What Do You Think About Tips & Bribes

What Do You Think About Tips & Bribes
Baba

This letter contains two parts:
1. Posting: What Do You Think About Tips & Bribes
2. Prabhat Samgiita #4112;

== WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT TIPS AND BRIBES ==

Namaskar,
Building a healthy society is an integral component of our Ananda Marga mission. To that end, we have to evaluate the effect of all kinds of societal interactions – including bribes and tips. Do they have a place in society?

Many may feel it obvious that bribes should be banned, but what about tips and gratuities. What is our stand on that practice? For instance when you take a taxi should you tip the driver? What if a messenger delivers a package to your doorstep or a porter carries your bag across the train station? Should you tip such professionals for doing their job?

Here we examine – through question and answer – the topic of bribes and tips, and what effect they have on the individual and the collective. This is both a societal issue and a moral one.

As disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we should clearly understand and apply the teachings of Ananda Marga ideology on these critical matters. And we should educate the society as well.

BABA’S TEACHING ON BRIBES

In the first step of this mode of inquiry, let’s examine bribes.

Baba’s teachings on bribes are quite clear-cut. Most every Ananda Margii understands that accepting or giving a bribe is against our moral principles and societal regulations.

Here are Baba’s teachings towards employees of different institutions:

“Do not, on any account, accept or offer a bribe.” (1)

“If someone, through pressure of circumstances compels you to offer or accept a bribe, do not forgive that person till he/she is reformed.” (2)

“If, in consideration of the power of your post, anyone offers you a present, that should count as a bribe.” (3)

Thus, in the workplace, any financial or material gift that is associated with one’s professional standing should be considered a bribe.

Regarding householders, Baba has given the following teaching:

“Do not offer a bribe to anyone. If someone through pressure of circumstances forces you to offer a bribe, do not forgive that person till he/she is reformed.” (4)

Thus whether in our professional life or personal life, whether at work or at home, in no such circumstances are we to indulge in any form of bribery – period.

CRITICAL REASONS WHY BRIBES ARE BAD

Here, in this first question and answer section, are some key points about how bribes bring stagnancy in society.

1. Why are bribes bad on the level of personal growth?

Accepting bribes crudifies the mind; a person passes their day strategizing how to garner more bribes. Instead of doing their job and adhering to the righteous slogan – “dignity of the labour” – a person just becomes immersed in scheming how to gain more black money or bribes. This makes one greedy, self-centered, lazy, and small-minded. Such a person becomes extremely degenerated.

2. Why are bribes bad on the societal level?

In our collective life, bribes lead to stagnancy, partiality, distrust, and numerous other problems.

For instance, in certain countries judges will not review a case, police will not come to your assistance, government officials will not issue a permit or passport, if a substantial bribe is not given. Not only do such persons become degenerated on the personal level for the reasons mentioned above, but this brings society to a screeching halt. It basically means that people do not do the work that they are paid to do. All these aforementioned professionals – judges, police agents, and government officials – receive a salary. But for that salary they are unwilling to do their allotted work in society. To get such types of persons to do their work, in any professional field or governmental arena, a bribe must be given.

As bad as that may be, that is not the only problem. Workers will actually undermine public utilities in order to make more money via bribes. An official for the electric company will not attend to his normal duties; instead he will personally watch the electrical lines decay, or even destroy them himself. Why? Because when the people’s electrical service is interrupted then they will call upon him and offer a hefty bribe in order to have their electricity restored. As they know that is the only way to get it fixed.

For all these reasons and more, any society becomes a pool of stagnancy where bribes are the name of the game.

3. Who suffers the most in such circumstances?

Tragically, the one who suffers the most in this situation is the common person, i.e. those who cannot afford to give a hefty bribe. They will be passed over and forgotten while those wealthier people will be given preferential treatment – i.e. VIP status – for giving big bribes.

As we know, our AM ideology is in support of the common mass. Yet bribes undermine their status and quality of life.

WHAT ABOUT TIPS – THEY ARE OK RIGHT??

Now we come to the next stage: tips or gratuities.

1. What are tips?

A tip is the more moderate amount of money that common people often give to taxi drivers, waiters in the restaurant, delivery men / women, barbers, hotel staff, and others. Tips are usually given to those doing more physically-oriented work, though not always.

In their defense, those workers who receive tips may think, “I am underpaid so I deserve a little bit extra.”

And indeed, out of sympathy for their plight, many do reward such labourers with a tip. Those who give tips often feel that they are expressing their gratitude and those receiving tips feel the extra-money is well-deserved. Both parties feel that tips are distinctly different from bribes. They feel bribes are illegal and under-the-table while tips are an expression of human feeling done in the open.

Here it should be noted that 99.9% of those taking bribes have the same mind-set as those accepting tips. They think their pay is not enough so they feel justified and deserving of taking bribes. This applies to judges, police chiefs, customs officials, city officials, and many others from all layers and sections of society: From manual labourers to intellectuals etc. They feel that since they are less-paid, accepting a bribe is fine.

While a tip may seem innocuous, the basic mentality and reasoning of those accepting tips is identical to those taking bribes.

2. So then what is the stand of Ananda Marga on tips?

We are 100% against tips. In our view, tips are the same thing as a bribe – no difference in quality or effect.

This may be a shock to your ears as many consider tips to be an innocuous expression of generosity and good cheer, but consider the following.

Let me first say this. I have always tipped staff and workers in ways I thought appropriate. I wanted to be generous. But tipping does not solve their problem, rather it worsens the situation of those workers. So this letter is not about being greedy and not tipping others; rather the aim is to uplift all sectors of society.

3. Why are tips harmful?

Baba does not want extra money given to anyone performing a job as this leads to the degeneration of the individual and the disintegration of society. In that sense, a tip and a bribe are essentially the same exact thing. The one receiving the tip becomes personally degenerated because all day long he is thinking about money instead of doing his job; and the problem in collective life is that tips lead to partiality. Those who give big tips receive preferential treatment, while those who do not have money to give a grand tip are forgotten and labeled as “cheap” or “penniless” or “worthless”.

That is why the common acronym for tips is: To Insure Prompt Service.

Those who tip big get treated with high respect and their every need and wish is satisfied. Those common people who do not have the funds to tip are overlooked and neglected.

In due course, people will only do their job for those who give big tips. Here again Baba’s teaching is that when money is given to a person in consideration of their post, then that is not at all proper; indeed that is a bribe.

“If, in consideration of the power of your post, anyone offers you a present, that should count as a bribe.” (5)

Tips then act in the same way as a bribe. Those who are known to give generous tips get treated differently from others. They are given the “royal treatment.”

Even then some may protest and say, “I give tips out of the goodness of my heart – not to receive preferential treatment.”

The response is: “Would you give that person money if they did not do a particular work for you.”

For instance, if you normally give a waiter (food server) a $10 tip when eating in that restaurant, would you still give that waiter $10 if you went to eat in a different restaurant.

Here the point is that one cannot give freely from the heart if something is done exclusively in consideration of another person’s job, or post, or title etc. There is some other motive operating. That is why a tip is not a gift, but rather a bribe. We will talk more about gifts further down in this email.

4. Why tips undermine a worker’s dignity and status?

When an employee does not receive a proper salary and has to rely on tips, then his position is insecure. Such a person essentially must beg, plead, and please in order to garner more and more tips. Just imagine if a nurse or teacher worked on tips only. Then they could not pointedly and confidently attend to their work of nursing or teaching. They would be too worried or concerned with pleasing their patients and students – hoping to receive some coins in a jar when the day is over. In that case the status of a nurse or teacher becomes that of a beggar. Their independent, professional status is lost. This is true of any person or profession who relies on tips. That is why it is far, far better for a person to receive a proper paying salary than rely on tips. Then their dignity and social standing are secure.

5. Why your burning house will not be saved?

Just think how terrible it will be if the police or fire department do not respond to your emergency call since they do not consider you to be a big tipper. That is the reality which even exists today in many countries. Or imagine if you went to the doctor and they refused to see because you were not a big tipper. When we think of the matter in this light, does it not create an unsettling feeling in the mind.

Viewing the situation in this manner, it is very evident that tips will bring injustice and stagnancy in the society, just like bribes. Preferential treatment becomes the rule of the day, not true human feeling.

6. Why people give big tips?

Indeed in this money-driven era, people give big tips for multiple reasons. The first being that giving a big tip is a sign that you have money. In the vaeshyan era, being a moneyed man is everything. Giving a big tip means have plenty-o-extra cash. That means you are better than the common man as well as the person whom you are tipping. People want respect, and people know that one distinct way to garner such respect is to tip big. Those who can afford it, do it. And even some poorer people who do not have a lot of money will give a big tip (when they can) just because it satisfies their egoistic desire to rise above and be respected.

Truly speaking, tipping is a very degenerated approach. It degrades both the one doing the tipping and the one receiving the tip. Money is not the value of one’s worth.

“Your ideal is represented by your conduct. Your learning, your social or economic status have nothing to do with your ideal.” (6)

7. Who suffers the most?

The ones who suffer the most are those who cannot afford to give a big tip. So just as with bribes, it is the common person who gets neglected and pushed aside while the “wheelers & dealers” like big business and mafioso types get the best of everything. Thus, where there are tips there is partiality, and where there is partiality it is the “common man” who is left behind. That is what tips do: They alienate and block the regular people from getting what they need. They are the ones who suffer the most.

8. What is the role of tipping nowadays in Ananda Marga?

In theory, in Ananda Marga, we do not support or appreciate the tipping system as it undermines the social fabric in many ways. Unfortunately, practically speaking, since 1990, tipping has been a way of life in Ananda Marga. The only way to gain the favour of those in-charge is by tipping. That is they way one gets special status.

To become a tattvika or family acarya, one must give a tip; to get a high posting, one must give a tip; to get a marriage blessing from PP dada, one must give a tip; to get a “spiritual boon” from dadas, then one must give a tip; to be received honourably at a gathering or event, one must give a tip etc.

Indeed, to receive any kind of special services, prestige, support, or regard, then one must tip. That is the way things work these days in Ananda Marga. If you tip dadas, then all kinds of doors will be opened for you and you will be able to receive whatever you wish. That is why many say that nowadays one’s “merit” is based on the size of the tip.

Since 1990, in Ananda Marga, merit has not been based on sadhana, service, or sacrifice; nor has it been based on following yama and niyama or 16 Points. All along since 1990, the all-important tip or financial offering / bribe is what allows one to receive favours, gain recognition, or walk in the upper echelons of Ananda Marga society.

Thus, while in theory our Ananda Marga is wholly against the notion of tipping; tragically, tipping has become the operative factor in getting whatever you want these days in Ananda Marga.

Whatever you call it it – tip or bribe – it is rampant now in AMPS life. To get anything done, or gain prestige, or get a post, or so many things, it all depends upon the tip, or financial offering. This is the very unfortunate state of affairs. And it is this trend which must be halted and ultimately reversed.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION

Now that we have reviewed bribes and tips we have to resolve the matter. In those countries where bribes are a way of life, then our brothers and sisters of Ananda Marga need to know what they should do. Similarly, in those areas, where tipping is looked upon as being obligatory in certain cases, then our brothers and sisters of the Marga need to know how to behave in those regions.

Here then are the recommended solutions:

(1) TIPS: As Ananda Margiis we should refrain from giving tips or gratuities to anyone for their work. Rather we should raise the slogan that such people should be paid more by their employers. No doubt this may feel uncomfortable to forgo giving someone a tip, but this is the work of the pioneer. And society will benefit greatly in the long run.

If people do not want to perform certain works for you because they know you are not going to tip them, then get your work done by other agencies or businesses. Supporting the system of tipping is not at all good as it leads to partiality and injustice for the common people. Those who tip big get special preference and those who do not have the money to tip large sums are overlooked. Plus the one receiving the tip becomes degenerated as they are always thinking about money. This is not the way to build a healthy society.

Indeed just imagine if the tips are extended to teachers in schools. In that case, if you do not give a huge tip, then those teachers will not teach your child. Here the point is that whatever field of life incorporates tips, then that will bring partiality and special treatment for a few wealthy people. That is why as Ananda Margiis we should not be involved in giving tips for work rendered. That is Baba’s strict guideline.

(2) BRIBES: As Ananda Margiis we should refrain from giving or receiving bribes and side by side we should raise awareness that bribes lead to the degradation of society. In that sense it is just like tipping – it is to be wholly avoided and public education is needed.

The only difference between tips and bribes is that in certain countries one cannot get the basic necessities of life (such as electricity, water, heat etc) without bribing local officials and administrators. Or if your house is robbed, the police will not do anything unless you offer a bribe – then they will start their investigation, otherwise not. In such situations – due to pressure of circumstances – one will have to pay a bribe. At the same time it is imperative to take a strong stand.

“If someone through pressure of circumstances forces you to offer a bribe, do not forgive that person till he/she is reformed.” (7)

MORE OF BABA’S GUIDELINES ON BRIBES AND TIPS

[A] In the below excerpt from His short story, Baba outlines how only depraved people like the ghosts resort to bribes:

His Holiness roared, “I don’t want to hear these things; I know you have eaten them. Vomit them out! I shall eat them.”

There ensued a big scuffle between His Holiness and his disciples. An initial shouting match became a bloody battle.

The police, on being informed, rushed to the spot. They arrested both sides and dragged them to the police station.

Tarun put the lemon lozenge between his lips and teeth so that he and the chief ghost could accompany them.

After giving some hefty tips Bhutanandaji and his disciples were freed and allowed to return home. His Holiness, however, stayed at the police station to try and persuade the sub-inspector ghost that the ministers Bhutananda Singh and Bhutanarayan Sharma were his followers. It would therefore be improper for the sub-inspector ghost to accept a bribe from him. Anyway, the sub-inspector didn’t believe him and he was only released after giving the bribe.

When he returned to the banyan tree his disciples apologized. His Holiness said, “Let bygones be bygones. Let us now engage ourselves in ghost meditation.” (8)

[B] Next Baba reveals how the medical industry has become riddled by bribes.

“Countless complaints can be made against doctors and the medical profession. Although it would take a lot of space to list them all, let me briefly mention a few: patients have to settle for adulterated medicines unless they bribe the pharmacist; sweepers, orderlies and nurses do not take proper care of a patient’s needs unless they are tipped; a patient writhing in pain may be rebuked instead of being given medicine; if one does not call the doctor at least once for a personal consultation so that that doctor can earn some extra money, one may be unable to secure a bed on one’s next visit to the hospital; a medicine that is supposedly out of stock in the hospital can be illegally purchased in a nearby shop at an exorbitant price; without bribing the doctor a sick patient will not be admitted to the hospital; during the compulsory medical examination for a new job, all the medical staff put out their hand for a bribe; the doctor in collusion with the optician fails many people in their eye tests so that they will have to buy glasses; hospital patients are served food which is cheaper and of poorer quality than what they are entitled to; milk and fruits reserved for patients are consumed by the hospital staff; spurious drugs and injections are administered to patients. Such grievances are endless. Some are extremely serious, involving accusations of such irresponsibility that it is difficult to believe that people actually have these experiences.” (9)

[C] Here Baba reveals the negative reactions that come when one takes bribes.

“When people rob others, or indulge in hypocrisy, or cheat people, or indulge in tall talk day after day, they are committing original actions. When a dishonest government employee accepts a bribe it is an original action, and when his son gets sick and has to be rushed to the doctor it is the reactive action (the reaction to the original action). When his son dies he laments, “I haven’t knowingly done anything wrong. Oh, Lord, why have you given me such severe punishment.” But God did not give him any punishment – the deep sorrow he felt at the death of his child was the result of his past original actions.” (10)

[D] Baba guides us that those who indulge in bribery ruin their sadhana by thinking again and again of the bribe they hope to gain next.

“Suppose you are thinking that you will take bribe from that man. While doing sádhaná, what are you doing? “Bribe – bribe – bribe – bribe.” Just see, your propensive propulsions are channelized towards bribe which disturb the “smrti” which you want to develop. Because of coolness of the mind during your sádhaná those undesirable elements create a crowd in your mind.” (11)

[E] Baba also warns us that those involved in taking bribes can never hide – rather their wrong is automatically seen by the Divine Entity.

“Suppose a person commits a wrong by accepting a bribe. While receiving the bribe he or she thinks that no one is watching, but that is impossible. A third entity is watching everything. No one can do anything secretly in this universe. But the bribe-taker thinks the opposite because avidyá shakti has placed a veil between him or her and the Supreme Being. This is a very dangerous situation. It is just like a hare being chased by a hunter: the hare sits down and covers its eyes with its ears and, thinks, “I cannot see anything, so the hunter cannot see anything either. Hence he won’t be able to kill me.” This is a deadly mistake! Wherever one commits a wrong, be it in the depths of the ocean or in a high mountain cave, one cannot escape the consequences: one will certainly be detected one day or another.” (12)

[F] Baba uses those taking bribes to describe depraved beings who have sunk into “seventh hell.”

“There are seven shades of darkness corresponding to the seven worlds below. What are these shades? Tamah [is the first and] means simply “black”, the second is tamasá, third mahátamasá, fourth andhatamasá, fifth tamishrá, sixth mahátamishrá, and seventh andhatamishrá. What is this last, this andhatamishrá? It is the darkness in which it is not possible even to see one’s own hands. When one becomes materialistic – extremely materialistic – one’s intellect and conscience are all lost. One cannot see even the hands by which he or she accepts a bribe or holds a cup of wine. One thinks, “Whatever I do is right.” That is why it is said, Andhaḿ tamah pravishanti [“One who follows the path of avidyá falls into darkness”]. He or she will go down to rasátala. Rasátala is a stage far below even dogs and goats. Dogs and goats never go below bhuvarloka. They are far superior to those in rasátala.” (13)

PIONEERS OF SOCIETY

It is not at all easy to reverse the prevailing trends in society. Mental force is needed. By taking a samkalpa and standing strong, it is possible to change the ways of society.

Just see how our Marga was instrumental in cracking the age-old caste system in India by creating revolutionary marriages. At first those who had an RM (revolutionary marriage) faced huge backlash from the society, but eventually that faded and now getting an RM in India is much more easily done and the dogmatic caste system is losing its grip on society.

So we should take that same type of determination with regards to tips and bribes. Then by Baba’s grace these two poisons will be eliminated from the society.

“Those who are the pioneers in such a task, what will they do? They will have to acquire far more strength than average people. The pioneers who want to travel through thick jungles will have to clear part of the jungle and build a road. Once the road is constructed, those who come behind will be able to travel easily through that jungle.” (14)

Now share with us, what is your opinion about tips and bribes.

Namaskar,
In Him
Pradiip

REFERENCES:
1. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Point #23b
2. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Point #23c
3. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Point #23d
4. Caryacarya – 2, Society, Point #24c
5. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Point #23d
6. Ananda Vanii #13
7. Caryacarya – 2, Society, Point #24c
8. Under the Fathomless Depths of the Blue Sea
9. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
10. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 8, Sádhaná
11. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 2, Bhavámbodhipotam
12. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 10, Vaedhii Bhakti and Shuddhá Bhakti
13. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 30, Self-Realization and Service to Humanity
14. A Few Problems Solved – 3, The Importance of Society

Prabhat Samgiita

“Tiirthe tiirthe ghuriya’ kla’nt hoye esechi dva’re…” (Prabhata Samgiita 4112)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, after wandering around the globe in various holy lands in search of You, I am completely tired. In this exhausted state, I have reached Your alter. Baba, be gracious, please do not turn Your face away; please do not become unhappy, angry, or furious with me. Please open the door and allow me to come inside.

O’ Supreme Entity, look towards me; my whole body is completely tired and exhausted. My feet are full of dust. Wandering around in the sun, my whole body has become completely hot and sweaty. I am totally tired and exhausted.

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, now I feel in my heart and repent how my whole life has been wasted. I was tied up in the noose of dogma. Just I was performing various rituals, wandering in holy lands, moving from one tiirtha to another tiirtha, from one Baba’s Quarter to another Baba’s Quarter, in search of You. By Your grace, now I understand that You are residing in my heart – smiling.

Baba, I am surrendering to You. Please accept me as Yours. Do not leave me to wander from one dogmatic pilgrimage to another – involved in various rituals. The path which I was traveling was dark & full of hopelessness. I wasted a lot of money, time, and energy; nothing was gained. Now I am too tired. I want Your divine direction.

In spite of moving on the negative path, by Your grace in the garden of my mind some flowers have bloomed for You. I want to offer those flowers at Your lotus feet. The creepers of hope are swinging and the feeling is coming that You will allow me.

Baba, You have graciously given me the longing for You in my heart. Now please grace me by allowing me to come close to You and touch Your feet. Baba, I am Yours and You are mine. I am surrendering everything unto You. Please accept me…

Read Full Post »

UPAVASA: WHY & HOW TO PREPARE & BREAK ~ Part 2 ~

Date: 29 Mar 2013, 21:37:41
From: “Piyusa Deva” 


Baba

This letter contains two parts:
1. Posting: Re: Upavasa: Why & How to Prepare & Break #2
2. Prabhat Samgiita #4380

== UPAVASA: WHY & HOW TO PREPARE & BREAK ==

~ Part 2 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. A link to the first letter has been appended below. – Eds)

Namaskar,
As we all know, fasting is a special practice whereby one’s entire system gets cleansed and purified. By allowing the organs to rest and collect the toxins, the body gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself. Breaking the fast properly with a thorough cleansing process is an indispensable feature of fasting – otherwise much of the benefits are lost.

Each and every Ananda Margii understands that Baba has blessed us with 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. 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.

So by doing the whole fasting and breaking process in a sincere and complete manner, an innumerable amount of “health and wealth” is aroused in the human structure such that the body and mind glisten with purity and lightness.

BABA WATCHES FOR OUR WELFARE

That is why we all know that Baba Himself is very strict with all margiis and acaryas on the point of fasting. He wants that we should derive all the many benefits from this great practice. Indeed, in multiple ways, He reminds us that always He is watching. This following teaching is leading in that exact manner.

“Suppose, a gentleman is undergoing fasting, and secretly in a closed room, he takes chocolate. ‘No one will know, nobody will know.’ But it is not so. His unit cognition will know that he has taken chocolate. And similarly, the Cosmic Father will know that in a particular room one unit body took chocolate very secretly, and that unit body is still thinking, that the fact that he took chocolate on a fast-day is not known to anybody. It is known to everybody. Nothing is a secret.” (1)

Hence, Baba is acutely aware of exactly what happens – as well as what does not happen – on our each and every fasting day. And He wants that we sincerely follow His guideline as this is for our welfare.

BABA POINTS OUT ON THE POINT OF FASTING

That is why in dharma samiiksa and in all types of reporting sessions, Baba used to point out sadhakas on the point of fasting in front of one and all. And if one person was pointed out it was understood that if others are also falling into this same category then they should also rectify themselves. That was the spirit. It was not just that Baba was speaking to only one individual on such occasions.

Some people would wonder why Baba was pointing out margiis or Wts in front of the collective, as opposed to informing them individually. The reason for this is that Baba did not have the time to speak to each and every individual on each and every particular point. So by highlighting a particular sadhaka’s mistake in front of the collective, then if 4 or 5 others were doing the same wrongdoing then naturally they would get also alarmed. And the feeling would come that they too should rectify themselves. As they understood that Baba is very concerned and strict on this point.

Plus, another reason is that naming the defects on the collective platform was a good way of reminding one and all. Because day after day or every few days if He was pointing out a different margii or Wt on the point of fasting, then it automatically became a reminder to all those present that this was something important. So if anyone was attending the reporting for an entire week or two week period, then they would get numerous reminders.

And invariably they would spread that idea to others who did not attend.

Here we should keep in mind that as Guru Baba was pointing out the defects of disciples from the very beginning, not just in later years. From the Jamalpur era up to the grand DMCs in the late 80’s, Baba would point out, benevolently scold, and His shower love. This was all done for our welfare. By this way we could grow and move on towards Supreme fulfillment. Baba is the dharma Guru and His special quality is to both love and punish.

“The preceptor must also be nigraha (capable of inflicting punishment) and anugraha (capable of bestowing grace). One who punishes only or who bestows grace only is not an ideal preceptor.” (2)

WHY POINT OUT IN COLLECTIVE SETTING

Hence overall there were at minimum two distinct reasons for pointing people out in front of the collective:

(a) A lack of time to speak to everyone on an individual basis and by this way it was a good reminder to one and all. Thus within a short period Baba could rectify and instill proper practices within countless sadhakas within the entire Marga. Overall we can say it was His special technique and blessing.

(b) Baba is very strict on the point of fasting. And He wants that we should all be sincere on this very point. As He tells us again and again in various ways that indeed He is always watching our each and every action to ensure our welfare.

Here then are more points about the great benefits of fasting.

UPAVASA PURIFIES 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 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

“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.” (3)

“During fasting the body’s organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid.” (4)

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.

UPAVASA BRINGS 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 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.

UPAVASA INVITES BENEFITS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

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.

“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.” (5)

FASTING IS NOT ONLY FASTING BUT UPAVASA

Here below Baba colorfully describes how we are to spend our fasting days.

“‘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?” (6)

And Baba’s next guideline further details how fasting days are perfect for an enhanced spiritual routine.

“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.” (7)

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.

Here following Baba says more about the process of upavasa.

“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].” (8)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Piyusa

REFERENCES
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12
2. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life – 9
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12
4. Yogic Treatments, p.95
5. Caryacarya – 3
6. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 6
7. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, p.188
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, p. 36-7

Note: LINK TO FIRST LETTER IN THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/upavasa-why-how-to-prepare-break-part-1.html

“Maneri gahane tumi a’cho, a’cho prabhu sada’ jege a’cho…” (Prabhata Samgiita 4380)

Purport:

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, You remain always in the depths of my mind – You never leave me. I am never alone. Baba, You are always awake. You go on working day and night, beyond time. You never tire or stop. Baba, whatever You want to do, You go on doing.

O Parama Purusa, this whole expressed universe is Your eternal game. You are ever-present: beginningless and endless. You are ever intoxicated in Your divine flow. You are the Goal of everyone – everyone wants You. You are remaining with one and all.

Baba, only those trying to come close to You by their virtuous deeds, shravan, manan, nididhyasana, & dhyana, are able to come to You. Only they are able to realise You and have Your grace and proximity.

Baba, You are grace-Personified…

Read Full Post »

More on Debt From Wikipedia Abusive or unfair lending practices

There are many lending practices which have been called abusive and labeled with the term “predatory lending.” There is a great deal of dispute between lenders and consumer groups as to what exactly constitutes “unfair” or “predatory” practices, but the following are sometimes cited.
Unjustified risk-based pricing. This is the practice of charging more (in the form of higher interest rates and fees) for extending credit to borrowers identified by the lender as posing a greater credit risk. The lending industry argues that risk-based pricing is a legitimate practice; since a greater percentage of loans made to less creditworthy borrowers can be expected to go into default, higher prices are necessary to obtain the same yield on the portfolio as a whole. Some consumer groups argue that higher prices paid by more vulnerable consumers cannot always be justified by increased credit risk.[7]
Single-premium credit insurance. This is the purchase of insurance which will pay off the loan in case the homebuyer dies. It is more expensive than other forms of insurance because it does not involve any medical checkups, but customers almost always are not shown their choices, because usually the lender is not licensed to sell other forms of insurance. In addition, this insurance is usually financed into the loan which causes the loan to be more expensive, but at the same time encourages people to buy the insurance because they do not have to pay up front.
Failure to present the loan price as negotiable.[7] Many lenders will negotiate the price structure of the loan with borrowers. In some situations, borrowers can even negotiate an outright reduction in the interest rate or other charges on the loan. Consumer advocates argue that borrowers, especially unsophisticated borrowers, are not aware of their ability to negotiate and might even be under the mistaken impression that the lender is placing the borrower’s interests above its own. Thus, many borrowers do not take advantage of their ability to negotiate.[7]
Failure to clearly and accurately disclose terms and conditions, particularly in cases where an unsophisticated borrower is involved. Mortgage loans are complex transactions involving multiple parties and dozens of pages of legal documents. In the most egregious of predatory cases, lenders or brokers have been not only misled borrowers but also actually altered documents after they have been signed.

Here is their entire article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predatory_lending

Read Full Post »

Baba Story About Prout Government

From: “Ramlal Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story About Prout Government
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2013 23:26:08 +0530

Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: Baba Story About Prout Government;
(2) Posting: Two Opposite Types of Mantras;
(3) Posting: Baba’s Procedural Order: No Co-Education Upon Entering Puberty
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #3580.

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== BABA STORY ABOUT PROUT GOVERNMENT ==

~ HOW OPPOSITION WORKS ~

Note: This short story is related with one very senior Proutist – Shrii Shashi Ranjanji, a key member of parliament with a high post and a founding member of PBI (Proutist Block of India). The following story is one key point where Sadguru Baba graciously responds to Shashi Ranjanji’s query on Prout policies. Shashi Ranjanji is also known as Shashi Ranjan Sahu.

Namaskar,
On various occasions, I was blessed to be along with Baba while He was delivering guidelines on Prout.

We all knew that Baba’s plan was that margiis should challenge every election and run for every seat of Parliament. This was Baba’s outlined approach.

In my mind, however, I was wondering what would happen if really margiis ran for and won every seat of parliament. In that case, who would serve as the opposition group in Parliament.

For instance, in the general democratic system, there is one elected party in power. And all elected officials of that majority party will automatically and brazenly support their elected executive chief, i.e. the leader of the country. This is the norm. Yet, side by side, there are many other elected officials who are part of one or more minority groups. And it is these minority group(s) that stand as an oppositional force to the party in power. That is the way it runs. But if one party gets 75% or 80% of the seats in Parliament or Congress, then there is hardly any debate – what a leader wants do they do by voice vote. What to speak of if one group gets 100% of the seats.

Thus, if the Prout Party runs for and wins every seat of Parliament then how will there be an opposition group. Every elected official will be a Proutist and hence part of the Prout party. Then where is there scope for any opposition. This was the quandary in my mind.

So I asked Baba, “Suppose, all the members of Parliament are from the Proutist party then how will there be any opposition?”

Baba told, “Yes, there will be scope for opposition. Elected members of Parliament will pressurise those at the helm and ensure that Prout principles are followed and implemented. The loyalty of the elected leaders will not take the shape of blind support for the top post holder, but rather their loyalty will be in the form of the rational and just implementation of Proutistic ideals – in the service of the entire society. Those elected leaders will be vigilant that Proutists in the top executive offices are discharging their duties properly. On such points, there will be vigorous and open debate. That is how the opposition will be formed when Proutists have 100% of the seats in Parliament.”

I thought, “Yes, this is how we will proceed when Proutists win over all elected seats of Parliament. They will not work like general politicians wherein elected members of the ruling party blindly support the executive branch.”

Namaskar,
At His Lotus Feet,
Shashi Ranjan

REFLECTION

Unfortunately, nowadays in Ananda Marga, those in the executive body (i.e. purodhas in Central Office) do not appreciate any opposition from their own members, let alone from field workers and general margiis. That is why countless wrongs are going on in AMPS.

The duty of general purodhas is to keep a sharp eye on the executive body, and take them to task when they veer from Baba’s teachings. However, instead of taking dharmic stand, such purodhas are stooges. They sit there and allow top purodhas to do as they wish – wholly disregarding Guru’s mandates.

Once again, the main problem nowadays in AMPS is that healthy debate and criticism is not allowed. In that condition, general wts and margins have no voice. Top purodhas rule according to their convenience. Then sin and crime brews. In the end, they all drown in the mud of their own crime and sin.

If anyone does not understand this short explanation please write back.

Namaskar,
in His service,
Pradiip

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

Subject: Two Opposite Types of Mantras
From: Gaungadhar ght2314@gtu…
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2013 20:44:21

== TWO OPPOSITE TYPES OF MANTRAS ==

Namaskar,
Here is one very important and unique aspect about ista mantras in our Ananda Marga sadhana system. Baba has only discussed this point on select occasions – i.e. very rarely.

‘Mananat tarayet yastu sah mantrah parikiirttitah’

“Mantra is that particular word whose repetition or auto-suggestion or outer-suggestion helps the microcosm free itself of all the fetters of physical, psychic, and spiritual life.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 5, p. 96)

In His above teaching, Baba is guiding us about the important role auto and outer suggestion have in the repetition of a mantra. We all know that in the first lesson of our Ananda Marga sadhana we use a mantra. Each one of the Ananda Marga ista mantras are based either on auto suggestion or outer suggestion. At the time of initiation, based on their samskara, every Ananda Margii is given their own personal ista mantra. And that is the mantra they will use for their entire life.

MEANING OF ISTA MANTRA

AUTO SUGGESTION VS OUTER SUGGESTION

So some sadhakas have ista mantras which are based exclusively on auto-suggestion; and some have mantras based only on outer suggestion. It varies from mantra to mantra.

For example, for some sadhakas, their ista mantra is based on auto suggestion. The meaning is, ‘I am that…’, i.e. ‘I am Brahma’.

So, in this case, the sadhaka is suggesting this idea to himself while repeating his mantra. And during the repetition of the first half of the ista mantra while inhaling the sadhaka thinks ‘I am’. And when repeating the second half of the ista mantra while exhaling he ideates on ‘Brahma’. The full idea is: “I am Brahma.” This is how the ista mantra works with auto suggestion. And that is what Baba is referring to in the above guideline.

Whereas in outer suggestion, the types of mantra used in first lesson are somewhat different.

In that case, Gurushakti gives the suggestion to the sadhaka, ‘you are that…’, i.e. ‘you are Brahma’. So here ‘you’ means the sadhaka, not someone else. Thus during the first half of the mantra on the inhalation the idea comes from Gurushakti to the sadhaka that ‘you are’. And on the second half of the ista mantra upon exhalation the ideation is on ‘Brahma’. The full idea is: “You are Brahma.” This is how an ista mantra works with outer suggestion.

In the Ananda Marga sadhana system, most of the ista mantras are based on auto-suggestion. It is rare to receive an ista mantra based on outer suggestion.

DO NOT REPEAT TWO TYPES OF MANTRA

ONLY REPEAT YOUR OWN PERSON ISTA MANTRA

Thus when repeating their ista mantra every sadhaka must follow their assigned mantra – either it is auto suggestion or outer suggestion, depending on their mantra – as it is allotted by their acarya. No individual is given two mantras. Every sadhaka is given one single mantra, and that mantra is based either on auto or outer suggestion.

