the defective control over the objectivated mind. If one is alert, any trouble can be avoided. Those who regularly practise Iishvara pran’idha’na or dhya’na (meditation) can remain free from these diseases, as their minds will remain in a balanced state. One of the numerous benefits of sa’dhana’ is that it keeps the mind free from psychic disease and encourages the natural growth of the mind.” (‘Faculty of Knowledge-3′)

The culminating idea is that we should be clear on the difference between brain disease and psychic disease and such ailments should be treated accordingly. And as Baba describes above, psychic diseases are best treated through sadhana and spiritual practice.

So it is our dharmic duty to propagate sadhana to save this situation because with the development of science, psychic diseases are spreading more and more, especially amongst our younger generations. With them it is becoming rampant.

No doubt psychic disease are far more prevalent in the west but as ‘modern materialistic living’ consumes the east then those same psychic diseases will take root in our eastern nations also.

So as Ananda Margiis we should be vigilant and remember that sadhana alone is the remedy: We must propagate sadhana in order to build up a healthy humanity.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has blessed us with a human framework– such that we can perfect ourselves through sadhana.

Baba says, “The entire universe has the grace of Brahma, but human beings enjoy greater grace. They are endowed with the privilege of practising sa’dhana’.” (SS-1)

Namaskar,
Punya’tman

Note 1: TANDAVA IS A GREAT EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN

We should also remember that tandava is the only exercise for the brain and this will help in both curing and preventing the onset of brain disease. About this, the medical community should conduct research. And soon this is going to happen because already the medical community is pouring money to investigate how yoga asanas help prevent and cure diseases. So the day is not far when it will become known that tandava is a great exercise for the brain. In which case many studies will be conducted.

Note 2: DO CRIMINALS SUFFER FROM

PSYCHIC DISEASE OR BRAIN DISEASE

Baba describes how criminals may suffer from either a mix between brain disease and psychic disease or exclusively from a psychic disease.

Here below Baba guides us how in-born criminals suffer from both because brain disease and psychic disease.

Baba says, “Psychologists cannot treat the mental diseases which inflict born criminals all alone; the cooperation of physicians and sociologists is essential. Psychologists will diagnose the mental disease and explain its origins, and they will also play a role in helping cure it as far as possible. Doctors will be responsible for curing the disease through medicine or surgery, insofar as it is caused by physiological abnormalities. Then sociologists will have to arrange for the social rehabilitation of the criminal after he or she has recovered.” (HS-1)

With inborn criminals, the problem is two fold. They have defects in their objectivated mind which makes it a psychic disease. Plus there is often a faulty development in the formation of the brain organ, which makes it a brain disease as well.

And here below in this next example Baba discusses how some criminals– i.e. criminal by snap volition– suffer from kleptomania which is exclusively a psychic disease.

Baba says, “Another type of crime occurs occasionally. This is a temporary criminal urge, a special type of mental disease which suddenly appears in a certain type of environment and again subsides after a short time. Kleptomania is an example of this kind of mental disease. After committing a crime kleptomaniacs feel ashamed and are anxious to return the property that they have stolen to the owner. They have sudden fantasies about stealing, abducting people, becoming drunk or indulging in decadent activities. But analysis shows that they do not in fact have the slightest personal interest in such things.” (HS-1, ’87 Edn, p.80)

Note 3: BECOME DISEASE-FREE; TAKE SHELTER IN HIM

By Baba’s grace, by ideating on Him we can overcome all defects and become pure and pristine– physically, psychically, and spiritually.

Baba says, “In Brahma, the Entity who liberates one from all mundane ailments and the cycle of rebirth, lies the total cessation of all afflictions, the freedom from all ailments. He is the only dependable panacea for microcosmic distortions and imperfections; there is none other than Him – Na’nyah pantha’ vidyate ayana’ya.” (AMIWL-6)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’ma’y keno bha’laba’sile…” (P.S. 2283)

Puport:

Baba, You are so loving and so gracious; why do You love me so much. I do not have any quality, nor do I have any knowledge or learning. What then did You see in me that made You shower Your grace on me.

Baba, You have saturated my heart with a strong feeling of devotion for You. You have bestowed upon me an intellect to serve the society. Knowing that I am shelterless, You have granted me everything. You have given me all sorts of things which were needed. It is Your causeless grace.

Baba, You brought me on this earth by providing me with a human body. And You filled my mind with devotion. And top of all You infused a strong longing for Paramartha for You. Even then such is my miserable condition: I always remain forgetful about You and Your grace. Baba, why do You love me so much…

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Speciality of the Rg Veda

Baba says, “Although the Rgveda is mainly concerned with hymns, it also contains various tales and anecdotes. While not all of these stories and tales carry equal spiritual value, they are representative of the cultural heritage of those ancient humans. They paint a portrait of the gradual advancement of human thinking and the structure of society. When considered from this point of view, the language, literature and expression of the Rgveda is of special value to the world.” (SC-2, 96-7)
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Baba

== CAN WE CALL IT DHARMASHASTRA ==

ANSWER: NO WE CANNOT

Namaskar,
Throughout the course of history, in various religions, dogma has been injected by selfish people. In most cases those selfish people were senior priests of that very religion. Take the case of Buddhism: After Buddha passed away senior Buddhist priests injected various dogmas into Buddhism. And now it is full of dogma.

In their own way Catholic Priests, Muslim Maolbis (priest), and Hindu Pandits (Hindu priests) did the same thing. In order to establish their own supremacy they manipulated the teachings according to their own view. And for hundreds of years, religious followers practiced those dogmas.

Indeed even the teachings of Lord Krsna were gradually adulterated by the priests. And the resulting degeneration that came and was not small, but rather huge. So many false things got propagated; and various dogmas took root.

The sense is that dogma most often gets started from within that religion itself– by those very people, i.e. priests, who are in charge of preaching that religion. So that is the tragic irony.

MUST BE VIGILANT

Thus in our Marga we have to be extra-cautious & vigilant on this point. Because Baba has given countless divine teachings that cover all the spectrums of life. And it is our duty to carry those things in untainted manner to all the four corners.

But unfortunately what to speak of spreading Baba’s gospel of neo-humanism and wiping out the existing religious dogmas, some Dadas have infused their own dogma(s) in order put themselves on top and reserve some special status for themselves. That has happened in the so many ways including the way in which they manipulated Baba’s sacred concept of dharmashastra.

Some have done this knowingly and some very innocently.

IMPORTANCE OF DHARMASHASTRA

Most understand that dharmashastra is something very important and should be followed. Indeed Baba Himself has told this.

Baba says: “Dharmashastra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation; it must be practical, rational, infallible, and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truth. It must be aptavakya. A scripture is a guiding entity. The Subhasita Samgraha series of books are the scripture of Ananda Marga ideology.” (APH-4, ‘Our Spiritual Treatise’)

Thus dharmashastra is comprised of Baba’s divine teachings, edicts and guidelines. Only Guru can give dharmashastra, not anyone else.

OPPORTUNISTS

But to capitalise on the situation some Dadas have misguided a few innocent overseas margiis into thinking that their own words are dharmashastra and therefore should be followed. In that way some Dadas are getting their own talk accepted as being dharmashastra and unsuspecting margiis are believing that and following those things. In my sector and in our other overseas sectors this negative practice is going. Specifically some are labeling the talks they give at dharmacakra to be dharmashastra. That is the wrong that is happening.

MORE ABOUT DHARMASHASTRA

To clarify this matter we should again reference Baba’s guideline about dharmashastra. Certainly most senior Margiis have read the book Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell part 4, Chapter 10, “Our Spiritual Treatise”. In that chapter, in first paragraph Baba has beautifully described the meaning of dharmashastra.

Baba says: “Dharmashastra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation; it must be practical, rational, infallible, and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truth. It must be aptavakya. A scripture is a guiding entity. The Subhasita Samgraha series of books are the scripture of Ananda Marga ideology.” (APH-4, ‘Our Spiritual Treatise’)

Hence, according to Baba, dharmashastra means aptavakya, eternal truth– His direct discourses. In particular Baba expresses that our dharmashastra is His Subhasita Samgraha series of books etc which contain His DMC discourses. So the English equivalent term of “dharmashastra” is spiritual scripture.

By this it is clear that dharmashastra is one very high thing of deep import that is sacred and should be followed. And top of all dharmashastra is purely related with Guru’s teachings only. It is not the direction, talk, or gossip of any a,b,c,x,y,z human.

WHAT THEY ARE CALLING DHARMASHASTRA

But what way certain Dadas have falsely instituted the word ‘dharmashastra’ in our day to day life is completely dogma. Because in overseas sectors the term dharmashastra means a Dadas’ lectures or stories etc. Such as a particular Dada’s travel story which he speaks after dharmacakra, that story session may be 10 minutes, 20 minutes 30 minutes or one hour, where in our overseas areas this entire session is called as “dharma sha’stra”.

Indeed it is the common practice that just after dharmacakra, usually a Dada comes forward and tells his travel stories /journey, or some simple or crafty gossip he will do. In this way some Dadas created the false aura that this is dharmashastra. So this is their thing. And by this way they infuse all sorts of false tales and reassert their dominance over margiis.

Again, some do this knowingly and some innocently.

CLARIFICATION

Whatever may be, multiple inaccuracies are going on. The first thing is that dharmashastra is not just the regular gossip or travel story of one or two Dadas. The real meaning of dharmashastra is spiritual scripture, which Baba has given in ‘Our Spiritual Treatise’ chapter– and many other discourses also. So dharmashastra means Baba’s perfect scripture, not just the gossip of a certain Dada.

And the next thing is that in our weekly dharmacakra Baba’s books must be read– otherwise that dharmacakra is treated as incomplete. And the talk or discussion about Baba’s words is to be known as svadhyaya, not dharmashastra. Only Guru gives dharmashastra and our review of His divine teachings is the practice of svadhyaya.

WHAT THEY DO INSTEAD

In place of reading Baba’s books though, a few or one Dada’s gossip and travel stories will not do. Rather with all due respect those Dadas should tell their tales during some leisure time not during one of our dharma gatherings. But a couple of Dadas are are doing things in inopportune time– As if Baba’s dharmic words can be left aside and the vacuum can be filled with any…

Not only that but in the holy name of dharmashastra a few Dadas use that as a platform to gather funds for their groupist agenda. That recently happened at our local retreat. So this cannot be tolerated.

The idea being that the dharmashastra term itself carries a sanctified meaning. As that is the word of Guru. So the misuse of the term dharmashastra and telling travel tale gossip is not appreciable. It is just like if one person starts selling alcohol and calling it as ‘Avadhuta’ brand liquour. That is just degrading the term: Avadhuta. Similar is the case of dharmashatra when in the name of that they just tell their mundane travel tales. Or if in the name of using the term ‘turban’, instead we say pajama. But we cannot then justify by saying that Dada has pajamas on his head. This cannot be supported.

