Prejudice Against One Of Our Spiritual Treatises

Prejudice Against One Of Our Spiritual Treatises
Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #905;
(2) Posting: Prejudice Against One Of Our Spiritual Treatises;
(3) Trailer Quote: Next Life: Greed for Name and Fame.

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).

****** Here is the Prabhat Samgiita

“Tumi saba’r pra’n’era priyo, toma’r na’hi tulana’…” (PS 905)

Purport:

Baba, You are so gracious: You are the dearest One of everyone’s heart. Baba, You Yourself have no comparison; Your divine love has no parallel. Baba, Your grace knows no logic or reasoning. You do not differentiate between the virtuous and the sinners; You do not consider the righteous from the wrongdoers. Baba, You shower Your grace equally on one and all. Baba, You love each and every being of this expressed universe; You pour Your infinite compassion on all. Baba, Your unending grace is causeless.

Baba, You are so sweet. You are hiding in the depths of everyone’s mind – everyone’s heart. By Your cosmic grace, whatever is best to be done for others You do. You take care of everything for everyone. Baba, You have given everything without anyone even asking. Baba, still today You are constantly drenching everyone with Your divine inspiration so they can move on the path of divinity– on the path towards You.

Baba, in the sky of my heart You are ever sparkling; Baba, You are the hope of effulgence in my hopeless heart. You fill my entire being with Your sweet smile. Baba, on the path of this journey towards divinity You go on pouring the white, brilliant effulgence of Your divine grace and upon all You ceaselessly shower Your blessing– Your varabhaya mudra.

Baba You are Kalyansundaram…

== PREJUDICE AGAINST ONE OF OUR SPIRITUAL TREATISES ==

~ Part 1 ~

Namaskar,
With Ananda Purnima (25 May 2013) a mere month away, it is time to begin preparing for this grand occasion. Part and parcel of the Ananda Purnima festival is the reading of the Ananda Vanii.

WHAT IS A TRUE ANANDA VANII ~ WHAT IS A FAKE ANANDA VANII

Nowadays in our Ananda Marga, there are two types of Ananda Vaniis: (1) True Ananda Vaniis and (2) Fake Ananda Vaniis.

True Ananda Vaniis are those original Ananda Vaniis given by Baba Himself on Ananda Purnima and New Year’s Day – and on select other occasions – from 1955 – 1990. Always they were unique messages of inspiration that had never been printed or published before; plus this letter details many other qualities of these timeless teachings.

In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis have been created by various factional leaders by dissecting and removing portions of previously published discourses. Such persons take these lines out of context and present them in ways that best suits their agenda. These are what are known as Fake Anand Vaniis.

This entire posting makes the case that only Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis should be used. They are eternal teachings of truth that give insight and inspiration for all kinds of situations. Thus on New Year’s Day and Ananda Purnima only these True Ananda Vaniis should be read and discussed.

WHY TRUE ANANDA VANIIS ARE ETERNAL

Every one of Baba’s true and original Ananda Vaniis is eternal. This fact cannot be denied; even then a few remained confused and carry around their own dogma about this.

Here, however, is the rational reply demonstrating that Baba’s true Ananda Vaniis are timeless.

(1) Baba chose to deliver His spiritual teachings directly to His disciples through venues like DMC (Dharma Maha Cakra), GD (General Darshan), and the reading and discussion of the Ananda Vanii etc. For instance, He conducted a DMC in Varanasi on 29 October in 1979. Every sadhaka clearly understands that that DMC discourse was not just for residents of Varanasi nor were the teachings only relegated for that particular day. Every rational Ananda Margii clearly understands how that DMC discourse is part of our dharmashastra. It is true across time and space and has been included in the Subhasita Samgraha series and stands as part of our spiritual teachings. This is indisputable.

(2) In the same way, Baba chose select days and places to put forth His teachings of Ananda Vanii Samgraha. Those He delivered primarily on the occasions of New Year’s Day & Ananda Purnima – as well as once or twice on Shravanii Purnima and Sharadotsava etc. And just like with His DMC discourses, those Ananda Vaniis are not at all limited in scope to the particular day and place of delivery. Those Ananda Vaniis are His timeless messages for all of humanity. That means that Ananda Vanii #27 given on Ánanda Púrńimá 1967 is as true and relevant today as the day it was given. No rational minded margii can think that Baba’s Ananda Vanii was for that day only or that place only.

(3) Here the point is that Sadguru Baba wanted to put forth Ananda Marga ideology in front of His disciples and He created the system by which to do so – i.e. by delivering public discourses and messages during DMC, GD, etc. In that case, place and date have no bearing on the value of the teaching. Those spiritual guidelines exist across time and space. On those occasions, Baba’s motive was to give teachings for all of universal humanity, and the actual venue was merely a tool for doing so.

(4) Just as we consider His DMC discourse to be part of the dharma shastra of Ananda Marga ideology; we should consider His Ananda Vanii Samgraha collection to be the same, i.e. an integral aspect of Ananda Marga dharma shastra. Why should one be prejudice against the Ananda Vanii series. One should not fall prey to such illogical and sentimental thinking. With a vast open mind, one should give Baba’s True Ananda Vaniis the same unquestioned status as His DMC discourses. There should not be any bias or favouritism. Both are inherent aspects of our spiritual treatise. None should sit back and think that the Ananda Vanii series is a social discourse or some historical teaching and hence subject to time, place, and person. Those Ananda Vaniis are bullets of inspirational truth for all people of all ages.

(5) Ananda Marga shastra is tri-shastra: dharma shástra (spiritual treatise), darshan shástra (philosophical treatise) and samája shástra (social treatise). Both dharma shastra and darshan shastra are eternal – and are not subject to change over time. The collection of True Ananda Vaniis is clearly part of our spiritual treatise; they are eternal; they are part of our dharma shastra, just like Ananda Sutram, Subhasita Samgraha, and Ananda Vacanamrtam are part of our spiritual treatise.

TRUE ANANDA VANIIS:

FACE PREJUDICE LIKE HARIJANS

(6) If anyone reads a DMC discourse and they see the date and place printed at the end then they feel that it is validated as the time when Baba graciously gave this universal, spiritual teaching. But when some read an Anana Vanii and see the date at the end, they think it is old, outdated, and without any charm. This is their dogmatic and irrational approach. This is their prejudice. It is no different than if one introduces a Harijan (so-called untouchable) to someone in India, then people in the general population will think that person is dirty. Likewise in the US, if someone introduces a black man to someone they will think that man is a thief or criminal. These kinds of stereotypes are the effect of a dogmatic mind and are inherently biased. No good person should fall prey to this outlook. Yet some in our Ananda Marga hold that very same stereotypical thinking with regards to Baba’s Ananda Vaniis. They read them and think those are old, just as some think that a harijan must be dirty or a black man must be a criminal. Now is the time to banish this stereotype from the mind and accept Ananda Vaniis as part and parcel of the dharma shastra of Ananda Marga ideology. The prejudice against Baba’s True Ananda Vanii must be stopped. These are timeless teachings of truth and their inherent glory must be recognised.

Fabricating Fake Ananda Vaniis as if that is the Ananda Vanii for this particular occasion is completely wrong and misleading. It is a direct attack on the veracity and greatness of Baba’s True Ananda Vaniis.

FOR NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE

As we all know, Baba’s original A’nanda Va’niis have been given especially by Him to be our guiding force of life as they give us inspiration for the journey of forward movement.

Baba’s divine Ananda Vaniis hold an eternal quality. The unique aspect of any A’nanda Vanii is that each Van’ii has a special import and holds an eternal teaching.

For instance, in 1976, Baba issued an Ananda Vanii specifically about Sixteen Points. He was sending the divine message that if we Ananda Margiis follow 16 Points, then our Ananda Marga ideology will remain alive and certainly we will be victorious. Here is that A’nanda Vanii:

“Be firm on sixteen points. Unite all the righteous forces. All the tall talks of the evil forces will be silenced.” (A’nanda Va’nii #44)

This same divine message remains an eternal bullet of truth for the ages. That is one of the unique aspects of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis. They will stand tall far into the future of human civilisation. We know Baba’s original Vaniis hold lasting value and eternal teachings for the whole humanity. That is why it is most appropriate to use His original Ananda Vaniis again and again.

AN ANANDA VANII FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Regardless of the circumstance – whether there be exploitative leaders at the helm or whether humanity is on the rise – Baba has graciously given Ananda Vaniis that will perfectly suit the mood of the humanity. Each of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis will be a fireball of inspiration and strength for the people. They will guide sadhakas how to progress in individual life as well as resolve collective issues. Hence, no matter the current social milieu, always His divine Ananda Vaniis will be appropriate and shed light on the present condition.

THE BEAUTY OF BABA’S ORIGINAL ANANDA VANIIS

Baba’s true Ananda Vanii messages which He has given twice annually on New Year’s Day and on Ananda Purnima are very precise and pointed like an arrow. They are complete discourses in and of themselves. They are not part of any larger discourse and they are not just a quote or partial paragraph. Baba’s true Ananda Vaniis are 100% full & complete and ready to stand as is. Plus they are unique and new in their own particular way – never a repeat of previously released material.

This following list further encapsulates the essence of our Ananda Vaniis:
1) Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis are unique teachings not repeated from earlier discourses;
2) Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis are complete unto themselves; they are not part of a greater chapter;
3) Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis were a special message both for that moment as well as for eternal time; only Taraka Brahma Himself can give such a teaching;
4) Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis are self-contained truths;
5) Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis were hand-written by Mahasambhuti Himself.

In His collection, Baba has given us 74 of these divine guidelines known as Ananda Vaniis. Each with their own special beauty; each with their own timeless message. And Baba has Himself specially drawn them all together and marked them as the Ananda Vanii Samgraha. These alone stand as those unparalleled and dharmic messages which Baba has so graciously blessed us with during the time of His global DMC gatherings.

So in the realm of Ananda Vanii, Baba’s specially given messages are the biggest asset in this entire universe. These are what Baba wants to call His grand and golden teachings of Ananda Vanii.

EVERY SCRIPTURE HAS IT OWN SPECIAL APPLICATION

As we know each and every Baba’s teaching has its own special and unique value. To misuse or distort them – as some do with Fake Ananda Vaniis – will not bear any fruit.

(a) For example, take the case of Caryacarya: It is one of our Ananda Marga books but it is not suitable for reading as svadhyaya after dharmacakra. If used for this purpose then that is wrong. But Caryacarya is absolutely perfect & blemishless as our smrti shastra – or social code. Because Caryacarya is the social code of Ananda Marga. But it is not for use as svadhyaya after dharmacakra.

(b) Similarly, when we want to know about the depths of Ananda Marga philosophy then we have to read Ananda Marga philosophy books like ‘Ananda Sutram’ and ‘Idea and Ideology’ etc. Reading Caryacarya by itself is not going to meet the purpose of learning the whole Ananda Marga philosophy in a deeper sense. But surely if one is to perform a marriage, shraddha ceremony, or any other type of social function etc, then Caryacarya has a highly significant role.

(c) Likewise, when singing a song to start the paincajanya or dharmacakra program then the book ‘Idea and Ideology’ is not going to help. Neither will ‘A Guide to Human Conduct’ or ‘Shabda Cayanika’. To sing the song, only the Prabhat Samgita book is suitable.

(d) And when reviewing critical matters on politics and economics then books like ‘Strange Experiences’, ‘Shrii PR Sarkar stories’ or ‘Ideal farming’ will not be helpful. Rather we should seek support from the Prout in a Nutshell series.

(e) Similarly, if one wishes to venture into outer space, then a bicycle will not help. Rather one must have a rocket ship to blast off into outer space.

Likewise the only work that can serve as an Ananda Vanii are Baba’s original and true messages of Ananda Vanii.

The whole point being that all of Baba’s divine books are 100% perfect for their stated purpose – thus all are of equal importance. No book is high; no publication is low. Baba has given each for a particular use, i.e. for their own golden purpose.

Thusly, taking a quote from one book and then labeling it as an Ananda Vanii is not going to work at all. Rather it will be a Fake Ananda Vanii.

The best way to root out any such dogma is to expose its inherent defects and then convince one and all not to fall prey to that dogma – like the one about Fake Ananda Vanii. By Baba’s grace, progress is being made as more and more rational Ananda Margiis are wholly rejecting the Fake Ananda Vanii. Plus certain group oriented offices have stopped using Fake Ananda Vaniis because it will not serve their interests. So for various reasons, the Fake Ananda Vanii is getting left by the wayside.

MERITS OF DHARMASHASTRA

““Shásanát tárayet yastu sah shástrah parikiirtita” – i.e., that which leads to permanent liberation is shástra or scripture. Here shásana means discipline. The role of scripture is to lead the human beings towards the Supreme goal through discipline or anushásana…When the sole purpose of scripture, i.e. dharmashástra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation, it must be practical, rational, infallible and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truths. It must be áptavákya. A scripture is a guided entity.” (1)

ONE SAMPLE OF ANANDA VANII:

MARCHING AHEAD

“The prehistoric human beings remained involved in group and clan clashes. The present humanity is involved in crude wars for dogmas. Then how far have they advanced? Let the marching ahead towards the supreme desideratum, taking all together, be the only mission for today’s human race, and let the pauseless fight against any and all opposing forces on the way to fulfilment of this mission be the sole fight befitting a human being. Let this very struggle be reckoned as the Supreme Expression.” (2)

WILL NOT SATISFY

Just as fake water and fake food will not quench one’s thirst or satiate their hunger, similarly Fake Ananda Vaniis will not satisfy the dharmic longing of sadhakas nor or properly guide them. Those Fake Ananda Vaniis not lead one towards immortality – rather they will direct one elsewhere.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Ashiis’a

References:
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 4, Our Spiritual Treatise
2. Ananda Vanii #50

***************************************
Next Life:

Greed for Name and Fame

“Whether one be a philanthropist or a star athlete, one desires to see what is written about them in the newspaper. This means that in trying to do some good work, what are they really doing? They are falling under the sway of one propensity, the propensity of greed. Now if this act is encouraged by the society, that is, if the newspapers dedicate a lot of attention to such news, or if people in general say, “Sir, whatever you are doing is unparalleled in history. Sir, we are not eulogizing you. We are simply telling the truth” – if they praise such a person in this way and then try to extract some money from them (there are such intelligent people around) – then what does it amount to indirectly? The propensity of greed increases. Which animal is the greediest among the animals with which we are all very familiar? It does not like to give up greed in spite of ill treatment and humiliations. It is the cat. Yes, after moving a few steps ahead, the cat forgets that it was beaten. So, that particular person is reborn as a cat after death, because that body affords an opportunity for the satiation of their greed. When the housewife looks around inattentively, the cat sneaks into the kitchen through the small opening in order to reach the milk or fish in the kitchen. So in order to exhaust the samskáras one needs an appropriate body. Some people obtain a new body immediately after death and others obtain it later. But one has to obtain it somehow.”
“One who is doing philanthropic work today, tries to find out tomorrow whether or not their name appeared in the newspaper. They have no desire to read the other news. They read the news that relates to themselves twenty times but do not go through the other news with much enthusiasm. If someone asks they might say that today there was only one important piece of news, nothing else. That is how a person comes under the sway of a propensity and remains subject to the cycle of birth and rebirth.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 10, 22 April ’79)
***************************************

Read Full Post »

Example of Very Good Baba Story

Baba

This mailing contains 2 sections:
1. Prabhat Samgiita #4320;
2. Posting: Example of Very Good Baba Story

“(Tumi) esechile mor bakul-bita’ne na’ baliya’ ka’r ghare…” (PS 4320)

Purport:

Baba, that time the place was surrounded by innumerable bakul flowers which in bloom, and You graced me by coming to my cottage during that verdant spring season. With Your divine grace, You brought devotional horripilation (goose bumps) throughout my entire existence, and You also vibrated the very pulsation of my blood. Baba, by having You in such an intimate and close way, my life has become meaningful. It is Your grace. Baba, soon after that golden dawn, Your liila moved into a different phase. Because then You went away leaving me crying all alone. O’ my dearmost where did You go that time.

Baba, since then I have spent countless days and nights waiting – sitting by my window threading heaps of flower garlands for You. But that was all in vain because You did not come. It is painful that now I no longer see that attractive & charming smile because You are keeping Yourself distant. Now I no longer see that radiant smile which I used to see on Your lips when You were with me.

Baba, in longing for You, ages have passed since You came close. Springtime has finished and now summer has come. My entire garden of those sweet, fragrant bakul flowers has dried up and withered away in this hot season [1]. Now that same window – where I used to sit and make garlands for You and wait – is full of spider webs. Baba, it is so painful and heartbreaking how You have gone so far away. And my mind is completely dry in the absence of Your divine presence.

O’ my Dearmost, please shower Your causeless grace and appear in my heart in a very intimate and charming way…

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4320:

[1] Hot Season: In the absence of His presence, the sadhaka feels a distinct dryness in his heart. Summer season – or hot season – has been used as a metaphor in this song to express that dryness in the devotee’s heart, where one’s devotional feeling is lower. And this happens with each and every sadhaka. When one feels dry and out of their spiritual flow then that is the dry or summer season. In contrast, when one’s flow of sadhana is good then that can be compared with springtime where everything is lush and verdant. In their dhya’na they feel greater proximity with Parama Purusa – that is why it is compared with springtime. But when one is experiencing the dryness of summer, that spiritual flow is not there. In that case, the best thing a devotee can do is to sincerely request Baba to grace them by coming in their meditation.

== EXAMPLE OF VERY GOOD BABA STORY ==

Namaskar,
The following Baba story contains three key aspects:
a) It beautifully describes how the relation between Sadguru and disciple relation is very sweet and loving.
b) If offers a good explanation as to why dogmatic organisations and people vehemently oppose Ananda Marga.
c) It demonstrates how in the the life of sadhaka there is a constant struggle against avidya maya.

HERE BEGINS THAT BABA STORY

This is an excerpt from the book, Travels With the Mystic Master:

While waiting for the cars, I stood next to Baba, offering what little security I could provide.

Ignoring my intention, He said, “Sit down, Dharmavedananda.”

Like a small boy, I happily put my stick down and sat next to Him. As He turned to speak to me, He accidentally brushed His hand against my shoulder and said, “Oh, pardon me.”

I laughed and said, “You’re welcome to do it again, Baba.”

He smiled. I was happy, together with my Baba, oblivious of whatever complications we were undergoing.

“Tell me, Dharmavedananda, what is the great good which will come out of this deportation.”

I was surprised at his question. I thought for a moment and then replied, “I don’t really know, Baba. But I suppose the hundreds of devotees who were waiting for You in the Milano airport are now frustrated and disappointed. They’ll surely feel very bitter toward their own government, and they will better understand how corrupt their system is. As a result, they’ll be much more encouraged to work hard for the establishment of Sadvipra Samaj.

He said, “Yes, you understand a little something.”

…..

The cars arrived. Baba entered one car and I entered another.

For the first time in several hours I was separated from Him. For the first time, I started to think in a normal way.

As we drove down the highway toward the jagriti, I turned gloomy. My mind sank deep within itself, and in that moment I remembered the thought I’d had in the morning while lying on the floor: How can I continue another three days? Would that this were the last day. Oh, why did I think such a stupid thing? Now here it was happening according to my idiotic wish. His flight to Bombay was already fixed for the evening.

I was so sad that I started to weep softly. I thought, Baba, I miss you already. Then I thought, Please, You have to give me one last chance to be alone with You again. Please, when You call someone to massage You, let it be me. This thought ran on uncontrollably until we arrived at the jagriti.

As we entered, the place seemed deserted compared with how it had been when we left that morning. Already most of the decorations had been taken down, and in every corner lay the remains of a yet uncompleted clean in effort.

Baba entered His room. I sat on the floor alone, alone with my sorrow. After a few minutes He came out and went for His bath.

When He returned to His room, I continued to sit alone, sure that He would soon suminon me.

Ramanandaji came out, saying, “Karunanandaji, Baba is calling you for massage.”

What was this? I was so much into my own world that I never considered He might call another worker. I became distraught and dismayed.

A moment later though, Karunanandaji opened the door and rushed out saying, “Dharmavedanandaji, Baba is calling for you to come also. The electric fan is not working for some strange reason, so you should fan Him with, with …” He didn’t know what to use as a fan.

I grabbed a newspaper, ran into His room, and started fanning Him with it. Meanwhile, Karunanandaii also came back to do the massage. Baba was in a blissful state. I was now as high as I had been down a few moments before.

At first Baba was in a quiet mood. He began sfeaking about the suffering He and His mission had undergone from the very time of His childhood. But His voice carried no resentment. It had all been necessary and ultimately good.

Then He returned to the present. “What is the cause of this deportation?”

“I believe the Indian government fed bad information about Ananda Marga to the Italian government,” Karunanandaji said.

“Well, it may be, it may be,” Baba said with eyes half-closed. Then He opened His eyes and said, “But it may be a religious institution.” He told the exact name of that institution.

We were both surprised. Though He said “it may be a religious institution,” we understood Him to mean that it definitely was that institution.

“You see those priests,” He said, “they teach the people to think, ‘I am a sinner, I am a sinner. Lord, save me, I am a sinner.’ Thus they infuse inferiority complex. Even if one is not a sinner, praying like this, identifying with sin, he or she will become a sinner. Today’s young people don’t like this approach.

“Whereas Ananda Marga gives a revolutionary call to the youth. We say that everyone should think, ‘I am the son or I am the daughter of the Supreme Father. Lord, no matter what I’ve done, You have to take me on Your lap.’”

He was silent for a few moments. Then He sat up, looking serious and said, ‘Why do they fear us?”

By His word they, we understood He was no longer talking of any single religious institution, but rather of all the people and groups that fear Ananda Marga. The question was rhetorical, so we didn’t try to answer.

“They fear us because we are better than the Hindus in philosophy …
better than the Christians in social service …
better than the Jews in orthodoxy …
better than the auddhists in moraljty …
better than the Moslems in social equality …
better than the Jains in asceticism …
and better than the Communists in mobility. That’s why they fear us.”

…..

In the evening some of the local Margiis came. As usual, a large procession formed, accompanying Baba to the airport. But this time He was not traveling on another leg of the journey. He was leaving US.

I was so involved in the arrangements that it again slipped my mind that the final moment was approaching. I remained busy until Baba began the passport check. Though I was not flying, I somehow managed to enter the passengers-only area.

I walked next to Baba in silence. As each moment passed, I became more heavy-hearted. Finally, He and the others entered the gate to board the plane. I forced myself to smile at Him. He smiled back and gave a slight wave of His hand. Then He turned the corner and was out of sight.

I walked some distance to where I could be alone and cried.

(Travels With the Mystic Master, p. 222-225)

WHAT IS NEEDED TO WRITE A PROPER BABA STORY

First and foremost one must ensure the Baba story is itself true. After carefully making this assessment, to write the story properly, one must have the (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.

Devotion allows a person to write with proper flow and prana. Ideology brings right direction and philosophical consistency. Literary skill brings artistic value and beauty.

Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes their story will not have philosophical support, and in some cases may even be dogmatic, and will certainly be devoid of proper expression because of lack of literary skill. If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly expressed. And if one only has literary prowess, yet lacks devotion and is missing philosophical understanding, then that story will be as follows. It will be like applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person – there will not be any charm. It will be useless and dogmatic. If a person is alive and healthy, then that make-up will be of use, i.e. if one has devotion then that literary skill is helpful to express that devotion and if one does not have devotion then that literary skill is meaningless. What they write will be low-minded and dogmatic. So first one must have devotion and understanding, then it can add beauty – otherwise not. Writing a story only with literary skill – without proper devotion and devoid of ideological value – is of no value whatsoever.

So if there is proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding, then one’s literary skill will help make that story shine. While if one uses all their literary skill on a story that lacks devotional feeling and philosophical understanding, then that story will be a mess – i.e. useless and poisonous.

Unfortunately, nowadays there are some who fall in this last category. They have the writing skills, yet utterly lack proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding. In that case, the devotional component of the story will be ruined or left out entirely, or one will write something contrary to the ideological fundamentals of Ananda Marga.

Best is to cultivate or have all the qualities: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy and (c) literary skill. Then one can write a beautiful and loving account that will inspire so many readers across the ages. And again, the first and foremost point is to ensure that the original material – i.e. the Baba story itself – is true and accurate.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Cakreshwar

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: How Baba Cured My Son

== BABA STORY: HOW BABA CURED MY SON ==

Note: This short story is related with one very senior Proutist – Shrii Shashi Ranjanji, a longtime devotee of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji Baba, and a key member of parliament with a high post who was a founding member of PBI (Proutist Block of India).

Namaskar,
My grown son Karttik was terribly sick for years; he was suffering from a very bad case of arthritis. It was quite worrisome and devastating to us all. Every joint of his body was extremely painful. Karttik was not even ambulatory – he did not have use of his legs and could not walk. Verily, there were bandages on every joint of His body. He could not do anything – he was bed-ridden.

This was the very bad state of affairs of my dear son, Karttik.