So one must not do both types, auto & outer. This should never be done. One has either been assigned an auto suggestion mantra or one based on outer suggestion. The one you have received is what you will use for the duration.

In select circumstances, if a mistake was made at the time of initiation, it may be that certain individuals need to have their ista mantras changed. If so, this is always done by an acarya. Beyond that, every sadhaka should always use the ista mantra given to them at the time of initiation.

Just as one should not take two different antibiotics at the same time, similarly one should not use both types of ista mantras, i.e. auto and outer. Likewise, just as one should not stand on two different moving vehicles at the same time, similarly one should not use both types of ista mantras, i.e. auto and outer.

Here every sadhaka should keep in mind that this distinction between the auto and outer ista mantras is a very subtle aspect of sadhana. Only discuss this point with those acaryas who have a very keen interest in sadhana. If you ask those wts who are fully involved in mundane dealings, business, and xyz pursuits, they will only yawn and misguide you, unfortunately. If you search you will find that there are many sincere acaryas.

Note: This matter of auto and outer suggestion is related with one’s ista mantra. So I cannot write the actual mantras here because they cannot be told openly. So it is the duty of sadhakas to communicate one-on-one with an acarya on this.

IF SADHANA NOT DONE IN A METHODICAL WAY, THE RESULT IS NEGATIVE

“The mind thinks with concentration, that is, the mind meditates. Regarding this faculty of thinking, if it is done in a methodical way, the result is certainly positive…But if it is not done in a methodical way, the general result is negative.” (2 June 1990 RU, Anandanagar)

PURPOSE IN WRITING ABOUT AUTO AND OUTER SUGGESTION OF MANTRA

The purpose in writing about auto and outer suggestion of mantra is two-fold:

(a) All sadhakas should understand the meaning of their mantra; those not aware should consult their acarya.

(b) By raising this matter, acaryas will be forced to educate themselves on the deeper aspects of sadhana.

Namaskar,
At His Lotus Feet,
Gaungadhar

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

Subject: Baba’s Procedural Order: No Co-Education Upon Entering Puberty
From: Kavita@opera…
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:33:46
To: am-global@earthlink.net

BABA’S PROCEDURAL ORDER:

NO CO-EDUCATION UPON ENTERING PUBERTY

Namaskar,
“Some of you are aware that one central didi – herein referred to as Didi D – is extremely attached with a young man of 18 years of age, whom we shall call Mr. S. The situation is not at all ordinary – rather quite abnormal. They live together: Sleeping, eating, and going together etc. Didi D and Mr S are very linked with each other.

The reason why this is such an important matter is because this has the makings of becoming a systemic issue within our Marga. The likes of which have been the downfall of many religions and spiritual communities. We should not let our Ananda Marga suffer the same fate.”

According to the following procedural order, Didi Ananda Dyotona is disobeying Baba and contravening His stated guideline. That is very unfortunate. Didiji is doing adharmic work, incurring sin and bad samsakras, as well as ruining the life of a young man, Shubham. The whole scene is quite tragic.

Here following is Baba’s own Procedural Order which states that our Ananda Marga schools must not be co-ed once children have reached the age of puberty.

A’NANDA MA’RGA PRACA’RAKA SA’MGHA (Central)

A’NANDA NAGAR

PLO no. 1A/4.2.1969

As per rules, co-education is allowed in our Schools up to Standard V. but boys who are learning in Std. V or below but have crossed twelve years of age will not be permitted to study in any of our lady managed Schools. Similarly girls who are learning in Std. V or below but have crossed 12 years of age, shall not be allowed to study in our Schools (for boys).

Feb 4, 1969

Note: Standard V is the equivalent of 5th grade or 5th class in the western system.

According to Baba’s above procedural order on co-education, there are two determining factors. If one has reached the age of 12 then that is one point to separate males and females in their schooling. Secondly, if any student has completed Standard V grade, they must be in gender-separated learning environment. So if one has completed standard V and still is not 12yrs of age, then they cannot continue into grade VI in a co-ed school. Thus, boys and girls cannot attend the same school if they are of 12 years of age or have completed Standard V grade, whichever comes first.

The real essence of the stipulation is based upon adolescence or puberty. Once the mammary glands have developed in girls and the related glands for boys, then they cannot attend the same school. That is Baba’s guideline.

So nowadays when in some parts of the world, girls and boys enter into adolescence at the age of 8, then that marks the time they must attend a single-gender school.

“Yes, I am interested in receiving the scanned PO”

The above is Baba’s procedural order. Baba has given the order and in due course GS Dada would sign and circulate it. The above is the email version. If you want a scanned copy of the actual order then click reply and paste this into the subject box: “Yes, I am interested in receiving the scanned PO”.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Kavita

Note: LINK TO EARLIER LETTER ABOUT DIDIJI

For more about the situation with Didiji and Shubham click on the below link.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/disastrous-trend-threat-to-existence.html

**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

“Madhur mohan tumi cita-rainjan a’cho sada’ sa’the sa’the…” (3580)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You are very sweet, most attractive. You have coloured my mind in Your colour. That is why You are Cita-Rainjan [1]. Always You are remaining with me side by side. You have removed the despair and filled my heart with Your love. All the darkness & hopelessness was removed by that light.

O’ Divine Entity, You are beyond the scriptures, intellect, logic, and reasoning, You are above all these; You are Alakha-Nirainjain [2], beyond description. Infinite and unblemished. Only You can shatter the bondage of avidya maya – the mirage of negative attraction – and grant salvation. Baba, You are the most charming, the most sweet, my own…

END NOTES FOR PRABHATA SAMGITIA #3580:

[1] Cita-Rainjan: Baba guides us & we all know that devotion is that unique ingredient which allows one to advance in the spiritual field. Without innate love for Parama Purusa one can never succeed. By Baba’s divine grace, in His role as Cit-Rainjan, He is that Divine Entity who colours and saturates the mind of sadhakas in the fountain of devotion. Baba says, “‘rainjana’, which means ‘the One who colours’ – that which colours the mind.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam-1) So He is that Cosmic Being who graciously showers devotional love into the heart and mind of the bhakta. And by such overwhelming Cosmic grace, the devotee becomes immersed in Supreme bliss and comes in the closest proximity with that Love Personified Entity: Parama Purusa.

[2] Alakhanirainjan: (‘Alakh’ means ‘invisible’; ‘nir’ means ‘no’; ‘ainjan’ means ‘black spot’.) Of the infinite attributions of Parama Purusa, one of which is that He is invisible and blemishless– totally pure and perfect. That is why He is known as Alakhanirainjan. Because in this world unit beings are bound by their past actions, by their samskaras; and this creates a black mark in their mind. But being Alakhanirainjan, being both invisible and blemishless, Parama Purusa is totally beyond the realm of sense perception and beyond the realm of samskara. His mind never gets stained. He remains eternally pure and spotless.

Read Full Post »

Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked

From: “Ramlal Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:26:08 +0530

Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked;
(2) Reader Comment: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide;
(3) Trailer Quote: Health Guideline: Sleeping Related;
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #1341.

== COLOUR FESTIVAL & GURU PUJA INTRINSICALLY INTERLINKED ==

Namaskar,
In the jagrti on the day of colour festival, I was there when the margii arrived and I heard him ask Dadaji the question.

Already Dada had told everyone how we would celebrate and what we would do and I could see that the margii was a bit disappointed. He asked the following question.

“Dadaji, today is spring festival. How can we make our offering to Baba during our puja without colours? We need some type of coloured powder or flower. But you have not brought any. Baba will be deprived because we do not have any colour to offer Him. He must be waiting for us as this is the day of the festival. Why is it that you did not supply coloured powder for us?”

Indeed, the margii felt that actual colours (powders, flowers, incense sticks, & even blowing conch shells etc) must be offered to Baba in our puja during colour festival, otherwise Baba would be deprived.

The margii recounted that for years and years always he used coloured powder in his puja on spring festival. He furthermore told that all the margiis he knows do like this as well.

We all watched Dadaji to see how he would respond. Dadaji told that physical colours like powder and flowers are not mandatory during our Guru Puja (offering of colours) in spring festival program.

BABA’S WORDS ABOUT THIS

Below are the quotes and citations which we found from Baba’s guidelines.

In Caryacarya, Baba says the following about the use of coloured powder during puja in our spring festival celebrations.

Baba says, “Then, in the afternoon, all will perform collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána (using áviir [coloured powder] or flowers of colours of their own choice).” (1)

In that same chapter of Caryacarya Baba further clarifies the matter.

Baba says, “In relation to Guru Pújá, one should remember that both crude and subtle offerings have equal value. Therefore one should not do anything merely for show.” (2)

So here above Baba clarifies that both base (physical) and subtle (psychic) colours could be offered during spring festival. It is not that coloured powders are absolutely mandatory.

Hence no one should be disturbed if actual colours are not used. One may offer physical colours such as flowers or mental colours. No one should blame or harass anyone if someone prefers to only offer mental colours. There should not be any confusion about this.

MORE OF BABA’S TEACHINGS

Here are more of Baba’s teachings on this critical point:

[A] First in Ananda Sutram Baba says that ours is not the path of ritualistic worship wherein we only offer physical objects or engage in prayer etc

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. (3)

[B] Here below, in these next two quotes, Baba again explains the inner significance of spring festival.

“The inner significance of the Dolyátra of Shrii Krśńa is this: “By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless.” This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him. So this colour festival is not merely an outward play; it is purely a psycho-spiritual phenomenon. This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of varńárghyadána [offering of colours]: “O Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation.”” (4)

“The significance of the Dol Liilá, the Spring Festival, is to surrender all one’s mental colour to Parama Puruśa, and thus free oneself from the bondage of colour.” (5)

GURU PUJA / VARNARGHYADAN / PRATYHARA YOGA ARE ONE AND THE SAME

In colour festival, we offer color to the Supreme Entity, who is in the form of Guru, by doing Guru Puja. Colour Festival then is nothing but the festival of Guru Puja.

Here, in the following paragraphs, colour means bondage, or the attachment of the mind. For example, anything & everything in the world has some sort of vibration, or colour. When attracted, the mind gets dyed with that colour. For instance, if someone is attracted to rasgolla and must eat tht sweet whenever he goes to the market, then the colour of rasgolla will stain his mind.

Likewise, humans get coloured colored by all kinds of colour. So here, colour means a stain on the mind. When the mind is stained, then that mind is in bondage. When mind is not attracted with any color and is just attracted towards Parama Purusa, then the mind is colourless.

That is why in Guru Puja, sadhakas offer their mental colour – all kinds of attractions, weaknesses, and attachments – to the Supreme Entity. If the offering is made with sincerity, that weakness or attachment will fade away, and the mind will become calm, serene, and blissful. That is the very close to the stage of colourlessnes. When the mind is completely coloured then one becomes one with Parama Purusa.

Ultimately,, the unit mind and the Cosmic Mind are the same, only due to one’s mental colour the unit mind is not becoming one with the Cosmic Entity. In order to become one with Him, we celebrate Colour Festival and offer our mental colours to the Divine Entity – Parama Purusa – and try to become one with Him.

“You must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour. In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (Guru Puja: the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga [Guru Puja]. The word Pratyáhára means “to withdraw” – to withdraw the mind from its object.”

“The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours; it is meant to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the mind. When this practice of offering your own colours – your own attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless – you will go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the Cosmic Ego. Whichever way you look you will see only Him in His ever-surging glory. There is no “I” nor “you”. By an everlasting, mutual pact the final curtain will have fallen on all clashes of “I” and “you”. At that stage, if you call Parama Brahma as “I”, you are right in calling Him so; if you call Him as “He”, you are equally right; and if you call Him as “you”, again you are correct. The extent of your attainment of Him will be proportionate to your self surrender.”

“Remember, you have to offer your own identity – not money, rice plantains or other crude objects. The give-and-take of crude things is a business transaction. If you want to attain the bliss of Brahma, you must offer your own self. If you want to have the Great “I”, you must give away your own little “I”. You have to give the full sixteen annas, (the full rupee). Giving fifteen annas and holding back one anna will not do. You must completely surrender. To attain that Infinite One with the help of your mental concentration and strength, you have to surrender yourselves. But, remember self-surrender does not mean suicide. On the contrary, your soul will have its full expression. Your existence will not become contracted, for contraction is inert in principle. Hence in the Sádhaná of self-surrender the ego is expanded, not contracted. In the Mahábhárata, when Duhshásana was pulling the sari of Draopadii, she was tightly holding the cloth to her body with one hand beseeching lord Krśńa with the other. “Oh! My lord, save me!” But the Lord did not then come forward to save her from shame. When Draopadii found no means of escape, she then released her hold on the cloth and appealed to the Lord most piteously with both hands out-stretched, crying, “O Lord, I surrender my all to you. Do what you think is best”. And the Lord immediately rescued her. That is why I say that you will have to dedicate yourselves to His feet wholly and unreservedly. You will earn godliness in proportion to the extent that you surrender yourselves, and finally, after merging that acquired godliness of yours in His Entity, you will attain eternal bliss.” (6)

By His above teaching the point is very clear. Our colour festival is not about coloured powders and flowers per se. Rather Baba guides us that the real import is the psycho-spiritual approach of offering the colours (i.e. attachments and obstacles) of one’s mind.

Here again is the critical line from Baba’s teaching.

Baba says, “The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours.” (7)

OUR ANANDA MARGA COLOUR FESTIVAL IS UNIQUE

Our Ananda Marga spring / colour festival – vasantaotsava – is highly unique and stands as a dharmic event. It is not a mere replication of the dogmatic Hindu colour festival. Baba has given distinct, dharmic reasons for the practice of our colour festival that makes it independent and different from the Hindu rituals performed in their colour festival.

SUMMARY

By all of Baba’s above teachings, our approach in colour festival is very clear. There should not be any confusion. Those who wish to use physical colours may do so, but they must offer the colours of their mind as well. And those who wish to only offer their mental colours, that is in perfect accordance with Baba’s teachings.

So no one should think that coloured dyes and powders are an absolute requirement for the celebration of our colour festival. On this point there should not be any confusion.

Namaskar,
Ramlal

REFERENCES
1. Caryacarya-1, Social Functions and Festivals
2. Caryacarya-1
3. Ananda Sutram
4. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism
5. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 19
6. Subhasita Samgraha – 3, Vibration, Form and Colour
7. Subhasita Samgraha – 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

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

Subject: Re: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:18:55 GMT
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Namaskara Brothersji,

Good article.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/dada-threatens-to-commit-suicide.html

I work in the psych field and everyday there are people that come in from suicide attempts that were not successful. Many attempt because of physical or emotional pains.

I don’t know this Dada that was suicidal but I suspect he is putting on an act if indeed he threatened to do so to get the requested land. That is so non-sensical. Of course, suicide itself seems nonsense to the rational mind. I think he is bluffing. If I am wrong, O.K., but I don’t think so.

Namaskar
Vyasa

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************
Health Guideline: Sleeping Related

“Do not sleep on a soft bed.” (Carycarya – 3, Chapter 6, Pt #4)

Note: Baba’s above guideline is key for wellness. Some ignorant people, however, who are unaware about health and hygiene, get swayed by pseudo-culture and use a spring-loaded bed with thick mattresses. But that is very detrimental for the various joints, muscles, & organs of the body; one will also suffer from incurable back pain and problems with the spine. Moreover, sleeping on a soft mattress adversely affects the body’s systems leading to digestive disorders & disease.

Conscious people know that soft beds lead to the onset of many diseases while hard beds massage the body.

So one should be aware. One should not fall in the pseudo-culture approach of using a soft bed and thereby invite more dangerous diseases.

Sincere sadhakas keep away from using a pillow also.

On the spiritual side, Baba guides us that those using a hard bed in day to day life develop a body that is capable for intense psycho-spiritual practice.

Keeping this view, including many more benefits, Baba has graciously introduced this above rule. Those who follow this guideline realise its value.

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

Prabhat Samgiita

“A’mi ca’i na’ ei sabhyata’, a’mi ca’i na’ kut’ilata’…” (PS 1341)

Purport:

O’ Lord, my life is for You and Your ideals. I do not want this pseudo-civilization. I do not want hypocrisy and cunningness. I want to float in the open, vast, blue sky – in the boundless open air with the softness of the birds where there are no limitations or boundaries of dogma.

I want more and more effulgence and free air, and the great sky which is studded with stars. I want that very mind which is saturated in divine love and dharma – where there is no presence of the bondages of crookedness, religion, groupism, or narrowness.

I always keep Parama Purusa in my mind and my heart. His blessing and His grace is my everything. By His grace I will go on painting and covering the darkness with the fragrance of sandal paste. Whatever and wherever impurity is there, by His grace it will be removed. This superficial culture and civilization I do not appreciate. I want straightforwardness. I want to lead a life under His shelter…

Read Full Post »

Sleep: Useful & Harmful

Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:33:20 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: mahesh/matt mjp@broadview…
Subject: Sleep: Useful & Harmful

Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: Sleep: Useful & Harmful
(2) Reader Comment: Re: Baba Story: Baba Is As Pure As The Ganges
(3) Trailer Quote: Easiest Way To Memorise Anything
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #3752;

== SLEEP: USEFUL & HARMFUL ==

Namaskar,
There are three types of sleep: (a) spiritual slumber where one has no interest in sadhana; (b) psychic sleep where one has no interest in the intellectual sphere; they may have a lot of physical energy and they may be devotionally inclined, but intellectually they are deficient; and, (c) physical sleep. In this letter we are talking about physical sleep.

COMMON TO ALL

Some who are not familiar with proper sleeping habits may (a) sleep after paincajanya, (b) stay awake late into the night gossiping or watching movies or playing video games etc, (c) or engage in other types of unhealthy sleeping patterns. But all such ways are to be avoided.

As we all know, Baba guides us in various places that sleep plays a highly unique role in the life of each and every being of this universe. Sleep is not just a waste of time – but rather satisfies a very special function for the body & mind. Baba has graciously provided us with all the do’s and don’ts regarding sleep, as well as how it benefits human existence. One of the chief benefits of sleep is that it is a time when the body is given opportunity to repair itself. The cells, the glands, the organs all get repaired when one sleeps. Thus, sleep plays a vital role in human health. We should all pay heed to Baba’s following guidelines to maximize the benefit of sleep and optimize the body’s ability to repair itself.

WHEN HUMANS SHOULD SLEEP

As a general health rule that pertains to every human being, Baba specifically states that human beings should sleep during the night – not during the day.

“Sleeping during the day and staying awake at night are to be avoided.” (1)

WHY SLEEPING AT NIGHT IS BENEFICIAL

In Senior Acarya Diary, Baba clearly explains how and why nighttime sleeping is beneficial for human beings. His main point being that the pattern of keeping awake in the daytime and sleeping at night helps the body restore and revitalise itself. By this way, the blood cells, nerves, and glands of the human body get restored and charged. Because sunlight has a generating effect on the human body and moonlight makes one feel more tired. And other biological and natural effects are also linked with maintaining this type of sleep cycle (2).

That is why human beings feel fresh and revitalised in the morning. Because sleeping at night helps humans repair their body and regain their energy level – both mentally and physically.

In the same chapter of Senior Acarya Diary, Baba reveals that there are various animals who derive benefits by following an opposite approach to sleeping and living. These are nocturnal beings – but for humans this approach is not good.

PROPER SLEEPING PATTERNS CURE DISEASE

A proper sleep cycle – i.e. sleeping at night – also plays an important role in the curing and treatments of various diseases such as: Acidity, indigestion, heart disease, white leprosy, and cancer etc. In His book, Yogic Treatment, under the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ section Baba warns patients not to adopt a reverse sleeping pattern.

“Sleeping during the day, staying awake at night… are to be strictly avoided.” (3)

So not in one place but in numerous instances throughout the book Baba issues this same warning – otherwise the disease cannot be cured. So following an improper sleep pattern is hazardous to one’s health.

DON’T SLEEP TOO MUCH

At the same time, sleeping excess amounts during the night is not good for the human existence. So people – especially sadhakas – should be very attentive to how much sleep they are getting, i.e. we should all be careful not to oversleep.

“The ancient people believed that excessive sleep is good for health, but this is not the case. Rather, too much sleep not only impairs the health, but has an adverse effect on the mind.” (4)

SECRETS FOR A LONG LIFE

To maximize human longevity, Baba has given a short list of very important guidelines. And two of those are related with our sleep-awake cycle. Hence there are numerous benefits to maintaining a proper sleep schedule – one of which is longevity of life.

In His secrets for a long life, Baba has given these points:

(A) “Going to sleep as soon as one feels sleepy.” (5)

As we can all understand, in the above directive, Baba is guiding us not to force the body to remain awake late at night. This should not become our regular way of living. Sometimes due to pressure of circumstance it may be unavoidable, but that should be minimized. Remember, the body enters into sleep mode in order to repair itself. If one continues to press the body beyond its limits by staying up late and not giving it the rest it needs, the body will not be adequately restored. On the opposite end of the spectrum, nor should one lie down in bed before they feel ready to go to sleep. So our standard practice should be to sleep when tiredness overcomes one’s existence – i.e. “when one feels sleepy”. And, as far as possible, through developing a regular habit, one should sleep each night at the same time, at a proper time that is not too late. That is the basic idea of Baba’s teaching.

(B) “Getting out of bed in the Bra’hma Muhu’rtta [just prior to sunrise]” (6)

In this second directive, as is quite evident, Baba is guiding us to arise before daylight hours. That means getting up for paincjanaya and then staying awake. Some sadhakas wake up for paincjanya and then go back to sleep for 1, 2, or even 3 hours. Or one might justify to themselves that since they woke up for paincjanya then they can sleep again just after lunch etc. But this is not Baba’s system. Arising in the pre-dawn hour means concluding one’s sleep at that point and beginning one’s spiritual routine of meditation and asanas and bathing and then later taking food and attending to one’s allotted daily duties, work, and pracara activities etc. And one should not return back to bed until the end of day.

Hence, following a standard sleep pattern of ‘early to bed & early to rise’ is an optimal approach for human beings. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, sleep is instrumental in leading a long and healthy life.

THOSE SUSCEPTIBLE TO POOR SLEEP PATTERNS

It is often seen that students, in particular, adopt an unhealthy sleeping pattern. They stay awake late into the night to attend to their studies and then they arise in the mid-morning – hours after sunrise. Part of the reason for this is that they find it easier to study when it is quiet and the mid hours of the night provide such an environment. This is especially true in so-called third world countries where all family members are living in the same house. And students in overseas areas often remain awake at night either to due extreme busyness in life or due to procrastination. In any event, if at all possible students should adjust their routines according to Baba’s guidelines.

It is also seen that those attending to a Mon-Fri work week, often like to “sleep-in” on Saturdays and Sundays. Some students also like to do this. But this also is not a healthy practice. Then there are some people who we call “night owls”. There are various professors and internet fanatics etc who spend large portions of the night glued to their various endeavours – and then they sleep far into the day. Unfortunately in this circumstance, the human body cannot be maintained for long in this type of backwards routine.

POOR SLEEP PATTERNS ADVERSELY AFFECT MEMORY

Here is one critical point related with sleeping and memory. While asleep, no one has the awareness to know that they are sleeping. There is a sense of emptiness or vacuity.

“Nidrá, one of the main propensities. “Abhávapratyayá lambaniivrttih Nidra”. Nidra (sleep) is a propensity which brings vacuity in mind. In human beings the propensity that brings forth blankness is itself Nidrá. Suppose, you are resting on your bed. Your eyes are on the watch, you fall sleep, but when you get up, you fail to say at what moment actually you slept. Between sleeping and rising things occurred of which you are ignorant. There was vacuum, neither you were seeing anything nor hearing anything. This state of vacuity is Nidrá.” (7)

Whereas if you are eating or walking, one is keenly aware they are eating and walking. That is the case with your daily activities; one’s conscious mind is active. Even when you prepare for sleep, you remember that. But once one falls asleep, one does not know they are sleeping.

Indeed, a person can document all they did during the day, but when sleeping that period is a blank – one does not know what they are doing. In the thread of memory, there is a gap.

So those who sleep in the daytime create more gaps in their memory. In taking short naps throughout the day, there will be a growing gap in one’s memory. That brings dullness and dumbness. One’s intellectual sharpness decreases.

Here is the proof.

Let’s say one morning you read a chapter of a book and finish it by 11am. And then from 11am to 11:30am you remain awake and involve in other projects, then at 11:30am you will have a solid recollection of that chapter. In contrast, if you read a chapter from the same book and finish it by 11am, but then sleep from 11am – 11:30am, then at 11:30am your recollection of that chapter will not be as sharp. It will be comparatively worse than if you had remained awake. It will be faded or feel like a more distant memory. When you sleep then those events that occurred directly before sleep become more distant memories, whereas if you remain awake those events are more clearly recalled.

Sleeping one time in a 24-hour period is ok, but more than that is not good. Those who sleep more become dumb. Their power of recollection, i.e. memory, will wane.

Here are more teachings from Ananda Marga philosophy on this subject of sleep.

“EXTREMELY FRIGHTENED BY THEIR DREAMS”

“Sleep: Due to excessive physical and mental labour, the nerve-cells and nerve-fibres become fatigued and demand relaxation, forcing the conscious mind to cease functioning and producing the state of sleep. Often the subconscious ceases also, leaving only the unconscious to continue the work of the brain. However, sometimes the nerve-cells begin functioning during the latter part of the night, due to sudden heat in the back portion of the cranium or to an upward movement of gastric wind. The subconscious mind accordingly starts thinking or remembering, producing dreams. In the absence of the functioning of the conscious mind, these products of the subconscious are accepted as true and practical. Sometimes the dreamer actually believes that he is flying, for the non-functioning of the conscious mind prevents him from perceiving this idea to be pure imagination. Some people become extremely frightened by their dreams and produce inarticulate mutterings of fear; at times dreamers even die of heart failure. To assist a person out of a disturbing dream it helps to bring the person’s hands or feet into contact with the ground, for this aids the conscious mind in beginning to function again.” (8)

MORE SLEEP IS NOT BETTER

“Nidrá [sleep]. A person who is given to too much sleep can never perform big things in life. A person who sleeps too long spends half of his or her lifetime in sleep only. So how will he or she find time to do noble deeds? Human life, after all, is not very long; and of that short span of life, if half is wasted on sleep only, then there will hardly be any time left for doing noble deeds. That’s why it is said, a person who is given to too much sleep can never aspire to attain the peak of progress in life. Sleep is necessary for health, but many people wrongly think that the more one sleeps, the better it is for health. That is wrong. Human beings go to sleep because they want to work more. While working for long periods the body gets tired, and then only does one take sleep, just to get back fresh energy for work.” (9)

“SENTIENT TRANSPARENCY IN THE CITTA”

“Daylight imposes mutative influence on the human nerves and night-time imposes a static influence, causing the inertness of sleep in the body and mind. The periods of sunrise, sunset, moon and midnight (the sandhyás) bring about a sentient transparency in the Citta.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 3, Vibration, Form and Colour)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Mahesh

References
1. Ananda Marga Carycarya – 3, ‘General Health Rules’, pt #9
2. Reference: ‘Pranayama’ Chapter
3. Yogic Treatments, ‘Cancer Chapter’
4. Yogic Treatments, ‘Cancer Chapter’
5. Caryacarya – 3, Appendix, point #3
6. Caryacarya – 3, Appendix, point #8
7. Yoga & Bhakti
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, Samádhi, Senselessness and Sleep
9. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, Sleep and Inertia

Note 1: FOR HEALTHY ADULTS

The points expressed in this letter are for healthy adults. Children need more sleep and small infants will sleep most of the time. Also, those who are sick or aged will need more rest to restore themselves as their bodily needs are different. Thus this letter about sleep is directly for those who are healthy adults.

Note 2: NOCTURNAL BEINGS

Not all animals follow the same schedule as humans. Here following is a list of those animals that are nocturnal– i.e. they sleep during the day and remain awake at night:

African hunting dog
Amethyst python
Armadillo
Aye-aye
Badger
Bandicoot
Bat
Beaver
Bullfrog
Bushbaby
Cassowary
Cat
Coyote
Deer
Deer mouse
Dobsonfly
Douroucouli
Echidna
Fennec
Firefly
Flying squirrel
Red Fox
Gecko
Gerbil
Ghost crab
Green Sea Turtle
Hamster
Snowshoe hare
Harvest mouse
Hedgehog
Heron
Hippopotamus
Hyena
Kangaroo rat
Kiwi
Koala
Leopard
Loris
Lumholtz tree-climbing kangaroo
Moth
Nightjar
Oilbird
Okapi
Opossum
Owl
Pangolin
Periwinkle
Possum
Potto
Raccoon
Rainforest dingo
Rat
Red-legged pademelon
Rhinoceros
Skunk
Sugar glider
Tiger
Tree frog
Weasel
Whippoorwill
White-tailed uromys
Wolf
Woodcock

As noted above, humans are not on the above list as being nocturnal.

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

Subject: Re: Baba Story: Baba Is As Pure As The Ganges
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:04:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nagaraja Rao
To: AM-GLOBAL

Namaskar all:

This is the type of story about BABA we need to hear more and more in these turbulent times in AMPS. I was very lucky to have known Shashiranjanjii , then a member of parliament. With all the power he had held I found him to be the most humble man without ego. This is indeed very unusual for a politician as they think they are the saviours of this universe. He was indeed a great devotee of Lord Baba.

Nagaraja Rao USA

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

**********************************
Easiest Way To Memorise Anything

Baba’s below teaching discloses the reason why our scripture has been composed in the genre of poetry: Because poetry is easy to memorise. For this reason, Baba has composed our scripture – i.e. Ananda Sutram and Prabhat Samgiita – in poetic verse.

“In the absence of rhythm it is difficult to memorize. That is why since ancient times, for 15,000 years, the common practice has been to bring every valuable branch of knowledge within the scope of rhythm. Human beings do not easily forget rhythm. One may forget the contents of knowledge, but not the rhythm. That is why all Vedic Rks were composed in 7 meters. All literary compositions were brought within the gamut of the seven Vedic metres…as they are valuable for the memory.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 5, p. 353)

If you want to learn or memorize anything, the easiest way is to set it to rhythm. One paragraph of prose is very difficult to memorise, but 1 stanza of a poem, shloka, or song is comparatively easy to memorise. Rhythm helps in memorising anything.

That is why in their infancy, children are introduced to language via rhythm is nursery rhymes and songs etc. By this way they can quickly learn and advance.

In the distant past, before the invention of any script and before paper came into vogue, people used to keep everything in their mind. There were no books or other media as we see nowadays: Audio, video, writings, etc. There was nothing.

So when there was no way to store ideas or teachings on paper or cassette, then there was no option but to store it all in their memory. The only way to do that was to create rhythmic poetry. So all those past yogis, rishis, sages, thinkers, and munis put their realization in shloka, poem, or any kind of rhythmic expression like vedas, purana etc. Even when script started, most people did not know how to read or write, so those thinkers also put their teachings into poetic verse. This happened all across the globe.

This is not only for those of the past. Today also if you want to memorise anything then put it in rhythmic form. Cunning advertisers create jingles or rhymes to influence consumers and film-makers do the same.

So to keep something readily in the mind then take help of a rhythmic flow, otherwise it will be very difficult to store that in your memory. For this reason Baba has given the key of Ananda Marga teachings – i.e. Ananda Sutram – in poetic form, and Prabhat Samgiita as well. And in virtually every discourse He has included a shloka. By that way – by memorizing one rhythmic shloka – one can get the seed idea of the entire discourse. That is how to memorize that entire discourse in key form.

In His series of discourses on the Faculty of Knowledge, Baba has given so many points about memory and rhythm.

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

Prabhat Samgiita

PS Intro: In this song the devotee is addressing Parama Purus’a in a very indirect manner.

“Ba’ndhan jetha’y ceyechilum se ba’ndhan keno na’ elo…” (P.S. 3752)

Purport:

The Divine Bond – “Ba’ndhan” – which I was looking for, why has that Divine Bond not come. He, that Divine Bond, is the darkness of my nights as well as the effulgence of my days; He is my everything. Alas, He is remaining far.

By His grace, I wanted my loving devotional link with Him to gradually grow closer & closer through the sweet ideation of my Ista mantra, different lessons, dhyana etc, all the ways which He shows up to samadhi – until ultimately becoming one with Him. I was also thinking that by calling Him constantly with the repetition of my mantra & heartfelt feeling, then He will bless me by His august advent in His absolute and divine form in my Guru cakra. In that way, by His grace I will get His extreme proximity and oneness. Alas, He is remaining far.

I was also desiring that He will attract me close to Him by showering His divine love and infusing a sweet intimate relation. Thus by falling in love with Him, His divinity will descend in my unit existence. Naturally, my heart will feel love for His vast creation – as the neo-humanistic feeling will sprout in my heart, by His grace. Then each and every manifestation of this grand universe will emanate His effulgence. Alas, He is remaining far.

Those sadhakas who are blessed by Him and engaged in pointed, arduous meditation, by His grace, they surely love all beings. Baba, You are my divine bond, please grace me by keeping me deep within Your bosom…

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: “Baba is as Pure as the Ganges”

Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 22:05:36 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: “Mukunda Deva”
Subject: Baba Story: “Baba is as Pure as the Ganges”

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #3857;
(2) Posting: Baba Story: “Baba is as Pure as the Ganges”
(3) Trailer Quote: Children Thus Learn Obstinacy From Their Elders

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== BABA STORY: “BABA IS AS PURE AS THE GANGES” ==

Namaskar,
Baba has come to Muzafarrapur to give darshan. The year is 1956 and I am a very new margii. I am seeing Him for the very first time. I am so enchanted by His presence – my mind is fully ensconced in His look and charm. I am not even comprehending what He is saying as my analytical mind is not functioning at all. All I know is that the sound of His voice sounds very beautiful.

As He delivers His discourse, I am gazing at Him and He is looking at me. Our eyes are fixed on each other. I am completely magnetized by His divine presence.

Now the discourse has ended, I have come to know that Baba is going to Jamalpur the very next day. I have decided that I too must go to Jamalpur. I cannot bear the thought of not being with Baba.

