Both are Ignorant

Date: 28 Feb 2011 16:37:21 -0000

From: “Divyacaksu Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Both are Ignorant

 

Baba

 

== BOTH ARE IGNORANT ==

 

Namaskar,

In our Ananda Marga, our goal is Parama Purusa – no second or third

entity. Baba is the focus of our each and every thought, word, and deed.

That is our ideal.

 

Naturally then, when we do namaskar, we are paying salutations to Him,

to that Supreme Consciousness residing within another unit being. It is

not that we are saluting that person, per se. That is not at all our

endeavor. Only we are paying our respect and homage to Baba in the form

of that person when we use the namaskar greeting.

 

Unfortunately, some completely misunderstand this basic aspect of AM

life. They think people are saluting them or that they are saluting

another human being. This leads to ego, vanity, feelings of inferiority,

and all kinds of delusions in the mind – as well as doing the greeting

improperly. In that case the whole namaskar salutation is ruined and one

will be degraded.

 

Many may deny any wrongdoing in this regard, but there is a sure-fire

system to understand who is doing namaskar properly, and who not.

 

The aim of course is not to embarrass anyone but to save them from

degradation and keep all moving on the sentient path.

 

 

QUICK REVIEW OF NAMASKAR

 

Although we all use or namaskar greeting on a daily basis, here are some

of Baba’s clear-cut guidelines about this practice. After reviewing

these guidelines we will apply our litmus test so you yourself can see

who is misguided and ignorant about the namaskar salutation.

 

First Baba clearly states that when doing namaskar, we are paying

salutations to Parama Purusa – The Divine Entity. In the dogmatic

religions and in the kingdoms of old, people would bow and salute other

human beings. Our namaskar mudra is not at all like this.

 

Baba says, “Tadekam’ jagatsa’ks’iiru’pam’ nama’mah. “If there is anyone

to whom spiritual aspirants should surrender, if there is anyone to whom

they should pay salutations, it is Parama Purus’a.” The system behind

salutations is to look for the Supreme Being that is the inner essence

of a person, and to pay salutations to that Parama Purus’a.” (SS-11)

 

So the first point is that when doing namaskar we are recognising the

Supreme within another jiivatman, we are not bowing or greeting one

other human being.

 

Here is Baba’s next guideline – that we should always be ready to do

namaskar first.

 

Baba says, “As ideal human beings you should not wait to give namaskar

after another has greeted you: you should rather take the first

opportunity to greet others. When someone greets you, it is merely

common courtesy for you to salute back; you do not become an ideal human

being thereby. Rather one who seizes the first opportunity to salute

others is the ideal. So you should always make an effort to do namaskar

to others first: you should not care whether the person whom you greet

will greet you in return or not. (When people come to me during personal

contact, I greet them first whether they salute me or not.) By giving

honour to others you will not be belittled, you will rather enhance your

prestige.” (AMIWL-11)

 

Thus Baba’s teaching is that we should always strive to be the first to

do namaskar. None should fall into the complex that, “I am better than

that person or I am more senior than that person so they should salute

me first.”

 

To think like this is to both degrade and cheat oneself. One is degraded

because they have forgotten that namaskar is a salutation to Parama

Purusa – not to any individual or oneself – and they are cheating

themselves because they are missing out on the opportunity to greet the

Supreme.

 

So these are two classic aspects of Baba’s guidelines about doing

namaskar: First that we are saluting Him in the form of a unit being and

second that we should be vigilant to do namaskar first.

 

 

ONE OTHER SPECIAL POINT

 

Baba has also detailed another important quality of the namaskar

salutation by clearly telling the import of the mudra. Sometimes people

fail to bring their thumbs to the trikuti point or their palms to their

heart. But Baba has given a pointed explanation about this. In brief,

bringing the palms to the triktui point helps focus the mind and honor

Parama Purusa and when bringing the palms to the heart we offer all our

feelings unto Him. See note 1 below for Baba’s extended explanation

about the special significance of our namaskar mudra.

 

 

SPECIAL LITMUS TEST

 

Now that we have the most essential points about our namaskar mudra

clearly in mind, it is time to apply the litmus test to see if we and

those around us are doing namaskar properly or not.

 

If you, me or anyone walks into a room and waits for others to do

namaskar to them, it means they clearly do not know that meaning.

Because if in our heart and mind we understand that namaskar is in fact

a salutation to the Supreme, then one will be vigilant and ready to

quickly to namaskar to anyone they see. Forgetting this point, then one

will think, “I am a man of respect, let others salute me first.” In that

case, one will not do namaskar first. That means they have totally

misunderstand the entire essence of namaskar. In such situations, they

are merely demonstrating their own idiocy or ignorance.

 

You may have seen such situations. If you walk down the hallways these

days in Ranchi or Tiljala, so many big Dadas will never say namaskar to

their junior workers. Rather such Dadas will expect that all should

respectfully do namaskar to them and in response they may casually wave

or nod their head.

 

When any high posted Dada does like this, then they have totally

degraded themselves by totally forgetting the divine truth that namaskar

is being done to the Supreme, not to them. But instead such Dadas are

puffing up their own ego and vanity thinking that the namaskar

salutation is a reflection of one’s own greatness or social standing.

Such is the height of their blindness and ignorance.

 

Then if one tours any overseas sectors, often we find that those who

have become family acaryas fall into this same awful predication. With

their new found title, such family acaryas think all should honor them

by doing namaskar first. Again, this is nothing but the proof of their

own ignorance.

 

Then of course, whether acarya or not, any arrogant person is prone to

degrading themselves in this way by thinking that namaskar is being done

to them.

 

So we should all think – review the situation in our own minds – and

make sure that we are not falling into this trap, nor allowing others to

do so. We should know that when doing namaskar we are offering our

salutations to the Supreme.

 

 

SPECIAL LITMUS TEST (Part 2)

 

Of course, no problem exists in isolation – it is never or hardly ever a

one-sided affair. Two people are most often involved in any wrongdoing.

Same then is the case with the misunderstanding about namaskar.

 

Up till now, we have been primarily discussing the ignorance of the

person who is receiving the namaskar salutation. They wrongly think that

namaskar is being done to them.

 

The other side of the scenario is the person who is actually doing

namaskar. The proper spirit should be that we are paying our salutations

to Baba, the Supreme One.

 

But it sometimes happens – either to us or others – that we are thinking

that an important person has entered the room so we should quickly go

and do namaskar. Or we may think that the person before me is so great

that I must be extra careful to show him my respect by doing namaskar

very slowly. Or anytime the thought infests our mind that the salutation

within namaskar is being done to the person in front of us, and not

Parama Purusa, then the person doing namaskar has also fallen into

dogma. That is sign of one’s own ignorance.

 

Thus whenever a so-called great person walks into any room waiting for

others to do namaskar to them and whenever a person sees a so-called

great person and think I must honor them by doing namaskar, then in that

moment, both parties involved are 100% ignorance. Both are misusing and

abusing the namaskar salutation and degrading themselves.

 

 

SPECIAL LITMUS TEST (Part 3)

 

One other scenario is if an aged or senior or respected person sees a

5-year old boy then they may think, “Why should I do namaskar or pay

respect to this small child.” This is also a diseased outlook.

 

We must always remember that Parama Purusa is timeless and ageless and

whatever form is standing before us, He resides within all. Thus none

should fall into ignorance by failing to do namaskar in such circumstances.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace, He has blessed us with one very special type of

salutation to recognise His presence in all circumstances and

interactions. This is a spiritual boon. So we must always watch

ourselves to ensure we are following the word and spirit of His namaskar

guidelines. Failing that – should we become at all ignorant in this

regard – then that will only lead to our degradation.

 

Remembering Him is the path of vidya and elevation and forgetting Him is

the path of avidya and degradation. When doing or receiving namaskar, we

must always bear in mind salutations are being done to Him, and not any

unit being.

 

Namaskar,

Divyacaksu

 

 

Note 1: BABA’S UNIQUE EXPLANATION OF NAMASKAR

 

Baba says, “What is our style of extending goodwill? We say, Namaska’r.

That is, “I pay respect to the Supreme Entity residing within you.” You

should remember this. “I concentrate all the good feelings of my mind

here in the trikut’i [between the eyebrows].”

 

In your mind there are so many propensities. Propensities are called

vrtti in Sanskrit. So there are so many vrttis, so many propensities, in

your mind. One portion of your mind is saying, “Today I’ll take hot

rice.” Another portion is saying, “In the near future I’ll try to go to

Calcutta.” Another portion of your mind is saying, “Now I’ll have to do

some relief service to the people.” Another portion is saying, “I should

do something concrete for the refugees.” There are so many thoughts

within your mind.”

 

“Another portion of your mind is saying, “I’ll become a wholetime

worker. I’ll leave my house.” Another portion is saying, “But my mother

will be weeping.” Another portion is saying, “No, no, I’ll have to do

something for the greater world.””

 

“So many thoughts are in your mind. But you should concentrate all your

thoughts at a particular point, here – that is, with all the strength

and goodwill of your mind you are doing this – you are touching these

two palms here [trikut’i]. That is, you are concentrating all your

goodwill here, because you are paying respect to Parama Purus’a residing

within this body; this body; this body; this body [pointing to different

people]. First do this.”

 

“And not only mental concentration, you are human beings, you have got

so many sentiments also. Human sentiment, you know? When you feel much

joy you burst into tears, when much sorrow you burst into tears. These

are sentiments. And human beings are guided by sentiment, more by

sentiment than by logic, you must not forget it – more by sentiment than

by logic. So your sentiment is also there, so with all the concentration

of your mind and with all the sweetness of your sentiment, from the very

core of your heart, you are paying respect to Parama Purus’a residing

within human structure. So you do this [palms together at mid-point of

chest], and say, Namaska’r.”

 

“I think you have understood it? A very sweet idea. So it is my opinion,

my desire, that human society [be] one, indivisible; it is an expressed

form, a sweet expression, of Parama Purus’a, to whom you should always

pay respect by doing namaska’r.” (AV-30)

 

 

Note 2: NAMASKAR TO HUMAN BEINGS – NAMASTE TO PARAMA PURUSA

 

One other dogma floating around the fake and new-age yoga community in

the west and in India also is that use of namaste. This is a bit of a

separate topic, but in general one should understand that namaskar is

used with human beings and namaste is only used when honoring Parama

Purusa directly, not seeing Parama Purusa in the form of some unit

being. Our Marga should not fall prey to this dogma. There is an

important distinction with can be discussed in greater length. Suffice

to say here that we should pay heed to Baba’s below guideline.

 

Baba says, “The generally-accepted rule is that one should say

namaska’ra to a human being or a god or goddess, but one should say

namaste or namastubhyam only to Parama Purus’a, not to any other

entity.” (SS-11)

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Tumi ka’che theke karo du’r…” (P.S. 2377)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, You are so close but even then You are very far, very distant.

This thing I know that You remain with me side by side– You are hiding in

my mind also. But even then You are beyond my reach. I always cry to get

You. My heart remains full of longing.

In search of You, I have visited many countries and countless distant

places. I have searched in the mountains, in the jungles. In so many places

I have wandered around in search of You. I have taken baths in so many holy

ponds, rivers, and places– different pilgrimages. But I never tried or

cared to look within, never did I look in the deep core of my heart in

order to get You. That is why I did not get You. Just I was completely

misguided and by that I was searching You externally.

Baba, with me You are playing a divine liila since eternity. Between

You and me this loving divine play is going on and on. Sometimes You come

very close and sometimes You go far, far distant. But always You call me

from there and pull my heart towards You by playing Your flute. Baba, You

are very close even then You are distant…

 

 

 

*************************************************

Groupist Leaders Do Like This

 

Baba says, “Ism (groupism etc) is responsible for disrupting human harmony.

…[When any particular] group will lose its prestige, the people in the

group feel ashamed, and in that condition they do not hesitate to take

recourse to ignoble means in order to save the prestige of their nation,

caste, group.” (PNS-16, p.3)

 

Here above Baba is explaining this very point that for those engaged in

groupism, power and prestige is everything. Groupists have no interest in

the welfare of the collective society. Their interest is only in

propagating their own group. And if they feel this is not getting done,

then they will take any negative means they can to again bring prestige

to their group. Unfortunately in our organisation various groups are

doing like this. But margiis and good Wts are not supporting any form of

groupism.

*************************************************

 

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Good Company

From: “Will Chaucey”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Good Company

Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:38:44 +1000

 

Baba

 

== GOOD COMPANY ==

 

Namaskar,

Baba has graciously us blessed with all the needed guidelines for living a

spiritual life– plus He has pointedly alerted us about all the pitfalls as

well. In this dual regard, right company plays a big role.

 

As we know, the friends we keep and the people around us play a highly

significant role in our human growth. By remaining in the midst of

noble-minded people then the mind moves on the path of vidya whereas when

surrounded by undesirable company then the opposite occurs. This fact we

have all seen and realised but even then sometimes a reminder can be helpful.

 

 

BABA’S GUIDELINES

 

Here then are some of Baba’s key guidelines in this regard.

 

Baba says, “A good person or a sa’dhaka needs proper maintenance, for in a

world of constant change, care must be taken that the change be always

towards the better or the higher. Keeping good company is essential for

this positive development. While bad company strengthens the bondage of the

soul, good company is conducive to liberation and salvation. The keeping of

good company is conducive to liberation and is known as satsaunga in

Sanskrit. When satsaunga is followed, either physically or mentally or

both, the subconscious mind, and thus the conscious mind, are charged with

better and higher influences. This change will move the follower forward

towards higher and better goals. The alternative is asatsaunga, the keeping

of bad company, which leads one into greater and greater bondage.” (AV-33)

 

Thus according to Baba good company or satsaunga leads to liberation

whereas bad company pushes one under more and more bondage.

 

And here Baba explains in very colourful language and clear-cut examples

about this entire phenomenon.

 

Baba says, “Humans will have to move ahead by carefully watching those

with whom they will associate. What is the result of keeping good company?

By spending time with good persons, a deep impression is imprinted on the

mind, causing the desire to be good, to rise in the mind. On the other

hand, if one chooses to associate with drunkards, a desire will eventually

come in the mind, what is the harm if I drink a little wine? The same sort

of thing will happen if one lives with thieves.”

“To give an example, a person is standing beside a tea-stall. There the

flavour of the tea floats to the nose, and then the person says, ‘Bring a

cup of tea here, too’. In this incident, the flavour of the tea affects the

mind. If that person had not remained near the tea stall, the smell would

not have reached the nose and perhaps that person would not have taken tea

for two or three days. This is the influence that association has on the

mind.”

“Hence humans should choose their company very carefully, for, a mistake

in this will cause them to repent their whole life. Even parents who are

not good should either send their children to live in a student hostel or

keep them with some of their relatives who are good. One must be very

strict in this. In Tantra it is said:

 

“Satsaungena bhavenmuktir asatsaungesu bandhanam”.

Tasmat Asatsaungamudran’am’ Sa’mudra Parikiirtita.”

 

“The Tantrik practice of Mudra’ Sadhana means to associate with good

human beings in order to attain liberation…Hence good association results

in salvation and bad association results in bondage. Hence evil company

must be avoided.” (Karma Yoga)

 

That is why we should always try and keep in the contact good company–with

Ananda Margiis. As this will bring us along the path of the divine.

 

Here below Baba neatly explains how that good company lessens one’s radius

with the Lord and bad company pulls one farther from the Lord. That is the

primary difference between satsaunga and asatsaunga.

 

Baba says, “So while selecting company, you should be careful whether its

discourses, its activities, its plans or programmes are to decrease the

distance between you and your Lord. This is Satsaunga, good company.

Otherwise it is Asatsaunga. Even intellectual discussions of a high order

may not be Satsaunga if it has got nothing to do with lessening the

distance between you and your Lord, you and your Goal. That type of

intellectual discourse, in my language is called intellectual extravaganza.

Baoddhika Amitavyayita´. Satsaunga and Asatsaunga. When it goads you on the

path of the Lord, it is Satsaunga. From this moment, you should always try

to have Satsaunga.” (AV-14)

 

Namaskar,

Vinay

 

 

Note: CONSTANT VIGILANCE IS NECESSARY

 

Please excuse me, but sometimes people fall into the trap of thinking that

being around Ananda Margiis is enough. And generally this is true since

usually as Ananda Margiis we sing kiirtan together, do sadhana, and

collectively engage in service projects. Even then sometimes it can happen

that there can be a few margiis together but, their company is not

satsaunga. Because for one reason or another their talk might be about

pseudo-culture movies, or they may be just involved in rajasik activities

like shopping or skiing. Or sometimes it can been seen that we travelling

together in the car then they will listen to pop music or the like. And

sometime margiis just talk about too many mundane topics. All these things

can happen. So 100% of the time we should be vigilant to ensure that the

company we are keeping is satsaunga and we should ensure that as

individuals we are adding positively to the collective flow and keeping all

our social interactions sentient and Baba-centered.

 

So today, tomorrow and during the retreat season when we are many are in

transit to our blissful functions, like dharmacakra, here then are some good

topics to discuss will travelling: how to better follow 16 Points, Baba dreams,

the top three things about spiritual life, favourite aspect of Ananda Marga, how

to remember Baba during one’s daily routine, or any number of topics which create

a sweet and harmonious vibration in the mind.

 

Another option is to bring an AM book like Ananda Vacanamrtam and read that out

loud in the car with those whom you are travelling with and discuss it collectively.

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Ga’n geye ja’bo, shono na’ shono tav iccha’…” P.S. 2305

 

Purport:

 

Baba, I will go on singing Your song– Your glory. It’s up to You

whether You will grace me by listening to these songs or not. But with

these songs, in my deep contemplation, I will generate divine vibrations,

by Your grace– and go on serving You.

Baba with my deep yearning I am calling You again and again without

getting any response– You are not paying heed to my call. By avoiding me

maybe You are thinking that I will not sing Your song anymore and that I

will remain quiet. And that in frustration, I will give up the hope of

getting You. And that I will no longer engage in the flow of those divine

tunes and melodies, which is inundating the vast sky, by Your grace. And

that I will not utilize these melodious treasures in my practical life to

go closer to You.

Baba, with the strength of knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and worldly

attributions, Your depth cannot be measured– nobody can realise You. But

by surrendering that very unit “I” which already belongs to You, and with

the divine sweetness of singing Your name I will surely get You by Your

grace.

Baba, I sing my songs only for You–to serve You, to please You. Please

be gracious and keep me on Your lap.

 

Note: In the above song, the sadhaka has deep love and a strong yearning

for Parama Purusa. So when Parama Purusa does not respond to his call in

the way that he desires, then the sadhaka makes one loving accusation

towards Parama Purusa. So actually that is not an accusation per se, but

rather an intimate type of loving expression. And Baba is approving that

devotees have the right to do like this and that this loving way of

communication is quite natural.

 

 

 

********************************************

Love For All

 

Baba says, “The sense of differentiation and distinction are of no value to

devotees. For them, all become one, all discriminations disappear. Only

human beings can have this type of mentality and that is why they are

superior to all other beings.” (AV-7, p.12)

********************************************

 

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Very Special News About Females

From: “Gagan Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Very Special News About Females

Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 23:48:39 +0000

 

Baba

 

== VERY SPECIAL NEWS ABOUT FEMALES ==

 

Namaskar,

Just today, a judge in Canada ruled that a female’s provocative dress & behaviour was the cause of her being sexually attacked.

 

“A convicted rapist will not go to jail because a Manitoba judge says the victim sent signals that “sex was in the air” through her suggestive attire and flirtatious conduct on the night of the attack.” (Winnipeg Free Press)

 

Such is the decision and rationale given my one judge, Justice Robert Dewar. There are some who view this decision as quite controversial.

 

As Ananda Margiis, we should consider Baba’s below guideline.

 

Baba says, “While going out of their house, women should wear simple and decent clothes and cover their bodies properly.” (Caryacarya, Part 1, “Dress”)

 

I am not a judgmental person myself, so I cannot say if the the aforementioned justice was right or wrong. You the reader should decide.

 

Namaskar,

Gagan

 

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The Waiting Room

From: “Girish Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: The Waiting Room

Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:44:27

 

Baba

 

== THE WAITING ROOM ==

 

Namaskar,

 

Baba says, “This world is just like [a] waiting room. You are to remain

here for a very short span.” (AV-12)

 

Tragically, in this modern world, the mass of people live and plan their

lives in such a way as if this world is their permanent abode. Due to

the ill effects of gross materialism, common citizens think that their

bank account, their house, their job, their physical appearance, their

spouse, and their worldly possessions are the prized aspects of their

existence. For this reason, they use cent-per-cent of their energy

running after these ephemeral things, mistaking them to be the glory of

human life.

 

This is the way materialism has led everyone astray, into some dark

illusion.

 

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.” (AV-2)

 

There is an inner aspect to our human existence that is hungry, yet the

humanity is neglecting that which is inside because of being fully

intoxicated with life’s material pleasures.

 

 

EVEN WE ANANDA MARGIIS SUFFER FROM THIS

 

As Ananda Margiis, we all know what the Goal of life is, as well as what

it takes to get there. The Goal is Baba and the way to get there is by

sadhana. This fact everybody knows.

 

Yet, to some or more degree, we have also suffered from the ill effects

of materialism, as it has infested each and every pore of society. It is

very difficult to completely separate oneself from that environment.

Huge billboards, internet ads, crude social values, financial pressures

etc meet us at each and every turn.