BABA’S BLESSING

So step by step these various dogmas have taken root in the name of dharmashastra. And in this way some Dadas try to infuse their voice as being the same as Baba’s grand teachings. But this is just their hypocrisy. So those few Dadas who are doing like this, their lectures should not be treated and followed as a dharmashastra. Because what they are giving is something from the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Indeed the worst part is that some few Dadas use this as a way to place themselves on the same scale as Baba. And in that way gain supremacy over the margiis and get their own selfish agenda implemented, just like those dogmatic religious priests of old.

But if we all become alert and vigilant about this then surely this dogma can be smashed because nothing should be permitted to stand in the way of Guru’s sacred and blemishless teachings.

In this regard we should pay heed to Baba’s following mandate.

Baba says, “We should also remember that in the realm of dharma there must be clear-cut injunctions in the form of dharma sha’stra [scriptural treatises] and simultaneously there must be strict guardians who during their lifetime guide themselves as well as others according to those scriptural injunctions.” (NSS, 95 Edn, p.200)

Namaskar,
Mukunda

Note 1: IT MEANS SCRIPTURE

In our book Caryacarya, Baba has explained that dharma sha’stra means ‘scripture’. And scripture means Subhasita Samgraha etc. That means, Baba’s discourses on a dharmic stand. Only dharmic discourses of Baba will be called as “Dharma Sha’stra”. So, naming certain Dadas’ travel tales or their own dreams as “Dharma Sha’stra” is not good, rather blasphemous. But some of those Dadas who are conducting dharmacakra don’t like to give up their negative dogma.

That is to say, this dogma of using the wrong term is going on since decades. And a few Dadas are thinking that, “Let it be like that, in this way I can keep the top chair in the eyes of margiis. And what I say they will follow.”

So overall this wrong use of dharmashastra is not good, rather damaging and unholy. Because Baba’s divine & dharmic discourses are incomparable. And those doing trickery in the name of that are doing…

Unfortunately this is going on in overseas countries where dharma sha’stra means Dadas’ travel stories or whatever else they may tell in that time.

And in that way they push their own agenda and place themselves on the same pedestal as Baba.

Note 2: SPIRITUAL TOPICS

This term “dharma sha’stra” refers to Baba’s spiritual scriptures only.

Because in our Marg, there are three types of Sha’stra: (A) Dharma Sha’stra/Spiritual Treatise (B) Darshan Sha’stra /
Philosophical Treatise (C) Samaj Sha’stra/Social Treatise.’

So Dharmshastra refers to those spiritual, dharmic discourses only. And the reading out and discussion of those discourses after dharmacakra comes within the practice of svadhyaya.

Note 3: WHEN TO TELL THE TRAVEL STORY

If any Dada wishes to tell about their travel experiences then that is highly appreciated. After all we are all family members and hearing about each others exciting and humorous experiences is part and parcel of human life. This type of sharing is good. The main problem is that it should not be done directly after sadhana during our dharmacakra program. Means it should not be done in the name of dharmashastra– nor in the name of svadhyaya. Such story telling can be done during or after the collective meal or perhaps during other times of leisure. Because after collective meditation a few paragraphs or minimum 1 paragraph from Baba’s books should read aloud to everyone present. This is the minimum system, and this reading and the explanation thereafter is known as svadhyaya.

Note 4: BABA’S SUPREME GUIDELINE

Baba says, “In the realm of dharma the only true guide and controller and protector of the people is an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut, and bold directions.” (NSS, ’95 Edn, Shivapodesha-4)

Note 5: UNIVERSAL FAMILY

Baba’s following lines are infused with a feeling of upliftment and cosmic fraternity.

Baba says, “No entity in this universe exists individually. Ours is a universal family. Each and every entity — living and non-living, moving and non-moving — helps others in maintaining not only their equilibrium, but also the equipoise of the entire universe, not only of this small planet Earth. We are to move together with all.” (SS-18, p. 40)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Saba’r priya tumi saba’r a’pan…” (P.S. 4723)

Purport:

Baba, You are everyone’s most loving and closest One – everyone feels that You are their own. Baba, because You are, I am; And because of You this whole universe also exists.

Baba, from the peak of the snow-covered, sky-kissing mountain to the deep, serene ocean, from the sun of the crimson dawn to the colourful evening sunset – everything in this universe is Your divine creation. The flowers, fruits, shrubs, forest, and garden – all are Your expressions. Baba, You are the divine Lord of everything and everyone.

Baba, with Your compassion You are looking after one and all; You never hate anyone. Baba, You reside in the mind & You are in the heart. Even then I do not see You, but I feel You. Baba, You are so great: I am always asking for Your forgiveness and for Your grace. By Your divine krpa, with full surrender I always do sastaunga pranam to You – each & every moment.

Baba, You are the most loving One, the most dear Entity of one and all. Baba, You have created this entire vast universe. Baba, You are so gracious, Baba I love You…

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Most Noble Work

Baba says, “Soon after Alarka became king, his kingdom was attacked by a neigboring king. Alarka was defeated in battle and forced to leave his kingdom…Alarka decided to give up everything and go out in search of eternal truth…When Alarka’s reputation as a great yogi had spread far and wide, the conquering king requested him to take back his kingdom…’Alarka, come and take back your throne,’ said the king. ‘No’, replied Alarka, ‘I’m too busy now as I have to propagate dharma in the world. I am bound to serve the society and thus have no time to look after the affairs of the
royal administration’.” (AV-7, p.47-8)

Note: After ’90, some power hungry monks of our AM went astray from Baba’s above noble teaching. And instead they made the attainment of power and post as the be-all and end-all of life. That is why various serious crises have come; because those hovering around the helm forgot Baba’s above golden guideline and just began chasing after power and post. When in fact Baba’s timeless teaching is that propagating dharma is the greatest and most noble pursuit in life and the best way for building up a vibrant, healthy society.

Note 2: We can also see by His practical example that when Mahasambhuti takes advent on this earth then He propagates dharma and also goads others in this same endeavour. Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, and Sadguru Baba have given all the dharmic teachings and their each and every moment on this earth was used in the propagation and teachings of dharma.
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Baba

== KNOWN AND UNKNOWN LOVE ==

Namaskar,
Some people may think that only tried and true bhaktas have love for Parama Purusa – but it is not like that. According to Baba, everyone has love for Parama Purusa – only some realise it and some not.

Those who realise their longing for the Divine chase after Him; those who don’t realise it chase after mundane allurements in hopes of satisfying their unknown urge for the Divine.

IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW

For our own knowledge and awareness as well as for AM pracara activities, we should actively understand the difference – as well as the relationship – between a’sakti (mundane attraction) and bhakti (divine love).

By this way, we can help others steer their course towards the Supreme, by His grace. Because ultimately, all are seeking Him.

A’SAKTI VS. BHAKTI

In clear language, Baba lays down the difference between a’sakti and bhakti.

Baba says, “In philosophical terms the attraction for finite objects is called a’sakti and the attraction for the infinite is bhakti.” (SS-1)

Baba says, “Your attraction to the Supreme is called devotion [bhakti], whereas attraction to any finite objectivity is called a’sakti. Attraction to friends is a’sakti, attraction to God is bhakti. In the case of a’sakti the object is limited, in the case of bhakti it is unlimited.” (SS-24)

Running after the mundane or limited is a’sakti and running after the Divine is bhakti.

But even then there is a link between the two as Baba Himself says that a’sakti is nothing but misplaced or misdirected devotion. Please continue reading.

THOSE ON THE PATH OF A’SAKTI

ARE CHASING AFTER THE DIVINE

Here Baba points out how all have love for Him – all long for Parama Purusa.

Baba says, “Knowingly or unknowingly everyone is moving around Him. Everyone is bound to move, otherwise they will lose their permanent shelter, they will dissociate from their permanent nucleus. This movement is a natural propensity born out of love for Parama Purus’a. Love for the Supreme is a natural propensity.” (NKS)

So even those on the path of a’sakti, i.e. those running after mundane allurements, have an inner hidden urge for Him.

Some may have trouble believing how this is so – but by the following analogy it will all become quite clear.

BABY EXAMPLE: EATING PENS AND PAPER

We all know that babies are prone to putting all kinds of things in their mouth: dirt, stones, pens, plastic, etc. Whatever they can get their hands on, they will stick in their mouth. Is it because they like that object? No. It is because they are in search of something. They are in search of food. And the proof is that when the baby chews on that paper it will cry, spit out the paper, and throw it away. Only when it gets food will it be satisfied.

Naive people may think the the baby likes to eat pens and shoelaces etc, as again it will reach for one of those things, but that is of course not true. When that baby does get some proper food, then it will not grab after all those other things – then it will not try and put plastic and paper into its mouth.

Here the whole point is that the baby wants food but due to its own unawareness it puts so many other things in its mouth.

Similarly, human desires are infinite; that is the desire humans are trying to quench. So when attracted towards worldly things (money, material, name, fame) people think their desire will be satisfied by this approach. Just as a baby thinks that by putting plastic in their mouth they will satisfy their hunger. But soon they realise that is not the case. And adults too realise that mundane things (money, prestige) can satiate their eternal longing. They always want something more. It is like putting out a fire with petroleum; the desires escalate. People trying to satisfy their infinite desire with worldly lust but that lust only multiplies and life becomes more miserable. Just as the baby wants food but chews plastic, similarly human beings want Parama Purusa but because of their ignorance they run toward worldly things. In this case adults also behave like babies but they do not understand. When one comes on the path of sadhana or moves towards spirituality then one clearly realises this divine, eternal truth.

Thus we can say that all jiivas desire Parama Purusa. He is the desired Entity of everyone. But those who do not realise that they desire Him try to satisfy their longing with so many mundane things. They may chase after the opposite sex, or money, or name and fame, or so many things – all in hopes of satisfying their innate yet unknown longing for Parama Purusa.

Invariably, a person tires of those worldly things – or even suffers backlash from them. Their wife may beat them; their job may make them stressed out; liquor and drugs will make them sick. All kinds of adverse reactions will happen, sooner or later.

And in due course- either in this life or the next – they are bound to understand those mundane things cannot permanently satisfy their inner quench for the Supreme. Then they will come more directly onto the path of devotion.

Till that time, they will continue to struggle with a’sakti, wrongly thinking that this is where their happiness lies.

ALL DESIRE THE SUPREME

Here is another of Baba’s divine teachings that guides us how everyone is in search of the Divine and it is only the Divine that can satisfy that the unlimited desires of the jiivatma.

2-5. Tasminnupalabdhe parama’ trs’n'a’nivrttih.

Purport: There is in the living being a thirst for limitlessness. It is not possible for limited objects to quench one’s thirst. Brahma is the only limitless entity, and so establishment in Brahma’s bearing alone puts an end to all thirsts or cravings. (A’nanda Sutram)

Those on the path of a’sakti may get temporary pleasure from crude allurements like the opposite sex and shiny cars etc, but such mundane allurements cannot satisfy them for long. Soon again, they will be on the lookout for something else to satisfy them.