Even during the night I am thinking and dreaming of Him. When morning arrives I quickly make all the needed arrangements for going to Jamalpur.

By Baba’s grace the journey passes smoothly.

ON FIELD WALK WITH BABA:

REQUESTS ME TO START A NEWSPAPER

I am so pleased to be here in Jamalpur so I can see Baba again. Just now I got word that I have been given permission to go on field walk with Baba.

While on field walk, Baba asks me to start a newspaper.

I reply, “Yes, Baba.”

We continue walking. By His grace, I feel compelled to take on the assigned task. The rest of the day passes in a flash, drenched in His love and care. My short stay in Jamalpur is coming to a close and I am preparing to return to my home in Muzafarrapur.

I feel like the return journey cannot happen quickly enough. By Baba’s grace I arrive safely.

MY FIRST ARTICLE

So here I am, I have returned to Muzafarrapur and I am already thinking about what I will write for the newspaper. Having just been with Baba, I can only think of His magnificent beauty and charm. So I have decided to write about Baba Himself. In my article I compare Baba’s purity to that of the Ganges River.

I am so enthralled by Baba’s loving manner and divine personality that I could not resist writing about Him in this way. I have decided to publish the article on the front page of our paper which will be distributed to both margiis and the general public.

By Baba’s grace, the project has come to fruition and the paper has been published and circulated all around the local area.

THE MARGIIS ARE FURIOUS WITH ME

Within one or two days, the local margiis are up in arms and furious with me. They keep telling me, “You are just a new margii – you do not understand – we do not believe in this dogma that the Ganges is pure and holy. In AM, we do not subscribe to the belief that bathing in the Ganges purifies one of their sins. What you have written is completely wrong and misleading. You must correct this immediately.”

In turn, I am trying to convince them of my feeling and intention, but no one is listening to me. They are not understanding my perspective.

BABA SUPPORTS MY APPROACH

Some have decided to bring this matter to Baba Himself. They send word to Baba about all that transpired. We are waiting for His review. In the meantime I continue to be pressured and criticised by the local margiis. A few days pass in this way.

Finally, a margii has just come with the news. The margii reports to us that Baba has said that, “What Sashi Ranjan has written is a comparison. When the writer has a pure mind then such a comparison is OK.”

Alas, Baba knows my inner feeling and He has approved of my words and told this to everyone. Hearing this, all the margiis apologise to me and accept the article.

Namaskar,
Shashi Ranjan Sahu

Note: Many know that Shrii Shashi Ranjan Sahu was a key member of parliament with a high post; thereafter he was influential with the founding of the PBI (Proutist Block of India).

DEVOTIONALLY-INSPIRED WRITING

The above account shared with us by Shrii Shashi Ranjan is quite meaningful on multiple levels. Firstly, it is a very devotionally-charged tale of one bhakta’s real-life experience with Baba. And secondly, we all get the teaching that using comparisons when writing about Parama Purusa is ok – so long as one’s heart and mind are pure.

BABA HIMSELF USES COMPARISONS

And indeed we see that in His many devotional treasures, Baba Himself uses comparisons to describe the greatness, charm, love and beauty of Parama Purusa as well as to talk about spiritual life.

In countless Prabhat Samgiita compositions, Parama Purusa is compared with the sun, moon, and stars and in so many other ways.

For example in the song, “Nayane ma’mata’ bhara'” (PS #12), in the first stanza His smile is compared with radiant pearls, “Hasite mukuta jhara'”.

And in song #913, it says: “Candana sama tava a’shisa a’ma’ke” meaning, Your grace is a soothing balm like sandalwood paste.

And verily there are so many songs where His love or His arrival is compared with the sweetness of a flower or the cool summer breeze. Comparisons are part and parcel of Baba’s whole entire expression in Prabhat Samgiita. They allow bhaktas to know and describe the Divine Entity Who would otherwise remain beyond description. So this is an important element of His songs.

“HOLY DIP IN THE GANGES”

Plus Baba uses similar comparisons in many of His discourses as well.

Baba says, “By kiirtana you become as pure as if you have taken a “holy dip in the Ganges.” What does a holy dip in the Ganges mean for a sádhaka? It means doing kiirtana constantly.” (1)

Thus in the above discourse, Baba Himself uses the comparison of the river Ganges to relay the effect of doing kiirtan.

In so many ways Baba is guiding us that this is how we are to describe Him, i.e. through poetic comparisons or similes. It is a way for sadhakas to share their feelings about that otherwise indescribable Personality.

Before coming to AM, Shashi Ranjan thought of the Ganges as being very pure. This is the common understanding in India. So with his heart-felt feeling he compared Baba in this manner and Baba Himself gave His divine approval. Without such comparisons, there is no way for bhaktas to express themselves when talking about the greatness, beauty and charm of Parama Purusa, i.e. Baba.

Namaskar,
Mukunda

Reference:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 22, Kiirtana: The Panacea for all Afflictions

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

************************************
Children Thus Learn Obstinacy From Their Elders

“In a family it is natural that differences of opinion will arise among the adults; when they do, the adults should reconcile their differences considering each other’s opinions. Unfortunately they often lack the requisite mental make-up to reach an amicable agreement – each tries to convince everybody else of his or her viewpoint without caring about the opinions of others. The result is an outburst of unreasonable obstinacy – the adults lose all self-control and behave in a gross and vulgar manner. The effect on the minds of the children is disastrous. Children thus learn obstinacy from their elders. If the mother or those with whom the children spend most of their time is obstinate, the neglected children will, in most cases, become noticeably obstinate, and they will have to carry this psychic ailment around with them for a long time. If, on the other hand, as is sometimes the case, the wishes and desires (if they are not unreasonable) of children are fulfilled, the children will not have the opportunity to learn obstinacy.” (Human Society – 1, Education)
************************************

Prabhat Samgiita

“Ba’hir vishve dhara’ da’o na’ko, marme lukiye tha’ko…” – P.S. 3857

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa You are hiding in everyone’s heart – that is Your hinterland. Baba, You cannot be held in this external world; searching You outside is nothing but a waste of time. O’ my dear One, You always reside in the deep core of my heart. You remain eternally in that golden vessel deep inside my being.

O’ Divine Entity, You give shelter at Your lotus feet to one and all. Regardless of who is crying for You, and who is longing for You, or who is oblivious about You, You lovingly shower Your compassion on all. You never make any distinctions. Everyone is part of Your creation; You lovingly bring one and all under Your divine shelter. With Your infinite attraction and the resonance of Your flute, You call everyone close. You lovingly draw everyone close by the
pull of the heart. This is Your special call.

Baba, You are eternally present and always smiling in my heart. O’ my Dearmost, You are so gracious…

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: Must Read AM Books – Unforgettable PC

Date: 24 Mar 2013 20:54:08 -0000
From: “Manjit S Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Must Read AM Books – Unforgettable PC

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Baba Story: Must Read AM Books – Unforgettable PC
(2) Trailer Quote: Some Parents Unknowingly Teach Very Bad Habits To Their Kids
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #3644;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== BABA STORY: MUST READ AM BOOKS – UNFORGETTABLE PC ==

Note: The following is the first-hand account of Shrii Vrajvasi Lal from Bhopal (MP) whereby he recounts his PC with Baba.

Namaskar,
By Baba’s grace I was initiated in 1963. A few years later in 1966, DMC was held in Nagpur. At the time, due to His devotional pull, I had a very strong desire to have Baba’s personal contact.

Numerous margiis had told me that Baba knows everything but I wanted to have my own first-hand experience of this. So this is what I planned to do: I decided that when Baba asks me anything, I will not answer until He asks me the question in my mother tongue. That was my plan. And I did not tell anybody about this.

By that way I will be confirmed that Baba knows my thoughts and mother tongue.

MY PC WITH BABA

As per the system, I waited in line for PC (personal contact). When my turn came, I entered Baba’s room and immediately did sastaunga pranam. After a short while, I heard Baba say in a soft voice, “Get up, get up.”

I got up and stood before Baba.

Baba asked me, “What is your name?”

I kept quiet because He spoke in English, not my mother tongue. That was my plan so I did not say anything. I just stood there.

Although I understood English, I was waiting for Baba to speak to me in my mother tongue. That is why I was not responding.

Then Baba asked me other questions – all in English. Still I did not respond. I continued to remain quiet.

Baba started smiling. Then in a very gracious and sweet way He began asking me those same questions in my mother tongue (Bundel Khandi). We talked together for a few minutes. I was so happy.

While in His presence, I was thinking, “Yes, Baba indeed knows everything. He spoke in my mother tongue which is not widely known; and, He understood my desire without my saying anything.”

BABA POINTS OUT MY DEFECTS

AND ASKS, “ARE YOU READING AM BOOKS?”

On that same occasion of PC, Baba pointed out many of my mistakes, i.e. times I failed to adhere to Ananda Marga conduct rules.

In follow-up, Baba inquired, “Are you reading Ananda Marga books?”

I replied, “No, Baba.”

Then Baba told, “It is very important to read our Ananda Marga books and study the discourses in order to practice those points on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise you will not know about those things, in which case how will you follow them in your practical life.”

Previously, I was thinking just the opposite. I had heard from many sadhakas that devotion is everything. So I had formed a very negative opinion about jinana (knowledge) and thought that there was no need to review and study Ananda Marga books.

Because of this defective mentality, I had no idea about those conduct rules and teachings; thus Baba had to point out my mistakes.

Baba then explained, “It takes a lot of effort to bring these books in printed form. So much time and energy are invested, yet you are not reading them. That is why you do not even know the basic do’s and don’ts of life.”

At that point I realised that reading AM books is highly important and mentally I took the firm determination to study all of the Ananda Marga literature. Due to my lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals and conduct, I was not aware about right and wrong, virtue and vice, as described in various publications and literature. I was not following those codes properly and thus committed sin and acquired negative samsakaras.

For the requital of my sins, Baba punished me, and I accepted. I felt completely light and blissful, by His grace.

BABA: “I AM YOUR FATHER”

Baba then asked me, “Who is your father?”

I replied accordingly.

Baba told me, “That is your laokik father. I am your Father – not only for this life but up to eternity.”

Then Baba blessed me and I felt His sweet touch in every cell and pore of my existence.

Still today I cannot forget His proximity, guidance, and love. Even now when I think about this it gives me goosebumps. Since that time I became very regular in studying Baba’s books so I could best adhere to and propagate the principles of Ananda Marga.

I also realised that those things which I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew. Indeed Baba knows everything and He loves me very much.

Note: That concludes Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji’s first-hand account of his PC with Baba.

REFLECTION

The above story recounted by Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji has three fundamental teachings:

1. The first teaching from the above story is that until one has complete faith one cannot surrender fully. It is just like if one is not sure that a plane can fly then that person is not going to put their life in danger by boarding that airplane. A person first wants confirmation or proof that the plane is safe and operable. Similarly, people do not like to put their life in Guru’s hands unless they think that Guru is very powerful.

People develop faith in various ways. Some realise that Baba is Parama Purusa in their sadhana or dreams. With their inherent devotion, their past life penance, sincere sadhana, or the causeless grace of Parama Purusa, some realise in their heart without any effort that, “Baba is my Guru and He is all-powerful.”

But not all fall in this category.

Thus other sadhakas try to test Baba in their own way in order erase their doubts, get proof of His greatness, and gain more faith. That is what Lalji did in the above story. He tested Baba to see if Baba could understand His desire and speak in his mother tongue. Seeing this, Lalji became fully convinced and could surrender to Guru.

Those who do not have full faith should test Him even today – in your mind anytime. There is no need to tell any 3rd party – only sincerity is needed. He is there in your mind and He listens. So what you tell Him mentally He will certainly hear. So go ahead if you have any desire. Express the feeling of your heart and Baba will most assuredly respond.

By this way you will develop full surrender. Remember this is between you and your Guru. If you have proper determination and a sincere desire then Guru must reply. That happens in 100% of the cases. By this way, people develop faith and then surrender comes. This can happen in various ways.

2. The second teaching from the above story is that one must read and study Ananda Marga books, otherwise one may fall into dogma. If an aspirant has devotion but not that very high amount of devotion to become realised, then there is the distinct possibility of falling into dogma.

We see this unfold in regular life. Due to a lack of proper knowledge, some naive Wts and margiis think that they can remain in one group and also follow neo-humanism, as if groupism and neo-humanism can co-exist. Or due to a lack of proper knowledge they think their group is not a group. A few simple, uninformed persons come in this category.

That is why Baba has given His teachings and included svadhyaya in 16 Points. Once one is aware about the dharmic teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, one will not fall into dogma, but rather fight against it.

3. The third teaching from the above story is that there must be a close and intimate relation between a devotee and Parama Purusa, otherwise one cannot go close nor become one with Him. So having a relation is critical.

Although the Guru-disciple relation is one relation; that is not what I am talking about.

Baba has outlined 4 types of relations which bring feelings of closeness: Father-son, Friend, Master-servant, and Beloved. It depends upon one’s own samskara – some prefer one and some prefer another.

But one thing is certain: A sadhaka can only have one relation at one particular moment. In life that relation may change and progress with sincere sadhana. But at one time one will only have one of the aforesaid relations. So one will select the one that is most suited to their feelings.

This third point then is that devotees must have an intimate relation with Parama Purusa in order to reach the ultimate goal of spirituality. In the above story, the sadhaka has a Father-son relationship with Parama Purusa. That is what Baba is reminding.

These types of bhavas (relation) are needed for having His proximity. When one is not close then an aspirant cannot express their intimate feeling with Parama Purusa. There will be distance and that is very detrimental for one’s spiritual progress. It is just like how you cannot express the deep inner feelings of your heart with a distant person. An intimate relation is needed.

Mundane relations are very temporary and cannot fulfill all the longings of the mind. Rather, if you open your heart, there is a big risk involved. Because one day the next person may become very distant from you and, in turn, and exploit you. Or they will have a very poor opinion about you. Indeed, telling all that is in your heart to another human being is very scary. So people do not open their heart fully with others.

With Parama Purusa it is entirely different. An intimate relation means there is no gap or wall or shyness. There is 100% transparency of feelings. That is the relation of close proximity. That can only happen with Parama Purusa. All that is needed for this to occur is regularity and sincerity in sadhana. This is not a theoretical concept; bhaktas realize this. Gradually anyone can develop this type of relation with Him. Then, in your own mind, Parama Purusa will not seem like an Entity in the far distant sky or heaven, but rather the Most Loving One of your heart & mind, who is always with you.

That is why one’s relationship with Parama Purusa is very meaningful. For those who lack such a relation with Parama Purusa, devotion is but a theoretical concept.

About all these bhavas and their importance in devotional life, Baba has written beautifully in Namami Krsnasundaram. If you want to know more please write.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Manjit

Note: BABA IS STILL PRESENT

A few people think that Baba is the subject of history and believe they lost their opportunity to communicate with Him directly or personally. They think that the opportunity to be with Baba has passed. Indeed such persons feel that the privilege is gone and Baba is no longer accessible. They think that they cannot have His proximity and can only talk about His greatness. Thinking thus, they feel sad. Those who think in such a manner are completely ignorant about Baba.

Baba is Parama Purusa – His existence is beyond time. Now even in this very moment you can have His grace and serve Him. You can do anything that devotees have done in the past.

So one should not feel and say with a deep sigh that, “Those days are gone and it is now impossible to have His close proximity.” Instead you are to remember that Baba is always with you – now, in the future, always.

Devotees realise this divine truth and others do not. If you want to say something to Him then say it mentally – there is no need even for vocal chords. If you say or ask mentally, He listens. His ears are ready to listen. If you want to offer something, His hand is ready to receive. If you want to do pranam – go ahead. He will receive your pranam.

In all the ways, Baba is present with you. Because Baba is that eternal Divine Entity, Parama Purusa.

Baba says, “Brahma, the author of this vast cosmic imagination moves everywhere within the universe, His vast Macropsychic arena, with His mental feet. He catches all the objects of this universe with His all-pervasive mental hands. He is the intellect, the intuition and the witnessing faculty of the innumerable created objects and hence we can say that He has His all-pervasive mental heads. Similarly, as the witness of all the macropsychic entities, He has innumerable mental eyes; and to hear their words, spoken or secret, and every loud or soft sound, He has His all-pervasive ears. He exists surrounding all objects with His own identity. You can keep nothing secret or private from Him – He knows more about you than you know about yourself. Behind all His pervasive faculties of knowing, understanding and hearing lies His Macropsychic stance.” (1)

References:
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm)2.

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

******************************
Some Parents Unknowingly Teach Very Bad Habits To Their Kids

“In some families the parents have lost their peace of mind due to poverty or some other cause and oppress their children with or without reason. Naturally the children lose respect for their parents, which further aggravates family indiscipline. The parents have to put up with more unrest, adding to their lack of peace.”
“Parents who are middle- or high-level officials in the public works or police departments have to get work done through others or supervise manual labourers or subordinates, so they often forget to talk sweetly. Some become accustomed to using abusive language, and some to issuing commands. Due to this their children do not have an opportunity to learn to speak with restraint. Such children suffer from a superiority complex, even within their circle of friends. In their future lives it will be extremely difficult for them to love people and create a congenial social environment.”
“Some parents may claim that it is impossible to maintain a balanced life in an age full of problems, where they are extremely busy with numerous activities. I maintain, however, that it is possible for an intelligent parent to avoid the mistakes I have discussed. If parents fail to carry out their basic duties, I am compelled to say that, although they live in society, they are guilty of encouraging an antisocial mentality. By encouraging their children to develop a criminal psychology, they give unnecessary trouble to the police. The main point is this: for want of a little care, children are deprived of the opportunity to become complete human beings, even though they have a human structure.” (Discourses on Neohumanist Education)
******************************

Baba

“A’sha’r pasara’ sahasa’ elo, a’lor tupha’n nikat’e elo…” (PS #3644)

Purport:

Suddenly Parama Purusa, the Divine Effulgence, has taken advent. The cyclone of divine effulgence has come close. His divine effulgence is immense, like a huge mountain covering the entire world. The whole world is inundated with the flood of divinity.


Even in remote corners, not even an iota of darkness was left. Not even a tinge of darkness or dirt could remain in anyone’s mind. Everyone’s mind has become cleansed and purified. Parama Purusa Baba, with His divine effulgence, has taken advent and attracted everyone by the outpouring of love from His heart.


Everyone has received His special grace: Those bound in the cimmerian darkness and tied up in the deep, dark chasm, and those whose mind had accumulated dogma the size of a mountain. All are now basking in His divine grace. They have been blessed with the opportunity to look toward that divine effulgence. Their dogma and staticity vanished away with the advent of the new dawn.


Baba, the Parama Purusa, with His divine effulgence has come and showered His divine effulgence and graced everyone…

Read Full Post »

Re: How To Console The Bereaved Family #2

Date: 23 Mar 2013 21:43:57 -0000
From: “jagadiish Devaa”
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Re: How To Console The Bereaved Family #2

Baba

This entire email is composed of 2 parts:
(1) Posting: Re: How To Console The Bereaved Family #2
(2) Prabhat Samgiita #324;

== RE: HOW TO CONSOLE THE BEREAVED FAMILY ==

~ Part 2 ~

(This is the second posting in this series; a link to the first posting is appended below. – Eds)

Namaskar,
“Baba’s main ethic is that in a psychological way, people’s minds should be goaded away from sorrow. Those in mourning should not be forced to suffer unnecessarily. In His discourse, Baba gives us so many practical guidelines for how to help a grieving family. Acknowledgement of their sorrow and diverting the mind upwards are two of the key elements of Baba’s guideline.”

Consoling the bereaved, conducting death ceremonies, and handling the dead body are important issues. At some point in life, we all have to deal with such matters and guide others as well. So it is our duty to follow Baba’s explicit guidelines and be ready ahead of time to help others during such sensitive occasions.

TRANSPORTING DEAD BODY ACROSS THE PLANET

Indeed Baba has dedicated an entire discourse to this important matter and put great value on how to handle a person’s death. That way we can minimize the grief of those in mourning by diverting the mind away from their loss. During this difficult time, we can help them redirect their mind towards Parama Purusa. This has been addressed in detail in the first letter of this series.

Here are some of the ways this should be applied in our practical life experiences.

In the unfortunate circumstance that one of our respected persons passes in a far away place, we should know what to do. If certain in-charges decide to (a) hold onto the body of one of our esteemed acaryas or margiis in one place, or (b) ship that body all the way across the country, planet, or in the future from one planet to another planet, (c) put the body on ice until the next retreat or DMS etc, then that drastically slows down the entire grieving process. That deepens the pain and agony of the grieving family as they are sunk in woe for a prolonged period.

Instead of gaining closure in a respectful and timely manner at the place of one’s passing, the whole process of cremation is delayed. Those in mourning will indefinitely be plunged into feelings of loss and sorrow. They will be tormented by their grief for a much longer time. That is the main concern.

Additional drawbacks include the huge effort, time, and money spent in transporting the body across an entire continent or land mass to a new location. So this notion of transporting a dead body over a long distance to be cremated should not ever be entertained. Nor should a body be kept on ice until the next DMS etc. Both of these approaches go wholly against our AM system.

In the last year or so, such types of suggestions were given in specific cases in our Marga. So this is the dogmatic trend we need to be aware of. Baba does not appreciate this as He wants that the mind of those in mourning be diverted toward the Supreme so their suffering is minimized. Yet if their loved one is not cremated for weeks or even months, naturally those grieving family members will not get any relief. That is why the cremation and shraddha ceremony should be done in a timely way – within a 12-day period, as outlined in Caryacarya.

If any delay occurs in cremating the deceased, those in mourning are forced to undergo psychic suffering for a longer period. Baba does not at all approve of this. Baba places maximum importance on the care and comfort of the surviving family members by diverting their mind.

DANGER OF PRESERVING THE DEAD BODY

In the west, sometimes they keep the body for some time as that is the religious tradition and there are funeral homes for storing the body. Some naive margiis started doing this. But they are just blindly copying Christian and Judaic dogma. That is unfortunate. Baba wants that the deceased person should be cremated in a timely manner, not in a prolonged, drawn-out affair.

Some of the prevailing Hindu dogmas include transporting the deceased to a holy place or tiirtha like Varanasi, and paying priests big bags of money to perform the shraddha, lest the deceased turn into a ghost and torment the grieving family, as well as the entire village and greater community. More about this is below.

A FEW EXAMPLES OF CARRYING DEAD BODY

Let’s review a few possible scenarios to make this entire matter more clear.

If a margii or an acarya dies in India and their laokik home or posting was in New York sector, then there is no need to send that body back to NY. Nowadays, due to the advancement of science, some communities do this. But, in our Marga, that is not our way.

Every person in the Marga considers this entire universe to be their homeland. To delay the burial, cremation, and shraddha ceremony by transporting the body halfway around the world has no rhyme or reason. Rather it is harmful.

WARNING: Baba does not want that family and loved ones of the deceased to be mourning for a longer period of time. Rather the day of the death itself their mind should be diverted toward a spiritual outlook. That is our way.

This whole entire matter is not just related with family margiis but with wholetime workers too.

DUTY OF LOCAL MARGIIS

In the unfortunate occurrence of PP Dada dying in a plane crash in Berlin sector or Nairobi, then there is no need to bring that body back to DMS or to central office wherein the body will be kept preserved for future generations like that of Lenin. Rather those local people in Berlin or Nairobi will respectfully manage all related affairs in the appropriate manner. The main point being: There should not be any delay in the respectful and honourable ceremony for handling the death – whether one be a family margii or wholetimer.

FUTURE SCENARIO

If we do not pay heed to Baba’s order, then it sets the stage that in the future, the bodies of our esteemed acaryas and margiis will always be subjected to long travel in order to reach Ananda Nagar or some other master unit; plus some will think that the body should be held until the next retreat or DMS – be that 5 weeks or 5 months – so that maximum people can view the body. This is the uncomfortable, dogmatic ritual that we must not allow to become a reality. Such proposals have been put forth, but this is not our way.

You can imagine what will happen when there are Ananda Marga acaryas in every village on this earth, i.e. millions of acaryas. In that case, each and every day – for one reason or another – there might be the loss of a few dozen or few hundred workers. Then if all need to be transported to Ananda Nagar for a grand burial process and / or ceremony, everyone will be involved in managing the bodies. Plus, we will have to have our own air fleet, and verily everyone in Ananda Marga will be involved in travel and ceremony preparations. This is highly impractical.

And not only that, but what about in the future when people live on different planets, then they will have to hire a spaceship to bring the body across the solar system to reach Ananda Nagar.

The rational approach is for local people to handle all said affairs in a timely and honourable manner.

THE DECEASED IS NOT BENEFITED

We have to remember that Baba’s main teaching is one should divert the mind of those in mourning. They should not be reminded again and again of their loss. Rather we are to help goad their mind in a different direction – i.e. towards Parama Purusa – so they may gain a sense of peace.

Another key important point is that the shraddha ceremony aims to bring closure and comfort to the surviving loved ones. It has a big effect on the psychological state of those in mourning; that is the main benefit. The shraddha ceremony has no bearing on the future of that deceased soul.

“The departed soul does not get any advantage from the shráddha ceremony [memorial ceremony]. It is only meant for the psychic satisfaction of the person performing it.” (1)

If the deceased person was a sincere sadhaka and had one-pointed devotion for Baba, Parama Purusa, then they will get mukti or moksa. In which case the deceased person is not there to listen to your shraddha.

If a person was poor in sadhana and not practicing regularly then he will get rebirth. In that case also, he will not be witness to the shraddha ceremony. The deceased may already be taking new life.

In either case – whether moksa or rebirth – the shraddha ceremony is done for the well-being of the surviving members of the society, not the deceased.

Those who think that the deceased person will receive the food and clothes offered to others at the time of shraddha are dogmatic.

The cremation ceremony is a time to bring closure for the family and relatives. Hence it should be done in a timely manner lest they undergo more suffering.

Baba has strictly placed a 12-day limit on the period of mourning and the completion of the shraddha ceremony. But, the sooner it is done the better. And, of course, there must not be an annual celebration or remembrance of that death day. Rather as jiivas, we are to move on psychically.

DANGER OF PRESERVING THE DEAD BODY

Here is one inherent danger of preserving the deceased body or erecting a tomb to honor the deceased. Then one will have given too much importance to the deceased and have no psychic space left to think about Baba as one’s object of ideation is something else.

Tadekaḿ smarámah tadekaḿ japáma
Tadekaḿ jagatsáksiirúpaḿ namámah.

Our Guru’s teaching guides us what to ideate upon:

“If I remember anyone, I will remember only that One Entity and not many. If I repeat anyone’s name, I will repeat only the name of the Lord. If I ever salute anyone, I will salute only the Supreme One and no one else.” (2)

Thus if anyone is involved in transporting or keeping the dead body for weeks or months or making a tomb etc, then that goes against the spirit of Baba’s aforesaid shloka. If you do not understand, then read Baba’s teaching again.

HOW AND WHY TOMB IS MADE

In the Hindu religion, there is one dogma of carrying the dead body to holy places / tiirthas. Then they will get a special place in heaven. That is why from all around the globe Hindus carry the dead body to Varanasi for cremation. Those who do not have sufficient money cremate the body wherever they can and then carry the ashes to Varanasi, or any of the other holy places / tiirthas.

In India, this Hindu dogma has entered into Ananda Marga. When Nigamanandji died in Delhi, his body was carried to the “tiirtha” of Ananda Nagar. His supporters are trying to make one shrine there. Already a huge tomb has been constructed for Nigamanandji. The dogma is being spread around that by visiting that tomb and doing sadhana then then one will get special grace.

In the most recent DMS als this was going on: People were visiting Nigamanandji’s tome and bowing their head as they asked for boons in the form of marriages, progeny, court case victories, monetary gain, and much more. They think that if any problem comes then the “sage” will bless. That is the propaganda going on

If you visit Ananda Nagar, you will find many persons visiting in order to get some grace of Nigamanandji. Those margiis who are strict in Ista oppose this type of dogma.

Actually, Acintananda spent a lot of money to make huge tomb of Nigamananda so that when he dies, then his surviving factional members will make a big tomb for him and by that way his glory will be preserved forever in Ananda Nagar. This is his great desire.

This type of mentality occurs when a person is affected by avaranii shakti of avidya maya, unfortunately. This Dada thinks that by this way after his death his prestige will shine forever.

GURU’S GRACE

Baba has graciously given all the requisite instructions and guidelines for how to deal with death. By following His guidelines, the grieving family members will be properly cared for and attended to, and the deceased will be cremated in a timely manner.

Here following is how Baba beautifully concludes the shraddha ceremony.

Sarve’tra sukhinah bhavantu sarve santu nirámayáh;
Sarve bhadráńi pashyantu na kashcid duhkhamápnuyát.
Oṋḿ shántih oṋḿ shántih oṋḿ shantih.

[Let everybody be happy; let everybody be free from all physical or psychic ailments; let everybody see the bright side of everything; let nobody be forced to undergo any trouble under pressure of circumstances… Oṋḿ shántih, oṋḿ shántih, oṋḿ shantih.]

Namaskar,
Jagadiish Deva

Note 1: PAY BIG MONEY FOR HINDU SHRADDHA TO ESCAPE TORTURE

The carrying of the dead body to holy tiirthas etc is very common in Hindu dogma and now some are borrowing it and bringing it into AM. It is not accepted, but due to their ignorance and group allegiance certain avadhutas did it anyway.

Hindus do shraddha because of their fear of ghosts, but in AM we know that such ghosts do not exist. That is just dogma. Hhere in following para it illustrates why Hindus do shraddha.

Here is another dogma from the Hindu religion on this point of shraddha: If the shraddha ceremony is not done then the deceased will become a ghost and harass the family, friends, villagers – everyone. The will bring disease, struggle, strife, loss, accidents and all kinds of troubles. With this fear, the common people are terrified of what will happen if they do not arrange the shraddha ceremony for the deceased. This is the dogma they suffer from. We know that there is no such thing as ghosts – just it is dogma. So they pay / donate Hindu priests huge amounts of money to preside over the shraddha ceremony. Thus in Hinduism, their shraddha ceremony is done for the “benefit” of the deceased and for the surviving members – that way they will not be tortured and harassed by any ghost or face serious problems.

Of course in Ananda Marga we do not subscribe to such dogmas or superstitions. We know that the shraddha ceremony is only done to support the grieving family; it brings a sense of closure so they can ahead in life. Finally, the shraddha ceremony, like all our AM ceremonies, is free of cost.

Finally, dogmatic Hindus do yearly shraddha ceremonies also. That system has been imitated by the Kolkata faction and that Tiljala team called “mahaprayan”. They just copied this from other religious dogma. Unfortunately from that yearly “mahaprayan” shraddha ceremony which was invented by B group, some dogmatic people have applied this an annual ceremony for their deceased loakik relations.

Note 2: LINK TO PART 1 OF THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-console-bereaved-family.html

REFERENCES:
1. Caryacarya Part 1, Shráddha Ceremony
2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life -11, Relativity and the Supreme Entity

PS intro: This below Prabhat Samgiita, song #324, is a neo-humanistic song given by Baba on 10 March 1983. Thereafter Baba expressed this same theme in His RU address and DMC discourse of 28 and 29 May, respectively. In both those discourses He has given the same type of idea but in greater detail. However, as the DMC speech has still not been translated into English, a portion of Baba’s RU speech is cited below, after the purport of the song. In that RU address, Baba is specifically telling that everything is the expression of Parama Purusa: He is expressing Himself throughout this manifested universe. That is the central idea of His RU discourse and Prabhat Samgiita #324 is based on this same concept.

“Moder dhara’ ru’pe peyeche toma’r ru’per sa’je…” (PS 324)

Purport:

O’ Lord, this world has become beautiful because of Your infinite charm. That is why I behold You everywhere in all Your creations. When I look at any expression then I see that You are there. You are expressing Yourself in that form. Baba, You are expressing Your grandeur in the form of all these created entities– animate and inanimate. Baba, You Yourself are One but Your expressions are many. You express Yourself in innumerable shapes and forms. You are hiding within Your creation.

O’ Parama Purusa, You are present everywhere– in all the flows. Nothing is outside Your mental arena; everything is within the purview of Your mind. That is why nothing is ever lost. I am in Your mind and I do according to Your desires. This entire creation is in Your mind and I am one part of that. I am working according to Your exact wish. Because this entire creation is Your thought projection.

O’ Supreme One, O’ Parama Purusa, You are present in each and every thought. Whatever human beings think is known to You since You are the Witnessing Entity of that thought process. Baba, You are very vast: Everything is in Your mind. Baba, You are very small: You are present in everyone’s thoughts. Baba, You are smaller than the smallest and bigger than the biggest. Baba, even by mistake I do not think that besides You anything else exists. You are everything.

Baba, by Your grace I always think that You are the quintessence…

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #324:

Note 1: Here is a portion of Baba’s RU address of 28 May 1983 wherein He is expressing this same type of idea as has been expressed in the above song.

Baba says, “Neohumanism includes within its scope not only human beings and animate creatures, such as plants and animals, but all inanimate entities as well, for the scope of Neohumanism extends down to the smallest particles of sub-atomic matter… Why should the love and affection of developed human minds be restricted to human beings only? Why should it not include all living beings, including plant life? This is the new explanation of humanism – neohumanism – for within neohumanism the entire animate world is included…And that golden day is sure to come when that perfect stage of structure, that is, unit existence in the intra-atomic world, will be reached, when human intuition will realize that the essence in the sub-atomic world is pure Consciousness.” (NHNS-1)

Note 2: Materialists think that everything comes from matter while Baba’s AM philosophy states that everything comes from Brahma. This then is the fundamental difference between the crude world view of materialism and our spiritual outlook. Needless to say, our spiritual perspective changes our whole view of this universe as well as our relation with it. Materialists think that the world is for their self-satisfaction only whereas in AM we think that we have come to this world to serve others since all are the expression of Parama Purusa.