After trying all kinds of treatment, we admitted him to PMCH (Patna Medical College Hospital) where top medical doctors and professors were treating him. He was there for a long time – several months – but there was no sign of any progress. No medicine was helping. Karttik’s health was not improving; he was not getting any benefit.

Various family members and many margii friends were saying that, “You are visiting Baba often – why not raise this matter.” They were telling me again and again, “Why not ask Baba. He will give you the solution. With His wish alone it can be cured.”

However, in my mind I was thinking, “No, I will not ask anything from all-knowing and omniscient Baba. He knows everything so why should I tell Him about such mundane happenings.”

Those days I was seeing Baba regularly and I never once raised the matter of Karttik’s disease. Months passed in this way.

One day when I was with Baba, then He inquired, “How is Karttik’s health?”

I replied that he has been admitted to PMCH where he was receiving treatment. Then I remained quiet.

Baba then graciously instructed me to take Karttik to Vardhaman, and Baba gave me the name and street address of one doctor, Dr. Shailendr(a).

I came out from His room and planned to take Karttik to that doctor at the earliest. But I was so busy; time passed in planning only.

After some time, Baba again asked about Karttik’s health. I felt ashamed and said, “I have yet to take him to the doctor.”

I made the necessary arrangements and prepared to leave. My family members were thinking that the doctor Baba recommended must be a reputed specialist. I held a similar expectation.

I embarked on the journey to Vardhaman with Karttik. After traveling the long distance we reached Vardhaman. Immediately I began to inquire on the street if anyone knew of Dr. Shailendr(a). I was thinking that he was a famous doctor and that everyone must know of him. To my great surprise, nobody knew anything about this doctor.

So, I just got directions to the street address which Baba had given. When I reached that locale, I again inquired on the street if anyone knew Dr. Shailendr(a). Even more remarkable, not even the local people had heard of him. This was even more surprising to me.

Finally, after much trouble, Karttik and I reached to the very address which Baba had given. It was a very dirty and filthy neighborhood that lacked even basic sanitation and hygiene. I was thinking, “What kind of place is this – what kind of doctor would live here.” This was quite suprising for me.

I knocked on the door.

A person opened the door and stood before me. He was shabbily dressed and smelled of alcohol.

I asked, “I am looking for Dr. Shailendra?”

He replied, “I am Dr. Shailendra.”

I had high expectations that I would be meeting up with a great doctor so I was concerned by this man’s presence who called himself a doctor. I wondered how such a person could help my son.

The doctor was of poor presentation and smelled of alcohol. Plus I came to know that he was just a general MBBS doctor who had a very small practice. Again the query came in my mind, “How could he help us.” Then the idea immediately flashed in my mind that Baba is taking care and it is His liila.

The doctor asked me why I had come to see him. I told him the history of Karttik’s illness and how he had been treated in Patna Medical College Hospital.

After heearing the entire history, the doctor was very forthcoming. He said, “I cannot treat your son – I am not a specialist in arthritis.”

Keeping Baba’s direction clearly in mind and taking His Divine name, I said, “Please doctor, you must treat my son. This boy will live under your care and do as you tell. What you prescribe will be accepted. I am fully ready to pay your bill.”

The doctor replied, “I do not have any place for your son to stay as my patient.”

I assured him that a fancy room was not necessary; we were ready to accept any room, even an unclean one. All I wanted was for him to be my son’s doctor. I had given up all hope and was just surrendering to Baba’s will.

After much pleading, I was able to convince the doctor to treat my son.

It was an unusual situation. The doctor had a very simple office and he hardly had any patients. Plus he did not know much about arthritis; yet here he was treating my son – a case in which even the top medical specialists in Patna Medical College Hospital could not solve.

Under this doctor, the treatment began. Amazingly, after just the second day, the condition of my son improved noticeably. Not only that, each day thereafter his health was better and better – quickly. By the 8th or 9th day, Karttik was walking around the neighborhood. His joints were fine and he was pain-free. After merely ten days of treatment, my son had completely regained his health – 100%. This was absolutely astonishing to see – doctor was also surprised. He had given these same medicines to other patients previously and they were not effective. Yet in this case they were working wonders.

All I can say is that it was completely Baba’s grace.

All attempts by the top medical doctors had been fruitless, yet here was this very simple doctor of modest even lowly standing, yet in a matter of days he completely restored the health of my son, who had been sick and immobile for months and months.

After that 10th day of treatment, Karttik walked to the car – we loaded it up – and he drove us both back home.

The questioned remained forever in my mind: Why did Baba send me to this doctor and how could such a doctor cure my son. I wanted to ask Baba but I did not dare. So those questions remained unanswered in my mind.

At His Feet,
Shashiranjan

REFLECTION:

HIS DIVINE LIILA

1. What Guru wishes takes manifestation. He is Liilamaya and He just plays His liila. Everything that transpires is His direct blessing. Common people feel that the doctor cured the patient. Bhaktas understand that by Baba’s mere thought, Karttik was cured.

2. Baba’s wish along is enough to cure anyone of any disease. In His divine liila, sometimes for show He would pick up a stick and touch the patient with a stick, and the patient would be all better. Or He would simply tell the patient to drink warm water in the morning and evening and that was sufficient to cure the person. Ultimately His wish is the real cure – nothing else.

3. On other occasions, if Baba was walking with someone who had a health issue, Baba would instruct them to eat the leaf of a plant that they had just walked by, and in that way dangerous and terminal diseases were cured. Some would debate whether the medicinal properties of the leaf cured the patient, but devotees know it is all His divine liila.

REFLECTION:

SAMSKARA THEORY

In Ananda Marga samskara theory, people suffer the reactions of their past actions.

In this particular case, it may have been that Karttik had harmed the doctor in a previous life. And now Karttik was suffering the reaction. Yet, because the doctor had a strong desire that Karttik should become well again, Karttik was cured. In that case, this has nothing to do with medicine, just it is samskara theory.

As the all-knowing Parama Purusa, Baba can create the circumstances and put people together based on their samskaras to attain the desired outcome.

For instance, if person A harmed person B in that past, then at some point person A must undergo the reaction experience that same degree of pain, plus more. Yet if in the core of their heart, person B is moved by the suffering of person A and wants to see him cured, then by that feeling of forgiveness and empathy, person A will be cured. That is Baba’s teaching.

Thus in the above story with Karttik, it could easily be the case that Karttik injured or harmed Dr. Shailendra in the past – in a previous life. And now in this life Karttik was suffering the reaction. In that case, there is no medical cure – only samskara theory is operating. However, when Dr. Shailendra comes to know about Karttik’s agony and disease, then Dr. Shaildendra’s feeling of forgiveness and well-wishing is enough to melt that negative samskara that is plaguing Karttik. That negative samskara was strong enough to ruin Karttik’s entire life, but with Dr. Shailendra’s well-wishing and earnest desire to cure Karttik and relieve him of his suffering, then that negative samskara is fully exhausted. That is how samskara theory works.

The overall conclusion is that wholehearted feelings of forgiveness and empathy are enough for the requital of negative samskaras. The tricky point is to match two parties together and create the favourable circumstances.

Baba being the Parama Purusa has that capacity and that is what He did with Karttik and Dr Shailendra.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“Atipátaka means that kind of sin, the expiation of which calls for severe austerities and physical suffering. If, for example, your mistake causes someone a great loss or ruins his future then that will also be a great sin. Normally there is no expiation for such a sin. But, if you devote yourself completely in your life-long efforts to help them by making amends, and the person forgives you from the core of their heart, then one may consider that expiation has been effected. But it does not really happen, because, can a person to whom you have caused permanent damage really forgive you from the core of their heart? In history we come across many such acts of great sin. The manner in which Ajatashatru killed his father, Bimbisara, was an act of great sin. Shashanka killed Rajyavardhana, who was his invited guest. That was also an act of great sin. The way in which Harsavardhana killed Jayashankarii, wife of Shashanka, and their minor son was also an act of great sin.” (1)

“Atipátaka or sin of a serious nature requires a severe penance for expiation. For instance, if someone through omission or commission permanently injures the future of a person, that is considered Atipátaka or sin of a serious nature. To state it plainly, this sort of serious sin has no atonement. But if you dedicate yourself wholeheartedly throughout your life to make good the amount of damage done to the person, and if that person forgives you from the core of his or her heart, then that sin can be considered absolved. But actually this rarely happens, because how can a person who has been permanently damaged by you forgive you from the core or his or her heart.” (2)

“If the reactions of a sin can be quickly exhausted by atonement through a certain amount of active endeavour or sacrifice, then the sin that caused those reactions is termed Pátaka or ordinary sin. Suppose someone stole Rs 200/- from a person, but some time after they returned the amount to the owner with interest or with an amount more than the stipulated interest with an apology, then such type of ordinary sin or Pátaka can be absolved. To wound someone’s sentiment by using offensive language or by doing something similar is also an ordinary sin like this. Suppose someone’s sentiments are injured, but later on if he is repeatedly offered an apology, and if the offended person forgives the misdeed from the core of his heart, then it is assumed that this sin is absolved.”
“Atipátaka or sin of a serious nature requires a severe penance for expiation. For instance, if someone through omission or commission permanently injures the future of a person, that is considered Atipátaka or sin of a serious nature. To state it plainly, this sort of serious sin has no atonement. But if you dedicate yourself wholeheartedly throughout your life to make good the amount of damage done to the person, and if that person forgives you from the core of his or her heart, then that sin can be considered absolved. But actually this rarely happens, because how can a person who has been permanently damaged by you forgive you from the core or his or her heart.” (3)

“1) pátaka, 2) atipátaka, and 3) mahápátaka. That [pápa] which can be nullified with slight effort, sacrifice or expiation is called pátaka in common usage. Suppose someone has stolen two hundred rupees from another person. If they return that money to the owner with interest and pay something over and above it, and at the same time ask for forgiveness, then that common pátaka is expiated. To wound someone’s feelings is also this kind of pátaka. If someone hurts a person and then begs his forgiveness ‘ repeatedly requests forgiveness, and if that person sincerely forgives him, then it may be presumed that the pátaka has been expiated.” (4)

“How can a person cross this vast ocean of bhava, this vast ocean of reactive momenta whose waters have been rising life after life? To reap the consequences of all these sam’skáras would take a person at least twenty lifetimes. What a long time! Is this suffering necessary? The person who committed those bad deeds, those undesirable actions, was not enlightened – he or she did not understand right from wrong, but acted quite unknowingly. So is it not Parama Puruśa’s duty to consider the state of ignorance that the person was in at the time? Certainly; but Prakrti never pardons anyone because of their ignorance. If a one-year old boy puts his hand into a fire, he will get burnt. Prakrti never forgives; for her there are no exceptions. She knows what reactions each action causes. But will Parama Puruśa not consider that human beings commit mistakes due to their inherent defects and imperfections? Yes, He will certainly consider that, due to their lack of wisdom and proper judgement, they were not aware that their actions would have such painful reactions. The jinániis and karmiis may not realize this, but the devotees certainly will. The devotees will not plead, “Oh Lord, please help me,” because they know that He is all-merciful and considerate.”
“Parama Puruśa is not an unfeeling judge, sitting impassively on his bench, following the codes and rules of court. No, He feels love and compassion. He knows that His devotees have a deep love for Him and thus He has a similar love for them. Love and attachment are reciprocal and interdependent: they are not one-sided. Can a person cross the ocean of sam’skáras by individual effort?…”
“A devotee has said, “Bhavámbodhipotam sharańam vrajámah”. “I will not be able to swim across because sharks will devour me. It is an impossible task. So what shall I do? I shall board a ship and sail across that ocean. Oh Parama Puruśa, please be the ship which carries me safely to the other side.” “Bhavámbodhipotam”. Ambudhii means “sea” – the bháva samudra; potam’ means “ship”. Saranam vrajámá signifies, “I shall take shelter in that ship for I have no other way.” Thus, the intelligent people, the devotees, know that Parama Puruśa is the only shelter, the only patron. There is no other path, no other alternative. Human beings would not be such helpless creatures, if they realized that Parama Puruśa is their dependable shelter and permanent guide. There is a riddle: if there is a severe fight between a cow and a horse, who will win? The answer is, if the cow is in her shed, she will win; and if the horse is in his stable, he will win. The point is that the winner is the one who has the support of his or her patron. The same is true of humans. For the devotee, the divine patron is Parama Puruśa. When a devotee fights a non-devotee who is scattering thorns on the path of devotion, the devotee will ultimately be victorious in the struggle. “Pratyam’janám’stist́hate sam’cukopántakále”. Parama Puruśa remains with every entity. He is everyone’s shelter, everyone’s refuge. Thus, human beings are never helpless, neither individually nor collectively. Always remember that He is with every individual.” (5)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Darpa Harii

REFERENCES:
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 4, Disc: 27
2. Prout in a Nutshell – 12, Sin, Crime and Law
3. Prout in a Nutshell – 12, Sin, Crime and Law
4. Shabda Cayaniká Part 4, Disc: 27
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 7, The Divine Drama

Read Full Post »

Wt Beauty Competition: Dyeing Hair

Baba

This letter contains two parts:
1. Posting: Wt Beauty Competition: Dyeing Hair
2. Trailer Quote: Science Of Gender Allotment Of Some Gay & Bisexual Etc

== WT BEAUTY COMPETITION: DYEING HAIR ==

Note: This letter addressed to our Wts; they should not do like this. For family margiis, they have their own personal choice. But Wts do not; they must be strict and abide by their conduct rules.

Namaskar,
Some Wholetimers (WTs) are unfortunately coloring their hair to enhance their superficial beauty; one fine morning they will color their lips also. This is the tragic trend and way things are going. However, this is not the way out wholetime workers should conduct themselves. They should not become victims of materialism. Rather their outlook and actions should be radically different.

LIFE IS SHORT – I AM NOT COME HERE FOREVER

GRAY HAIR IS A HELPFUL REMINDER OF MY OWN MORTALITY

When the topic of having gray hair arises, they should think in this way:

“I am not worried about my gray hair; I am concerned about my entire existence. This world is temporary – those who have born are going to die. Everyone will die and one day I too will die – that day can come at any time. I have no control over this.”
“Although i am in good health, by Baba’s grace, even then this body is temporary – anytime I can die. That my hair is gray is a helpful reminder to me that this life is ephemeral – this body is very temporary. I may not see tomorrow’s sun rise. Yet I have many works to complete before I die. that is my main concern – not whether my hair is gray or not. Rather this gray hair helps me in my endeavor as it reminds me that I am not here permanently, forever.”

Those ignorant people who give so much importance to the external colours are preya + ashreyii (worshipers of preya).

With our wholetimer workers, there should not be any complex about having gray hair. They should not waste their valuable time worrying about this when they can instead vigorously involve themselves in dharmic work.

WHAT WILL BE NEXT? LIPS? BODY PIERCING? TATTOOS?

By seeing those wts colouring their hair, I become surprised and think, when will the day come when they colour their nails, lips, or other body parts. Or when will their pierce their nose, ears, or other parts beautify themselves; or when will they get a tattoo? These are the types of thoughts that arise by seeing our Wts succumb to the materialistic temptation of colouring their hair. Not only that, when will they get a face lift or starting using botox to “beautify” themselves.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF NEGATIVE MICROVITA

In future letters, we will post the names of those wts who are dyeing their hair – some of these Wts are male and some are female. Regardless of the gender, any Wt involved in this way are sadly under the influence of negative microvita:

(Note: Devayonis are microvita; they are not something great, rather degraded.)

“They prayed to Parama Puruśa for beauty instead of for Parama Puruśa Himself. Such people, after their demise, attain the status of kinnara devayonis.” (Microvita in a Nutshell)

“The third category of devayoni is called kinnara. People who have an extraordinary fascination for beauty become kinnaras after death. They have an immense weakness for fashionable clothes, expensive ornaments and so on for they believe that if they are well dressed they will be treated as gods.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 6)

“Kinnara. “Bábá has given me everything, but I am not good-looking. I want to be very good-looking, so that people will say – No, no, no, it is very bad.” Such good persons, good souls (and they are good people, not ordinary people) after death also acquire this type of three-elemented body. They are called kinnara.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 3, Ghosts & Evil Spirits)

WHY THEY WOULD DO LIKE THIS

& THE TERRIBLE DANGER AT HAND

The basic motivation behind dyeing one’s hair etc is to highlight and show oneself in a manner based on superficial beauty. But one should not forget that the mind is one. If anyone is highlighting themselves then their entire existence is focused on their own petty I-feeling and not Parama Purusa. By that way their mind becomes smaller and smaller. That will lead them along the path of negative pratisaincara – i.e. the path of degeneration.

As one thinks so one becomes. If one indulges in their own petty-I feeling, their mind will become narrower and still more narrow. That is the practical science and that is what happens to those engrossed in their own superficial beauty.

Giving importance to one’s own self on the path of spirituality is very bad. That is why such type of activities that make the mind self-engrossed are antithetical for spiritual progress. No right-minded person – let alone one of our Wts – should destroy their future in this way.

DRAMATIC CHANGES GOING ON

In the past, prior to 1990, our wholetimers were ensconced in the ideals of sadhana, service, and sacrifice. Our Wt monks were glorified in this way – that was their beauty and charm. Unfortunately now some workers have turned to cosmetics and beauty parlors to shine themselves. This is the height of superficiality. This is a shocking state of degeneration. Such is the dominance and allurement of materialism that even our Wts have gotten involved in this way. Their dharmic role is to bring others onto the path of spirituality, but instead the opposite has occurred.

Certainly there are many strong and dharmic Wts in our acarya cadre, so it is sad and tragic that a few have fallen in this way. It lowers the standard dramatically.

If you are hearing this for the first time you may not believe this but if you investigate this matter you will easily discover that all that is written here is true and verily going on.

In India and in many nations, a few decades back, gray hair was looked upon as being very respectful. People were respected for their longevity and knowledge. But now the era has changed; everything has been turned upside-down. In so many parts, hair dying has become common – even a national trend due to the extreme rise of materialism. It seems that the samaj gurus have become legally blind; then how can they help others from falling in the ditch of materialism. It is our duty to save them and show the right path that superficial beauty is not everything – only Parama Purusa is everything.

OUR DHARMIC DUTY

It is our dharmic duty to save those treading the path of ut’a yana (path of hell). We should try to swiftly rescue them from their terrible plight. Otherwise, after certain amount of time, it is virtually impossible to bring them back onto the path of immortality (amrta yana). The time to act is now.

SUMMARY AND WT CONDUCT RULES

On this topic of Wt beauty competitions, there are many avenues we will discuss such as as visiting the beauty parlor, using cosmetics, applying artificial scent, and other superficial approaches that are contrary to WT life. And we will release the names of those involved as well.

Our workers must not go against their WT conduct rules. Unfortunately, they are wasting hard-earned money that margiis made and donated as our Wts and spending that in the beauty parlor.

“Perfumed oil should not be used.” (32 Rules for Avadhutas, pt #3)

“Any medicates soap but not cosmetic or perfumed soap should be used. (32 Rules for Avadhutas, pt #8)

“The use of things which are naturally perfumed are not prohibited, but artificially perfumed things should not be used.” (32 Rules for Avadhutas, pt #12)

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“There are many people who are very fond of praising themselves by telling everyone what wonderful things they have done, but, as mentioned in this sloka, kiirtana is not for one’s own self but for Hari. Even though people are taught to do kiirtana for Hari, they still make the mistake of praising themselves too much. Sometimes their self-praise is so intense that others are obliged to say, “Please stop praising yourself so much.” They forget that their self-applause is rather boring for others. Human beings should realize that no one likes to hear the self-praise of others.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 8, The Lord Should Always Be Praised)

“Habitual exhibitionism is one of the mental diseases of humanity. The root cause of this disease is the psychology of inflating one’s personality so that others are confounded, stupefied and overawed – they become speechless and gape with wonder at that inflated personality. Leave aside the person who has some merit, some capacity – even those without the least wealth, from whom you cannot expect a single penny even if you do seven hundred sit-ups and push-ups before them – even such people seek to exhibit themselves like fools or pandits. They never even care to know whether anyone has detected them or not, or whether others are actually laughing at them behind their backs: they remain totally obsessed with themselves. They even tend to forget that the Operative Principle, which is responsible for all actions, big or small, benevolent or malevolent, is absolutely dependent on the witness-ship of the Cognitive Principle. Those who have meagre intelligence may not be able to grasp this philosophical idea, but those who claim to have some intelligence, although they understand it, want to forget it. And behind this, the same psychology predominates – the psychology of exhibitionism, the psychology of self-display.
“There is a story for children about a certain king who had an iron safe where he kept his gold coins. These coins, because of long disuse, became mouldy. One day the king spread the gold coins in the sun to dry, and a frog picked up one of the smallest pieces. At this its belly puffed up and its throat swelled up, and it began to announce in its characteristic rasping voice….[Why shouldn’t I sing – I’m as rich as a king!] At this, everyone came and asked the frog, “Well, sir, what wealth do you actually have?” Then the frog spun that little coin around at least seven hundred times, saying, “Am I less than the king?” This is an example of the psychology of exhibitionism….”

“People with this mental defect lose their power of discrimination. First, they think that since they are so great, there is no need for them to learn anything from others. As a result of this, their further progress comes to a halt. Secondly, the arrogant attitude of this asmitá banishes from their minds the humble psychology of the learner. They lose interest in learning anything useful; so not only in the world of knowledge, but also in the world of practicality, they become misfits in life because of their mountainous accumulated ignorance….”

“It is not that arrogance of this sort simply obstructs their progress. The human mind, like the human body, is dynamic. No one has come to remain here; everyone is moving – for movement is a must. Now, the mind whose further progress is blocked will also have to move this way or that; so when one must move, but the path of progress is blocked, one is compelled to move along the path of degradation. Thus the arrogance born of this asmitá will lead people towards their downfall. This arrogance, which makes them want to display themselves, forgetting all other things, is termed ahaḿkára [vanity]. The predominant vrtti behind it is aham [ego]: “I am everything, there is nothing beyond and outside me.”” (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prashanta

****************************************
Science Of Gender Allotment Of Some Gay & Bisexual Etc

“Jiivátmá is neither a male nor a female, nor a hermaphrodite. For the proper expression of one’s latent samskáras [reactive momenta] one gets reborn into the body of a woman or a man or sometimes a hermaphrodite. There is no question of high or low, superior or inferior, noble or ignoble because whatever might be the sex of the body, the jiivátmá is just the witnessing faculty of the mind it is attached to. It is unassailed by the sexual differences of the quinquelemental bodies. The unexpressed psychic reactions (samskáras) of the disembodied soul are guided by the Cosmic Mind and adjusted with a proper structure, at a proper time and a proper place, providing a congenial environment for the expression of the unrequited samskáras. Depending upon the nature of the samskáras there is either the predominance of the tendency to attract (samyojanii shakti) or the predominance of the tendency to be attracted (vibhájanii shakti). The nature of the force of attraction is to draw the object of enjoyment towards itself, and the nature of the force which is attracted is to move towards the object of enjoyment. When there is dominance of samyojanii shakti in one’s latent saḿskáras, the disembodied soul attains a female body for its outward expression, and conversely where there is a dominance of vibhájanii shakti, it attains a male body. Where there is an approximate balance between the two, the disembodied soul attains the body of a hermaphrodite. Of course, even in the hermaphrodite the balance between saḿyojanii and vibhájanii shaktis is not perfect; there is a slight tilt in favour of one or the other. That’s why some hermaphrodites are more inclined towards masculinity, and some, femininity.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 7, Form and Formless)
****************************************

Read Full Post »

News: Dada’s Infatuation

Baba

== NEWS: DADA’S INFATUATION ==

Namaskar,
Before writing the news first I wish to make it clear why I am writing this letter.

Essentially, these types of issues can easily be resolved:

(1) In a healthy organisational climate, proper watch and discipline would minimise, nay eliminate, such problems. After all, we see this regularly in the general society. When any institution or organisation comes in crisis, then if that organisation is working properly they will control the situation from within. This happens all the time. Unfortunately, nowadays our AMPS organisation is dysfunctional and thus cannot fix the problem.

(2) In the past, prior to 1990, all-knowing Sadguru Baba kept a strict eye. Everyone felt His gaze and by this way, Wts were kept in line. Now that pressure is tangibly absent in the organisation.

When these two avenues are not available, then the only route left is public shame. As a disciple of Baba, that is the only pathway that remains. Hence this letter is written only with the motive of welfare: To restore the glorious status of AMPS and bring an end to one monk’s extreme degradation so he can best progress. If the monk is disciplined and this problem gets corrected, then others will learn and be forced to control themselves.

For this reason this letter has been written and shared.

As you may know, Ac Citsvarupananda Avt has been carrying out an illicit relation with DSL Agra – it is in full-swing, unfortunately. Indeed this is most troubling news that Dada Citsvarupanandji is infatuated with DSL Agra. But at the same time this is not the first such incident surrounding Dadaji.

Here I wish to describe how their relation is going on.