Until, by His grace, they come onto the path of bhakti and attain Him. Then their desire for the limitless will be satisfied.

All along however, it is their desire and love for the Supreme that keeps them in the hunt. If they really only wanted a sports car then that sports car would satisfy them forever and ever. But that never happens – one day they tire of that car, toss it aside, and look for a new car or something else to satisfy their longing.

But what human beings desire, of course, is unlimited bliss, or Divine Love.

Just people embark on the path of a’sakti in order to quench their desire, as they are unaware that their true longing is for Parama Purusa, not mundane things.

WHY WORLDLY THINGS ARE ALLURING

Why is then that even though everyone’s innate desire is for the Divine, worldly attractions are quite alluring. The first reason is because those things are, after all, part of God’s creation so they have some temporary charm. Secondly, chasing after mundane things is easy to do. And thirdly, in their ignorance, people think those things will satisfy them.

They think, “I will be happy once I get a Mercedes-Benz”, or they think, “I will be satisfied when I get a bigger house or a higher post” etc. But none of those things can satisfy them for long.

They think it will give them bliss but all too often those things just give them heart-ache and pain. Because their real longing is for the Supreme – that is what is urging them on in their search.

UNKNOWN LOVE FOR THE DIVINE

STARTS IN ANIMAL LIFE

Even though many humans are on the path of a’sakti, it is their longing for the Divine that is the driving force in their hunt for happiness. And it is not just humans but developed animals also that have such an urge.

Monkeys, dogs, elephants and others also have an unknown urge for Parama Purusa. A dog’s desire to please his master is the seed form of love for Parama Purusa. Same is true for a monkey’s desire to please his trainer.

Such animals are just on the cusp of human life and certainly they will attain that in their next birth.

ONLY PARAMA PURUSA CAN QUENCH HUMAN LONGING

Because only the beginningless and endless Parama Brahma is infinite, only He can satisfy all human longing.

Baba says, “Brahma is the only limitless entity, and so establishment in Brahma’s bearing alone puts an end to all thirsts or cravings.” (Ananda Sutram)

Once human beings understand that they are in love with Parama Purusa, then they will chase after Him. It is then that they realise that their travels on the path of a’sakti are fruitless and they have to properly direct their devotion for Parama Purusa.

SUMMARY

This shows that humans unknowingly want Parama Purusa; they have infinite desires and want intimate satiation. Just as a small child wants food and not that plastic or paper; similarly humans want to satiate their infinite desire in some way and they run toward material things but actually they want Parama Purusa. That means that unknowingly all love Parama Purusa and want Him. Due to lack of awareness they get caught up in material pursuits like a small child.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace, all love Him. This fact must be made common to all then it will be easy to goad everyone toward that Divine Entity. We should help everyone realise that they have innate love for Parama Purusa.

This is a great service as it will spare those on the path of a’sakti so much trouble and torment. Because those worldly things can never satisfy their innate longing for the Divine.

As sadhakas, in our pracara, we must help everyone to maximally utilise their human life. The cycle of birth and death is endless. Only those who develop samvit (spiritual awakening) can truly set their course toward the Divine, and attain Him by His grace. We should do this in our own lives and guide others as well. That is Baba’s order.

Baba says, “…It is the bounden duty to bring all to the path of bliss. Verily is this a part and parcel of sadhana – to lead others along the path of righteousness.” (Supreme Command)

Namaskar,
Karma Rasa

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Vinati ja’i kare tava caran’ dhare…” (P.S. 3687)

Purport:

Baba with folded hands & holding Your lotus feet, I am requesting You again and again: Please come to my home. Please grace me again and again by coming. Baba, You have countless abodes to visit and stay that may be according to Your liking; even then You should not forget that this little hut of mine is Your creation. Baba I always dance in Your rhythm and sing in Your melody, in Your tune. I feel that You are the tune, melody, and lyrics– everything. I play Your viina.

Baba, I am Yours, and everyone is Yours. Your divine play is our world. The way You play Your liila is my entire existence. I am always ensconced in Your ideation, in Your dhyana. I always speak and sing of Your ideology, Your tales, Your teachings. Baba, I move accordingly by Your grace.

Baba, when You play Your divine flute, with that attraction You pull me close to You. That is my vital energy for forward movement. Baba You are the base of everything. You are the quintessence. Your glory is unfathomable which cannot be expressed. You are everyone’s soul – everyone’s heart. Baba with my folded hands I do sastaunga pranam at Your alter: Please come to my little hut. Please grace me by coming…

Baba

“Ba’dha’ eseche bheunegeche toma’r…hoyeche…” (PS 2647)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace all those obstacles which have come on the path have been pulverized. They got completely destroyed. Whatever horrifying things were there – fog, dilemma, confusion – all disappeared into thin air. This happened only because of Your divine grace.

In a ghastly attempt, the bad days – the foggy weather – wanted to swallow everything. They tried to submerge everything into cimmerian darkness. However the demons’ dances, and the days of hellish creatures and their kingdom of doom, are gone forever by Your grace, by Your karuna.

O’ Parama Purusa, the Charioteer of the chariot of effulgence, You have come. All the confusion, illusion, and dilemmas have been wiped away from everyone’s mind. It is Your grace.

Baba due to Your holy advent the bondage of ignorance and staticity, and the serpentine noose of maya have been destroyed. With the presence of Your august advent, Your arrival, all the sins have gotten destroyed. Now everything is saturated with divine effulgence. Baba, You are ever-gracious…

== ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR BEAUTY ==

Namaskar,
Beauty…

This is one big trend all around the globe these days – now more than ever. All want to become stunningly beautiful.

And there is nothing wrong with that…

…except that people are looking for beauty in all the wrong places – i.e. externally – and it is wrecking their lives. Their misguided search for beauty leads to anxiety, depression, divorce, trauma, frivolous expenses, financial debt and all kinds of psychic complexes and afflictions.

We may even find traces of this ill-conceived quest for beauty in our Marga, though in the general society it is much more rampant, exponentially so.

We should all be aware, lest we fall into a similar pattern. Also with awareness comes the ability to help others and convince them of the truth in a compassionate way through logic and reasoning.

TRENDS, TRENDS, TRENDS

The trends about what is beautiful vary from place to place, but now in this materialistic era, all parameters of beauty are based on the most superficial aspect of the human experience.

In the US and Europe, white-skinned people generally think that “having a tan” makes them more beautiful. Thus most everyone in those areas wants a tan, or brown skin. To get that, they may lie in the sun, lie on a tanning bed, or even have it sprayed on like paint.

In India, now it is more fashionable or beautiful to have light or white skin. For this reason ladies may not even go outside in the sun for fear that their skin will get too dark.

Yet these trends come and go like the wind. One day one wishes to look dark, and the next white. It can flip-flop anytime. Yet on these whimsical and fleeting styles, people form their crude judgments of a person and formulate their own look as well.

Baba says, “The notion of what is beautiful or ugly, or good or bad in human beings changes from age to age, and in different environments. Those who are black-complexioned will say, “How beautiful black is. Why is that man so white? Has he contracted leucoderma (white leprosy)? How repulsive, how utterly repulsive!” That is, human judgement is relative; it changes according to time, place and person.” (AV-8)

And not just skin colour, but each and every aspect of the physical body has a trend, or look, or way that is deemed as beautiful. And people go bonkers trying to achieve that.

They may spike their hair, expand their lips, paint their face, tattoo their body, pluck their eyebrows, squeeze their feet into small shoes, whiten their teeth, grow their nails, paint their toes, and the list goes on and on.

We have all seen it.

They may even visit plastic surgeons to make their nose or other parts “absolutely ideal”, i.e. beautiful. They may body pierce themselves all over thinking that this makes them attractive. Or they may get a liposuction or tummy tuck in order to make themselves look skinny.

In the past in India and other poor countries, being fat was a sign of wealth and prosperity – they all wanted to be fat. That was desired and beautiful. Now in those same places, all that has changed. Especially where the internet is big – like in the Indian cities – all want to be thin now, because that is the rage in the west.

No matter where one resides, to gain that look – of being beautiful – people are willing to do anything.

Even in these tough economic times – when cash is sparse – people are spending thousands and millions even billions of dollars on various cosmetic medical procedures or beauty supplies in order to enhance their look. It is a mega industry at present.

And the one who suffers most is the individual – they become a victim of the times. They ruin their peace and composure by indulging in this quest for beauty externally, which in truth is destined for failure.

POINTS TO NOTE

1. Although beauty varies from place to place and era to ear, people in the same place and in the same era chase after the same look. They all want to be thin, or have their hair in a particular way, and dress according to the day’s fashion etc. In essence, they become mirror images of one another – when in truth diversity is the spice of life. Mother nature makes us all different, even if our parents are the same. By this way the gene pool of our human society gets stronger and more developed. To chase after the same look is to going against nature.

2. The beauty business corrupts people’s mind into thinking that beauty only resides on the outside. They have so many tricks for brainwashing people, especially young women and teenagers. This is their big market and they spend huge money convincing them. In turn, the beauty industry takes in billions. The entire situation is most unfortunate.

3. People naively think that by becoming more beautiful then all their problems will be solved and everything will be alright – i.e. they will be happy and all will adore them. This is their day-dream fantasy as well as the reason why they chase relentlessly after external beauty.

4. Now more and more people are goaded toward external beauty at a younger age. This imposes a terrible inferiority complex that “I am not beautiful enough.” Generally self-conscious feelings about one’s looks occur when one is going through adolescence. But today, in countries like Brazil and India, girls of 3 or 4 years of age are being dressed up like
dolls and the children get the teaching early on that external beauty is everything. This is a terrible tragedy and brings about the demise of the human condition.

5. And there are more points, write us with your thoughts.

NO-WIN SITUATION FOR ANYONE

All in all, chasing after external beauty is a no-win situation for anyone, neither for materialists nor for spiritual aspirants.

Materialists, or common people, bank all their happiness on external beauty and allurements, which is itself fleeting. Most of the time people are too self-conscious to delight in what beauty they do have, and even if they do enjoy their “beauty” what they fail to realise is that their beauty will not last. It is impermanent, temporary. It will wane, wane, wane with the passage of tiem. Seeing this, people get distressed and depressed. They worry about thinner hair, flabby thighs, droopy skin, and so many other things. To make matters worse, people are living longer now than ever before so while their “beauty” may begin to decrease after the age of 30, 35, 40, or 45, they now live longer, up to 80, 90, or 100 and in that case they merely extend their days living in that depressed state. Such is the fate of materialists.

And spiritual-minded people also run into trouble by chasing after external beauty. They may have lived a most dharmic life and helped others but because of their lust for external beauty all their good efforts get wasted and instead of progressing on the path, at the time of death they get turned into bodyless microvita. Such a horrible fate.