Read Full Post »

Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry

Date: Fri 22 Mar 2013 22:09:12 -0400
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Gautam45@newcity…
Subject: Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(2) Posting: Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry
(3) Trailer Quote: Incongruities Around The Globe
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #3225;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== FAKE SADHAKAS SURRENDER TO PALMISTRY ==

Namaskar,
In general, people have a strong fascination for knowing their future problems so they can counteract or avert upcoming difficulties. For that reason, many have tremendous interest in palmistry, tarot cards, and astrology. When they see any person has a little knowledge about these topics, they get quite attracted.

Except for those few who have a little self-control, the common people start hovering around anyone who claims to have a little knowledge about “how to read the future” using tarot cards etc. That is one side.

Those who do not have interest, or exercise restraint, refrain from hovering such palm readers etc. Among them there are two types of people:

(1) Those who think in a quiet moment they will personally communicate and get their future read;

(2) Those who philosophically do not believe in this fake magic and they think that it is useless.

According to Baba’s teachings, this second type of people – those who are not befooled by this sort of magic – alone are proper in their approach.

ASKING AROUND TO OTHERS

For some time I have been wondering the veracity of palmistry and astrology etc. Should Ananda Margiis involve in these readings or not? Or are they just a waste of time? Lastly, if such palmistry & astrological readings etc are a waste of time, should we know how to respond to those who inquire about this?

Here are Baba’s explanations for those interested to know.

WHY PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED TO KNOW THE FUTURE

BABA’S TEACHING ON ACTION AND REACTION

Many people want to know their future by astrology or palm reading so they can escape from or remove their future sufferings.

“There are many who with the intention of escaping this suffering of reaction (karmaphala) try various methods.” (1)

So people’s purpose in knowing the future is to escape from future suffering. But the reality is, this goes against the very law of Prakrti. As we know, future happenings are the result of one’s past actions. Such reactions have to be experienced – there is no side-stepping the matter.

“Many believe that by neutralizing the influence of the stars (grahasha’nti) and by rituals of offering sacrifice in repentance (pra’yashcitta), they will be able to escape the consequences of their actions. This belief is not correct, because according to the rule of Prakrti every action has to be followed by its reaction. The mind has to regain its normality through reactions. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can set it aside.” (2)

“…Reactions of actions (karmaphala) have to be experienced. No one is spared from experiencing them; the reactions of all one’s actions will have to be borne by oneself alone.” (3)

OUR FATE = EXPERIENCE THOSE REACTIONS

So there is no way to escape the eventuality of facing the reactions to one’s past actions. This is what is known as fate. Fate is nothing but the unmanifest reactions to one’s past actions. As this is the law of Prakrti, trying to know the future with the intent to escape suffering is a fruitless task.

Through the performance of dharmic, tantric practices, the way in which one will experience those future reactions can be moderated. But even then, the expression of those reactions cannot be altogether removed.

“The mode of experiencing the reaction can be changed with the help of Tantric practices…but the experience of the reaction, or fate, cannot be evaded. Karmaphala, consequences or reactions of one’s actions, will have to be experienced by a person, and at best only the intensity of suffering at a time can be reduced or increased by slowing or accelerating the speed of reactions.” (4)

The expression of samskara cannot be removed, but through tantric practices or sadhana the way these samskaras are experienced can be made more or less intense.

Some may get confused and start thinking the change is due to their own efforts to neutralize the “effects of the stars”. They may mistakenly think that their efforts in palmistry have removed their suffering. But this is not at all the case.

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW IT ALL WORKS

Here below Baba gives the example of a debtor.

“It is possible that the condition of returning one hundred rupees in one installment may be too hard for the debtor and he may have to suffer great mental agony, but if the same amount is returned in several small installments the debtor may not feel it at all. The period of suffering is thus increased with the help of [avidya] tantric practices with the result that one does not feel the intensity of suffering and wrongly concludes that the experiencing of reactions (karmaphala) has been evaded or stopped because of grahasha’nti (that is by neutralizing the influence of stars).” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy)

Here Baba is explaining that many mistakenly believe that changes in their experience of samskara happened because they changed their fate through grahasha’nti, i.e. neutralizing the influence of stars.

But fate cannot be evaded. Because as Baba tells, fate is merely the expression of reactions to one’s past actions. Fate is an inexorable law of prakrti.

PALMISTRY IS SELF-TRICKERY – NOTHING MORE

So on that ground, the practice of astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards to affect one’s future is in reality nothing but a practice of self-deception.

Here Baba gives an example of the negativity of such pursuits.

“For example, if on reading the future of a person it is found that he has to bear the mental suffering of fracture of an arm, it may be possible to stop the fracturing of the arm with the help of grahasha’nti [avidya tantra]. But the quantum of mental suffering cannot be changed or done away with. The suffering could be spread over a longer time due to a number of minor incidents. For instance, the person’s hand might get scratched, and later on he might fall sick. The person would go suffering in installments till the quantum of his suffering equaled the mental suffering he was destined to get from the fracture of the arm.” (5)

And here below Baba relates the same negative practice of attempting to alter one’s future through self-deceiving means, to the experience of a debtor. The debtor is befooled into thinking they escaped from the debt. When in reality, the debt is only distributed over time.

“…It would mean that the debtor of one hundred rupees would have to keep on repaying his debt in small installments of a rupee or so until they had paid off the full hundred. Here the payment of the debt of one hundred rupees represents the mental suffering from the fracture of the arm, which was supposed to be completed in one installment; but through flattery and persuasion of the creditor, that is, by neutralizing the influence of the stars (grahasha’nti), it is being paid back in small installments. Hence as the return of the hundred rupees is not complete, the payment will have to continue.” (6)

Some may think that paying in installments is preferable, but according to the law of prakrti that has serious drawbacks which is explained in the ensuing paragraphs

So actually no one escapes fate. All have to face their samskaras. But those who try to change their fate through the practice of astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards, engage in the very same act of self-deception as Baba explains above.

Here below, Baba offers another example of such self cheating – those who engage in the wearing of different stones for the purpose of protecting them from future suffering.

“Just as it is possible to increase the period of experiencing the reactions with the help of grahasha’nti, it is also possible to decrease this period. For instance, some persons wear different stones such as blue sapphires which change the mode of their experiencing the reactions. It is possible that by this one may get a fortune by winning a prize in a lottery or may get a promotion in one’s employment. This makes people believe that all this has happened due to grahasha’nti, but it is actually not so. Fate, or the quantum of experiencing the consequences of one’s actions, can neither be changed nor evaded.” (7)

Baba also explains how the distribution of reactions over time can be not only lengthened, but also shortened by such negative practices. In the time-shortened case as well, the outcome is equally full of self deception.

Here below Baba gives an example of this with the spending of a 150 rupee budget. And He likens that to what self-cheating happens with the use of blue sapphire stones to affect one’s future.

“Taking again the example of the deposit of 150 rupees, we see that the money intended to be spent in a month at the rate of five rupees a day, can be spent in one day by shortening the period of expenditure and leaving nothing for the remaining twenty-nine days of the month. The change in fate brought about by grahasha’nti is similar to this. For instance, the one thousand rupees that one gets as a prize in a lottery due to the influence of the blue sapphire, is the person’s own money scheduled to be received by him in small installments over a long period of time. This money is received in one installment, leaving no balance for the rest of the installments. Yet getting a huge amount at once makes one believe that grahasha’nti, or the wearing of a blue sapphire, has changed one’s fate.” (8)

PALMISTRY CANNOT OVERCOME FATE

So by this way it becomes clear that the use of external superimpositions like astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards to predict and thereby change one’s future, are futile and have as their only outcome that of self-cheating. Because the reactions of one’s past action will still express, only in a different way.

SADHANA AND ONE’S REACTIONS

Here below Baba concludes the point beautifully, explaining that fate or the expression of reactions to one’s past actions is inevitable. And that sadhana is the only way to get these reactions to express as readily and quickly as possible, and thereby hasten one’s emancipation by Parama Purusa Baba’s grace.

“In fact, fate or the experiencing of reactions (karmaphala) can never be changed. It is only the duration of reactions that can be changed. That is why those who carry on intuitional practice (sa’dhana’) with the intention of achieving emancipation, experience pleasure and pain, happiness and agony quickly, so that they may complete the experiencing of reactions in as short a period as possible. Those who desire liberation (mukti) want it in this life itself, and so they experience everything quickly, according to their potential reactions (sam’ska’ras), so that nothing is left for the future life and they can
obtain release from the bondage of Prakrti.” (9)

NAMES OF A FEW DEGENERATED DADAS

Most wts and margiis are fine: They surrender to Parama Purusa, not fate. But there are a few bad apples – so beware. Some workers mislead simple margiis and try to fill their own pockets. Here are their names.

On multiple occasions, Baba Himself personally warned Dada Nirmoha’nanda not to indulge in palmistry and other such dogmatic, fortune-telling enterprises. But time and again Dadaji returned to his poor and faulty habit. He is enamoured by it – it seems. Otherwise why would Dadaji blatantly disobey Guru’s directive and plunge himself into such activities.

Dada Nirmoha’nanda has taken aim and easily made females his target to extract money by taking advantage of their trust and innocence. He assures them that his malas and palmistry will cure them of their woes etc. Such females give money, and, in result, get duped and befooled by his tricks. Dada Nirmoha’nanda promises to show them their future – in this way he temps them.

How far Dadaji could remove or alleviate the problems of others with his fancy stones and malas is one thing, but certainly he could not do this for himself. Because tragically, while in the metro / train station, Dadaji took a big fall and broke his back. Today, he is lying helplessly in the hospital, unfortunately. This is very sad to see.

Our Dadas should not resort to dogmas in order to solve their own personal, financial worries. Nirmoha’nanda often purchases these malas from an Indonesian supplier at a very low price and then Dada “blesses” or “charges” these malas and sells them at a high price to naive villagers and worshipers. Not only that, at DMS he sells such malas to margiis at exorbitant prices. All so that he can turn a hefty profit.

These other Dadas are also involved in such schemes.

Ac Omkareshvaranandji, posted in Nepal, came into Ananda Marga to propagate bhagavad dharma, but he gradually got degenerated. Now he just indulges in palmistry and fortune-telling for his livelihood. He never does Ananda Marga pracara. He seeks to make females his easy target, as by interacting with the opposite sex he gets money from them and gets his own animalistic desires satisfied, by touching them.

Then there is: Rudrayamalananda who was posted in Phatehgarh near Kanpur. Dadaji was deeply involved in fortune telling and palmistry. He too was targeting innocent femelas and in that process he got infatuated with one female and he left. It was a slippery slope the whole way. By telling the fortune of the opposite sex, his own situation turned sour. Because when one sannyasi loses his path of propagating dharma and instead indulges in dogmatic practices, then in the end of their sannyasi life they lead a dual life. He kept the illicit relation for a while and then finally he threw away his dress and left. This happened with Rudrayamalananda at the age of 60+.

When anyone puts faith on malas, fortune-telling or palmistry, then Parama Purusa becomes secondary. That brings spiritual degeneration. People think that these malas are the main powerful force in this universe, not Parama Purusa. This mentality breeds an anti-spiritual feeling as it goes directly contrary to prapatti vada, surrender theory or relying exclusively on Parama Purusa.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Gautam

Note 1: BABA’S FURTHER TEACHINGS ON FATE

Here Baba explains more about the facts regarding “fate”.

“There are many people who are fatalists. They are worshippers of fate. A fatalist means a worshipper of fate – a worshipper of fortune or fate. They are worse than nature-worshippers. What is fate? There is nothing such as fate in this universe. So far as the philosophy is concerned there cannot be anything called fate. What is fate? Everyone has to undergo the reaction of his or her past actions, the reaction of the original action. Suppose your finger comes in contact with fire; you will feel pain, you will have to suffer but, at that moment one will say that because your finger came in contact with fire, that’s why you are suffering. But when the reaction takes place after a long gap, and when the original action is not known or has been forgotten, or when the original action took place in another past life, and you do not know what was the original action – in that case you say, it is fate, it is fate. But actually there is no fate. What you call fate is actually the reaction of our past actions. In sam’skrta, it is called sam’ska’ra, in Latin ‘reactive momenta’.” (10)

Here is more on this topic:

“So-called astrologers say that because you were born when the moon and such-and-such star or planet were within the jurisdiction of such-and-such zodiac [sign,] you took birth in this way. No. Because you committed this type of action, you were born within such-and-such structure or such-and-such zodiac [sign]. It is because of [your] actions that you were born on the earth and should suffer like this; not because of the [influences of] the stars. Do you follow? These actions brought you within the structural limits of such-and-such zodiac [sign] and such-and-such planets. So the stars do not [control] you; your original actions control you. And where [the original action] is not known to you, but the result is known to you, the result is experienced by you, you say it is niyati. It is also called adrśt́a in Sanskrit. Adrśt́a means “not-drśt́a, not seen”. Where you feel the reaction, where you witness the reaction, but you cannot see the original action, it is called adrśt́a, that is, unseen. You do not know what the original crime was that you committed, but you are [driven by] the reaction. So you say, “It is my adrśt́a.” ” (11)

“Is fate (niyati) the primordial cause of creation? The word niyati means “fate” or “providence.” The accumulated reaction of the action you once did will definitely be expressed one day. This reaction is called niyati. It is true that human beings are controlled by niyati or fate. The environment into which one is born is the most congenial for the expression of the unexpressed reactive momenta, and the circumstances in which one exists must be accepted as the result of one’s actions – this constitutes one’s fate or niyati. According to their fate, people are born under particular planetary positions, but they are not guided by those planets: they are guided by their own fate which they themselves have created.” (12)

“So what is the primary cause of the world? Is it destiny (niyati)? The rśi says, “No, not even that.” Niyati is derived from the root ni – yam + ktin, and means that which controls the subsequent actions. As one sows, so shall one reap. The amount of reactions to be undergone by the unit entity is equal to the total actions previously performed. Destiny is the totality of unrequited reactions of actions performed. Its reactive momenta are called saḿskáras. In this observable world the saḿskára-ridden unit entities cannot go beyond destiny’s influence. Destiny keeps them so tightly in its grip that they think it is the controller of their fate (bhágya-niyanta), as though it had already determined their path of progress. But destiny cannot be the absolute factor, for if you do not exist, if you do not act, destiny cannot exist either. Being dependent upon your doership for its existence, it cannot be the supreme controller.” (13)

“Devotees say that fate [niyati] is simply the collection of unrequited saḿskáras. A person who performs an action has to undergo the reaction to that action. If his body is old, the reaction of that action may not be expressed in this lifetime. Only when the same person is reborn will his unserved saḿskáras be expressed. He cannot remember the action of his previous life because he has acquired a new brain. So he takes the expression of those saḿskaras to be his fate. In fact they are not his fate – they are merely the reactions of his previous actions of his previous life. The philosophers contend that astrologers are able to predict people’s future by preparing their horoscopes. They may be correct, for in this universe everything follows a particular rhythm. Nothing is isolated, everything is interconnected. Even a tiny ant does not die a premature death. If an ant does die prematurely, the entire universe becomes unbalanced and loses its rhythm. Everything in this universe, whether great or small, is a dignified member of the universal family. To enjoy equal importance; none should be slighted. When people are reborn, they carry the saḿskáras, the reactive momenta, which remained unrequited in the previous life. According to their saḿskáras, they are born under a certain planetary system in the solar system, and during their lives they must act and move within the scope of a particular sign of the zodiac. Thus everything follows a particular system. It can be inferred that people of such-and-such nature are born under a certain planetary position. The science of astrology was formulated on the basis of such a theory. But in this regard, simply surrendering to fate would be sheer foolishness.” (14)

REFERENCES:
1 – 9: Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy
10. Subhasita Samgraha – 12
11. Subhasita Samgraha – 24, The Causal Matrix
12. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11
13. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 6, The Primordial Cause of Creation
14. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************************
Incongruities Around The Globe

“It can be said that ordinary people, like teachers, face many types of problem in their lives; in fact teachers’ problems are only a reflection of larger social problems. It is quite true that in the modern material world strenuous efforts to conquer the limitations of time, place and person are apparent everywhere. It is as if human beings are being forcibly dragged forward by the hair of their heads. Speed is the main consideration; whether any good is accomplished or not is a secondary factor. Thus different social trends are unable to maintain a harmonious pace in their forward movement. Some trends are far advanced in their development while others lag behind. This causes some parts of the social structure which were close together to move apart, and other parts which were once apart to come together, leading to the collapse of the entire structure. The thatched hut is still the same, but electrical wiring has been strung through it. The only food available is salt and boiled rice, but the ordinary old clay stove has been replaced by an electric “heater” [hotplate]. Such incongruities are now common in society.” (Human Society – 1, Education)

Note: In the above teaching Baba is describing how incongruities have become prevalent in society. Here are a few more examples for us to ponder:

(a) In some “3rd world” countries people have “smart phones” (i.e. internet on their phone) yet they are still living under a tree and do not have running water in their home. Not only that, their own children are deprived the basic necessities – wandering around naked, collecting wood or recyclable materials etc.

(b) In so-called 1st world countries, there are some kids who have access to huge material wealth yet lack parental love. Without that special bond and emotional support, such children become islands of desperation.

(C) In other places within “1st world nations”, kids go to school where they see fancy computers throughout the classrooms etc, yet when they return home they have no food to eat and must get their food from homeless shelters or soup kitchens.

These types of incongruities must be addressed. At present, such disparities are prevalent both in individual life and collective life. This situation must be put to a halt, and prama (balance) must be restored.

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

Prabhat Samgiita

“Jakhani bha’vi kichu cini bujhi, dekhi a’mi kichu ja’ni na’…” (PS 3225)

Purport:

When my little ego dominates then I think that I know and understand everything. It is only later that I realize that I do not know anything – I know not. When I try to move on the path with my own strength, then it is difficult for me to decide what I want to do and what is my goal.

From the origin of which unknown source am I floating and floating, from far to the farthest place, in the search of that unknown divine Entity. Day and night I am searching and wandering; why I wander around I do not understand.

O’ karunamaya, what type of divine play do You do with me. What type of liila do You go on playing with this unit entity. How can this divine play between unit and cosmic continue without Your grace. O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are everything, only by Your grace is anything possible…

Read Full Post »

Simple Story, But Difficult to Realise

From: Michael “Mahitosh” 2121@yahoo
Subject: Simple Story, But Difficult to Realise
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:44:08
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Simple Story, But Difficult to Realise
(2) Trailer Quote: Unknowingly Parents Misguide Their Children
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #1391;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== SIMPLE STORY, BUT DIFFICULT TO REALISE ==

Namaskar,
Various gurus have always used stories to communicate important ideas to the common citizens.

Our human society is comprised of so many people, each with their own interests, talents, and abilities. Some are intellectuals, some are technicians, some are artists, and some are scientifically or mathematically inclined etc.

Everyone has their own specialty, bent of mind, interests, and understanding.

Hence when a guru wants to convey a teaching to the entire public, the guru will often give the teaching in the form of a story. Because regardless of one’s psychic inclination, everybody enjoys a story. All will listen and learn.

Baba, being the Taraka Brahma and Supreme Guru, has also told many stories. Embedded in those stories are the gems and jewels of Ananda Marga ideology. Hence, not only should we enjoy Baba’s wonderful stories, but we should understand them deeply and apply them in our practical lives.

MANGO GROVE STORY

One of the famous stories which Baba has repeated in numerous discourses is the story of the jinani and bhakta visiting a mango grove. Everyone in Ananda Marga is aware about this story because Baba has presented it again and again.

As we recall, both a jinani and a devotee go to a mango grove. Immediately the jinani (intellectual) becomes highly involved in counting the trees, measuring the length of the branches, checking out the leaves, and classifying the mangoes according to their genus type such as Mangitera Zeylanica, Valcarrie, Bombay Ratual, Aroemanis, and Nam Doc Mai etc. The jinani is fully immersed in researching and forming calculations about those mangoes. The bhakta, upon entering the mango grove, goes up to the first tree, grabs a ripe mango, sits down, and enjoys the sweet taste of that delicious mango. At the end of the day, the jinani is very hungry because he was busy in studying the mangoes, not eating them, while the devotee is feeling fulfilled and 100% satisfied.

This type of mango grove story Baba has recounted various times.

DADAJI MISUNDERSTOOD THE STORY:

ATE MANGOES TO BECOME A BHAKTA, BUT JUST GOT DYSENTERY

Unfortunately, here is one Dada who took Baba’s teaching in a very literal manner. He really thought that by eating mangoes he would become a first-class bhakta – as if eating mangoes was the hallmark of being a devotee. In result, he ingested a huge number of mangoes in one sitting and contracted dysentery. Dadaji fully recounted this incident in his book.

So no one should literally believe that eating mangoes will somehow magically transform one into a devotee. Certainly, all in Ananda Marga want to be top-grade bhaktas, but going to the grove and eating piles of mangoes or going to the supermarket and purchasing boxes of mangoes will not yield the desired result.

Baba’s story is not to be taken literally.

NOT SO SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND

Just because it sounds like a simple story, we should not therefore conclude that the meaning is also very simple. There is a deeper significance that all may not be aware about. Then there is also the matter of applying it to our own lives in a practical and tangible way.

Baba has told this story because He wants to convey its significance to everyone. That much we all know. The most basic idea of the story is that human life is very short – evening is going to fall, i.e. the twilight of their life will be upon them – so one should utilize this small window of time in doing sadhana and attaining Parama Purusa. One must not waste all their time in useless hypothesizing and intellectual extravaganza about God.

Beyond that, there is more to know, and that is why this story is a real treasure.

PRACTICALLY APPLYING THE STORY TO SPIRITUAL LIFE

When Baba says that jinanis enter the mango grove and start counting the trees and analyzing the leaves, but miss out on the fruit, Baba is guiding us that jinanis come into this world and study so many things, from lokas to microvita, from kosas to cakras, but they miss out on the real essence of life, i.e. engaging in real sadhana and getting Parama Purusa and His bliss. They do not take care in practicing all the lessons, following 16 points, adhering to conduct rules, doing asanas and making their body a perfect medium for performing sadhana, and practically engaging in spiritual pursuits. These dharmic codes jinanis do not follow – just they pass their days acquiring bookish knowledge. Thus they do not get Parama Purusa, nor enjoy His bliss. Only at the end of their life do they realise their folly, but by then it is too late. Their body is old, their ego is big, their glandular system is weak, and their mind is fickle: At that point it is too late to practice dharma sadhana. Only then does the jinani understand that their life passed in vain.

Here in the story, eating mangoes means engaging deeply in spiritual practices and endeavours, because only then can an aspirant get Him and bask in His bliss. While counting the leaves means only seeking out intellectual knowledge about spiritual life, samadhi, and philosophy. That is what is meant by counting the leaves and measuring the mangoes; it is all just theoretical. That is what jinanis spend their days doing.

Whereas bhaktas engage wholeheartedly in the practical side of eating the mangoes, i.e. gaining true spiritual attainment, by His grace.

Thus there is a world of difference between the empty, theoretical approach of the jinanis and the blissful, practical approach of the bhaktas. The jinani is just wasting his life in accumulating mounds of theoretical knowledge right up until death. In that case, evening falls – they are on the brink of death – and all they have done was measure mangoes; they never got to taste any of their sweetness. The could never realise or feel Parama Purusa in their life. In contrast, the bhakta is immersed in doing sadhana, cultivating a deeply personal relationship with Parama Purusa, following conduct rules, and feeling His grace. Bookworms waste their life: Neither they practice what they preach nor do they use their knowledge to help others, while bhaktas do sadhana and reach unto Him – their life becomes successful.

The devotee enters the mango grove and eats the mango and does not get sidetracked by anything else. The sense is: When a bhakta is born on this earth he aims for and attains Parama Purusa, and he does not waste his time in useless pursuits like name, fame, or the egoistic over-accumulation of knowledge in order to impress others etc.

PRACTICALLY APPLYING THE STORY TO SPIRITUAL LIFE (CONT)

When a devotee eats the mango, that presents a colorful and mouth-watering image for what it means to attain Parama Purusa. Thus getting Parama Purusa is not some abstract theoretical notion.

In our day to day practical lives, eating the mango, or getting Parama Purusa means getting bliss out of all the lessons, thinking of Him always, and feeling His love practically in your heart.

Just as all the taste buds of the devotee in the mango grove are immersed in the sweet sensation and taste of that mango, similarly a true bhakta in this quinquelemental world practically feels Baba’s divine vibration in sadhana and even when not in sadhana. One will practice all the lessons joyfully, doing them will not be burdensome. True bhaktas feel His inner sweet touch just by closing their eyes or by thinking of Him. They are always immersed in His flow and life passes blissfully in that way.

So being a bhakta is not some dry, theoretical experience. One cannot just say that, “Well I have so much knowledge, memorized all of Prout and have all the facts about microvita on the tip of my tongue and that is why I am a bhakta.” It does not work that way.

One can only say they are a bhakta if they tangibly feel Baba’s blissful presence in their heart night and day. Just like a bhakta in the mango grove can practically taste the juicy sweetness of that fruit. So one is only a bhakta if really they attend to sadhana with great sincerity and feel the only aim in their life is to serve and please Parama Purusa. Such persons are not harboring any other idea related with career goals, prestige, money, or spouse etc. They do not suffer from worldly attractions, asakti. They have only love for Parama Purusa, bhakti. Then only is one a bhakta – otherwise not.

DEVOTION IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT AND LIFE IS VERY SHORT

Baba has told the mango grove story because He wants us all to know that devotion is very important and life is very short. Best is to start sadhana early otherwise evening will fall, i.e. their life will pass and death will come. In that case, one will miss out on the cream of life.

Jinanis aim to read huge numbers of books, i.e. the vedas and tantras, and write some thesis on philosophy and become a great scholar. Those who pass their time in this way are jinanis. They claim to know all there is to know about spirituality, but in their heart they never experience or feel Parama Purusa’s love. So at the end of their life they repent about how they wasted their entire life and could not get an iota of sweetness. By then it is too late – they are frail and tired and completely unable to take up the proper path. Their body is old and diseased, their mind is distracted and they cannot do sadhana. For them, evening has fallen. So they just repent, awaiting their death.

Best is to become a devotee. And the way to do that is by wholly diving into the realm of sadhana. Getting bliss in sadhana and loving Him in dhyana. That is what it means to eat mangoes in the grove. There is no second or third meaning.

Thus we should understand the inner meaning of the devotee in the mango grove story and then honestly evaluate if we really satisfy that criteria or not. If not, then we should put forth sufficient effort in our kiirtan and sadhana to get the mind devotionally inspired and moving in that direction, by His grace.

MISUNDERSTANDING:

“I HAVE MEMORISED THE VEDAS…I MUST BE A GREAT DEVOTEE”

Unfortunately, there are some who call themselves as bhaktas, yet they are not really involved in tasting the mango. They are not involved in sadhana.

They may struggle to even sit in sadhana; they will not complete the lessons; and their mind just flickers in various directions when doing sadhana. Such a person then has no quality of being called a devotee.

But that same person may think that, “I have memorised all the vedas, studied all the holy texts, and I know everything about microvita and samadhi as I teach in all the seminars and classes, thus I must be a great devotee.” Sadly, some think in this way.

But their assertion is far, far from the truth. They are merely falling into self-deception.

Everyone wants to think of themselves as being a devotee, but no one should fall prey to a false notion of what a devotee is or who they are. That is why Baba has given the mango grove story. Because it practically teaches us who a devotee is, i.e. those fully engaged in sadhana and ensconced in the bliss of Parama Purusa. This mango grove story emphasizes that devotion is the only way human beings reach fulfillment and get Him.

IMPRACTICAL JINANI & PRACTICAL BHAKTA

The typical jinani thinks, “Well I have so much knowledge about spirituality, I know all Sanskrit terms and can speak on any philosophical topic and that is why I am a bhakta.” Such is the prideful yet misguided way of the jinani. The jinani is merely counting the leaves and measuring the branches in the mango grove until evening falls and his death approaches.

While the bhakta will always keep Parama Purusa in the forefront of their mind, and be immersed in His bliss. The bhakta is eating the mango – i.e. doing sadhana and feeling His grace – and ultimately becoming one with Him. That is what it means to eat the mango and that is what we are to do in this life.

“The devotee will pluck a ripe mango and eat it… the devotees will get real bliss…Devotees will come under the shelter of Parama Purus’a…and cross the Cosmic Cycle comfortably.” (1)

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Bhaktas and jinanis both reach the mango grove. Bhaktas eat sweet fruit and jinanis study the plants and analyse the mangoes. Ultimately evening falls.

The sense is that bhaktas and jinanis both come in human form and act according to a particular mentality or mind-set. Devotees practice sadhana and realise Parama Purusa in one life, and jinanis acquire a lot of knowledge about spirituality in order to win debates, earn praise, and get their name in the newspaper, yet the inside of their heart is dry like a desert. They do not feel at all connected to Parama Purusa and cannot do sadhana – mostly because of their vanity of knowledge, i.e. ego. At the end of life, when those jinanis realise what a big mistake they made and that sadhana is important, then it is too late. Ultimately, such jinanis repent how they passed their life but did not practice what they learned.

On the surface the mango grove story looks very simple, but it is hard to realise. Most people of the world do not realise this story in the true sense. When the time comes for sadhana and spiritual practices etc, then their procrastination and lethargy starts. They justify that, “Tomorrow, I will be very sincere.” But tomorrow passes in the same way – missed opportunity.

Those who do like this do not realise or understand this story in the true sense. If they realised it, then they would not have procrastinated and skipped their with spiritual routine, including all lessons of sadhana. In this way time passes, unfortunately.

The concluding idea is that theoretical understanding of this story is easy, but it is not easy in true understanding.

TERMS:

SANSKRIT BHAKTI VS ENGLISH DEVOTION

In practical usage and meaning, there is a grand difference between the Sanskrit word bhakti and the English term devotion.

In English, devotion means being committed to a certain idea or person. For instance, a person is devoted to their spouse, or devoted to their country etc, but in Ananda Marga being committed to one’s country or career does is not called bhakti. But commitment to the mundane is termed as devotion in English. Some more examples include: devotion to one’s business, devotion to one’s children, devotion to one’s land or hobby or sport etc. In all these ways devotion is used in English. But the term bhakti only means love for Parama Purusa, i.e. love for God.

Thus to make matters clear, it is better to use the terms bhakti and bhakta. Only due to a distinct lack of a proper term in English do I sometimes use the words devotion and devotee.

Finally, a bhakta is a devotee of God, not just a devotee.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

Here are two versions of this story from Baba’s teachings.

“Imagine a devotee and a philosopher being in a mango grove. The philosopher will start counting the trees, their branches, and the mangoes in the orchard. While he is thus wasting his time, the devotee is enjoying the sweet juice of the mangoes. The devotee says, “God is mine – I shall love Him and understand His will and act accordingly.”” (2)

“A jiṋánii and a devotee both reach a mango grove. The jiṋánii will count the number of trees, but the devotee will pluck a ripe mango and eat it. The former will hold lengthy discussions on [whey], but the latter will eat up the cream. The jiṋániis will repent, but the devotees will get real bliss. Devotees always act wisely. The jiṋániis tax their brains with different problems of logic of the scriptures, whereas the devotees eat butter churned from the scriptures.” (3)

Namaskar,
Mahitosh

REFERENCES:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 1
2. 25 May 1969, Ranchi
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 1, “Máyámetáḿ Taranti Te” – 2 / The Nectar Beyond Máyá

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************************
Unknowingly Parents Misguide Their Children

“The views established in our psychic world regarding the different trends of life have so unnaturally diverged from one another that the naturalness of the human mind has been spoiled. Human beings have lost the capacity to think anything, but somehow pass their days with a lot of hollow, mechanical mental objects. The caravan of our social life thus rolls on.”
“So today parents may rightly say, “We have almost no vital energy left after exchanging blows and counter-blows with life. We have no chance to mould the minds of our children with the care and tenderness of our hearts. All the sweetness and finer sensibilities of our minds have been sucked dry by the harsh realities of life. How can we take care of our children? We cannot even provide them with proper food and clothing. How can we know what they are thinking? Do we have the time to understand anything properly at all? We know children should be taught through the medium of play and entertainment, both at home and outside, but is it possible for us to do that? We even have to disturb our talented son at his studies to send him to the grocer’s to buy salt, cooking oil, spices, etc. We know it is wrong, but there is no alternative, for keeping a servant is beyond our means.””
“There may be some truth in this, but it is not the point at issue here. In order to develop a healthy outlook, the most important thing children need is robust idealism. To impart this, parents require only two virtues: self-restraint and good judgement. Let us discuss good judgement first.”
“When the parents are about to go on a trip or go to a show, or when they are invited to a pleasant function or a social outing, the children may start whining or nattering to accompany them. At such times many parents tell lies without a qualm; somehow they dupe their children and leave. When the children realize what has happened, they also learn to tell lies; and to hide their intentions or their actions from their parents, they gradually start lying more and more.” (Human Society – 1, Education)

Note: Without realising it, parents teach their children both good things and bad things. Being an ideal parent is not easy. Unknowingly parents often teach their children the ways of lies and deception.
*************************************

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’r katha’ bheve din ket’e ja’y, toma’r chavi mane bha’se…” (P.S. 1391)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your sweet grace my days are passing in blissfully thinking about Your divine glory & Your wondrous tales. O’ my Lord, Your beautiful form is always floating in my mind.

O’ Divine Entity, O’ Baba, when I think about Your sweet smile, my mind gets inundated with waves of bliss – and I completely forget about my own existence in this mundane world. I forget all the days and dates. Baba, by Your grace when I think about You then I lose myself entirely in Your divine rhythm.

O’ my dearmost Baba, by singing Your glory and chanting Your kiirtan and moving around You, then my heart always dances in bliss. It is nothing but Your mercy and compassion how You have made me Your special medium. My situation is that of a musical instrument and You are the Musician. Or, I am a tiny drop of water and You are the vast, endless ocean. Baba, O’ my Lord, by Your grace now I realise I am within You, and You are infinite. Baba, there is only one thing that I ask: Please always remain in my each and every breath.

Baba, You are so gracious: I love You. You are my everything…

Read Full Post »

UPAVASA: WHY & HOW TO PREPARE & BREAK

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:

(1) Posting: Upavasa: Why & How to Prepare & Break – Part 1
(3) Trailer Quote: Children Learn Deception In The Home
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #801;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== UPAVASA: WHY & HOW TO PREPARE & BREAK ==

~ Part 1 ~

Namaskar,
As we all know, fasting is one of the significant and important gifts which Baba has graciously bestowed upon us for maintaining human health and leading a spiritual life. This entire letter discusses numerous aspects of the practice of fasting – including the all-important point & practical method of how to break fast.