SCIENCE: HOW LUST OVERPOWERS

Generally speaking, it is common that when relation is in its early stages, the two people involved feel shy to express or show their feelings in public. They do not want others to know.

But when the degree of infatuation is above certain point then such a person loses his senses. Then they cannot differentiate between what is socially acceptable or not, they cannot think what to do or not. This happens whenever one’s vrttis become overpowered, either by anger, despair or infatuation with the opposite sex. Such is the case with Dada Citsvarupanandji nowadays.

When he phones DSL Didi, then he talks in an overt and lewd manner and forgets that others hear what he is saying. Dadaji speaks in the open with others around. Actually, his well-wishers often try and suggest to him to be more prudent in his dealings, but immediately Dada Citsvarupanandji justifies his stance and quarrels with them.

Of course this is not just about prudence – Dadaji must never do such types of things, what to speak of doing them openly. Just like one must never steal, let alone steal in front of the police. So the advice those well-wishers offer is not exact, but even then Dadaji does not listen.

Because then Dada Citsvarupanandji goes over and stays together with DSL Didi. Again others warn him about what he is doing, but Dada Citsvarupanandji says, “I can talk with anyone I wish, I am GS Dada.” So he thinks that because he has a high post he can behave in this degrading manner. It is sad and nature will not spare him.

SHE IS AGE OF HIS GREAT GRAND-DAUGHTER

One thing that must be noted here is that DSL Didi is the age of what his great-grand daughter would be. That’s to say, if Dada Citsvarupananda had a great-grand daughter then that great-grand daughter would be the age of DSL Didi. Such is the age difference. It is a most unfortunate situation.

All along Dadaji is very much infatuated. He goes around and in the name of other projects collects money from margiis in various places and then siphons that money to his favoured DSL Didi – to please her. This is the well-known fact. Dadaji is so engrossed and infatuated that other concerned workers have been unable to intervene and stop him. Dada Citsvarupanandji does not listen to anyone. He is utterly deaf to the voice of reason. Just he is overrun by his vrttis.

If Citsvarupananda Dada wants to lead such a life then he should go away from AMPS after tossing aside his dress. If he would do like this then there would be no need to to write such a letter.

The way things are now – this really is a big deal. No Wt should behave in this manner. Not only that, what he is doing is not even tolerated amongst family people or office personnel. No respectable family would allow a great-grandfather to indulge in such behaviours. And no company would allow their CEO to move around with opposite-sex subordinates. Commonly we read how high-ranking CEO’s are dismissed for such reasons.

Thus what is not allowed in family life and what is not allowed in the corporate world is being given scope to flourish in our AMPS – unfortunately. From top to bottom, the whole situation is quite tragic and must be put to rest – i.e. resolved.

THIS DISEASE IS SPREADING

Now margiis should come forward and help out. Please write and call Dadaji and concerned people about this. Dadaji’s dealing is quite harmful on many levels and must be stopped. Indeed, some Wts following in his footsteps have also become infatuated and collected spouses. But this is not the way for our workers.

Certainly the vast numbers of Wts are sincere, dedicated workers. So it just a few who run a muck, and for their welfare and that of the organisation, they should be stopped.

About all this I will try to write more later. Please also see these other letters about Dada Citsvarupanandji.

O’ SADHU – HAVE RESTRAINT OVER ALL ORGANS

“Cakśuńá Saḿvaro Sádhu” O spiritual aspirant! O Bhikśu! O monk! O devotee! You should have proper control over your eyes; whatever will have bad effect on your mind, you must not see it. “Sádhu Sotena saḿvaro”. Whatever will have bad effect on your mind, O good man, you must not hear it. “Ghánena Saḿvaro Sádhu.” You should have control over your nose, “Sádhu Jibháya Saḿvaro.” You should have control over your taste. “Káyena Saḿvaro Sádhu.” You should have control over your body. “Sádhu Vácáya Saḿvaro.” You should have control over your language also; and “Savvatha Saḿvaro Bhikśu.” If you want emancipation, if you want liberation from worldly fetters, you must have all-round restraint. (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 14)

WT CONDUCT RULES

“You will protect yourself from sexual weakness and luxury.” (WT Conduct Rules, Fourteen Points, pt #12)

“Avadhuta shall treat everyone woman of the world, including his ex-wife as monther. ” (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #11)

“Strict vigilance is to be kept on restraint towards diet and dealing.” (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #23)

“No worker can keep unaccounted money (black money) with him.” (WT Rules, Six Additional Rulss, Pt 1a)

“Each worker will separately maintain the clear account of receipt and expenditure of his personal allowance and organizational money.” (Wt Conduct: Six Additional Rules, pt# 1b)

“Each amount of collection should be deposited properly and drawn after submitting requisition.” (Wt Conduct: Six Additional Rules, pt# 1d)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Turiiya

Note 1: LINKS TO OTHER LETTERS ABOUT CITSVARUPANANDA’S MISBHEAVIOUR

Dada Citsvarupananda’s problem is not new, but rather a long, deep-seeded issue. It has gone on far too long. No family or company would tolerate such things.

(A) The following report appeared in this letter of Sep 2009

NEWS: “MAJANU DADA(S)” TWO DADAS ALWAYS HANGING AROUND DIDIS

It is well known that Citsvarupa’nanda and Madhuvrata’nanda are always involved in and busy with the Didi’s department. They have no time for dadas. They try to handle didis dept. Dadas comment that Citsvarupananda is CWWS of WWD and Madhuvratananda is SWWS of Didi dept. B/c of the interference of these dadas, good didis feel uneasy. Indeed it is well known that Citsvarupa’nanda’s character is not good. He is a “Majanu” brand worker. For those who are not aware, in 1976 there was a blockbuster movie in Hindi called Laila Majanu. And in the movie the lead male was infatuated and glued to the female star, Laila. Majanu’s emotional and sensual attachment was so strong. Thus nowadays when any male gets infatuated with females people label that male as “Majnu”. That is the proverb these days in Hindi. Because of Citsvarupananda’s poor dealing and deep attachment for females, he is just branded as Majanu by the mass of Dadas. This is their inside joke. It is unfortunate that such has become the fate and reputation of Citsvarupananda. Let us all hope that he can turn his life around and become a respectable cadre of Ananda Marga. That will be the best outcome. We should all help maximally in this regard. (posted 11.1.2009)

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/11/various-points-of-sadhana-news.html

(B) Be sure to read the “Case Study #2” section in the another letter of 2009 to learn more about Dada Citsvarupananda’s way of living.

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-groupists-are-not-reliable.html

Note 2: MORE PAST LETTERS ABOUT THIS DADA

Here are further letters concerning this Dada Citsvarupananda and his past misdeeds.

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/12/story-dadajis-lust-infatuation.html

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/04/ny-news-interesting-facts.html

Read Full Post »

Upavasa Fasting: Why and How to Prepare & Break #3

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

~ PART 3 ~

(Note: This is the third letter of this series. Links to the first two postings have been linked below. Those letters outline many, many points on the benefit of fasting including step by step, detailed instructions on how to break fast. – Eds)

Namaskar,
Around the globe there is a growing interest in human health & wellness. To that end, people are trying innumerable types of tonics, diets, pills, surgeries, procedures, and remedies to increase their quality of life. But unfortunately, while many do progress, most fall in the wrong direction.

By Baba’s divine grace we Ananda Margiis are in a unique position. He has graciously bestowed on us all the inner secrets and special tips for living a long and prosperous life. Among these many wonderful guidelines, one very helpful process is Baba’s unique system of fasting & breaking fast – as it cleanses and purifies the entire body.

In the general society most have never even heard of fasting, or never tried it. And those who have done it often proceed via improper instructions, thus causing more harm than good. However, in Ananda Marga,
Baba has blessed us with the perfect and ultimate system.

BABA’S GOLDEN SYSTEM

As every Ananda Margiis is well aware, Baba’s expressed teaching is to fast from sunrise to sunrise – thus giving the body’s organs ample time for complete rest and rejuvenation. This is one unique aspect.

And another speciality of the Ananda Marga system of fasting is the special emphasis which Baba places on breaking fast properly. On numerous occasions Baba Himself has told that animals know how to fast but only humans know how to break fast. The point being that there is a definite and proper way to break fast – and this is how the toxins get removed. Thus a wrong technique such as haphazardly breaking fast or prematurely filling the body with food will ruin the entire detoxification process.

Hence Baba has put forth the idea that everyone should follow a rational and systematic approach for breaking fast. And as a review here are a few of those teachings.

OVER-EATING THE NIGHT BEFORE SPELLS TROUBLE

As a general rule, it is important not to overeat and stuff oneself the night before fasting. Certainly we have all seen how this is a common tendency; but, overeating is to be avoided as it delays or even disturbs the body’s cleansing process and makes it difficult, or even impossible, to break fast properly. So to maximize the benefits of a fast, one should take care about the quantity of food taken the evening prior.

A FEW OF BABA’S IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR BREAKING FAST

Note: The first letter in this series detailed a step-by-step process for breaking fast and cleansing the system. A link to that letter has been appended at the bottom of this posting. What follows directly below are general overall guidelines for the morning of breaking fast.

[A] Baba guides us that we should give ourselves plenty of time the morning of breaking fast to attend to our spiritual practices as well as for the actual process of breaking fast. Doing everything in a rushed or hurried manner and then running off to the office or catching a bus is not at all advisable. Instead, that will just create more problems as the body is in a very delicate state and needs proper time to re-hydrate and gain energy. Hence, as most require less sleep the night of fasting one should rise early the next morning to have a maximum amount of time for sadhana etc.

[B] Another invaluable guideline which Baba has given is the great emphasis He places on drinking water and hydrating the body.

“To maintain the internal functions of the body without hindrance and to maintain the internal liquid balance, everyone should drink a sufficient quantity of water.” (Yogic Treatment, Appendix A)

And Baba continues to explain that on normal day a healthy person should drink 3-4 liters as a baseline. So on breaking fast morning when the body is dehydrated it is obvious that we should also drink a very “generous” amount of water – and not just a single glass.

On the morning of breaking fast, drinking an ample amount of water fulfills two distinct purposes. Firstly, by ingesting a minimum of 2-3 liters of lemon salt water the body is able to cleanse itself from top to bottom. The toxins are pulled from the entire body and the entire length of the digestive tract is made sparkling clean.

Thereafter, by drinking fresh water, the second task is accomplished. And that is to re-hydrate the body because after a 36 hour dry fast the body is in need of water. Thus after cleaning the body with lemon salt
water one must drink another liter or two of fresh water to properly hydrate the body. As described in prior postins, this two-fold process of water drinking has to be completed prior to taking any solid food.

[C] When the body is cleansed and hydrated then one can eat a few ripe bananas by chewing them properly to promote smooth and easy digestion. This will give some calories to energize the body and when these bananas have properly settled in the stomach (approximately 20-25 minutes) one should again drink water before taking a light meal of well hydrated rice and vegetables or other food commonly available in your locale.

[D] So these are some of the key points yet no doubt there are various other detailed steps about breaking fast that others have already written about.

GREAT RESULTS

The grand outcome of all of this is a dynamic and wonderful cleansing process which consumes the entire body.

“As a result of fasting, the poisonous and unproductive waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled.” (Caryacarya – 3)

Thus by Baba’s complete system of fasting and breaking fast all the toxins get removed and the body becomes vibrant and pure.

WHAT ONE WT HAS PUBLISHED IN THEIR BOOK

In a book, one WT has published “tips” how to break fast, yet what is written in that book runs counter to Baba’s perfectly prescribed system and guidelines. For the awareness of all and to clear the matter entirely, we should all be aware about the defective approach being advocated by this WT.

THE ANANDA MARGA PRESCRIBED SYSTEM:

WATER DRINKING

Per the Ananda Marga system, one should drink 3 – 4 liters of water (or more if needed) on the morning of breaking fast. Initially, for the first two liters or so, that water will be heavily salted, lemon water, and the as one begins clearing and cleansing, the water will be less salted, until finally one will drink fresh water, i.e. without any salt.

Here the emphasis is on drinking sufficient quantity of water to both cleanse and then rehydrate the system. One lone glass of water will never be enough.

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #1

But instead of follow Baba’s expressed guideline, that WT recommends: “Break the fast the next morning after sunrise with a glass of lemon juice (about 1/4 of a fresh lemon in a glass of water), with a little salt or honey.”

As we know, drinking only a single glass of lemon water on the morning of breaking fast will never ever suffice. That is like placing a tiny drop of water in the desert. A mere small glass of water is nothing compared to what the body really needs.

Furthermore, one cannot cleanse the body with that paltry amount of fluid. In which case, all the toxins, previously undigested food, and other waste material will just sit and linger in the body, when fasting is the time when those toxins etc should be evacuated. And that is what occurs when one follows the proper system for breaking fast, i.e. drinking a sufficient quantity of water (3 – 4 liters at minimum).

Unfortunately, if one adheres to what this Wt wrote in their book and drinks only 1 glass, then those dirty substances remain in the body and release their negative microvita, causing the degeneration and destruction of the various glands and organs.

Thus on multiple levels, this incorrect guideline of drinking only 1 glass of water is wrong and harmful as it goes against Baba’s expressed teachings. So no one should do like this; we should warn others also. Unfortunately one WT published this faulty suggestion in their book.

THE ANANDA MARGA PRESCRIBED SYSTEM:

EATING BANANAS

After one has fully cleansed the entire digestive tract whereby only clear fluid is released from the body, soon thereafter one will feel hungry. Please refer to the below citation:

“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.”

Here the point is that the first food after breaking fast will be soft, ripe bananas. This is very soothing for the body as these bananas also help coat the lining of the stomach. When eating the bananas, proper care should be taken to chew them thoroughly so the banana is sufficiently mixed with saliva. This is a key element for promoting proper digestion.

These are Baba’s expressed teachings about breaking fast

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #2

But instead of follow Baba’s expressed guideline, that same WT recommends: “Then eat 1/2 or a whole banana slowly, biting off small pieces and swallowing them whole without chewing.”

So after drinking only 8 ounces or 1/4 liter of water, now this WT is recommending to eat a banana without chewing it.

Yet for sound health, Baba’s explicit teaching in Yogic Treatments book is that all the food taken into the body must be digested properly. And part and parcel of this process is chewing since this act of chewing awakens and stimulates the digestive enzymes and produces saliva in the mouth – thus allowing for proper digestion. That is why we must always chew our food.

But on this most sensitive time of taking the first solid food after a fast, our WT is putting in black and white that one must not chew their food, i.e. swallowing the banana pieces whole. So this is another negative guideline, given by this same WT, that is contrary to Baba’s teaching.

THE ANANDA MARGA PRESCRIBED SYSTEM:

WHEN TO TAKE FOOD

After one has fully cleansed their system and properly ingested a few ripe bananas, then after some time (20 – 30 min) one should again drink small amount of fresh water. This will temporarily quell any feelings of hunger, and, more importantly, help digest those bananas.

Thereafter, a strong feeling of hunger will arise. This might take an additional 20 – 30 minutes or more. The main thing is to ensure one truly feels hungry. Then at the time, one should eat a very simple, and well hydrated meal.

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

(a) If one choose to take fruit then only eat fruit – and avoid taking citrus fruit.

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

(c) Top of all avoid heavily spiced or 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.

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.”

FAULTY RECOMMENDATION #3

But instead of follow Baba’s expressed guideline, that same WT recommends: “If possible, wait a 1/2 hour and then eat your breakfast.”

So lastly, after not cleaning the digesting tract and without properly hydrating the body, and after not chewing a banana, now the guideline has come from this WT to eat breakfast after just a short gap of time, or even right away if needed.

Without question, this type of approach will create a terrible “train-wreck” in the stomach. In that dehydrated condition, unchewed food is being mixed with a full meal of new food and that is all getting mixed into one mass along with the toxins and waste that never got released from the system. All of which spells disaster for any human being.

This is not the proper way to break fast. No one should do like this. Yet that is what one Wt wrote in their book.

MISREPRESENTING ANANDA MARGA ON THE PUBLIC PLATFORM

The greater tragedy is that what this Wt wrote was done on behalf of all of Ananda Marga. Guru’s name is cited in the text and it says Ananda Marga on the title page etc. That is 100% misleading. Because Baba has given all the best teachings for leading a healthy and sentient life, including all requisite points for diet and fasting. But now if anyone reads the book written by this WT, they will get the wrong impression; they will just see so many faulty guidelines – all done in the name of Baba and Ananda Marga. That reader will quickly conclude that Ananda Marga is not the path for them.

If this worker had written all these wrong guidelines in their own name that would have been bad, but manageable – in some sense. But they did not do like that. They put all those bogus guidelines in the name of Baba and Ananda Marga. That is the terrible tragedy. Because I personally have seen that this book is being sold around the world, in so many sectors, and at so many retreats etc.

MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE BOOK

It is highly unfortunate that the involved WT has written these misguided ideas in a published book that has been translated into multiple languages and circulated all around the globe. Hence the problem or tragedy is two-fold, at minimum.

Firstly, hundreds or even thousands of readers have already been misinformed and anyone following those printed suggestions has been taught the wrong technique for breaking fast – thus causing them harm and difficulty. The book was written to help others yet here the opposite effect is happening.

Next, when this point of breaking fast is wrong then simple readers may think that all the points in the book are wrong. This would be a natural conclusion to arrive at. In which case the common people may also blame that the book’s recommendation of a vegetarian diet is also harmful. Thus this is another negative outcome or possibility.

BABA’S WARNING

This WT erred from the path because they tried to invent their own way that was not at all consonant with Baba’s guidelines. Otherwise what can be the cause. And even worse is that they put those things in print – thus misguiding all. So before following anyone’s professed recommendations we should always evaluate how far those things are truly proper or not. This is Baba’s warning.

“Whatever people learn from the external world – be it from a book of facts or a learned discourse, or any source of knowledge – is ‘prapta vakya’ or ‘relative knowledge’. It is sometimes correct, sometimes incorrect.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 18, p. 6-7)

Thus in the world there a countless books full of wrong information like the section of the book about breaking fast written by our WT.

ONLY BABA’S TEACHINGS ARE BEST

Baba’s teachings are best. They are the Supreme Guideline. Thus whether in the realm of sadhana or fasting, by following His way we will always proceed along the road of progress and welfare.

“Knowledge directly from the Cosmic Mind is true and beneficial for all people in all ages and in all countries. It is called ‘apta vakya’ or absolute knowledge. The books in Ananda Marga [i.e. Baba’s books] are all absolute knowledge.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 18)

This then stands as a brief, corrective summary of Baba’s teachings on fasting and breaking fast. No one should fall prey to the faulty guidelines offered by that Wt, i.e. Didi Ananda Mitra in her book “Food For Thought.”

For more detailed guidelines of Baba’s prescribed system, please refer to the first two letters of this series. Links to those letters are appended below.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS:

FASTING IS NATURE’S WAY OF HEALING AND BALANCING

“Since ancient times many non-human creatures have considered fasting or deliberate abstinence from food as their natural medicine. You will notice that dogs and certain other animals abstain from eating if they feel a little ill. You also often do not feel like eating when you feel somewhat physically out of sorts. Some contemporary physicians advise their patients, and even pressure them, to eat even when they do not have any appetite. This, however, goes against the laws of nature. It is natural for a sick creature to feel an aversion for food, unless they suffer from the disease of overeating. By not eating, certain organs of the body enjoy a temporary rest. As a result, after the fast the organs are rejuvenated and reenergized and a feeling of wellbeing returns to the physical body. So not only in the case of prehistoric humans, in the case of the prehistoric animals as well, the ancient, pure and chief medicine was fasting or voluntary abstention from food.”
“There is a basic distinction between voluntary abstention from food and upavása. Voluntary abstention from food (svecchá-anashana) means to not take food willingly in order to keeping the body healthy (an + ashana = anashana). Ashana means “eating”, so anashana means “not eating”. This abstention from food certainly helps to heal disease. However, imposed abstention from food does not have the same effect because forced abstention creates a suppressed agony in the mind which upsets the mental balance and at the same time also upsets the physical balance.”
“Upavása is undoubtedly a kind of voluntary abstention. However, at the same time there is to some extent a withdrawal of physical activity and a gradual directing of ones mental propensities towards closer proximity with Parama Puruśa. Upa means “near” and vása means “to stay”. Thus the etymological meaning of the word upavása is “to remain near the Lord”.”
“So as I was saying, upavása not only has the benefits of voluntary abstention from food. In addition, this practice is especially helpful for maintaining mental balance, that is, upavása is a medicine for both physical as well as mental maladies. There is no doubt whatsoever that a person’s mental strength is reinforced if he or she observes fast in a systematic fashion. This is a truth that has stood the test of time.” (Shabda Cayanika – 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34))

MORE ABOUT 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?” (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 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.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, p.188)

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

Here following Baba says more about the process of upavasa.

Baba says, “Upavasa in the sense of fasting is also useless…if one does real upavasa that can do a lot. The scriptural meaning of uspavasa is– by derivation– upa which means “near”, and va’sa, which means “to stay”. Upa’vasa therefore means “to make the mind stay near Parama’tma'”. In other words, it means to withdraw the mind from thoughts of physicalities and keep it near Parama’tama’. The sanskrit word for fasting as such is anashana [remaining hungry / starving].” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, p. 36-7)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Satyanarayan Deva

Note 1: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

#1: Upavasa Posting Part 1

#2: Upavasa Posting Part 2

Read Full Post »

Re: Example of False Baba Story

Baba

== Re: Example of False Baba Story ==

Namaskar,
I read the posting (appended below) and it was shocking how that story attempted to paint Dada Dineshvaranandji as emotional not devotional.

Here is a first-hand account that shows how Dada Dineshvaranandji was devotional. (See the letter by Dada Abhidevanandji directly below)

So we have to be very careful. Those suffering from the psychic disease of narrow sentiment will introduce dogma by the medium of Baba stories. That is what has been attempted to be done here by Dada Maheshvaranandaji.

How far Dada Maheshvaranandaji is guilty, but he has some responsibity for publishing, keeping, and circulating such stories. Best is Dadaji should critically read and evaluate those stories and not blindly circulate those based on falsehood.

Let us not forget that through the medium of fake stories, it was depicted in the Mahabharata that Lord Krsna had the flag of the monkey god on his chariot. By this story, many people accepted the bogus idea that Lord Krsna is a devotee of the monkey god – Hanuman.

So stories are the medium for bad people to propagate nasty ideas.

Already such stories have entered into our Ananda Marga such as with the “merge in misson” dogma. (See links at the very bottom of this email.) This dogma entered Ananda Marga via the dogmatic “merged in mission” story.

Another instance is that B group injected the story that Baba came in dream to Shrii Kinshuk ji telling that (Kinshuk) should accept the top post.

Verily there are many such stories.

Because story is such a powerful medium, that even if it is glaringly bogus, even then various intellgient magiis became addicted to this bogus claim of “merge in mission”.

Namaskar,
Chandra Devii

**********

Behalf Of Acarya Abhidevananda Avadhuta
Sent: Wednesday, 24 April 2013 6:25 PM

Subject: 40th Anniversary of Ac. Dineshvaranandaji’s
Self-Immolation

BABA

Namaskar all,

On 1973 April 24, Ac. Dineshvarananda self-immolated in Delhi in protest
against Baba’s imprisonment. It was a last-minute decision.
The worker who had announced that he would self-immolate on that day lost
his resolve. Dineshvaranandaji came forward to save the honor and prestige
of Anandamurtiji and Ananda Marga. While dancing kiirtan, Dineshvaranandaji
poured kerosene over his body and lit a match.
Singing ‘Baba Nam Kevalam’, he expired.

Of all the Ananda Marga workers that I have known, Ac. Dineshvarananda
Avadhuta was perhaps the best example of tejasvita (spiritedness).
Moreover, his spiritedness stemmed from a deep devotion to Baba. In early
1972, I encountered Dineshvaranandaji in a rare state of samadhi, a state
associated with the monthly secretion from the pineal gland. With bloodshot
eyes, he leaned on my shoulder and stumbled about like a drunkard. At first
I was confused. Soon, however, it became crystal clear to me that
Dineshvaranandaji’s intoxication was of a divine sort.

On this day, forty years after Dineshvaranandaji’s supreme sacrifice, may we
all resolve to emulate Dineshvaranandaji’s constant readiness to surrender
everything – even life itself – at the lotus feet of our beloved Gurudeva.