Baba says, “Though siddhas are elevated human beings, those who have some aesthetic attraction for physical objects like money, ornaments, etc., become kinnaras after their demise. As spiritual aspirants they are elevated to some extent, and as human beings they are decent, but they prayed to Parama Purus’a for beauty instead of for Parama Purus’a Himself. Such people, after their demise, attain the status of kinnara devayonis.” (MVNS)

So neither the common materialist nor the advanced sadhaka benefits by chasing after external beauty – yet so many engage in this way.

WHY THEY DO IT

The next – or obvious – question then is why do they do it. Why do people chase after external beauty?

The answer we all know.

When people do not seek peace within then their mind turns to the external sphere for happiness, acceptance, and approval. And one of the closest external qualities we have is our bodies. Thus people seek attention and respect based on their external looks, i.e. “beauty”. Their figure, hair, shape, softness etc.

But this leads them nowhere other than their demise.

And tragically the trend is only growing. Now more than ever people are mentally imbalanced due to materialism, and in that precarious state they invariably look more and more for external beauty as their great value in life.

This then makes them more insecure and worried and ultimately sets them up for “the big fall” when their beauty invariably wanes as the body decays.

So it is a vicious cycle.

In contrast, if one is able to find peace within, then they are not so concerned about their superficial looks. Already they have found beauty and value in life. And that is the real beauty that will bring peace and happiness.

WHERE THE REAL BEAUTY LIES

Here Baba graciously guides us where our real beauty lies.

Baba says, “Perhaps you know that mental beauty exercises some degree of influence on the human body. A woman who is unattractive but is mentally elevated or has a loving nature will look beautiful to others. You must have heard that to a child, the most beautiful woman in the world is his or her mother.” (MVNS)

Thus beauty – ie lasting beauty and attraction – lies in the benevolence and sentientness of mind.

As a person gets to know your mind, then they will find you to be more and more beautiful, so long as your mind is spiritually inclined. That is why people who come close to you and become your friend value you for your behaviour and conduct, not for your looks. So long as one’s mind is vibrated, one’s conduct will be proper, and others will be attracted to you. So the point of allurement is the mind not the body. That is where lasting beauty exists. That is Baba’s guideline.

Proof of this is that these days so many marriages are made based on purely external beauty and sexual attraction. But then, as they get to know one another and see how the other thinks and behaves, then they develop distaste for one another until finally they fight, beat each other, and ultimately divorce. Countless high-profile, glamorous marriages have destructed in this way. And it happens to common people as well.

The point is that if you do not like the way a person thinks and behaves, then they will not be beautiful to you, irregardless of how physically attractive they are. And vice-versa.

Whereas, if one’s behavior and dealing are benevolent and charming, then everyone will be attracted to you and find you to be beautiful.

That is Baba’s magic formula.

Thus if one is concerned about beauty – they should ensure they are concerned about their psychic beauty, not the physical one. Only the beauty of the mind can bring about happiness and welfare to oneself and others. Only then can on be truly beautiful in the eyes of others.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His grace here again is His divine teaching. By adhering go 16 Points, doing sadhana, singing kiirtan, and being strict in yama and niyama, then one’s beauty will increase more and more.

Baba says, “Perhaps you know that mental beauty exercises some degree of influence on the human body. A woman who is unattractive but is mentally elevated or has a loving nature will look beautiful to others. You must have heard that to a child, the most beautiful woman in the world is his or her mother.” (MVNS)

Namaskar,
Hitendra

Note 1: BABA’S COLOURFUL DESCRIPTION:

HOW THE NOTION OF BEAUTY CHANGES

Baba says, ” Just imagine the situation that will arise in the future as a result of humanity’s ever increasing thirst for knowledge. To meet these developments the nerve cells and nerve fibres will have to become more complex. Consequently, the human cranium will become larger and the size of the head will increase. The hands and feet will become weaker and weaker and human beings may even lose the ability to walk…Today we think that such people will look very strange, but in the future one may hear people commenting, “Oh, how handsome he looks with eyes as small as little peas and arms as thin as jute sticks. He can’t hear anything with his ears. In fact, he hasn’t got any ears at all! What an attractive man.” Although it seems slightly repulsive to us, this will become the standard of beauty in future. People will judge beauty according to the standards of the day, saying, “Oh, those stick-like arms of his make him look so handsome. The fellow can’t walk properly. How wonderful.” And if someone can walk, people will say, “How indecent that fellow looks hobbling around on two legs!” But if he crawls along the ground they will say, “How wonderful, how beautiful!” If we were to see this sort of scene today, however, we would say, “How unsightly. That fellow is uglier than an owl.”” (AV-8)

***************************************
Samaj is Based on Neo-Humanism, not Groupism

Parama Purusa BABA says, “If each samaj [socio-economic unit] is inspired by a comprehensive ideology and a universal outlook, human society will move ahead with accelerating speed towards a sublime ideal.” (PNS-13, p. 23)

Note: Nowadays some group leaders are singing the song of samaj as they try to forge ahead with their narrow-minded agendas. But margiis can smell this from a mile away and are keeping distance from such talk. Means other than a select few, no one is falling into the trap that the spectacle of such and such WT group is part of samaj theory.
***************************************

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #7 ==

~ PS #1156 ~

Namaskar,
Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1156 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Introduction

(C) Line Meaning

(D) End Notes

(E) Special Note on Spelling
& Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1156

Ke go tumi ele maneri ma’jhe
A’ka’sh va’ta’s toma’ri ra’ge
Spandit hoye meteche na’ce

Kichu ca’o na’ko, kichu bolo na’ko
Kichu dite gele nite ca’o na’ko
Tabu a’chi ja’gi kichu deva’r la’gi, karun’a'ghan a’nkhi bhuleo na’ ja’ce

Kichu ca’o na’ko a’ma’r ka’ch_ theke
Bujhi va’ ca’o tumi a’ma’r “a’mi”-ke
Bha’losba’siya’chi manete metechi saba dite man taerii a’cho

INTRODUCTION FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1156

This song expresses the mentality of a sadhaka when Parama Purusa comes in a new and more loving manner. When devotees do dhyana and Parama Purusa appears in the mind, sometimes bhaktas experience Him in a new and different way – in a closer more intimate relation. This song reflects the devotional feeling of a sadhaka when their relation with Parama Purusa becomes more intimate. For instance, suppose a sadhaka was in sakhya bhava, or friend relation. And then one day, in their dhyana they experienced the coming of Parama Purusa in a new way; their proximity with Him increased and their relation changed from sakhya bhava to dasya bhava (Master-servant relation) or madhura bhava (lover). That new and heightened devotional feeling is what is being expressed in this song.

LINE MEANING OF PS #1156

O’ Divine Entity, who are You [1] who has appeared in my mind? In Your attraction and love, the sky and air are dancing in divine ecstasy. [2]

O’ my Lord, You do not want anything, nor do You say anything. When I offer You something, You do not want to accept it. In spite of that, I remain awake, ever-ready to give You something. But, even by mistake, Your compassionate eyes never ask for anything.

Baba, You ask nothing of me. By Your grace, I understand that You are not satisfied with small things. You want my “I-feeling”, my mind – everything. Baba, I have loved You. By Your grace, my mind is spiritually vibrated; it is now ready to surrender everything unto Your lotus feet.

O’ Divine Entity, please accept my sastaunga pranam and unconditional surrender…

END NOTES FOR PS #1156

[1] Who are You (ke go tumi): A person asks “Who are you?” when they are not fully aware about someone. So they ask, “Who are you?”, in order to get more information about that person. But this question can also be raised if you know the person but are not completely familiar with the way they are behaving or relating with you. That is the case in the above Prabhat Samgiita. The sadhaka knows that it is the Divine Entity Baba, but asks “Who are You?”, because Baba is presenting Himself in a new and more intimate way.

[2] Last Word of the First Stanza: In the 1998 edition of the Bangla Prabhat Samgiita book, the final word of the last stanza is na’ce, meaning “dances”. That seems to be the correct word. In past editions of the Bangla book, the last word of the first stanza was ta’ha’te and in the recorded version of this song, the word ta’ha’te is sung. Because most of those audio recordings were made prior to 1998; hence they sang the song according to the lyrics printed in the older books. Ultimately, I cannot definitively say that na’ce is absolutely, positively the correct term. This could be a typo in the 1998 edition of the Bangla book. But most probably, the 1998 book is the proper version. At the very beginning of the book, the publishers noted that many updates were made in this edition to correct past mistakes. That most likely explains why the word na’ce is used in this text.

SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Starting from today forward, when introducing new songs, we will post the full song using phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words “know” or “knowledge”. Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as “Ka-now” or “Kay-Now” and “Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge”,respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1156, the actual spelling of the word bolo (2nd stanza, 1st line, 5th word) is bala. But unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, bolo. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Another example is the last word of the second stanza: ja’ce. The actual spelling is ya’ce, but many will mispronounce it if it is spelled in that manner – hence the spelling ja’ce. Indeed there are many such examples.

Only native Bengali speakers – or those extremely fluent in Bangla and familiar with Prabhat Samgiita – will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence the decision to write it phonetically.

With regard to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Baba

“Malay va’ta’se madhu nishva’se ke go ele mor phulavane…” P.S. 1801

Purport:

O the Divine Entity who are You who has come in my flower garden in the gentle breeze of this spring season with a sweet and charming smile. When I saw You for the first time I was surprised, as it was difficult to think that such an attractive Entity would be here. I wanted to look towards You more intimately but I could not; that time I was sitting in the flower garden unmindfully – unaware.

O’ Supreme One, I couldn’t even hear the footsteps of Your arrival, & You did not give any hint or clue before coming to this garden. So I could not receive You properly nor could I offer You a garland. You have graced me by coming here yet You have not cared about receiving an invitation. Please tell me, O’ Divine Entity, who are You?

O’ my Lord, understanding Your liila is impossible. Within a flash You can become extremely tough and then the next moment You are as tender as a flower – like a garland of love, so sweet and charming. O’ divine Entity You cannot be understood. You are Infinite – without beginning or end. Through the practice of sadhana and dhyana I am surrendering myself at Your alter.

Baba, You have graced me by coming to my mental flower garden…

== BABA STORY: DEVOTEE JUMPED FROM THE ROOF ==

Note: The below story is a first-hand account by Sri Mangal Bihari ji, a very senior and well-known Ananda Margii. In this letter, he is giving his eye-witness account how one margii ensconced in a devotional bhava jumped from one building and was saved. That was an incredibly sight.

As many may know, Sri Mangal Bihari ji held key posts in both Rajasthan government as well as the Central Government of India. During Emergency he was lying low but after Emergency he was retired from his government post and extremely active in the Marga, just as during his pre-Emergency days.

Namaskar,
Those days in DMC Baba was showering His divine blessing on all. That created a very strong spiritual vibration. Everyone was drenched in His cosmic grace.