Here following are many of the topics contained in this entire subject:

Universal and Natural Law ~ Animal Existence vs Human Life ~ Nature’s Perfect Remedy: Fasting ~ Animals follow Natural Law, Human Eat Mostly out of Greed ~ Fasting for Health: A Purification Process ~ AM’s Approach to fasting ~ Fasting and Longevity ~ Humans Know How to Break ~ System of Breaking ~ Wrong Breaking Invites Harm ~ Water Needed for Digestion & Whole Body System ~ Work of the Small and Large Intestine ~ Proper Cleaning Necessary ~ Use of Lemon Water ~ ‘Rounds’ for Breaking ~ Individual Needs ~ Gentle Process ~ Maintain Prama when Breaking ~ Warning and Guidelines ~ Stages of Cleaning ~ What and When to Eat ~ Taking Banana ~ Baba’s Special Blessing ~ Baba’s Complete System ~ Proper Interest and Care Needed ~ Optimal Health ~ Suggestions from Others ~ Healthy and Happy in All the Realms.

HUMANS ABUSE THEIR FREEDOM

Parama Purusa has created this world in a well-balanced way. And within this creation there is both animal existence and human life, with a unique difference separating the two.

Animals are fully bound by natural law. They have no option but to strictly adhere to the rules of prakrti; whereas human beings have been given freedom or dominion to make choices and exercise their will, within a certain degree.

Yet nature itself has been devised in such a perfect way that animals always advance and benefit from following natural law. In that sense, animals are comparatively more fit and healthy than common human beings because animals are forced to follow nature’s ways, while humans have some scope to go against natural law, should they desire. And this whole equation, with regards to animal life and human life, is especially true with regards to food and fasting.

FASTING: A NATURAL LAW

For example, when an animal gets sick, in their natural way they refrain from taking food until they regain their health. Refraining from ingesting food – i.e. fasting – is the very tool by which animals heal themselves and recover from their sickness. So animals do not eat food for taste per se, but as a means of survival and recovery according to the dictates or laws of nature.

So Parama Purusa has created this beautiful universe in such a way that everything goes on according to natural law. Within this, fasting is a special method for curing oneself if the body is not functioning properly.

HUMAN FOOD HABITS: IMPROPER & PROPER

Sometimes humans disobey natural law, and in this materialistic era especially, some persons eat food excessively out of greed. When they see food, they desire to eat it – whether it suits them or not.

Those human beings – who are sensitive and follow the codes of yogic life – develop an inner sense of when to take food and when not. When the body is sick then they do not like to eat food. And that is the natural system to cleanse the body, enhance its functioning and make it perfect and pure. For thousands of years yogis have been following this approach.

Through fasting, toxins and waste are removed; and the body is given opportunity to recover and ultimately reach to a higher state of functioning and wellness.

FASTING IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

Hence in our Ananda Marga yogic style of living, Baba has given the system of fasting (upava’sa) whereby He directs us to observe ekadashii as a fasting day. Some also fast on purnima and amavasya. In both cases, whether 2 or 4 times per month, fasting brings about a beneficial effect on the entire body.

By following this system of regular fasting the body becomes conditioned such that directly before the next ekadashii arrives one can internally feel that another fasting is needed.

Those who do not fast are deprived of the unique health benefits; their health breaks down, diseases crop up, and their health problems linger, and ultimately get multiplied.

In the end, they have no choice but to surrender themselves to a local doctor and begin the process of taking medicine on a regular basis.

Baba has given fasting as part of Sixteen Points and Baba has also said that by following 16 Points one will extend the length – and enhance the quality – of their life. So there is a vast difference between those who follow Sixteen Points and those who do not. Those strictly following points like fasting will get an extra 15, 20, or even 30 years of quality living. Thus, for optimal health fasting is a must.

DIFFERENCES IN FASTING: HUMANS & ANIMALS

In their own ways, both animals and proper human beings fast. But some vast differences exist between the two.

(a) Animals fast when the body is sick, but humans fast during sickness, as well as on amavasya, purnima and ekadashii in order to cleanse the body. As a matter of regimen, a person should not eat when sick or when not hungry.

(b) Animals do not know how to properly break their fast, whereas humans have been given the technique.

And it is by breaking fast properly that the body is able to maximize the benefits of the fast. Unfortunately some are not aware how to break fast.

HERE ARE MORE UPCOMING POINTS

~ System of Breaking ~ Wrong Breaking Invites Harm ~ Water Needed for Digestion & Whole Body System ~ Work of the Small and Large Intestine ~ Proper Cleaning Necessary ~ Use of Lemon / Lime Water ~ ‘Rounds’ for Breaking ~ Individual Needs ~ Gentle Process ~ Maintain Prama when Breaking ~ Warning and Guidelines ~ Stages of Cleaning ~ What and When to Eat ~ Taking Banana ~ Baba’s Special Blessing ~ Baba’s Complete System ~ Proper Interest and Care Needed ~ Optimal Health ~ Suggestions from Others ~ Healthy and Happy in All the Realms.

Indeed, fasting is one special process for achieving and maintaining optimum health. As Ananda Margiis, we have all realised the various positive effects of fasting, such as ridding the body of toxins, increased longevity, and enhanced quality of life etc.

Certainly then fasting is a unique purification process and one most significant aspect of this practice is the approach to breaking the fast.

HOW THE BODY IS AT THE END OF THE FAST

By doing a 24 hour dry fast – i.e. without water – and going 32 hrs without food, the body obviously becomes dehydrated. Hence the body is in a very delicate and sensitive state. In that case, if one breaks the fast in an abrasive or hasty manner then not only will they be unable to derive the many benefits of the fast but it will create harm to the body.

PREPARING FOR FASTING

If you are planning to fast the next day then eat a little less quantity for dinner / evening meal. If this approach is followed then cleaning will go more smoothly on breaking fast day.

Other preparations include:
1. Be sure to have 2 – 3 hours of time in order to complete the whole process
2. be sure to have a lemon or lime available for breaking fast
3. be sure to have salt available for breaking fast
4. Be sure to have a few (2 – 3) ripe bananas available.

A FEW POINTS OF AWARENESS

Before getting into the specifics of breaking fast, it should be mentioned that one, two, or even three glasses of water is not nearly enough for the breaking process. In their naivety, some people might drink 1 – 2 glasses of water and then immediately start eating varieties of foods etc, but that way of doing is off base and should never be done.

Rather on breaking fast morning first the digestive system should be cleaned thoroughly – from top to bottom – with water. And when that has been done completely, then solid food can be taken, but not beforehand.

BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF – A “HOW TO” PROCESS

1. Squeeze ¼ or ½ of a lemon or lime into a bowl (ceramic, wooden or glass or BPA-free plastic or anything thing – but not metal.

(The size of the bowl should be least 1 liter. Be sure that the individual cells of the lemon or lime are broken to maximize the juice. That will help bring more juice.)

2. Add 2 teaspoons (flat not heaping) of salt to the lemon / lime juice and mix.

3. Add 1 liter of warm water. (If you add hot water then leave room to add cold water from the sink.)

4. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste – but not overly salty. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your mixture by adding more warm water.

(Please be aware: Too much salt will invite nausea and even vomiting – you will be able to recognize this immediately by the taste; too little salt will not allow you to break the fast properly: The lemon-salt water mixture will be misdirected to the urethra, instead of cleansing the colon. Those with high blood pressure should be careful about the use of salt; for those in proper health, kindly know that this salt solution will be eliminated from the body in the next hour or two, so there will not be much of a lingering effect of all this sodium-chloride.)

5. Drink the lemon salt water mixture. Not in one gulp per se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of a few minutes or less, without bloating the stomach. Be careful not to take too much time.

6. After finishing this initial round of salty lemon water, walk around for a few minutes – either in the fresh air or indoors. Do not remain in a seated position. Either stand up or walk.

7. You may gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the cleansing process. If you wish and it is comfortable you can bend fwd and back a little bit, but do not go extreme.

Do not sit down and remain still as that will severely hinder the process of clearing. Do not create pressure when you bend forward and back as the belly is full of water.

8. As soon as you feel ready drink the next round of lemon salt water: ¼ or ½ lemon or lime with 2 flat teaspoons of salt, mix, then add 1 liter of warm water.

(Note: It is important not to wait too long between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should again drink. Do not wait more than 10 minutes or so – if you can start drinking the next round before then that is fine.)

9. After the second round, be sure to walk around and bend the torso side to side – or a little front to back. Remember, do not sit down or remain still as that will severely hinder the process of digestion and clearing.

10. If you do not have a strong urge to go to the bathroom immediately, continue to walk and drink warm water with a lesser amount of salt. Lemon is not needed. (1 or 2 liters can be taken.)

11. By this process of drinking & walking, a strong urge will come to go to the toilet– within 1/2 hour to one hour, if you have not eaten too much on the eve of fasting (too much of normal food and or normal of “rich” (high protein and fat).

IF YOU FOLLOWED UP TO NOW AND STILL NOT BREAKING

Note: If the salt water mixture was misdirected to the urethra instead of cleansing the colon, it means that not a sufficient amount of salt was used or you ate too much rich food before the night before fasting. But really for most people 2 teaspoons of salt per liter of water for the first two rounds should work fine.

12. Initially, a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be released from the colon. Thereafter, more and more solids and liquids will be released via the. This will also be brown at the beginning. But do not worry thinking you have been stricken with a severe case of diarrhea. This is the initial stage of cleaning out the digestive track.

13. Once this process of clearing the digestive tract has begun, switch over from drinking a lightly salted mixture and begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help hydrate the body and aid in the cleansing process. Drinking 1 or 2 liters is quite helpful – both for clearing and re-hydrating.

14. In this process of cleansing one might visit the toilet between 3-5 times, or more. Or you may go less frequently but sit for longer periods. Do not suppress the urge, when the impulse comes go straight to the toilet.

15. The waste material will turn from brown and somewhat solid to yellowish and liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. Once completely clear liquid comes, be assured the entire digestive tract is clean – including the intestines, colon, and stomach etc.

16. By this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy feeling will consume the body. One will feel very happy, fresh, and energetic.

17. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. At that point, you should eat 1 – 2 very ripe bananas – or 3 if they are very small. The bananas should be soft and ripe – not green and hard. Chew them slowly and thoroughly to generate and mix with the saliva.

18. After taking a few bananas – be careful not to overeat or fill the stomach – wait until the onset of a a strong feeling of thirst. Then drink a little bit of water, and when a strong feeling of thirst returns, drink a little more water. This will help in digesting the bananas.

19. After strong hunger comes, take some easily digestible food such as cooked rice etc. Here are a few other options as well.

(a) If one chooses to take fruit then only eat fruit – not grain or vegetables – and avoid taking citrus fruit.

(b) If one chooses hydrated rice and vegetables (kichuri) do not mix fruit with that rice dish.

(c) Avoid heavily spiced, oily food, or processed food. Avoid eating too much dry food like bread, or acidic food like pasta. Aim for more simple food: like soups and kichuri.

(d) Later on in the day, after your second round of food is digested, then it is ok to take some citrus fruit if you wish.

20. Throughout the day, care should be taken to continue to drink plenty of fresh water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body hydrated.

TAKING PROPER CARE

One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly individualized thing. And one should be gentle and listen to one’s own body when undergoing this entire process.

So altogether, this is one very important and a delicate subject; it needs personal interest and proper care to see what is good and working well for you.

GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING

Baba has included upava’sa (fasting) as its own exclusive point in Sixteen Points.

“Observe fast as prescribed.” (1)

And in His supreme ‘Secrets for a Long Life’, Baba lists upava’sa (fasting) as its own entry.

“upava’sa (fasting) at Intervals.” (2′)

And furthermore in Yogic Treatment pointedly remarks how upava’sa (fasting) helps restore the body to it balanced and natural condition.

“During upava’sa (fasting) the body’s organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid.” (3)

UPAVASA IS MORE THAN JUST FASTING

Here below Baba colorfully describes how we are to spend our fasting days.

“‘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?” (4)

And Baba’s next guideline further details how fasting days are perfect for an enhanced spiritual routine.

“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.” (5)

By all this we an understand that on upavasa days one can enjoy heightened spiritual awareness and thus deepen their devotional link with Parama Purusa – Baba.

In Ananda Marga, sometimes we may use the term ‘fasting’, but in reality one means upavasa. It is just that due to the lack of a proper English term that we may say ‘fasting’.

BABA’S BLESSING

I can never forget how in one general darshan, Baba has given the guideline that although animals know how to fast, only humans know how to break their fast properly. Those not aware about this technique should be taught at the earliest. That is Baba’s guideline.

ANOTHER BABA’S BLESSING

“When you are in a mood of pleasure, you should distribute it throughout the universe– let all the hearts of the entire created universe dance in ecstasy. This is the goal of the day: you are for all, you are for the Neo-Humanistic progress of the entire universe.” (6)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prabhu Deva

Note 1: MORE POINTS COMING

In a follow-up email some further points about this important topic of upavasa, healthy, and wellness will be sent. At the same time others should also share their insights and experiences

Note 2: FASTING ON PLANET EARTH AND BEYOND

We know that our Ananda Marga system of fasting is based upon the cycle or phases of the moon. Yet Baba also guides us that when human beings move to other planets then accordingly the system of fasting will be based on that planetary system etc.

REFERENCES:
1. Point no. 8 of 16 Points
2. Caryacarya, Point no. 5, ‘Secrets Long Life”
3. Yogic Treatments, p.95
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 6, Upavása
5. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, p.188
6. A Few Problems Solve – 5

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************************
Children Learn Deception In The Home

“Parents deceive their children in many ways. By calling sweet things bitter and pleasant things unpleasant, they prevent their children from enjoying them. But by disregarding parental injunctions and prying inquisitively, as is the wont of human nature, children discover the truth. Then they realize that their parents have been deceiving them. As a result they start deceiving not only their parents, but their friends and classmates as well. So it is abundantly clear that children are taught the first lessons in the arts of lying and deception by their own parents at home.” (Human Society – 1, Education)

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

Prabjat Samgiita

“Tumi a’ma’y bha’lo besechile, a’mi toma’r pa’ne ta’ka’i ni…” (PS 801)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You have loved me and showered me in Your divine blessing, but I did not look towards You. I did not care or pay heed to Your love. Baba, You have graciously bestowed everything upon me. But I did not give You anything in return. Drowned in my own selfishness, I did not surrender at Your alter. In spite of that You love me. Baba, You are do gracious.

O’ Parama Purusa, in those deep, black foggy days of my life, when I was feeling helpless, isolated, and lonely, then You gently held my hand and consoled me and You lovingly kept me along with You. In bleak those foggy days, You got wounded on the thorny path, but I did not apply any ointment to ease the pain. I was so selfish.

O’ Divine Entity, You are so gracious, You always help me in each and every circumstance. In my sorrowful days, when in danger, and when my heart is broken, always You console me by filling my entire being with Your sweet nectar. Even then, in the grand universal arena of Your divine liila, I could not become useful in any work. Due to my own lethargy, my existence could not be utilised. Uselessly, I wasted my time. In spite of this, still You love me.

Baba, O’ my Dearest; You are my own; You are my everything; You have showered Your causeless grace and made me Yours…

Read Full Post »

RE: WIDESPREAD NEPOTISM & THEFT IN WT CADRE

Baba

== RE: WIDESPREAD NEPOTISM & THEFT IN WT CADRE ==

~ PART 6 ~

(Note: This is the sixth letter in this series, links to the prior 5 letters are appended below. – Eds)

Namaskar,
The other day the report (link below) came how one Purodha Didi Ananda Dyotona was contravening Baba’s given conduct rules by keeping a young man as her ongoing companion. Didiji even brings this man into the inner chambers of the Didi’s jagrtis etc where he stays and lives. This is a clear contravention of Baba’s orders.

But that is not the only issue happening with our various purodhas. This below case is another critical issue. Essentially, one Didi, who became a Purodha before all the division occurred, has since joined H group, then left H group, and created her own faction. Yet her conduct is quite objectionable as she disregards fundamental rules of WT life. She blatantly disobeys avadhutika conduct rules.

Here is a glimpse of her behaviour. As you may know, the name of this WT is Didi Ananda Giitaji. And this is the key rule she goes against:

“No relationship should exist with worldly family.” (32 Rules for Avadhutas / Avadhutikas, point #9)

DIDIJI’S FALSE CLAIM

“Ananda Giita tells her supporters to repeat again and again that her laokik father has renounced all his property and given it all to AMPS. It seems Ananda Giita Didi carries out this plan merely so she can remain with her laokik father. She wrongly justifies that if he has donated everything then she can keep him on her master unit etc.

But the facts themselves do not stand in her favour. Firstly, her laokik father clearly did not donate all his wealth and property; it is just deceptive to say that he did. Second, regardless of whether he donated or not, there is no compromising any WT rule, including the rule that states that that workers must not keep relations with their laokik family / father etc.” (12/17/12)

Yes, as we know well, respected Didi Ananda Giita’s laokik father did not donate all his property and wealth to Ananda Marga. Since long Didi has been making this claim in order to justify why he always lives along with her or other didis. But this is just her bogus justification.

When Baba has given the mandate that no wt should be in contact with their worldly family, then that is for our welfare. His mandates must be followed. Certainly family margiis must care for their aged parents – that is their bounden duty as per Baba’s direction in Caryacarya. So family persons must give the proper care and support to their laokik parents. However, Baba has given a vastly different direction to all wholetimers of Ananda Marga

“No relation should exist with worldly family.” (1)

ANALOGY:

CANNOT REMAIN IN AVADHUTA / AVADHUTIKA DRESS

“Just as an avadhuta cannot marry a female and remain in WT dress, and just as an avadhutika cannot marry a male and remain in WT dress, similarly no wholetimer can maintain relations with their loakik father / family and remain in WT dress. The overall point being that there is no compromise ever with Wt conduct rules.” ( 12/17/12)

But instead of adhering to Guru’s direction and following Wt conduct rules, Ananda Giita and her followers have a whole long list of ready-made excuses and justifications for why Didi Ananda Giita gives so much attention and economic support to her own laokik father.

Some give the argument that respected Ananda Giita Didi’s elderly father was shifted from Kolkata to Umariya master unit in 2010 for proper medical care and attention. But, in fact Umariya MU is not a proper place for treatment for Dadaji if he is really very sick and requires intensive medical care. A better place would be a super speciality hospital like Fortish or Apollo, or some other institution, and we all should contribute and campaign for him if he is really in need.

THE HIDDEN STORY

The hidden story is really something else.

The whole reason why Didi Ananda Giita’s laokik father (Shrii KC Bhalla) was transferred to Umariya was due to Ananda Giita Didi’s own attachment for her worldly father. She knows that she is contravening Baba’s stated conduct rule.

But Didiji goes against Guru’s order because of her own self-interest and attachment. There is no dharmic or noble reason. Just it is nepotism: I.e. Those at the helm grant special favours to their worldly parents and relatives. As a yogic nun, she is committing sin by going against Baba’s dharmic code.

“These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous.” (2)

Indeed, because Didi Ananda Giita has contravened Baba’s given conduct rules by attending to her laokik father and misappropriated organizational resources, so many junior didis have followed her negative example. By this way, so much organizational monies intended for social service projects have been rerouted to the laokik homes of various wts. And the root cause behind it all is Didi Ananda Giita. Her poor example opened the floodgates for other workers to follow suit. And Didi has no moral force to intervene, because she herself is guilty of the same sinful dealing.

Here again is Baba’s warning.

“These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous.” (3)

What follows is more of the unfortunate history of respected Ananda Giita’s dealing.

After the death of her laokik mother, Didi Ananda Giita became very emotional and sentimentally linked with her laokik father, KC Bhalla ji. That is why Didiji shifts her father from place to place along with her, wherever her headquarters may be.

Nowadays, Ananda Giita Didi spends most of her days in Umariya – for months and months. Since she doesn’t go to Kolkata much anymore, so how she can leave her worldly father there in Kolkata. So to keep her laokik father right in under her eyes, she shifted him to the Umariya master unit. That was the sole motivating factor in bringing him there in 2010.

So her entire modus-operendi and mind-set run directly contrary to Sadguru’s mandate.

BHALA DID NOT GIVE UP EVERYTHING

“There are a few who (mistakenly) believe that since Ananda Gita didi’s laokik father K.C. Bhalla gave up all his moveable and immoveable property and donated it to Ananda Marga when his daughter became wt, therefore we should support this family regardless of their actions. Simply, because family has donated everything to Ananda Marga.

But this is all a hoax. Again and again, Didi Ananda Giita and her supporters repeat that K.C. Bhalla has donated everything to Ananda Marga. But this is just not true.

K.C. Bhalla to this day receives a big pension from the Indian government – thousands of rupees per month. He is financially independent, plus they still have property in the name of their laokik family.

So it is just a rumour by Ananda Giita Didi and her cohorts that her loakik father / family donated everything.” (12/15/12)

“Here are more details about his current financial status. Because no one should fall prey to the rumour enacted by Ananda Giita & Co that the only reason her laokik father (Bhalla) is under her care is because he has valiantly renounced all his wealth and signed it over to Ananda Marga. This is just not true.

EXAMPLE OF FALSEHOOD

Let’s take a simple evaluation of the matter:

(A) MONEY: As a freedom fighter in the Indian Independence movement, Ananda Giita’s laokik father Bhallaji has been receiving a pension of Rs 6000 every month from the Indian government. Still he receives this money on a monthly basis. I do not denounce Didiji’s laokik father for accepting his pension. He is legally and morally entitled to it. The smell of this is bad because respected Ananda Giita Didi and others in her camp claim that her laokik father has given everything to AMPS. Didi Ananda Giita justifies, “That is why I (Ananda Giita) am sheltering my laokik father.” To set the record straight, Didiji’s father has not donated all his economic wealth to AMPS. Rather he has a steady income, plenty of money, and perhaps much more in the bank. So Giita Didid need not live with him. Best will be if Didiji gives up her bogus claims about this – it is not befitting her stature to make up such cock and bull stories.

DECEPTIVE PROPAGANDA

(B) PROPERTY: In essence, Didi Ananad Giita’s laokik father owned four properties. Three parcels or plots in Umariya totaling 10 acres, and a 2-story house in Raipur. Still, to this very day, the 2-story Raipur house is in Bhalla’s name. That itself is further proof that Ananda Giita Didi’s laokik father did not donate all his moveable and immoveable property to Ananda Marga. They continue to claim that one day he will donate the Raipur property, but at the age of 90, he still owns that house in Raipur.

With regards to the Umariya land parcels, here again there is no proof that Didiji’s laokik father signed those properties to AMPS. To prove this, Didiji has to present the land deeds and other official papers. But this she has not done. No one has seen such papers in any Ananda Marga office.

Even then, Ananda Giita tells her supporters to repeat again and again that her laokik father has renounced all his property and given it all to AMPS. It seems Ananda Giita Didi carries out this plan merely so she can remain with her father. She wrongly justifies that if he has donated everything then she can keep him on her master unit etc.

But the facts themselves do not stand in her favour. Firstly, her laokik father clearly did not donate all his wealth and property; it is just deceptive to say that he did. Second, regardless of whether he donated or not, there is no compromising any WT rule, including the rule that states that workers must not keep relations with their laokik family / father etc.” (12/17/12)

“No relationship should exist with worldly family.” (5)

DIDI ANANDA GIITA’S ROLE IN ALL THIS

The two-story house in Raipur and the land for the Umariya master unit is not registered in the name of Ananda Marga. So no mutation / registration is in the name of Ananda Marga. Actually, Ananda Giita didi is reluctant to have it registered in the name of the organisation. In paper i.e legally, still it is the property of K.C. Bhalla and successor of this property is Promila Bhalla (i.e. Didi Annda Giita herself).

Both Bhallas are very old and in case of their sudden death, this land could never be registered in the name of Ananda Marga. It would be lost entirely. In that case, the hard-earned money of margiis and the great efforts of WWD didis would be wasted.

Many invested in these properties so if it leaves the hand of the organisation, due to negligence of Didi Ananda Giita, it would be a truly inexcusable. Didi Ananda Giita is the one to be held accountable.

The question is why has this land not been registered to date. Does Ananda Giita didi want to keep this land for herself in case of any eventuality – either she leaves or gets thrown out from the organisation. Is she doing all the construction and development work on her property for her own sake.

WARNING: DONATED PROPERTY IS LOST

Everyone should be aware that many properties which were not registered in the name of Ananda Marga were taken back after the death of the original donor. I myself know of at least ten such properties. Older, more senior margiis than I must know dozens of such incidents throughout Delhi sector. I am giving one example among them.

A CASE STUDY OF LOST PROPERTY

The sister of Shrii Vishvanath ji donated acres of land for a master unit in Village-Kanhauli, Block-Mushahari, District-Mujafarpur to Vanditanand ji for Ananad Marga. In stamp paper of 500 only, yadast paper was made and no registration was done. Even though some early construction and activity were done after the death of the donor, this land was recaptured by her relatives. Since there was no any paper or proper documentation, nothing could be done. A big piece of land was lost – a precious organisational property.

THE SITUATION IS TENUOUS:

ASK HER FOR A COPY OF THE PAPER

In the current case of Ananda Giita’a laokik father, Bhalla dada has merely donated mentally or verbally, but not legally. Still it is in his name, and it has been like that for years. The main question then is, what is intention of Pramilla Bhalla (i.e. Ananda Giita didi). Why is she delaying the matter. Those concerned margiis with a long and strong association with her can ask about her real intention.

If Ananda Giita Didi has still not registered it yet, those close to her should suggest her to do so. If she has registered it, please ask her for a copy of the paper so that we can prove others wrong and say that Didi Ananda Giita is a righteous didi.

If she has not registered till now then you can ask her why this hue and cry without any base. You can tell her this Muhabara: Chori to chori upper se sinajori. The basic idea is, “Stealing is one thing, but thievery and violent behaviour is another matter.”

The point being that Didi Ananda Giita is not just breaking a conduct rule given by Sadguru; in addition, she wants everyone to respect and honour her, and she wants everyone to feel that she is a staunch moralist. That is why Didi argues and justifies and advocates for herself, day and night. Such is her extreme approach. There is no end to what she can do in this regard.

NOT LIKE CORPORATE EXECUTIVES

Remember that our respected wholetimers of Ananda Marga have dedicated themselves to a high ideal – in service to Gurudev and suffering humanity. Their lives are for promoting Baba’s teachings and the welfare of others. Our workers cannot be thought of as selfish corporate executives or business employees who reap profits, rewards, and benefits and use those funds for their selfish ends. Our Wts have no such entitlements. They are sannyasis, not CEO’s. They have come here to serve – not for swindling and hoarding bonuses. In materialistic enterprises, people do like that. That is the common way. But this is against the ethic and spirit of being Wt. If any worker thinks they are entitled in this way that is quite alarming.

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER LEADERSHIP

“We must not ever forget that leadership is given utmost importance in Ananda Marga. And leadership means leading by example. So if our senior-most Didi is negligent on this matter of relations with her worldly family, then that is highly problematic. Setting a bad example creates a domino effect.

Baba Himself has issued this warning:

“Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya… an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words.” (4)

Thus, there is no scope to overlook or pardon what Didi Ananda Giita Didi has done and continues to do. Her ongoing interactions and preferential treatment towards her laokik father cannot be supported. Such dealing is highly condemnable.” (12/15/12)

SLOGANS DO NOT MATCH THE ACTIONS

Supporters of Didi Ananda Giita may shout that she is not having relation with her laokik family. But this whole long story tells another truth.

Congress is shouting that it is doing FDI and price rise for Aam Admi but no Aam Admi is convinced.

Similarly, the slogans of the supporter of Ananda Giita didi are not matching her activity and dealing. They are chanting one thing and she is doing another. It is a mismatch.

HEARTFELT SUPPORT

All that has been expressed in this letter has been done with respected Didi Ananda Giita’s best interest in mind. Baba guides us that we must offer help in this regard.

“All Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margiis to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama.” (6)

“From the social or human viewpoint, everybody has the right to correct the behaviour of everyone else. This is the birthright of every human being. No scholar can dispute the right of people to correct the shortcomings of those with whom they come in contact. The recognition of this right is indispensable for the health of society.” (7)

So with the best of intentions and good feeling for respected avadhutika Didi, I raise this matter. Didi Ananda Giita has contributed so much in her life and I wish to see her abide by the codes of bhagavad dharma in her twilight years as well. I want her full success on this earth. And Baba has given the mandate for how to ensure this: Point out respected seniors because the wrongs those top Wts do will be emulated by others. That will save all involved, including Didi Ananda Giita. For this reason, I kindly bring this matter to the fore.

As respected Didi Ananda Giita mends her ways, she will not incur papa and pratyavaya. I want her welfare – that is all. Just as with present day political leaders, those acaryas in question should rectify their conduct or step down from the post. Those are the two options.

In my heart of hearts, I feel certain respected Didi Ananda Giita Acarya will do the needful.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Parabhakti

(Note: My gratitude to earlier writers on this topic who granted permission for their material to be aggregated here for a summary letter.)

Note 1: LINK TO PAST LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt-cadre.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt.html

#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/12/re-widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt.html

#4: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/12/re-widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt-cadre.html

#5: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/re-widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt.html

Note 2: LINK TO REPORT ABOUT ANANDA DYOTONA DIDI

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/disastrous-trend-threat-to-existence.html

REFERENCES:
1. 32 Rules for Avadhutikas, pt #9
2. Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
3. Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya
5. 32 Rules for Avadhutas / Avadhutikas, point #9
6. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to live in Society
7. Human Society – 1, Justice

Read Full Post »

Where Should I Educate My Child

From: Mununda@fourlinks….
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Where Should I Educate My Child
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:06:55

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Where Should I Educate My Child
(2) Trailer Quote: Correct This Mistake in Your Ananda Marga Books

(#) Prabhat Samgiita #2429;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== WHERE SHOULD I EDUCATE MY CHILD ==

Namaskar,
One day Baba’s laokik brother was contemplating where to send his son, Niltu, for his schooling.

Although his plan was to ask Baba for advice, first he brought the matter to various Dadas for their thoughts and suggestions. They were telling him to send his young boy Niltu to one of those prestigious, non-margii schools in Kolkata that offered so-called top-notch facilities and a “high-standard of education”.

After discussing the matter with numerous acaryas, he approached Baba for His suggestion.

Everyone was thinking that Baba will also suggest a fancy school in Kolkata for Niltu to pursue his studies. But that was not Baba’s reply. Instead Baba advised that Niltu should attend the school in Ananda Nagar and get his education there.

Those who heard this felt surprised because those days Ananda Nagar was lacking even the most basic facilities. Yet it was Baba’s firm recommendation that Niltu should do his schooling on our Ananda Marga Master Unit. Ultimately, Niltu attended our Ananda Marga schools in Ananda Nagar.

THE WAY BABA DID WITH GAUTAM

That case of Niltu’s education is not an isolated one. When Baba’s first laokik son Gautam was living with Him – those days before 1970 – then he too attended an Ananda Marga school.

This stands as one clear path for raising our own children, as well as guiding others, if they ask our suggestion.

ANANDA MARGA / NEO-HUMANIST EDUCATION

The main idea is that our Guru has created one beautiful, unique approach: Neo-humanistic education. We need only to accept it and bring it into practice. Naturally there will be a “learning curve”, but the more we practically adopt neo-humanistic learning centers / Ananda Marga schools in our own lives, the better and more established those schools will become. We should not sit back and wait for others to make our Ananda Marga schools famous and well-reputed. We should step forward.

As we know, the Ananda Marga system of neo-humanistic education is the solution for the present-day crisis in schools. But, if in place of using or recommending our Ananda Marga schools, we follow another path, then that is not at all helpful. Rather, it will hinder or even halt progress. The situation may become more complicated and the problem may multiply.

Here Baba guides us how the Ananda Marga system of education aims at the all-round development of the human personality. Neo-humanistic education recognises all realms of life: Physical, psychic, social, moral, and spiritual. In contrast, other systems of education, especially western / materialistic approaches, fall far short of the mark. They merely train students to be money-making machines. They do not address high ideals like a sense of duty, sacrifice, service, or spiritual outlook – all of which are pillars for making an ideal human being. Such qualities are entirely lacking in the western model.

“Defective systems of education also strike a blow at pra’na dharma’…Ananda Marga is ever vigilant in this regard. The Ananda Marga system of education has been formulated in such a way that the fundamental pra’na dharma’ of humanity has been fully recognised. The educational system of our schools is based on the principle of pra’na dharma. It includes the study of various aspects of modern branches of human knowledge, as well as the development of qualities such as reverence, good manners, humility, dignity of labor, social consciousness etc. The western system of education has miserably failed to inculcate these rare qualities in the students minds.” (1)

OUR MODEL OF NEO-HUMANISTIC EDUCATION

IMPORTANT TENETS AND AIMS:

As we know, our neo-humanistic educational model aims for the all-round development of the human personality. Here are a list of topics, approaches, and strategies that are inculcated in our educational system:

1. Emphasis placed on duty, sacrifice, service, and cosmic outlook: These qualities can be inculcated only through sadhana, a spiritual, God-centered vision, as well as via role-models who verily embody these principles. Perhaps above all else, this is the absolute specialty of Ananda Marga and our neo-humanistic model.

2. Infusing within the student a sense of inquiry and reflection: What is life? Children should be encouraged and taught to contemplate and discuss the true value of human life. With sadhana and proper guidance, they will easily understand how they should conduct themselves in order to reach the Goal.

3. Asking and answering big questions:
(a) Who am I?
(b) From where have I come?
(c) What is the destination of my life?
(d) What happens after death?
(e) What is my relation with this creation?
(f) Under Whom do I take shelter?
(g) What is the purpose of life and death?

All these queries, which are verily absent from the present-day western model of education, are key principles of neo-humanistic education. We are to cultivate within the student a broad vision and empower them with the ability and insight to realize their place in this cosmos. By addressing such grand philosophical teachings through practical daily circumstances and stories, students gain tremendous courage and strength to persevere in life and attain the Goal.