 

One of the clear-cut downturns of all this is that some of us do not put

proper emphasis on sadhana in our lives.

 

I can say that this is certainly true for me. I always think, ‘I will do

sadhana’; yet when it is time to start my practice I can find any number

of other things to do. And when I do sit down for sadhana, then often it

gets curtailed due to lack of time, lack of concentration, or feelings

of hunger.

 

Perhaps some of you have also experienced this or similar things.

 

And the gross materialism which surrounds us does not help; it leads to

more spiritual lethargy. Whatever inherent lethargy we may have towards

sadhana is multiplied by today’s crude environment. Because the world

and all its inhabitants are running one direction, and we are trying to

move in another. We are going against the tide.

 

Baba says, “The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this

predicament. Its consequences are dreadful.” (NSS)

 

 

BABA’S GRAPHIC EXPLANATION

 

Before analysing more of the in’s & out’s of this issue, here is Baba

special teaching about spiritual lethargy, or procrastination in sadhana.

 

Baba says, “Spiritual lethargy is the worst. Spiritual lethargy means

not to sit for meditation regularly. Those with spiritual lethargy have

time for all other actions, but for spiritual practice there seems to be

no time. They say, “It’s already late today – I’ll do a short meditation

right now, and devote more time to sa’dhana’ tomorrow.” They sit

attentively inside the cinema hall, but in dharma sa’dhana’ they feel

sleepy.” (AMIWL-10)

 

We should all read the above quote multiple times and honestly evaluate

how far Baba’s teaching applies to our own lives.

 

 

OLD WAYS OF LIVING

 

In addition to today’s gross materialism, here are other reasons why it

is often a struggle to move on the path of sadhana.

 

As Baba tells us, every human being has come from animal life– at one

point in time or another. So we are highly familiar with animalistic

desires and propensities. We need not be reminded about these things.

That is a known path to us, and in general people gravitate towards the

familiar and are hesitant to take up new enterprises.

 

For that reason, it take little or no energy for people to succumb to

the four basic propensities: Food, fear, procreation, and sleep. No one

needs any special training in these spheres; the mind automatically runs

after these things.

 

In contrast, when sadhana is the most subtle practice for human beings,

then invariably it is something that is very new and unfamiliar to us.

Often it is not something that we have lifetimes of experience with.

Whereas, for incarnations and incarnations in animal and human form, we

have been deeply engrossed in material pursuits.

 

So being attached to this old way of living certainly contributes to

spiritual procrastination.

 

 

OTHER REASONS WE PROCRASTINATE

 

AVIDYA MAYA & SO-CALLED OBJECTIVE ADJUSTMENT

 

Then there are other things that lead to procrastination in sadhana:

 

1) Avidya Maya: The force of avidya maya casts allurements each and

every moment, and when the whole society has fallen prey to the spell of

avidya maya, then the force of that maya multiplies and it is very

difficult to escape. If you know you should do sadhana, but all your

worldly pressures tell you to work late, or buy a big house, or go to

the movies, or watch TV, or whatever, then it is difficult to move on

the path of sadhana. And every time we give in to the ignorance of

avidya, then the more sadhana slips out of our fingers, and becomes

something totally foreign.

 

2) Objective Adjustment: In the name of objective adjustment, we leave

our spiritual practice behind and run after worldly endeavours. We then

justify that going to dharmacakra and doing sadhana there is enough for

the entire week, or thereabouts.

 

3) Microvita: Various microvita also pull us down and hinders our

sadhana routine.

 

Plus when the entire society is moving towards money, matter, prestige,

then that multiplies the problem.

 

Each of us individually should take an honest look at who we are and

what is happening with our sadhana routine, and make special efforts to

overcome whatever is hindering our practice.

 

 

WE HAVE NOT COME HERE FOREVER

 

Here is Baba’s special teaching about the waiting room phenomenon.

 

Nowadays, everyone thinks that this world is their permanent abode. They

may say otherwise but practically they live as if this is the case.

 

So we should pay heed to Baba’s strict warning.

 

Smarana nitya anityatam

 

Baba says, “You should remember always that you have come here for a

short span. You won’t remain in this world for a long period. You may

remain here say for ninety or hundred years or say for one hundred and

fifty years. Some saints like Traelaunga Sva’mii lived here for three

hundred and fifty years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this

twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations –

limitations of time, space and person.”

“So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short

span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain

there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting

room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here

for a very short span.”

“You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short

span and I won’t remain here for a very long period. My home is

elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this

fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent

home, won’t require a passport.” (AV-12)

 

So we must not treat this world as our permanent abode. We should always

keep our mind fixed on Him. And internally, we must remind ourselves

again and again that we have only come here for a short time. Then and

only then can we truly understand that sadhana– and not money or

possessions– is the cream of life.

 

Here again is Baba’ reminder about the nature of this human life.

 

Baba says, “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 world of invisibility. Those

people can be called intelligent who utilize every moment of their short

life engaged in spiritual practice.” (APH-4)

 

Failing to adopt the path of sadhana, will lead us on an endless spiral

of suffering and pain in the myriad of deaths and rebirths in this

material world.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace we must realise that this world is not our permanent

abode, overcome all tendencies of spiritual lethargy, do sadhana, and

reach up to Him.

 

Baba says, “The only way to advance is to follow the path of vigorous

spiritual practice.” (AMIWL-8)

 

Namaskar,

Giriish

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Bha’lo yadi na’ ba’sile keno ks’ati na’i, shudhu ka’che eso…” – P.S.

2134

 

Purport:

 

Baba, You know that I am not an A-grade devotee. So due to this if You

do not love me then it is no problem, no harm. But please come close and

sit. If You do not like to sit in my little hut, then at least please

come and stand inside with Your sweet smile. Oh my Lord, everyone longs

for You in their heart. That longing I also have and for that I have

requested You to remain with me. And if You do not like to listen to my

request then just You please come close and this much You tell me, ‘I do

not love you even a pinch’. Baba, I will go on singing Your song; and my

heart will be mingled with that tune & melody– longing for You in

dhyana. But because I am not an A-grade devotee that is why I will not

force You to come and sit in my dhyana. So it is exclusively up to You.

What You like that You do. Baba, please come close with Your sweet smile…

 

Read Full Post »

Gardabha Sa’dhana’

Date: 24 Feb 2011 09:17:38 -0000

From: “Indrajit Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Gardabha Sa’dhana’

 

Baba

 

== GARDABHA SA’DHANA’ ==

 

Namaskar,

Simplicity, sincerity, and honesty are some of the main pillars in the

life of any sa’dhaka.

 

Baba says, “The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress

are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should

you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate…” (AV #54)

 

Even then, it happens that people veer away from these truths, on

occasion or even more frequently. And that leads to the devaluation of

that activity or practice, as well as the degradation of the doer, of

the person.

 

That’s a wee-bit of the philosophical side, now let’s delve into

everyday practical examples.

 

 

GARDABHA’NNA

 

Suppose you are invited to a grand feast at someone’s house. To

celebrate, that host has the finest chefs prepare the tastiest

delicacies and dainties for everyone to eat. Not because because he

wishes to serve the community with love and affection, but rather

because he wants to make an ornate show of the affair and bring prestige

unto himself. Proof being that if you cannot attend his feast, then he

is not the least bit sorry or remorseful, because he will just get

another person to replace you– someone else who will pay him honor and

respect.

 

Under such conditions, when there is not the least bit of service

mentality and the host is just giving a feast with huge pomp and show in

order to heighten his own prestige and self-satisfaction, then attending

the program and eating that food is totally inappropriate. Because in

that case that food is nothing but donkey’s food, or gardabha’nna.

 

Baba says, “If food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if

one’s own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition

then any food offered is donkey food, Gardabha’nna. So one must not eat

that food.” (Summary of SC-20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

 

Thus under no circumstances– unless we are going to starve to death–

should we eat food that is presented as a show of one’s wealth and

greatness, because that food is nothing but donkey food, or gardabha’nna.

 

And we all know that in His practical life, on many occasions Baba

refused such food on various occasions whenever wealthy people or

dignitaries invited Him to dine at their house just to impress Him.

 

 

GARDABHA KIIRTAN AND GARDABHA BHAJAN

 

This type of ‘donkey’ syndrome– doing for show only and not out of

one’s heart-felt feeling– is not limited to the realm of food only.

 

We have all seen various kiirtan players or bhajan singers who perform

solely to display their own musical or lyrical talents, and not to serve

and please Parama Purusa. This happens across all religions and faiths

and occurs in our Ananda Marga as well.

 

Kiirtan is all about singing to please Parama Purusa– for His glory,

not one’s own glory. And the essence of bhajans is to share one’s inner,

heart feeling with the Lord, and not to procure attention for oneself.

 

Yet at retreats or dharmacakra, sometimes it can happen that a person

might lead a kiirtan or bhajan in order to win over the admiration of

others. If this is done consistently, again and again, such performers

run the risk of being converted into microvita at the time of death.

 

That said, it is not just the musicians who are prone to such downfalls.

Sometimes a kiirtan or bhajan participant may dance with such

extroverted tendencies or sing with such ego that it is quite evident to

all around that that person is doing just in hopes of drawing attention

to themselves– so that others will think they are a great devotee.

 

All such displays devalue one’s approach fail to bring one close to

Parama Purusa. That is why Baba calls these misguided attempts as:

Gardabha kiirtan and gardabha bhajan, i.e. donkey kiirtan and donkey

bhajan.

 

 

GARDABHA SA’DHANA’

 

Then of course this can happen in the stratum of sadhana as well. Before

giving an example, it has to be said that by Baba’s grace, the sincerity

and earnestness in spiritual practice is quite high in our Marga, so

this letter by no means aims to cast doubt that abc or xyz persons are

doing donkey practices. Most are fine and okay– this is just a general

letter for everyone’s awareness and knowledge. After all, each and every

person knows there own situation best.

 

Now let’s say someone rarely does sa’dhana’ in their own home etc, but

then when they go to the jagrti or to a retreat, then suddenly they

start sitting for long, long sadhana, as if that is their regular way

each and every morning and evening. And not only that, but when they

close their sadhana then the first thing they do is open their eyes and

slyly scan the room to see if others are taking notice of how long they

sat. And if still they do not feel that they got the attention they

deserved, then during meal time they will casually say that, ‘It was

very good to be able to sit for 3hr sadhana today etc’, and then quickly

scan the eyes and faces of others to see if they were impressed or not.

 

From, all these instances, we can easily understand that that person is

doing sadhana not to please Parama Purusa– not to serve Him– but

rather to bring name, fame, and prestige unto themselves. They want

people to think that they are a great sadhaka. That is why their sadhana

is nothing but donkey sadhana.

 

 

DONKEY PRACTICES ARE BETTER THAN NOTHING

 

Okay, let’s say someone you know does do donkey kiirtan, or donkey

bhajan, or donkey sadhana on occasion. Even then it is not the worst

thing in the world. It is not as bad as doing no practices at all.

 

No doubt donkey kiirtan, donkey bhajan, and donkey sadhana can cause

false vanity and an overblown ego etc, but by Baba’s grace our AM

mantras are so strong that in a moment of quietness while repeating the

mantra, even if one was initially motivated by selfish desires, one may

develop sincere love for Parama Purusa. And that is the greatest

achievement.

 

After all, we have all come from somewhere. In the past ages, we may

have been nature worshipers or even idol worshipers, and then gradually

that feeling gets more refined until by Baba’s grace we are given the

opportunity to come onto the tantric path, and develop sincere love for

Parama Purusa.

 

So all is not lost for those involved in donkey practices. Certainly

such approaches should never be encouraged. But one day, those involved

in such things will develop sincere love for God. So there is light at

the end of the tunnel for those currently stuck in donkey sadhana.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

Baba says, “Remember, everyone is entitled to sa’dhana’. For this,

nothing neither pedigree, education, knowledge nor any asset, is

necessary except only two things – implicit faith and sincerity. Arouse

these two things through your will-power and victory is yours, it must

come.” (AMIWL-5)

 

Namaskar,

Indrajit

 

 

 

Note 1: DONKEY FOOD

 

Here is more about what Baba has to say about donkey food.

 

(a) Donkey food (Gardabha’nna) is that food purchased with ill-begotten

money or sinfully earned money.

 

(b) If someone feeds you with deep love, respect, and affection and that

feeling is conveyed through their expression, talk and conduct, and by

feeding you they feel blissful (“Toma’ke kha’iae a’nandit hobe”) and

very content, and if you do not eat then they will feel pain, in this

situation whatever food you eat in their house– even if it is just

boiled grass– will be treated as priityanna (proper & sentient food).

Any meal or food not prepared under such ideal conditions is donkey food.

 

(c) So if food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one’s

own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any

food offered is donkey food, Gardabha’nna. So one must not eat that food.

 

Note: In western society that food which is not fit for human

consumption is typically labeled as ‘dog food’. And a similar idea Baba

has conveyed above by the term donkey food– “Gardabha’nna”.

 

(Summary of SC-20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“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

this spring season with a sweet and charming smile. When I saw You for

the first time I was surprised, and 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.

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 but You have not cared about receiving an invitation. Please

tell me, O’ Divine Entity, who are You?

Understanding Your liila is impossible. Within a flash You become tough

and then in 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–no beginning, & no 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…

 

 

 

******************************************

To Do Great Work

 

Baba says, “The meaning of the ‘Sam’gacchadhvam’ Mantra should be

realised in life. Always remain united. Solve all problems, big or

small, with unity. Consider misfortune of one as the misfortune of all–

an injury to one as an injury to all.” (CC-2, ‘Society’ chapter, point #34)

 

Note: So long as Baba’s above teaching is not put into practice, one

cannot do great work. Devoid of this one’s life will be as meaningful as

the life of a termite or ant etc. In our practical life we should be

strict in following Baba’s teaching.

******************************************

 

Read Full Post »

Another New Dogma Took Birth

To: AM-GLOBAL

Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:33:26 -0000

From: NJK Deva

Subject: Another New Dogma Took Birth

 

Baba

 

== ANOTHER NEW DOGMA TOOK BIRTH ==

 

Namaskar,

Recently a kiirtan program was organised “for the speedy recovery” of one Dada.

 

Certainly, on first glance, this looks like a noble endeavour to help someone in need; but as we all know our psycho-spiritual practice is to be directed toward Parama Purusa, not toward any mundane longing or unit being. That is Baba’s distinct guideline in countless discourses. Our psycho-spiritual longing is singular in nature and exclusively for pleasing Parama Purusa.

 

So we all have to think whether our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan should be used to cure someone of an illness as with the recently organised program. Plus we must consider avenues we can take for helping our respected Dada.

 

 

MUST NEVER DO LIKE THIS

 

Baba has given us all the directions and answers for this situation. In very straightforward language Baba warns us that we must never use our psycho-spiritual longing for mundane gains – of any kind. That is His essential teaching.

 

Baba says, “”Oh Lord, my daughter has attained marriageable age – help me to find a worthy suitor… Let the bridegroom be ideal, let me not spend much on the wedding…” This type of showy devotion that simply asks for mundane objects, is no devotion at all, because it demands everything except Parama Puruśa.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 24)

 

Clearly then our spiritual practices – like kiirtan and bhajans – should not used for mundane matters such as if someone is sick and we wish to cure them.

 

Here below Baba furthermore explains that only lower grade sadhakas use their spiritual practices for worldly achievements.

 

Baba says, “Rájasika Sádhakas – Those performing spiritual practices with the object of attaining a particular finite object are called Rájasika, The characteristic of Rájasika Sádhakas consists in their being engrossed in realizing their selfish ends and, not in causing detriment to others.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 1)

 

In this next teaching, Baba warns us that if our spiritual practices are done with any other motive in mind, such as curing one Dadaji of his illness, then this is an inferior approach.

 

Baba says, “The aim of the aspirant is channelized in a different direction and he carries on with an inferior object. All the three such bhaktas – sáttvika, rájasika and támasika are gaońii or inferior bhakti. Where there is no object other than the Supreme Brahma, it is called mukhya bhakti. In mukhyá bhakti, the aspirant is free from the three guńas. He is absorbed in spiritual practices to Nirguńa Bhakti.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 1)

 

Thus, Baba’s guideline is that our spiritual practices like kiirtan and sadhana are to be directed solely towards pleasing Parama Purusa, and not for any mundane affairs, such as curing one of their sickness.

 

 

JUST ACCUSING PARAMA PURUSA

 

Actually, if anyone prays to the Lord for someone’s recovery it means they are indirectly accusing Parama Purusa:

 

“O Lord, Your duty was to help this person, but You have not done so, why have You ignored him for this reason I am praying for their welfare – please listen and respond to my prayer.”

 

This type of accusation towards the all-knowing, omniscient Parama Purusa is itself a sinful idea as the sadhaka is blaming Baba for mundane problems.

 

That is why in Ananda Marga we do appreciate this type of crude prayer. Baba knows what is best and we are only to think of Him.

 

Baba says, “In fact, the best thing is not to ask Parama Puruśa for anything.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam Part 22, Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana)

 

If any aspirant has any remote desire in the mind for mundane longing while doing spiritual practices kiirtan, like curing one Dada, then they are going against the inner essence of our devotional cult. Those who directly or indirectly pray to the Lord for certain mundane things are verily accusing the Lord of not performing His divine duty to care for the suffering people.

 

 

MUST OBEY ANANDA SUTRAM

 

In His teachings of Ananda Sutram, Baba directs us that in our kiirtan and sadhana practices we are only to ideate on the Supreme. We are not to engage in any kind of ritualistic worship whereby we ask or pray for things from the Lord.

 

3-12. Bhaktirbhagavadbhávaná na stutirnárcaná.

 

[Devotion is ideation on God, not flattery of God or ritualistic worship.]

 

“Purport: Being merged in the constant thought of God is devotion. Devotion is not related to the chanting of hymns or ritualistic worship with different paraphernalia.” (Ananda Sutram 3-12)

 

So if we encourage such type of kiiran programs for curing a Dada of a particular disease etc, then Baba’s guideline of Ananda Sutram will be lost in oblivion. And all over these types of crude devotional kiirtan gatherings will be held.

 

Indeed, people will start doing kiirtan to cure their dog who was coughing or to help their child get into university or for so many mundane reasons. And some people will even do kiirtan to kill their enemies or defeat others in a court case. If such things happen, there will be no difference between those dogmatic religions and Ananda Marga.

 

Indeed this is the way things degenerate.

 

For instance, let’s say is an existing dogma in society such as praying for someone’s illness to be cured. Then in a weak moment, such as when one respected Dada is ill, then someone innocently suggests that we should do kiirtan to cure Dadaji. They justify that this is a common phenomenon in the society and that before coming into AM they always did like this. Some sadhakas may feel uneasy hearing this but they think that, “OK, Dadaji is sick – I should not disturb the situation”. Thus a kiirtan session is held to cure Dadaji. Then the next time a Dada or revered person gets sick, others openly proclaim that this is our tradition: To sing kiirtan to cure that diseased person. By this point, those who disagree are greatly outnumbered and they cannot stop the program – rather they succumb. In this way, new dogmas take birth. So we should all be extreme careful.

 

 

STORY OF MISGUIDED SADHAKA

 

This below story from Shabda Cayanika is highly related with this entire situation. When the below sadhaka was using his psycho-spiritual energy for mundane gain, Baba intervenes and strongly condemns this negative approach.

 

Baba says, “Such misuse of the human being’s hidden internal powers would not help to elevate the human race. Rather it would bog down one’s hands and feet in the quagmire of power and bring stagnancy into one’s forward movement.” (Shabda Cayaniká Part 2, Disc: 13)

 

By Baba’s above teaching, it it quite evident that our psycho-spiritual energy should not be diverted towards crude or worldly gain such as curing a respected Dada of his illness. Baba is adamant on this point.

 

 

SIMILAR TO HINDU SHRADDA DOGMA

 

Actually this notion of doing kiirtan to cure someone of their illness is just like the Hindu shraddha dogma where in their ceremonies their intention is to provide comfort for the deceased soul. But we never do such things in Ananda Marga. We know that Baba is taking perfect care of everyone – all of the time. All our spiritual practices are solely for pleasing Parama Purusa and serving Him. So we must not allow our kiirtan programs to degenerate and become a mirror image of this type of Hindu dogma where we pray for someone else’s mundane needs. This is not our way.

 

 

DO NOT CHASE AFTER SIDE-EFFECTS

 

Doing kiirtan to cure one of an illness is just like bringing everyone together to perform social service under the motive of getting name and fame.

 

Yes, if one does service one may receive acclaim in the society, but that is not why we do it. We do service to please Parama Purusa. That is our sole motive. Public praise is a mere side-effect. And if one does service only for getting prestige, then that prestige may not even come at all. One may not get any recognition. There must be purity of intention and our service is for pleasing Him.

 

Similarly, we do our kiirtan for Parama Purusa; that is our sole motive – to please Him. Toward that endeavour so many side effects may result: All kinds of calamities may be dispelled and averted etc. However, our entire goal in kiirtan is singular: To serve Parama Purusa; we do not do kiirtan with any other aim in mind.

 

Hence just as we do not perform social service with the inner motivation of getting recognition and public acclaim, similarly we do not do kiirtan with the expressed motive to dispel a particular calamity like curing a person from a disease.

 

 

BABA’S STORY ABOUT KALAPHAR :

 

NEGATIVE REPERCUSSIONS

 

If this current trend of organising kiirtan gatherings for curing people continues, then if such bhaktas do not get what they are demanding, they will start blaming Parama Purusa. They will think, “We did kiirtan but still Dadaji is sick.”