—
Abhidevananda Avadhuta

Baba

== EXAMPLE OF FALSE BABA STORY ==

Namaskar,
Here is one story from Dada Maheshvaranandji’s collection. Please read it carefully and see whether it is proper or improper. Here the story begins:

Those who have not just got one touch from Baba but have sunk deep in the delight of His darshan have experienced a whole life of miracles.
Baba once said in a darshan in India that those people who are satisfied with feeling psychic oneness with Him attain Savikalpa Samadhi and that those who are not satisfied with this, and who want physical oneness with Him attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (of a high order). One such great soul was Acarya Divyanandjii Avadhuta. He was fervently devoted to Baba. When Baba was poisoned, he worked very hard to fight for an investigation, but was unsuccessful.
Then he took the vow of self-immolation. He used to be always in samadhi and his whole body was red with bliss. He stopped taking food as he said that he did not want to take the food of this planet, which had treated Baba so heinously. As flames devoured his body, Divyanandji died in bliss, saying “Baba Ho! (O Baba!)”.
Later Baba commented about both Divyanandji and Dada Dineshvaranandji (the second person to commit self-immolation in protest against Baba’s imprisonment). Baba said that in front of others, He could not show anything but that when He was by Himself, He would weep for them. On another occasion, Baba commented that Divyanandji died in devotion and therefore felt no pain, but that Dineshvaranandjii died in emotion, and thus he had felt pain.

OUTLANDISH IDEA

Please re-read this line from the above story:

People who are satisfied with feeling psychic oneness with Him attain Savikalpa Samadhi and that those who are not satisfied with this, and who want physical oneness with Him attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (of a high order).

This is an outlandish idea that has nothing to do with the teachings of Ananda Marga and we will discuss this point in the near future. Kindly watch for future letters that address this false notion.

MAIN THEME OF THIS LETTER:

MOTIVATED BY DEVOTION NOT EMOTION

Clearly the above Baba story is false and inappropriate. While there are many problems with the store the key line from the story that I am addressing in this lettter is:

“Divyanandji died in devotion and therefore felt no pain, but that Dineshvaranandjii died in emotion, and thus he had felt pain.”

The following comments are based on this above line.

1. Baba came out of jail in 1978 and then on 12 Feb 1979 in honour of Niilkantha Divas, Baba delivered a very descriptive general darshan and told the exact number of Wts who sacrifcied their life for the cause of dharma. In that count, Dada Dineshvaranandji was included. By this way, Baba clearly indicated that Dada Dineshvarananda was a devotee, so his death was not motivated by devotion, not emotion.

2. That is the proof that Dada Dineshvarananda’s action was motivated by devotion.

3. To read this entire entire letter click below:

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/04/example-of-false-baba-story.html

Also for those interested here are links to the way they used story to implement the “merge in mission” dogma:

#1: http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/about-that-famous-bogus-quote.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-2.html

#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-3.html

#4: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-4.html

#5: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-5.html

#6: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-6.html

#7: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-7.html

#8: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-8.html
#9: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/re-about-that-famous-bogus-quote-9.html

Read Full Post »

Re: How Shudras Are Brainwashed #3

== RE: HOW SHUDRAS ARE BRAINWASHED ==

~ Part 3 ~

Namaskar,

“During the holidays and weekends, companies organise various types of “fun” gatherings like picnics and seminars etc whereby the employees pass even their leisure time under the “protective care” of the company. They even take family vacations with their company. The whole point being that employees are led to believe that the company is actually their family. Once this idea gets set in the mind, those employees will walk to the ends of the earth to get the job done for their cherished company.”

Lately others have brought the point how big capitalists cast their spell on many of their employees. Certainly there are a growing number of citizens whose eyes are opened wide to capitalist exploitation. Yet, at the same time, those capitalists continue to control and steamroll large sections of the workforce. Their special tactic is to brainwash employees into being loyal to the company – when in reality the “company” is the huge profit-making by a few vaeshyans. All others suffer at the hands of their ruthless exploitation.

In response our approach is two fold. First, create more vikśubdha shúdras, i.e. conscious employees who possess the requisite awareness and fighting spirit to stand up to capitalist exploitation. Second, introduce and implement the workings of Prout’s cooperative system. By this dual approach, we can handily overcome the current vaeshyan rule.

COOPERATIVES ARE A KEY ASSET

Once there is a critical mass of vikśubdha shúdras wherein employees and citizens are critically aware of the capitalist exploitative machinery, the Proutistic system of cooperatives is the only way to organise society so it can permanently slip away from the grips of present day blood sucking capitalists.

Prout says, “Cooperatives, run by moralists, are the only safeguard against capitalistic exploitation.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 13, p.8)

Next we learn more about important aspects & vital components of the cooperative system.

Prout says, “The success of cooperative enterprises depends on three factors: morality, strong administration and the whole-hearted acceptance of the cooperative system by the people.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 13, p.8)

So the Proutist system of cooperatives is the main way to re-build the society in the socio-economic sphere. To achieve this, there must be a widespread movement amongst people to seek out a solution to the vaeshyan rule. Other key factors include an organized approach and strict moralists.

HOW COOPERATIVES OPERATE

“in the cooperative model, the fair-minded earnings of the collective are rationally divided between all participants.

Prout theory states, “The total profit of such co-operatives should be distributed amongst the workers and members of the co-operative according to their individual capital investment in the cooperative and to the service they render to the production and management of the co-operative.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 14, p.46)

Thus, as Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar describes above, in the cooperative system the profits are shared based on the merit system – but all are guaranteed enough funds for the necessities of life. In that way, all members of the cooperative earn a fair portion based on their investment and work ethic. This is one of the revolutionary qualities of the cooperative model.”

The Proutistic model of the cooperative system is quite grand and dynamic. It is a win-win situation. All involved in the cooperative benefit greatly according to the degree of their activity and investment.

Plus there will be cooperatives in all aspects of socio-economic life: Farmers cooperatives, artist cooperatives, banking cooperatives etc. Here below Shrii Prabhat Ranajan Sarkar guides us about how the farming / agricultural cooperative will work:

“Cooperative managers should be elected from among those who have shares in the cooperative. Members of agricultural cooperatives will get dividends in two ways – according to the amount of land they donated to the cooperative, and according to the amount of their productive manual or intellectual labour. To pay this dividend, initially the total produce should be divided on a fifty-fifty basis – fifty percent should be disbursed as wages and fifty percent should be paid to the shareholders in proportion to the land they donated. Local people should get first preference in participating in cooperative enterprises.” (A Few Problems Solved – 9, Some Specialities of Prout’s Economic System)

Similarly, the profits and gains of every cooperative will be rationally and justly shared with all members, according to their level of involvement etc.

NOW VAESHYAN ERA IN FULL SWING:

MANY ARE GETTING EXPLOITED

Currently, however, the vaeshyan era is running at high speed – and that spells disaster for employees.

Here it should be known that employee means all levels of employees from common laborers to high level managers. Some may be thinking that employee only refers to those low paying jobs. But that is not the case. Because in the height of the vaeshyan rule all get exploited – all become shudras.

Prout theory states, “Consciousness should be developed among shúdras in order to protect them from the inhuman greed of the vaeshyas. All non-vaeshyas slip into shúdra-hood on the eve of a shúdra revolution.” (Humans Society – 2, The Kśatriya Age)

The point being that even many fancy white-collar, higher level employees are getting viscously exploited and brainwashed in this current capitalist structure. Because these so-called well-paid employees work day and night to please their executives and in return are left with nothing left in their life but their job, and the mirage that they are great. When in fact they are mere lackeys for their higher ups – carrying cell phones 24 hrs per day and never getting one ounce of time to even consider and reflect upon their own life. But even then they continue on in their toil as they live out their delusion. Certainly not all employees fall in this category, as some are alert to the tendencies and tactics of capitalists. However, a large swath of the labour force are pinned down in this way.

So whether hourly wage earning employees or big-time managers, all are just pawns in the midst of capitalist exploitation. Because those cunning capitalists have convinced everyone to join their team by selling their soul. However, with every passing day, there is a growing rise of vikśubdha shúdras. As this number increases and we spread the name and ideals of Prout, the faster capitalism will meet its end.

THE FALSE FAMILY FEELING STRATEGY

The common theme these days is for companies to not be a mere company but rather to be “a family”. In this way they project themselves – such as the Walmart family, the Microsoft family, the Exxon-Mobil family, the Nike family etc. By this way those top CEO’s suck more of the blood of their employees.

And they get success. One reason being that in our western capitalistic countries the general populace does not have big, extended families. Nor do they maintain a strong connection with their unit family. Devoid of that, the company is able to step-in and brainwash the employees to think that the company is really their main family, and that the employees should sacrifice for the company and think first about the company’s well-being. Like this those company executives train and mold the minds of their employees in order to set the stage for massive, uncontrolled exploitation.

NOT EASY TO AWAKEN THOSE EMPLOYEES

Indeed those manipulative vaeshyans have done such a masterful job of brainwashing and winning over their employees that if anyone tries to awaken those exploited employees then those employees become angry and lash out. In roaring fashion, they come to the defense of their company and become hostile toward any who approach.

So those employees do not like to hear any talk about brainwashing or psychic exploitation. Instead they blame that whistle-blower for being a trouble maker, jealous of their job, etc etc.

Thus when dealing with these exploited and brainwashed employees one must behave in a very delicate and psychological way. It is just like dealing with a very sick person who is not in proper health due to some disease. The mental condition of those brainwashed employees is no different from those sickly people.

This is the state of affairs nowadays.

Ananda Margiis are aware how this is all going on, and in society there is a growing number of vikśubdha shúdras who are keen to overturn capitalist exploitation. They may not know how or what to do, but they see the capitalists for who they are.

So our duty is to awaken more and more the extreme exploitation that is going on. Everyone must be made aware and society must advance into the next era.

THE SUFFOCATING GRIP OF CAPITALISTS

Under the vaeshyan rule, the entire society falls into the grips of capitalist exploitation. All levels and grades of employees get exploited from upper-level management all the way on down to the basic laborers. That is what we see going on today.

Prout philosophy says, “Today the whole human society is subjected to ruthless exploitation by capitalists. Capitalist exploitation has brought the very existence of humanity to the brink of extreme catastrophe by spreading its exploitative tentacles into every aspect of human life.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 13)

ABOUT THEIR BRAINWASHING MANEUVER

Next we see how through their brainwashing maneuvers capitalists have gained control of the society.

“Rapacious Vaeshyas or capitalists are taking advantage of this intellectual inertness [i.e. brainwashing] and have spread a subtle web of exploitation into every corner of society, enabling them to suck the vitality out of the collective body. Through this process the Vaeshyas are insidiously perpetuating their reign of exploitation.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 13, ‘Capitalism Three Spheres’)

WHO IS SHUDRA

Throughout His Proutistic teachings, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has discussed the mind-set of those who get exploited by capitalist in the height of the vaeshayan era. Those who give way to this mentality are verily shudras. Unfortunately, now in the early part of this 21st century, many fall in this category.

“Shúdras live only for physical enjoyment. They neither bother about ideology nor give any value to rationality. Of the three aspects of time – past, present and future – they think only about the present. They have neither the time nor the inclination to think about the past or the future. Religion, spirituality and a genuine social system have no significance for them…”
“Shúdras are always sleeping. They can perform work only if someone wakes them up. Once the work is done, they go back to sleep. In order to maintain the cáturvarńika (i.e. shudra, ksatriya, vipra, & vaeshya) social system, some work will have to be taken from the shúdras. Consciousness should be developed among shúdras in order to protect them from the inhuman greed of the vaeshyas. (All non-vaeshyas slip into shúdra-hood on the eve of a shúdra revolution.)” (Humans Society – 2, The Kśatriya Age)

CAPITALISTS WANT TO RUIN COOPERATIVE SYSTEM

Here following Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar – the Propounder of Prout – is sounding the call how corrupt capitalists aim to root out the cooperative approach.

“The main reason for the failure of the cooperative system in different countries of the world is rampant immorality which has been perpetrated by capitalist exploiters so that they can maintain their
economic exploitation.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 13, p. 8)

THE SUCCESS OF PROUT IS SURE

More and more are awakened to the extreme degree of exploitation carried out by capitalist leaders. That is enough to spell the demise of capitalism coupled with the rise of the God-centered teachings of Prout.

“We are near the last stage of the Vaeshya Era. If an impact is created, it will help the suffering humanity. It is the most opportune moment for creating an all-round revolution. This is a new sub-theory under Proutistic theory and may be called gati vijina´na – the science of dynamics in PROUT.” (Proutist Economics – Economic Dynamics – 1)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Kalyansundaram

Read Full Post »

SHOULD WE BELIEVE IN FATE

== SHOULD WE BELIEVE IN FATE ==

Namaskar,
In the general society, many people think that their “fate” is created by some unknown force and that they have no recourse to affect or change their destiny. That is what is meant by a fatalistic outlook.

Here we have to think how far this is helpful and whether, as Ananda Margiis, we should adopt a similar manner or not.

WHAT IS FATE

(A) According to the tenets of Ananda Marga ideology, humans have free will, perform actions per their choice, and undergo the reactions of their original actions. Thus when you do something and face the consequences that is your “fate”. It is entirely self-created.

In sum: You do something and you face the consequences. That is fate, whether the reaction comes in this life or the next life. But commonly, only when people are not aware of their original action then they call it fate.

In that way, people are inclined to call it fate when they undergo the reaction in their next life. Because then they cannot recall their original action that caused that reaction. However, this is all samskara theory. Thus, in Ananda Marga, we do not give an ounce of credence to the dogmatic notion of fate: i.e. that fate is something doled out by another outside entity, as if fate is something that humans have no control over. Always there is scope for people to redirect the course of their life by making sentient and conscious life choices.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Those who are fatalists are also misguided. It is wrong to leave everything to fate without taking any initiative at the time of grave danger. Once a person has created his or her fate through his or her own actions, it is certainly not proper to completely surrender to that self-created fate.” (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 11, The Omni-Reflective Cognitive Consciousness)

“WORSE THAN NATURE-WORSHIPERS”

(B) There are many pseudo-spiritual approaches where people indulge in idol worship, nature worship, astrology, etc – including those who are fatalists – yet Baba clearly guides us that the fatalistic outlook is particularly low. Perhaps there reason is that it breeds indolence and lethargy, and is utterly devoid of any devotional feeling. At least nature worshipers are grateful to their Creator. But that type of surrender is not at all present among fatalists.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “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.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 12, Microcosm and Its Object of Ideation)

FATE:

A TOOL TO MANIPULATE & EXPLOIT

(C) In the past and in the present also, those in power have used the notions of fate and predestination as a tactic to exploit the common people. If everyday citizens feel that the hell they are facing in their day-to-day life is a matter of fate and there is nothing to be done about, then those people will be easier to control and manipulate.

Now in the height of this materialistic era, the top capitalists employ vipras for two reasons: First as a means of side-tracking those very intellectuals lest they openly complain about the vaeshyan exploitative machinery. And secondly, those paid vipras are effectively able to convince the common people to sit back and accept their fate. By infusing this psychology upon the masses, then vaeshayas feel assured there will not be any uprising against them.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The vaeshyas use the vipras to try to spread intellectual propaganda among the masses to prevent them from finding any philosophical justification for their suppressed grievances against the vaeshya structure. This intellectual propaganda aims to convince people that they are the victims of circumstance. It argues, “Everything is destiny. Everything is preordained.” Such doctrines help the vaeshyas to perpetuate their structure. They destroy the personal force of people and make them the playthings of fate. People accept the idea that everything is preordained, and support the status quo.” (Human Society – 2, The Vaeshya Age)

YOU WILL BE RICH IN YOUR NEXT LIFE

(D) Here below Baba gives us a more graphic example of how those paid religious priests (vipras) befool and manipulate the masses into accepting their lot in life. Specifically those priests tell that, “You are poor now because of your past misdeeds – behave properly this time and you will be assured a better position in the future. You will be rich in your next life and / or bask in the glory of the afterlife. So do not complain now, just work hard and you will be rewarded in the future. Serve your master faithfully – that is the way to redemption.” This is the psychology and theatrics that such priests employ to quell the disappointment, despair, and anger of the masses. So those low-paid employees should not complain or protest their meagre compensation by those capitalists. This paves the way for the ruling capitalists to crank their exploitative machinery into high gear.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The boot-licking Vipras of the capitalist trick the hungry Shúdras or workers into believing that poverty is a result of their previous misdeeds. Hence they will have to be prepared to wait until their next life before receiving the inexorable decree of fate. This makes a group of people passive fatalists. On the other hand, it paves the way for the ruthless exploitation of the capitalists.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in Nutshell – 4, Prápta Vákya and Ápta Vákya)

THE REQUITAL OF SAMSKARAS

(E) Many commonly believe that samskara theory follows the parameter: An eye for an eye etc. That is to say if someone was pushed down from a tree then it means that in the past that same person had pushed someone else from the tree. Or if someone got in an accident and lost their leg then that means in the past that same person caused someone else to lose a leg.

But Baba clearly guides us that our samskara theory does not work in that way. The physical actions are not the defining point. The physical expression need not be the same at all. Rather, it is the psychic effect that is the determining factor. The degree of psychic pain inflicted on others is the amount of psychic pain one will have to undergo. The physical expression thereof may reflect in a myriad of ways, or perhaps not at all. Because it is the degree of psychic pain and distress that is the key aspect.

Here below is Baba’s exact teaching.

“It is important to clarify here that the actual form of suffering is not predetermined. It cannot be said what might be the actual reaction of a particular action. It is not preordained that if one commits theft his things of the same value will be stolen as a reaction. The suffering is measured in terms of mental suffering to the extent which was inflicted on others by stealing their property. Thus the measure of experiencing the result of an action is mental and is in terms of pleasure and pain, and the actual form of experience has relatively no importance.” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, What Is My Relation with the Universe and the Cosmic Entity?)

This then leads to another scenario. Some see a person bleeding by the side of the road and think that they should not interfere because that person is burning their ripe samskara. But that is not the proper outlook. As far as possible, we should always help relieve someone’s suffering, because that person can undergo that samskara purely in the psychic realm. It need not take physical expression. Thus we should always be vigilant to come to the aid of those who are suffering. Certainly we should always aim to relieve them. Yet no matter how much we attempt to alleviate their suffering, the cycle of samskara will spin onward and in some way, shape or form they will experience the fruit of their past actions in the psychic realm – either through humiliation, depression, anger, frustration, disappointment or some other way.

“ARGUMENT USED BY VESTED INTERESTS”

(F) Religious leaders regularly tell their followers that you must not blame others or social injustices for your current suffering. What you are undergoing now is because of your own misdeeds in the past. So just accept your situation. In this way the ruling class implements vicious control methods and restrictions, all the while the people remain docile. To find their escape from dire poverty they are encouraged to buy lottery tickets and that according to their fate they might win and become rich. And if that person does not win then it is just their bad luck.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The problem of individual or collective suffering due to lack of physical requirements can be easily solved by implementing a system of social justice and social equality. So it is useless to blame the past misdeeds or fate of others. Actually, blaming people’s suffering on their past misdeeds is merely an argument used by vested interests to justify their position, because to admit that these sufferings are the result of social injustices implies that everyone is responsible.” (Human Society – 1, Social Justice)

A GRAND OVERVIEW

(G) Here below Baba gives a grand summary of our samskara theory with the culminating idea being that humans alone are responsible and accountable for the reactions they must experience. There is no question of blaming God or anyone else.

“Human beings keep on performing new actions also, while experiencing the reactions of previous actions. This experiencing of the result of previous actions is called the unknown future or fate (adrśt́a). One experiences the result of one’s actions in a subsequent life and cannot then recollect the actions whose results bring happiness and grief, because a person’s memory is not large enough to remember or know the deeds of their past lives. Reactions which humans experience were collected in previous lives, and in present life they cannot make out the cause of such experiences, and hence term these experiences as fate or the unknown future. People often hold Parama Puruśa responsible for calamities that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Puruśa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good results, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without any exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy – What Is My Relation with the Universe and the Cosmic Entity?)

YOU YOURSELF ARE THE FATHER OF YOUR FATE

By all of Baba’s above teachings, we can understand that fate is just the reaction of one’s past actions. Fate is not something that is distributed by some other entity. You yourself are the father of your fate. That is the overarching idea of Baba’s samskara theory. Yet commonly, the term ‘fate’ is misused and abused. In the name of fate, people suffer from all kinds of dogma and opportunists and exploiters use fate as their cherished tool to suppress the people. Those aware about the real meaning of fate do not get exploited. So it is our duty to educate ourselves and others about fate so they do not get exploited, become confused, or suffer from so many psychic ailments. By this way we can to eradicate all kinds of individual and social problems.

Namaskar,
Laksman

Read Full Post »

EXAMPLE OF FALSE BABA STORY

Baba

== EXAMPLE OF FALSE BABA STORY ==

Namaskar,
Here is one story from Dada Maheshvaranandji’s collection. Please read it carefully and see whether it is proper or improper. Here the story begins:

Those who have not just got one touch from Baba but have sunk deep in the delight of His darshan have experienced a whole life of miracles.
Baba once said in a darshan in India that those people who are satisfied with feeling psychic oneness with Him attain Savikalpa Samadhi and that those who are not satisfied with this, and who want physical oneness with Him attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (of a high order). One such great soul was Acarya Divyanandjii Avadhuta. He was fervently devoted to Baba. When Baba was poisoned, he worked very hard to fight for an investigation, but was unsuccessful.
Then he took the vow of self-immolation. He used to be always in samadhi and his whole body was red with bliss. He stopped taking food as he said that he did not want to take the food of this planet, which had treated Baba so heinously. As flames devoured his body, Divyanandji died in bliss, saying “Baba Ho! (O Baba!)”.
Later Baba commented about both Divyanandji and Dada Dineshvaranandji (the second person to commit self-immolation in protest against Baba’s imprisonment). Baba said that in front of others, He could not show anything but that when He was by Himself, He would weep for them. On another occasion, Baba commented that Divyanandji died in devotion and therefore felt no pain, but that Dineshvaranandjii died in emotion, and thus he had felt pain.

OUTLANDISH IDEA

Please re-read this line from the above story:

People who are satisfied with feeling psychic oneness with Him attain Savikalpa Samadhi and that those who are not satisfied with this, and who want physical oneness with Him attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (of a high order).

This is an outlandish idea that has nothing to do with the teachings of Ananda Marga and we will discuss this point in the near future. Kindly watch for future letters that address this false notion.

MAIN THEME OF THIS LETTER:

MOTIVATED BY DEVOTION NOT EMOTION

Clearly the above Baba story is false and inappropriate. While there are many problems with the store the key line from the story that I am addressing in this lettter is:

“Divyanandji died in devotion and therefore felt no pain, but that Dineshvaranandjii died in emotion, and thus he had felt pain.”

The following comments are based on this above line.

1. Baba came out of jail in 1978 and then on 12 Feb 1979 in honour of Niilkantha Divas, Baba delivered a very descriptive general darshan and told the exact number of Wts who sacrifcied their life for the cause of dharma. In that count, Dada Dineshvaranandji was included. By this way, Baba clearly indicated that Dada Dineshvarananda was a devotee, so his death was not motivated by devotion, not emotion.

2. That is the proof that Dada Dineshvarananda’s action was motivated by devotion.

3. In that way, we can say that Dada Dineshvaranandji was a devotee as his life is based on devotion; he was not an emoteee, i.e. one whose life is based on emotion.

4. The fundamental point and critical piece is identifying and understanding goal of the action. Once one knows the goal or motivating factor, one can easily determine if something was done out of devotion or emotion. If one is doing something in order to serve and please Parama Pursua then that is devotion. In contrast, if one is doing something for worldly gain, then that is emotion. If any Ananda Margii is doing anything for the organisation, Ista, or adarsha, then that action is devotionally motivated and inspired.

5. Ac Dineshvaranandji’s entire purpose was to protest the atrocities done to Ista. That is why he performed self-immolation. Dadaji did this out of deep love and devotion for Ista, i.e. Baba. That was the motivating factor. So his action was grounded in devotion – not emotion. This was a devotionally inspired action. To say otherwise is hypocrisy.

6. Here is another key point. If anyone does anything based on emotion, then when any problem arises they leave the field etc, but Dada Dineshvaranandji was not like that. Dadaji sat in padmasana, poured the flammable oil over his body, lit a match, and put himself on fire. Dadaji did not move his body at all. Dada Dineshvaranandji did not move 1 inch; he sat there like an idol. In the end that burnt body just collapsed. An emotional person would have run around and cried for help once his body was on fire. But Dadaji sat there motionless. One can only do like this if they are goaded by devotion and keeping the mind fixed on Ista. Note: The whole episode was recorded on television by Mr. Lal and Patricia of Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS).

7. Furthermore, just prior to performing this act of self-immolation, Dada Dineshvaranandji recorded his heartfelt feelings for Baba and explained that he was deeply pained and offended by the Indian Central government’s mistreatment and harassment of Baba.

8. So the storyteller is spreading falsehood by claiming that Ac Dineshvaranandji’s heroic act was not motivated by devotion. Such a claim is fundamentally wrong.

9. This above story is bogus and is narrated by someone who suffers from a groupist bias. The storyteller is clearly a member of one group and harbours ill will towards those not in his group fold. These two Dadas mentioned in the story – Ac Divyananda Avt & Ac Dineshvarananda Avt – come from two different linguistic backgrounds. The storyteller highlighted Ac Divyaanda Avt by stating Dadaji was motivated by devotion because Dada Divyanandji is from his own language background; whereas, the storyteller tore down Ac Dineshvarananda Avt by stating that Dadaji was motivated by emotion because Dada Dineshvarananda is from a different linguistic background. So it is a false accusation – goaded by a hate motive and linguistic sentiment – to state that Dada Dineshvaranandji was motivated by emotion.