4. Practicing sadhana regularly: Without dharma sadhana, the mind cannot develop properly. Baba guides us that every child should start sadhana at the age of five. That ensures proper spiritual growth and a healthy mental outlook.

5. Sing and Dance Kiirtan: Devotional chanting and music awaken the finer sentiments and goad the human heart to the path of bhakti. This is verily a blessing for every youth and sadhaka.

6. Learn Prabhat Samgiita: This will help develop one’s relationship with the Supreme Entity, Parama Purusa Baba. Students will learn how music, song, and dance are for channelizing one’s mind towards the Divine. These devotional compositions provide youths with a God-centered vision and awaken one’s tendencies towards both nandan vijiana (aesthetic science) and mohan vijiana (supra-aesthetic science).

7. Teaching yama and niyama: Students must be made to understand – practically and theoretically – the proper meaning of these moral principles. In the general society, there is a lot of misunderstanding about this. BY teaching young students the right meaning of yama and niyama will fortify them with the tools to live properly in society and proceed on the spiritual path.

8. Following a sentient diet: In our neo-humanistic model, food, diet, and nutrition are key components for learning about human health. Students learn that a sentient, vegetarian diet is also in harmony with caring for and respecting the animal and plant kingdoms, as well as the greater ecosystem.

9. Ensuring teachers practice what they preach: All teachers are responsible for upholding a standard of conduct that is consonant with neo-humanistic ideals. There is no scope for hypocrisy: Teachers must emulate what they teach. Thus they will not indulge in any kind of intoxicants – neither nicotine nor tobacco – nor eat non-veg food.

10. Gender-separated classrooms: No co-education will occur once children reach adolescence. This will aid greatly in the transfer of knowledge as students will focus on the lesson and not be diverted elsewhere.

11. Universal Outlook: The hallmark of a neo-humanistic system of education will be the universal approach where all are looked up as being expressions of the One. There will be no scope for narrow-mindedness etc.

12. Subjective approach and objective adjustment: This fundamental idea of our Ananda Marga way of life will be imparted to all students. They will understand first and foremost that the aim of life is the Spiritual Goal – serving and pleasing Him – and that with this aim in mind all kinds of service should be done in the world.

13. Respect: Values such as reverence for parents, teachers, elders, and acaryas etc will be inculcated.

14. And so many more points related with the physical, psychic, emotional, moral, and spiritual development of the child.

All of these above themes and topics are wholeheartedly conveyed and included in our neo-humanistic education curriculum and approach. This will spark a great change.

Thus far, the western system of education has utterly failed to touch any of these ideals and values. This distinct vacuum has led to the downfall and degeneration of western, materialistic society – as well as any portion of the globe that copied the western model.

Here below are Baba’s teachings related with this topic of education, neo-humanistic schools, and child development.

“A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE”

“The thirst for knowledge will have to be awakened among students, and reverence, devotion, orderliness and discipline will have to be taught as well.” (2)

“So as I was saying, it will not do to impart education through intimidation. A thirst for knowledge must be awakened, and, to quench that thirst, proper education must be given. Only then will education be worthwhile and develop the body, mind and ideals of the student.” (3)

“Education must awaken the thirst for knowledge in the students’ minds. The students themselves will create environmental pressure by persistent demands for answers to queries like: What is the answer? Is it correct? The longing, “I wish to know…I wish to understand and assimilate the entire universe” should be created. Such a thirst for knowledge should be created in the minds of students…So a tremendous thirst for knowledge must be awakened in the students’ minds. They will constantly pry their teachers, their parents and their neighbours with questions like: Why is this so? What is that? Why does that happen? Why does this not happen? etc. They are ready to assimilate the entire universe.” (4)

“How many teachers try to awaken a genuine thirst for knowledge in their students?” (5)

“Students go to school and sit for examinations in order to pass. Examiners should bear this fact in mind. They should not adopt the rigid position that “Only such-and-such percentage of students will be allowed to pass.” Examiners should take into account only the range of knowledge and the extent of the thirst for knowledge the students possess.” (6)

TEACH CHILDREN UNIVERSALISM

“Children are by nature most inclined towards play, so a thirst for knowledge will have to be awakened in children through the medium of play – children should be educated through play methods. Children are also by nature inclined to listen to fantasies and stories. Through stories children can easily be taught the history and geography of various countries, and they may also be taught the initial lessons of how to practise universalism in their lives. Children love play and stories almost equally, so in their case the two should be equally utilized.” (7)

MOST ADULTS ARE EITHER IGNORANT OR INDIFFERENT

“The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly.”
“I have no hesitation in saying that today’s adults have not yet developed a scientific method of training children’s minds. Even most so-called educated and refined people, let alone average adults, are either ignorant about or indifferent to the education of their children. Their ignorance may be pardoned, but how can we forgive their indifference? The family into which a child has been born will naturally have to bear the primary responsibility for the physical, mental and spiritual development of that child.” (8)

“GO OUTSIDE AND START SMOKING”

“Speaking of ideals, yet another point comes to my mind, and that is the moral character and conduct of teachers. Many teachers demonstrate a flagrant lack of restraint over their language. There are also teachers who, after discussing the abuses and evils of intoxicants in the classroom, immediately go outside and start smoking. This sets an extremely bad example. If the teachers would just use intoxicants, without saying anything about them, it might not be so bad. But this approach naturally encourages the students to be undisciplined. They will think that the use of such things must be enjoyable, and that their teachers deprive them so that they can enjoy them alone.” (9)

BOTH ARE RESPONSIBLE

“It must be the teachers’ responsibility to impart knowledge, teach restraint in social life, and give instruction about all the various aspects of collective endeavour, but the parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child.” (10)

“INVOKING IMAGINARY GOBLINS OR FRIGHTFUL GHOSTS”

“The method of extracting work by terrorizing the minds of children is not only made use of by a particular type of teacher, it is also often still more harmfully practised by parents. They frighten their children, tell them lies, engage in scurrilous brawls before them, and deceive and torment them; but they still expect that some day their children will become respectable members of society – that their children will bring glory to their family name. When their children are reluctant to drink milk or sleep, they terrify them by invoking imaginary goblins or frightful ghosts. Children initially have no fear, yet a fearful panorama is played out before them. Through this practice the parents may achieve some temporary gain, but even if the children wait a lifetime, they can never be compensated for the harm done to them. Even when these same children attain young adulthood, the thought of ghosts will not leave their minds – ghosts will become their permanent companions.” (11)

“I AM NOT IN FAVOUR OF STARTING COLLEGES” – BABA

“We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world.” (12)

“It is the birthright of everybody to march in this universal march, to move along this path of righteousness. Just show the path to all– just tell them, ‘Oh, human beings, the path is ready for you, you just come!’ Whoever is endowed with a human mind and a human body is entitled to follow this path.” (13)

“TRAINING THIS TURBULENT MIND”

“For this purpose we should have a two-fold approach. For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what is to be done? One is to get proper education, one is to be imparted with proper education — not general education — in the gospel of, in the idea of Neo-Humanism. This will help human beings in training the mind. And at the same time spiritual practice should go on for proper psychic remoulding. This what we require most. There is no alternative.” (14)

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Mukunda

References:
1. Prout Nutshell – 18, p. 57-8
2. Problems of the Day, pt #33
3. Human Society-1, Education
4. Prout in a Nutshell – 18, Talks on Education
5. Human Society-1, Education
6. Human Society-1, Education
7. Human Society-1, Education
8. Human Society-1, Education
9. Human Society-1, Education
10. Human Society – 1
11. Human Society-1, Education
12. Discourses on Neohumanist Education: Prama-4
13. Neo-Humanism in a Nutshell – 1, p.66
14. Prout in a Nutshell – 18, p.42

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*****************************************
Correct This Mistake In Your Ananda Marga Books

Here is one critical publication error done to the discourse “The Chariot & The Charioteer”. The publishers wrongly wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”, but it should be “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Here is more information about this error.

This discourse “The Chariot & The Charioteer” has been published as the first chapter of Subhasita Samgraha part 4 and the first chapter of Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life part 5. In both of these editions it is wrongly printed. In addition, this mistake appears in the Electronic Edition of Baba’s Books. Here again is that critical error the publishers made. They wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”. This is the bogus line which they have attributed to Baba in His own publication. Yet, everyone knows that human beings have eyes in the front of the head, not the back. So, what they have published in the name of Baba is completely ludicrous.

Here is how they wrongly printed that portion of the discourse.

“O sádhaka! You must forget all your past deeds, all your tales of glory or ignominy, from the memorable moment you start moving on the path of sádhaná or intuitional practice. Do not look back: you have eyes in the back of your head. As indispensable as it is to be cautious and careful, so that the self-created tornado propelling you forward does not dash you down to the ground to ensure your safe journey ahead, you may sometimes throw back a cursory glance and no more.”

Here is how that fateful line should have been published: “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Indeed by the context of the discourse it is quite evident that Baba was telling that humans have eyes in the front and that one should not look back and drown in thinking about past mistakes. So Baba is warning us: Do not look back, your eyes are in the front – look ahead. That is the spirit of what Baba is telling. But this simple teaching was lost on those publishers. They could not understand.

They wrongly wrote: “you have eyes in the back of your head”, but it should be “you have eyes in the front of your head”.

Here below is corrected version of how this passage should have been published.

“O sádhaka! You must forget all your past deeds, all your tales of glory or ignominy, from the memorable moment you start moving on the path of sádhaná or intuitional practice. Do not look back: you have eyes in the front of your head. As indispensable as it is to be cautious and careful, so that the self-created tornado propelling you forward does not dash you down to the ground to ensure your safe journey ahead, you may sometimes throw back a cursory glance and no more.”

It is unfortunate that such awful mistakes appear in our AMPS books published by Kolkata publications. Everyone should take note of the above and correct their own personal copy of the discourse, “The Chariot & The Charioteer”. Once again, this discourse has been published in two places – first chapter of Subhasita Samgraha part 4 and the first chapter of Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life part 5. It is also important to send this correction to the editors of the Electronic Version of Baba’s books so they can update it in the next edition.
*****************************************

Prabhat Samgiita

“Sakal duya’r khule dile prabhu, Va’ta’yan-pathe a’lo elo…” (P.S. 2429)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are so gracious You have come and opened all the doors and windows,and inundated this world with Your divine effulgence. On the eastern horizon the crimson dawn is visible. The darkness is fast fading away.

Baba, in the past there was the domination of dogma and groupism all around. Countless superstitions and negative samskaras were doing their naked dance. Now, with the presence of Your divine effulgence, in the blink of an eye those dogmas and negative things have disappeared. The creatures of darkness have dissolved into thin air. I do not know where they have gone – they have vanished.

Baba, O’ my Lord, with Your love and punishment You are keeping everyone in Your shelter. Baba, You are graciously caring for everyone…

Read Full Post »

Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide

From: “Ramujagar”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:06:55

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:

(1) Posting: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide;
(2) Reply: Celibacy: Comparing Ananda Marga & Catholicism:
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #1089.

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== DADA THREATENS TO COMMIT SUICIDE ==

Namaskar,
In our Ananda Marga, human life is regarded as something invaluable and highly treasured. The gift of human life is not easily gotten; and, once achieved, it should be utilized to follow the path of bhagavata dharma. This every Ananda Margii knows.

So just as our Ananda Marga protects the rights of the baby and is against abortion, similarly we support the idea that one’s life should be properly maintained and do not support any acts of suicide etc.

SUICIDE IS SAME AS HOMICIDE

First and foremost, according to Baba’s guideline, suicide itself is condemnable. Parama Purusa has graciously bestowed one with the human framework, and intentionally killing oneself (suicide) is equally sinful as killing another human being (homicide).

The point is that when Parama Purusa has supplied this human body, nobody has the right to destroy it by demolishing themselves. If anybody kills themselves, in future they will not be graced by getting a new human life.

Consider this: Suppose parents give a pen and paper to their 6 month old infant, and the baby tears up the paper and throws it on the ground, and chews the pen and throws it outside via the window. Then his loving parents will think that this baby is not mature enough to have a pen and paper. They will think, “Let the baby grow up before I give those materials again.”

In the same way, Parama Purusa does not grant new human life to people after they commit suicide. Rather, the suicide victim will have to wait a very, very long period – even as long as millions of years. Because when someone has committed suicide, it may take millions of years to drift along as negative microvita. So killing oneself is an abominable act.

STORY FROM SHABDA CAYANIKA

If any person commits suicide they may not get human life for millions of years. The following story, narrated by Baba in Shabda Cayanika, makes this very clear. In that story, Baba is describing the fate of a British officer “Sahib” who killed himself. So many years passed, and still his disembodied soul was living in that government bungalow.

Here is that excerpt from Shabda Cayanika where the Sahib who committed suicide is describing his terrible fate.

“Today I realize what a horrendous mistake I made…This path of suicide that I have taken to save my honour has crudified me so much that even after such a long time I cannot find any deliverance. These days I am utterly helpless. …Oh, what a painful bondage! Is there no path left open to me to attain peace! Is there no ointment I can apply which will soothe the burning of my bondage!” (1)

Thus the Sahib suffered tremendously by committing suicide – just one torment after another. Even though he was feeling deeply repentant for his crime of suicide, he had to endure a lot of torture and pain. It is only Baba’s causeless grace that He granted him (the Sahib) a better life.

SUICIDE IS EXTREMELY NEGATIVE

All of Baba’s teachings clearly demonstrate that in a weak moment, nobody should invite their own disaster by committing suicide. Not only that, it is our duty as a true devotee of Baba to help and support others when they are feeling depressed or devastated or unsure of themselves.

Thus we should be prepared and warn them that committing suicide invites long-term irreparable damage. Here ‘long-term’ means thousands and thousands of years of punishment. Because the life span of negative microvita is not limited to ten, twenty, or one hundred years, but far longer than that.

So the entire act of committing suicide is meek and cowardly – and ruins one’s future.

Nowadays all around, in the general society, the overall atmosphere is quite negative. People suffer in so many ways: Physically, psychically, emotionally, and spiritually. They do not have a proper ideology to move on in the right direction. Many are prone towards suicide. So in this situation, our duty is to guide them and bring on the proper path.

PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND SUICIDE

In order to help people we must better understand what causes a person to consider killing themselves.

The key point to know is that nobody wants to die. Nobody wants their own destruction. This runs contrary to all human psychology. People do not commit suicide because they wish to invite their own ruination. They commit suicide in the hopes of freeing themselves from the horrors of their present existence and starting afresh by gaining new life. This is the fundamental reason behind each and every act of suicide: The utmost desire to start anew.

They think: “This life is a lost cause. I do not have what I want. I must rid myself of my ghastly problems. Let me kill myself and start anew.” Sadly, their dogmatic, mind-set is riddled with all kinds of worries, fears, delusions, and difficulties. The best way for us to help is to understand and empathize with what they are going through.

Ultimately, because of their deep despair and dogmatic outlook, they think that by committing suicide they will get a better opportunity – a new life.

Such persons fall in two distinct categories.

(a) REBIRTH: Those who believe in reincarnation such as inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent think that by killing themselves they will surely be granted new, better life.

What they fail to understand is that committing suicide and getting new life does not mean escaping from their prior samskaras. Rather, one is accumulating many more negative samskaras by their act of suicide, and they may come back as an animal or a stone. Thus, their desire to start afresh – free from the past burdens is 100% wrong.

(b) HEAVEN: Those from the Semitic religions think that by killing themselves they will get a wonderful, new existence by going to heaven.

Here again, however, as Ananda Margiis we know that there is no place as heaven and that is not one’s destination after death. So there is no question of gaining a clean, pure, new life, rather they will be stuck in the mire of their negative decision of committing suicide for thousands or even millions of years.

(c) ATHEIST: They want to get rid of their present circumstance and think that whatever happens will be “better than this.”

The overall conclusion is that whatever their belief system or religious background, those who commit suicide do so in hopes of attaining a fresh start in life.

So committing suicide is not some type of glorified action. Rather it is a negative act born out of a psychic disease. Acts of suicide are done by very weak, disturbed, tense, and fragile persons. Those who have a strong mind never invite such negative thoughts nor commit such a horrible act.

SOCIETAL IMPOSITIONS

There are another section of people who fall prey to suicidal tendencies due to the defective outlook of the general society.

For instance, suppose when in good health a person reads a news report that praises and glorifies an elderly person or a deformed person for committing suicide so that they will not be a burden to others. In that case, if that healthy person becomes disabled at a young age due to an accident or becomes feeble due to living into their advanced years, then they too might commit suicide. Because the dogmatic outlook of that selfish society preaches that it is “better to die than to get help from others.”

This is indeed a vile outlook born out of selfishness. The authors of such a outlook would rather see another die than lend a hand to help them. This goes against all aspects of a service-oriented mentality and spiritual outlook. Such persons are committing pratyavaya (sin of omission) by not helping the needy person. It is our duty to wholly oppose this type of sinful and diseased mentality.

Then there is another example where societal values lead one to intentionally end their life. In some regions or lands, assisted suicide has come into vogue. Guided by this outlook, people think it is better – i.e. more honourable and respectable – to end their life than to live with a terminal illness. When person thinks that their disease is taboo or that they do not want to face the suffering of their illness, then they opt for assisted suicide. And again, this decision is a direct result of the prevailing norms of society.

So these are cases where societal values led one to the very horrible act of suicide.

CANNOT ESCAPE FROM ONE’S PROBLEMS

Whatever their reasoning, people resort to suicide when they wish to escape from the problems and difficulties of their present circumstance. They think suicide will bring them a better life – somehow.

Ananda Marga philosophy clearly states that one is bound by their samskaras and one cannot escape that bundle of samskaras by committing suicide. Rather suicide itself will lead to the creation of yet another bad samskara.

Best is to courageously face the reactions of their current life. If someone is undergoing terrible suffering they should ask Parama Purusa for the courage and strength to face the problem. Then their samskara will be much less painful. And if sufficient mental strength is aroused that problem will no longer be a problem.

VARIES FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY

In various countries suicide is viewed differently. In Japan committing suicide is not treated as a crime. But in India, it is a crime. Whereas in Romania, suicide itself is not illegal, but encouraging or facilitating another’s suicide is a criminal offense.

From the Ananda Marga perspective, the overriding idea is that whatever the laws and social viewpoints may be, according to cardinal human values suicide is sin.

LEAD OTHERS ONTO THE PATH OF LIFE (DHARMA)

Seeing the very low standard of general society where so many people are mentally imbalanced, we must never encourage this type of cowardice mentality. Rather with a full voice of courage and compassion we should guide them in the proper direction. Suicide is one sinful act that goes against the essence of humanity.

BABA IS AGAINST SUICIDE

In His discourses Baba has clearly warned for people not to commit suicide.

Specifically, in His teachings on microvita, Baba addresses the topic of disembodied souls. And there He has given a graphic explanation about the negativity of suicide:

“People who commit suicide due to humiliation, psychic distortion, frustration or the overpowering influence of excessive attachment, anger, greed, vanity, jealousy, etc. get the status of kabandha yoni after death. Wherever these entities happen to see other human beings under the spell of psychic derangement, they incite them to commit suicide.” (2)

So if one commits suicide they become kabandha microvita, and that is one very negative state.

Here following are more of Baba’s related teachings on this subject.

“THIS IS A HOUSE OF THE DEAD”

The sahib let out a long sigh and said: “The advice of the district magistrate was quite sound, but at that time I was not in the right mind to accept his counsel. Because of my arrogance I had completely lost my common sense. My ruler’s philosophy was prodding me continuously, telling me – What! Will I flee under the cover of darkness out of fear of a few ordinary farmers? Never! It is against my ruler’s philosophy. I will have to do something to save my respect. On and on I went thinking like this until I was at a complete loss. There was no one to give any clear directions or orders. That day my wounded pride told me – the only way to salvage my honour is to tie a noose around my neck and hang myself with this rope. That is the only path to salvation. In this way my honour, my prestige, my reputation, will be saved.

“So thought, so done.

“I tied a noose around my neck with this rope and hung myself. You may call it suicide, cowardliness or sin. But in the state of mind I was in that day I could see no other path open to me. So knowingly, perhaps, I took this sinful path in order to salvage my honour.”

His voice choked. “You know, now I am completely alone in this place – solitary, companionless. No one comes near me. Everyone is afraid; everyone says that this is a house of the dead.”

“Then?” I asked.

“Today I realize what a horrendous mistake I made. Human beings’ benevolent consciousness leads them towards greatness and evil crudifies them. This path of suicide that I have taken to save my honour has crudified me so much that even after such a long time I cannot find any deliverance. These days I am utterly helpless. Please consider my helplessness and give me some direction, some order; tell me what to do. Where is my path of welfare, my road to providence?” (3)

“UNNECESSARILY THINK THAT EVERYONE DELIBERATELY AVOIDS THEM”

“Because of problems in the objectivated mind, people suffer from various psychic complexes. For example, there are those who are inclined to think that no one, neither their friends and relatives nor even their domestic animals, cares to think of them. They unnecessarily think that everyone deliberately avoids them, dislikes them, or ignores them, and therefore they become disappointed, dejected, and dispirited. Life loses all its charm and attraction for them, and they may even commit suicide. This type of mania is called melancholia.” (4)

“DO NOT HAVE THE DIRECT WILL TO SURVIVE”

“Most people who commit suicide do not have the direct will to survive. However, their indirect will remains partially active, sustained by the desire to be free of the untold sorrows, miseries, and humiliations of this life. Deep within they cherish an indirect desire to acquire a new, dignified life in another world after death. This desire is the work of the indirect will. Their indirect will seeks a way to escape the ignominy of humiliation and build a new and better life in the future. Their will did something in the past for which they must undergo their present humiliation.” (5)

“IF SOMEONE’S MIND BECOMES VERY NEGATIVE…”

“Whatever one does in this world, one does in order to get pleasure. A person becomes greedy for tasty food because by eating it that person gets pleasure. Someone has a weakness for earning name and fame because that person gets pleasure through the medium of name and fame. Another person forgets everything in his greed for money because his avarice gives him pleasure. If someone’s mind becomes very negative and he thinks that he will get happiness by not living, then he will commit suicide.” (6)

“I AM DEFEATED IN THE STRUGGLE FOR EXISTENCE”

“There is a defeatist complex. “Oh, I am defeated in this world,” “Oh, I am defeated in this struggle for existence.” Such a sentiment, such a psychology, sometimes goads a man to commit suicide even. “I am defeated, I am defeated in the struggle for existence.” You must not encourage this type of psychology. When your father is the Supreme Father, your father is the most powerful entity in the entire universe, why should you think that you have been defeated in the struggle for existence? No, a bright future awaits you. Your future is glorious, your future is luminous, your future is effulgent.” (7)

“MANY PEOPLE ARE COMMITTING SUICIDE; MANY PEOPLE ARE BECOMING LUNATICS”

“These days many psychic diseases have appeared as a result of this mental complexity. Many people are committing suicide; many people are becoming lunatics. The reason is that people are unable to adjust with the various types of complexities in life.”
“The human brain is limited, and its nerve cells also have a limited capacity: they cannot tolerate these growing complexities. Kiirtana gives bliss to Parama Puruśa in the mental sphere, and it also brings joy to human beings both individually and collectively; it leads them on the path of welfare and frees them from all these complexities. It removes all the diseases of the intellect and allows people to think easily and in the proper way.”
“So intelligent people should do kiirtana as much as possible. When people, due to psychic complexities, cannot find the solution to their difficulties and they are at a loss what to do, if they sit together at any place and do kiirtana wholeheartedly for a while, their psychic complexities will be removed and they will easily seize upon the solution to their problems.” (8)

Namaskar,
in Him
Ramujagar

Note: HERE IS THAT DADA

Dada Loknathanandji in Varanasi wants more land and has threatened to commit suicide if he does not get his land request met. It is duty of those near or far to fulfill their dharma and not commit pratyavaya – one must intercede before it is too late. Those who know Dadaji must be proactive and assertive. They must protect him, inform him of the consequences, and counsel him. If his mind is not changed, then he might turns toward suicide – as he is threatening to do. We must not let this come to pass.

REFERENCES:
1. Shabda Cayanika-2 p.66
2. Microvita in a Nutshell, p.100
3. Shabda Cayanika-2 p.66
4. A Few Problems Solved – 7, The Faculty of Knowledge – 3
5. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 9, The Science of Action
6. Shabda Cayaniká Part 1, Disc: 5
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 34, Be Free from All Complexes
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 22, Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana

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

From: “Jayashrii”
Subject: Celibacy: Comparing Ananda Marga & Catholicism
Date: Mon, 18 March 2013 14:18:23
To: am-global@earthlink.net

CELIBACY:

COMPARING ANANDA MARGA WITH CATHOLICISM

Namaskar,
I very much appreciate those who are concerned about WT conduct in Ananda Marga.

Indeed, seeing the sex crimes that have stained Christianity is quite disturbing and we should ensure such events to not occure within our wholetimer cadre.

At the same time, we should be keenly aware of certain distinctions between Catholicism / Christianity and Ananda Marga.

In Catholicism, only celibate monks can lead prayer and perform their religious rituals and rites etc; whereas, in Ananda Marga, that is not at all the case. It is very different. Family acaryas and family margiis can lead all kinds of social ceremonies marriages, baby-naming, house entering, and so many types of programs, and they can perform initiations. In Ananda Marga, one need not be a celibate priest to convene these programs.

Plus, in Ananda Marga, in the spiritual realm there is no need of a middle man. Every Ananda Margii has their own direct link with Parama Purusa. In stark contrast, in Catholicism, the lay people cannot communicate directly with God. They must go via a middle man, and that designated middle-man is the priest who is celibate. Without priests, Catholics cannot communicate with their Lord in the religious realm and in the social sphere they cannot conduct any ceremonies. They are wholly dependent upon their celibate priests.

Ananda Marga is vastly different. To review, in Ananda Marga there is no need of a priest to communicate with Parama Purusa, and family people can lead the various rituals and ceremonies etc. Plus family acaryas can do initiations. This is not the case in the Catholic Church.

So comparing the Catholic Church with our Ananda Marga is akin to comparing apples and oranges.

MARRY AND BECOME FAMILY ACARYAS

Here in Ananda Marga, the approach is rational and all have the option to choose: Those who wish to lead and remain celibate should become wholetimers; and those who wish to lead without taking a vow of celibacy should marry and become family acaryas. So all have the power of choice. Our acaryas already have the option to be married.

Thus, in Ananda Marga, we need not make any changes to our current system. Everyone has their ability to choose and they may exercise their options accordingly. On this point, there is complete freedom.

GIVE UP WT-SHIP AND LEAVE THE DRESS

Moreover, anyone who has taken the course of celibacy and become a WT, if they are incapable of maintaining their vow and oaths, then they should give up their Wt-ship and leave the dress. They will not be treated like soldiers who leave their platoon and are then arrested and put in military jail. Those wholetimers who leave to get married will not be imprisoned. It is very simple. If they are unable to maintain the proper code of conduct, they need not remain as a Wt – no one is going to force them to stay. There is no question of any coercion. The main idea is that they should not remain in WT dress and contravene their principles and indulge in poor behaviours. That is sinful.

Here again let me reiterate: To lead sermons & functions in Ananda Marga, there is no need of taking a vow of celibacy. Those who are celibate do so by choice. All have freedom of choice on this matter. Whether one is a family person or monk, they can perform all the rituals etc, and they will have their personal link with Parama Purusa.

Baba has given all the rules and regulations for Ananda Marga in a very thoughtful and careful way. So there is no need to change anything. Baba has given the ideal method.

Remaining in WT dress and contravening wholetimer principles by indulging in lewd dealings is absolutely sinful and unacceptable.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Jayashrii

**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

“A’laker saurrathe saba’y nite tumi esecho…” – P.S. 1089

Purport:

Baba, O’ my Parama Purusa, You have come with the shining chariot of divine effulgence. You have come to take everyone to the divine realm. You do not differentiate between who is great, who is meagre, & who is small etc. You listen to everyone’s tales – to everyone’s feeling of the heart.

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, even without seeing You, I have loved You. By Your grace, I am always feeling close & loving towards You. And even when I have not heard about You, I have been attracted by Your divinity. Baba, You are so gracious. You do not make judgments based on one’s merits or demerits. You love all, unconditionally. And I understand that You are always present – across all time and space.

O’ my Dearmost, You have done so much for me, and in return You do not want anything. In spite of knowing about the hundreds of defects in me, You have made me Yours and accepted me as Your own.

Baba, You have showered Your causeless grace on me. You have come here on this dusty earth to bring everyone onto the path of divinity. Baba, You are so gracious…

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: When My Wife Became Enemy

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: When My Wife Became Enemy
From: Ananda Mayii
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2013 22:36:04

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Baba Story: When My Wife Became Enemy
(2) Trailer Quote: Samaj Is Based on Neo-Humanism – Not Groupism
(3) Prabhat Samgiita: #3982

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== BABA STORY: WHEN MY WIFE BECAME ENEMY ==

Namaskar,
The year was 1967. While taking initiation, Shrii Somnath Upadhayay gave up his sacred thread and sacred hair that was indicative of his birth into a so-called brahmin family. At the time, Somnathji was working as a bank cashier and leading a relatively normal life.

Seeing this, all his relations were very upset and frustrated with him. They thought he had joined one Muslim sect etc. In particular, his wife was very unhappy with what had transpired. She was not at all pleased by seeing her husband renounce those Hindu rituals, i.e. sacred thread and sacred hair.

Not only that, but so many changes were going on – he had adopted a sentient diet and there were other lifestyle modifications.

HIS WIFE IS MOST UPSET

His wife was sad and became fearful that he would leave the house entirely. She confronted him directly about this and demanded, “Do not do sadhana, you are going to leave me and become a monk. I want that you should go back to your old ways of living.”

She was becoming a big obstacle and creating terrible problems for him.

Somnathji tried to reassure and convince his wife that everything was alright. But to no avail.

When he sat for sadhana, then she would bang a metal plate near his ear by striking the plate with a big metal spoon. Not only that, She did all sorts of harassment to interrupt and stop his sadhana. But Somnathji did not want to leave his sadhana.

That only made his wife more intent on running his meditation practice.

To not rile her and invite her anger, Somnathji began doing his sadhana in his personal room so that his wife would not see him. But that did not stop her. Instead, she would just bang loudly on the door. Plus she would do other things to disturb harass him at the time of sadhana.

Even then it did not end there. Sometimes she would intentionally add too much salt to his food and make life difficult for him in other ways. Somnathji tried various methods to convince his wife – but nothing worked. She remained upset and was crying all day long.

SOMNATHJI APPEALS TO FAMILY ACARYAS FOR HELP

Finally, Somnathji asked local family acaryas to come and speak with her one-on-one. Somnathji wanted them to come and reassure her that everything was alright.

So family acaryas like Ac. Devi Chand Sharma ji, Ac. Kedar Sharma ji, and Ac Ksitij ji each came. They tried hard to convince her and fix this problem. They told her that her husband was involved in dharmic practices and that he will not leave her and become a sannyasi. They patiently explained to her that sadhana is not bad. They tried to reassure her and inspire her in various ways.

But his wife She yelled and screamed at them. She was very frustrated with what they were saying and abused and threatened them: “You are a liar, you took away my husband. He used to eat onion and garlic, but now no more. He left Hinduism and is doing all kinds of things in his room!” Their visits did nothing to diminish her fears. Indeed, she was so feisty and abusive that nobody wanted to go again and try to convince her.

THINGS GET EVEN WORSE

Just when it seemed like it had hit rock bottom – she would do something even more extreme.

Their house was on a road that margiis would travel and she would cry out and say, “You stole my husband and ruined my family.”

Everyone in Ananda Marga was shocked by her dealing and nobody wanted to go and convince her that everything was alright. Upon seeing anyone from Ananda Marga, she would just become more irate and volatile.

The situation become more extreme: She stopped cooking food for herself and her husband. She refrained from eating anything and told him to leave Ananda Marga. Not only that, she stopped breast-feeding their very young infant. The whole situation was becoming worse and still more worse.

Finally, Somnathji thought, “Only You Baba can save this situation. My wife stopped taking food this morning; she is going to become ill and die; and my newly-born child is also not being fed and will surely die. No one around here can help; all attempts have failed. Being the Omniscient Entity, You now all this so I am not going to tell you in person. You know my thoughts. Only You can save the situation. Without that my whole life will be hellish. No acarya can solve this matter. Baba, the situation is so extreme; this is beyond what anyone can do. Only, You can solve this matter.”

BABA ARRIVES IN RANCH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Those were the thoughts of Somnathji one morning, and that very afternoon, Baba made a surprise visit to Ranchi. Upon His arrival at Devi Chand’s house, Baba, the all-knowing Parama Purusa, told that Somnath was facing a big problem that needed to be resolved. Baba furthermore gave Devi Chand the instruction to bring Somnath’s wife to the ashram.

Devi Chand conveyed Baba’s guideline to all concerned family acaryas and margiis etc. They all felt that indeed something should done. All felt an inner duty to follow Guru’s order, but no one wanted to go and face the wrath of Somnath’s wife. That was the predicament. They were all afraid of her abusive manner.

So they collectively discussed what should be done and they decided that they should all go together en mass to visit Somnath’s wife. After the 1 or 2 kilometer journey, they reached her house and found that she was no longer so furious. They invited her to come to the ashram and see Baba. Amazingly, she did not abuse them, rather she contemplated the matter and decided that she would go.

BABA SHOWERS HIS GRACE

She went to the Ranchi jagrti and by Baba’s grace her entire mind-set was transformed. She saw so many people: Females, children etc. She was very happy with their demeanor and dealing, and she asked how she could become a margii. All were astonished to see the change and encouraged her to learn sadhana.

Baba was there conducting Personal Contact (PC) and she was very curious. So she attended general darshan and just by being there in His Presence, all her doubts and concerns melted. She thought how all have come for Baba. She was interested to learn sadhana and ultimately became a very good and active margii.

Over time, she told her story to others and asked new people to keep an open-mind when first coming in contact with Ananda Marga.