 

Baba’s below story leads in that direction.

 

Not only will they blame Baba in this way but they will lose faith & leave entirely. They will think, “Look what happened to me, or my wife, or Nigamananda etc, we did the kiirtan yet still we are suffering terribly.”

 

Thinking thus they will lose faith and leave the path. This is what occurs in all those religions where people pray in this way. And if such events are brought into the Marga, the same negative outcome will result: People will lose faith and leave if their selfish agenda is not fulfilled. This trend is not at all good.

 

Here below Baba tells the story of Kalaphar and what he did when his mundane prayers were not fulfilled.

 

Baba says, “There is a well-known story about a Zamindar from Bengal called Kalachand Roy, later Kalapahar, who was a follower of Kálii. He worshipped a stone image of Kálii with great devotion. At that time some invaders, belonging to another religion, started a campaign to destroy all Hindu temples and deities. When Kalachand’s temple was about to be destroyed, he prayed to Kálii saying, “Mother, I do not have the power to protect you, so please protect yourself.” But how can a stone idol protect itself? In due course his temple and idol were destroyed, and Kalachand lost faith in Kálii. He was converted to the religion of the invaders, and became known as Sheik Kaluddin Khan. He launched his own campaign of terror throughout Bengal and Orissa and forcibly converted people to his new religion. He disfigured deities, destroyed temples and threatened people with physical violence to convert them. Once he travelled to Kashi and set about converting a widow who also happened to be his elder sister. She refused to succumb to his threats, and scolded him mercilessly for his bad behaviour…This made him realize the error of his ways, and he abandoned his campaign. If Hinduism had not practiced idol worship, Kalachand would not have been converted. Because of his forcible conversion, Kalachand became extremely hostile towards Hinduism and launched his own campaign of terror against it. A religion should be so strong that no one can be converted from it.” (Prout Nutshell-16)

 

Likewise, if some in AM resort to ritualistic worship and do not get their selfish ends met, then there is every likelihood that they will not only lose faith and follow a different path, but they may even become inimical to AM. We have had defectors in the past and this type of crude kiirtan gathering could and will generate a whole new wave of defectors. That is the very real outcome based on Baba’s above teaching.

 

 

WAYS WE CAN HELP A PATIENT

 

To help any patient, we can give our economic support, physical support (food, heat, clothing, medical attention etc), and emotional care. These are all very effective and appropriate ways of helping someone suffering from an illness.

 

But in our spiritual practice we are not to request Parama Purusa for mundane boons such as curing a patient etc. Doing kiirtan to cure them is not at all acceptable.

 

 

MORE POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION

 

1. Baba guides us that sadhana should be done whenever possible but that does not mean that one openly declares that now I am doing sadhana for cyclone relief, or mother’s illness, or for earthquake victims. Our spiritual practices are for pleasing Parama Purusa – not any mundane cause.

 

2. Baba has specifically mandated that spiritual potentiality should never be directed towards mundane reasons, causes, or gain.

 

3. One may do kiirtan and sadhana any day and any place, but the stated purpose must not be something mundane, such as one Dada’s illness or one margii’s unemployment etc.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace, He has given us the practices to reach unto Him and we must not let those practices to be tainted by bringing in dogmas whereby we pray for mundane matters during our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan. So we cannot support the recent program where some gathered for kiirtan in order to cure Nigamananda ji. During kiirtan we are to ideate on Parama Purusa and Him alone.

 

Baba says, “At the time of kiirtana, so many people, so many devotees assemble, and all their collective physical energies function unitedly. But more than that their collective psychic energies are flowing in the same channel under the inspiration of Parama Puruśa.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 22)

 

Baba says, “…So let one’s vision be fixed on the goal. There is no necessity to think of anything else.” (Ananda Vanii #67)

 

Namaskar,

 

 

Note 1: MUST NOT DO TAINTED KIIRTAN

 

Certainly after doing sadhana the mind becomes calm, quiet and blissful. But in truth we do not do sadhana for these effects. The goal is to please Parama Purusa and attain Him.

 

Similarly, by doing kiirtan all kinds of natural calamities can and will be dispelled but the purpose of doing kiirtan should not be this. The purpose of doing kiirtan is to serve and please Parama Purusa.

 

Baba says, “The best method of rendering psychic service to Parama Puruśa is by doing kiirtan.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 22, Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana)

 

Those who are not ignorant can easily differentiate between doing kiirtan to please Him and doing kiirtan to dispel calamities. When the mind is involved in thinking about someone’s sickness during kiirtan then that kiirtan is itself tainted. It is not pointed kiirtan. So that will not serve the purpose or achieve the desire effect anyway. It is true that calamities do get dispelled through kiirtan but that is the side-effect not the goal. So this way of thinking should never be encouraged.

 

Unfortunately some ignorant organised a kiirtan program encouraged people to do like this (see note below). But they do not have any idea what they are doing. They want to do something good but in reality they are doing just the opposite.

 

 

Note 2: KIIRTAN ANNOUNCEMENT TO CURE NIGAMANANDA JI

 

Here is that announcement of that kiirtan program to cure our dear Dada Nigamanandji’s illness. It was an SMS from Mobile No.- +91-78386 94435 (Delhi / NCR mobile no., India):

 

“Baba Nam Kevalam kirtan, 11 to 14 hrs at Gadaipur Baba Qtr (not at Mandavali) on Sunday 20th FEB for speedy recovery of Ac Nigmanada Av. Lets attend and pray……”

 

 

Note 3: RELATED LETTER ON DADAJI’S ILLNESS

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/02/feeling-happy-by-others-suffering.html

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Ke go tumi a’ji bhare nile sa’ji na’ baliya’ mor phulavane…” (PS 2111)

 

Purport:

 

O’ Divine Entity, who are You who has come today in the flower garden

of my mind & without my awareness filled up Your basket by plucking all

my flowers. Which Divine Personality are You who has done like this.

Baba, neither did I ask You to come, nor did I ask You to please sit–

indeed I could not receive You properly in the canopy of my mental

flower garden.

O’ Baba, Your grace is unimaginable. When I call You, then You do not

come; and now without any invitation You have blessed me by coming– it

is Your grace. And You are silently looking at everything in the flower

garden of my mind and You are not telling anything– just You smiled and

got involved in plucking the flowers. Baba, Your liila in unique.

O’ Parama Purusa, I do not have the capacity to understand what type of

liila’ You are playing. Why do You go on playing with my mind. In my

mental garden, without my awareness, You go on swaying Your love. And

You go on creating vibrations there without my awareness. And You fill

my mind with Your divine attraction and love. Baba, O’ the Divine Entity,

You have graced me by coming…

 

 

****************************************

A Few Medicines

 

Baba says, “Aloe juice is a medicine. Dried aloe sap is called musabbar

in Arabic. A type of rasa’injana also used to be prepared out of aloe

sap, or musabbar, which was used as medicine — it was used to treat

blood pressure and insanity due to gall bladder disorder.” (SC-3, p.109)

 

Baba says, “The retention-of-urine ailment that results when the

movement of the urine is obstructed is also called kabandha. The water

from soaked fenugreek, fresh date juice, palm juice, and sha’nkha’lu [a

conch-shaped esculent] are medicines for this disease.” (SC-3, p.103)

****************************************

 

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Re: Unpublished Unique Handwriting of Baba

Date: 22 Feb 201 07:53:21 -0000

From: “Liiladhar Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Re: Unpublished Unique Handwriting of Baba

 

Baba

 

== RE: UNPUBLISHED UNIQUE HANDWRITING OF BABA ==

 

Namaskar,

Yes, I read yesterday’s letter about stereotypes and have more to add – especially about certain stereotypes in our Ananda Marga.

 

 

BABA’S HAND-WRITTEN GUIDELINE

 

Here is the hand-written message which Baba has written in both English and Hindi:

 

“Propagandists of communalism, provincialism, casteism, lingualism and any other ism should be strongly dealt with even if it is found that their charges are properly established.” – Baba (8 Jan 1961)

 

Such are the words Baba Himself penned on that day. It is a great teaching for all, especially those who are the vanguards of society.

 

 

A FEW OF THE STEREOTYPES IN OUR MARGA

 

In addition to the various stereotypes in the general society, there are certain stereotypes in AMPS also.

 

For instance, some feel that no matter how hard they try, females will never be smart enough to run their own organisation. They should always be controlled by Dadas. This is one of the prevailing stereotypes.

 

Secondly, some feel that overseas Wts are not and will never be devoted enough to become worthy of high posts like that of Sectorial Secretary. They feel this shortcoming is inherent to their being overseas and as proof they cite how Baba never posted any overseas Wt as SS. This is the logic and reasoning they give for essentially ruling out the possibility of making an overseas Dada SS. This is what they say to validate their stereotype.

 

But if we examine the situation more closely, we can better understand the situation.

 

 

WHY BABA DID LIKE THAT

 

We know that before 1990, there was a distinct dearth of qualified overseas Wts. That is why Baba did not choose those overseas workers Wts as SS, otherwise certainly He would have done so. Hence it was not because Baba thought that overseas Wts were inherently less capable. It was because at that juncture in time, the existing pool of overseas Wts were not of the proper standard.

 

 

A CRITICAL EXAMPLE: CO-ED KIIRTAN

 

Here is one example of many that shows how they were not qualified. Most overseas Wts in those days supported co-ed kiirtan where males and females dance together, even though this is distraction as males and female unintentionally bump into each other while dancing. This ruins the spiritual flow. Yet still today many of those same overseas Wts continue to support this dogma.

 

Whereas in AM, Baba has clearly mandated that there be strict separation of the sexes in all activities, including kiirtan. But those overseas Wts could not follow this guideline and instead allowed and even encouraged male and females to dance together.

 

 

AFFECTED BY WESTERN SO-CALLED PROGRESSIVISM

 

So we have to think what was holding them back.

 

The answer is very simple: In the Catholic / Christian church everything is separate – schools and education etc. Still today it is like this. The popular movement in the west – back in the 60’s up to the present – was that males and females should be together in all social settings. That was deemed as progressive; whereas everything related with the church was looked upon as old-fashioned and dogmatic.

 

So the general society in those overseas areas thought that the separation of the sexes was not good; i.e. that separate was outdated.

 

Our overseas Wts became affected in this way and supported this popular movement. After all, that was deemed as “progressive”. Such workers did not use their sense of rationality and still today they are not using – not on this point. That is why some overseas Wts continue to uphold mixed-gender kiirtan. This isa all due to their weak mentality. They could not follow Baba on this point because their mind got stained by local pseudo-culture.

 

 

MUST FOLLOW THE PATH OF RATIONALITY

 

Many irrational things are gaining in popular support – both in the east and the west – but as disciples of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji we have to support that which is rational. For more on this critical point about mixed gender kiirtan where males and females dance together read here:

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/07/excuse-of-kiirtan.html

 

 

BABA CONDEMNS ALL STEREOTYPES

 

So this but one example of how many where overeas Wts got caught up in their local dogma. Other examples include points like circumcision and the Supreme Command where overseas workers did not understand the spirit of Baba’s teachings. For this reason, at that time Baba thought it best that such workers not hold higher posts like that of SS.

 

But that does not mean that overseas workers are inherently adharmic or aspiritual and will never be devoted enough to be SS etc. That is just one false stereotype or racist belief that a few are broadcasting today.

 

Hence we do not support this defective notion that our overseas Wts are incapable of being SS. Rather we adhere to Baba’s stated call.

 

“Propagandists of communalism, provincialism, casteism, lingualism and any other ism should be strongly dealt with even if it is found that their charges are properly established.” – Baba (8 Jan 1961)

 

Namaskar,

Liiladhar Deva

 

 

OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

 

Baba says, “At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do not

have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the ácárya/á. The word deva should

be suffixed to the name…the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it

is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings.” (Caryacarya-1)

 

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Unpublished Unique Handwriting of Baba

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:18:21

From: “Hank Deva”

Subject: Unpublished Unique Handwriting of Baba

 

Baba

 

== UNPUBLISHED UNIQUE HANDWRITING OF BABA ==

 

Namaskar,

Our Ananda Marga is 100% rational in all respects – firmly based in the

ways of neo-humanism.

 

In 1961, Baba delivered one unique teaching – in the form of a

handwritten message – that ensures the well-being of all peoples and

protects the dignity of the entire humanity.

 

Till today, this special teaching has not been published in any of our

AM books, pamphlets or magazines.

 

 

BABA’S HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE

 

Here is the hand-written message which Baba has written in both English

and Hindi:

 

“Propagandists of communalism, provincialism, casteism, lingualism and

any other ism should be strongly dealt with even if it is found that

their charges are properly established.” – Baba (8 Jan 1961)

 

Such are the words Baba Himself penned on that day. It is a great

teaching for all, especially those who are the vanguards of society.

 

In each and every era, various groups or communities have tried hard to

exploit and demean another people, and in that process the exploiters

have come up with all kinds of justifications and logic, but Baba’s

above guideline wholly rejects all such attempts.

 

In a phrase, Baba’s guideline does away with all kinds of stereotypes.

 

Let’s together investigate the full impact and scope of Baba’s above

handwritten guideline.

 

 

APPLYING BABA’S MESSAGE

 

Baba’s above guideline offers a strong response to all those who indulge

in stereotypes. As we all know, a “stereotype” is when a person or group

makes a blanket statement about another community based on their own

biased views.

 

For instance, a person might proclaim:

 

– Black people are dumb; or,

 

– Females are too weak to be leaders; or,

 

– Jewish people are stingy, i.e. not generous $$; or,

 

– Muslims are terrorists; or

 

– Hairjans are dirty and uncultured; or,

 

– Mexicans are thieves.

 

(Note: There are certain existing stereotypes in AMPS such as no matter how hard they try, females will never be smart enough to run their own organisation. They should always be controlled by Dadas. Likewise, some feel that overseas Wts are not and will never be devoted enough to become Sectorial Secretary. Then there are other stereotypes surrounding circumcision, Supreme Command, co-ed camping at retreats, and adolescents having boyfriends and girlfriends, and many more.)

 

These are the types of “stereotypical” statements that some proclaim.

And in many cases, they may even have the data, facts, and figures to

back up their claim. Yet Baba’s staunch guideline from His handwritten

message is that we should firmly reject such charges.

 

For instance, about black people, a white supremest will say that by

nature black people are stupid and do not finish school. To support

their claim, that white supremest might present data from Harvard

University that shows that many black people drop out of high school,

very few go to college, and that many black people in the US end up

impoverished or in jail. Based on these established facts, the supremest

concludes that black people are dumb. Such racists, like this white

supremest, use real facts to justify their view(s).

 

However, Baba’s guideline is that even if “their charges are properly

established”, we should never accept the ways of racism etc. That means,

it may be true that more black people in the US do drop out of high

school and end up in jail, but one must never indulge in the racist

belief that therefore black people are only “half-human” or dumb. That

is not the proper conclusion as there are many factors involved.

 

Proof being that the same high school dropout rate would apply to white

students if they faced similar circumstances like financial hardship,

neighborhood crime, and a slew of other issues that have been rampant in

black neighborhoods after centuries and decades of racial discrimination

and unfair treatment.

 

It is our duty to attune our minds to the myriad of social injustices

that forced black people into such a desperate position. That is the

direction we should look and then remedy the situation accordingly. The

answer is not to indulge in racism and wrongly conclude that black

people drop out of school because they are dumb.

 

Thus, in no way, shape or form, should we give credence to such

stereotypical statements that play into one community pushing down or

exploiting another. Whether those statements are about the nature of

women, the ways of people from a particular nation, or the behaviour of

those in a specific religion or caste etc, we are to firmly stand by our

principles and keep a neo-humanistic outlook, never giving way to crude

beliefs based on caste, group, religious, or national sentiment etc.

 

 

THE SITUATION IN AM

 

Unfortunately, there are similar things going on today in our Marga.

Because of the grand diversity of life in AM and Baba’s special system

of posting workers, the scene in AM is far, far better than that of the

general society, even then we can find hints of racism or lingualism etc.

 

For instance, if any group in AM tries to enhance their prestige by

promoting their language or their area as being the best and the most

unique in the world, then that stand cannot be at all appreciated. We

must wholly reject such views.

 

That means if certain Bengali Wts and margiis proclaim that Amra Bengali

is the most important or best samaj and therefore all others are “second

best”, then we should reject their claims. The Bengali speaking leaders

may argue that only their language is 92% Sanskrit, or that Baba wrote

thousands of Prabhat Samgiita songs in Bengali, or that their race is a

unique blending of the four races etc. They may present all these types

of facts to show that workers from Bengal are most venerable and great.

But it is totally wrong to say that Bengali wts are the best or that

Amra Bengali samaj is the top. Because such statements are based on

“isms” like racism and lingualism. In that case those people (i.e.

propagandists) should be dealt with strongly. That is Baba’s exact

teaching.

 

“Propagandists of communalism, provincialism, casteism, lingualism and

any other ism should be strongly dealt with even if it is found that

their charges are properly established.” – Baba (8 Jan 1961)

 

All stereotypes are baseless as they are based on some type of ism. We

should be vigilant when dealing with such type of propagandists. That is

Baba’s exact teaching.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE SITUATION IN AM

 

If we look from a different perspective we can see that Hindi group

leaders proclaim that any worker from Bengal is a spy and not to be

trusted. Such groupists view people based on groupist affiliation and

geo-sentiment. Thus, the Hindi or EC leaders are no less guilty of this

disease than those workers from Bengal.

 

The striking point is that in AM, geo-sentiment is dominant internally. Openly

they may not preach this sentimeent as they intellectually know it goes against neo-humanism, but those in power got there based on this sentiment. They

feel more comfortable with people of their same clan.

 

All the various Wt groups have been formed on this basis. No doubt they have

their logic to support their racist views etc, but whatever logic they

give should be discarded. Because they are just manipulating certain

facts to support their own narrow-minded ism.

 

If we see critically, then most of the key posts of a particular group

are given to people of their area or to those who have surrendered their

faith to that particular geographical place.

 

It is just like if an Afghan man surrenders himself to US supremacy then

and only then can he get a high post – otherwise he will just be thought

of as a terrorist.

 

Right now, in almost whatever direction we look, we can see groupist

leaders justifying their case and placing greater importance on their

chosen area, at expense of other places and peoples. That is the current

situation in AM and it is this that we should oppose. That is Baba’s

guideline.

 

 

KEY POINT TO REMEMBER

 

One key point to remember is that each and every area has mix of good

and bad people – everywhere it is like this. In Bengal, there are many

good people as well as bad persons, i.e. criminals and thieves, etc.

 

So no area, race, caste or group can proclaim themselves as the revered

ones or the best above all others. If anyone does like this it means

that they are are adhering to groupism, racism or some other ism. No

matter what logic they give, we should treat that as straw and throw it

away.

 

Unfortunately, some people never tire of praising that their own group

and some dumb people feel fortunate or honoured to receive those ideas.

In that we they get totally duped and become groupist pawns. However, we

should never get caught up in the belief that a certain group, language,

or region is really blessed and better than others.

 

Everywhere there are those who are blessed and those who are sinners. It

is not a functions of race, birth, language background, or birth etc.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace He has blessed us with all the teachings in life to

build up a healthy human society and overcome all racism, casteism, etc.

We are to take a firm stand against those who indulge in stereotypes.

That is Baba’s distinct teaching that He wrote down that day in 1961.

And it is as true today as it was then. We should all pay heed.

 

Namaskar,

Hitendra

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Tumi eso go, eso go, eso go, a’mi hrday-duya’r khule diyechi…” (P.S.

673)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, by Your grace I have so much longing in my heart. Baba, I am

anxiously waiting for You. By Your grace I have kept the door of my

heart open for You. Please come, please come, please come and reside in

the deep core of my heart. Baba, You have taken all the nectar from my

flower blossom which I had been saving for You. Baba, You have taken,

You have taken.

 

Baba, year after year has passed– so many sweet,

loving memories have been lost in the oblivion. But You did not come.

Time passes like this. Baba, so many divine songs that I have song for

You have been swept away into the vast expanse. But You did not come.

Even now, I am eagerly waiting and looking constantly towards the path

of Your arrival. Baba, I am desperately waiting and looking forward to

hearing Your footsteps.

 

Baba, by Your grace I am always moving forward

towards You. Sometimes my speed is fast, by Your grace. And sometimes

due to my lethargy, my speed is quite slow. But by Your grace always I

am moving ahead on Your path, singing Your song with deep longing for

You. Baba in Your divine tune and melody and with the rhythm of

devotional yearning, by Your grace I am always ideating on Your supreme

thoughts and blissful tales.

 

Baba, please be gracious and come; my heart is always open and longing for You. Baba, please grace me and reside eternally in the depths of my heart and become my own…

 

 

*********************************************

Money and Peace

 

Baba says, “With the acquisition of money people still feel that they have

nothing; in spite of possessing a huge amount of money they often beat

their chests in despair. So it is not money they seek– what they truly

desire is peace, not happiness. But it is only rarely that people attain

peace in life…The answer [then] is that by attaining Parama Purus’a one

no longer has any unsatiated hunger or unqueched thirst.” And that is the

stage of perfect peace. (SS-12, p.38)

 

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Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

Date: Sat 19 Feb 2011 21:23:42 -0400

From: Divyajyoti_Deva

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

 

Baba

 

== PRATIIKA: ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN TWO CAKRAS ==

 

Namaskar,

As we all know, Baba has placed great importance on the meaning and use of our Ananda Marga pratiika. Here below is a short explanation of how the pratiika is related with our cakras.