HUGE DEVOTIONAL ATTRACTION THOSE DAYS

All who attended DMC became immersed in Baba’s love and spiritual ecstasy. No one remained unaffected. All were deeply ensconced in that Brahma bhava, i.e. devotional ideation.

Here I am not saying that those who came were elevated sadhakas or very high souls and that is why they were having such experiences. Rather I think that was exclusively Baba’s grace. Indeed many who came those days also left the Marga entirely. So truly speaking, Baba was showering His divine grace during those DMC programs. Those who attended were inundated. What is described in AM literature about bhava and samadhi, we would see and feel regularly those days; whereas later on that such experiences in collective occasions became scarce.

Indeed those days, many were visibly crying, tears streaming down; while others were making the humkara sound. Verily all the signs of deep spiritual engagement and samadhi were in full force.

Baba says, “These occult feelings are basically of eight types: stambha (astounding), kampa (trembling), sveda (sweating), svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), ashru (tears), romáiṋca (horripilation), vaevarńa (change of colour) and pralaya (fainting fit). There are other feelings associated with these major feelings. For examples, nrtya (dancing), giita (singing), viluńt́hana (rolling), kroshana (weeping), huḿkára (roaring), lálásráva (salivating), jrmbhańa (yawning), lokápekśá tyága (indifference), at́t́ahásya (bursting into laughter), ghúrńana (whirling), hikká (hiccoughing), tanumot́ana (relaxation of the physical body) and diirghashvása (deep breathing).” (A Guide to Human Conduct, Iishvara Pranidhana)

In Baba’s presence, all the above “pious expressions” were prevalent those days. The scene was unparalleled. Indeed, non-margiis observing these behaviours thought that these people (i.e. Ananda Margiis) were psychiatric patients.

But that was the way things were going on those days. Baba’s was creating that deeply devotional and loving environment and so many were falling into samadhi and various bhavas.

Not only that, when it was time for Baba to depart, and take leave of the margiis and general workers etc, then He would increase the devotional pull and these symptoms would escalate. Baba would give more vibration and the whole environment would become devotionally super-charged. The vibration was palpable.

KOTA DMC

The DMC in Kota (28 Jul 1966) was exceptional in this regard. Everyday there was such a strong vibration. Around 50 – 60% of the margiis present were crying and dancing, totally enthralled with Baba’s love and oblivious of the crude world around them. At this point our Baba Nam Kevalam kiitan had not yet been given, even then so many were dancing, purely inspired by bhava.

And at the end, it escalated even more. At the time of departure, the scene broke all barriers. The floodgates of devotion let loose. As per His custom, on the last day of His stay, Baba held general darshan and that was even more heart-wrenching than usual.

Baba was infusing a deep devotional pull and the sadhakas did not want Him to leave. They did not want to be away from Him. They were feeling such strong longing and so many were crying. That was the scene.

Indeed, thinking of Baba’s departure was unbearable. It was just like if the one you love very much was going away then you feel like your heart is being separated. In that state people start crying uncontrollably. So this happens with mundane attraction and in extreme situations when someone dies or goes away.

With Baba, the pull towards Him was purely devotional.

AN UNBELIEVABLE THING THAT HAPPENED

In that devotionally-charged environment, one absolutely incredible event took place.

In Kota, the day after DMC, Baba was holding a farewell general darshan (described above) just prior to His departure. This gathering was being held on the roof of the first floor. All the margiis were crying, dancing, and jumping around.

One margii brother from Nepal, Bahadur, was crying uncontrollably. It seemed like he just lost total control of his body – jumping and bouncing here and there in longing to hold Baba. Then suddenly in one swift moment, he inexplicably jumped from the roof of the first floor to the roof of the ground floor.

Here it has to be understood that the roof is 100% cement – hard as stone. There was no padding whatsoever. Plus the vertical distance from the first floor roof to the ground floor roof was 14 feet. Yet in that highly-charged environment, Bahadur leaped down.

I was shocked to see this and thought he would die. Immediately so many margiis rushed towards him to see if he was ok. But in utter amazement he was fine. He did not injure himself in any way, whereas it would have been quite expected to have shattered his knees or had some other serious injury, even death. But Bahadur was totally unharmed. Not only that, he was still in that deeply devotional bhava, crying and shivering.

Seeing this incredible feat, I concluded that when one is in bhava stage then their body becomes light, otherwise how he could have done this without getting hurt. Whatever the reason, nothing happened to him. It was Baba’s exclusive grace – totally unbelievable.

REFLECTION:

BABA CHANGED THE FLOW

The above story recounted by Sri Mangal Bihari ji is quite inspiring on many levels and leaves us with much to consider.

As incredibly moving and devotional as the scene was those days, it was seen how in that state of mind margiis could not think of anything other than Parama Purusa. It was impossible for them to manage normal, everyday life along with their worldly duties – what to say of doing any organisational work and social service to the greater society.

That is why Baba slowly, slowly withdrew that special devotional vibration during DMC and other collective gatherings. In collective life Baba became more work oriented and and such devotional experiences became more limited to going to His room for PC and receiving those bhavas and devotional experiences on an individual level.

After 1970-71 in DMC, there were not such strong vibrations as earlier. Baba stopped giving that type of spiritual wave in collective gatherings. Indeed, Baba Himself explicitly stated that if margiis remain in that state they will not be able to do any work.

That is why I think, Baba chose to give that bhava on an individual level, not collectively, according to His wish.

THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY CONFUSION

Some who do not know the entire history of Baba’s spiritual grace think that before 1966 Baba was in the role of Vraj Krsna and He became Parthasarathi after 1966. But this is nothing but a short-sighted view.

Why?

Because Baba gave emphasis on work since the inception of AM. In Jamalpur, in the very beginning, those in AM were punished for not doing work – everyone was held accountable. Baba used to punish them, give work targets, reports, and make them take atonement for their misdeeds and sins. Even before the creation of wts, all this was going on. Family acaryas were the workers and reporting was in full force. That was all going on before 1966.

And His showering of devotion continued throughout, far after 1966. Up through 1990 itself, Baba was calling and attracting countless individual margiis on a personal level for devotional contact. And even those sitting in far distant lands feeling His sweet touch in sadhana. There are countless stories; and verily still today if one does proper sadhana they will feel that spiritual nectar and receive then highest devotional samadhi and realisation..

So there is no credence to the theory that Baba’s existence was split like that of Vraja Krsna and Parthasarthi Krsna. Rather, from the very beginning, Baba was and is one singular Divine Personality.

BABA’S BLESSING

Here following is Baba’s divine teaching how those who chase after Him – due to His causeless grace – cannot think of anything else and ultimately become one with Him.

Baba says, “All the created objects are revolving around Puruśottama. Some are rotating at a greater distance with a long radius, and some are moving at a shorter distance with a short radius. The nature of the ideation and inherent saḿskáras of entities varies from one to another, and accordingly the physical structures of individual entities also vary. And all the entities with their respective mass and wonts are revolving around the nucleus. This movement continues as long as they think, “I and my Lord, I and the Universal Father are separate entities.” As soon as they think, “No, I and my Lord are not separate entities – just as the ocean and its drops of water are not separate entities. The drops of water are part of the ocean”-then they are no longer misguided. They rush towards Puruśottama and merge in Him.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam-31, Supramundane Heritage and Supramundane Desideratum)

Once again we should reflect upon what happens to those who come into that higher devotional bhava, by His grace.

Baba says, “When the mental flow of a spiritual aspirant moves along the introversial phase of Macrocosmic meditation, one’s animative force, having the potentiality of divinity itself, rises above all tendencies – all saḿskáras – and proceeds towards Eternal bliss. In this state the mind is vibrated with Cosmic feeling. The unexpressed divine qualities of the higher glands find expression and the resonance of the mind vibrates the nervous system. This gives rise to pious expressions in the physical body. In the case of those people whose occult feelings are not physically expressed due to causes associated with the nerves, the mental vibrations cause certain radical changes, in the various glands within the body. These occult feelings are basically of eight types: stambha (astounding), kampa (trembling), sveda (sweating), svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), ashru (tears), romáiṋca (horripilation), vaevarńa (change of colour) and pralaya (fainting fit). There are other feelings associated with these major feelings. For examples, nrtya (dancing), giita (singing), viluńt́hana (rolling), kroshana (weeping), huḿkára (roaring), lálásráva (salivating), jrmbhańa (yawning), lokápekśá tyága (indifference), at́t́ahásya (bursting into laughter), ghúrńana (whirling), hikká (hiccoughing), tanumot́ana (relaxation of the physical body) and diirghashvása (deep breathing).” (A Guide to Human Conduct, Iishvara Pranidhana)

Namaskar,
Omnkarnath

Note: MORE ABOUT BAHADUR

Margii brother Bahadur was the family assistant of LC Anand of Mumbai. Bahadur had gone to Jamalpur with his family. From Jamalpur, Bahadur traveled with SS Goenka ji to attend the Kota DMC. (Note: After that DMC, Bahadur returned to the home of LC Ananda in Mumbai to attend to his duties and work.)

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Slowly Moving Towards Cemetery

Baba says, “Human beings often attached less importance to the spiritual aspect of nitya karma and more importance to the physical aspect. This is detrimental because one should not forget that human life is short while act is long. From the very moment of birth one slowly and steadily advances towards death with every passing moment of time. This short period of time from birth to death is human life. Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of this short span of time will return to the land of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilised every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice.” (APH-4, p. 251)
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Baba

“A’mi toma’y bhule kiser chale ka’l ka’t'a’lum dhara’r buke…” (PS 2140)

Purport:

Baba, remaining forgetful about You, because of one excuse or another, I wasted my time on this earth. I became completely captivated by one magical display: maya. And because of that, I did not hear the call of my supreme well-wisher: Parama Purusa.

O’ Baba, when those dark days descended in my life, then nobody was there to give me hope; I was shelterless. Baba, then I started asking You to please come and save me. In that very terrible situation, I started calling to You, ‘Baba, please come, and save me! O’ Prabhu, save me from this ghastly danger’.

Earlier, when the proper opportune moment was there, then I was intoxicated in the magical display of maya. In those days I was in a deep slumber; I was not able to understand. So I did not call You until the situation became disastrous. Baba, even then, now I know in my heart that, ‘O Parama Purusa, You belong to everyone, You belong to me’. Baba, please attract me & make me Your own. Please remain with me always, in my pleasure and my pain– all the time.

Baba, I wasted the long span of my life by indulging in negative deeds and remaining oblivious of You. Remaining distant, I wasted my life. But now in the end, You have lovingly lifted me from the dust and gently placed me on Your divine lap. Baba, You are so gracious. You are love Personified…

== MATERIALISM & ITS KARMIC REACTION ==

Namaskar,
Sometimes when looking at the present day world, the crude thought may come into the mind to have what those materialists have – and to do what they do. This type of desire can befall anyone, if they are not careful.