10. The story is wrong and was altered due groupist dogma. The storyteller is himself affected by his own group & linguistic sentiment.

11. As we know, Baba’s general darshan of 12 Feb 79 that discusses those who self-immolated is recorded. And that is the clear-cut proof that Dada Dineshvaranandji was motivated by devotion, because Baba Himself affirms this. So the storywriter did mischievous act by writing the story in this false and hurtful manner.

12. Blinded by his own narrow-mindedness, the storyteller could not portray the event in an honest, dharmic, and truthful manner. And it is shameful that Dada Maheshvaranandji included this in his collection of Baba stories.

POINT TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE FUTURE

As mentioned above, this below line from the story is also objectionable:

People who are satisfied with feeling psychic oneness with Him attain Savikalpa Samadhi and that those who are not satisfied with this, and who want physical oneness with Him attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi (of a high order).

This will be addressed in upcoming letters.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO WRITE A PROPER BABA STORY

First and foremost one must ensure the Baba story is itself true. After carefully making this assessment, to write the story properly, one must have the (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.

Devotion allows a person to write with proper flow and prana. Ideology brings right direction and philosophical consistency. Literary skill brings artistic value and beauty.

Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes their story will not have philosophical support, and in some cases may even be dogmatic, and will certainly be devoid of proper expression because of lack of literary skill. If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly expressed. And if one only has literary prowess, yet lacks devotion and is missing philosophical understanding, then that story will be as follows. It will be like applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person – there will not be any charm. It will be useless and dogmatic. If a person is alive and healthy, then that make-up will be of use, i.e. if one has devotion then that literary skill is helpful to express that devotion and if one does not have devotion then that literary skill is meaningless. What they write will be low-minded and dogmatic. So first one must have devotion and understanding, then it can add beauty – otherwise not. Writing a story only with literary skill – without proper devotion and devoid of ideological value – is of no value whatsoever.

So if there is proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding, then one’s literary skill will help make that story shine. While if one uses all their literary skill on a story that lacks devotional feeling and philosophical understanding, then that story will be a mess – i.e. useless and poisonous.

Unfortunately, nowadays there are some who fall in this last category. They have the writing skills, yet utterly lack proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding. In that case, the devotional component of the story will be ruined or left out entirely, or one will write something contrary to the ideological fundamentals of Ananda Marga.

Best is to cultivate or have all the qualities: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy and (c) literary skill. Then one can write a beautiful and loving account that will inspire so many readers across the ages. And again, the first and foremost point is to ensure that the original material – i.e. the Baba story itself – is true and accurate.

IN REVIEW

Here following are the reasons why the above self-immolation story from Dada Maheshvaranandji’s collection is bogus and false.

First and foremost, the story itself is not true. In addition, the account lacks any devotional feeling as it is based on deception and philosophically it is wrong and unideological.

Thus, when the story itself is false and lacks devotional expression and ideological integrity, then there is not need to even consider the literary style. Already we know the story is bogus.

BABA’S TEACHING FROM ART & LITERATURE

“In order to give full expression to the continuous flow of humanity’s true nature, insight, power of expression and boldness – all three – are necessary. The creation of ideal literature is not possible for those who are always ready to yield to the pressures of the crowd. To manifest that svabháva, one will have to give a clarion call to the common people to struggle against the forces that want to suck dry their vitality. Those voices which lack such bold heroism will simply whine and whimper doggerels in the name of poetry – they will try to save themselves from the responsibility of reality by counting the stars in the heavens…”

“Many people have ideas which do not blossom due to lack of mastery over language. Those who have ideas must develop their power of expression through continued practice and effort, and those who possess the power of expression must make efforts to awaken their latent insight. The sáhityika must possess both expression and insight – if there is no iron, the touchstone is meaningless.”

“By power of expression I do not mean merely individual skill with language; rather I mean the irresistible force of the mind and heart. If boldness and courage are lacking, the language will tend to move with diffident steps, with hesitant deliberation. Such timid language cannot express independent thinking due to the impacts of various factors: the prevalent social superstitions; the static bondages of the existing religions; the pressures of political philosophies; the false pride of communalism, provincialism and nationalism; and narrow-minded political ideas. Thwarted by these impacts, weak language either stops moving or expresses itself with extreme diffidence, following the policy of “Kill the snake, but save the stick also.” The root cause of this weakness lies in the cowardice of individuals and in blind attachment to the past. Sáhityikas have to assert themselves thunderingly, give a stirring call to the people and, setting aside all the garbage of impurities with a bold mind and strong arms, clear the path leading to human emancipation. They must be pioneers on the path to fulfilment.”

“Here there may be a little confusion with regard to the dynamism of language. My exact meaning is that language, too, moves forward, keeping pace with the speed of thought. At times the language of those whose thoughts cannot freely move forward under the weight of ignorance or prevalent superstitions, is also very forceful and dynamic. Even the language of those who compose doggerels glorifying the greatness of a family, caste or pilgrimage, at times appears to be attractive and impressive. One can also write a thesis in powerful language on petty matters such as “A Sneeze”, “A House Lizard”, or, before preparing for a journey, on “Why It Is Best To Go North, Not East”; but I refuse to accept such language as truly dynamic language, for it bustles about within the iron railings of superstition and attachment to the past. It has speed but no movement. A deep analysis will show that for all its acrobatics, it has not moved even a step forward. Yoked to the millstone of superstition like the bullock at an oil mill, it may have proudly walked around the whole day covering more than fifty miles in brisk strides, but it could not move a step forward.” (Prout in A Nutshell – 1, The Practice of Art and Literature)

DEVOTIONAL STORIES ARE BEST WAY FOR BAD PEOPLE TO SPREAD THEIR DOGMA

When coming across any Baba story one must first look very carefully and assess its accuracy and veracity, otherwise people will get duped and misguided.

In the past, the teachings of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna were lost due to such types of bogus stories. By this way, bad people spread their dogma by twisting the story due to their selfish agenda. In the end, simple and innocent people get confused and spread the story as being accurate and true. Such persons naively become the couriers of dogma. In that case, Guru’s original teachings are lost and the false and bogus story lives on.

ABOUT THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY

We must not forget that this story was collected and circulated by Dada Maheshvaranandji. We have to be careful because this Dada circulates some good stories, but many bad ones also. It is just like how a person serves good food but also on many occaions serves bad and poisonous food that is contaminated and causes hepatitis. We should be careful of this type gift. First, it should be sent to the lab so it can be tested. Similarly, the food that Dada Maheshvaranandji is serving is also bad and needs to be sent to the lab for testing.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Vijaya Deva

Read Full Post »

HARMFUL AND BOGUS “BABA STORY”

Baba

General Request: Here at AM-GLOBAL we are sending postings every day. If for any reason you do not receive a posting on any particular day, then please visit our blog as all the letters are posted there. – Eds

== HARMFUL AND BOGUS “BABA STORY” ==

Namaskar,
Here following is an example of a Baba story that is not proper. It is important to examine and recognise such stories so we can best understand how they are harmful and impede on the propagation of Ananda Marga ideals. By this way, we will be better prepared and more vigilant to ensure such stories are not circulated. Unfortunately, in this particular case, Dada Maheshvaranandji included this improper and dogmatic story in his Baba story collection which he has shared with others.

THE BOGUS STORY

Here is that story which in reality is a false and bogus account:

“A headmaster teacher from Kotah, Rajastan, in 1968 this teacher took his only son, a graduate, to visit Baba, offering that he [i.e. his son] could become a WT (whole-time worker). Baba declined the offer gracefully saying that WT’s are persons already selected at birth. They are born from time to time to join His mission.”

Note: The above is directly from the Baba story collection of Dada Maheshvaranandji. The name of the headmaster in the above story is Shrii Tej Karan Sharma, a very active Ananda Margii. Unfortunately his son was never interested in Ananda Marga. His parents tried in many ways to bring him onto the path but always their son resisted and harboured antipathy and disgust towards Ananda Marga. Anyone who was around Kota those days can attest to this.

In summary, there are two major flaws:
– First, this is a wrong account. Baba never gave such a reply. More about this is written below
– Second, the teaching of the story is wholly against Ananda Marga ideology as we do not believe in fate or predestination etc.

HOW THIS STORY CAME TO LIFE

To begin we can say that this story is fake and off the mark in two basic ways:

#1: Baba never gave such a statement that Wts are determined at the time of birth. Just the margii was thinking out loud and affected by Hindu dogma. So this story is only half-correct. It is true that Shrii Tej Karan Sharma brought his son to Baba and posed such a question. It is 100% false that Baba gave such a reply. That did not happen

#2: The story is ideologically off the mark. Ananda Marga philosophy does not subscribe to fatalistic arguments etc.

So the question is how did this story come to life. It is obviously wrong – such an exchange never transpired. Baba Himself would never make such a statement that Wts are decided at the time of birth. So how did this story come to be.

In brief, Shrii Tej Karan Sharma had his own preconceptions and he wanted his son to become a Wt and certainly brought his son to Baba. And he raised this matter with Baba, however, Baba remained quiet. Due to his own Hindu upbringing, Shrii Tej Karan Sharma interpreted Baba’s non-reply to mean that from the time of birth his son was not destined to be a Wt. That is the prevailing Hindu dogma – i.e. that everything is decided ahead of time and one need not exert effort. So when Tej Karan Sharma returned back with his son he expressed his frustration to his friends by saying that everything is decided ahead of time. Then those people twisted the story by stating that Baba directly told that Wts are decided at the time of birth.

Finally, when certain Wts heard this story they thought that such a story speaks to their own greatness. So they safeguarded this story and kept it as a treasure in their collection. That is exactly what Dada Maheshvarananda has done and that is how and why this tiny, dogmatic story entered his collection.

All in all we can say that this story is a half-truth. Shrii Tej Karan Sharma exists and he brought his son to Baba and inquired about making him a Wt, but Baba did not give that reply.

WHY THE STORY IS BOGUS

So the above story goes against the fundamentals of Ananda Marga philosophy and here is more about that.

(a) Example of Kalicharan: The first person Baba initiated into Ananda Marga was the notorious robber and murderer, Kalicharan Bandopadyaya – who became a great sadhaka and devotee of the Lord. Here Baba is clearly showing us and putting forth the example that anybody can become great. All have the potential to lead a dharmic life. All that is needed is right ideation and right action. So there is no question that Wts are determined at the time of birth, which leads us into this next point.

In Ananda Marga, Baba has given the guideline for everyone to positively engage and lead an active, revolutionary life from darkness to light.

(b) Creation of WT’s: Baba Himself encouraged everyone to create Wts. In reportings, Baba placed huge emphasis and targets on the creation Wts. Baba would verily ask, “How many Wts have you created?” He wanted us to make anyone into Wt by inspiring them on the path of sadhana and service. This clearly shows that Wts are not decided at the time of birth, as the above bogus story asserts. So this above story goes against the working style and ethic of Ananda Marga. It puts forth a negative and dogmatic teaching.

(c) Education: In Ananda Marga we believe in making a comprehensive primary school education system to train and guide those young minds to grow and develop in a dharmic way. This is further proof that we do not give any credence to the false idea that everything is decided at the time of birth. Rather, Baba’s standard guideline is to do great things and transform your life and those around you – implement dharmic ideals throughout the society and inspire people to enter onto the path of sadhana.

(d) Karma Vada: Baba’s teaching is to do great actions and not wait for life to unfold or sit back relying on fate. Yet the above story gives the idea that everything in life – including becoming a Wt – is determined by fate, i.e. at the time of one’s birth. By this psychology, one need not do anything except sit around and wait for the inevitable to unfold. Certainly Baba never espouses this type of lethargic and fatalistic mentality. Rather His guideline is to be vigorously active and do, do, do. That is the spirit of His karma vada.

(e) Fate / Predestination: Those who fall prey to the dogma of fate and predestination believe that everything in life is arranged ahead of time – according to one’s birth etc. In this way everything is fixed and there is nothing one can do about it. This gives way to a lethargic and fatalistic outlook in life where people feel that they need not to do anything. Such an indolent dogmatic approach has nothing to do with the word and spirit of Ananda Marga teachings.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

As the Sadguru, there is no difference between Baba’s words and actions. What Baba preaches He does; what He says He does. If we accept as true what He supposedly told Shrii Tej Karan Sharma – i.e. that Wts are determined and made by their birth, then why did Baba tell people to create Wts. What was the need to give such an order to create when Wts are determind by their birth. In that case, nature will make Wts; such persons will automatically join Ananda Marga and become Wts. So then why the need to create Wts. If we accept this story as true, then there is no need to do anything. Obviously, Baba never made such a statement.

Ananda Marga does not support the idea that everything is pre-ordained as that goes against our tantric philosophy. Those communities that think that everything is pre-ordained do not do anything. In contrast, in Ananda Marga, everyone is taught to do this, to do that, to do pracara, to do sadhana, to do, do, do. That is why it is ludicrous to give credence to the notion that everything, including becoming Wt, is determined at birth. Under that pretense, it would be hypocritical to tell anyone to create a Wt.

By all these examples & guidelines, it is very clear that the above story is fake as it goes against the principles, core values, and fundamentals of Ananda Marga ideology.

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Ashutosha

Read Full Post »

RE: HOW SHUDRAS ARE BRAINWASHED

== RE: HOW SHUDRAS ARE BRAINWASHED ==

~ Part 2 ~

Namaskar,
Those aware about the teachings of Prout are keenly aware about the avaricious and exploitative approach of big capitalists. In countless discourses, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has exposed the blood-sucking ways of those vaeshyan leaders [wealthy businessman]. Here, we are referring to those top-most corporate heads who lead business enterprises and exploit the common people. Through their own greedy mind-set, they resort to psychic exploitation to manipulate the masses.

“In straightforward language it can be said the main goal of capitalists is to draw more and more blood from the common mass, i.e. to make money off of the efforts of others. In this regard, the greed and devouring approach of such capitalists knows no bounds. Their main strategy is to create a group of employees and manipulate them into working night and day. Then those bosses keep all profits for themselves. This is essentially what top vaeshyas aim to do. Hard-working and dutiful employees get virtually nothing for all their sweat and blood. Instead, all the cream goes to those top company executives – i.e. those blood-sucking capitalists. That is the chief characteristic of the vaeshyan era – the top people gain control over most of the money while countless others do all the work.”

Indeed, capitalist psychic exploitation is being carried out at a ghastly pace and the chief underlying factor is that they have molded the minds of the common people. Various labour unions have put up big battles against these capitalist forces, but in the height of this vaeshyan era, the capitalists have won, temporarily. That means for the time being they have brainwashed the majority of the public – i.e. their employees are ready to respond to their every beckon and call. Those top company executives get what they want done with the willing help of their exploited employees, i.e. shudras.

And more about their brainwashing techniques is described below.

AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT OF HUMANITY

As Proutists, as Ananda Margiis, and as citizens, we should know that the days of the capitalists reign are numbered. They will not be in power forever. Such capitalists have gone against the fundamental right of humanity. This entire creation is the property of Parama Purusa , and we are all His children; thus the wealth of this universe is the common patrimony of all. By this God-centered, spiritual outlook every human being has equal right to the moveable and immoveable property of this universe. As soon as people become critically aware of this right, the days of capitalist rule will be in peril.

Already, there is a section of the workforce in the capitalist system that is aware of vaeshyan exploitation. These conscious labourers, known as vikśubdha shúdras, try mightily to raise the call and put an end to capitalist exploitation. Now they are too few in number, so the capitalist system carries on. However, soon that will change.

Certainly most Ananda Margiis are acutely aware of the exploitative measures taken by those company leaders. The main approach is that more consciousness raising and awareness is needed in the public sector. And that will come: The people are feeling the squeeze of capitalist exploitation and it will not be long before they search for answers.

THEIR APPROACH OF BRAINWASHING

Unfortunately, as it stands now, a major section of the workforce gets spoon-fed the idea that their company is their well-wisher and friend – that the company is their family. So at first the capitalist enterprise tries to purchase their employees by giving them a small amount of money. Then those capitalist executives inject brainwashing strategies in order maximize employee output and extract tremendous profits from them.

For example, during the holidays and weekends, companies organise various types of “fun” gatherings like picnics and seminars etc whereby the employees pass even their leisure time under the “protective care” of the company. They even take family vacations with their company. The whole point being that employees are led to believe that the company is actually their family. Once this idea gets set in the mind, those employees will walk to the ends of the earth to get the job done for their cherished company.

Company executives get into the mind-set of their employees and by this way drive them to exponentially increase their work. Such employees get so stressed out that they lose their perspective. Those suffering employees get convinced into thinking that their status will be enhanced by making the company more successful. This is another aspect of the brainwashing going on.

In this way, capitalist exploiters exponentially advance their income and increase profits for every employee they hire. They pay the employees 1x amount and from that employee’s work those capitalist make 10x, 50x, 100x or more. When you multiply that by each and every employee, it is quite evident that huge money is going into the bank accounts of those company leaders. All done by psychically exploiting their work-force.

Actually such employees are so brainwashed that they are not shocked or dismayed by this. Rather they glorify their company and pay tribute to and worship the top capitalists of the world. How does this happen? Capitalist opportunists appease and lure their employees by brainwashing them.

To reverse this situation, the activities of labour movements must be supported and more consciousness raising programs are needed to create more vikśubdha shúdras. Actually, with every passing day, more and more a looking for a viable alternative. So the ground is becoming more fertile.

LIKE THE MASTER AND HIS DOG

Altogether, the current situation is just like one master who had a dog. After taking a huge voracious meal the master is fed like a king. If he eats one more morsel he will burp – or worse. In that bloated state, the master feeds a few small leftover scraps to the dog and the dog is forever grateful.

Such is the situation nowadays. Top capitalists garner huge profits while the vast majority of employees in the general society are exploited to the bone. Those employees eat, sleep, & dream about their work. Even on Saturdays and Sundays they get called into work and put in lots of overtime hours that never get clocked. In this way they maintain an arduous work schedule yet earn comparatively nothing in return.

They are so brainwashed that they think the company is their benefactor. So when they get a “bonus” they become thrilled as if that is really something great. When in fact from their efforts their employers make huge profits that are piled to the sky. As an afterthought those big bosses half-heartedly toss a few copper coins in the direction of their employees. By this tactic, those capitalists get renewed vigor, commitment and faith from their employees. All because those employees have become psychically crippled by their bosses.

This is the way the situation is going on these days. All because much of the the general public is unaware and in their ignorance they revere those capitalists and are ready to do anything for them.

However, in this present hour, the number of vikśubdha shúdras is growing as more are becoming aware of the exploitative methods of such capitalists. As soon as the common people become aware of their rights, a critical mass will be reached, and they will not sit and watch capitalists hoard all the wealth. Rather they will be primed to jump into action and pay heed to the calls of “No more capitalist exploitation – All have the right to the wealth of the universe.”

MULTI-STEP APPROACH

To overcome the grip of the current vaeshyan model a few things are needed. People must be made aware of their rights; they must gain a keen awareness of capitalist exploitation; they must become vikśubdha shúdras. Then, there will be the requisite momentum to cohesively advance a Proutistic economic system based on the cooperative model.

COOPERATIVES: THE PROUTISTIC ALTERNATIVE

Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has given the teachings of Prout, including the cooperative system. In the capitalist structure, the over-accumulation of wealth is the aim of top business executives; they want to hoard all the money. Whereas, in the cooperative model, the fair-minded earnings of the collective are rationally divided between all participants.

Prout theory states, “The total profit of such co-operatives should be distributed amongst the workers and members of the co-operative according to their individual capital investment in the cooperative and to the service they render to the production and management of the co-operative.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 14, p.46)

Thus, as Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar describes above, in the cooperative system the profits are shared based on the merit system – but all are guaranteed enough funds for the necessities of life. In that way, all members of the cooperative earn a fair portion based on their investment and work ethic. This is one of the revolutionary qualities of the cooperative model.

CAPITALISTS ARE ANTI-PROUT

In a nutshell, it can be said that capitalists operate in a manner that is 100% contrary to the ways of Prout because those bosses are driven by their extreme selfish desire to pocket huge amounts of money – all the while manipulating and exploiting those doing the work.

In a phrase the capitalist model is profit-motive. Everything and anything is justified by that bottom line. In contrast, Prout is based on the service motive where the economy is consumption based.

So capitalist appraoch is only fueled by owners making more money – at any cost; and, the Proutistic model is for the service and well-being of society. They are diametrically opposite to one another.

More about this striking difference is discussed in various discourses like: Economic Dynamics, Talks on Prout, Decentralized Economy – 1, Socio-Economic Movements, etc.

COOPERATIVES BASED ON COORDINATED COOPERATION

The Proutistic model is entirely different. By awakening the masses and creating more vikśubdha shúdras, we will soon be able to implement the cooperative model.

MORE TEACHINGS ON THE COOPERATIVE MODEL

Here below Shrii Sarkar is furthermore telling about the special benefits of Proutistic cooperatives.

“Through the co-operative system human society will progress with accelerating speed.” (Proutist Economics)

“Co-operatives will greatly assist in psychic and spiritual advancement.” (Proutist Economics)

“PROUT supports the implementation of the co-operative system. Its inner spirit is one of coordinated co-operation, for only that can ensure the healthy, integrated progress of humanity. The co-operative system is essential to establish complete and everlasting unity amongst the human race. People should work to enjoy sweeter fruits by establishing the co-operative system.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 14, p. 40)

PROUT GUIDELINE:

EVERYTHING IS THE COMMON PATRIMONY OF ALL

Here is Prout’s comprehensive call for all to embrace their rights and put an end to capitalism, and establish the ways of Prout.

“None of the movable or immovable property of this universe belongs to any particular individual; everything is the common patrimony of all, and the Father of all is Brahma. All living beings can enjoy their rightful share of this property, like members of a joint family in the Dáyabhága system. As members of a joint family, human beings should safeguard this common property in a befitting manner and utilize it properly. They should also make proper arrangements so that everyone can enjoy it with equal rights, ensuring that all have the minimum requirements of life to enable them to live in a healthy body with a sound mind.” (Problems of the Day, Point #1)

The following Prout principle from Ananda Sutram highlights how surplus wealth should be distributed.

Atiriktaḿ pradátavyaḿ guńánupátena (5-10)

[The surplus wealth should be distributed among meritorious people according to the degree of their merit.]

“Purport: After meeting the minimum requirements of all in any age, the surplus wealth will have to be distributed among meritorious people according to the degree of their merit. In an age when a bicycle is the minimum requirement for common people, a motor vehicle is necessary for a physician. In recognition of people’s merit, and to provide the meritorious with greater opportunities to serve the society, they have to be provided with motor vehicles. The dictum “Serve according to your capacity and earn according to your necessity” sounds pleasing, but will yield no results in the hard soil of the earth.” (Ananda Sutram)

As members of this universal human family, everyone must abide by the tenet that the wealth of this manifested universe belongs to Parama Purusa, and all are His children, so the wealth should be shared rationally amongst all. There must not be scope for people to get caught up in capitalistic tendencies.

“We must not forget, even for a single moment, that the entire animate world is a vast joint family. Nature has not assigned any portion of this property to any particular individual…When the entire wealth of the universe is the common patrimony of all living beings, can the system in which some roll in luxury, while others, deprived of a morsel of food, shrivel up and starve to death bit by bit, be said to have the support of dharma?”
“In a joint family every member is provided with adequate food, clothing, education and medical treatment, and amenities, as per their individual needs, according to the financial capacity of the entire family. If, however, any member of the family appropriates more grains, clothes, books or medicines than he or she requires, will that person not be the cause of distress to other members of the family? In such circumstances his or her actions will be certainly against dharma – certainly antisocial.”
“Similarly, the capitalists of this modern world are anti-dharma, or antisocial, creatures. To accumulate massive wealth, they reduce others to skin and bones gnawed by hunger and force them to die of starvation; to dazzle people with the glamour of their garments, they compel others to wear rags; and to increase their own vital strength, they suck dry the vital juice of others.”
“A member of a joint family cannot be called a social being if he or she does not possess the sentiment of oneness with the other members, or if he or she does not want to accept the lofty ideal of joint rights and the principle of rationality…” (Problems of the Day, Point #1)

CURING CAPITALISTS OF THEIR DISEASE

“A little while ago I said that all crude objects of enjoyment are limited in nature, and thus their accumulation by any one individual is not desirable. Let everybody enjoy as much of the subtle psychic world as they can – let them accumulate as many psychic and spiritual resources as they want – but there must be provision for the application of force if needed to prevent any one individual from accumulating excessive physical resources. The application of physical force will, no doubt, deprive people of some of the wealth they have accumulated or decrease their opportunities to accumulate physical wealth in the future. But it is certainly not impossible, through proper education, to transform people’s desire for material pleasure into a desire for psychic pabula. (In fact, the desire for physical or psychic pabula “springs from innate psychic longings. The desires of the crude mind are easily satisfied.” However, I object to calling the desires of the crude mind pure psychic longings.) This type of education is essential in society today.”
“Such an approach does not deny the world, as do impractical idealists, nor does it attempt to suppress the higher propensities of the human mind, as do materialists.”
“Unless people’s propensities are directed towards subtle forms of expression, their minds tend to get enmeshed in thoughts of petty enjoyment. People who portray themselves as saviours of humanity and espouse high-sounding philosophies from public platforms at the tops of their voices, while at the same time nourishing within themselves the worms of self-interest, can, in any weak moment, deceive the naive public. This is a perfectly natural thing for them to do. Those who want to build a society based on human welfare without first developing themselves fully through spiritual practices, will not only degrade themselves, they will also cause the degeneration of the whole of society. They will not even be able to trust the people with whom they are working. They may initially try to develop their own capacity in order to attain positions of leadership, but eventually their sole aim will be to dominate others instead of developing themselves. When they realize from bitter experience that it is not possible to utilize the society as a vehicle for establishing their group or party supremacy, or when the suppressed masses rise up and revolt, the evil tendency to suppress the people will certainly awaken in them.” (Human Society – 1, Social Justice)

MORE PROUTISTIC TEACHINGS ABOUT CAPITALISTS

(A) Here below Prout teachings outline the key role that vikśubdha shúdras play and why their presence is so vital.