 

1. The two, perfectly-balanced equilateral triangles in our pratiika represent the manipura cakra (i.e. 3rd cakra) and the ajina cakra (i.e. 6th cakra).

 

2. The manipura cakra is the triangle pointed upward signifying service to society. This cakra gives the body energy and stamina to do action in the world.

 

3. The ajina cakra is the triangle pointed downward signifying spiritual sadhana and self-realisation. The ajina cakra is the seat of the mind.

 

4. We must practice and represent this symmetry in our day to day life by keeping perfect balance between our meditation (sadhana) and worldly work (social service).

 

5. Our mission is: Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca.

 

A’tmamokśárthaḿ (self-realisation) is represented by the downward pointed triangle (i.e. ajina cakra) in our pratiika; jagaddhitáya ca (selfless service) is represented by the upward pointed triangle ( i.e. manipura cakra) in our pratiika.

 

6. Maintaining balance between these two triangles – representing spiritual practice for self-realisation & selfless service to humanity – is needed. As sadhakas, we should be in perfect balance just like our pratiika. That means we must do maximum sadhana without losing our adjustment with this world; and we must do maximum social service without forgetting our sadhana.

 

7. When we maintain perfect balance between our inner world (downward pointed triangle) and the outer world (upward pointed triangle) then we will get all-round progress (signified by the rising sun in our pratiika) and ultimately victory (signified by the swastika in our pratiika).

 

8. Achieving this state is not easy. All too often, as aspirants we fail to maintain proper balance in life. Most commonly, people get too caught up in their worldly work and their sadhana gets neglected. In some cases the opposite happens. So we must constantly assess our position and strive to keep a balance between our inner and outer worlds.

 

9. Here the point is that we must not just wear our pratiika around neck, but our daily life must be a proper representation of the pratiika, i.e. perfectly balance between service to society and self-realisation. That means our life must fully represent AM ideology.

 

Baba says, “What should a person do? Life is a mission. I have said that human life is an ideological flow. That is, human life is a mission; life itself is a mission; one’s very existence is a mission. Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca – “Whatever one is to do one is to do for átmamokśa – for his or her own liberation – and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society.” One is to do both these things: that is, these two things are one’s mission.” (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30)

 

10. In the notes below please read about (a) how we use the pratiika in our social and spiritual functions, (b) Baba’s description of the pratiika, as well as (c) how the pratiika is explained in the latest editions of our AM books.

 

Namaskar,

Divyajyoti

 

 

Note 1: HOW OUR PRATIIKA IS USED

 

At dharmacakra, we may display (a) the Ananda Marga pratiika, (b) Baba’s photo, or (c) both items.

 

Likewise, when our acaryas perform diiksa (initiation), they may use the AM pratiika and / or Baba’s photo.

 

During DMC when Baba was up on the stage then there would always be a pratiika on display behind Him. Still today at DMS we present Baba’s photo and behind His photo is the pratiika.

 

 

Note 2: BABA’S DESCRIPTION OF THE PRATIIKA IN CARYACARYA

 

Here is Baba’s pointed explanation of the pratiika.

 

Baba says, ‘Your Pratiika [Emblem]: A triangle with one vertex up superimposed on another triangle with one vertex down, with the rising sun having a swastika inside. These are symbols of energy, knowledge, advancement and permanent victory, respectively.” (Caryacarya, part 1, “Treasures of Ananda Marga”)

 

 

Note 3: HOW THE PRATIIIKA IS EXPLAINED IN OUR AM BOOKS

 

Here below is the dharmic way the publishers have explained the pratiika on the inside pages of the recently printed AM books.

 

The pratiika represents in a visual way the essence of Ananda Marga ideology. The six-pointed star is composed of two equilateral triangles. The triangle pointing upward represents action, or the outward flow of energy through selfless service to humanity. The triangle pointing downward represents knowledge, the inward search for spiritual realization through meditation. The sun in the center represents advancement, all-round human progress. The goal of the aspirant’s march through life is symbolized by the swastika, which means spiritual victory.

 

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Short Stories About Naive People

From: “Seshagiri Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Short Stories About Naive People

Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:37:19 +0530

 

Baba

 

== SHORT STORIES ABOUT NAIVE PEOPLE ==

 

Namaskar,

Some friends went to the zoo and were very intrigued by the lion. There were big, thick iron bars all around the area and red warning signs stating “Alert – Dangerous Animal: Keep your hands and feet away”.

 

Seeing the magnificence of the lion, some of the people were very mesmerized and were tempted to extend their hands within the boundary line. The zoo keeper noticed what was going on and warned everyone not to place their hands. He told them all to go back.

 

Immediately, the naive visitors became quite angry with the zoo keeper. They said, “Why are you terrorizing us, why are you trying to scare us; everything is alright, nothing bad is going to happen.” This was their reaction to the zoo keeper’s guideline.

 

Of course, we all know that the zoo keeper was not trying to scare or curse anyone. The zoo keeper’s sole intention was to warn them of the dangers and keep everyone safe and happy. If those visitors to the zoo understood this then they would not have argued with the zoo-keeper. Instead they would have calmly accepted his guideline, knowing that the zoo keeper was watching for their well-being.

 

Here is another story.

 

Once a team of travelers were driving from the flat lands up into a hilly and mountainous region. Soon they began to see lots of road signs: “Winding Road, Drive Slow”; “Dangerous Roadway, Exercise Caution”; and, “Deadly Turn – 200 Foot Chasm” etc.

 

Seeing all the signs, the drivers became furious and started a court case against the department of transportation for trying to terrify and scare them.

 

But we all know that the highway authorities were not trying to frighten anyone. Their sole intention was to warn drivers of the very real dangers and keep everyone safe and happy.

 

So those are the two stories. Now let’s see how they relate with our AM way of life.

 

 

RELATING THIS TO OUR ANANDA MARGA

 

At present in our Marga, a few people are upset and want to change or delete certain words from our Supreme Command. In particular they do not like these lines:

 

“Those who perform sadhana twice a day regularly, the thought of Parama Purusa will certainly arise in their minds at the time of death…Disobedience to this command is nothing but to throw oneself into the tortures of animal life for crores of years…”.

 

They especially do not like the second half of the aforementioned quote, which is intrinsically inseparable from the first line.

 

These naive people contend that Baba is trying to scare and terrify them – hence they do not want to speak or repeat this line, nor the entire Supreme Command.

 

But we all know that Baba wants our welfare and as the Supreme Father He is merely alerting us of the dangers of not doing sadhana twice daily. It is similar to the zoo keeper warning those visitors not to extend their hand beyond the boundary line and the department of transportation warning about the deadly turn.

 

Baba wants our progress to hasten along the path of bliss. He does not want to see anyone fall into problem.

 

Due to their simplicity, some people do not realise this. For this reason they are no different from those naive visitors to the zoo or those ignorant travelers on that mountain road.

 

 

THE PROBLEM AND THE SOLUTION

 

Here the critical problem is that some people are not aware about Baba’s teachings on brahmcakra, saincara, pratisaincara and negative pratisaincara. If they knew those points, they would understand that not doing sadhana and indulging only in materialistic thinking causes one to get turned into matter: stone, iron, wood and rock etc.

 

Unfortunately, such people do not realize that this line of the Supreme Command has been given to warn every aspirant about the dangers of materialistic and sensual pursuits. Baba wants everyone to make their life successful.

 

If those people were properly taught by their acaryas and understood Baba’s teachings about pratisaincara and the cycle of creation, they would have felt gratitude for Baba’s reminder in The Supreme Command.

 

Just like high-blood pressure patients feel gratitude towards their doctors for saving them by educating them about the dangers of a eating meat; in result, they can extend their life. Such patients feel grateful.

 

If those people understood how Baba’s guideline will help save them, they too would feel gratitude. But naive people cannot think in this way and instead become furious upon hearing Baba’s good advice.

 

Namaskar,

Seshagiri

 

 

Note: THE WORK OF OUR DADAS

 

My deepest respects to those wts doing pracara work in difficult fields. I appreciate their sacrifice and hard work. They have dedicated their life to propagate the gospel of neo-humanism and truth. My request is that they should do just that by educating these sympathizers who have newly come to the Marga. Such sympathizers do not understand Ananda Marga philosophy. Dadas should educate them. Then this type of problem will be eliminated permanently. And they will be grateful to those Dadas for saving them.

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Dhya’nete a’ji dekhechi a’sabe tumi a’ma’r ghare…” (P.S. 4594)

 

Purport:

 

O’ my dearmost Baba, by Your divine grace, today I have seen You in my dhya’na and You told me that You will be coming to my house. O’ my Lord, You are so gracious. And now everything is ready for Your grand arrival. The seat has been properly prepared and the colorful a’lpana’ decorations have been beautifully placed on the path of Your arrival. Baba, since then how many days and how many nights have passed– I have no calculation. Why is it that You did not come. You must have taken a strong vow not to come. But by Your grace today You have broken that vow– and that is why You are coming. It is Your grace.

Baba, we are so very close; we have been together since the dawn of creation. Your and my introduction did not only happen hundreds and thousands of years ago. O’ all-pervading Entity, all along– each and every moment– You have secretly been with me, since the beginning of time. Baba, always You have remained by my side.

Baba, today You blessed me in my dhyana and You told me that You are coming to my house. This is Your causeless grace…

 

 

****************************************

Slowly Moving Towards Cemetery

 

Baba says, “Human beings often attach 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. From the moment of birth one slowly and steadily advances towards death with every passing second. 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 world of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilize every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice.” (APH-4, p. 251)

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Unfortunate Umbrella: Part II

Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:37:06 -0000

To: am-global@earthlink.net

From:

Subject: Unfortunate Umbrella: Part II

 

Baba

 

== UNFORTUNATE UMBRELLA: Part II ==

 

Namaskar,

This entire topic about the ‘Umbrella of Vanity’ is closely linked with

our devotional life and being able to feel His grace each and every

moment through the course of our days. All are encouraged to write in

with their own thoughts and experiences as well.

 

 

COMMON HUMAN LONGING

 

As diverse as human beings are in their various expressions from their

outward appearance to their intrinsic talents, even then there are

certain common points that are universal to all.

 

For example, as Baba Himself tells us, it is the innate desire of each

and every human being to develop a close, personal relation with God.

 

Baba says, “Human beings want a personal God who will understand their

joys and sorrows, who will have love for them, and to whom they can

express love and feel kinship. They certainly do not want a God who

will only impart words of knowledge or punish them and not listen to

their tales of sorrow in a sympathetic manner. They want an Entity who

will sympathize with them cent per cent in their prosperity and

adversity alike.” (SS-11)

 

So when this inherent desire of wanting a personal link with Parama

Purusa is such a universal characteristic of each and every human heart

then certainly we should understand how to best satisfy and satiate this

divine longing.

 

 

TWO DISTINCT OUTLOOKS

 

Looking at opposite ends of the spectrum there are two distinct outlooks

which have a vastly different effect upon one’s ability to form that

sweet, intimate, and personal relation with God.

 

 

DEVOTIONAL APPROACH:

 

CULTIVATING AN INNER LINK WITH HIM

 

On the one side there are the bhaktas who think that Parama Purusa is

always watching them and caring for them and deep inside they believe

that that He is in fact the doer of their good. By this way of thinking,

by this type of outlook, devotees naturally develop a closer link with Him.

Because closeness between any two beings develops when one party feels

that the next entity is helping them. So when bhaktas believe in the

core of their heart that Parama Purusa is there to do everything for

them, and that He is the most benevolent and gracious One, and that

indeed everything happens in this universe due to His divine grace, then

automatically those bhaktas become internally linked with Him in a most

intimate way. That is one end of the spectrum.

 

 

UMBRELLA OF VANITY:

 

OBSTRUCTING ONE’S LINK WITH HIM

 

And on the other end of the spectrum there are those jinanis who are

dominated by their own unit ego and in their arrogance they think that

they achieve everything in this world by virtue of their own individual

talent– by their own efforts.

 

In that case, they are not relying on Parama Purusa but rather giving

full credit to themselves. And this defective approach– egotistically

thinking that ‘I did and that it at all happened because of me’– is

itself the ‘umbrella of vanity’. In which case one cannot feel His grace.

 

By this defective outlook a distinct gap develops between those jinanis

and Parama Purusa. In which case, consciously or unconsciously, these

jinanis view Parama Purusa as being nothing but one theoretical God in

the far distant sky, not that personal God Who is deep inside their heart.

And this is all due to their umbrella of vanity– thinking that ‘I am

the cause and I did everything’. That very defective approach creates

the feeling that Parama Purusa is far away– non-existent. In which case

such jinanis never get to feel His sweet grace or divine bliss.

 

 

IDENTIFYING THIS UMBRELLA OF VANITY: ‘I DID’

 

So in a nutshell, bhaktas think that ‘Parama Purusa is doing’ and

therefore move closer to Him; and jinanis think that ‘I did’ and thereby

increase the distance between them and their Lord.

 

And again if we identify the root cause behind this grand difference, it

is this very defective outlook: ‘I did’.

 

That egoistic expression– ‘I did’– is the unfortunate umbrella of

vanity which separates those jinanis from Parama Purusa. That is the

dark umbrella which obstructs their relation with Parama Purusa. And

that is why they do not feel His eternally flowing grace.

 

So the whole thing is just a matter of one’s outlook.

 

When any small or big thing occurs in this universe there are two

different ways to view the situation. The devotional mind will think

that it is only due to His grace while the jinani oriented mentality

will immediately try to take the credit for that action.

 

By these divergent approaches, the bhakta goes closer to Parama Purusa

and feels His sweet grace more and more while and the jinani goes away

from Him and just gets caught up in the net of their own ego.

 

And this is the umbrella of vanity– giving credit to oneself– when

really it is due to the grace of Parama Purusa.

 

But, through it all, we should always remember that Parama Purusa is

equally gracious on all– whether one understands this or not.

 

 

BABA’S DIVINE TEACHING

 

Baba says, “He has got equal love for each and every creature of this

universe, for all animate and inanimate objects. His krpa’ and His

compassion is being equally showered upon each and every individual,

upon each and every object. He bestows His compassion equally on each

and every object. Equally on pa’piis [sinners] and pun’yava’nas [the

virtuous].”

 

“But common people do not feel it, they do not feel that they are

getting His krpa’. Why do they not feel it? That krpa’, that water of

compassion, is being showered on each and every creature equally, but

ordinary people do not feel that they are being drenched by those sacred

waters. Why? Because they are holding the umbrella of vanity over their

heads, that’s why they are not being drenched.”

 

“And what is sa’dhana’? You will have to remove that umbrella from above

your head and get yourself drenched by the sacred water. You will have

to remove that umbrella of vanity…and get yourself drenched by that

water; and then you will feel that you are being graced by Him. This is

what is called krpa’. Krpa’ is there, but you will have to come to feel

it by your sa’dhana’. And when you will remove that umbrella, you will

get proper direction, and then you will be guided by hla’dinii shakti,

by Ra’dhika’ shakti. Here you will come in contact with His nu’pura

dhvani [Divine Sound].” (AV-33, ‘Brahmacakra’)

 

Thus by moving along the path of devotional sadhana one will easily be

able to remove that umbrella of vanity– it will disappear naturally. In

which case one will feel His boundless grace in each and every work, all

day long.

 

But for those crusty jinanis who again and again gloat about the fact

that they themselves are doing everything and that it is all due to

their own smartness, then they will permanently move around with the

umbrella of vanity over their head and in their life they will never

feel His divine grace. This is their unfortunate fate.

 

 

SPECIALITY OF DEVOTION

 

Here below Baba highlights the speciality of devotion.

 

“Bhaktira’nanda ru’pa’ca… Devotion is bliss incarnate.” (SS-18)

 

Devotion means feeling His sweet grace and divine in the seed vessels of

one’s mind, each and every moment.

 

So the degree to which one is tangibly feeling His grace and bliss in

their own mind is the degree to which they are a devotee.

 

And to the degree that one does not feel His grace and bliss is the

degree to which one is still holding that umbrella of vanity over their

head.

 

In this regard, when trying to calculate anyone’s standard, best is for

everyone to judge the matter for themselves. Only a tad bit of honesty

is needed, nothing more.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace, may we all move along the path of devotional sadhana

and feel His ever showering grace and divine bliss each and every moment

of our lives– and beyond.

 

Baba says, “By dint of sadhana, one is to arouse and exalt that sleeping

divinity. …But for this, one requires divine help and I know further

that one is getting divine help, and I know still further, that it is

for infinite time and infinite space, one is getting this divine help,

and you are all sadhakas, you will certainly attain the Supreme Stance

and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it my sons and

daughters.” (AV-23, p. 76)

 

Namaskar,

Mukunda

 

 

Note 1: ALL STRENGTH COMES FROM HIM

 

Here below Baba guides us that all our energy comes directly from Him.

 

Baba says, “Human beings also move on, but to move forward sometimes

they need energy. But where does this energy come from? The source of

all energy is Parama Purus’a. With His energy all entities are moving.

No living being has its own energy: endowed with the energy of Parama

Purus’a, it moves forward.” (SS-12, ‘Adarsha & Ista’)

 

Thus when all our strength comes from Him then naturally He is the one

behind our each and every work.

 

But jinanis again and again overlook this eternal truth and instead

proclaim themselves as the champion of their own deeds. And that

defective mentality is their umbrella of vanity.

 

 

Note 2: WHAT SHOULD BE OUR APPROACH

 

In this next guideline Baba clearly tells us what our approach should be.

 

Yato vishvam’…

 

Baba says, “Out of the grace of the supreme, the universe has emerged;

due to His grace, the universe preserves its existence; and because of

His grace, everything will finally dissolve in Him.”

 

“So the final word in the realm of spirituality is the supreme grace of

Parama Purus’a. Intelligent people will understand this supreme truth

and move accordingly. It is true not only in the physical level, nor in

the physico-psychic level, nor in the psychic, nor in the

psycho-spiritual level, but in all levels.”

 

“Finally, whatever you say or think, everything is finally embedded in

the grace of Parama Purus’a. The sooner this fundamental truth is

realised, the better it will be for all.” (SS-18, ‘Cult, Inference, &

Propensity’)

 

 

Note 3: THE FIRST LETTER IN THIS SERIES

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/02/unfortunate-umbrella.html

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Ceye gechi toma’re, shato rupe shato ba’re…” (P.S. 2503)

 

Purport:

 

Baba You are mine; my everything is depending on You. You are my Ista;

You are my Goal. Baba, I long to see You in hundreds of forms, hundreds

of times–again and again. But, You only got held in name, song, melody,

and tune. I only got You in those few ways. Baba, with my deep yearning,

I search for You very near in the depths of my heart; I do not ever want

for You to remain far away.

 

O’ the Devata of Divine Effulgence, please come more close–silently,

please smile in my “I-feeling”, in the deep core of my heart. Baba,

please fill my whole existence in Your divine effulgence, in Your

undying love, with parabhakti.

 

Baba, by Your grace I have a deep longing and earnest desire to have

You close, with the bond of love, in Your rhythmic expression and

resonance. Baba, I want You close, in the land of the sweet resonance of

the divine flute, in each and every blissful moment, in the world of the

divine effulgence and beyond– eternally. Baba, please shower Your

ahetuki krpa’ and make my existence successful. O’ my dearmost…

 

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Baba’s Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:15:43 +0530

To: AM-GLOBAL

From: “Deva_Sudhakar”

Subject: Baba’s Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

 

Baba

 

BABA’S GUIDELINE:

 

MANAGING TOUGH SITUATIONS

 

Namaskar,

Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. We all face

unexpected times and tough situations that make life overwhelming.

However, even then we will not be at a loss for how to proceed.

 

By Baba’s grace, He has given us all the right practices and solutions

and addressed every circumstance.

 

In one particular English discourse delivered in Patna (1971), Baba

graciously gives us an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are

in an extremely difficult moment.

 

By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and

maintain proper adjustment and equipoise even in the most challenging

and unexpected situations.

 

 

UNEXPECTED OR EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

 

The baby is sick…my father-in-law has fallen…my son got in a car

accident…my best friend was robbed…my deadline at work…my wife is

giving birth…my car broke down…I lost my wallet…my plane was

delayed….grandfather is dying…

 

So many unexpected and extreme situations arise in life. So many things

occur that are beyond our ability to plan – that take us away from our

daily routine.

 

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go

all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life

becomes beyond our ability to manage. We cannot attend to our regular

duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand –

whether it be a birth, death, or something critical in between.

 

It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere

to Baba’s guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in

the best position to gain success and serve others.

 

 

MOST JUST EAT FIRST

 

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too

busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due

to a critical dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the

first thing they do is eat.

 

This is the common way most people proceed – or if they are really crude

they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol).

 

In AM also, when submerged in a crises or tough situation – while none

of us will smoke or drink – some will indeed eat food the first moment

they get.

 

But this is not the proper approach. Baba’s guideline is something

altogether different.

 

 

BABA’S SYSTEM: HOW TO PRIORITIZE

 

In His highly unique discourse from Patna in 1971, Baba gives us the

following formula for how to proceed in such situations.

 

When totally overwhelmed by a life circumstance and when thrown from our

daily routine, then Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is

sadhana.