As Ananda Margiis though we should be vigilant not to fall into such a trap. Because these materialists have not a clue what type of serious harm & destruction they are inviting for themselves by running senselessly after material allurements. They do not understand how the ways of karma will strike them down. But such is their fate.

So no Ananda Margii should become spell-bound by the ways of materialism– not even temporarily so.

LAW OF KARMA IN A NUTSHELL

Because we all know that there is a great law of cause & effect which governs this vast cosmological order, i.e. the law of karma: Where for every action (karma) there is a reaction (karmaphala). In this principle, good actions beget positive reactions and bad actions bring negative reactions. This is Baba’s stated teaching and everyone in AM is well aware about this.

Baba says, “Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good results, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without any exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (AMEP)

BLIND WAYS OF MATERIALISM

But materialists are utterly clueless about this. They do not know or understand about the workings of karma; nor are they aware that good actions are those deeds which decrease the distance between oneself and Parama Purusa. This entire outlook totally escapes them.

Rather they think that material things are the be-all and end-all of life. Their life revolves around material attachment, sexual lust, and crude desires. This is what motivates them.

Hence all day long they are running after one or another mundane allurement. And internally they think that this is fine and acceptable. Even they will openly state that making money itself justifies a particular action, no matter what hell it creates in the lives of others. This is their selfish and harmful attitude. And such materialists think that it is all fine and well.

However, little do they know what their terrible fate will be.

BABA’S STERN WARNING

Because in countless discourses, Baba warns us that those who blindly chase after crude materials pleasures will become one with the dust. Their future is totally bleak. They will be converted into stone or iron or end up trapped as some kind of negative microvita like prakrtiliina for crores & crores of years.

Here following is Baba’s very strict warning about what will befall those who rampantly chase after the lustful ways of materialism.

Baba says, “If a person continually gloats over crude material things, his entire existence will be converted into crude matter. In mythology the story goes that Ahalya’ was converted into a stone due to his constant crude ideation. So people who accept matter as their goal, totally denying the existence of Parama Purus’a, tread the path of degeneration and become prakrtiliina devayonis after death.” (APH-6, ‘Ekendriya-1′)

THERE IS NO ESCAPE

So those materialists have a very grim and dark future. They will not be able to escape the karmic reaction of their selfish and crude desires and their fate is sealed. They are sure to become seriously degenerated in the near future. This is Baba’s warning, because no one can escape the cycle of karma.

Baba says, “Reactions of actions (karmaphala) have to be experienced. No one is spared from experiencing them; the reactions of all one’s actions will have to be borne by oneself alone.” (AMEP)

Therefore, in the case of materialists who greedily chase after crude allurements and harm others in that process, they will surely have to undergo piles and piles of negative reactions. Because their only so-called ethic is material gain, and they do not care one iota about the welfare of others. Thus each and every day they create mounds & mounds of negative samskaras by indulging in selfish misdeeds and those negative samskaras will certainly take shape in the form of unenviable & harsh reactions. Thus from top to bottom and inside and out the fate of such materialists is sealed.

OUR APPROACH: THE GOLDEN BALANCE

In AM, we follow the path of balance.

Baba guides us that neither are we to headlong rush after material objects nor are we to reject the world as mere illusion by adopting the ways of Shankaracarya. Neither of these approaches will bring welfare to oneself nor to the world around them. Rather it will just invite trouble.

That is why Baba has given us that pathway of perfect prama. In AM we recognise the existence of this material world yet goad all our mental longings toward Parama Purusa. So ours is the path of perfect balance. Because in AM we realise that we need the material sphere in order to maintain our physical existence and then we goad our psychic yearning toward the spiritual realm. By this way we can utilise this human life to reach up to God.

Such is the perfectness of our path of ‘Subjective Approach & Objective Adjustment’. In thus dual formula, we keep our mental eye & vision focused toward Parama Purusa and utilise the physical world as a platform for meeting our existential needs or basic living requirements.

By this way we can create a healthy human society and ensure the spiritual emancipation of all, by Baba’s grace.

BABA’S FINAL WARNING ON MATERIALISM

So none should get allured or attracted by the clutches of materialism. There is no redeeming factor in this crude pathway. Just it will lead one into the depths of despair and degeneration.

Here below is Baba’s very severe warning about the ills of materialism.

Baba says, “This type of crude material knowledge concerned with the crude materialism has done much harm to human society during the last one century. It has misguided the entire human society, it has converted human beings into animals.” (AV-2)

So those who base their lives solely on material objects will be reborn as pashus (animals) or even spend countless time trapped as negative microvita. In either case it is a hellish fate.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we should all remember our internal link with Baba and goad all our thoughts and actions unto Him. Then by living in this material world, our lives will be fruitful. Those who get allured by the ways of materialism will only experience pain and misery– nothing more. By Baba’s grace He was bestowed upon us all the ingredients for a happy and blissful life and a bright future.

Baba says, “You should always remember that you do not belong to an ordinary family, to an ordinary lineage. Those who are the sons and daughters of Parama Purus´a certainly cannot belong to an ordinary lineage. You have a personal relationship with Parama Purus´a, and because of that intimate relation you can say to Him, “Oh Parama Purus´a, you know me very well; so if You think it proper, You may bestow Your grace upon me. But it depends on You.” Parama Purus´a certainly has great love and affection for His children; He will certainly want His sons and daughters to reach their ultimate goal. And whatever bliss human beings may attain by reaching that Supreme Stance, I know that in Parama Purus´a’s mind the happiness will be even more. Victory to you all.” (SS-18. ‘Propensities and Prama’)

Namaskar,
Parama’tma

Note 1: HORRIBLE FATE OF MATERIALISTS

Each and every day in the world around us or by looking in the newspaper we can practically see the karmic reactions that happen to some many people due to their constant involvement in materialistic ways of living. So many things happen: Either their misdeeds get exposed in front of all, or they lose their psychic balance and have to become hospitalized, or who knows what. Day in and day out everyday people and pop stars undergo such things. It happens to the neighbor next door as well as to so many pop-cultures icons. In any event, persons lead a miserable life and experience a terrible fate. All because they got sucked into the dark hole of materialism. This should not befall any Ananda Margii.

Note 2: THE PERFECT PATHWAY OF AM

Here Baba clearly outlines how we are to live in this world– by maintining perfect balance or adjustment and ultimately reach up to Him. This is His divine formula.

Baba says, “Subjective approach through objective adjustment. Movement is towards Parama Purus´a, but at the same time maintaining objective adjustment. You have to move giving proper treatment to the objects of the external world. There must be subjective approach, but at the same time objective adjustment; that is, adjustment with the objective world is essential though one’s movement is towards supreme subjectivity.” (AV-30)

Note 3: PARADOX

The interesting thing is that in material societies there is a distinct dearth of material things. That is, most do not get what they need to survive due to extreme greed. This is the regular occurance.

That is why in places like the US there is a huge number of homeless people as well as tens of millions of people without access to proper health care. So it is not that in materialistic countries people get their physical needs met. It never works out this way and on the top the people are depressed and miserable and suffer from so many psychic afflictions.

In contrast in our Proutistic society, everyone will get exactly what they need through the magical formula of subjective approach and objective adjustment. All will have plenty of material goods to live comfortably on this earth and in addition all will get the opportunity to advance in the psycho-spiritual realms of life.

So our Proutistic approach is a win-win situation. There is no question of any loss. Whereas in the materialistic model, everyone loses always. There is no winner.

By Baba’s grace may we create that Proutistic society at the earliest. Parama Pita Baba Ki-Jai!!

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WT Conduct Rule: Dealings

Baba says, “Supervisory workers will have to take proper care of each of their supervised staff in all respects.” (Pt #2 of ‘Six Additional Rules’)

Note: This is a very significant rule but these days supervisory bosses are more focused on emptying the pockets of their subordinates. This is the only “care” they do. In future when standard of devotion in supervisory workers is higher, these rules are likely to be followed in which case the situation will be better.
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Baba

PS Intro: This following song is not a very common type of Prabhat Samgiita. In this song, the scene unfolds wherein Baba is sitting listlessly in the flower garden all by Himself, and the devotee is trying in many ways to attract His attention. So Parama Purusa is just playing His liila because although He knows everything, here He is pretending as if He is unaware that the devotee is close by. This type of liila is displayed in this following song.

“Toma’re dekhechi jabe ca’npa’r vane takhano pa’pa’r'i d’ha’ka’ madhu chilo…” (Prabhat Samgiita #531)

Purport:

Baba the day when I saw You in the campa flower garden, that time also the flower’s honey vessels were covered by its petals. Underneath the flower petals, there was an accumulation of honey nectar. I looked toward You with my eyes full of great longing, expectation, and anticipation; but that was all in vain because You did not respond to me that time. Baba, one thing is beyond my understanding, why were You just sitting there listlessly in that flower garden–and You did not seem to notice me at all.

Baba, in various ways I tried to attract Your attention. I intentionally placed my foot on some dry, crunchy leaves hoping that at least by that sound You would hear me and wonder ‘who has come, who is here’. Yet, alas, You did not pay any heed. But even though You were not looking towards me, still You were pulling my heart very strongly. Thus in spite of Your playful indifference, in my heart the lamp of hope was still glittering. I was keeping the feeling alive in my heart that Your liila will change and You will graciously look towards me.

So again I tried to attract Your attention. This time my heart was filled with fear and shyness; I could not gather the courage to go directly in front You. So I just continued moving from a distance with gentle steps looking towards with longing in my heart. Slowly, slowly – from time to time – I was staring at You with anxious and hopeful eyes, hoping that at least You will grace me by looking towards me and call me closer to You. Alas, all my hopes and dreams were in vain. That day I understood how Your liila generates blissful pain in my heart.
Baba, even then that day I continued on with the hope that this liila will end soon, and You will look towards me. That time the whole atmosphere was charged with the sweet aroma of all those flowers in the garden.

Baba, Your liila is unfathomable. Although You did not look towards me that time, but in my heart I felt that You are more close than ever. Baba, I felt that You graciously pulled my entire existence towards You with the invisible flow of devotion and tied me in the bond of Your love…

== ONE WORD SUTRA ==

Namaskar,
The special seed teaching, Bha-vi-sa-ca, which has been given by Baba bears great significance. Veritably, this unique point stands as the seed of ‘Jiivan Veda’, or ‘A Guide to Human Conduct’. That is why we can say that bha-vi-sa-ca is intimately linked with human dharma. Even then, within some sections of our Marga, Baba’s guideline of Bha-vi-sa-ca remains comparatively less known.

Since some senior members of our Marga recently gathered and explained this guideline; herein is a synopsis of their discussion.

For some this may be entirely new and for others it may be a review. In any event, examining & re-examining Baba’s divine teachings, like Bha-vi-sa-ca, always sheds new light on this human journey toward life divine. Everyone should write in with their thoughts, insights, & opinions.