“In a capitalistic social system or in a democratic structure the situation of middle-class people (the vikśubdha shúdras) is generally miserable. This is because they are the greatest critics of capitalism and the strongest opponents of exploitation. An increase in the number of vikśubdha shúdras in a society is an early omen of a possible shúdra revolution. It is therefore the duty of those who want to create a world free of exploitation to help to increase the number of vikśubdha shúdras. It will be harmful for the revolution if these people die or are transformed into shúdra-minded shúdras. All the sadvipras in the world should be vigilant to make sure that the number of vikśubdha shúdras does not decrease due to unemployment, birth control, or other bad practices or policies.” (Human Society – 2, Shúdra Revolution and Sadvipra Society)

(B) In this next teaching, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar guides us that capitalists will stay in power for a long, long time – until that key moment arrives when there is a rise in mass awareness. That moment is soon to be upon us – we should ready the soil.

“Vaeshyas [wealthy businessman] believe that only a few people can accumulate material wealth, depriving the rest. Thus there will always be only a few vaeshyas, while those who are the objects and tools of their exploitation form the majority. Like exploited beasts of burden which carry bags of sugar, in their crippled state of mind the majority feel that they do not have the right to taste the sweetness. This feeling is the greatest ally of the vaeshyas, so directly or indirectly they always try to nurture this type of feeling in the minds of the majority. Consequently they propagate various types of isms and ethereal theories with the help of the vipras in their pay whom they have reduced to the level of shúdras. When the majority, unable to tolerate this exploitation any longer or find any other way out, desperately leap into action, the Vaeshya Age comes to an end. But it takes a long time for downtrodden people to understand that the vaeshyas are the parasites of society. Hence thorough preparation is required to end the Vaeshya Age.” (Human Society – 2, The Vaeshya Age)

(C) Here Prout philosophy points out how in the height of the vaeshyan era all others get reduced to the status of shudra – all are exploited.

“The vaeshyas increase their wealth by buying the back-breaking labour of the shúdras, the powerful personalities of the kśatriyas, and the intellect of the vipras, according to their needs. The shúdras, just like beasts, sell their physical labour in exchange for mere subsistence. Because they sell their labour, society survives and moves ahead. The powerful personalities of the kśatriyas build and maintain the social structure with the labour extracted from the shúdras. Through their intellect the vipras utilize the personal force of the kśatriyas, and through their money and capitalistic mentality the vaeshyas utilize the vipras’ intellect to increase their wealth.”
“The vaeshyas do not confront any social problem directly. Just as they buy the labour of the shúdras, the personal force of the kśatriyas and the intellect of the vipras with money, so they endeavour to solve all social problems with money. They do not win victory on the battlefield; they buy it with money. In poverty-stricken democratic countries they buy votes. As they accomplish everything with money, their vital force comes from money. They therefore take all sorts of risks in life to accumulate money. For money they can sacrifice their conscience, their sense of good and bad, right and wrong, at any moment. So in order to save the exploited shúdras, kśatriyas and vipras from the vaeshyas, money, which is the source of all their power, has to be taken out of their hands.” (Human Society – 2, The Vaeshya Age)

WHO IS SHUDRA

Throughout His Proutistic teachings, Baba has discussed the mind-set of those who get exploited by capitalist in the height of the vaeshayan era. Those who give way to this mentality are verily shudras. Unfortunately, now in the early part of this 21st century, many fall in this category.

“Shúdras live only for physical enjoyment. They neither bother about ideology nor give any value to rationality. Of the three aspects of time – past, present and future – they think only about the present. They have neither the time nor the inclination to think about the past or the future. Religion, spirituality and a genuine social system have no significance for them…”
“Shúdras are always sleeping. They can perform work only if someone wakes them up. Once the work is done, they go back to sleep. In order to maintain the cáturvarńika (i.e. shudra, ksatriya, vipra, & vaeshya) social system, some work will have to be taken from the shúdras. Consciousness should be developed among shúdras in order to protect them from the inhuman greed of the vaeshyas. (All non-vaeshyas slip into shúdra-hood on the eve of a shúdra revolution.)” (Humans Society – 2, The Kśatriya Age)

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Pradiip

NOTE 1: SIMPLE DEFINITIONS OF SHUDRA AND VAESHYA

Shudra: Those who are busy thinking about their bread and butter and do not have space to think about anything else – just their material existence.

Vaeshya: Wealthy businessman.

NOTE 2: FOR MORE INFORMATION

This entire letter is based on the teachings of Prout. Those who wish to know more about this topic should reference the various discourses on Proutist economic policies, or write in with your queries.

NOTE 3: SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Please write-in detailing what you have seen with regards to the psychic exploitation of the masses by those capitalists. What strategies have you seem them do to befool and brainwash their employees.

Read Full Post »

WELL-WRITTEN BABA STORY OF RANCHI DAYS

Baba

== WELL-WRITTEN BABA STORY OF RANCHI DAYS ==

Namaskar,
The following is a well-written, devotional portrayal that stands as an excellent example of how a Baba story should be presented. The writer has beautifully described the scene and wonderfully depicted the spiritual vibration of those days with Baba. It is an inspiring account.

I was also present in Ranchi on many occasions those days and can attest to the veracity of this story. Everything the writer has described is 100% accurate. What is expressed is not an exaggeration; nor is there a hint of hyperbole. The below story is a proper depiction of what took place.

All in all, this story rekindled my own sweet and blissful memories of being with Baba in Ranchi. It made me remember those devotional times of longing for Him and running after Baba’s car on the dusty road. That was so blissful. I vividly recall attending and participating in those sadhana demonstrations, receiving his blessing, having His divine proximity, getting personal contact, attending general darshana, watching and seeing Him on a daily basis, and receiving His grace, as well as so many other auspicious occasions with Baba etc. After reading this following story, everything became fresh and alive. I cannot forget how His mere presence was enough to bring one into the height of spiritual joy and realisation. There was so much love and devotional longing in the air. This story captures that feeling.

That is why we should embrace and emulate those who can write a proper and spiritually-vibrating Baba story. One such writer is Shrii Ram Kumar ji – a very good devotee with strong literary skills. In the 1960’s, he was the publisher of the Hindi magazine, Ananda Du’ta. That was one of the first magazines and he published many devotional and inspiring stories.

This below account also neatly captures the essence of what it was like to be with Baba back in those Ranchi days. Our respects and appreciation to the unknown author and to Dada Maheshvaranandji who included this Baba story in his collection for distribution. Read and enjoy!

MEMORIES OF THE YEAR OF DEMONSTRATIONS
The period 1969-1970 was a very special year for Ananda Marga. It was called “the year of demonstrations”. During this time Baba demonstrated and explained many different spiritual powers and different samadhis. Again and again He told us that these powers are higher mental and spiritual states, and are not at all “supernatural or miraculous”; they are perfectly natural, but they are so rare that people are in awe of them. Again and again Baba told us that our aim is Parama Purusa (Supreme Lord), and that if we desire occult powers, our downfall is certain. Those were the days that no one who was present can ever forget. I had recently come to India, and by long and intense meditation, my eyes were being opened to the greatness of Baba. What I saw and experienced changed my life completely.

At that time, the central office of Ananda Marga, where Baba stayed and directed its entire operation, was in a small town in Northern India called Ranchi. The Ananda Marga “world headquarters” was a small, concrete-block building with about five rooms. To me it looked like a dilapidated little shack, and at first I was shocked inside at its simplicity. It was only gradually, as I did more and more meditation that I was able to realize that the greatness of Ananda Marga did not lie in external trappings of showy prosperity. It lay in the hearts of the Margis, burning with divine love and the indefatigable desire to serve humanity. I realized that the great movements of history have all started like this – not with buildings but with an idea – not with external glamour but with the invisible internal dynamism of its members.

About three-fourths of a mile down a narrow dirt road, that was impassibly muddy during the rainy season, was the jagriti and the Ananda Marga School, where Baba came twice a day to give His discourses and hold His demonstrations. Even as I write about this now, almost seven years later, there is a deep stirring in my heart because those were the deepest experiences of my life. In those days, I was born again. I was irrevocably changed. I felt completely and totally in love fore the first time in my life. Not human love –which compared to this seemed shallow and wavering. But the love that pours into and out of every cell of your body, the kind of love that sometimes feels like rock inside, so solid that nothing – not doubts or fear or pain – can budge it. This love Baba gave me, most undeserving me, who every day as I rode silently to the jagriti on the rickshaw, thought over and over to myself, “Why me, what did I do to deserve this? There must be some mistake!” Twice a day, at about noon, and again about 6:00 pm in the evening, Baba would come to the jagriti for His discourses. The jagriti was a large brick building; inside was a spacious dirt-floored hall with a stage in the front where the large Sunday morning discourses were held. Margis from all the neighboring town and villages would attend the Sunday discourses. There were several smaller rooms that still shine in my memory as one of the most special places on this entire planet. There was a little room about four squares meters in size, with one or two windows and a wooden cot in the front covered by a blanket. Down the path alongside the building, past that little room, Baba used to walk, protected from the burning Indian sun by his bodyguard, dressed in crisp khaki uniform, walking beside Him and holding a black umbrella over His head. Baba’s clothes always seemed so white, whiter than any white I had ever seen before. His white figure was so radiant that sometime my eyes could hardly see due to its brightness. How strange it was that just the sight of that small man walking slowly with measured steps under the umbrella down that corridor would burst my heart with joy and flood tears into my eyes – and make me freeze motionless as tremendous spiritual waves engulfed me, and I could not move or think – only dissolve in bliss.

When Baba had sat down on the bed, various persons were called into the room for personal contact. There was a long list of devotees each day, and the rest of us waited anxiously outside the room, talking softly about Baba or doing meditation. There were different people there every day. The dadas and didis who had come from distant parts of India to report to central headquarters and were now coming to see Baba, just as a calf, frolicking in the meadows all day must return from time to time to its mother to drink deep of her nourishment. There were Margis from different parts of the country and even from Nepal who took special leave from their jobs and packed their whole family into the crowded Indian trains to sit at Baba’s feet for a few days and gain the inspiration and strength to return home and set an example for all the worldly people they came in contact with. There were the local Margis who used to come every day, at lunch and after work, to see their Baba. Then there were the central workers who sometimes were able to take time out from their work and visit the One they were working ceaselessly and tirelessly for. I remember once, one very devoted Didi had come for several days in a row to see Baba, and when He heard that she was again outside, He pretended anger and said, “What! She is here again? Doesn’t she have any work to do?” and so she swallowed her devotion – what a lump in the throat – and returned to her work.

In that small room, as we all (only about twenty of us then) sat crowded and motionless before Baba, there was a vibration unlike any I have felt before or after. When Baba paused, it was so silent you could hear your heart beat, and even on dark and cloudy days it seemed as if a brilliant radiance filled the room. When I sat before Baba I had a deep feeling that I am at a loss to explain. I felt as if I were sitting in infinity. As if all space had dropped away from around me, as if all time had disappeared; the past was forgotten and the future did not exist. I was sitting on the eternal present, bathed in an indescribable peace and happiness. It was as if I had always been there, and would always remain there, and everything else was a flickering dream that had disappeared like the colors and sounds of firecrackers falling from the sky. The feelings I have for Baba are too deep to flow out of the pen. You who have felt, know. You who have not felt, will one day feel, and then you will know that it is this you have been waiting for all your life, all your lives.

As we watched in awe, Baba would perform one amazing demonstration after another, describing each one like a science professor in a laboratory. First, though, Baba would become very serious and scan the whole room, looking at all of us – probably seeing our mental colors to see if we were in a sufficiently sensitive spiritual state to appreciate his deep teaching. Then He would say sternly, “Sit in a proper asana!” and everyone would snap their backs up straight. Then Baba called a devotee to come forward and sit in front of Him and say, “Sit in padmasana and do meditation.” After a few moments Baba would reach down and hold the devotee on the back of the neck, just at the base of his brain, where the spinal cord enters the all-knowing mind, which knows past, present and future. By His touch He was awakening that devotee’s deepest layers of the mind, and through that devotee, usually, Baba would perform the demonstration.

In this way it was clearly shown that it was only Baba Himself who could have infinite knowledge and infinite powers, and that He could awaken them in people by His grace. The words He spoke about Parama Purusa, about divine love, about unity and divinity of all beings – sank deep into my heart like a sound vibrating in a deep well and I felt as if He were speaking my own heart’s echo. There were hundreds of demonstrations in those days – every morning and evening for months, but often no record was kept of them. Who felt like writing anything in Baba’s presence, in His powerful vibration. In fact many people present did not even see or hear these demonstrations – the spiritual energy in the room was so high they just closed their eyes and were lost in deep meditation, until they felt someone pulling at them to stand up as Baba was leaving the room. Often the next day Baba would ask a devotee to describe what he/she had learnt the day before, and the devotee would smile embarrassedly and answer, “I don’t know, Baba.” And Baba would laugh and say, ‘Never mind, never mind, sit down, sit down, he did not see! All right, who can tell..…”

Fortunately during one period Baba asked one dada to take notes and keep a record of the demonstrations. After the demonstrations were over, Baba would arise from the wooden cot and, doing namaskar to everyone, slowly walk out of the room. Everyone would rush to help Him as he walked through the door. Sometimes He would pause a little and look into the eyes of a devotee whose face was gleaming with spiritual purity and love. Baba would look at the devotee with His look of love and say simply, “Tum kaesa ho..(how are you)” or perhaps pinch the devotee gently on the cheek like a father pinches his child. But these simple words and that simple affectionate touch conveyed tremendous spiritual blessings, and afterwards you could see light radiating from the head of that devotee. He had been transformed by Baba’s touch, by Baba’s love.

After Baba had left to do His noon sadhana and take His lunch, usually we would all sit for meditation because the spiritual waves were so strong no one could move. Sometimes as I left that holy place, as I gradually returned to normal consciousness, I would look around me at that little room in that old brick building with lumpy dirt floor at the end of a narrow dirt road in one of the smallest cities in one of the poorest countries in the world, and feel like I was in the nucleus of the universe. I used to laugh aloud and think of the wonder of it all – in this insignificant little corner of the world, the greatest miracles on the planet were being performed! Here in this plain little room tremendous forces were being unleashed and harnessed, unknown and deep mysterious knowledge was being revealed, and hearts and lives were being changed irrevocably. All this by drops of grace of our Baba!

Note: Here concludes the story from Dada Maheshvaranandji’s collection.

At His lotus feet,
Anand

Read Full Post »

How Shudras Are Brainwashed

== HOW SHUDRAS ARE BRAINWAHED ==

Namaskar,
The last few years we have seen the pillars of capitalism soften, decay, and nearly crumble. Now the demerits and defects of capitalism seem “obvious” and “clear” to the common people. Even then many still suffer from the ways and strategies outlined below. Few can conceive that something else can work other than capitalism.

Here is one angle of how capitalism got where it is today.

ANANDA MARGIIS ARE AWARE

Every Ananda Margii knows that Baba has given the teachings of the social cycle and that now in this present era we have reached the height of vaeshyan exploitation. The ill effects of this era are rampant and can be seen everywhere. From commercial billboards to the buying and selling of water, air etc, the extreme capitalist presence is quite palpable. Tomorrow we may even awaken to find that one company is selling gravity itself. The whole point being that the rapacious capitalist exploiters are on the prowl. And to achieve their ends they inject numerous types of complexes upon their employees in order to maximize profits. In short, they want more money for themselves.

CAPITALIST COMPANY OUTLOOK

In straightforward language it can be said the main goal of capitalists is to draw more and more blood from the common mass, i.e. to make money off of the efforts of others. In this regard, the greed and devouring approach of such capitalists knows no bounds. Their main strategy is to create a group of employees and manipulate them into working night and day. Then those bosses keep all profits for themselves. This is essentially what top vaeshyas aim to do. Hard-working and dutiful employees get virtually nothing for their all their sweat and blood. Instead, all the cream goes to those top company executives – i.e. those blood-sucking capitalists. That is the chief characteristic of the vaeshyan era – the top people gain control over most of the money while countless others do all the work.

PROUTISTIC OUTLOOK

In contrast, in our God-centered Prout system, there is no single key person who is the owner. Rather the employees themselves are owners. So however hard they work and to whatever degree they are successful, they themselves reap the benefits of their labour. In turn, they must not exploit others and they must abide by all Proutistic principles. The basic idea is that the “employees”, or, more precisely, the members of the co-op, get the direct benefit of their own output. This is part and parcel of Prout’s cooperative system.

BRAINWASHING TECHNIQUE

But in the present day company system, the employees do not get anything. Instead the owners plot & invent strategies how to give them as little as possible and at the same time get the maximum in return. This is the negative mentality of those capitalist owners. And they achieve their ends by imposing a manipulative outlook upon their employees. Here is how that works.

Even though top capitalists are wreaking havoc in the lives of their employees, those same capitalists have simultaneously convinced, nay brainwashed, many of their laborers to feel obligated and verily committed to the company. This is their cunning way of brainwashing “their people” – their employees. Those bosses reached the conclusion that without completely brainwashing their employees then those “hired hands” will not work 100%.

So at the height of capitalist exploitation, those owners have successfully brainwashed many of their employees. Certainly there are some labourers, especially labour leaders, who are keen to the exploitative methods of capitalist owners. Such conscious employees who possess the requisite awareness and fighting spirit are known as vikśubdha shúdras. They put forth sustained efforts to change the system. But until, there are a critical mass of vikśubdha shúdras, the capitalist modus operendi continues on. That is the state of affairs today.

Thus, when owners use psychological strategies to befool and brainwash their staff, many of those employees become completely committed and conjure up the mistaken idea in their mind that they are only surviving only due to the good graces of their capitalist employers – otherwise they’d be struggling to manage. Such employees feel fortunate to be in the hands of their employers. This is the way it works in this vaeshyan era. This is the main qualitative difference between capitalistic and non-capitalistic labor forces. The labor force in the capitalistic era feels grateful and indebted to their employer, i.e. the same employer that is exploiting them.

So, on the one side, those capitalist bosses are breaking the back of their employees by making them work at such a vicious pace whereby they eat, sleep, and dream about their jobs. And, on the other side, those employees are feeling completely committed to those very employers.

This is the harsh reality of many employees involved in the capitalist schema. In fast-paced, western materialistic nations – and in the east wherever materialism has taken root – and in our so-called developing nations, so many working a 40 hour work week breathe the company air and sing the song of their capitalist employers.

When they return home at night, they often continue to attend to their work duties: Checking email, fielding calls, sending tweets, reviewing reports etc. That is how employers have trained their employees in this digital era. All because they have become numb to their own existence – due to extreme work pressure and stressed out conditions at the hands of their capitalist employers.

Yet those employees feel faithful to their employers. In the end, after being devoured whole by their company boss, their leftover energy is goaded toward sexual desires by the film industry or they gossip, talk, and dream about their company. So the whole affair is rather sickly; for all practical purposes the large majority of employees have sold their souls to their bosses. Only those right-minded vikśubdha shúdras understand the deceptive and manipulative ways of those capitalists. But again, until awareness mounts and more vikśubdha shúdras are created, there is no recourse.

SELF-DENIAL AND JUSTIFICATION

Perhaps the saddest part is that so many of those innocent employees do not even recognise what is going on. And if you try to give them a little hint, those employees will defend the matter and state that they are being paid adequately or even handsomely by their employer. This is the extreme degree of their blindness. This is the level to which they have been brainwashed. It is like the syndrome of a battered wife who is willing to defend her abusive husband to the end of the earth. This is the way most employees operate – whether they are willing to admit it or not. And even the majority of those who “complain” about their jobs fall into this same category. Because when given the opportunity to quit and go elsewhere, they become nervous and hesitant to venture away from their employer. In that circumstance, those complainers say, “Actually, my job is not so bad”. Hence, from top to bottom, these capitalist exploiters have just about everyone under their control. That is why it is not easy to create vikśubdha shúdras.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT IN THESE PRESENT CONDITIONS

The only way out is to truly recognise that those employers are really bloodsuckers. This is evidenced when employees adamantly maintain the approach of not giving any little extra of themselves to those capitalist exploiters. That means that one must not “buy in” to the tricks and strategies of those big bosses. That means one must not become a tool in their hands. For most, this is nearly impossible as they are brainwashed to the core. As Ananda Margiis, even then we have to be extremely careful. It is not entirely uncommon for some to even stay home from dharmacakra under the excuse they have office work to do or that they are tired and need to rest up for the work week. By that way, one can judge how brainwashed anyone is. And like that there are thousands of ways how the negative qualities of the employer-employee relation sneaks into one’s own psyche.

So we all have to be careful and keep a keen eye on our own situation as well as those margii brothers and sisters around us– to ensure that we not get drawn into the deep waters of capitalist employer-employee relations. On this point I hope others will write and share their experiences.

MORE PROUTISTIC TEACHINGS ABOUT CAPITALISTS

(A) Here below Baba points out the key role that vikśubdha shúdras play and why their presence is so vital.

“In a capitalistic social system or in a democratic structure the situation of middle-class people (the vikśubdha shúdras) is generally miserable. This is because they are the greatest critics of capitalism and the strongest opponents of exploitation. An increase in the number of vikśubdha shúdras in a society is an early omen of a possible shúdra revolution. It is therefore the duty of those who want to create a world free of exploitation to help to increase the number of vikśubdha shúdras. It will be harmful for the revolution if these people die or are transformed into shúdra-minded shúdras. All the sadvipras in the world should be vigilant to make sure that the number of vikśubdha shúdras does not decrease due to unemployment, birth control, or other bad practices or policies.” (Human Society – 2, Shúdra Revolution and Sadvipra Society)

(B) In this next teaching, Baba guides us that capitalists will stay in power for a long, long time – until that key moment arrives when there is a rise in mass awareneness. That momment is soon to be upon us – we should ready the soil.

“Vaeshyas believe that only a few people can accumulate material wealth, depriving the rest. Thus there will always be only a few vaeshyas, while those who are the objects and tools of their exploitation form the majority. Like exploited beasts of burden which carry bags of sugar, in their crippled state of mind the majority feel that they do not have the right to taste the sweetness. This feeling is the greatest ally of the vaeshyas, so directly or indirectly they always try to nurture this type of feeling in the minds of the majority. Consequently they propagate various types of isms and ethereal theories with the help of the vipras in their pay whom they have reduced to the level of shúdras. When the majority, unable to tolerate this exploitation any longer or find any other way out, desperately leap into action, the Vaeshya Age comes to an end. But it takes a long time for downtrodden people to understand that the vaeshyas are the parasites of society. Hence thorough preparation is required to end the Vaeshya Age.”
(Human Society – 2, The Vaeshya Age)

(C) Here Baba points out how in the height of the vaeshyan all others get reduced to the status of shudra – all are exploited.

“The vaeshyas increase their wealth by buying the back-breaking labour of the shúdras, the powerful personalities of the kśatriyas, and the intellect of the vipras, according to their needs. The shúdras, just like beasts, sell their physical labour in exchange for mere subsistence. Because they sell their labour, society survives and moves ahead. The powerful personalities of the kśatriyas build and maintain the social structure with the labour extracted from the shúdras. Through their intellect the vipras utilize the personal force of the kśatriyas, and through their money and capitalistic mentality the vaeshyas utilize the vipras’ intellect to increase their wealth.”
“The vaeshyas do not confront any social problem directly. Just as they buy the labour of the shúdras, the personal force of the kśatriyas and the intellect of the vipras with money, so they endeavour to solve all social problems with money. They do not win victory on the battlefield; they buy it with money. In poverty-stricken democratic countries they buy votes. As they accomplish everything with money, their vital force comes from money. They therefore take all sorts of risks in life to accumulate money. For money they can sacrifice their conscience, their sense of good and bad, right and wrong, at any moment. So in order to save the exploited shúdras, kśatriyas and vipras from the vaeshyas, money, which is the source of all their power, has to be taken out of their hands.” (Human Society – 2, The Vaeshya Age)

PROUT IS THE PANACEA

By propagating the name and ideals of Prout, the day is not far when the cooperative system will come into vogue on this earth where workers will be recognised, respected and honoured for their human qualities and potentialities, and not just be pawns of big bosss capitalists.