 

So sadhana is #1.

 

In His divine discourse of 1971 Patna, Baba instructs us that even if we

have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of

unforseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5

minutes free, then we should do sadhana.

 

Because we are mental beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5

minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. So Baba’s gives top

priority to doing sadhana.

 

Then if we have a little more time then we should bathe.

 

So taking a bath is #2.

 

With the mental stamina attained from sa’dhana’, then we next address

our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath,

according to the AM system, will allow us to further revitalise ourselves.

 

Thereafter, when we have done 5 minutes of sadhana and taken a bath,

then Baba says we should take some time to relax.

 

So relaxation is #3.

 

Here relaxation does not mean rest or sleep. Actually in the discourse

Baba makes a joke that one should only take rest when they reach the

funeral pyre – not before. Everyone in attendance laughed.

 

The main point is that rest and relaxation are two different things. By

relaxation, Baba means taking a few minutes to calm the body and settle

the mind. It allows a person come back to their normal flow – reach a

state of balance. This period of relaxation might just be for a few

minutes, but it is very important to do.

 

Finally, after doing short sadhana, taking bath, and relaxing, then one

should eat.

 

So eating is #4.

 

Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has

given in this 1971 English discourse in Patna. And by eating Baba of

course means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly

and keeping the mind in a positive mode.

 

So these are Baba’s step-wise guidelines for how to proceed when

encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from

their normal routine.

 

 

MOST PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE

 

Of course most of the world’s population is totally unaware of Baba’s

teachings so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, then they

do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In

that case, it is not just a single event, but rather their entire course

of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand

like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from

exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do they

may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved

one. All these things may happen in the heat of the moment.

 

If we follow Baba’s above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind

in proper flow whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The

situation will not get compounded by other problems due to our own

negligence.

 

 

IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA

 

By His system of prioiritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives

great importance to sadhana. And of course in so many discourses Baba

tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

 

Baba says, “The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth

is to do spiritual practice…Sa’dhana’ is the main theme of life.

Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote

your sa’dhana’ and help the sa’dhana’ of others. Human beings come to

earth to practise sa’dhana’, to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme

Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus’a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus,

the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals.

Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the

progress in their sa’dhana’ will go on accelerating.” (YP)

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By Baba’s grace our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact

procedure to deal with every event in life – even unexpected ones. By

this way we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by

the tenets of dharma.

 

So always remember: First is sadhana, second is bath, third is

relaxation, and fourth is food. If we keep this system in mind and

follow it, then we will be in the best position to handle every and any

situation that comes in life.

 

Namaskar,

Sudhakar

 

 

PS Intro: In the life of a sadhaka sometimes sadhana is good and one

feels very close proximity to Parama Purusa– Baba. Then everything in

life is pleasing & charming: Blissful. Naturally though, over the course

of their systaltic movement, sadhakas inevitably experiences a phase of

pause in their sadhana. In that time deep, devotional spiritual ideation

and strong sadhana are almost impossible; instead the mind becomes dry.

One’s surroundings become tasteless and in the heart the sadhaka starts

to feel that ‘something is missing’. Because in the absence of the

Divine Entity– Baba– one’s surroundings become bland & mundane. Even

then in the hearts of good sadhakas, they still have deep longing for

Parama Purusa– Baba. And that blissful, devotional yearning is known as

melancholic longing. In the following song, this entire idea has been

expressed through the metaphor of the bakul flower garden etc.

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Jabe ei path diye esechile, viithika’ pus’pe bhara’ chilo…” (PS 2141)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, when You came to my home by this path, that time the garden lane

was full of sweet, fragrant flowers. By Your divine presence, my mind

became spiritually intoxicated with the divine aroma of those flowers.

On that occasion also the flow of songs was floating in the air. Baba,

since You did not come, even today that bakul flower lane is just lying

there vacant– unused. Innumerable flowers have fallen and become one

with the dust. Where has that sweet flower fragrance of the bakul flower

gone. Now all its aroma is completely dried up. O’ my dearmost, since

You have not come to this lane for so long, everyone has forgotten how

beautiful and charming that garden was. Because of Your presence.

Baba, anyhow still today the flowers on the trees are surviving, but due

to Your absence, the garden lane has lost all its charm. So those trees

are just weeping thinking how the days of old were so charming and

blissful in Your presence. Because in those days You showered Your grace

by coming down that garden lane. Those days were so magnificent and

blissful. But now You are not coming. So by remembering Your august

visit those trees are very unhappy. Their melancholic tears have totally

drenched the garden lane. And those trees repeat again and again that

despite having everything: The flower, the lane, the atmosphere, and

greenery– despite all these things, in the absence of the One, i.e. You

Baba, this entire world becomes utterly meaningless and empty.

Baba, please be gracious. Do not remain distant– always remain inside

my heart. Baba, please grace me so that I always feel Your divine

presence…

 

 

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In Real Sense Everyone’s Language is Same

 

Baba says, “Either from the psycho-physical or theoretical viewpoint, all

the people of the world have the same language. This is because the essence

of language, that is idea, is one and the same for all languages. Phonetics

may differ amongst languages because of differences in geographical

environment, which causes differences in racial and ethnic factors and

results in variations in the biological structure of the vocal chord. Thus

when the idea to drink water appears in the mind, then human beings may

express this idea differently. Some say, A’mi jal kha’ba while others say,

Mu jala pivu, and others say I want to drink water. Behind these different

expressions is the same idea.” (AFPS-9)

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Women’s Issue

From: “Padma Sharma”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Women’s Issue

Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:14:22 +0530

 

Baba

 

== WOMEN’S ISSUE ==

 

Namaskar,

Our local Dada after dharmacakra and svadhyaya, he gave one simple talk

which is as follows.

 

We have all come from animal life. Thus nobody needs any training on the

point of using basic propensities: Food, sleep, sex, fear, etc. Baba says

in Ananda Vacanamrtam, “A’ha’r nidra’…pashu bhih samana’…” On these

four basic propensities, human beings and animals are the same. Since

thousands and thousands of years, animals were involved in food, sex etc,

and then by gradual progress people get a human body in this higher stage of

pratisaincara.

 

So it is an inherent desire which people have about sex. Means people are

prone to fall in sexual thoughts. And the whole yoga practice is the

process of bringing human existence from animal level up to the divine.

 

 

MUST NOT DEGRADE BACK TOWARDS ANIMALITY

 

Baba does not appreciate any degradation towards animality. Even in our

sadhana of pashavacar one is fighting against animal instincts in order to

become vira.

 

Baba says, “This first phase of struggle in tantra Sadhana is called pashvácár

in Saḿskrta, for here the spiritual aspirants are to some extent like animals;

and so the fight against all those nooses of páshas and ripus is known as the

fight of an animal – the pashvácára in Saḿskrta.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 11)

 

And in viracar sadhana there is more control and by that way after more progress

one becomes deva in divyacar sadhana. And this divyacara sadhana is nothing

but our dhyana process. So it is quite clear that external sexual

attraction and higher meditation like dhyana cannot work together. The two

cannot co-exist.

 

 

APPLYING THEORY TO SOCIETY:

 

FEMALES PORTRAYED AS OBJECTS OF DESIRE

 

Later I asked my RS Dada about this very same issue and how it manifests

itself in the general society.

 

RS Dada replied, ‘You see, this is a materialistic era. You must not forget

this fact. So for earning money the general trend of the present society is

to exploit women on the point of sexuality. Means in dogmatic way the

ruling capitalist agents are portraying females as being just tools of

sexual enjoyment for the males.’

 

‘For example, if you see carefully and check any advertisement in the

television, newspaper, radio, internet, billboards, magazines, company

brochures, they put a female’s picture which is not related with their

subject. For example on even male garments they put a picture of a female

on the top. Or in cigarette advertisements they put a lady’s picture; or

anywhere you will hardly see any male picture as they are showing females.

So they feel women are needed to exhibit those products. If you move in the

market you can see this very clearly.’

 

‘Furthermore to exploit the females, Miss ‘India’, Miss ‘Pakistan’, Miss

‘Australia’, ‘Miss World’ etc competitions happen. (If you want to have

more picture, then whatever country you like you put the name, Miss ….)

But you might not have heard that “Mister India” or “Mister USA” or “Mister

World” competitions are going on. And some boys selected as most beautiful

in beauty competition and their picture is shown everywhere. Even in

various advertisements this is not happening. But in the future society if

female domination occurs then possibility is there that females will

exploit males. Then everything will be done for the sake of females’

enjoyment. But now the wind is blowing in the opposite direction. That is,

the domination by males. And females are just one sexual enjoyment. This

unfortunate dogma is dominating.”

 

‘By all this it is clear that males do not have as much allurement in the

eyes of advertising companies in comparison to females. So the ‘Mister’ word

does not have value for the companies. That’s why companies think that no

need to organize such beauty competitions amongst males. Because customers

are more attracted by seeing pictures of females.’

 

 

FEMALES GET NEGATIVE TEACHING:

 

BEAUTIFY ONESELF

 

RS Dada continued, ‘For all these reasons, females are negatively trained

from their childhood in that way. It is very unfortunate. Because the

result is an imposed samskara has been implanted deeply within the females’

psychic structure. Thus they feel that they have to paint their faces or

different parts and use different make-up & perfume. The fact is that this

whole business of beauty cosmetics & company products are working on this

very theme: To beautify females for males’ enjoyment. And everybody knows

that females are not beautifying themselves for other females. They are

beautifying for males.’

 

‘So on the one hand around the globe, the women’s liberation movement is

going on. But they could not understand this very fact that the whole

theory of ‘beautifying females’ is based on a male-dominated society.’

 

RS Dada added, ‘Women are made to think they should paint their faces and

their nails, shave their legs, wear exposing clothing. All these practices

were designed by males for the crude pleasure of males.’

 

‘Unfortunately most of the females are not aware about this exploitation of

male domination and beautifying for males. But that dogma has entered deep

inside females’ minds. All are not like that, but the majority are. There

is no dearth of rational females who discard all these crude practices. But

they are rare. And for that reason most females have accepted that this is

the way of life. Beautifying and painting their faces and doing all sorts

of artificial things has become their way of life. Since their birth up to

their death they are involved in this way. And this problem is not limited

with any particular country or race or age. This is a universal problem.’

 

‘Because this is a male dominated society and males have attraction for the

opposite sex/females, so to sell their products companies are putting

negative and revealing images of females on their packaging and

advertisements etc. Since males have most of the money, capitalist

companies have to convince males to purchase those things.’

 

 

EVEN DRIFTED INTO OUR MARGA

 

Further my RS Dada told that, ‘With regards to Prabhat Samgiita, one group

is very cunning and capitalist-minded. Because they are putting

pictures of sensually alluring females on the Prabhat Samgiita cassette

covers. So many cassettes being issued since 1990 are like this. Because one

group is controlling the sales of Prabhat Samgiita cassettes and they want

to make maximum money. So in their mind they think that if they will not

put sexy females pictures on the cassette cover then no one will purchase

them. Then how are they going to earn money. They think that if they will

not put pictures of females then nobody will purchase it. So to make money

the only way is to put the female’s picture. This is one group’s ploy. Of

course other groups have their own negative strategies but this manipulative,

capitalist trick is the work of a group in order to sell PS cassettes &

increase their profits’.

 

After listening this I was shocked. That where we are going?

 

 

“WHERE ARE WE GOING”

 

I raised the point that Prout has a movement to protect women and not

expose females in any products. Means as Proutist we are opposing this

psychology on females exploitation and exposing females in advertisements.

 

Then Dada said, ‘That’s true but these days with all the narrow-minded

group agendas then neither of the groups care about this. Just a group is

selfishly planning for their own pocket. And if you say anything directly

then they will try to appease you and give their various logic.

 

And some will openly say that ‘Don’t preach me about Prout. Prout is for

non-Margiis, not for us. In which part of Tiljala there is Prout? Everyone

has their own kitchen, and way of living. Enjoying their own way of life.

Own black money, bank account. Where is Prout society?’

 

I did not say anything. I started thinking, that ‘Where we are going?’

 

Later, reflecting back, all these insights shared by RS Dada held deep

meaning for me.

 

 

ONE MIND

 

Then that respected one acarya also told, that human beings have only one

mind. And if that very mind is diverted towards some worldly attachments or

animal propensities, then how that mind will go towards Parama Purusha. It

is impossible. And sex is one of the most dominating propensities which, if

it is not controlled, it drives the human beings crazy.

 

Then this respected Acarya told that ‘This is not my own theory. Baba

always explains this fact in our reporting. And there are many evidences

when Baba has clearly written in Subhasita Samgraha by citing this sloka

“Jaha’n ka’m vaha’n nahi ra’m”. That means where sexual attraction is

there, there is no existence of God. Means, into same mind we cannot put

two things. Sexual feelings and Godly love. Devotion.

 

 

SOCIETAL MOVEMENT IS NEEDED

 

In this transitional period when society is in crisis and needs our help

and Baba has given the unique philosophy. And there are good number of

dedicated WTs and Margiis working day and night to establish this. In this

situation we should not allow any sort of negative things which goes

against the teachings of our beloved Baba. Whether it is small or big, we

should not allow anything which goes against Baba.

 

Now in this below teaching Baba says it is the duty of men only to come

forward, and solve this problem.

 

Baba says, “Candidly when there is no question of women’s rights having

been snatched away, it hardly calls for an agitation reminiscent of the

trade union movement. Whatever responsibility there be on this account, it

is entirely men’s own. If any agitation is called for at all, the

initiative must come from the men themselves. Today, having realised the

necessity of women, it is now the responsibility of men to gradually

restore rights to women, which one day women surrendered to men in a weak

moment of helplessness or in response to their heart felt sentiments.” (HS

I ’87 ed., p.30)

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

Here Baba’s blessing is with us.

 

Baba says, “Moralists, though in a minority today, have no reason to worry.

Once society is led by people who are intellectually and intuitionally

developed, there will certainly be no scope for exploitation and

injustice.” (AFPS-2, p. 15)

 

Sisterly yours,

Namaskar,

Padma

 

 

NOTE 1: IN THE CALCUTTA MARKETPLACE

 

Various PS cassettes are still being published like this. I have

seen in Calcutta in the market, it is still being sold like this. So this

negativity is still going on. And the common public is looking upon this

Prabhat Samgiita as their tool of crude enjoyment, just like common film

cassettes. So Prabhat Samgiita is getting propagated, but in very negative

way.

 

Means it is very unfortunate that B group Dadas are putting the picture of

females on Prabhat Samgiita cassette which is absurd. On some of the covers

appears the photo of one filmy actress etc. By looking that cassette you

can see that it is odd.

 

No true Margii likes to keep that cassette in sadhana place. Nobody likes

to keep such type of negative cassettes along with their musical

instruments etc in their sadhana area. This trend of putting females photo

on Prabhat Samgiita cassette is condemnable. On this very point I talked

with more than one dozen WT’s and half a dozen family acaryas. All were

agree that Baba’s teaching must be followed about – “Caks’una’ Sam’varo

Sa’dhu”. Baba does not appreciate that His disciple should have weakness

for such animal propensities.

 

 

NOTE 2: BABA IS VERY FIRM ON THIS POINT

 

Further my Acarya narrated, ‘I have clear remembrance of different

reportings and dharma samiksa when I saw clearly that those Margiis or WT’s

who had even a little weakness towards the sex, Baba could not tolerate.

And Baba dealt with firm hand.’

 

He recalled one incident when he asked to one senior Dada that ‘Baba

was very serious and tough during dealing with the cases of sexual affairs.’

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“(Toma’ke) ka’che peye tabu cena’ da’y…” – P.S. 4792

 

Purport:

 

Baba, even when having You close it is hard to recognise You. You are

surrounding me in different colors and shapes in the form of this entire

creation; but it is difficult to recognise You.

Wherever You live– in the divine world or in the spiritual world or in

the psychic world, what can I do. Nothing comes and goes in my life.

When I face the scorching heat of the burning desert or when I see the

pouring rain of the rainy season, then I do not understand how they are

telling the tales of Your greatness.

Similarly when I see the softness of the winter season and the sweet

fragrant breeze of the spring season that time also I do not understand how

they are spreading the tales of Your glory. In the extremely cold season

when staticity surrounds, it is hard to maintain proper movement in the

life. That time I feel in the mind that behind this entire the creation You

are hiding.

The tender, colorful leaves of the spring season and the sweet fragrance

of the flowers which are full of nectar, they are pouring Your love. Baba

having You in close proximity, even then it is hard to recognise You. Baba

Your liila is incomparable. Baba, You are all around me but I do not

recognise You…

 

 

***************************************************

All Are Equal

 

Baba says, “Parama Purusa desires the spiritual progress of all…His

daughters are as worthy of love as His sons. When a father plays with his

children he does not differentiate between his son and his daughter. He

takes both on his lap. Both are treated equally. But today’s society is a

villain which continues to exploit women. In the eyes of Parama Purusa all

are equal. ” (AV-8, p. 96)

***************************************************

 

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Baba’s Special Approach on Sadhana

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:25:44 -0000

To: AM-GLOBAL

Subject: Baba’s Special Approach on Sadhana

From: “Ishvara”

 

Baba

 

“Toma’kei bha’loba’si a’mara’…” (PS 3821)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, You are our everything, our Heart of hearts. We love only You.

Baba, by Your grace we are moving ceaselessly along Your divine path; we

are treading on that very path which You have graciously shown to us. Baba,

day and night we sing Your boundless glories and dance according to Your

sweet rhythms. O’ Lord, we always propagate Your grand ideals. Baba, You

have created us: We are Your thought projection; we are Your progeny. Baba,

You are our Father– Our Ista.

Baba, by Your grace we love one and all equally; everyone’s existence is

treasured. We do not differentiate between high and low, small and big,

rich and poor, touchable and untouchable, sinner and virtuous, literate and

illiterate etc. All are kith and kin– all are family members. All are part

of that singular humanity. Baba, we are all bound together with Your divine

love. O’ Lord, with Your infinite compassion You always call us to come

close with Your beacon call, which pulls our heart close to You. By Your

grace we hear Your call and move towards You. Baba, You are the Goal. Our

each and every action and deed is aimed toward Your divine stance– toward

reaching up to You. Baba, You are our Aim and the Polestar of our life.

Baba, You have blessed us with the ideals of neo-humanism. Firstly, You

have graciously granted us individual freedom; secondly, You have infused

us with collective spirit; and thirdly, You have spiritualised our minds

with the dhyana of the Supreme One [1]. With these three attributions one

other quality unfolds: We wage a relentless fight against all the evils.

And by Your grace victory is sure. Baba, by these four noble qualities of

neo-humanism– individual freedom, collective spirit, spiritual outlook,

and fight against evil forces– we have created one big banyan tree of love

and affection which branches out and extends throughout this vast universe.

O’ Baba, by this approach we have made this dusty earth into a golden

paradise, by Your divine blessing.

Baba, we all love only You; You are our Goal. O’ our most Adored One…

 

 

NOTES ABOUT PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3821:

 

[1] “Vya’s’t’…amara’r”. In the third and final stanza of the above song,

Baba describes 4 special principles that are part and parcel of our

neo-humanistic philosophy: (a) individual freedom, (b) collective interest,

(c) spiritual ideation, (d) the fight against injustices. All are four are

needed to create a golden paradise on this earth and build a society in the

real sense of the term. For example, without proper dhyana, then individual

freedom can be twisted to exploit the masses. Such is the case in

capitalism since it is devoid of a spiritual approach. Communism does not

allow for individual freedom nor does it recognise spirituality: Both are

missing. For this reason, collective interest and a loving society could

not be attained in communism. So it is more murderous than capitalism.

 

Comparatively speaking, communists are worse than capitalists. Then in the

dogma-centered philosophy such as in the crude religions, individual

freedom and perfect spirituality are missing. So the religions are just

dogma-based. There is no true feeling of universal love. That is why

followers of same religion can kill each other. This history has witnessed

again and again. So religious society is also defective– fake. Baba guides

us that in an ideal society all 4 principles are needed: (a) individual

freedom, (b) collective interest, (c) spiritual ideation, (d) the fight

against injustices. Failing that, this world cannot become a golden

paradise. In the absence of any of these principles, groupism and

factionalism will erupt. So our neo-humanistic approach is entirely

revolutionary. In this God-centered approach, individual freedom is used

for virtuous deeds which bring collective welfare, and all the while there

is a pactless fight against all injustices. This is the speciality of our

neo-humanism and this is the grand ideal Baba is propagating in His above

song.

 

 

== BABA’S SPECIAL APPROACH ON SADHANA ==

 

Namaskar,

We all know Baba places great emphasis on spiritual life and doing sadhana.

And in not one but in numerous discourses Baba warns about being firm in

sadhana because often people fail to move ahead in their spiritual life due

to their own deficiencies like procrastination etc.

 

Nidra’ tandra’ bhayam’ krodha a’lasyam’ diirghasu’trata’;

S’ad’ados’a’h purus’en’eha ha’ntavya’h bhu’timicchata’.

 

Baba says, “Those who want to prosper in life must destroy these six

defects in themselves: nidra’ [sleep], tandra’ [drowsiness], a’lasya

[lethargy], bhaya [fear], krodha [anger], and diirghasu’trata’

[procrastination].” (AV)

 

Thereafter Baba describes that those who want to become great must shun

these negative habits. In particular one must not succumb to spiritual

procrastination. This is most harmful since one neglects their spiritual

practice– and they do not do sadhana.