THREE TEACHINGS FROM THIS STORY

1. When any devotee is in problem then Guru is also affected. He cannot remain indifferent or apathetic. That is why Baba rushed to Ranchi and asked others to bring Somnath’s wife to the ashram. Baba changed her mind and she became cooperative and turned into a bonafide margii. Baba changed her mind and resolved Somnath’s problem. It is His grace.

2. When new people see many margiis they feel they are part of something big and their concerns and frustrations are eased. They get a psychic boost. That is why it is important to bring new people and even so-so margiis to big programs where they will get inspired and become active.

3. It is the duty and dharma of every Ananda Margii to fight against obstacles. On the path of dharma, there will always be difficulties and hurdles. By overcoming such obstacles, we proceed onwards towards the Goal. Thus, obstacles are helping forces on the spiritual journey. To shirk such obstacles is to lose the path and invite degeneration. To overcome all obstacles establishes the aspirant on the path of sadhana.

Here following are Baba’s teaching related with this topic.

“IF OBSTACLES DO NOT BLOCK YOUR PATH,

IT MEANS YOU ARE ONLY INDULGING IN TALL TALK”

“The psychic inertness which I term dogma will seek to thwart your progress with all its might; this is quite natural. One should not be fearful and stop moving due to this dogma. It should be borne in mind that forward movement always implies facing obstacles created by inertness. It would be unnatural if obstacles did not come. If obstacles do not block your path, it means you are only indulging in tall talk, you are not actually trying to move forward. We often hear people saying, “I just commenced a project and such-and-such person opposed me”. This is quite natural. If you want to do something concrete, inertness in various forms and various ways will stand in your path. You will have to welcome these obstacles with a smile and say, “Hello obstacles, you have come. You do your duty and let me do mine.” In Ananda Sútram it has been said, Bádhá sá yuśamáná shaktih sevyam’ sthápayati lakśye “Obstacles are the helping forces which establish people in their cherished goal.”” (1)

“IGNORANCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL MIND”

“The greatest obstacle to the collective progress of the human race is the ignorance of the individual mind. Knowledge is for all – it should be available to all and free like the light and air.” (2)

“Obstacles in fact are no foes on the path of sádhaná [spiritual practice], but indeed friends. They only do service to a person. It is on account of these obstacles that the battle rages against them, and this counter-effort alone carries the sádhaka [spiritual aspirant] to his or her cherished goal.” (3)

“THEY ARE NOT CONFIDENT OF THEIR ABILITIES”

“The madhyama category of people are those who undertake some work but throw up their hands when any problem crops up. They presume that any obstacle that comes in their way is a Himalayan obstacle, and hence they give up their work. They think they will not be able to tackle the problems they face. They are not confident of their abilities.”
“The uttama category of people are those who take up a task and are determined to fulfil it. They go on struggling against all odds till they achieve their goal. No problem can defy solution. No difficulty can be greater than their capacity to solve it. They go on fighting against all obstacles. They can face any challenge and meet any predicament. They are determined to achieve their objective, come what may.” (4)

“THE NOBLER THE TASK, THE MIGHTIER THE OBSTACLE”

“The entire humanity must be looked upon as one integrated existence – and move collectively towards the all-round perfection of human life. All actions are bound to confront obstacles. It has to be borne in mind that the nobler the task, the mightier the obstacle. For human emancipation, there is no other way but to march ahead crushing the towering peaks of obstacles with a benevolent intellect and collective endeavour.”
‘Hence I reiterate, go ahead with courage and unity. You have to move on ensuring real justice to all individuals and all geographical people.” (5)

“ONLY WAY TO OVERCOME AVIDYÁMÁYÁ”

“Intuitional practice, as taught by a great preceptor, is the healing balm; it is with this that one can drive away Avidyámáyá and gain emancipation. As the influence of Avidyámáyá decreases, the temptations and troubles of the world cease to be an obstacle to intuitional practice. As this is the only way to overcome Avidyámáyá, it can easily be practised within worldly life. Avidyámáyá will disturb a person in the beginning, but once defeated, it will not be able to create any hindrance to the pursuit of intuitional practice.” (6)

“THEY ARE BOUND TO BE DESTROYED”

“Whatever humans do in consonance with the dictates of dharma will ensure their well-being, their victory, their prosperity. And whoever goes against these ingrained human characteristics, against these dharma-orientated characteristics, will be doomed to destruction. For human beings, ideation on Parama Puruśa is a dharmic injunction. By divine decree everyone has the right to live in the world with dignity. If anyone creates any obstacle against this dharma-oriented system, if they oppose it, they are bound to be destroyed.” (7)

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Ananda Mayii

References:
1. A Few Problems Solved – 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
2. A Few Problems Solved – 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
3. Ananda Sutram, Chapter 3
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 1, The Best Category of Persons
5. Ananda Vanii #56
6. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 4, Opposition to Dharma Will Certainly Invite Destruction

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

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

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

Note: Nowadays some leaders are singing the song of samaj as they try to forge ahead with their narrow-minded agendas. They justify their groupism by claiming it as a samaj movement. But margiis understand Baba’s teachings and recognise the truth. Our samaj system is based on universal principles not factional allegiances. Thus the groupism carried out by certain, so-called NIA Dadas and the ideal of our samaj movements are worlds apart.
*************************************

******* Here Starts the 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, O’ my Dearmost, on one colourful golden dawn saturated in the effulgence & aroma of a newly blossoming flower, You took advent in my heart. Your grand arrival came after a long, deep, dark, & painful night of searching for You. Alas, in the end, You graced me by coming in my mind. Baba, You are so gracious…

Read Full Post »

Dadaji’s Unique Conclusion + Slogan Tells What Type of Devotee You Are

Subject: Dadaji’s Unique Conclusion

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #2562;
(2) Posting: Dadaji’s Unique Conclusion
(3) Posting: Slogan Tells What Type of Devotee You Are

== DADAJI’S UNIQUE CONCLUSION ==

Namaskar,
Often Dada Bhaskaranandji offers to guide others on points of Ananda Marga philosophy. While this may sound like a noble endeavour, everyone should beware because in his own book “Social Dynamics”, Dada Bhaskaranandji has written many things that are grossly inconsistent with Ananda Marga ideology.

In his own book there are huge errors. Of critical note is that Dada Bhaskarananda has written that Baba’s unique philosophy of neo-humanism is nothing but Hinduism.

Yet, we all know that Hinduism is full of countless dogmas: Caste system, idol worship, multiple gods and goddesses, belief in heaven and hell, etc.

While Baba’s divine teachings on neo-humanism are completely revolutionary and will lead the society into the a new era of universalism, thus crushing all dogmas. All margiis are aware of this divine truth. But in his book Dada Bhaskaranandji is making the opposite claim as he is equating neo-humanism with the dogmas of Hinduism.

SEE WHAT DADAJI HAS WRITTEN

On page 100 of his book, ‘Social Dynamics’, Dadaji Bhaskarananda has written that:

“Vivekananda unfortunately used the appelation ‘Hindu’ for all the most amazing understandings of the past 15,000 years and for all the findings of the sages of India … Shrii P.R. Sarkar gave this universal sentiment a beautiful new name – Neohumanism, or humanism newly interpreted.” (Bhaskarananda, Social Dynamics, p. 100)

So by Dada Bhaskaranandaji’s above statement, it is clear that he thinks that neo-humanism is just nothing but Hinduism.

Dada Bhaskaranandji’s publication is putting forth the false notion that neo-humanism did not come in 1955 or 1982. Rather Dadaji is telling that philosophy and ideals of neo-humanism have been present in full form since Vivekananda’s time or even thousands of years before that. Only a new name has been given in 1982. Such is Dadaji’s claim.

According to Dadaji, just as the city of Madras was present before and recently the name was changed to Chennai, and the name of Bombay was changed to Mumbai, in the same way Hinduism has been in existence for thousands of years and then in 1982 only Baba gave it a new name, neo-humanism. This is Dadaji’s logic.

So, according to Bhaskarananda Dada, neo-humanism is not a new philosophy, but rather a continuation of Hinduism.

This is the claim and theorem Dada Bhaskaranandji has put forth in his book. Everyone can decide for themselves how far Dada Bhaskarananda is properly representing Ananda Marga teachings.

VIVEKANANDA IS NOT A NEO-HUMANIST

Furthermore, Dada Bhaskarananda is equating Swami Vivekananda with our pure neo-humanistic ideals. However, most everybody knows that Swami Vivekananda ate fish. Eating fish itself is against our neohumanistic code of conduct. Not only that, Swami Vivekananda was a cigarette / cigar smoker also. The tamasik habit of smoking tobacco has nothing to do with leading a neo-humanistic life. Rather it is contrary to neo-humanism.

Not only that, Hinduism is filled with dogma, misguided rituals, and sentiments including the caste system etc. And Swami Vivekanada himself is from one dogmatic Hindu sect: Advaete vada, monism. If anyone wants to know more about monoism, they should read Baba’s chapter in Namami Krsna Sundaram. There Baba has clearly written that monism is just dogma.

All these points make it evident that Hinduism is grounded in illogical ideas, i.e. dogma. While we know Baba’s teaching are completely dharmic and entirely new – they have no comparison with Hinduism.

But Dada Bhaskaranandji claims that neo-humanism is merely the new name of Hinduism.

So many gross errors are there in Dada Bhaskarananda’s book. When I have more time other points can be raised, or anyone else can also bring forth the points. Because in so many places any good Margii will easily be able to recognize how Dada Bhaskarananda’s book strays far from that path of Ananda Marga.

WHY DID HE DO LIKE THAT

Why has Dada Bhaskarananda stated this publicly in his book – why would Dadaji make this absurd claim? By this ridiculous assertion it looks like Dada Bhaskaranandji wants to impose his own Hindu dogmatic beliefs onto our Marga Society. It seems that Dada Bhaskarananda himself is suffering from the disease of Hinduism. Otherwise what can be the reason why he would put such a declartion in print for everyone to see.

Or we can look at it this way.

Dada Bhaskaranandji is justifying that he said this about Hindus in order to make them feel close. But a book on Ananda Marga philosophy is not the medium for placating or appeasing Hindus. That can be done in a casual table-talk discussion, but not in a published book that is circulated around the globe. Otherwise, there is no end to what could be published in the name of Ananda Marga. For instance, to gain the sympathy of meat-eaters, someone could publish that in Ananda Marga we appreciate animal protein and eating meat. But such a statement should never appear in one of our books. Similarly, it is not appropriate to write that Ananda Marga and neo-humanism is the same as Hinduism. Such a statement should never be published in any book. So Dada Bhaskarananda has no grounds to stand on for justifying that he did this to make amends with the Hindu community.

In that case, other Dadas from other religious backgrounds might sing the praises of the religion of their birth. For instance, one Wt might write that, “Neo-humanism is like jihad, all the ideas of jihad are neo-humanistic, so neo-humanism is not new – it is as old as Islam. Or another Dada might proclaim that, “Neo-humanism is just like the crusades – this is a long-established ethic of Christianity. Baba has merely given it a new name.”

NEO-HUMANISM IS ENTIRELY NEW

To any sadhaka and right thinking person, it is obvious that Baba’s teachings of neo-humanism are something completely new. This is evident by the name itself – ‘neo’. This very name demonstrates that this philosophy is an entirely new concept, given by Baba for the first time in human history

Such a teaching was never given before. I was there when Baba Himself told neo-humanism is a new theory.

In the end we should all remember how neo-humanism is one golden tool for the humanity.

“Neo-Humanism will give new inspiration and provide a new interpretation for the very concept of human existence…This Neo-Humanism philosophy will liberate people from all inferiority feelings and defects and make them aware of their own importance; it will inspire them to build a new world.” (1)

Ultimately Neo-Humanism leads humanity unto the stance of divinity.

“According to Neohumanism, the final and supreme goal is to make one’s individual existential nucleus coincide with the Cosmic Existential Nucleus. As a result, the unit being’s entire existential order becomes one with the Controlling Nucleus of the existential order of the Supreme Entity of the Cosmological order, and that will be the highest expression of Neohumanism. That Neohumanistic status will save not only the human world but the plant and animal worlds also. In that supreme Neohumanistic status, the universal humanity will attain the consummation of its existence. Then nothing will be impossible for human beings; they will be able to do anything and everything.” (2)

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Karun

REFERENCES
1. Liberatio of Intellect: Neo-Humanism
2. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism

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

Baba

Subject: Slogan Tells What Type of Devotee You Are

== SLOGAN TELLS WHAT TYPE OF DEVOTEE YOU ARE ==

Namaskar,
As we know, the relation between Parama Purusa and the aspirant is based on devotion. And this link is dynamic as there are various grades of devotion.

As one feels closer to Parama Purusa, we say that their level of bhakti has increased. When one feels more distant from Parama Purusa, we say that they have lower devotion. Baba has clearly outlined this in His discourses.

ONE’S EXPRESSION TELLS THE WHOLE STORY

The closeness one feels and the level of devotion one has can be noted by their expression, just like with any other relation in life.

For instance, the way you address a local shopkeeper will be different from the way your address your mother. When introducing a shopkeeper, you will say in a more formal tone that, ‘This is Sam or Pashupati the grocer”; it is a very neutral or even distant statement that does not reflect a close sentimental link.

Whereas with your mother, you will say, “This is my mother.” You will not say this is “the mother”; or, if you have many siblings, you will not even say, “This is our mother.” You will use the phrase “my mother”. Why? Because of your great emotional attachment and high degree of closeness with your mother. You feel that your mother is yours, and that she belongs to you.

Similar variations happen with the relations between bhaktas and Parama Purusa. The expression will vary based on the degree of closeness, i.e. one’s level of devotion.

As you will see, this feeling even affects the way one raises the jai slogan.

THREE TYPES OF DEVOTEES

As we know, Baba has clearly defined three basic levels of devotion.

“Devotees of the highest category think, “Parama Purus’a is mine only and He belongs to no one else.” This is the sign of an excellent sa’dhaka, and the spiritual progress of this category is inevitable. “He is mine and mine alone and He does not belong to anyone else” – this assertion is undoubtedly true.” 1)

Per Baba’s teaching, in this top-most level of devotion, the bhakta feels that “Parama Purusa is mine – He only belongs to me – He is my personal property.” Baba guides us that this is the degree of devotion we should all strive for in life. Certainly many in our Marga have this type of feeling. Indeed this is the way we do dhyana. There is no third entity present, only the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

The situation can be likened to how even a child who has 6 brothers and sisters will still think of their mother as being “my very own.” There is no question of sharing mom with others.

According to Baba, this type of devotional outlook is the true nature or link between the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

Then there is the next tier of devotion – it is a notch below.

“The second category of devotees…They think, “Parama Purus’a is mine, and thus He must belong to others also.” That is, the devotees..have no hesitation in sharing Parama Purus’a with others.” (2)

Here due to a lack of closeness with Parama Purusa, the second-grade bhakta thinks in a more analytical way: Baba created this entire universe so naturally He belongs to all. In this phase, the 2nd grade bhakta feels that Parama Purusa belongs to me, but reasons that He must belong to others also. This type of outlook occurs when the emotional and devotional link with Parama Purusa is less, in which case the 2nd grade bhakta looks at the situation intellectually.

And finally, in the lowest stage, there is an even less personal link or more distant relation, where one feels that Parama Purusa is the collective property of all.

“The devotees of the lowest category think, “As Parama Purus’a belongs to all, so certainly He belongs to me as well because I am one of the multitude.” Thoughts of this type are not very congenial for one’s spiritual progress.” (3)

Thus the critical difference between 2nd & 3rd grade bhaktas is as follows. The 2nd grade bhakta thinks that Parama Purusa is mine, and then reasons that He must belong to others as well. The 3rd grade bhakta thinks that Baba belongs to all and then reasons that therefore He must also be mine. This third stage is comparable to one having 5 siblings and thinking that since mother loves my brothers and sisters then she must love me also. There is very little personal feeling or experience involved, just an analytical equation.

Hence Baba’s statement that these latter two stages are not very conducive for spiritual growth, i.e. coming close to Him.

Since we are all familiar with Baba’s teachings on this subject, we can wrap it up in one sentence. When one feels more close with Parama Purusa, the bhakta thinks that. “He is mine and mine alone.” There is no sharing or reasoning or intellectualization – just the deeply devotional feeling that, “Baba is mine – He belongs only to me.”

LEVELS OF JAI SLOGANS

The devotional feelings outlined above come into form in so many aspects of our lives: In our conversations, manan (thinking of Him), and in our reflections, stories etc, including the way in which we raise the Jai slogan.

For instance, the more intimate and devotional way of raising the Jai slogan is: Parama Pita Baba ki – jai! In this manner, the basic spirit is Victory to my Baba, my Father, my nearest, my own. The sense is that one’s mind is pointed on the Divine Father, Parama Purusa in a more personal way where He belongs to me.

The possessive pronoun – my – is understood as people always think of their father as “my father”. No one thinks our father.

The overall meaning is: Victory to My (personal) Divine Father Baba.

In other places – such as in parts of Bengal, Ananda Nagar, and other places – there is another way the jai slogan is raised. Bengali speaking Dadas always bring the slogan: Ama’der Baba ki – jai!

Ama’der means ‘Our’; Baba ki means ‘of Baba’; Jai means ‘victory’.

The overall meaning is: Victory to Our (collective) Baba.

The sense is that Parama Purusa belongs to all, He is the collective property of everyone and not the personal possession of a single bhakta. The overall meaning is: Victory to Our (collective) Baba.

In mundane ways of thinking this is ok, but in terms of spiritual life this type of ideation is not at all beneficial – rather it is detrimental and limiting.

The slogan – Ama’der Baba ki – Jai! – is a less personal expression and reflects 3rd grade devotion since one is thinking that Parama Purusa belongs to all.

“The devotees of the lowest category think, “Parama Purus’a belongs to all…Thoughts of this type are not very congenial for one’s spiritual progress.” (4)

In that case, Ama’der Baba ki – jai! , the main ingredient, i.e. Parama Purusa, is shared in a more collective manner. He is no longer one’s personal property and this type of thinking goes ultravarious to devotional closeness.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

Here we should clarify that this does not mean that everyone who speaks Bengali is of lower devotion or that anyone who has ever raised this slogan is a lower tier bhakta. It is not like that at all.

Rather, we can say that those leading this slogan are more responsible. After all they are the ones who selected the slogan. The margiis and wts in attendance may or may not feel this way. After all, they are just responding to the call. They are not deciding the way in which the slogan is raised.

It is just like how you cannot blame an entire country for the actions and decision of a few governmental leaders. The mass of people cannot be held accountable, whereas surely the leaders are responsible for what the country does.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HEAR THIS SLOGAN

One very practical scenario is: What should one do if they are attending a spiritual function and someone starts raising this slogan: Ama’der Baba Ki Jai!. In that case, the best thing is to remain quite and just mentally repeat your own preferred Jai slogan. Remember, anyone can raise whatever slogan they prefer because it is one’s personal devotional practice based on one’s relation with Baba. Thus any sadhaka is free to choose a top-grade slogan. It is not that those 3rd class sadhakas can impose their ways on everyone else. In this regard, there is personal freedom to choose.

That said, the slogan – Ama’der Baba Ki Jai! – is primarily used in Bengal. This is their slogan of choice.

WHY BABA ALLOWED THIS

The next question one may ask is that why did Baba allow people to raise the slogan: Ama’der Baba ki – jai!

And the answer is very simple. In the kingdom of Parama Purusa there are various grades of devotees. After all, 3rd grade devotees are also His followers and He allows 3rd grade devotees to raise this type of slogan. Baba accepts 3rd grade bhaktas in the way they feel most comfortable approaching Him, even if that means sharing Him with others.

No doubt, Baba is attracting all to come very close, but due to lack of sadhana or samskaras, not all respond to His blessed call.

So if someone is enmeshed in 3rd grade devotion and could not develop a closer relation with Parama Purusa, then this Ama’der slogan is fine.

Being gracious, Baba then accepts everyone for who they are. He does not deprive anyone from expressing the feeling of their heart, even if their heartfelt feeling goads them to say, “Ama’der Baba ki – jai!”

In His gracious manner, Baba will accept their call and continue to draw them near.

In sum, 3rd grade devotees have further to travel because they are far from Parama Purusa. It may take them several lives to become A-grade bhaktas wherein they will feel more comfortable raising the slogan, “Parama Pita Baba ki- jai!.

MUST HAVE COMPASSION

Some of our brothers and sisters are lagging behind in the realm of devotion so we must have compassion for their situation. Our duty is to help them. They should also learn how to feel closer to Parama Purusa – after all, one day everyone has to reach up to Him.

HOW TO REMEDY THE SITUATION

Honesty in devotional life is key. So if one’s heart feeling is not expressed by the 3rd grade slogan, Ama’der Baba ki – jai!, that’s to say, if one is not inclined to share Parama Purusa or think that He belongs to all, then one may not like to use this slogan. In that case they can exclusively use, Parama Pita Baba ki – jai!

And if the Ama’der slogan does express one’s feeling of heart, and they feel comfortable with this meaning, then they can continue to raise the slogan in this manner. On this point all have personal choice. No one can tell anyone what to do.

At the same time we should all try and increase our standard of sadhana and feel more devotional closeness with Parama Purusa.

MAIN REASON FOR RAISING THIS MATTER

This is a significant matter because when some 3rd grade devotees are not understanding the deeper devotional feeling and if those same 3rd grade people get positions of leadership in our Marga, then due to their devotional deficit, guess what dogma they are going to invent.

That’s right. Because of their lower feeling of devotion they will create the dogma of mahaprayan which states that Baba is gone. In that case, due to their own lack of understanding and lack of closeness, they will misguide and inhibit the growth of others and taint the devotional expression within the Marga.

That is the very grave matter at hand.

It is very similar to what transpired with the various dogmatic religions wherein they wrongly proclaimed that god lives in the distant sky or 7th heaven. Such persons also might have been of the 3rd grade as they could not develop closeness with Parama Purusa. So they invented their religious dogma – placing god far, far away.

That is the way it works and we should be careful since that same defect has expressed itself in AM in the form of the mahaprayan dogma.

No doubt 3rd grade devotees are better than non-devotees, but they should not be in positions of leadership wherein they try to guide others and invent new “spiritual programs”, like the dogma of mahaprayan (i.e. Baba is gone).

Please pass this letter to your fellow sadhakas etc so this dogma can be removed. Why is this a dogma. Because whenever a person mindlessly raises a slogan without thinking more deeply about it etc then it is a dogma.

BHAKTI IS THE GREATEST QUALITY

Bhakti is the greatest attribute in life. We should all aim for the highest grade of devotion and not allow those with lower devotion – i.e. those chanting Ama’der Baba ki – jai! – to be in leadership positions wherein they can invent dogmas. And on the personal sphere, may every sadhaka feel that, “Baba is mine and mine alone.”

Baba says, “The devotees say, “No, no I can share all my belongings with others, but not my Parama Purus’a. He is mine and mine alone – He belongs to no one else. I cannot even think of sharing Him with anyone.”” (5)

THERE IS NO DEARTH OF JAI SLOGANS

There is no limit to how many Jai slogans can be created. For example:

(a) Parama Purusa Baba Ki – Jai!
(b) Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji Ki – Jai!
(c) My Baba Ki – Jai!
(d) My Parama Pursua Baba Ki – Jai!

And certainly you can create many more slogans in your own mother tongue. Thus, there are many possibilities.

I recall that when Baba toured the globe then He was received by so many different jai slogans. For instance, I remember when Baba went to Haifa, Israel, then those margiis raised the jai slogan in their local tongue. And when Baba visited Taiwa, then margiis raised the slogan in Taiwanese. And when Baba went to Bangalore, then margiis raised the slogan in Kannada, i.e. their local language.

So every margii can create their own jai slogan using their native language. But that Jai slogan should be A-grade, not C-grade like Ama’der Baba Ki – Jai.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Nagendra

REFERENCES:
1. Subhasita Samgraha-11
2. Subhasita Samgraha-11
3. Subhasita Samgraha-11
4. Subhasita Samgraha-11
5. A Few Problems Solved – 3

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’ke bha’lo besechi, tumi shudhu mane a’cho…” (Prabhata Samgiita #2562)

Purport:

Baba, I love You; only You are in my mind. You are my dearmost; You alone are mine; You are the only moon in my mental sky– mental plate. Baba, except You, everything else in this entire universe is temporary. Everything comes for a short time and then get lost into thin air, into the oblivion. Baba, only You are beginningless and endless; only You remain permanently – eternally.

Baba, nothing lasts forever in this world. At the end of the day, night falls and the light of day gets engulfed by the darkness. Similarly, the darkness of the night vanishes with the advent of the brilliant new dawn. Thus everything in this world is changing, transient. But the constant pouring of Your divine effulgence continues on and on – it knows no limit; it knows no end.

Baba, I am loving You; You are always residing in my mind; You are my only polestar. Baba, You are my Goal; You are my everything…

Read Full Post »

DISASTROUS TREND: THREAT TO EXISTENCE

Baba

== DISASTROUS TREND: THREAT TO EXISTENCE ==

Namaskar,
This letter begins with an account of a very unfortunate affair between a mother and her son.

Tragically, a similar thing is going within our Wt cadre where one Didi is living with an 18-year old man. Didiji gives the logic that he grew up with her.

First please reference this newspaper account of one foster mother and her son. Kindly understand that this segment does contain graphic language and sensitive terminology. Although, the stronger words have been edited, some explicit language remains.

“According to Springfield Park District police, an officer on patrol saw a vehicle parked in a back corner of the parking lot of the rose garden at Washington Park. A coat was draped over the window, which heightened the officer’s suspicions, so he walked up and shined a light on it and found Tribbet and the boy inside. As the two were getting dressed, police determined the boy was 16 and that the woman was his foster mother…They said Tribbet denied it at first, but admitted to “some fondling and other things,” police said. The officer notified DCFS and the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, which sent detectives from Illinois State Police to interview the boy and Tribbet. Police said Tribbet later admitted…with the boy three or four times during the month that he had been in her care.” (Courtesy of The State Journal Register)

For those who wish to read the full article, the link has been appended below along with some similar accounts.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

Some of you are aware that one central didi – herein referred to as Didi D – is extremely attached with a young man of 18 years of age, whom we shall call Mr. S. The situation is not at all ordinary – rather quite abnormal. They live together: Sleeping, eating, and going together etc. Didi D and Mr S are very linked with each other.

The reason why this is such an important matter is because this has the makings of becoming a systemic issue within our Marga. The likes of which have been the downfall of many religions and spiritual communities. We should not let our Ananda Marga suffer the same fate.

At the same time, please read keeping in mind that there are many dedicated Wts in our wholetimer cadre. Here we are just talking about a few rotten apples.

MR S LIVES IN THEIR INNER CHAMBERS

The young man Mr S stays with Didi D always. Wherever Didi D goes, Mr S is along side – from one female jagrti and school to the next. Wherever he goes, Mr S actually resides inside the Didi quarters. Thus he sees and watches so many Didis when they go for bath, get dressed, and prepare for sleep. No male in Ananda Marga is allowed inside Didi quarters, yet Mr S lives inside the Didis’ inner residence. All because Mr S is linked with one Didi who takes him everywhere – and this has been going on for years.

Yet this goes completely against our Ananda Marga way of life where Baba has mandated that there be a strict gender separation.

When our Didis are out in public then they are very strict in their conduct, dealing and dress, always covered in their full avadhutika uniform. Naturally though, when in their inner chambers they are more relaxed in what they wear and how they conduct themselves. They may just wear a simple shirt etc. Moreover, the Didis are known to watch gossipy TV shows, movies, and soap operas, and Mr S is right there along with them – giggling, gossiping, and laughing together.

This is 100% inappropriate for an 18 year old man – Mr S – to live along with Didis in their inner chambers. It is an infringement on the privacy of Didis, and, perhaps more importantly, it is having a devastating effect on Mr S.

HARMFUL EFFECT ON MR S

Many say that as he is now at the peak of adolescence, he has become completely debauched – embroiled in sensual thought. Many have noticed that his face has become sunken and that day by day he is losing his vital energy, engrossed in lowly thinking. Actually it is not just his thinking, by living with Didis and watching all kinds of love movies etc, Mr S’s own conduct has suffered.

Recently he was walking down the pathway in Ananda Nagar, and he wrapped his arm fully around the waist of one Didi, just as boyfriends do with their girlfriends in materialistic communities. When margiis saw this they were shocked and aghast at what has happened to this young man who just casually squeezes himself next to a sannyasi didi. It is quite appalling and sad to see.

That is why many say that Mr S himself is just one time bomb ready to explode. It is a very bad situation that is getting worse by the minute. It is a cancer that is actually spreading around as many of our Wt’s suffer from the pseudo-culture malady of boyfriend-girlfriend.

Certainly there are many sincere and right-minded Wts, so here we are only referring to a few bad apples.

MANY MORE POINTS AND INSIGHTS

One of Baba’s key rules is that boys and girls should grow up separately. Home boys will be raised by male managers or Dadas, and home girls will be cared for my female managers or Didis. Often children first come in our custody at the age of 4 or 5 – and in each case they should be placed in a gender-appropriate home.

Unfortunately, female wts have greater attraction for the boys; it seems they some kind of animal satisfaction from raising boys of 4 – 5 yrs of age. And when that boy grows up then they do not want to give up the child. Their animal instinct grows more. And that is what we see happening with Didi D and Mr S. Mr S is no longer a small kid but even then Didi D clutches on to him very tightly.

This type of nepotism sets a very bad precedent. Because Didi D is so engrossed with her attachment for Mr S that she could not care about her main duties of acarya life. In that way so many dharmic works have been overlooked. Due to extreme infatuation with Mr S, Didi has lost way – she forgot her main role in life.

A similar type of situation happened in the story newspaper displayed above where the foster mother had an illicit relation with her son. This is clear-cut reason why we must not tolerate any slackness in conduct rules.

Because when a person is infatuated with the opposite sex, then they are completely blind and cannot understand right from wrong. Intoxicated in this way, they cannot distinguish between appropriate and in appropriate behaviour.

Regarding Mr S, the way things are going the situation is very ripe for him to run away – today or tomorrow – with some young brahmacarinii of similar age. This can happen any moment or in the very near future. In case there is any doubt, we need not look at farther than what happened in Delhi, recently. There, DSL and DS got married to one another and left.

This type of unfortunate incident happens when one does not follow the conduct rules. Then the path of degeneration opens up wide. To stop all such degeneration, this letter is one small effort.

EVERYTHING IN ANANDA MARGA IS SEPARATE

As we consider the gravity of the situation with Didi D and Mr S, we must bear in mind that Baba has mandated that everything in Ananda Marga should be separate: For example WWD, our relief activities (AMURTL), reportings, social service projects, LFT trainings, etc. There are all separate along gender lines.

Here is a more complete list for your review:

1. Jagrtis are not shared between males and females for staying over or for office work.
2. Co-education is not practiced with students above 8 or 10 years of age, i.e. or above the age of puberty.
3. During dharmacakra, seminar, and classes, sadhana is done in distinctly different rows.
4. The organisation itself has an entire separate wing for females, WWD or Women’s Welfare Department.
5. Prout, AMURT, VSS etc also have separate sections for males and females.
6. Reporting is done separately.
7. LFT, Tattvika, and Acarya training is separate for males and females.
8. In-Charges are not mixed. Males are in-charges of males and females of females.
Note: Only in Central Office will the head of WWD be controlled by the General Secretary.
9. During DMS, kaoshikii was also performed separately. And still this practice is maintained for DMS.
10. Females do guard duty for females, and males for males; it is not mixed.
11. Akhanda kiirtana is done in a separate manner.
12. Madhur Sadhana is done according to gender, not with the opposite sex.
13. In any gathering, females & males do not participate together for games and sports.
14. All public processions are organised keeping males and females separate
15. And there are so many systems in place that ensure strict separation of the sexes.

Thus when everything is separate then, where is there scope for Didi D to keep Mr S with her inside the inner chambers of the Didis’ jagrti etc. Who can possible think that this is appropriate. No one.

WHY RUDRANANDA IS KEEPING MUM

Many are wondering why Rudrananda does not object to this type of behaviour between Didi D and Mr S. But the reason is quite obvious. If he points out the behaviour of one Didi in the Nigamananda sub-faction, then immediately those didis will point out the devious behaviour of many of Rudrananda’s top lieutenants. Thus, in the name of black or static peace, nothing is said by either side. They are both too concerned with their own faults to have the moral courage to rectify the other. Things have digressed to such a level.

WHY BUDDHISM WAS KICKED OUT OF INDIA

Long back, this type of loose dealing between monks and nuns led to the downfall and removal of Buddhism from India. The Buddhist monks and nuns began living together in the same quarters and the relations between them degenerated to sensual exchanges. The common people did not tolerate this degeneration and the Buddhist religions was essentially removed from India. This happened centuries ago. We should not let a similar fate meet our Ananda Marga.

This letter has written with the motive of welfare to clean-up things in our AMPS. In this process, leaders should be held to an ideal or proper conduct and become exemplars for their juniors. To create this circumstance, this letter has been written.

The situation with Didi D and Mr S should not be continuing. To date, Didi D has been referenced on this but she always overlooks Baba’s stated conduct rules and gives the same justification. Thus, more awareness and pressure is needed.

We should hold firm to Baba’s foundational guidelines.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS:

ESSENCE OF SANNYASI

“The word sannyásii is derived sat + nyás + suffix nini, first case ending, singular number. Sannyásii means one who, out of noble intentions and benevolent outlook, has sacrificed his or her everything for the highest goal in life, Parama Puruśa.” (1)

“In Ananda Marga, they are known as sannyásiis. An avadhuta is a sannyásii.” (2)

“It is the sense of duty that causes one person to renounce everything; and it is the sense of duty that inspires another person to readily accept the burden of caring for his or her family. It is the sense of duty that makes a person great. Of all bonds, the bond of duty is the strongest, and the bond of moha [blind attachment or infatuation] is the worst. Humanity will have to break the bonds of moha and increase the bonds of duty willingly and consciously. This is the law.” (3)

“IF YOUR CONDUCT IS NOT GOOD,
DHARMA IS NOT WITH YOU”

“That which sustains the jiiva is dharma. And the practical side of dharma is expressed in the words Ácárańát dharmah, that is, “Dharma is the assemblage of all your conduct” – the way you eat, the way you speak, the way you perform sádhaná. If your conduct is good, dharma is with you; if your conduct is not good, dharma is not with you. And if dharma is not with you, what comes about is your sarvanásha, or sarvátmaka vinásha – that is, your physical, mental, and spiritual ruin.” (4)

Acárańát páthayati yah sah ácáryah – “One who teaches through one’s conduct is an ácárya.” If one’s conduct is not exemplary, he or she is not an ácárya/á.” (5)

“Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya. Just as it is the duty of a father to educate his children properly by his good conduct, an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words.” (6)

“A WOMAN’S FRIEND IS A WOMAN”

“It should be remembered that a woman’s friend is a woman and a man’s friend is a man. The more distant the relationship between men and women, the greater should be the courtesy maintained in mutual conversation and behaviour between them.” (7)

“THE SANNYÁSIN HAS ONLY ONE FAMILY”

Our wholetimers have only one family – the universal family.