“PROUT is the only panacea. The ideas of PROUT are spreading throughout the world. This new day is yours.” (Prout in Nutshell – 18)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Vinay

Note: WHO IS SHUDRA

Throughout His Proutistic teachings, Baba has discussed the mind-set of those who get exploited by capitalist in the height of the vaeshayan era. Those who give way to this mentality are verily shudras. Unfortunately, now in the early part of this 21st century, many fall in this category.

“Shúdras live only for physical enjoyment. They neither bother about ideology nor give any value to rationality. Of the three aspects of time – past, present and future – they think only about the present. They have neither the time nor the inclination to think about the past or the future. Religion, spirituality and a genuine social system have no significance for them…”
“Shúdras are always sleeping. They can perform work only if someone wakes them up. Once the work is done, they go back to sleep. In order to maintain the cáturvarńika (i.e. shudra, ksatriya, vipra, & vaeshya) social system, some work will have to be taken from the shúdras. Consciousness should be developed among shúdras in order to protect them from the inhuman greed of the vaeshyas. (All non-vaeshyas slip into shúdra-hood on the eve of a shúdra revolution.)” (Humans Society – 2, The Kśatriya Age)

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: Guru Always Helps… + …WT Trainees Arrested

Baba

BABA STORY:

GURU ALWAYS HELPS; PEOPLE CAN’T SEE

Namaskar,
Here is one special Baba story that depicts how Guru helps us always – in all kinds of ways, through various shapes and forms. Yet, side by side, it is also true that as His disciples we do not always recognise this.

ONE DADA LOSES AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT

One evening a dada, posted in Deoghar (Bihar), left the local jagrti to go to a margii’s house.

Dada was walking briskly down the street when a big gust of wind blew an important piece of paper from his hand. Dada was carrying a few important documents and now suddenly one was gone.

Dada looked around but did not see the paper. It was evening time and darkness was descending. He was looking up and down along the roadside but he did not see a hint of that paper anywhere.

A DOG STARTS BARKING

Suddenly he heard a dark barking from one spot. Dada looked toward the dog and shined his torch (flashlight). To his amazement the paper was on the ground right by the dog. Dadaji walked over to that spot and grabbed the paper. The dog began walking away and dada grabbed one stone and hurled it at the dog. The rock hit the dog and immediately the dog started crying and running away.

Dada continued on his way to the margii’s house that evening with all the important documents in hand.

Time passed.

BABA REPORTING SESSION

Fifteen days later dada went for reporting in front of Baba. There were approximately 20 Wts present. Baba was addressing various matters and giving instructions.

Then Parama Purusa Baba looked towards all of the workers and posed one query, “If someone helped you what would you do?”

One Wt told: “I would give my appreciation and say thanks.”

Baba cast His vision toward someone else and inquired, “And what would you do?”

That worker responded: “I would say thank you and remain ever grateful”.

Baba inquired to yet another person, “And what would you do?”

That worker said, “I would offer my gratitude and give him something sweet to eat as well”.

The wts gave an array of replies. Each time Baba nodded in approval.

Then Baba said, “You know there is one worker, and if somebody helps him then he throws a stone at them.”

Parama Purusa Baba motioned towards the dada in the room; the dada stood up.

Baba said, “Is that not true? Isn’t it that if someone helps you then you throw a stone at them.”

Silence. Dada did not understand; he did not know what he had done wrong.

Baba said, “Do you remember that 15 days ago that you lost your paper?”

“Yes Baba, I remember.”

Internally the dada was shocked that Baba knew about this.

Parama Purusa Baba said, “You lost an important paper?”

“Yes, Baba.”

“You were searching all around and not finding it?”

“Yes, Baba.”

“One dog started barking?”

“Yes, Baba.”

“Then you saw the paper next to the dog and the dog walked away. You threw a stone that hit the dog and the dog started crying and running away?”

“Yes, Baba.”

“Why did you throw the stone at the dog – unnecessarily. It was the dog that helped you find your important paper. You could not find it. So the dog barked; it was helping you. The dog was just doing its duty to help you find the paper. It was not going to bite you. Yet after you got your paper you threw a stone at the dog and hurt the dog.”

At this point the dada understood that he had done wrong by hurting the dog. And more than that, dada understood that Baba watches everything and always helps. He looked down toward the ground, with repentance in his heart. Dada was sorry he had thrown the rock at the dog, and astonished that he could not recognise that Baba had sent that dog as a messenger to help him. He vowed that from that day forward he would always remember that Baba is watching and helping 100% of the time.

PARAMA PURUSA IS ALWAYS WATCHING AND ALWAYS HELPING

By the above story, Baba is reminding and teaching us that He watches everything always. There is nothing that He does not see. In all situations and in all conditions He is there to help us.

Wherever you are, Parama Purusa sees what is happening and is always giving His support. His help might come in any number of ways or forms. In the above story, the form of a dog was sent as a messenger to help dada. Verily, Baba can help in countless ways – in whatever manner He wishes.

The day you were lost in the forest only to find your way home, Parama Purusa Baba was there watching and helping. The day you forgot your passport yet worked it out with the authorities, Baba was there watching and helping. The day your transportation broke down and someone offered you a ride, Baba was there watching and helping. In all kinds of ways – in all circumstances – Parama Purusa was there watching and helping.

So no one should ever think that they are alone or helpless. Always Parama Purusa Baba is there with His loving hand. This is true for both sadhakas and non-sadhakas. Everyone is His child – everyone is under His care and shelter.

The irony is that despite “knowing” this, people forget and can’t see how Baba is helping. That happened to dada in the above story; and it happens to most people most of the time.

BABA SEES EVERYTHING

As sadhakas we should always aim to keep it in the forefront of the mind that regardless of where we are or the time of day, Baba is there helping. If we think back, we can recognise many such cases, and indeed it is always true – from today up to eternity. It is not that before 1990 Baba was there helping and now He is not. Baba is not bound in this way. He is there watching and helping us across time and space – up to eternity.

“He is watching everything. He witnesses everything through His mental eyes. His inner eyes. He can do so because all dwell in His mind. He does not have any need for laokik eyes.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 6, The Thousand-Headed Puruśa)

Namaskar,
Divyacaksu

== VARANASII DISPUTE – WT TRAINEES ARRESTED ==

Namaskar,
In a recent land dispute, all our WT trainees from the Varanasi TC were arrested. That is the shocking news. Here is more about what happened.

One person Ram Ujagar (RU) donated some land to Ac Nigamananda Avt a long time ago. As Nigamanandji is now gone, Dada Rudrananda was under the impression that Dada Nigamanandji had given more money for more land. So Dada Rudrananda was thinking that Ram Ujagar was not giving all that was due; in which case, Ram Ujagar must compensate more land. This is the way Dada Rudranandji was thinking.

Ram Ujagar rejected Dada Rudrananda’s accusation and told that whatever land was promised was faithfully given, and that Dada Nigamanandji did not give money for more land. Ram Ujagar countered, “Show me the paper that Dada Nigamanandji purchased more land.” It was then that the clash started.

Ram Ujagar (RU) maintained and stood firm that Ananda Marga (AMPS) is already occupying the full extent of the land that was donated. Ram Ujagar declared, “I am not going to give more land – what you have is proper – that was the agreement.”

But Dada Rudrananada was displeased by the size of the parcel. Dada Rudrananda wanted more land. So he forcibly took steps to capture and encroach upon that land.

Dada Rudrananada ordered all wts of that area to capture the land by building a boundary wall in the darkness of the middle of the night. Ram Ujagar heard about this and called the police. In turn, the police threatened to arrest those workers who wanted to occupy the land without the proper papers or documentation. So everyone (all workers and trainees) left at midnight.

Sitting afar, Dada Rudrananda gave the order for those workers and trainees to continue the land protest. So after a few hours at 6am, all workers and trainees etc went back to occupy that land – once again arriving without the proper papers or land documentation. Again the police were called and this time they made several arrests. In-charge Dadas ran away and put those trainees in the line of fire. Thus our Wt trainees were arrested because they did not have a land paper. They had to spend time in jail, and ultimately they were bailed out of jail.

In review, while sitting from his distant place, Dada Rudrananda gave the order to all four WT trainees to occupy the land – as a means of protest to take over more of that property. Those innocent trainees followed the order. But Dada Rudrananda did not give them any proof of ownership – as he himself did not have the land papers for that land. Thus when the police were called and arrived on scene, they immediately asked for the papers. Then they arrested those trainees. All local margiis were very disappointed and upset: What was the need to protest and make attempts to capture that land when they did not have the proper papers and therefore did not have any legal authority.

FURTHER POINTS OF CONSIDERATION

Here are more points about this entire situation:

(1) This type of protest is a misuse of all WT trainees’ energy and potentiality. They have come to learn about Ananda Marga and bhagavad dharma and they should not be used as pawns for land capture cases. This is the wrong use of their enthusiasm and potentiality.

(2) As an organisation, Ananda Marga has so much land that there are not enough people to watch over the land that is legally in our control and ownership.

(3) It is ironic, how Dada Rudrananda and Co. wrongly sell off organisational properties to gain money, and now this same Dada Rudrananda is employing shady and illegal tactics to occupy land not owned by AMPS.

(4) In his style of “leadership”, Dada Rudrananda is sitting 50 miles way and ordering “drone attacks” in order to capture land parcels.

(5) Those who put trainees in harms way are counter or anti-sadvipra, including Dada Rudrananda.

(6) All in all, on many fronts, this incident sets a very bad precedent. Our trainees should be trained and taught the principles of universal human dharma and psycho-spiritual practices. That is why they have come to training centre. They should not be used as pawns in petty disputes and illegal maneuvers. This is the wrong use of their potentiality.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Ramesh Srivastava

Read Full Post »

RE: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT TIPS, BRIBES, GIFTS & SEVA ~ Part 2 ~

Baba

This entire email is composed of 2 parts:
(1) Posting: Re: What Do You Think About Tips, Bribes, Gifts & Seva;
(2) Reader Comment: Re: Depicting Baba In A Very Negative Way – Unfortunately;

Each of the above portions is separated by asterisks (*******)

== RE: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT TIPS, BRIBES, GIFTS & SEVA ==

~ Part 2 ~

Note: This is the second letter in this series; a link to the first letter has been appended below for your easy reference.

Namaskar,

“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…”

“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 you 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.”

This analysis is very good. Thanks for raising this important topic. Here I would like to share a story by one of my close friends who was there that time.

STORY OF GOENKA FAMILY TIPPING / BRIBING IN ANANDA NAGAR

COMMON MARGIIS COULD NOT GET FOOD

All along it has been my regular habit to give “healthy tips” to labourers and related personnel.

But I cannot forget one incident that took place in Ananda Nagar in the early 1990’s. Those days the Goenka and Agrawal families used to stay in the new Ananda Marga Institute of Technology (AMIT) building during DMS.

Accordingly, Dada Kalyaneshvaranandji used to arrange a special cook to prepare food for those staying at AMIT (Ananda Marga Institute of Technology).

For three days, during DMS, the cook was putting forth his entire effort to please the Goenka family. The cook would not listen to or give attention to anyone else, i.e. those not giving large amounts of money for those three days. This created problems for many during the DMS time. And some simple people were wondering why the cook would not even look their way. Then the answer became known to all.

The reason the cook would not help anyone else was that he was receiving Rs 400 as “Tip” from Goenka Dada at the end of DMS. Therefore, the cook was doing nothing else except trying to please the Goenka family. Yet, the cook had been employed to cook for all, as everyone staying at AMIT had paid a fee to the in-charge for meals etc. But the cook was only attending to Goenka’s family since they were giving the “tip”.

So, due to a “tip”, the cook did not attend to his allotted duty in an impartial manner. Rather he was giving exclusive attention and preference to those giving big tips and he would do nil (nothing) for those giving smaller tips or not giving at all. Because of the big tip, the cook was partial to one rich man’s family and he (the cook) blatantly disregarded others. This striking example clearly shows the negative effect that tips have on society – even our Ananda Marga society.

At that time I started thinking that a tip is like a bribe to get a special favour.

Since reading your letter I have decided to permanently stop this ill-conceived convention of tipping others. It is not at all good, rather harmful. Baba does not like it and it is not good for society.

I hope that every genuine Ananda Margii will follow Baba on this point. We should refrain from giving tips, and, side by side, devote energy and time to fighting for higher wages and better working conditions for those employees working for tips / low wages.

TIP AND BRIBE ARE THE SAME

As clearly outlined in the first letter of this series and as depicted in the above story by a close friend, both tips and bribes are bad. Essentially tips and bribes are one and the same. Both have a deleterious effect on society where the wealthy get goods and services and the common person is left out. That is the basic outcome.

Now let’s examine some related scenarios.

NEIGHBORHOOD FAVOURS

Suppose your neighbor is going away for a few days and they need someone to watch over their property, feed their animals, or water their plants etc. You know they need help and you come forward and offer to help, without wanting or expecting anything in return. That is the right spirit. That is a neighborly favor.

All neighborly favours should be done with a service motive – purely to help them. It is unilateral. You help and desire nothing in return.

The moment a neighborly favour is don in the hope of receiving in return or with the hope that when you go away then they will watch over your house. Then, according to the tenets of Ananda Marga, it is no longer a neighborly favour but rather a form of business.

Whenever something is given to someone in exchange for work performed or anything else, then that is a transaction or a form of business. There is a giving and a receiving involved; it is not unilateral.

“Business is always mutual. If you want one kilo of sugar you will have to pay for it: you give something and they will give you sugar. So business is mutual, not unilateral.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma)

Neighborly favours must always be done in the spirit of service – i.e. offering help. The moment something is desired, received, or given in return, then it is a business relation, not a neighborly favour.

GIFTS

What is a gift?

A gift is when someone gives freely out of the goodness of their own heart. There is no mutual exchange; there is no consideration of post or privilege. The giving is based purely on one person’s heart-felt feeling for another. That type of feeling is a gift.

Here Baba explains more about it. Baba says that if with the sweetness of their heart someone offers you something, then we should gladly accept it.

“If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables.” (Caryacarya – 2, Society, Pt #37)

Here the main point is that the person is giving purely out of affection without any ulterior agenda or motive in mind. Actually to truly know if you are giving someone a gift or not, tremendous honesty is needed. One has to look at one’s own motives and intentions very carefully.

One has to ask, “Why am I doing this?”. One must be cent-per-cent sure that there is no underlying motive to gain an advantage in any way, neither professionally, nor personally, nor socially, nor economically. Once there is an iota of feeling in the mind that a gift is given for such purposes, then that is no longer a gift. It is a tip or a bribe – or at the very least a business deal. So one must be very strict and honest about their intention.

Generally speaking, one gives gifts to friends and family members – not to anyone else. Gifts are given only to those with whom you have a loving relation.

Note: Nowadays, in certain countries, various politicians receive “gifts” via special interest groups. These special interest groups represent professionals, business leaders, and corporations such as drug companies, doctors, oil companies etc. So “gifts” are given to encourage politicians to attend to the agenda of the various special interest groups. This happens in democracies where capitalism is in vogue, as well as in totalitarian regimes etc. In all such cases the term “gift” is a euphemism. The reality is that a bribe is being given as the donor expects something in return. And if that donor or corporate entity does not get special privileges, then they will never give that “gift” again. That is why we can say that all such political gifts are bribes.

SEVA
Having reviewed the points of (a) bribe, (b) tip, (c) neighborly interactions, and (d) gifts, we now reach the point of seva or service.

What is service or seva?

With respect to this current posting, when someone gives something to someone in need, without wanting anything in return, then that is service.

For instance, suppose you see someone on the roadside suffering from malnutrition and you give them food to eat – and you do not want any payment or prestige in return – then that is seva.

“Sevá [service] is always unilateral; you give something in sevá but take nothing in return. This is sevá.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma)

Seva is a big part of our Ananda Marga way of life.

The noted difference between seva and a gift is that seva is performed for those are in need of help – one may or may not know the individual personally; in contrast, a gift is given to a close relation, whether they be a friend or family member, who is not in need of any help at the time.

MORE EXAMPLES OF HOW TIPS NEGATIVELY AFFECT SOCIETY

Here below Baba points out further examples of how tips lead to the degradation of society where the common people are denied basic goods and services.

HOW TIPS RUIN HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CARE

(A) In this following example, Baba reveals how even hospitals where patient care is supposed to be top priority are riddled with problems surrounding tips, bribes, and preferential treatment, or even worse – no treatment at all.

“On the one hand there are good doctors sincerely serving poor patients on their own initiative, and on the other hand we may observe immature young doctors proudly boasting to each other about their career prospects. Regrettable though these things may be, I do not feel that there is any reason to lose hope.”
“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.” (Human Society – 1, Various Occupations)

Thus in all such medical institutions, there must not be any scope for tipping – zero. And not just in hospitals, but but the same should be the case for dharmasalas (hostels), and other organisations. Tips merely give way to employees and workers, even doctors, failing to do their jobs. Tips also invite problems for the common members of society who cannot get goods and services due to not being able to give a large enough tip.

CLERKS, TEACHERS, ENGINEERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE

INDULGE IN IMMORALITY AND CORRUPTION;

WEAK MINDS INDIRECTLY CRITICIZE INJUSTICE BUT CANNOT DIRECTLY CONFRONT IT

WHY THE EDUCATED DON’T OPPOSE CORRUPTION

(B) Here below Baba points out the awful conditions in those countries where the educated stratum of society gives way to bribes and tips, and accept gifts in exchange for professional favours.

“One may ask, “Why does the public not do something to rectify the situation?” Some maintain that these problems only occur in underdeveloped countries and that the people there tolerate evil because they are unaware of their rights. But is this correct? In underdeveloped countries there are educated people who staunchly support the different political parties and who can provide the people with leadership. Although they cannot inspire the whole society, they are certainly able to solve some of the problems. So why do they not do so? The reason is perfectly simple. A large section of the upper stratum of society is involved in corrupt practices. That is why uneducated people do not have the courage to raise their voices in protest, prevent immorality and take corrective measures against the corrupt elements active in every sphere of society.”
“A large number of clerks, teachers, engineers, government officials and business people who comprise the so-called educated section of society indulge in immorality and corruption in their respective professions. Their weak minds indirectly criticize injustice but cannot directly confront it. Thieves can criticize other thieves in a society of thieves, but they cannot offer suggestions in a society of honest people because their lips will quiver and their hearts will palpitate; the condition of corrupt educated people in the upper stratum of society in underdeveloped countries is similar. The Second World War has further complicated the situation.”
“The characters of such people have to be transformed and they will have to become honest, otherwise none of the evils in society will be eliminated, none of the problems will be solved.”
“So it is madness to hope that the efforts of the government alone will eliminate the problems in the medical profession, as if by magic.” (Human Society – 1, Various Occupations)

“WHY NOT EARN A HUNDRED THOUSAND RUPEES

BY PAYING A BRIBE OF A THOUSAND RUPEES!”

(C) In this following section Baba points out that the public not the government is at fault in such circumstances.

“Usually the public blames the government for such lapses, but in my opinion, if anyone is to blame, it is the public itself. The government is not an individual who accepts bribes or encourages immorality. The government does not support the distribution of spurious drugs. If the distribution of spurious drugs ever does get sanctioned by the government, it is due to the mistakes of immoral officials. They surrender their humanity to the rich out of greed for money. Dishonest business people are aware of their own guilt and are constantly troubled by it, but they receive encouragement from greedy and mentally-weak police and anti-corruption officials. Why not earn a hundred thousand rupees by paying a bribe of a thousand rupees! Most business people wait for the right opportunity with this type of outlook. For these reasons I do not blame the government for such immorality. Now, let us return to our topic. The key to solving the medical problem is in the hands of the public. This is the actual truth of the matter.” (Human Society – 1, Various Occupations)

SUMMARY

As we know, Baba’s teachings are practical and meant to be applied in daily life. Theoretical understanding of His guidelines alone is not enough. On the points of tips, bribes, neighborly favours, gifts, and service, we should be cent-per-cent strict. Then we can be a proper example for society.

The only exception to the above was well outlined in the first letter:

“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.” (Caryacarya – 2, Society, Point #24c)

CLOSING MESSAGE

Here we conclude this letter with these words from Sadguru Baba.

“To turn people into real human beings is the burning issue today, the greatest challenge. There are very few people who can take the lead in this undertaking, this sacred endeavour. Today tormented souls look to the purodhás [spiritual vanguard] of society with great expectations.”
“Politicians cannot provide what is needed. During the last six thousand years of human history, they have failed at every step. Hence, it would be wise for them to resist the temptation to try and take the lead in any sphere of society.” (Human Society – 1, Various Occupations)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Ram Dayal Deva

Note 1: LINK TO FIRST LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/what-do-you-think-about-tips-bribes.html

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

BABA

To: anandamargaglobalnewsletter
Date: Sun, Apr 14, 2013 at 7:22 PM
Subject: Re: Depicting Baba In A Very Negative Way – Unfortunately

== RE: DEPICTING BABA IN A VERY NEGATIVE WAY – UNFORTUNATELY ==

Namaskara,

LUDICROUS STORY FROM JY BOOK

Baba has just entered onto a train with Anant Prasad Thakur and the following scene takes place:

“Baba [was] sitting across from a group of [non-margii] teenagers, one boy and three girls. Baba asked the boy in a stern voice who the girls were. It was a tone I [Anant] was quite familiar with. The boy replied that they were members of his family. Suddenly Baba started rebuking him. “You bastard, you liar.” The boy was shocked. Baba started telling who the girls were and where they were from. The moment he began exposing the unsavory relations between the four of them, the teenagers fled the compartment. The rest of the passengers were astonished to see this.” (JY, p. 211)

Such is one of the many false and misrepresentations of Baba’s personality in this book.

SUCH A STORY IS ILLOGICAL & UNTHINKABLE

Firstly, nobody can say that Baba ever behaved in this manner and use such language with margiis, let alone non-margiis, or anyone at all – in public view on a train or anywhere. Baba would never scold and abuse non-margiis in this way, especially not youths. Indeed, Baba would generally overlook the conduct of margii teenagers, let alone non-margii teenagers. So this above episode and outlandish encounter is completely outrageous. Baba would never behave in such a manner, yet that is how He is depicted in this book – throughout the entire publication. This is very unfortunate.

Top of all, it is unthinkable that Baba would ever use the term or call anyone a bastard. That is way off base. (end old quote)

It is a great job exposing such a book with many (this story being just one) falsehoods or mis-representations of our Baba.

For me, I know He could not say such a thing from the thousands of Baba stories I have heard for more than 35 years. I have heard stories from margiis and acaryas that represented many different sectors and cultures. I traveled with many dadas from India and I never, ever heard anything near to this horrible depiction of Baba.

My actions and thought have not been 100% pure prior to and even while practicing Ananda Marga Tantra throughout the years. When I received Dharma Samiiksa, Baba scolded me in front of a small number of Indian margiis (maybe 6) and He never used foul language. He raised His voice and told me to follow 16 points.

During PC, Baba went over the negative things I had done throughout my life and was very sweet and gentle towards me when I expressed remorse and promised to be an ideal son of Baba. He actually talked about me and my promises in the room as if there were someone or some other beings who were there listening; I still wonder about that part.

During various reporting sessions with Him, He never called me names or publically humiliated me. Never. I was still not following 16 points 100%.

There are even more private moments with Him that I will not write about at this time, but I will emphatically state He was always thoughtful and caring with me. He would only say positive things about me to other acaryas. That is the Baba I know.

He never, ever verbally abused me in anyway. He used kind, thoughtful, sweet, and encouraging words for me to forget the past and start anew. That is the Baba I have come to know, and not this garbage I am reading in Devashish’s book.

I hope others come public and express their personal observations of Him to debunk the untruthful stories before they get out of hand.

Brotherly Yours,
Vyasa

Note: LINK TO FIRST LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/04/depicting-baba-in-very-negative-way.html

Read Full Post »

What Senior Acarya Diary Says

Baba

== WHAT SENIOR ACARYA DIARY SAYS ==
Namaskar,
“Baba’s special teachings about ajagarii and madhukarii from Senior Acarya Diary encapsulate the whole entire spirit of being a real sannyasii in our Marga – and for years and years this was prevalent in our WT cadre, but unfortunately in the present era, since 1990, this essence is waning drastically.”

Such were the words of one of our senior avadhutas at a recent Ananda Marga function.