 

And Baba furthermore explains that everyone has the potential to become

great, but often people do not tap into that potentiality– or that

potentiality does not blossom. Most of the time due to lethargy or laziness

in the spiritual sphere.

 

So those who want to become great must be conscious of all of this.

 

And to do proper sadhana, various tips are quick helpful– one of which is

doing sadhana outside. This is Baba’s guideline.

 

 

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

 

Of course what Baba teaches He also does. By His example He shows the way.

And doing sadhana outside was Baba’s regular practice. Especially in the

early days, Baba used to regularly wander up to the hills of Jamalpur and

explore the countryside and do sadhana in remote isolated places. And then

come back in the evening time or even in the middle of the night. This was

the way of His usual outdoor sadhana program.

 

Of course there was no need for Baba to do sadhana at all but just to show

us that doing sadhana outside was good, He did like this.

 

Baba says, “He needs no sadhana, but just to set an example to others, He

performs sadhana.” (DT-2, p.92 / 1969, Ranchi)

 

 

BABA DESCRIBES DOING SADHANA IN THE MOUNTAINS

 

Baba says, “I used to go for a walk nearly every day in the mountains east

of Jamalpur. I used to sit on the second mountain. One after another,

several small and large mountains run parallel to each other. The summit of

the second mountain was the highest place among them. I used to arrive

there in the middle of the afternoon and stay there until about eight at

night.” (Shabda Cayanika-1, p.93)

 

Here Baba talks more about His experience of doing sadhana outside:

 

Baba says, “I was sitting on the peak. It was the bright lunar

fortnight…In front of me, that is to the west, on the slope of the

mountain, was a dense ga’b forest…The mountain in front of me was

completely bare…I was probably the only person for several miles,

completely alone…the peak that I was seated on…” (Shabda Cayanika-1, p.94)

 

 

BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR SADHANA

 

In His various discourses, Baba also talks about the innumerable benefits

of doing sadhana outside: Enhanced concentration, fresh air, mental

sharpness, good for pratyahara, less disturbances, positive microvita,

pointedness of mind. These are but a few of the many benefits.

 

 

MOVING AHEAD IN SADHANA

 

By Baba’s grace we should all realise our potential and following His

divine example by making it our regular practice to do sadhana outside.

This will be highly beneficial for our spiritual life and progression along

the path of sadhana.

 

Baba says, “It is desirable to practise various lessons of sadhana alone,

in a lonely place.” (GHC, final page)

 

Namaskar,

Ishvara

 

 

P.S. I hope all my margii brothers and sisters will write in with their

experiences and realisations of doing sadhana outside.

 

 

***************************************

Some Tips How to Save Oneself From Psychic Diseases

 

In this age scientific development has made significant progress, while in

comparison human psychic and spiritual growth is lagging far behind. In

result, mental tension has multiplied in geometrical progression. The final

outcome being that nerve, brain, and heart diseases have become quite

common; and nervousness and insanity are also prevalent, if not rampant, in

the society. And the remedy for all this is as follows:

 

Baba says, “While doing work one should ideate, ‘It is the work of Parama

Purusa; it is not mine. I am doing His work to please Him’. By following

this approach mental tension, nervousness, and psychic diseases will never

arise. And also samskaras will not be formed.” (08 April ’84, Tattanagar DMC)

***************************************

 

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Feeling Happy by Others Suffering

From: “Shantatma Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Feeling Happy by Others Suffering

Date: Tue 15 Feb 2011 11:38:42 +0530

 

Baba

 

== FEELING HAPPY BY OTHER’S SUFFERING ==

 

Namaskar,

We all know that Nigamananda ji became quite ill this past week, and this may have engendered an array of sentiments within our Marga family. After all, when any person is controversial then some are against him and some favour that individual.

 

Upon hearing of Nigamananda’s deterioration of health, some become very sad while others become very happy. This is the common human tendency. We should all consider how far this is appropriate and consistent with Baba’s teachings.

 

 

MANY OTHER EXAMPLES

 

Actually there are many examples where incidents incite opposing reactions, or when people derive happiness from seeing others in pain and misery.

 

For instance:

 

(a) When the Twin Towers crashed to the ground on 9-11, many Americans were totally distraught while some radical Muslims were feeling quite happy;

 

(b) In his book Nagina ji says that when his boss – who used to harass him regularly – was punished by the higher authorities then Nagina became very happy. The next time he saw Baba, then Baba scolded him for his behaviour;

 

(c) When Shraddhanandaji was sick then his supporters were very concerned for his well-being while those who hated him due to his political ties became happy;

 

(d) Likewise when there are riots in the street, then some feel happy watching the protesters get knocked down, and others feel happy seeing their pain.

 

Here the point is that there are always some who derive pleasure from watching others get knocked down and stricken by disease. They become happy seeing another’s misery. This is a very common occurrence.

 

Why? Because this is the way the human mind works. In the mind there is one propensity known as kru’rata’, or sadistic tendency. It is this vrtti which leads people to think in this hurtful manner.

 

Yet Baba guides us to follow the path of benevolence. So we should all be aware about Guru’s teachings and overcome this tendency of kru’rata’, i.e. sadistic mentality.

 

 

WHAT GENERALLY HAPPENS

 

Amongst the general populace, if your friend is having a problem, then you also feel unhappy as you do not wish to see your friend or family member suffer. Whereas if an enemy – or someone you do not like – is undergoing difficult circumstances, then people often feel happy. This is the common human tendency.

 

But this latter approach is of a sadistic mentality; i.e. people derive happiness from watching others undergo suffering and troubles. This is not at all an appropriate response, especially for a sadhaka. Why? Because sadhana can only be practiced when the mind is in a balanced state.

 

So we should not harbor any vrtti that is sadistic in nature, as it is wrong to derive pleasure from another’s suffering. Then one will be going against the code of neo-humanism and one will not be able to perform sadhana. Even then there are some who pray to the Lord to destroy their enemies. That is even more negative; that is tamasik devotion.

 

 

BABA’S TEACHINGS

 

Here below Baba reviews one important shloka about cultivating benevolence and compassion towards others. In so doing, He presents critical life scenarios that are invaluable to us all.

 

Maetrii-karuńá-mudito’pekśáńáḿ

Sukháduhkha-puńyápuńyaviśayánáḿ

Bhávanátashcittaprasádanam.

 

Baba says, “Suppose someone is very sad; seeing his miserable fate people will say, “Well done! He deserved it!” But this is not the proper approach. The proper approach should be to show compassion, thinking “What a pity he is in great trouble. Had I also been in such a difficult position, how badly I would feel.” In this way the feeling of compassion (karuńa) should be aroused in one’s mind.” (Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life, Part 11)

 

And here again Baba guides us about what our approach should be upon seeing someone sick or in problem.

 

Baba says, ““Again on seeing a person in distress one should have the feeling – “Alas, how miserable is the condition of this person! Let his miseries be over expeditiously … I shall also try to remove his misery as early as possible.”” (Shabda Cayanika-4, Discourse: 27)

 

In yet another discourse, Baba pointedly describes how we are to feel towards those undergoing difficulties.

 

Baba says, “”And for those people who live in misery one should develop an attitude of compassion. One should never feel happy upon seeing the sorrows of others, but should think, “What a miserable life that person is leading. I hope things get better for him soon.”” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell, Part 8)

 

Thus, irrespective of how good or bad someone is, if they are suffering we should have empathy and compassion for their situation. That is the only way. Failing that, the mind gets twisted and and makes doing sadhana impossible.

 

Indeed, during PC or dharma samiiksa, Baba would point out such circumstances where a person rejoiced in another’s misfortune. Baba wants that we overcome such a defective mentality. That is His clear-cut message: Do not derive pleasure from seeing others in pain.

 

 

OUR OUTLOOK

 

By all of the above, and by understanding the teachings of neo-humanism, as sadhakas we should strive to see all as the manifestation of Parama Purusa. Regardless of who is in problem and suffering, one must not feel happy by their misery. That is Baba’s teaching.

 

We are to impose the karuna vrtti and arouse compassion to make the mind balanced.

 

The whole point is that in seeing others suffer one must not become happy. We must have sympathy; that is quality of sadhaka. We are to think that Narayan has come in this form. Then we can render real service and help them.

 

In this regard there must not be any duality or hypocrisy. If anyone is in trouble or undergoing difficulties, we must be sincere in cultivating compassionate thoughts within and offer our help. There must be no difference between our internal feeling and our external expression.

 

 

SITUATION WITH NIGAMANANDA JI

 

Thus when Dada Nigamananda ji has fallen sick. There is only one response: compassion. We must empathize with his condition and we must do what we can to sincerely help him and relieve him of his pain. No matter what our personal feelings may be for his political or group interests, when he is sick the only response one should have is 100% compassion and support for him. That is Baba’s teaching.

 

It is not that only his group cohorts should help him and those who deem him as an enemy should rejoice in Dadaji’s suffering. This is not the way and to plunge in deriving pleasure from Dadaji’s painful condition is against Guru’s teaching.

 

The singular stand is having compassion for Dadaji’s plight and wishing for his welfare and recovery. That is the way of a true Ananda Margii.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

Here again is Baba’s teachings – I think nothing more need be said.

 

Baba says, “”And for those people who live in misery one should develop an attitude of compassion. One should never feel happy upon seeing the sorrows of others, but should think, “What a miserable life that person is leading. I hope things get better for him soon.”” (APH-8)

 

Namaskar,

Shantatma

 

 

OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

 

Baba says, “At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do not have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the ácárya/á. The word deva should be suffixed to the name…the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings.” (Caryacarya-1)

 

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For Optimal Health–Part V

From: “Mirabai _Devii”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: For Optimal Health– Part V

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:44:25

 

Baba

 

NATURAL WAY OF LIVING– PART V:

 

CLEANSING TOXINS FROM THE BODY

 

Namaskar,

Note: One WT has published “tips” how to break fast and those are reviewed

in this below posting.

 

 

ALL WANT TO BE HEALTHY

 

All around the globe there is a growing interest, and even fascination, in

human health & wellness. People are trying innumerable types of tonics,

diets, pills, surgeries, procedures, and remedies to increase their quality

of life. But unfortunately most of the public guidelines are improper and

push innocent people in the wrong direction.

 

By Baba’s divine grace we Ananda Margiis are in a unique position. Because

He has graciously bestowed on us all the inner secrets and special tips for

living a long and prosperous life. Among these many wonderful guidelines,

one very helpful process is Baba’s unique system of fasting & breaking

fast– as it cleanses and purifies the entire body.

 

In the general society most have never even heard of fasting, or never

tried it. And those who have done it often proceed via improper

instructions, thus causing more harm than good. However in Ananda Marga

Baba has blessed us with the perfect and ultimate system.

 

 

BABA’S GOLDEN SYSTEM

 

As every Ananda Margiis is well aware, Baba’s expressed teaching is to fast

from sunrise to sunrise– thus giving the body’s organs ample time for

complete rest and rejuvenation. This is one unique aspect.

 

And another speciality of the AM system of fasting is the special emphasis

which Baba places on breaking fast properly. On numerous occasions Baba

Himself has told that animals know how to fast but only humans know how to

break fast. The point being that there is a definite and proper way to

break fast– and this is how the toxins get removed. Thus a wrong technique

such as haphazardly breaking fast or prematurely filling the body with food

will ruin the entire detoxification process.

 

Hence Baba has put forth the idea that everyone should follow a rational

and systematic approach for breaking fast. And as a review here are a few

of those teachings.

 

 

A FEW OF BABA’S GUIDELINES FOR BREAKING FAST

 

[A] Baba guides us that we should give ourselves plenty of time the morning

of breaking fast to attend to our spiritual practices as well as for

the actual process of breaking fast. Doing everything in a rushed or

hurried manner and then running off to the office or catching a bus is not

at all advisable. Instead that will just create more problems as the body

is in a very delicate state and needs proper time to be re-hydrated and

energized. Hence as most of us require less sleep the night of fasting we

should rise early the next morning to give ourselves a maximum amount of

time.

 

[B] Another invaluable guideline which Baba has given us is the great

emphasis He places on drinking water and hydrating the body.

 

Baba says, “To maintain the internal functions of the body without

hindrance and to maintain the internal liquid balance, everyone should

drink a sufficient quantity of water.” (YT, Appendix A)

 

And Baba continues to explain that on normal day a healthy person should

drink 3-4 liters as a baseline. So on breaking fast morning when the body

is dehydrated it is obvious that we should also drink a very “generous”

amount of water– and not just a single glass.

 

And, as we have all experienced, on the morning of breaking fast drinking

an ample amount of water fulfills two distinct purposes. Firstly by

ingesting a minimum of 2-3 liters of lemon salt water then the body is able

to cleanse itself from top to bottom. The toxins are pulled from the

entire body and the entire length of the digestive track is made sparkling

clean.

 

Thereafter by drinking fresh water the second task is accomplished.

And that is to re-hydrate the body because after a 36 hour dry fast the

body is in need of water. Thus after cleaning the body with lemon salt

water one must drink another liter or two of fresh water to properly

hydrate the body. As others have described before, this two-fold process of

water drinking has to be completed prior to taking any solid food.

 

[C] When the body is cleansed and hydrated then one can eat a few ripe

bananas by chewing them properly to promote smooth and easy digestion. This

will give some calories to energize the body and when these bananas have

properly settled in the stomach (approximately 20-25 minutes) one should

again drink water before taking a light meal of well hydrated rice and

vegetables or other food commonly available in your locale.

 

[D] So these are some of the key points yet no doubt there are various

other detailed steps about breaking fast that others have already written

about.

 

 

GREAT RESULTS

 

The grand outcome of all of this is a dynamic and wonderful cleansing

process which consumes the entire body.

 

Baba says, “As a result of fasting, the poisonous and unproductive waste of

the body gets destroyed and expelled.” (CC-3)

 

Thus by Baba’s complete system of fasting and breaking fast all the toxins

get removed and the body becomes vibrant and pure.

 

 

ONE BLACK SPOT

 

Unfortunately in one small corner of our present day AM society, one WT is

preaching and publishing something different which runs counter to Baba’s

perfectly prescribed system and guidelines. For the awareness of all and to

clear the matter entirely, we should all be aware about the defective

approach being advocated by this WT.

 

 

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #1

 

Our WT wrote: “Break the fast the next morning after sunrise with a glass of lemon juice

(about 1/4 of a fresh lemon in a glass of water), with a little salt or honey.”

 

Needless to say drinking only a single glass of lemon water on the morning

of breaking fast will never ever suffice. That is like placing a tiny drop

of water in the desert. Because a mere small glass of water is nothing

compared to what the body really needs. Not to mention that one cannot

cleanse the body with that paltry amount of fluid either. In which case all

the toxins, previously undigested food, and other waste material will just

sit and linger in the body. And those dirty substances will release their

negative microvita throughout the entire body since they could not get

expelled from the body. Thus on multiple accounts this incorrect guideline

of drinking only 1 glass of water is totally wrong and harmful as it goes

against Baba’s expressed teachings. So no one should do like this and we

should warn others also. Because unfortunately one WT published this faulty

suggestion in their book.

 

 

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #2

 

Then that same WT wrote: “Then eat 1/2 or a whole banana slowly, biting off

small pieces and swallowing them whole without chewing.”

 

So after drinking only 8 ounces or 1/4 liter of water, now this WT is

recommending to eat a banana without chewing it.

 

Yet for sound health, Baba’s explicit teaching in Yogic Treatments book is

that all the food taken into the body must be digested properly. And part

and parcel of this process is chewing since this act of chewing awakens and

stimulates the digestive enzymes and produces saliva in the mouth– thus

allowing for proper digestion.

 

But on this most sensitive time of taking the first solid food after a

fast, our WT is putting in black and white that one must not chew their

food. So this is another “faux pas” or negative guideline given that is

contrary to Baba’s teaching.

 

 

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #3

 

The WT writer then recommends: “If possible, wait a 1/2 hour and then eat your

breakfast.”

 

So lastly, after not cleaning or hydrating at all, and after not chewing a

banana, now the guideline has come to eat breakfast after just a short gap

of time, or even right away if one does not have an adequate amount of

time. Without question, this type of thing will create one “train-wreck” in

the stomach. Because in that dehydrated state unchewed food is being mixed

with a full meal of new food and that is all getting mixed into one mass

along with the toxins and waste that never got released from the system.

All of which spells disaster for any human being. No doubt this is not what

Baba means when He says that we should break fast in a proper way.

 

 

BABA’S WARNING

 

This WT erred from the path because they tried to invent their own way that

was not at all consonant with Baba’s guidelines. Otherwise what can be the

cause. And even worse is that they put those things in print– thus

misguiding all. So before following anyone’s professed recommendations we

should always evaluate how far those things are truly proper or not. This

is Baba’s warning.

 

Baba says, “Whatever people learn from the external world– be it from a

book of facts or a learned discourse, or any source of knowledge– is

‘prapta vakya’ or ‘relative knowledge’. It is sometimes correct, sometimes

incorrect.” (PNS-18, p. 6-7)

 

Thus in the world there a countless books full of wrong information like

the section of that book about breaking fast written by our WT.

 

 

ONLY BABA’S TEACHINGS ARE BEST

 

Baba’s teachings are best. They are the Supreme Guideline. Thus whether in

the realm of sadhana or fasting, by following His way we will always

proceed along the road of progress and welfare.

 

Baba says, “Knowledge directly from the Cosmic Mind is true and beneficial

for all people in all ages and in all countries. It is called ‘apta vakya’

or absolute knowledge. The books in Ananda Marga [i.e. Baba’s books] are

all absolute knowledge.” (PNS-18)

 

Namaskar,

Mirabai

 

 

Note 1: OVER-EATING THE NIGHT BEFORE SPELLS TROUBLE

 

As a general rule, it is important not to overeat and stuff oneself the

night before fasting. Certainly we have all seen how this is a common

tendency; but this type of overeating is to be avoided as it delays or even

disturbs the body’s cleansing process and makes it difficult or even

impossible to break fast properly. So to maximize the benefits of a fast

one should take care about the quantity of food taken the evening prior.

 

 

Note 2: MISREPRESENTING ANANDA MARGA ON THE PUBLIC PLATFORM

 

It is highly unfortunate that the involved WT has written these misguided

ideas in a published book that has been translated into multiple languages

and circulated all around the globe. Hence the problem or tragedy is

two-fold, at minimum.

 

Firstly, hundreds or even thousands of readers have already been

misinformed and anyone following those printed suggestions has been taught

the wrong technique for breaking fast– thus causing them harm and

difficulty. So the book was written to help others yet here the opposite

effect is happening.

 

Next, when this point of breaking fast is wrong then simple readers may

think that all the points in the book are wrong. This would be a natural

conclusion to arrive at. In which case the common people may also blame

that the book’s recommendation of a vegetarian diet is also harmful. Thus

this is another negative outcome or possibility.

 

And worst of all is that these mistakes committed by this WT were done in

the name of Ananda Marga. Because the book itself was printed by AM

Publications; and not only that but Baba’s name appears in countless places

throughout the book. So naive readers will be misled to believe that the

faulty recommendation given by the WT for breaking fast is consistent with

or part of Baba’s divine teachings of AM. Thus the public will form a poor

opinion in that regard also. Means the sloppy and misguided work of this WT

reflects negatively on our Marga. This is the yet another tragedy.

 

When in fact in all the spheres from relief work to meditation to human

health we are trying to project Baba’s Supreme and seamless teachings to the

general society in the best way possible yet this WT’s book is going against.

 

 

Note 3: WHICH WT IS WRITING LIKE THIS

 

The WT who has given these “recommendations” for breaking fast is Didi

Ananda Mitra. She is the one who is misguiding others on this sensitive

issue of breaking fast. Because it is in her book “Food for Thought” (’91

Edn, pp. 78-9) that contains all these wrongful and indeed harmful directives.

 

 

 

 

Note 4: EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC: PARTS 1 – 4

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-optimal-health.html

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-optimal-health-ii.html

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/02/for-optimal-health-iii.html

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/02/for-optimal-health-iv.html

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Iisha’n toma’r vis’a’n’ bejeche, alasata’ dure sare geche…” (P.S. 2496)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, Your divine call and thundering voice is resonating all around &

has removed the staticity, dogma, and lethargy from everyone’s mind. Those

negative things which were impeding the path of human progress have

disappeared into the far distant horizon. Now the degenerated state of

dogma cannot remain any longer. Living beings have gotten new life, smiles,

and joy due to the rejuvenating spirit of Neo-Humanism.

The world which was sleeping in the past is getting awakened. New leaves

and flowers are beautifying the green vegetation and trees. Everything has

been filled with the colours of flowers & fruits– ensconced in the feeling

of service to one and all.

Now there are no narrow sentiments or dogmatic thoughts which can hinder

our forward movement. Now there is no one to create obstacles on our path

towards our cherished Goal.

The time has come that, under this free sky and beautiful environment, I

should go on marching forward undauntedly towards You. O’ Parama Purusa…

 

 

********************************************

Need of the Day

 

Baba says, “The newly awakened humanity of today is anxious to herald the

advent of one universal society under the vast blue sky. The noble and

righteous persons of all countries, bound by fraternal ties, are eager to

assert in one voice, with one mind, and in the same tune that human society

is one and indivisible.” (AFPS, pt 2 p.25)

 

Note: Nowadays in our Marga society, a few are forgetting this truth. They

should understand that this is not in the favour of dharma. Rather the call

of dharma is to form one human society.