“The big family is the whole universe and its suffering humanity…the sannyásin has only one family – the big family – so there is no question of adjustment.” (8)

Those workers who cannot abide by this ideal and instead try to rekindle laokik relations or begin a small family are fake Wts.

“MANY SO-CALLED SA’DHUS EXISTS A PHARISAIC STATE OF MIND”
“Mana na’ ra’inga’ile ra’inga’ile yogi ka’par’a.

Saffron and red do not a yogiis make
With mind undyed he remains a fake.”

“Dye your mind with His colour. Those who have not done so cannot attain Him, for this very coloration is Prema or Divine Love… No external sign of Sa’dhuta’ or virtue is necessary. Become sa’dhu within. Behind the external show of virtuousness of many so-called sa’dhus exists a pharisaic state of mind. Preserve the true dignity of the word, Sa’dhu.”

“Mu’d’ha mu’ra’ye jata’ v’ar’aye….

With shaven head or matted locks
And ashen body a Sadhu walks
With the swaggering gait of a well-fed buffalo.
And crude mind filled with thoughts mean and low.”

“That is why I say that you must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour.” (9)

“…It may be added that avadhuta shall not engage his ears in any obscene language or songs, touch any tamasik articles, see any depraving entity or pictures, go through any story, novel or fiction having even the slightest bit of sexual importance…” (10)

“CLUTCHES OF INFATUATION”

“Propensity of blind attachment is usually divided into the four categories of time, space, idea and individuality.” (11)

“The only way to free oneself from the clutches of infatuation is to superimpose the ideation of indifference and divert one’s mental thoughts towards Parama Puruśa. It may be possible to control this propensity of wild fascination temporarily by intimidation or by enacting laws, but only temporarily.” (12)

“IF YOU ALLOW YOUR MIND TO BECOME FASCINATED BY ANY OTHER OBJECT, IT IS CALLED “ÁSAKTI””

“When this attraction is for any non-integral entity, or for any small entity this is called káma. When that attraction is for that integral entity, and the integral entity is only one and that one is Parama Puruśa – it is called Prema. When the attraction is for the non-integral entity, for money, for family, for land, it is called Káma; when it is for integral entity it is called Prema and the mental tendency during Káma i.e., the mental tendency during attraction for a non-integral entity is called Ásakti in Saḿskrta and the mental tendency during attraction for that Integral Entity is called Bhakti. Do you follow?” (13)

“When the Esana is not for Paramatman but for something else, it is known as Asakti (Attachment) and not Bhakti. As for example, the Esana for wine. This Esana will be termed as Panasakti, the attachment for wine i.e. attachment is always in bad sense and devotion is always supreme. Therefore the correct Esana is devotion.” (14)

“When the unit self is associated with the cosmic it is called “bhakti” or “devotion”, but when it is associated with the mundane it is called “attachment”. You must withdraw your mental propensities from all external objects – no matter what they might be – and channelize them only towards Parama Puruśa. Only when you direct them towards Him, can it be called bhakti. If you allow your mind to become fascinated by any other object, it is called “ásakti” or “attachment”. When your only desire is for Iishvara, it is called “Iishvara-bhakti”, but when that attachment is for wine, for example, it is called ásakti for wine. An attachment for any object other than Parama Puruśa is called “ásakti”.” (15)

THE BOND OF INFATUATION (MOHA) IS THE WORST

“It is the sense of duty that causes one person to renounce everything; and it is the sense of duty that inspires another person to readily accept the burden of caring for his or her family. It is the sense of duty that makes a person great. Of all bonds, the bond of duty is the strongest, and the bond of moha [blind attachment or infatuation] is the worst. Humanity will have to break the bonds of moha and increase the bonds of duty willingly and consciously. This is the law.” (16)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Kamala

References:
1. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 16
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 2, Keep Company with the Virtuous
3. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 13
4. Subhastia Samgraha – 21, Niiti and Dharma
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, Silent Action
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya
7. Caryacarya – 1, Social Relationship Between Men and Women
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 30, Self-Realization and Service to Humanity
9. Subhasita Samgraha – 3
10. 32 Rules for Avadhutas / Wts, pt #32
11. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell-8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet
12. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell-8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet
13. Subhasita Smgraha-18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It
14. Subhasita Samgraha – 20, Astitva and Shivatva
15. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 7, The True Nature of Bhakti
16. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 13

Note 1: WHO IS DIDI D AND MR S

In the above account, Didi D refers to Didi Ananda Dyotona and Mr S is Shubham, an 18 year-man who has bee raised by Didi ji. Prior Didi was very close to and linked with Dada Nigamanandji. Since his death, Didiji has seemingly needed some other male for her animal satisfaction. That is why she is keeping Shubham.

Note 2: LINKS TO ARTICLES

Here is the full article about the illicit relation between a mother and her foster son.

http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1015658593/Woman-accused-of-sexual-abuse-of-foster-son

Below are two more articles related with this entire theme.

http://www.ibtimes.com/california-hockey-mom-had-sex-sons-teammate-police-316040

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/woman-allegedly-sex-son-15-year-old-friend-article-1.1278536

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Ghum bha’ungiye na’ ja’niye ja’o niye se keno sudu’re…” P.S. 2336

Purport:

Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, You have broken my slumber and blessed me with samvit [1]. Without my awareness, to which unknown divine world are You taking me in my dhyana. I do not know about my present, past, or future. I am unaware completely. Only this much I know: That You love me. Baba, by Your grace I have full faith and trust on You. You always do what is best for me. Please be gracious and continue in this way. My whole existence is at Your disposal; I surrender unto You.

Baba, You have colored and filled my mind and made me divinely intoxicated with the songs, rhythm, & melodies of Prabhat Samgiita. Baba, by Your grace, my mind is filled with the bliss. You have made the flowers of love blossom in my heart. You have made my heart soft. I love You so much. In Your longing my eyes get filled with the tears.

Baba You are the formless jewel of the ocean of form [2]. By Your grace I feel in my heart that indeed You love me. My whole life is floating in Your divine flow, in the unknown melody and tune of the divine world – devotional songs & Prabhat Samgiita. Baba, You have blessed me with samvit and You have changed my whole life by Your grace, by Your love…

NOTES FOR PS 2336:

[1] Samvit: “Samvit means spiritual consciousness, spiritual awakening. A man engaged in bad things all of a sudden feels that “No, I shouldn’t do all these things. No, I should be a good man henceforward.” Such an idea all of a sudden comes in his mind. And this thing, this change of mental tendency, is brought about by samvit shakti of Vidyámáyá. Do you follow? This is what is called samvit shakti. “No, henceforward I must be a good man. No, henceforward I must be a spiritualist. I must not encourage any depraving idea.” Samvit shakti.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, Brahma Cakra)

[2] Rupe sa’gare (ocean of the form); arupa man’i (formless jewel): The poetic language which Baba has used in this Prabhat Samgiita indicates that Parama Purusa is formless yet when He comes in the devotees’ heart in the form of Sadguru He is the ocean of the form of that formless jewel. That means He has come in form because one cannot have a personal relation with a formless entity. So the Parama Purusa of philosophy is impersonal, and the Parama Purusa of devotees’ heart is a Personal Entity who comes in form.

Read Full Post »

How To Remove Misery From Your Life

To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: J_deva@markwebmail….
Subject: How To Remove Misery From Your Life
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:23:01 -0000

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: How To Remove Misery From Your Life ;
(2) Trailer Quote: True Colour Comes Out;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #2239;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== HOW TO REMOVE MISERY FROM LIFE ==

Namaskar,
In the life of every person and in the history of every community and land, there are deeply dark aspects and painful memories, filled with despair, bloodshed, and untold suffering. One can spend a lifetime plunging themselves into those woes of misfortune and angst.

VERY COMMON ON THE PERSONAL LEVEL

YET BABA HAS GIVEN THE REMEDY

Actually, this act of looking to the past is such a common human phenomenon. On a daily basis, people tend to review past events – especially painful ones. They think how they lost their prestige at their job, or how their spouse left them, or about their parent who passed away. There are countless memories people bring into the mind which disturb their psyche. They actively do this – it becomes their habit. Yet it drastically undermines their well-being.

That is why Baba’s guideline is: Do not engage in looking into the past and recollecting those scenes which adversely affect the mind. To indulge in such type of dark thinking is not at all beneficial. It does not bear any fruit – neither for an individual nor the collective humanity.

On the personal level, Baba reminds us that we should suffuse the mind in spiritual thought and refrain from recounting past woes.

So, on the individual plane, one should strive to channelize the mind towards a pure and positive ideation, and not let the mind get caught up in the losses and pains of the past. By focusing the mind on Him, it will set the mind on the right course.

DARK MOMENTS:

BABA’S REMEDY ON COLLECTIVE LIFE

And on the collective level, in His revolutionary way, Baba has ensured that our Ananda Marga will always rise above the dark side of life.

In His discourse, ‘Our Social Treatise’, Baba says the following about our Ananda Marga social system and way of life.

“[That which is true] has been accepted, and the dark aspects of life have not been given any scope to flourish.” (1)

Let’s take a moment to investigate what Baba means by the above statement and see how this practically benefits both individuals and whole communities.

COLLECTIVE HISTORY:

DARK ASPECTS ARE FAR LEARNING NOT FOR RELIVING

When Baba discusses the division of India, Baba pointedly analyses the defects of Gandhi’s approach and warns how we should never fall prey to communal sentiments. That is the main emphasis and teaching point.

So on the point of history, Baba’s guideline is to briefly look back, learn from those past mistakes so that they are not repeated, and move ahead in the proper direction.

In contrast, so many groups and communities indulge in harping about the past such that they become crippled and unable to move ahead. Instead they just invite frustration, anger, and hate.

African American history is taught in such a way that nearly every hateful and gory incident involving slavery has been regurgitated and given new life wherein some submerge their mind with anger and even blame whites of today for crimes committed generations ago.

Such an approach undermines our African-American (i.e. Black American) community and hinders the growth of our brothers and sisters. By this way, those frustrations live on and on, racism increases, and the flames of hatred burn high into the sky.

Baba’s approach is this: Yes, slavery happened; yes, it was a slur on the humanity; and now a new era has come so we should learn from the past and move on, and not get caught up in drowning the mind in those dark moments.

Jewish history also often involves overturning each and every stone and analysing the exact degree to which Jews have suffered. They uncover every minute detail and relive it in such a way that all those torments get dug up and take on a life of their own – infesting the heart and minds of today’s people.

And indeed, this is the way nearly all peoples recount their history. In such cases, whole communities get submerged in the hurtful memories and dark aspects of life. That becomes their living reality for the present as they bear the grudges of generations ago.

But this fateful approach does not bode well for the humanity. Rather than learning from the past, people get caught up in it, thereby shackling themselves with those dark moments.

A DELICATE BALANCE

That is why Baba distinctly opposes this type of degrading outlook on life, and has instead given a whole new way for our Marga to march ahead where we learn from the past yet move forward with an optimistic outlook. This is the delicate and dharmic balance which we must maintain.

HISTORY WAS DISCARDED OUTRIGHT

In India – under the teachings of Shankaracarya – history was discarded outright. There was no record kept by the people. Because of this the same mistakes and errors were repeated over and over again. And ultimately, the history of India was recorded by outsiders. This is one extreme.

And the other extreme is what we see happening with the Jews and blacks in the US where there is a perpetual manner of recounting dark episodes of history over and over again, without rest. In that case, those communities get caught up in the horrors and sufferings of the past.

Hence a delicate balance is needed where we look back approximately 1% of the time, i.e. just enough to learn and track our course. Then the remaining 99% of the time should be aimed to forward movement. This is the ideal way to use history and foster a healthy outlook.

And that is neatly reflected in Baba’s below teaching.

Baba says, “[That which is true] has been accepted, and the dark aspects of life have not been given any scope to flourish.” (2)

WHY PEOPLE SUFFER IN PERSONAL LIFE

While in our social life or collective life, it is important to look back and learn from history.

One must be extremely careful not to drown in old memories. One must not indulge in this way – a human being must look forward.

For instance, if one loses $100 or $100,000, then one must not think back again and again on this loss. In that case, life will be terrible – miserable. Yet many people fall into this thought cycle – always reliving the difficulties past. That is not healthy in individual life.

This happens now just with the loss of money, but with any type of painful memory or unfortunate occurrence. People churn those thoughts again and again: “I messed up at work”, “My sister died in that accident”, “The storm destroyed my property”, and verily there are so many horrible memories that people harbour. This only invites more pain and compounds the difficulty.

REINFORCING THOSE PAINFUL MEMORIES

Yet in the west, entire schools of counseling, psycho-therapy, and support groups are based on reliving old habits and past harms. Whether the problem be child abuse, alcohol addiction, or any other malady or abuse, many western approaches indulge in talking about those pains – daily, weekly, monthly – thereby reinforcing those painful memories in the mind. Instead of moving beyond those tragic incidents by redirecting the mind towards a more positive or sentient engagement, those old horrors become the dominant aspect of one’s present existence. This should be avoided at all costs. Key steps should be taken to break that thought cycle and redirect the mind toward sentient and psycho-spiritual pursuits.

IN ANANDA MARGA LIFE MOVES FORWARD IN A BRIGHT WAY

Baba’s world view is wholly positive in nature.

“Ánandáddhyeva khalvimáni bhútáni jáyante. Ánandena játáni jiivanti. Ánandaḿ prayantyabhi saḿvishanti”

“This quinquelemental world has been born out of bliss, is being maintained in bliss and into sacred bliss it will melt.” (3)

By infusing this spirit into the life of each and every human being, people are then able to embrace a positive outlook on life.

Ananda Marga steers clear from the Christian dogma that this world was born out of sin, such that people become tied and bound by that sinful disease.

Rather in Ananda Marga, we perpetually celebrate the finer moments of human existence and embrace the subtler aspects of human life. This is reflected by our view on history, our daily outlook, and by our festivals and holidays.

Each and every religion has days where they mourn for the hell that took place in the past, rekindling those dark and gory memories.

But Baba does not appreciate that humans should live life in such a bleak way, always plunging oneself in the misfortune of the past. That is why in Ananda Marga, each and every festival is based on merriment and joy.

“The sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life…’an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life’.” (4)

Even on the point of remembering those who gave their life for dharma, we remember their glory and honor them all on the same day, once a year on Dadhicii Divas. Otherwise each and every day would become a time to mourn for the fallen and so many shrines would be erected, always reminding the people of that fateful or sad moment.

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO DIED

In our personal lives, we live on this earth with so many friends and family. And human beings are mortal. Naturally then we will know so many who die such that we can pass our days on this earth mourning those losses again and again, day in & day out.

To counteract this human tendency, Baba has given that the period of mourning should be for a limited number of days and then one should then move ahead in a bright new way.

He does not want that on the individual level we should also get stuck in the mire and sorrow of the past.

Unfortunately in today’s society, not only do people mourn the deceased year after year, reliving those sad moments. So many dark aspects get reported on over and over again and fill people’s mental plate.

SINKING ONESELF IN THE FALSE AND DARK NATURE

As margiis, our revolutionary approach is to fill the world with positive ideas and optimism.

Unfortunately some in our Marga have gone so far as to reduce Parama Purusa Himself to being an ordinary mortal and they are intent on mourning the occasion again and again on Oct 21, calling it “mahaprayan”. This is also an example of allowing the darkened aspects of life to flourish – which Baba does not approve.

When Baba Himself is the Parama Purusa and is that eternal entity who remain with us always in our hearts, then where is there meaning or value in sinking oneself in the false and dark nature of so-called mahaprayan. Our ideal is to remember how Baba is with us each and every moment and not get lost in the dogmatic notion that He is gone.

So those who give indulgence to mahaprayan dogma invite a personal tragedy. With their physical eye they fail to see Baba so they think He is no longer, but the proper method is to look with the inner, spiritual eye and remember that He is always eternally present. Those who fail to embrace this divine truth invite personal tragedy and loss in their lives. That is the real danger surrounding so-called mahaprayan.

SUMMARY

When Baba has come and graciously blessed us with all the guidelines for how to lead a dharmic life and when He Himself remains in the heart always, then truly we are fortunate. Baba has given the teaching how to regard and utilize history, both in collective life and individual life. By that way we can learn and grow – and not get caught up in the dark moments of the past. At the same time, He has given scope for setting the mind on the Supreme Goal, and moving ahead in life, always thinking of Him.

BABA’S TEACHINGS

““O mendicant, look and see. Water is entering the boat that you have boarded in the hopes of crossing to the other side of the river. So get rid of that water right away.” Sinca bhikkhu imaḿ návaḿ. If you get rid of the water your boat’s load will be lightened. Sittá te lahu messyati. A human being’s burden grows along with the past…For example, perhaps you are thinking: once you were eating rich, delicious and costly foods such as háluyápuri, murg-mashallam, namkiin poláo – this is all the burden of the past… Buddha warned his mendicants who were thirsty for liberation: O mendicants, lighten the burden that lies before you.”

Yassa pure ca paccha ca majjhe ca natthi kincanam’;
Akincanam’ ana’da’nam’ tamaham’ vru’mi Bra’hman’am’.

“That person who does not carry any burden…is a true bráhmańa.” (5)

DO NOT LOOK BACK

“I will call that person a Brahman whose mind does not run after any colour, who is neither obsessed by colour-laden thoughts of the past…One must free the mind from the influence of all colours.” (6)

“O sádhaka! You must forget all your past deeds, all your tales of glory or ignominy, from the memorable moment you start moving on the path of sádhaná or intuitional practice. Do not look back: you have eyes in the front of your head. As indispensable as it is to be cautious and careful, so that the self-created tornado propelling you forward does not dash you down to the ground to ensure your safe journey ahead, you may sometimes throw back a cursory glance and no more.” (7)

“Whatever be the consequence of your past deeds, your upliftment is guaranteed, if you have unflagging zeal to attain Brahma. Do not look back, look forward. Never take any limited material object for your worship. Accept only the loftiest entity for your contemplation. If your love for Him is genuine, you will ever remain in an Elysian exuberance. Pain will then mean nothing to you, nor will happiness either. When one’s movement is towards the Great, when one’s ardour is only for the Great, it is called Prema or Divine Love.” (8)

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Jiivendra

REFERENCES:
1. Prout in a Nutshell – 16
2. Prout in a Nutshell – 16
3. Namami Krsnasundaram
4. A Few Problems Solved – 5
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 9, The Source of Internal Stamina
6. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc #24
7. Subhasita Samgraha – 4, The Chariot and the Charioteer
8. Subhasita Samgraha – 3

*********************************************
True Colour Comes Out

“The greatest quality of a person at a meeting or debate is the capacity to convince others. The highest quality in the battlefield is ‘yudhi vikramam’, or valor in the battle. While in danger, one’s great quality is patience.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 4)

When in danger, some become paranoid and some remain patient. Depending upon their reaction, they reveal their weakness or their greatness. If when danger arrives one becomes paranoid or loses their wits, they cannot do anything – they cannot solve the problem. Rather they become a liability. Then they are not a dharmika as they are missing even the first point of dharma – i.e. dhrti (patience).

In contrast, if when in grave danger one’s rational brain is still functioning then that person a is dharmika.

Note: Here it does not mean if someone else’s house burns down and you keep calm, then you are a dharmika. That is not the idea. Rather, the point is to keep your rational mind functioning when your own house is burning down. If you can manage to keep your own mind balanced in a dangerous situation, you can resolve that issue in the best way, according to circumstances.
*********************************************

**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

“Ya’ra’ toma’y bha’laba’se, toma’r tarei kande ha’se…” (PS 2239)

Purport:

Baba, those who are loving You, those who are smiling and crying and dancing in Your rhythm, in their ears may my message be heard.

In my mind I have deep reverence and honor for them. Their greatness and dedication I will always remember. For such great people I move around here and there to have their proximity.

Such great persons are my own. For them my life is for. My colorful dreams take shape by coming in the contact of such great personalities. Baba those who are dancing in Your cosmic rhythm and moving according to Your dictates, such great devotees are the vanguards. And they are venerable for me…

Read Full Post »

HOW TO AVOID WAR

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: How to Avoid War
(2) Trailer Quote: Real Wealth
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #980;
Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

== HOW TO AVOID WAR ==

Namaskar,
As we have seen in this modern era, the US has been very aggressive in taking up military action in the Middle East; not coincidentally, the US is the top consumer of oil and that quota is primarily filled from reservoirs around the globe – especially those in the Middle East.

For this reason the US has built up the biggest army in the world. That way the US can secure raw materials in one of two ways. Either the US makes deals with those foreign leaders and easily gains access to raw materials, or the US goes to war. War results when outside rulers are not cooperative and do not give way to US demands. In that case, the US will try to remove that ruler and insert their own hand-picked stooge. This is their long-standing approach.

France adheres to this same tactic, and verily this is the common trend around the globe. Rich countries exploit poor countries to gain control over their natural resources and raw materials. To avoid this, Prout has given a very meaningful and rational formula. By this way, we can bring back peace and tranquility onto this earth.

OF CONCERN TO ALL

The issue of energy is of great concern around the globe. All want to create a renewable, sustainable energy policy. Yet in the practical sphere, for various reasons it has not taken shape on the societal level. The teachings of Prout offer some important solutions, and outline key underlying cause(s). As Ananda Margiis, we should be keenly aware of our Proutistic outlook.

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM:

RAMPANT EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES

As with any problem, it is critical to identify the root cause.

“According to PROUT, economic exploitation involves the unrestricted plunder of the physical and psychic labour of a particular community together with the natural resources in their local area.” (1)

So materialistic economic policies and programs have led to the rampant destruction and manipulation of natural resources. This has severely threatened the earth’s ecological balance and led to an environmental crisis.

To date, there has been an unrelenting push to scour the earth’s natural resources for maximum economic gain. With money as the main priority, sound environmental policies have either been absent or overlooked.

Due to this type of economic exploitation and plunder, the globe now finds itself in an energy crisis.

Prout teachings offer numerous solutions to this dire problem.

NATURAL RESOURCES USED LOCALLY

One key principle is that each and every area or district should be developed using their own natural resources. Countries should not depend upon oil etc from other outside regions.

Prout philosophy says, “In a healthy economy raw materials should come from the local area. Industries which are based on imported raw materials are always weak industries, sick industries. A sick economy depends upon raw materials from outside – it depends upon import. For example, the Barauni Oil Refinery in Bihar is a sick industry because it depends upon crude oil from Assam. If there is any disturbance in Assam or if India is balkanized, then the refinery will have to close down. The establishment of this refinery was a foolish act. It does not represent a healthy economic structure. It is a sick industry, a foolish industry, a stupid industry!” (2)

The guiding approach is that raw materials and natural resources should be used locally. They should not be exported. Those economies that depend upon imported raw materials are weak.

Relying on oil from afar is a misguided way to build up one’s economy. Yet that has been the prevailing approach around the world. The US has relied heavily on the Middle East. Russia has become an increasing player in providing oil to countries around the globe. Rare is the case where an economy wholly depends upon their own local resources.

The Proutistic response is that each and every land should be developed using their own natural resources. There are practical solutions for each and every area to create their own fuel. Here following is one such approach.

“Many healthy industries based on local raw materials can be developed. For example, high-quality concentrated alcohol fuel can be produced from sugar beet and sugar cane. Concentrated alcohol can replace fossil fuels, as the stock of crude oil is fast diminishing.” (3)

Further down in this email is a listing of Proutistic solutions for how cities, states, and countries can develop their own energy.

THERE IS PLENTY FOR ALL

First it should be clearly recognised that there are sufficient natural resources for all. By a careful, thought out approach we as a humanity will realise that all that is needed has been provided. To date, human error has been the cause of shortages in resources.

“If there were maximum utilization and rational distribution of all natural resources, pressing socio-economic problems could be easily solved. It is a law of nature that a mother is provided with sufficient breast milk to feed her newly born baby. In the same way nature has generously provided sufficient resources to meet the food and other essential requirements of all human beings. People need to utilize these natural resources in a proper way. Shortages of food or space cannot be blamed on nature. These problems are essentially the results of the mistakes made by human beings.” (4)

So the energy crisis of today is not due to a lack of resources but rather stems from the misutilisation and misappropriation of those resources. Each and every area has the requisite raw materials for building a healthy social order.

Prout philosophy states, “Nature has been kind enough to provide abundant natural resources to every region of this earth.” (5)

As a case in point, even the economically impoverished region of Rarh has all the energy resources it needs.

“In Ra’r’h there are extensive deposits of coal, coal gas and natural gas.” (6)

By all this it is quite clear that one need not live in the Middle East or in Alaska to get the oil they need. If we remember His guidelines and look carefully, then we will find that in each and every land, there are sufficient deposits of natural resources to meet the energy requirements of that area.

ENERGY SHOULD BE A NOT-FOR-PROFIT INDUSTRY

Here Prout teachings give more insight into and significant solutions for the world’s energy crisis.

“The local administration will have to supply locally generated power such as solar energy, thermal energy, bio-gas, hydroelectricity, nuclear energy, pneumatic energy, electromagnetic energy and tidal power, or any other power which is easily available locally. The generation of power is a key industry which should be run on a no profit, no loss basis so that the cost of production is minimized and the purchasing capacity of the people is increased. For example, if batteries are produced through cottage industries, power should be supplied on a no profit, no loss basis, but the battery producers will be able to sell their batteries at a rational profit. Here the power that is used to manufacture the batteries is not an industrial commodity but a raw material. The power for such things as transportation, communication, schools, colleges and hospitals should also be supplied on a no profit, no loss basis to maintain social dynamism.” (7)

So here above Prout guidelines give some key concepts about the generation and distribution of energy.

1. Local governments have to create their own power.
2. Power can be generated from any number of avenues: hydro, nuclear, tidal, solar etc.
3. This industry must run on a no-profit, no loss basis.

Looking around the globe, anyone can easily see that part and parcel of the energy squeeze today is that capitalist multinational corporations are using gas and oil to pull in huge profits. At present, Exxon-Mobil – that massive oil corporation – is the wealthiest company in the world. Indeed, a high percentage of the most profitable companies in the world are oil companies such as: Royal Dutch Shell plc (Netherlands), PetroChina Company Limited (China), Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras (Brazil).

These corporations accumulate huge profits while stripping near and far distant lands of their natural resources. This type of capitalistic plundering and profiteering goes entirely counter to our Proutistic outlook. And that is why the problem is growing today.

Whereas as soon as the above Proutistic methods are followed, then that will ease the energy crisis immediately.

NO NEED FOR CONCERN AND WORRY

Some may now be losing hope and thinking that it will be impossible to institute these types of changes. But actually, due to the current & ongoing energy crises, there are many who are already considering and implementing such type of Proutistic methods. In each and every area this is happening. More about this is discussed below.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Some may think that alternative energy can only be supplied in certain key areas. For example, a few may be thinking that solar power can only be generated in the sunny desert etc, but this is not at all the case. In these next series of quotes, please find countless solutions and suggestions how alternative energy can be created and found in all the regions of the world. According to Prout teachings, there are innumerable sources of good, useable energy.

“Two types of power can be developed in Bangladesh – power from oceanic tides, and solar energy. Oceanic tides can be harnessed in the Bakargang subdivision of Noakhali district where the Meghana River enters the ocean, and in the Chandpur subdivision of British Tripura district where the Dakatiya River enters the ocean. Many waves and turbulences are created by the impact of these rivers when they enter the Bay of Bengal. Tidal power would be very cheap to harness there. Solar power can also be harnessed, but this source of power is not so developed yet. It will become increasingly important in the future.” (8)

So in the above guideline, it is clear that tidal and solar energy is important and will play a big role in the future. Here below are more ways for how to generate solar energy.

“There is no need to purchase coal from outside as is being done now. Solar power can also be generated in the plain areas where the land is wavy.” (9)

And with His broad based perspective, the Propounder of Prout philosophy has given innumerable ways how to generate energy from a variety of sources.

“Energy and transportation: Until solar energy can be manufactured cheaply, other energy sources can be utilized, like hydroelectricity, coal, thermal power, tidal power, geo-thermal power, wind power and natural gas. All the raw materials necessary for transportation are also available, including rubber, steel, mica, mica chips, mercury, silver, copper, quartz and manganese.” (10)

PETROLEUM ALSO WILL NOT BE IN SHORTAGE

And in those areas where there will be continued use of petroleum, Prout philosophy offers these two important guidelines.

“Petroleum can also be recovered from certain types of river valleys. Where the river bed is broad there is a chance of finding petroleum.” (11)

“There may be a shortage of petroleum but elements for creating petroleum are available in the world. We will be able to produce synthetic petroleum.” (12)

Thus even petroleum will be abundantly available in the near future.

ESTABLISHMENT OF PROUT IS FAST COMING

None should hopelessly ponder that Prout will never be established – already it is getting manifest. And quickly too.

As we all know Baba has graciously given Prout in the year 1955. And in those days the world was not at all willing to move in that direction. For one reason or another the leaders and citizens were quite satisfied with the way things were going. The ideas of Prout seemed like a far-away dream. But now only 54 years later, huge progress has developed towards adopting Prout. Due to extreme social and economic circumstances, many communities and businesses are consciously or unconsciously moving in that direction. People have been forced to think in that way.

The magic wave has been created for all His Proutistic guidelines to be implemented. Some are getting established by right thinking Proutists and other Prout guidelines are taking shape simply because the ways of old are no longer working. And this global transition is occurring at a marked rate, i.e. quickly. The speed will only increase exponentially in the coming months and years.

Thus none should think that they will not see the implementation of Prout. Already the hard part is over: the psychic seeds and awareness has taken root. The conditions are ripe. And very soon, more and more, we will see the sprouting of Prout in each and every land and community around this globe.

As we – as a humanity – continue to search for solutions and alternatives in the escalating energy crisis, more and more will turn to the ideas of Prout.

IDEALS OF PROUT

Here following is the divine assurance and blessing that our human existence will become better and better in all the spheres. Only by implementing the aforementioned Proutistic measures on energy resources will there be joy and peace on this earth.

Prout philosophy says, “The progressive availability of the maximum amenities of life will be guaranteed in PROUT, satisfying physical needs. The satisfied physical needs will lessen the physical obstacles which inhibit human progress, and human beings will experience all-round development, especially in the intellectual stratum. Human beings will get the opportunity to develop in the intellectual stratum without any hindrances. The truth of humanity, the veracity of humanity, will go on increasing in different areas of expression….the whole existence of human beings will become effulgent in the attainment of the Supreme.” (13)

Namaskar,
Vinay

REFERENCES:
1. Prout
2. Proutist Economics
3. Proutist Economics
4. A Few Problems Solved – 9, ‘Population Growth & Control’
5. Prout in a Nutshell – 21
6. Proutist Economics
7. Proutist Economics, ‘Decentralised Economy-1’
8. Proutist Economic
9. Prout in a Nutshell – 19
10. A Few Problems Solve – 7, ‘Parts of the Economy’
11. AFPS-9, ‘Geology and Human Civilisation’
12. AFPS-8, ‘Rule of Rationality’
13. Prout in a Nutshell – 17, ‘Min Req & Max Amen’

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

**************************************
Real Wealth:

One Should Ponder, Assimilate, and Practice

Parama Purusa BABA says, “Those who seek to attain the permanent cessation of afflictions in their lives, have no other way than to follow this path of sadhana. Imagine that a certain person had accumulated vast wealth due to his life long’s diligent labor. It may be that the person, in the days of his prosperity, was a central figure in the society. But at the end of his life he may suffered a wretched existence, bemoaning his losses in the arid desert of his heart. The reason is that the person had an insatiable thirst for material objects and never tried to identify his individual flow with the cosmic flow. On the other hand, a person living in a thatched hut may not forget Parama Purus’a even in the midst of abject poverty and never deviates from the goal of his life. Such a person’s life can never lose its charm. Every dust particle of this earth will seem to be as sweet as honey to him. Likewise, his existence will acquire the sweetness of honey.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 4, pg 290)
**************************************

**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

“Tumi esecho, bha’lo besecho, bhola’ye sakal vyatha’ sab ha’ha’ka’r…” (PS 980)

Purport:

Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, my heart was sunk in sorrow and woe; I was forlorn and had lost all hope. I was crying, thinking I am all alone and that in this world no one is mine. Baba, You have graced me by coming and blessed me with Your love. You have made my heart and mind overflowing in Your divine bliss. By Your causeless grace, all my pains, lamentations, and tragedies have been wiped away. You have filled my life with bliss.

O’ my Lord, You are so gracious. You have responded and come to me with Your sweet smile. Baba, with Your infinite beauty and charm You have won over everyone’s heart. Baba, my love knows only You. You are everything for me. There is no one else; nothing else can attract me; I only love You. Baba, it is Your grace: I am always ensconced in Your tune, melody, and Your divine attraction – in pleasure, in pain, and also when my pride is wounded. Baba, You belong to everyone, even then in my heart I know that You are only mine. You belong to me and me alone.

Baba, Your presence is everywhere. The mark of Your love is found on the flower and the leaves – on every spot in this panoramic world. Even then the black bee of my mind wants You alone. Baba on my worst days, when all hope was gone, when I had lost everything, in that desperate circumstance when no one else was there to help me, You always came and resolved all my troubles, pains, and problems. Baba, You are the sweetest of the sweet. You are only mine; You are only mine.

Baba, You have graced me by coming. It is Your grace; it is Your grace…

Read Full Post »