A FEW OF THE ESSENTIALS

Before outlining the exact meaning of Bha-vi-sa-ca, let’s first go over some of the foundational aspects of this seed teaching.

Firstly, it was initially given in discourse form by Baba on 1 Oct 1971 in Kolkata. And this may be one of the only times this was reviewed in a discourse. However, on that day Baba specifically says that ‘a long time back’ He was telling others about the meaning & practice of Bha-vi-sa-ca. Since at that time in 1971 Baba was of 50 years of age, it may be that during His childhood, youth, or student days He was telling others about the importance of Bha-vi-sa-ca. Perhaps that is what Baba means when He says He was telling others about Bha-vi-sa-ca: ‘A long time back’.

One other important aspect of Bha-vi-sa-ca is that Baba has given this as a formula for success since it goads aspirants along the path of dharma. Hence, it has long-term and universal benefits & application. Plus Bha-vi-sa-ca is a seed form of teaching that outlines human conduct.

Actually, in His 1/10/71 discourse, Baba emphasizes how human conduct is a vast topic that has many parts and angles. So Bha-vi-sa-ca was one way of introducing the topic of human conduct prior to His famed teachings and publications like: ‘A Guide to Human Conduct’, ’16 Points’, ‘Fifteen Shiilas’, and so many other conduct rules– all of which came later.

Thus the seed-form teaching like Bha-vi-sa-ca is quite helpful as it encapsulates some of the key components of a dharmic life in short form. And there are numerous other aspects of this Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra that are important to bring into the realm of our knowledge. And those we will uncover step by step. Here then is the actual meaning and breakdown of the Bha-vi-sa-ca guideline.

BHA – VI – SA – CA

Actually, Baba’s seed teaching or sutra, Bha-vi-sa-ca, is the short form, abbreviation, or boiled down representation of 4 distinct points:

(1) ‘Bha’ meaning ‘Bhagavan’ (God);
(2) ‘Vi’ meaning ‘Vinay’ (modesty);
(3) ‘Sa’ meaning ‘Samyama’ (self-restraint);
(4) ‘Ca’ meaning ‘Caritra’ (conduct).

And each of these above components or branches has their own special import. Here then is the explanation of Baba’s universal sutra: Bha-vi-sa-ca.

BHA FOR BHAGAVAN (GOD)

‘Bha’ for ‘Bhagavan’: Ours is a God-centered approach to life: Baba is the nucleus and most charming Entity of this universe– without His grace nothing can be done. And verily, by our second lesson– i.e Guru Mantra, Madhuvidya, or Brahmacarya– we are to think about Him before our each and every action.

So this first syllable or component of the Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra fits in neatly with our entire AM philosophy. As by this teaching, Baba is directing all sadhakas to think about Parama Purusa always. In all our daily works, big or small, we are to remember Him and seek His grace compassion. That is the essence of ‘Bha’ in Bha-vi-sa-ca. And by this way one’s ideation is sure to be pure; one’s conduct is sure to be proper; and the result will be one of success.

VI FOR VINAY (MODESTY)

‘Vi’ for ‘vinay’: In this world, we have many social service works to do. And for that, cooperation is needed– that is, we have to work with others. For this reason modesty is a must. No one likes to work with or be around someone who is arrogant and boastful. That does not bring coordinated cooperation. Rather it repels and disgusts others. So modesty is needed. By this way others will be attracted to come forward and partake in our many social service projects. Hence vinay or modesty is one essential aspect of ideal human conduct.

SA FOR SAMYAMA (SELF-RSTRAINT)

‘Sa’ for ‘samyama’: As humans, we are mind-oriented beings and we should not be guided by our motor and sensory organs. For this reason Baba strongly emphasizes control or self-restraint over these 10 indriyas. And that is the meaning of samyama, self-restraint. One way of thinking about samyama is simply equating it with our ‘Cakuna samvaro’ shloka or His teaching of indriyanigraha. In such guidelines, Baba is directing us to have control or restraint over our eyes, nose, and indeed control over all the ten motor and sensory organs. By such self-restraint our conduct will be proper as it will be the expression of a calm mind.

CA FOR CARITRA (CONDUCT)

‘Ca’ for ‘caritra’: Traditionally in India, caritra means not falling into ‘lustful’ or ‘sexual relations’ etc. But in our Marga, caritra extends far beyond that as it deals with one’s overall conduct. True enough, we are not to be goaded by the lower vrittis and sensual pleasures, and in addition Baba guides us that are to follow so many do’s and don’ts such as sattvika food, no intoxicants, asanas, no groupism etc, etc. So caritra stands as one vast teaching that in all the realms our conduct should be proper– i.e. along the lines of dharma.

Hence that is the basic essence of the seed-teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca. And by this way, Baba has given us some of the basic building blocks for proper conduct and a pure way of life.

MOST EVERYTHING IN LIFE HAS A SEED

Furthermore, in His aforementioned 1971 discourse, Baba guides us that in His Bha-vi-sa-ca teaching He has given the recipe for good conduct– in seed form. That is part of the key. Because in a pointed, brief, or distilled manner He is outlining the whole of our AM conduct rules etc. To explain this, in that Baba discourse, Baba likens the bhavisaca’ sutra to Ananda Sutram, ERAWS, and carrying a tree to a distant land.

Bha-vi-sa-ca is like A’nanda Sutram in that it encompasses the whole of our conduct rules just as Ananda Sutram encompasses the entire spiritual and social philosophy of Ananda Marga. In seed form it is all present in Ananda Sutram.

Then Baba says that bhavisaca’ is like ERAWS in that ERAWS is an abbreviated way of telling: Education, Relief, and Welfare Section. Similarly, bha-vi-sa-ca is an abbreviated way of telling: Bhagavan – Vinay – Samyama – Caritra.

And Baba says that if one wants to bring an entire banyan tree to a distant land then the only option is to carry the seed. Uprooting and lugging a full-grown tree will not do. But by bringing the seed one can get the entire tree.

Same then is the case with the seed teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca. By following this seed guideline, one can incorporate the whole of our AM conduct system– all the do’s and don’ts.

THIS IS A SUTRA, NOT MANTRA

One final thought on this topic, is that Bha-vi-sa-ca is a sutra, not a mantra. That means it is an abbreviation or short form of an expansive teaching that is supposed to be followed, not repeated.

We derive benefit from Bha-vi-sa-ca by (a) thinking about God, (b) being modest in our dealing, (c) exercising self-restraint, and by (d) maintaining good conduct.

That is what bha-vi-sa-ca says to do; and if we do that we will be benefited. Hence bha-vi-sa-ca is a sutra or condensed teaching that is meant to be followed. It is not meant to be recited in and of itself like a mantra.

Repeating:

“Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…
Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…”

This will not bring about a good result– just it will be a waste of energy and a waste of time.

Because sutras like bha-vi-sa-ca are to be followed in one’s daily dealing. It is a teaching not a mantra. That is why we are to follow the directions contained in the sutra. That is its utility. Not repeating the sutra. In contrast, as we know a vibrated mantra like our Ista mantra, Baba Nam Kevalam mantra, or dhyana mantra will bring one’s liberation when repeated with sincerity and devotion.

Baba says, “Manana’t ta’rayet yastu sah mantrah parikiirttitah– “The sanctified word that helps one in attaining salvation [is a mantra].” (SS-24, ‘Incantation and Human Progress’)

So by repeating their personal Ista mantra etc one will achieve liberation. That is the specialty of a mantra.

However a sutra like Bha-vi-sa-ca is totally different. It is a teaching to be followed and does NOT have the quality of being a mantra.

That is why merely repeating “Bha-vi-sa-ca…Bha-vi-sa-ca…” will never bear such fruit. That will not bring one’s liberation. Because bha-vi-sa-ca is a seed teaching or sutra, not a mantra. One gets the benefit of bha-vi-sa-ca by following what the sutra says to do.

JUST LIKE WITH GURU SAKASH

Same can be said of the Guru Sakash shoka:

“Pra’tah shirasi shukle’bje”.

Repeating that shloka or those specific words during the time of Guru Sakash will not yield any fruit. Rather one is to follow what the shloka says to do– ‘Meditate on the Guru in Varabhaya Mudra and chant His Name’. Unfortunately some in AM think they are supposed to repeat the shloka. But that is nothing but their mistaken idea and will not bring any yield, i.e. no bliss.

Rather repeating the mantra will bring bliss in the practice of Guru Sakash. That dhyana mantra will bring one close to Baba’s lotus feet.

UTILITY OF OUR SUTRAS

So none should think that the Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra or the Guru Sakash sutra are meant to be repeated again and again. These are not mantras and repeating them over and over again will just be a waste of one’s time and will never lead to liberation.

Rather we are to carry out the directive of the sutra. That is the beauty and benefit of the sutras like that of Guru Sakash and Bha-vi-sa-ca.

THE FORMULA OF BHA-VI-SA-CA BRINGS SUCCESS

So by following the four golden aspects (God, modesty, self-restraint, conduct) of the bha-va-as-ca sutra, one is sure to invite greatness and victory in life.

Unfortunately, at present, some leaders in our AMPS are not strict in Bha-vi-sa-ca, and in particular not strict in caritra. Their character and conduct is not at all good; instead it is poisonous. Due to this weakness, groupism and lust for the post has become rampant these days in our AM society. That is the horrible disease that has befallen our organisation. Only by tightening up our conduct can we escape from today’s troubled waters of factionalism.

And indeed, those who do this– those whose conduct is blemishless– will be looked upon as heroes and vanguards for generations & generations to come. That much is sure.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace, our individual and collective conduct in AM will improve more and more and we will progress by following His divine guidelines given in the bha-vi-sa-ca sutra & in our 16 Pts. Then our AM family will be free of so many problems and we will build that great human society, by His grace.

Baba says, “I advise each human being that as long as you are alive, you should try to build yourself in a nice way, in a complete way. But you should not only build yourselves, you should also build human society in the same way.” (PNS-17)

Namaskar,
Parashram

Note 1: BABA ALWAYS BLESSES US WITH ALL THAT IS NEEDED

As we all know, Baba has always given us all the needed tools and teachings to gain success. No matter what the circumstance, no matter what the challenge, He has graciously provided the pathway for victory.

For example, just prior to the Emergency & enforcement of martial law in India, Baba graciously bestowed upon us His system of 16 Points. By this way, by following 16 Points, margiis and acaryas had the stamina, faith, and strength to persevere during the grueling Emergency period.

Earlier on, another recipe for success was given: Bha-vi-sa-ca. This was given by Baba 1 Oct 1971– just a couple months prior to His arrest on 29 Dec 1971. And it is through His teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca, in part, that Baba readied members of the Marga for the tumultuous period of His incarceration which was about to begin. And by that way our Marga not only survived, but thrived– by Baba’s grace.