********************************************

 

Read Full Post »

Unfortunate Umbrella

Date: Mon 14 Feb 2011 14:11:48 -0000 (GMT)

From: Pradiip Deva

Subject: Unfortunate Umbrella

To: am-global@earthlink.net

 

Baba

 

== UNFORTUNATE UMBRELLA ==

 

~ PART 1 ~

 

Namaskar,

As sadhakas, one of the main things in life– or the main thing in life–

is to cultivate a sweet and intimate relation with Parama Purusa.

 

Because only He is our eternal Friend who remains along with us forever and

ever; and only He is that all-powerful Entity of this grand universe who

can save us from all kinds of troubles and difficulties; and only He is

that Bliss Personified Entity who can fill our hearts with unending love

and compassion.

 

So when Parama Purusa alone is that Divine One, naturally then it is most

advantageous and very intelligent to nurture an intimate relation with Him.

 

And in Baba’s below mentioned guideline, He uniquely shows us how in our

day to day existence we can establish such a devotional and intimate link

with Parama Purusa– one that will grow and flourish more and more by His

grace.

 

 

BABA’S GRACE IS EVERYTHING

 

To do anything in this universe takes energy, and that energy comes from Him.

 

All of us are aware and it is indeed well known that the devotional

scriptures of A’nanda Ma’rga proclaim that everything happens due to the

supreme grace of Parama Purusa. There is not a single event or day to day

occurrence that transpires in this vast expressed universe that is not the

direct result of His divine grace– His krpa’.

 

Gurukrpa’ hi kevalam

“The Guru’s grace is everything.”

 

Baba says, “This alone is the supreme truth. This is the be-all and end-all

of life.” (AFPS-8)

 

Hence it is a universal truth and well accepted fact that Baba’s grace is

everything. All good things in life and all positive results are all due to

His causeless grace.

 

Even then, due to their vanity, in their heart of hearts various jinanis

have their own separate perspective on things.

 

The bhakta feels in his heart that Parama Purusa is gracious and doing

everything whereas jinanis feel that they themselves are doing everything.

And that is the big different in mind-set between the two.

 

Bhaktas give credit to Parama Purusa and that brings more feelings of

devotion while the jinanis give credit to themselves and that creates the

feeling of vanity, or the umbrella of vanity.

 

 

STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE PERSPECTIVES

 

Once upon a time there were two disciples of the Supreme Guru.

 

One of the disciples was very simple in nature and he readily accepted the

fact that all the favourable developments in his life and all the successes

in his life were due to Guru’s Grace– the grace of Parama Purusa. This was

his regular way of thinking. And the more his mind thought like this, the

closer he felt with Parama Purusa.

 

By that way each and every moment he would say, “O’ Lord You are the Great

Doer behind my each and every action. You conceive of the work, You execute

the work, and You are the One who makes that work successful. Everything

sweet in my life– everything accomplished in my life– is a direct outcome

of Your divine grace. That is why I always repeat Your divine name.”

 

So in that way, all day and all night long that simple disciple was forever

involved in singing Kiirtan and repeating his Ista mantra and Guru mantra.

And naturally that same disciple felt closer and closer to Parama Purusa–

day by day.

 

The above disciple is a bhakta as he gives all credit to Parama Purusa and

realises that Parama Purusa is gracious.

 

 

STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE PERSPECTIVES (Part II)

 

In stark contrast, the other disciple had a more jinani bent of mind. He

was very proud of his own knowledge and capabilities, and accordingly he

felt that whatever good things he had achieved in this life were a direct

result of his own talents and his own efforts. This jinani was thinking

that he himself was doing all the hard labour and that Parama Purusa is

just keeping still– not doing anything.

 

This mentality is the notorious umbrella of vanity. When any simple or hard work is

accomplished then that work can be view in two distinctly different ways. One may

think that it is His grace or one may think that ‘I did this work’. By this way

one either goes close to or far from Parama Purusa. If one thinks that ‘I did

this work’ then that is the umbrella of vanity and that pushes the person away from

Parama Purusa. So this umbrella of vanity brings degeneration.

 

Let us always remember that Parama Purusa is equally gracious on everyone – whether

one understands this or not.

 

So when it came time to explain his own achievement, then this jinani

always harboured the idea that it was all due to his own hard work and

perseverance. This was his inner feeling. That was how he explained his own

successes in life. And he felt that nobody worked as hard as he did.

 

But when he saw anyone else getting any type of success in life, then out

of extreme jealously and with his skewed intellectual understanding, that

jinani would proclaim:

 

‘This person has no talent or ability, he cannot do anything,

so it stands to reason that his success is only due to the grace

of Parama Purusa. But in my life it is not like that; in my life I

have worked hard to achieve everything I have gotten’.

 

This was the extreme type of vanity that clouded the jinani’s mind.

 

 

STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE PERSPECTIVES (Part III)

 

In that case how was it possible for the jinani to develop a sweet feeling

towards Parama Purusa. Unfortunately it was not. This very crude outlook–

this type of umbrella of vanity– totally hindered his own ability to

cultivate an intimate and devotional relation with Parama Purusa.

 

That is why this jinani would often proclaim, ‘I do not feel the grace of

Parama Purusa– where is it, I do not feel it’. And when any problem would

appear in his life then he would automatically start blaming Parama Purusa

for placing this obstacle on his pathway. This was the unfortunate and

low-minded perspective of that jinani.

 

Whereas the more simple devotee’s outlook was the exact opposite. This

simple sadhaka attributed all good tidings as being a direct result of the

fathomless grace of Parama Purusa. And he felt that if any problem ever

came in his life then surely Parama Purusa is there to solve it. This was

the natural feeling in his mind. And by thinking like this and by realising

this divine and universal truth that Parama Purusa is always gracing and

saving him, this simple devotee naturally began to feel a closer and more

sentimental link with Parama Purusa.

 

 

BEGGAR EXAMPLE

 

At this point, still a few may be wondering how it is possible to develop a

more intimate relation with Parama Purusa merely by thinking that

everything is due to His grace. Some may be wondering how this works.

Perhaps we can look at it this way.

 

Suppose one beggar arrives at the door of one householder. Upon seeing this

ravenous beggar, the householder graciously feeds the beggar a variety of

tasty and sumptuous dishes on and on until finally the hungry beggar has

eaten up to his heart’s content.

 

Thereafter if the beggar has a sense of gratitude and thinks that he was

fed due to the kindness and generosity of that particular householder, then

naturally the beggar will develop a sweet feeling in his heart for that

householder. And he will walk around town telling to one and all how that

householder lovingly prepared so many tasty dishes to satisfy his hunger

until finally he felt totally satiated. In this way that beggar will sing

the good deeds of that householder. And he will automatically feel a close

connection with that gracious householder.

 

In contrast, if the beggar feels that he got that tasty food only because

he walked many miles to the householder’s residence. And if the beggar

thinks that he got the meal only due to his own efforts, then he will not

feel an iota of gratitude toward the householder. Rather he will

contemptuously tell that the householder did not provide me with the food

that I really wanted. And the beggar will complain that for dessert the

householder only gave me 1 KG of rasagolla and I wanted 2 KG. In this way

the beggar will remain totally dissatisfied and completely furious with

that householder.

 

In reality, the householder gave the very food that he himself was

going to eat and that he gave the sweets that he usually reserves for

special guests. But if in the street one tells that beggar that the

householder feed you well, the beggar will be dissatisfied thinking

that he should have gotten more.

 

In that case in the beggar’s mind there will not be any sweet feeling

towards the householder– rather in that circumstance the relation between

them will seem cold and distant. The beggar will even feel angry and

inimical towards that kind householder.

 

 

LIKEWISE WITH PARAMA PURUSA…

 

Likewise with Parama Purusa, each and every sadhaka should think &

cultivate the idea in his mind that all the joys and all the smiles in his

life are due to His supreme grace.

 

And this is not just the world of make believe, this is the grand reality

of this divine universe. Because Parama Purusa really does do everything.

Everything is due to His grace and He is in controller of everything going

on in this vast universe.

 

So believing everything to be a result of His cosmic grace is not just

one’s own mental fabrication or one’s own imagination, this is indeed the

grand reality of this created universe: He is the one doing everything. All

credit and glory goes to Him.

 

And by realising this truth then automatically that sadhaka will feel more

love and affection for Parama Purusa. One will feel a deep sense of eternal

gratitude towards Him. And in that ideal psychic environment, a close and

intimate relation with surely blossom between the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

 

 

WHAT VAIN JINANIS DO

 

But if out of one’s own silly vanity any jinani fails to recognise this

divine truth, then in their own mental laboratory they will build up their

own superiority complex and think that all good things are due to their own

greatness. Because of this vain and self-centered approach, mentally such

jinanis remain far away from Parama Purusa and they cannot make that sweet

relation with Him. And step by step this feeling of isolation permeates

each and every aspect of their life until finally their whole existence is

sunk in woe and frustration.

 

 

HUMAN DESIRE AND LONGING

 

Ultimately human beings want someone who is very close– someone who will

be their grand companion through each and every moment in their life. Human

beings want that type of intimate relation and eternal Friend. And such a

companion, such a relation, such a Friend, can only be Parama Purusa– not

any human being.

 

So if in their life anyone has been blessed to have that type of close link

with Parama Purusa then in their life there will always be a sweet flow of

love and devotion and they will always feel happy, content, and internally

satisfied. Because their life is drenched in His divine love and they feel

His grace working each and every moment.

 

 

UNFORTUNATE UMBRELLA OF VANITY

 

But if due to their own unit ego and vanity anyone is unable to cultivate a

sweet feeling with that most loving and divine Entity, then that type of

jinani will always feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Their life will always

feel empty. And the root cause behind it all is that unfortunate umbrella

of vanity.

 

Here below Baba describes this situation.

 

Baba says, “He has got equal love for each and every creature of this

universe, for all animate and inanimate objects. His krpa’ and His

compassion is being equally showered upon each and every individual, upon

each and every object. He bestows His compassion equally on each and every

object. Equally on pa’piis [sinners] and pun’yava’nas [the virtuous].”

“But common people do not feel it, they do not feel that they are getting

His krpa’. Why do they not feel it? That krpa’, that water of compassion,

is being showered on each and every creature equally, but ordinary people

do not feel that they are being drenched by those sacred waters. Why?

Because they are holding the umbrella of vanity over their heads, that’s

why they are not being drenched.”

 

“And what is sa’dhana’? You will have to remove that umbrella from above

your head and get yourself drenched by the sacred water. You will have to

remove that umbrella of vanity…and get yourself drenched by that water;

and then you will feel that you are being graced by Him. This is what is

called krpa’. Krpa’ is there, but you will have to come to feel it by your

sa’dhana’. And when you will remove that umbrella, you will get proper

direction, and then you will be guided by hla’dinii shakti, by Ra’dhika’

shakti. Here you will come in contact with His nu’pura dhvani [Divine

Sound].” (AV-33, ‘Brahmacakra’)

 

 

SADHANA AND HIS GRACE REMOVES THE UMBRELLA,

 

OTHERWISE…

 

Thus as Baba guides us in His above teaching, the devotional cult of

sadhana enables one to feel the sweet presence of His divine grace. Because

when one does sadhana then naturally the mind becomes soft, serene, and

peaceful. And in that way, the sadhaka instinctively feels that everything

is due to the divine grace of Parama Purusa.

 

However, without that, without the practice of sadhana, such jinanis just

develop a gross superiority complex and in their mind vanity is the

dominant factor. In which case they go on harbouring the idea that they

themselves are the only doer in this universe. And they give all credit

unto themselves.

 

And giving credit to oneself instead of Parama Purusa is the umbrella of vanity.

 

When one recognises that Parama Purusa is doing then that is devotion.

 

By holding such an unfortunate umbrella of vanity over their head, these

jinanis remain far, far away from the charming and loving presence of

Parama Purusa– they do not feel the continuous flow of His sweet grace.

This is their unfortunate state– all because of the umbrella of vanity.

 

 

BABA’S BLESSING

 

By His infinite mercy and compassion may we all develop that intimate link

with Parama Purusa and thereby swim in the devotional waters of His sweet

grace.

 

Baba says, “When you are enjoying the Grace, what will happen? The radius

will be shortened, and in this very life you will become one with your

Goal, your Nucleus. This Nucleus knows no artificial barrier, nor isms,

countries or philosophies. This Nucleus knows that the moving entities are

My children – they want to come and sit on My lap.” (AV-12, ‘The Only Cult’)

 

Namskar,

Pradiip

 

 

Note 1: PROBLEM OF VANITY

 

Here Baba describes how vanity affects people.

 

Baba says, “‘I did this, I did that–I built this road when I was a

minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works

Department’–this is how people become mad for their little ‘I’.” (AMIWL-11)

 

Thus when people suffer from this type of vanity it is impossible to

develop an intimate and sweet relation with Parama Purusa. Because when

they get any success then they proudly think that they are doing everything

and that Parama Purusa is not doing anything. And when anything bad occurs

then those same jinanis vehemently blame Parama Purusa for causing such a

disaster. By this type of demented outlook, ultimately such jinanis create

an inimical relation with Parama Purusa. By this way any balanced person

can see how vanity is a huge hindrance on the path of spirituality.

 

 

Note 2: MORE ABOUT THE UMBRELLA OF VANITY

 

Here Baba explains more how due to their vanity jinanis feel that only

others get His divine grace– but not themselves.

 

Baba says, “Now, you can say, ‘This gentleman has got the grace of the

Supreme and I do not get the grace. What am I to do?’ No, He is omnipotent,

omniscient, and all-loving. His grace is for all without any exception. But

because of your individual vanity, you do not realize it.”

 

“Suppose there is a heavy rain of His grace. If you hold an umbrella of

vanity over your head, you will not get drenched with the rain. So, if you

remove the umbrella of vanity from your head, you will be drenched with His

grace.” (17 August 1979 DMC, Taipei)

 

The only solution for such jinanis is to remove their unfortunate umbrella

then only will they get relief and mental peace– otherwise their life will

pass in frustration.

 

 

Note 3: OUR ETERNAL FRIEND AND HIS EVER-FLOWING GRACE

 

Baba says, “He constantly showers His grace without reservation even on

those persons who make no effort for salvation and who gradually degrade

themselves. Even though you calumniate Brahma and deny His existence, yet

He will not be displeased with you. He will not thrust you on the path of

destruction. His imposing countenance of forgiveness will for ever remain,

and He will forever go on directing you to the ways of salvation. Who else

is your genuine friend and compassionate companion?” (SS-1, ‘Brahma Krpa Hi

Kevalam’)

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Kabhu shuye base kakhano da’nr’iye upal kur’iye bhariyechi ghar…” (PS

2826)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, You are my Goal, You are my everything, but thus far I have wasted

my life. Sometimes by lying in lethargy, and sometimes by sitting idle, and

sometimes by standing still, and sometimes by collecting pebbles, I have

just filled my house– my life– with useless things. Baba, I have just

passed my days filling my life with so many crude activities and mundane

objects. Holding onto the bank of the river of life, I did not try to

search out its destination– the Great Ocean, i.e. Parama Purusa. Baba,

because I was so plunged in mundane attachments I did not even try to look

into deeper aspects of the life: From where I have come, what is my Goal,

where do I have to go, what is my destination etc. Because I was so

immersed in the fleeting pleasures of this crude world, these meaningful

queries did not arise in my mind. Baba, like this my days passed without You.

Baba, due to the negative attraction of avidya maya, my entire life is

moving in a tamasik way. Because of the high tide of staticity, the river

of my life is flowing in the reverse direction– away from Parama Purusa.

Baba, my mind is somewhat aware that the high tide of avidya maya has come.

By Your grace I realise that I am swayed by and in the grip of avidya maya;

I am aware that I am unable to move towards that Great Ocean– towards You.

Baba, I did not even get the opportunity to know whether the ocean is far

or near. Due to the onslaught of staticity, I never even tried to discover

whether Parama Purusa is close or distant. Baba, I never looked in Your

divine direction due to the upsurge of avidya maya.

Baba, today by Your magnificent grace, with the divine pull of the low

tide, the thought of the ocean– the thought of You– has appeared in my

mind. It is Your grace. Baba, due to the attraction of the Great, all the

negative allurements of avidya maya have faded from my mind. No longer am I

caught up in and attracted by those crude things. Baba, after forgetting

the attraction of friend and foe, now by Your divine grace the sincere

longing has awakened in my mind to merge into that Divine Entity– into

You. Baba, by Your grace You have brought me onto the path of sadhana and

by Your mercy I moving towards Your divine Self.

Baba, please be gracious and make my life successful under Your shelter…

 

Read Full Post »

DMS News: #7: Birth of One New Dogma

Date: 13 Sun Feb 2011 05:38:29 -0000

From: “Manoj”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: DMS News #7: Birth of One New Dogma

 

Baba

 

== DMS NEWS #7: BIRTH OF ONE NEW DOGMA ==

 

Namaskar,

This following first-hand account details one new dogma that took birth at last month’s January 2011 DMS in Ananda Nagar.

 

* * * *

 

When I went to the meditation hall in Baba’s Quarter on 1st January 2011, I thought I saw some coins thrown by some sadhakas just below the cot on which Baba’s photo was placed.

 

From a distance, I doubted what I saw so I stepped closer and went to the front side. Then I confirmed that it was indeed a coin. Upon further investigation I found that some margiis were throwing coins and rupees just in front of Baba’s photo. Those coins were landing at the same spot where the flowers, pots with coconuts and candles (pradiipa) were placed as decoration. All these coins were tossed just below the cot upon which Baba’s photo was placed.

 

Upon further investigation, it become clear that people were doing this in hopes of getting their selfish desires and requests fulfilled. They were essentially bribing Parama Purusa. In exchange of their monetary offering, they were seeking a daughter’s marriage, victory in their court case, getting their enemies destroyed, or a job promotion etc. These were some of the selfish requests they wanted fulfilled by dropping money in front of Baba’s photo.

 

Of course all those in-charges knew this was dogmatic, but because this offering was generating income, such Dadas were not telling them to stop.

 

I even asked one Dada about this and he said, “Yes, some might have done this.” But he did not say anything further.

 

However, many of us felt that an announcement should have been made this act of dropping coins by Baba’s photo was not good. Then margiis – new or old etc – would have gotten the message not to toss coins by Baba’s photo.

 

Instead those in-charges put this coin tossing dogma on open display by letting it continue. By that way more and more began to partake in this dogmatic manner. That was the lesson put forth: Others are doing and you can too.

 

And again, why was it allowed to be continued? Because ultimately there was an economic benefit involved. The more who participated increased the amount of money those Dadas will get. What else can be the reason why such Dadas did not openly denounce this dogmatic offering from the very beginning.

 

Of course every rational margiis knows that this type of (crude) offering – i.e. arcana – is an exact copy of the Hindu dogma – about which Baba has instructed us not to follow. Yet that is what I personally saw going on at last month’s DMS program at Ananda Nagar.

 

* * * *

 

BABA’S TEACHINGS ON ARCANA

 

Here are a few of Baba’s teachings on this topic.

 

(1) In this first below guideline, Baba clearly tells us that offering money at His photo has nothing to do with devotion.

 

Baba says, ‘Bhakti cannot be identified with árcaná either, which means to worship the deity with flowers, leaves, [holy] water or other articles [like money].” (Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 33)

 

(2) Then in Ananda Sutram Baba warns us that those who ask for their selfish interests to be fulfilled by giving money to Parama Purusa are merely indulging in useless prayers.

 

3-11: Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.

 

[Prayer and ritualistic worship become a source of confusion.]

 

Purport: It is useless to pray to God for something, for He is sure to give what is necessary. Solicitation or importunity in the name of worship is nothing but toadyism and flattery.” (Ananda Sutram, 3-11)

 

Baba’s teaching is that Parama Purusa will do what is required for the proper development of each and every person, so to ask for something – when He already knows what is best for you – is just one defective manner and undermines one’s relation with Parama Purusa.

 

(3) Next Baba differentiates between selfish and selfless puja. Clearly that type of puja where money is offered is nothing but arcana, i.e. that puja done with “selfish motive and external paraphernalia”.

 

Baba says, “Now, what is pu´ja´ or pu´jana? When a person, with or without any selfish motive, offers his or her deep reverence to an entity with undivided concentration, with or without external paraphernalia such as flowers, bel leaves, sandalwood paste, Ganges water, basil, bananas, rice, etc., that is called pu´ja´ or pu´jana. And the type of worship which is performed with selfish motive and external paraphernalia is called arca´ or arcana´. The type of worship which is performed with or without selfish motive, but certainly without any specific external paraphernalia, is called pra´rthana´. And the special type of pu´ja´ which is performed without any selfish motive or external paraphernalia is called Brahmasadbha´va [ideation of Brahma].” Shiva’s Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 14)

 

(4) Here below Baba points out that those who pray to God to give them a job promotion or a husband for their daughter actually send the message to Parama Purusa that He is not fulfilling His duties properly and has forgotten what a person needs. That is what is implied by asking something of Parama Purusa – one is blaming God for failing to do the needful.

 

Baba says, “Prayer is the act of asking for a favour with earnestness. It also means a solemn petition addressed to the Supreme Being for certain benefits. One prays to God for something which one does not possess or thinks one does not possess. One asks God for these favours with the faith that He alone can bestow everything and by His mere wish all wants can be satisfied. By prayer or by begging one wants to awaken His wish so that one may be granted the things one lacks. Does not one’s attempt to rouse the wish of God to fulfil these needs, upon careful and rational thinking, appear to be a reminder to God to give one something of which God has kept one deprived? It would otherwise not be necessary to remind Him in prayer of that thing or to try to arouse His wish to give. For instance, if one is in need of money, one would, with the faith that God alone can give, pray to Him for the favour of giving one money. Does not this request show God’s fault in keeping one in want of money, when He alone can give it? God alone is blamed for it, and by praying to Him for money one is precisely pointing out to Him His partiality in not giving one the money one needed. Therefore, prayer or asking for favours from God is only pointing out to the Sole Giver His mistakes in the distribution of His favours. It only presumes lack of impartiality in Him, and that is why He is blamed for making some very rich and others very poor. Praying to God for favours is only to bring to His notice the charge of partiality levelled against Him. When prayer leads to such a conclusion, it is only ignorance to ask for favours. One who performs actions will also bear the consequences, and blaming God for it as His partiality is not going to save one from bearing the consequences.” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy)

 

 

REFLECTION

 

Tragically the scene of giving money at DMS was nothing but a dogmatic case of arcana, i.e. praying and bribing Parama Purusa with external objects (i.e. money) in order to get His favour and one’s selfish desires met. This type of offering is just dogma and has nothing to do with devotion. It is shameful that out of greed certain Dadas allowed this act to go on at our very own DMS gatherings. That is the new dogma that took birth.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

 

Here Baba clearly tells us what we should offer to Parama Purusa. We are to offer our own selves – i.e. our minds, not external objects like money.

 

Baba says, ““Tava dravyaḿ Jagatguro Tubhyameva samarpaye.” “Everything of mine, along with my mind, is offered at Your altar. Please oblige and accept it.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam, part 3)

 

Namaskar,

Manoj

 

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Sinner’s Psychology

Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:39:57
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Pavitra” p.dedva@springnet…
Subject: Sinner’s Psychology

Baba

== SINNER’S PSYCHOLOGY ==

Namaskar,
Nowadays in this present era we are seeing a drastic rise in top-down
security measures, especially in the “developed” western nations. As each
and every day passes, the so-called leaders muster more and more suspicion
toward the common people.

Indeed this type of in-bred distrust has been growing exponentially since
the materialistic philosophies “came of age” in the back-half of the 20th
century. And now today in the height of this vaeshyan era it is step by
step becoming intolerable.

So this big commotion is going on– especially in the west– where
political leaders are getting more and more nervous and paranoid; and the
regular citizens are feeling more and more frustrated and suffocated. Hence
neither side is happy; neither side has peace of mind. Both are suffering.

Yet no one knows the root cause behind this tragic scenario development.
Nor do they have an alternative.

By Baba’s causeless grace He has both identified the problem and given the
solution. Thus the magic answers and their clear explanations are all
within the easy grasp of each and every Margii. And by this way– by
understanding Baba’s teachings– our AM will lead the society forward.

MATERIALISM– A NASTY DISEASE

As Baba guides us the root cause behind the negative suspicion which is
spreading around the globe is– Materialism.

In any materialistic or matter-centered philosophy– whether that be
communism or capitalism– there will always be terrible distrust and
suspicion. The point being that matter itself is limited and the greedy
leaders are intent on hoarding that finite supply of wealth. Thus in their
avarice, the leaders become more and more restless since their gobbling up
of all the physical resources creates tension and shortage among the
masses. By that way, sooner or later they– the innocent and suffering
masses– are bound to rise up in revolt. To prevent such an occurrence, the
crafty & worried leaders tighten down the hatches by applying more and more
deceitful and invasive security measures.

So nowadays hypocrite leaders all over the world illegally and secretly
spy on all innocent people– and when caught he justifies his nefarious
ploys like wire tapping in front of everyone. This is the wicked mind-set
which takes root in the minds of those capitalistic leaders.

And not just political leaders, the top heads of various corporations
spy on the public via the internet so they can learn people’s habits
and ways – all done in order to exploit them for more profits. Certainly
Google and Facebook are at the top of this list.

CAPITALISM STILL REARING ITS UGLY HEAD

So while communism has basically already crumbled, capitalism is reaching
more and more to its peak (i.e. demise)– in which case we will witness how the sick capitalist vaeshyas will far outdo the chaos and harm caused by communism.
Now they are wire tapping the phones and frisking everyone in the airports,
and soon one will need an I.D. card just to leave their house to go to
work. And indeed the suspicions in society will become so extreme that
cameras will be planted all around until finally even while urinating
everyone will be “on film”. This type of extreme distrust is an inevitable
outcome of the nasty capitalistic frame of mind.

Hence as bad and as evil as communism was, and as much terror as it
unleashed on the innocent people, this destruction will pale in comparison
to the disastrous net which capitalism is spreading.

Because of all this– i.e. the paranoia of the leaders, the exploitation of
resources, and the hoarding of wealth– we see a horrible distrust growing
more and more wherever capitalism exists.

THE EQUATION:

CAPITALISM BREEDS SUSPICION & DISCONTENT

So the overall equation is quite simple: Where materialistic philosophies
like capitalism exist there is an increase in suspicion & mistrust; and
where the grip of capitalism is less then there greater trust and
good-feeling among the people.

And this awful capitalistic scenario exists not just between the political
leaders and the common people but also within each and every family,
marriage, and relation. Where even blood brothers bicker and fight over
inheritances and where husband and wife keep separate bank accounts–
hiding their money from one another. Indeed the human spirit gets totally
distorted by the grip of capitalism.

That is why the selfish materialistic ways of capitalism spells disaster
for the entire society. Unfortunately it is only spreading more and more
around the entire globe.

NO ONE IS EXEMPT

Even so-called monks are not out of the picture. Because if their mind is
stained with materialism then without any second thought they will fight
over property and kill members of the opposite party. Lost in that fog of
suspicion and greed, they will forget their dedication and ideology–
because their mind is totally affected by the disease of materialism.

WHAT GOODY-GOODIES SAY

A few goody-goodies will still stand up and claim that capitalism and
materialism is okay and that the grave problems causing suspicion will all
get healed. They will tell, ‘Just let capitalism continue’. But this is
nothing but their insanity.

It is just like allowing sheep and wolves to live together in the same
house. One will swallow the other whole. Of course someone will come
forward and say that from now on everything will be alright and there will
not be any further problems– let the wolves and sheep live together. And
they will just try to appease and pacify the matter. But we know that that
is just their nonsense and that anyone speaking like that is either totally
foolish or they have their hidden agenda in mind. That is, they are one of
those wolves.

Likewise capitalists will try to console others but none should get taken
by their tall talk.

BABA GRAPHICALLY UNCOVERS THE DEVILISH MENTALITY

BEHIND IT ALL: SINNER’S PSYCHOLOGY

Here Baba perfectly tells all– showing how cheating, distrust, and
sinner’s psychology have taken root in the minds of those capitalist
exploiters.

Baba says, “All created beings have a natural tendency to move along a
straight path. Out of cowardice, selfishness or sinful propensities, humans
and other creatures may resort to a crooked path, not only in the material
world, but also in the mental world. That is, cowardliness, selfishness and
sinful tendencies bring about curvatures in the world of thoughts. These
curvatures breed mutual suspicion. Even innocent people are taught to think
wrongly.”

“Sometimes people grow suspicious of innocent people and mistreat them.
Those who still have some amount of benevolent intellect feel pained and
ashamed when they realize that they should not have suspected those
innocent people. But those who are devoid of benevolent intellect do not
feel at all ashamed of their conduct. Rather they think and also say
publicly that it is better to suspect others first, and then gradually
remove those suspicions later. This is the main characteristic of a
sinner’s psychology.”

“Individuals or groups or communities guided by this sinner’s psychology,
become involved in various inhuman activities out of unjustified suspicion.
Ultimately there comes a time when they no longer repent. Those doctrines
and philosophies which teach people to suspect their fellow citizens, which
teach people to treat their fellow humans as enemies, have done enormous
harm to the world in the past, and if not restrained and controlled, will
do so in the future also.”

“The situation may come to such a pass that detectives may be employed
against every person. Again, another set of detective personnel may be
employed to watch whether each detective is functioning properly or not.
Thus a vicious atmosphere of intelligence and counter-intelligence will be
rampant in the society. And the dangerous consequence is this — that all
human treasures having been poisoned, human existence itself will become
meaningless. People will grow cynical, or will be forced to leave their
country or their society to escape this venomous atmosphere.”

“The matter does not end here. The wickedness, the deceit, that pollutes
human society first moves along a crooked path like its masters, and
finally ends up by annihilating its masters themselves. The wicked persons
at the helm of affairs, who are now out to liquidate others, will one day
themselves be liquidated and erased from history by their own followers.
Sinful persons, by following the crooked path, contaminate the atmosphere
of the universe, but ultimately that sinful conduct, in a similar crooked
way, will recoil like a boomerang on the sinners themselves.” (NSS,
Shivokti-10)

WHAT IS THE ANSWER

So what is the way out? What is the answer?  Only spirituality can provide
that soothing balm to humanity where once again friendliness, trust, and
amity emanates from the human mind and heart. But such a benevolent,
humane, and healthy environment cannot grow in the dastardly fields of
capitalism.

As A’nanda Ma’rgiis, by His grace we can understand what Baba wants for the
humanity and that it is time to bring forth a new system to the people. It
is our duty to make the common public aware about the situation.
And in this way by Baba’s grace we can bring forth the socio-spiritual
philosophy of Prout.

BABA’S BLESSING

Baba says, “Today or tomorrow the entire world will accept PROUT as the
only panacea for all of the world’s mundane and supramundane ailments.
There is no alternative.” (PNS-17, p.30)

Namaskar,
Pavitra

Note 1:          MORE ABOUT SINNER’S PSYCHOLOGY

Various people may cast their own awkward guess or hazy idea about what
sinner’s psychology is, but they will surely fall off the mark. In His own
divinely unique way Baba pointedly reveals the dark mind-set behind
sinner’s psychology and clearly demonstrates how that is unfolding more and
more in this present vaeshyan era.

Once again, according to Baba, sinner’s psychology occurs when crooked
leaders falsely rationalise that they are correct in first accusing and
being suspicious of others– and that this is that natural flow of human
life. Such corrupt leaders and liars never worry one second about all their
own cheating and misdealings. Just they try to befool others and justify
their nasty, distrustful outlook. Such capitalistic heathens have no
remorse and they are drowned in sinner’s psychology.

Note 2:             A NEW DAWN IS COMING

The days of capitalism are numbered and a great new awakening is on the
near horizon.

Baba says, “Neo-humanism will be permanently established and human beings
will be ensconced in the joy of freedom forever.” (NH-LOI, ’87, p. 102)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Tumi ga’n go ka’ha’r tare badhir kare rekhe dhara’re…” (P.S. 1972)

Purport:

Baba, in this cosmic play of Yours, You go on singing Your divine songs
to attract devotees. Even then I do not know for whom You are singing.
Baba, Your divine songs are pervading throughout this entire vast cosmos;
Your songs are permeating each and every loka. Baba, nothing else is
audible except Your divine song. O’ Baba, by Your melodious call You have
made everyone deaf. Baba, You come and go; and You smile and lovingly look
upon one and all with Your infinite compassion. But unfortunately nobody
can see You.

Baba, because of Your songs, the whole world is melodic. With Your tune,
rhythm, & melody, You saturate this entire universe with divine nectar.
Everyone is immersed in Your music. Baba, when You come close then You
shower Your grace abundantly. In spite of that it is impossible for me to
become one with You– because of my own faults & shortcomings.
Baba, You are completely captivating: Your coming and going in dhyana,
Your sweet smile, and Your charming look– all this deeply touches my
heart. Baba, You are most attractive. O’ Parama Purusa You are the
universal mind (Vishvama’nas); You destroy and wipe away all cimmerian
darkness and staticity; and You shower Your divine effulgence. Baba, You
lovingly hold each and every atom and molecule in Your heart. Baba,
everything resides within You.

Baba, with Your divine song You have captivated this entire universe. It
is Your causeless grace…

Note: Parama Purusa attracts devotees in various ways– such as through the
song of His divine flute. And that is what has been expressed in the above
song.

*****************************************
MISUNDERSTANDING WIPED AWAY

Baba says, “When they [sadhakas] reach a very subtle stage of elevation,
their concentrated mind-stuff speeds towards Him with the one-pointedness
of an arrow. Such a mentality is called Ra’dha’.” (NKS, ’97 Edn, p. 53-4)

Note: Some ignorant people think that Radha is a female of Vrindaban. But
that is not true. ‘A-grade’ devotees are Radha.

For more about this read:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/news-hindu-dogmatic-movie-shown-sold-at.html

*****************************************

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For Optimal Health IV

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:57:41 +0530

To: am-global@earthlink.net

From:

Subject: For Optimal Health IV

 

Baba

 

== FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH PART IV ==

 

Namaskar,

Each and every Ananda Margii understands that Baba has blessed us with all

the gifts for a fruitful life. He has graciously bestowed upon us the

needed tools, guidelines, and “know-how” for a pristine and sweet

existence. And while so many of His teachings lead us in this direction,

certainly His divine guidelines about fasting are also an essential

ingredient. For it is by this wonderful process of regular fasting that our

whole entire being gets cleansed and purified– in all the realms of life:

physical, mental, and spiritual. And that propels us forward towards our

cherished Goal.

 

 

PURIFYING THE PHYSICAL BODY

 

On the physical plane, fasting plays a direct and significant role. Because

the whole health and balance of the physical body revolves around the

stomach. Non-sadhakas may raise their eyebrows about such a statement, but

those with just a little inner understanding about their bodily systems and

functions recognise that the stomach is the nucleus and the most integral

organ for maintaining human health on a day to day basis.

 

Because only in the case of the stomach does something from the external

environment actually enter inside the body. And that “something” which

enters is of course food which gets deposited directly into the stomach;

and then in turn the various nutritional (and not-so-nutritional)

components get distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. But the

stomach is the starting point.

 

So if the stomach is not in good working order and if it cannot do its job

properly, then the immediate effect is that the limbs and the various body

parts and organs get adversely affected and diseased.

 

And what results are problems like: Acidity, gout, rheumatism, obesity,

skin diseases, and ultimately cancer, heart disease, and more. All of this

starts with the initial onset of difficulties in the stomach. And in

numerous chapter of Yogic Treatment book, Baba clearly describes this.

Yet, as we may have experienced, the practice of regular fasting naturally

controls all these problems. Because before any real difficulty develops

the health of the human body is restored. That is why most sadhakas do not

suffer from the aforementioned physical ailments and diseases. Instead we

enjoy a strong state of health.

 

And if per chance any problem does arise, then in numerous chapters of His

Yogic Treatment book, Baba prescribes fasting as a cure. Hence fasting is

an excellent resource and remedy for various physical ailments and diseases

as it helps purify the entire body.

 

Baba says, “Fasting is also included in the scope of Pramitaha’r, because

it gives rest to the digestive organs and frees the body from so many

ailments.” (AV-14)

 

Baba says, “During fasting the body’s organs get a good rest, and the

healing process is more rapid.” (YT, p.95)

 

Thus those who fast regularly maintain a healthy and vibrant existence and

find that the body becomes completely habituated and adjusted to this cycle

of fasting. Such that the body is anxious and ready for the next fasting as

the day approaches. This is the common experience of many sadhakas. And by

this way the body keeps itself neat and clean.

 

 

MENTAL CLARITY AND SHARPNESS

 

In addition, on the mental plane also fasting has a tremendous effect.

Because we have all experienced that after a big meal we tend to feel

sleepy, tired, and even a bit dull. This is the common problem and the

reason behind this is that when we ingest food then that blood has to race

to the stomach to help in digestion. And in that way less fresh oxygenated

blood goes to the brain.

 

So during fasting none of the body’s crucial resources get diverted towards

the stomach. In which case the body can better support one’s mental

functioning.

 

That is why on fasting day sadhakas experience a distinct clarity of

thought and mental freshness. The mind is flexible and sharp as it is not

dragged down by the comparatively crude bodily functions such as digestion.

 

Another everyday example of this phenomenon is that just before an exam or

important meeting or debate, then no student or professional person will

eat a large meal. Otherwise their mental faculties will be significantly

hampered.

 

That is why in numerous traditions people proclaim that a light stomach

equals a light mind. And fasting is an exceptional method for enhancing

mental concentration and energy.

 

 

BENEFITS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

 

And of course the benefits of fasting in spiritual life are well known to

all. No doubt initially at the very beginning one may feel that it is

difficult to do sadhana on fasting days. But with just a little effort many

sadhakas experience very good sadhana on those days since all of the body’s

energy can be utilised for spiritual pursuits. And Baba’s guideline below

is pointing in this same direction.

 

Baba says, “As a result of fasting, the poisonous and unproductive waste of

the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover, the energy that is not

expended in digesting food can be utilised for other purposes. Therefore, a

fast day is an excellent time for sadhana.” (CC-3)

 

 

FASTING IS NOT JUST FASTING BUT UPAVASA

 

Here below Baba colorfully describes how we are to spend our fasting days.

 

BABA says, “‘Upa’ means proximity. And va’sa means to live, to reside. So

the upava’sa word means to live near the Lord. In these days of fasting,

what the aspirants are to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On

all other days there remains a balance between external objective

adjustment, and subjective approach. An adjustment between objective

adjustment and subjective approach. But on these fasting, or upava’sa, the

aspirant remains more in proximity to the Lord than in other mundane

duties. That’s why these days are known as “upava’sa”. The word ‘fasting’

doesn’t carry the proper sense or the proper spirit of the term ‘upava’sa’.

To go without food, for this the proper word is anasan. ‘An’ means not,

‘asan’ means eating. And not upava’sa. So these ekadashii, amava’sya, and

purnima they are, upava’sa. Do you follow?” (BABA)

 

And Baba’s next guideline further details how fasting days are perfect for

an enhanced spiritual routine.

 

Baba says, “These fixed [fasting] days are called upavasa since during

these days people keeping their minds engaged in spiritual matters ‘live

closer’ to God, and any possibility of mental degradation is averted: their

humanity is not endangered by the lengthening shadows of annihilation.”

(NSS, p.188)

 

By all this we an understand that on fasting days one can enjoy heightened

spiritual awareness and thus deepen their devotional link with Parama

Purusa– Baba.

 

 

CLOSING AND REQUEST

 

We have all experienced how our AM practices produce a beneficial effect.

Thus when fasting itself has such a direct link with one’s physical,

mental, spiritual development, then others are encouraged to share some of

the things they have experienced by this important practice. It will be

inspiring to hear other’s stories and reflections.

 

Namaskar,

Manjit

 

 

Note 1: LINKS TO OTHER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/02/for-optimal-health-iii.html

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-optimal-health-ii.html

 

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/for-optimal-health.html

 

 

Note 2: Here following Baba says more about the process of upavasa.

Baba says, “Upavasa in the sense of fasting is also useless…if one does

real upavasa that can do a lot. The scriptural meaning of uspavasa is– by

derivation– upa which means “near”, and va’sa, which means “to stay”.

Upa’vasa therefore means “to make the mind stay near Parama’tma'”. In other

words, it means to withdraw the mind from thoughts of physicalities and

keep it near Parama’tama’. The sanskrit word for fasting as such is

anashana [remaining hungry / starving].” (AVM 23, p. 36-7)

 

 

Note 3: THERE ARE MANY IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING FASTING

 

This is the fourth part of this series on the benefits and importance of

fasting and how to break fast. Because as we know fasting itself is not

enough; as sadhakas it is essential that fast be broken in a complete yet

gentle manner. Otherwise the health benefits of the fasting will be lost.

Thus for a complete view of fasting please also reference the other

postings on this topic noted above

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

“Toma’y khunje khunje priyo, din je ket’e ja’y…” (P.S. 3982)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, my most adorable One, with deep longing in search of You my days

are passing in vain. In the absence of getting You my whole life is

gradually getting wasted. O’ my dearmost, where have I not looked for You.

I have wandered around and searched in the seven oceans, on the mountain

peaks, as well as on the earth, and also in the caves– in every nook and

corner of this world, but alas I could not get You.

 

Baba, day and night, secretly I also searched You in the flower garden

and in various holy lands and tiirthas– all done in hopes of getting a

glance at You. Baba I searched everywhere with the hope that one day I will

find You. But, in the end, all my efforts were for naught.

 

Baba, with deep longing in my heart, I have also searched You in the

galaxies, meteors, nebulae, and in the stars– all around & everywhere.

Also I searched for You in the dark, black coloured clouds on the rainy

days, in the scorching heat of the summer season, as well as in the shade

of the tree in springtime. Baba, I have searched for You with a deep

yearning and longing in my heart; I have looked for You everywhere.

 

Baba, by Your grace on one colourful golden dawn saturated in the

effulgence & aroma of a newly blossoming flower, You advented in my heart.

Your grand arrival came after a long, deep, dark, & painful night of

searching for You. But in the end You graced me and advented in my mind.

Baba, You are so gracious…

 

 

***************************************

Life is For Baba

 

“This life is for Him…”

“… His universe we will serve in coordination team…”

(PS 5009)

 

Note: In Baba’s above divine teaching, He is guiding us that we should work

unitedly. However, demonic groupist leaders are trying to ruin this. To

please Baba, our collective duty is to save this situation in a united way.

***************************************

 

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