So His seed teaching, Bha-vi-sa-ca, has great import and significance and we should all be aware of & practice its meaning and application.
AM

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Remedy

Baba says, “On imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured.” (PNS-8, p.19)
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Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #6 ==

~ PS #1155 ~

Song of Melancholy

Namaskar,
Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1155 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Line Meaning

(C) Special Note on Spelling
& Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1155

Jyotsna’ nishiithe niirave nibhrte toma’r la’giya’ rocechi ga’n
Shon’o mor katha’, bojho mor vytha’, a’kulata’ karo avasa’n

Ekat’i katha’i kahiva’r a’che, bha’loba’si keno na’hi a’sa ka’che
Ei du’ratva nidrayatva, a’ji hok era avasa’n

Ekat’i vyatha’i bojha’ba’r a’che pran’oti karite na’hi pa’i ka’che
A’ma’r balite ja’ha’ kichu, ca’i o caran’e karite da’n

LINE MEANING OF PS #1155

Baba, in Your longing, in the silence of the lonely moonlit night, I have composed songs for You. O’ my Lord, listen to my feelings, understand my pain, and end – satisfy – my longing.

Baba. there is only one thing to tell You: I love You, but why do You not come close. This distance between us is unkind. Please put an end to this today.

Baba, I have only one pain to make You understand: I do not get You close enough to do sastaunga pranam. Baba, whatever I call my own, I wish to surrender at Your lotus feet…

SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Starting from today forward, when introducing new songs, we will post the full song using phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words “know” or “knowledge”. Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as “Ka-now” or “Kay-Now” and “Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge”,respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1155, the actual spelling of the second to last word is racechi, but unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, rocechi. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Indeed there are many such examples. For instance, in the second line there is a word that is repeated twice and its actual spelling is “mora”, but the last “a” is silent, so it has just been written as “mor”. Same is the case with the term avasa’na, which is last word of the 2nd and 4th lines. The last “a” is silent so it has not been written.

Only native Bengali speakers – or those extremely fluent in Bangla and familiar with Prabhat Samgiita – will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence the decision to write it phonetically.

With regard to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Baba

== UNDERLYING REASONS BEHIND MESS AT DMS ==

Namaskar,
In the wake of the recent goings-on in Ananda Nagar, some have been led to conclude that a single DMS was held. With a balanced mind we should determine how far this is accurate. We should also understand the forces at play behind the mess at this January 2012 DMS.

Please consider the following and share your thoughts.

THOUGHTS ABOUT NEW YEAR’S DMS 2012

1. Late in the game, i.e. at the end of 2011, the Tiljala Administration (a.k.a. B group) petitioned for a court injunction to hold their winter DMS in December – as opposed to having to wait until January. Tiljala got a favourable review by the courts and were granted the December time slot. By this way they were able to hold DMS on Dec 29, 30 & 31. And as we all know that is what happened.

MORE ABOUT THE COURT DRAMA

1a. Indeed this court drama started in one court, went to another court, and then returned back to the original court. During the December month itself of 2011, B group approached the District Administrative Court of Purulia, then Ranchi made a plea with the High court of Kolkata and finally the case was referred back to the District Administrative Court of Purulia. This was the see-saw battle going on in the courts during the month of December 2011. Ultimately B group got what they wanted, yet through it all the mass of margii were confused and in the dark over who was controlling what at Ananda Nagar and why.

VIEWS FROM THE TWO CAMPS

2. Prior to Dec 2011/12, the Tiljala Administration was generally holding their winter DMS in January. But they repeatedly complained that if they could hold DMS in late December then their attendance would be stellar.

3. So little by little B group made plans and appealed to gain access of the Ananda Nagar pandal for December.

4. Needless to say, the Ranchi side was not happy about this. For years they were the ones who held their winter DMS on Dec 30, 31 & Jan 1. But this winter they lost those dates and were forced to hold their DMS in January. And that is what they did.

5. Clearly then there were two DMS, no one can conclude that a single DMS was held. Furthermore, who can deny that the events leading up to DMS and DMS itself was pur chaos. And more proof is given below.

WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATING FACTOR BEHIND THIS MESS

6. The question is why this all this occur? And the reason is quite clear. Far more margiis attend Ranchi DMS programs than the Kolkata DMS programs. Year after year that has been the case. So Kolkata group planned that if they could somehow snatch away the Ranchi DMS dates – late in the year after margiis had already made their travel plans – then they (Kolkata) would be able to steer those margiis to their own DMS. That was their only and entire motivation.

7. More of this history is as follows. B group used to justify and complain that their winter DMS was exponentially smaller than the Ranchi DMS because Ranchi had their December dates into the new year. B group put forth the claim that if they had those dates than people naturally would appreciate and attend their DMS.

But, what they failed to examine was why the attendance at the Ranchi summer DMS far more than the B group summer DMS. After all, during summer the dates are not fixed – rather they are always changing. Yet in this program too, Tiljala camp had far less people at their DMS. This itself proves that dates alone do not determine the attendance at DMS. So B group’s logic the dates were the main issue for their small winter DMS attendance does not hold water.

The truth is that mass of margiis of Delhi sector prefer the Ranchi group and their DMS program. People basically think that Ranchi is the main structure or the original organisation. Ranchi – not Kolkata – is viewed as the legal administration by the courts and govt. How far this last statement is logical or really true in this present condition is debatable. But what is clear is that Ranchi has consistently drawn higher numbers.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

8. By changing the dates for this recent DMS, the Kolkata camp had everything to gain, and virtually nothing to lose. Because in years past their typical numbers at DMS were paltry. They could not do any worse by changing the dates.

9. In stark contrast, the Ranchi side had everything to lose by this date change. They were consistently attracting large numbers to their DMS programs and people were habituated to arrive for their program on Dec 30. But now that date was no longer theirs. And indeed they lost big. That was the price they paid by not being more vigilant in handling this ordeal with the courts.

10. Ranchi’s only option then was to adopt more forceful policies. So to prevent the loss of all their regular attendees, they tried hard to keep maximum margiis in the Prout Bhavan and the Kiirtan Mandap, since B group had rights to the Pandal on Dec 30 & 31. So Ranchi was busy in damage control, i.e. trying to lose the least number of margiis.

11. In stark contrast, B group had the pandal and was doing everything possible to increase their numbers and take full advantage of the situation. Since the mass of margiis sleep in the pandal, it was very convenient for those margiis to remain there for DMS. Secondly, B group discarded the system of needing a gate pass to attend. By this way they thought that the maximum people would come in their contact and they could take measures to keep them in their group camp.

THERE WAS NOT UNITY

12. This then is a snap-shot of the scene and anyone with a balanced mind will easily conclude that there were 2 DMS programs, not 1. All will understand that this DMS was a mess where unity was nowhere in sight.

After all unity does not come by collecting people in one state, one region or even one place. The 20 or 30 people at a bus stand also do not constitute unity, nor does a movie theatre filled with 500 or 700 attendees. In such cases, every person is there with their own plan and their own program. As we know unity stems from within, following the same spiritual goal and working in coordinated fashion to manifest Baba’s teachings on this earth.

Baba says, “Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another.” (PNS-15, Talks on Prout)

SUMMARY

In review here are some of the key points to know about the recent DMS scene at Ananda Nagar.

* On January 1, 2012, each of the three rival groups held their own separate Ananda Vanii readings. They each selected their own chosen Vanii and met with their own followers in separate locations. Does this look like the atmosphere of one DMS? Does this not seem like a mess.

* To deter people from attending the B group DMS, H group made it clear that B group attendeess would not be welcome at their January 1-3, 2012 program.

* During December 30/31, H group was vigilant in keeping margiis in their own campus under their own watch and care. They were busy keeping the margiis at the Prout bhavan and kiirttan mandap. Plus they were doing collective programs like bhajan, kiirttan, and organisational meetings wherever their group had control in the jagrti, or Ba’ba’ quarter etc.

* Kinshuk’s formal DMS speech and the Ranchi group kiirtan were going on simultaneously. With full exuberance Ranchi group used firecrackers and noise-makers to start their kiirtan. Those in the pandal at the B group DMS reported that it was thereby difficult to hear Kinshuk’s speech.

* B group’s entire aim by getting the December DMS dates was to get more attendees by encroaching on Ranchi’s regular DMS dates.

* Ranchi knew they were in danger of losing masses of people to the B group DMS so they employed various techniques of damage control. They engaged margiis in their own areas during the B group DMS and the set down the law then those attending B group DMS would not be allowed to enter the Ranchi DMS.

HOW TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER

Instead of resorting to trickery, guile and deceit to maximize their DMS attendance. We should all allow margiis due freedom to attend the program they prefer.

This year people not aware about what was going on until they reached there and even then they have little ability to change or do anything since their travel plans and lodging were set.

Thus we will have to wait until next year to determine the situation. If really all margiis reach on 30 Dec for DMS and then remain for Dec 31 and Jan 1 and then leave, then we say it is one DMS. But if other DMS type programs are going on before or after that, then who can think there is unity.

The mess at the January 2012 DMS proves that it was not one. It may have looked like one for those with vision problems. Such people may also conluded that the khumbha mela is also one, when in fact it is divided up by countless priests.

Those thinking groupism is vanishing away are not aware of reality, rather at this DMS it was very poisonous. In India, they used to forcibly marry boys and girls, and that created lifelong problems for that married couple. We should not replicate such a thing in our Marga. AM cannot become united by the force of the courts. As humans we have a mind and a heat and must study Baba’s teachings and unify around His ideology.

Namaskar,
Nagendra

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Marmaviin’a'y eki sur a’chi ba’je diva’nishi mor virahii hiya’r ma’jhe…” (P.S. 480)

Purport:

Baba, day and night, in the viina of my heart, only one tune is resonating in my melancholic heart. O’ my dearmost Baba please come. In the deep core of my mind only one tune is swinging: O’ Baba, You are not far away, You are not far, You are so close, You are with me.

Baba, when I see You in my karmayajina*, then I see You are remaining there also. Baba, You are with me in all the works. O’ Baba, please come, O’ Baba please come.

With the full longing of my heart, in whichever direction I look, there is nothing else that I can see except for Your divine form. O’ my Lord of Formlessness, with the resonance of the ever-new song, dance, & form, please allow Yourself to be held in my heart.

O’ Baba, please come, O’ Baba please come…

*Karmayajina: The work done with cosmic ideation is known as karmayajina; that alone is proper action. Thus karmayajina is any action or service done with the sole motive to please Parama Purus’a. In contrast those things done devoid of cosmic feeling, such selfish activities are called kriya’– and that leads to bondage. So only those works done with spiritual ideation come within the scope of karmayajina.

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We Should Take Lesson

Baba says, “If one stays away from objects of attraction, one has no chance of using them and they may thus gradually lose their attraction; while if one is near them one may be attracted towards them more.” (AMEP, 98 Edn, p.126)

Note: Reading negative articles, crude books & literature, filthy magazines, and watching crude movies invites degeneration.
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