Thereafter, Dadaji went on to tell us all about Baba’s special teaching of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary. Certainly, Dada did not read from the Diary itself, so what is discussed below is a summary of that day’s discussion.

The overall message was that the spirit of renunciation is waning in our Ananda Marga. That does not mean that our entire wt cadre is suffering from this epidemic, because there are countless dedicated workers in Ananda Marga. Nonetheless, it is a trend that is on the rise.

So let us again investigate the ideals and practice of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. These qualities will bring balance into our organization, plus Baba furthermore guides us that madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis are the key ingredients of real avadhuta life.

SPIRIT OF MADHUKARII & AJAGARII VRTTIS

The overall idea here is that renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals – as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba’s design & teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.

In review, madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment – nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later.

A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting for food.

That is why in the aparigraha section of the Senior Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our WTs to exist in this world. (For more about this refer to Note 2 appended below.)

That means that in their personal lives, our Dadas and Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life – and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time & energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the spirit of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life – for the service of others – they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

Per Baba’s direction in Senior Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a WT.

PRESENT DAY STANDARD OF WTS AND GROWTH OF THE MARGA

But tragically a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre but at some point got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, land, property, as well as post and power.

Lost in the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in Ananda Marga fail to increase. Whenever any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.

ALL SHOULD EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RENUNCIATION

Only through this pathway of renunciation – madhukra and ajagar – can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: An order that represents dedication. That is Guru’s teaching.

In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled “Dhvaj sanket…”, Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.

“हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो बहुत अच्छा | हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा | ख़ूब ठीक है, सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग | किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए, परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |”

The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes on the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to grow.

So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford such amenities, then good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.

Thus conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one’s own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba’s guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.

BABA’S DIVINE EXAMPLE

And in His own personal life Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And not only that, but the monetary wealth He earned through His railway job He distributed to the various wholetimers etc.

Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a school headmaster’s request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students’ classroom and the headmaster requested money for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated Rs1000 of His own personal money. Today that is roughly equivalent to Rs20,000 or more.

So in all the ways, Baba’s personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru’s teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our wts.

A VERY NOBLE ENDEAVOUR

So none should think that ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble – it allows one to fulfill their mission and command respect in the real sense of the term.

“The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation…to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of
righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss.” (A Few Problems Solved – 3)

WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA

Unfortunately now in our Marga, things are developing in an entirely different way. Unfortunately, a more capitalistic mentality has seeped into our sannyasii order as some of our wts have just taken to collecting money, automobiles, big buildings, and registering these things in their own name. Yet all this goes 100% against Baba’s guideline of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.

The basic formula is that the mind is one; so if one is rushing after money then that same mind does not have inspiration to run after Parama Purusa. Human mind is one, not many.

When the current leaders of AMPS pursue material gain, then there is a ripple effect. Many field workers are idealistic, but when top Dadas shirk their sannyasii vows then that adversely affects others.

In addition, top Dadas force lower posted workers to pay dues. That means they have to pay taxes to higher dadas otherwise they are harassed, threatened, punished, and abused.

Instead of getting respect on points of sadhuhood, restraint, sadhana, helping others, and sacrifice, the culture of our Wts has shifted over to a materialistic or capitalist way of living where prestige is given according to one’s monetary status and post etc.

Certain wealthy Dadas are using their money to garner a lot of respect from some margiis – what to say about non-margiis. However, the real determining factor of a sannyasii is conduct. That is the main measuring rod for determining one’s calibre.

“Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, Conduct of an Acarya)

Baba’s guideline for being an ideal Wt / acarya is quite clear. Sadly, all those many Wts who are properly leading a life of renunciation by adhering to the codes of madhukar and ajagar are victimised by top Dadas.

At present, the power structure in AMPS is entirely upside-down. Those central Wts with big pockets have all the power, whereas those service-minded wholetimers are looked upon as a liability and pushed aside.

Unfortunately, this is what is practically happening. If one can generate revenue by any means – just or unjust – and give that money to Centre then they get a high post and lots of prestige; and, if one firmly adheres to 16 Points and their vow of renunciation then they are looked upon as being outdated and expendable, and are written off as a liability and a beggar, unfortunately.

WT’S HAVE RENUNCIATION & NOTHING ELSE

This corporate approach where money is king is not the way things are supposed to be in our Ananda Marga sannyasii order. Baba has designed it completely differently – based on the ideals of the madhukar and ajagar. Where renunciation, not individual ownership, is everything.

For example, in the true Ananda Marga system, if a wt has been working in a particular location for a few years, then when a transfer order is given that very WT will automatically hand over all monies, equipment, funds, and property to the incoming worker. And the Wt who got transferred is to leave that area only with his dress and laungota in hand – & nothing else, except possibly a bus ticket to his new posting.

Now, however, all that has changed: When transferred those Wts sell the property, shift the money to their own black account, clean out all other financial resources, and hand over nil (nothing) to the newly posted worker.

According to our ideal, the only thing that a wt truly “owns” in this material world is their vow of renunciation. Beyond that they have nothing. And that is Baba’s divine system of madhukar and ajagar from Senior Acarya Diary. And that is what makes a sannyasii truly great – then they can really serve others and do great things in this world.

MORE ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA

Tragically, in today’s Ananda Marga sannyasii culture, selflessness is not the value cherished by top Dadas.

Now when a posting order comes, most often the Wt who got transferred departs with all the money from the bank account, or that Dada might sell the property and keep the profit, or he might send a cash donation to Centre in order to remain at his post. Or so many things might happen, including sending the monetary wealth and possessions of that jagrti to their laokik family.

Due to a lack of sadhana and straying from the path of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis, some in our WT system have veered off course, where money – not renunciation – is everything.

This severely hinders the ability of workers to serve humanity.

For instance: A Wt is living on an MU with no house and is begging food from villagers as he tries to start various service projects. But then when a senior Dada from Centre arrives with a special, luxury car then the common people think all workers must have a lot of money. They think, “Why is this other Wt begging from me.” When there is a huge incongruity between top Wts and the common people, then there will be feelings of difference. Then our AMPS is unable to serve the local populace.

NOT THE FAULT OF NEW WTS

Some may think that since this problem of money-hoarding within our WT cadre began after 1990 then it is the fault of the new wts. But we cannot blame our younger wts. Rather with pure intention they entered into a system that quickly became ideologically askew due to the greed of the ruling Wts.

When those top factional wts travel around by private jet, chauffeur driven automobiles, keep houses & luxury suites, and deposit millions into their personal bank accounts, then idealistic young workers have hardly a chance of maintaining their vow of renunciation. Rather some get swept up into that, lest they face the consequences of getting pushed aside and receiving one punishment posting after another.

INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION:
RENUNCIATION AND DEDICATION

However to truly became a force in this world dedication is needed.

There are some organisations and religious groups that “succeed and thrive” on this earth because of their dedication. Often times their aims are awry, but they serve and help each other and eat together as one family and that is enough for them to gain success and spread their teachings from one land to the next.

This very faculty of sacrifice is missing in our Ananda Marga nowadays. That is why despite having the great teachings of dharma in our books, due to this blatant lack of renunciation and dedication to help and serve others, our AMPS is stuck, unfortunately, because of some bad apples.

So the spirit of madhukar and ajagar are deeply needed in our Ananda Marga. Prior to 1990 they were present. All the wts did everything and everything for the welfare of Ananda Marga and nothing for their own self. Now the opposite is happening as some are doing anything and everything for their own self and nothing for the welfare of our Ananda Marga.

One bad apple spoils the bunch. So even if a few Dadas are acting selfishly, hoarding money, indulging in luxuries, and going against the spirit of renunciation, then that taints and undermines our entire WT cadre.

So this is a shame. There is no dearth of dedicated workers and margiis in Ananda Marga. There are so many good people. But those dedicated workers just get pushed aside in one corner by the ruling elite.

By this entire manner, the spirit of renunciation and the sacrifice represented by our saffron flag and saffron coloured sannyasiis dress has been severely compromised.

“BE GREAT BY YOUR SADHANA, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE”

“It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice.” (Ananda Vanii #20)

Only by recapturing the ideals of ajagar and madhukar can we once again become that great resurgent body that led to the tremendous growth of Ananda Marga. With those ideals absent from certain sannyasiis, our problems will continue. So let us once again rally around the spirit of our saffron flag and embrace Baba’s guidelines from senior acarya diary and build an AMPS organisation that reflects the cornerstones of sacrifice and renunciation.

“Everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability…You are travellers of an impregnable path. You have to
march ahead proudly with the flag of Marga upright. You have no time to stagger or to look behind.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1)

CONDUCT RULES JUST BEING OVERLOOKED

These following WT conduct rules given by Baba go hand-in-hand with His divine teachings about madhukar and ajagar from the aparigraha section of Senior Acarya Diary.

So in various avenues, Baba is preaching this special gospel of renunciation, but tragically within our AM sannyasii culture these things are just being neglected and overlooked by some.

Best is if everyone judges for themselves if these below points are prevalent in our AM sannyasii order or not.

“One should attract other by one’s sacrificing nature.” (’37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules’, point #20)

“One should leave all sorts of luxuries.” (’37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules’, point #6)

“One should adjust with the minimum requirements of life.” (’37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules’, point #17)

Thus when the ruling wts are hoarding wealth, laundering money, and looking down upon others, then how is our WT order going to become that shining example that will inspire confidence, service, and sacrifice to one and all.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“The human mind has two contradictory inherent tendencies: one of acquisition, the other of sacrifice. The more one advances along the path of evolution, the more the second tendency, the spirit of sacrifice, becomes prominent.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell – 5, The Faculty of Knowledge – 2)

REAL YOGI THINKS FOR THE UNIVERSE, NOT OWN SELF

“What is the Siddhi, i.e., attainment of Karma Sádhaná? – (Karma Brahmeti Karma Vahu Kurviita). To serve every mundane object thinking it to be the manifestation of Paramátmá is Karma, i.e., the Sádhaná of action. What is the achievement (Siddhi) of Karma Sádhaná? It is generally found that an average person spends more than twelve or fourteen hours in thinking about his or her own self. But the moment one starts thinking about the universe, one becomes a Karma Sádhaka. When one starts spending all one’s time in thinking for the universe, taking one self to be a bubble in the ocean of Karma, one gets Siddhi in Karma Sádhaná. A person is a part of the universe, and when one starts serving the universe, one is also automatically included among the served.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, Salvation & Devotion)

“Many people look upon human beings as God Himself and throw themselves into the service of humanity abandoning their families and personal comforts. Defying all obstacles – the dense forests, the towering mountains, the stormy oceans – they travel throughout the world promoting the welfare of all.” (1 January 1964)

Namaskar,
in Him
Kamalkrsna

Note 1: WHAT IS TRUE RENUNCIATION

Here Baba guides us about the pathway of true renunciation.

“When the human mind becomes strong enough not to be affected by any colour, it is called vaera’gya [renunciation].” (10 November 1978, Calcutta)

The essence of the above teaching is that the mind must not be allowed to become tempted and engrossed by material wealth etc. Rather the mind should be kept in a state of balance, whereby one can look upon this world with empathy. Then when can truly serve others.

Unfortunately, when some of our wts with high posts are keen on luxury cars, black money, and other allurements that exist in this mundane world, and collect crores in their personal bank accounts. Then how can we say they truly imbibe the spirit renunciation.

According to Baba, renunciation means developing a high mind through sadhana where one feels that they have come on this earth with a mission to sacrifice for the service and welfare of others. Armed with this true spirit of renunciation our WT cadre will really become a great and benevolent force in this world.

Note 2: APARIGRAHA & THE APPLICATION OF
MADHUKARII VRTTI AND AJAGARII VRTTI

The term ‘ajagar’ refers to that very large snake known as the python. And the sense is that a python never moves anywhere to procure its food. It stays put in one single place, always. And it only eats what comes across its path. It does not spend its entire life traveling all about in search of one’s food.

So in the realm of sannyasiihood, our AM monks are to adopt a similar approach while living on this earth. They are not to indulge in an ongoing quest for more and more wealth and money for their own self. Rather our AM sannyasiis are to adjust with whatever they get for their existential needs and dedicate themselves to infusing energy within others and serve all through our Ananda Marga social service projects etc. They should not waste their energy and time thinking about their own self and self alone etc. According to Baba, this is the real dharma of an Ananda Marga sannyasii.

At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life – for the service of others – they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.

So we should all accept His teachings with a cool mind and think twice when we see our wts frivolously running headlong after money. Because, by that way, they have lost their dharma – according to Baba’s teaching in Senior Acarya Diary about madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtii.

Those Ananda Marga workers sincerely following madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti neither run after money nor property for their own luxury, only Parama Purusa. So a true wt will take proper ideation and just have the bare minimum that is needed to survive & execute their work of serving others. Side by side, one is not to harbour the desire of getting more personal wealth.

According to Baba, this is not only the ideal way, but the only way for a true AM sannyasii to live. Anyone going against this system is a fake sannyasii. That is Baba’s pointed stance & strict warning.

So that means our wts are not to stockpile funds in their personal bank accounts, nor are they to keep unaccounted money (i.e. black money), nor anything that is above and beyond what is needed for their basic subsistence.

Here we should not forget this is Baba’s teaching from Senior Acarya Diary and this is not some dogmatic belief from pre-historic Hinduism nor the fantasy of some jinanii, nor some impractical expectation by some day-dreamer which is too lofty to be attained.

Rather the highly practical and ideal teachings of madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti come from our Guru, the Taraka Brahma Lord Shrii Shrii Ananamurtiji who has graciously given this in Senior Acarya Diary. And indeed those wts adhering to this dharmic code of ajagarii vrtti are truly great. They are the real seers, sadvipras, and well-wishers of humanity. Their minds are crystal-clear and pointed towards Baba’s teachings, and not drifting towards worldly allurements etc.

Read Full Post »

DEPICTING BABA IN A VERY NEGATIVE WAY – UNFORTUNATELY

Baba

“Ga’n geye ja’bo…” P.S. 2305

Purport:

Baba, O’ Supreme Entity, I will go on singing Your song – Your glory. It’s up to You whether You grace me by listening to these songs or not. But with these songs, in the depths of my contemplation, I will generate divine vibrations, by Your grace – and go on serving You.

Baba, with my deep yearning, I am calling You again and again without getting any response – You are not paying heed to my call. By avoiding me maybe You are thinking that I will not sing Your song anymore and that I will remain quiet. And that in frustration, I will give up the hope of getting You. And that I will no longer engage in the flow of those divine tunes and melodies, which is inundating the vast sky, by Your grace. And that I will not utilize these melodious treasures in my practical life to go closer to You.

Baba, with the strength of knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and worldly attributions, Your depth cannot be measured – nobody can realise You. By surrendering that very unit “I” which already belongs to You, and with the divine sweetness of singing Your name, I will surely get You, by Your grace.

Baba, I sing my songs only for You. Please, listen to these heart-felt loving melodies – and be gracious…

Note: In the above song, the sadhaka has deep love and a strong yearning for Parama Purusa. So when Parama Purusa does not respond to his call in the way that he desires, then the sadhaka makes one loving accusation towards Parama Purusa. So actually that is not an accusation per se, but rather an intimate type of loving expression. And Baba is approving that devotees have the right to do like this and that this loving way of communication is quite natural.

== DEPICTING BABA IN A VERY NEGATIVE WAY – UNFORTUNATELY ==

Namaskar,
We all know that Baba is the most loving One – the Parama Purusa Love Personified. Every sincere sadhaka has realized this in their day to day life.

Yet, in his book, one “writer” has presented Baba as being very harsh and rough like those avidya tantrikas, or like those notorious police officers who forcefully interrogate alleged criminals. Unfortunately, the entire book moves in this way. As an example, here is one such story from this publication.

LUDICROUS STORY FROM JY BOOK

Baba has just entered onto a train with Anant Prasad Thakur and the following scene takes place:

“Baba [was] sitting across from a group of [non-margii] teenagers, one boy and three girls. Baba asked the boy in a stern voice who the girls were. It was a tone I [Anant] was quite familiar with. The boy replied that they were members of his family. Suddenly Baba started rebuking him. “You bastard, you liar.” The boy was shocked. Baba started telling who the girls were and where they were from. The moment he began exposing the unsavory relations between the four of them, the teenagers fled the compartment. The rest of the passengers were astonished to see this.” (JY, p. 211)

Such is one of the many false and misrepresentations of Baba’s personality in this book.

SUCH A STORY IS ILLOGICAL & UNTHINKABLE

Firstly, nobody can say that Baba ever behaved in this manner and use such language with margiis, let alone non-margiis, or anyone at all – in public view on a train or anywhere. Baba would never scold and abuse non-margiis in this way, especially not youths. Indeed, Baba would generally overlook the conduct of margii teenagers, let alone non-margii teenagers. So this above episode and outlandish encounter is completely outrageous. Baba would never behave in such a manner, yet that is how He is depicted in this book – throughout the entire publication. This is very unfortunate.

Top of all, it is unthinkable that Baba would ever use the term or call anyone a bastard. That is way off base.

Those new people not familiar with Baba will form a very poor opinion of Him by reading this book. In the above story, Baba is shown as being very rough and brusque with those youths; in turn, they ran away and the entire train car is horrified by Baba’s dealing. In this situation, we can easily understand that non-margii passengers who witnessed this would think that Baba is a thug because only thugs deal so gruffly with anyone and everyone who is around.

Imagine if you yourself saw this happen. Think of yourself as a non-margii who had no idea who Baba was. Then what would you think if you saw Baba deal with teenagers in this way. Such is the way that general readers will form their opinion of Baba by reading this bogus account.

Yet, Baba would never behave in such a manner. Baba never approached known margiis or non-margii strangers and rebuked them in any way. That depiction is very false. Rather He would shower them in His grace or deal in a very psychological and supportive manner, especially when in public.

Indeed, Baba would not even point out workers or senior margiis in public. So this entire account runs directly contrary to Baba’s benevolent approach.

The above story is not an isolated example – that JY book is loaded with harsh and unruly depictions of Baba, all of which are entirely false. But those readers who have no other experience or knowledge about Baba will unfortunately believe all that is written in this book. They will be terrified of Baba and conclude that He is rough and unruly – i.e. that He does not know how to behave with anyone.

BABA IS LOVE PERSONIFIED

As we know, the name Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji denotes that He is bliss personified; and in so many discourses it is stated that Parama Purusa is love personified. Every sincere sadhaka has realised this in the depths of their heart. Yet this so-called writer’s book presents an entirely different account wherein new readers and members of the public will form a very unfavourable opinion of Dearmost Baba. That is the real tragedy of this publication.

Baba is Love Personified and has come to flood the world with divine love and devotion; but this book depicts Baba as being heartless and cruel, lacking all ethics and social mores. New and innocent readers will get the wrong impression entirely.

Those blessed to come in His close physical proximity, and those who did or are doing sadhana know in their heart that Baba is Love Personified. Not only that, in the future also, those who do sadhana will also realise this divine truth.

So this book has done a terrible disservice, unfortunately. It does not present Baba in the way that He is, but rather presents a distorted version that is completely opposite from the truth. The above account from this JY book is not an isolated case – there are many more such instances from this book. More will be discussed soon.

PURPOSE OF RAISING THIS MATTER

The motive for writing this letter is to bring forth the truth. Readers must not be misled. The “writer” must fix all such errors in his book. So this letter was written in the spirit of constructive criticism, not destructive criticism. The aim is to improve the overall expression and not rub the writer’s nose in the dirt.

This letter will help those sadhakas who are trying to write their experiences also.

Properly written Baba stories will enhance one’s devotion and bring people along the path of satya.

The outcome of such a book should be positive; new readers should be given dharmic teachings and gain a truthful depiction of Baba. But that is not the case the way the JY book is now. Keeping the book in its current form means yielding a negative result.

The chief problem with the writer is that he is like one drug dealer writing a book about space technology. If a drug dealer writes about drug dealing then that is ok. But when a drug dealer ventures off into an arena that he is not aware about like space technology, then book will be useless. Same is the case with the so-called writer of the JY book. Devashish (Deva’shiis’a / Devashish / Devashiisa) a.k.a. Donald Acosta does not have the requisite devotional feeling, so he has no idea how to express himself and instead creates a mess in his JY book.

The approach of Devashish is like one greedy goat trying to swallow one big pumpkin in one gulp, but the goat could not manage it and instead creates a mess all around. Likewise, Devashish has written a Baba story book but has no clue what he is writing. To write a Baba story of this nature one should have a basic knowledge of how things were going on those days, but Devashish does not have that so he creates many problems.

Every line and every word in the JY book (The Jamalpur Years, 2010) is not garbage, but in many key places he has made crucial mistakes. In that case it is like in one pot of cooked rice with 1 spoonful of roadside mud inside. Then how can anyone eat it? How is it edible? That is the unfortunate situation. For common people to remove the roadside mud from the rice is not easy.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Radharaman Thakur

Note 1: GURU LOVES ALL

By the way, Baba points out the defects of those very close to Him, but not to XYZ. In those occasions when Baba did point out sadhakas, He was verily bestowing His blessing by lovingly guiding them onto the path of benevolence. This fact every sincere Ananda Margii knows.

“The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (Caryacarya – 2, Society, pt# 39c)

Baba’s each and every expression and action was imbibed with the spirit of welfare. To lovingly bring people close.

Furthermore, in a public setting, such as on a train, Baba would never scold anyone – not margiis let alone a member of the general public. This is impossible; under such circumstances He would never do this.

Rather, Baba’s approach was to bring that person into Ananda Marga and bring them close by showering them with love and affection. And then once that relation was well-formed and established and they were close, then Baba would lovingly point out their defects to enhance their progress on the path of supreme benevolence. Baba points out to make someone better not to terrorise them.

And certainly, He would never point out insincere Ananda Margiis who lacked devotion – let alone non-margiis – in that setting and in that way. Just as a mother who loves and points out the defects of her own child does not walk around the market abusing and scolding every other child. Similarly, Baba was not moving around abusing everyone – this is a silly notion. Who can think like this. This is ludicrous and outlandish to say that Baba is moving around the abusing unknown people; i.e. unknown teenagers on a train for all to see. Devashish depicted the situation as if only those teenagers were “bad.”

As if the entire train or populace was purified and divine and only those kids were doing wrong. As if by abusing them, then everything in the universe will be pure and blemishless.

Finally, Guru points out the defects of those devotional sadhakas on our own Ananda Marga premises etc, not in public. And He would only do this with devotees, not xyz and non-margiis. And never that way using the term “bastard.”

“He loves [all] His sons and daughters equally. His love is perennial. It is always there.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 31, Dharma Sadhana)

Note 2: PREACH ONLY SATYA

Baba’s guideline is that one should preach only satya.

“All your tendencies should be pointed towards Satya, because it is only through the propagation of Satya that collective welfare is possible.” (Tattvika Diipika, Part 2)

Then why is Devashish spreading falsehood. Either he is ignorant & has no idea, or he has some ulterior motive. Otherwise why is Devashish depicting Baba in such a bad way as if He is a thug. That is unfortunate.

Note 3: IMPOSSIBLE TO CALL ANYONE A BASTARD

By the way, in this universal human family, no one is shelterless, no one is fatherless, therefore it is completely against Ananda Marga philosophy to think of or call anyone a bastard. There is no such thing and Baba could never do like this.

Note 4: JUST HE CONCOCTED THE STORY

It seems that Devashish concocted the entire story, otherwise he put wrong name. Because there is no such Ananda Prasad Thakur. The person’s name is Anant Prasad Thakur. So it looks like Devashish put the name of one imaginary person – i.e. Ananda Prasad Thakur – so he could concoct the story himself.

Note 5: PAST LETTERS ON THE JY BOOK

Here are more postings about the wrongs published in this book – “The Jamalpur Years.”

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/02/comparing-with-dogmatic-misguided-so.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/02/misleading-baba-story-more.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/12/not-to-bury-or-cremate-put-on-medical.html

Many more letters have been written about the mistakes and dogmas associated with this book. If you wish to receive these postings simply respond to this email.

Read Full Post »

STORY: BABA’S HUMOUR

Baba

PS Intro: This following Prabhat Samgiita can be understood in two distinct ways:

(1) Baba is depicting the advent of Parama Purusa as Mahasambhuti in the play of His divine liila; and,
(2) this song refers to Baba’s divine appearance in dhyana.

“Na’m na’-ja’na’ ma’na’ na’-ma’na’ rauniin parii ese pa’she…” (P.S. 2983)

Purport:

One shining, colorful angel of unknown name came close to me. This angel was not concerned about getting respect or not. Just it graciously came to me. Its eyes were glowing with golden effulgence, and this divine angel told something to me.

The angel said: ‘My abode is in the divine world yet to accomplish the work & for the welfare of all, I move around this entire universe. All those who love me, I pull them close.’

‘Without stopping I move continuously around this entire universe.’ The angel furthermore told, ‘In the bond of love, I also get caught. I float in the flow of divine songs.’

From the divine world one angel has come and graced me, and told me all the secrets of its advent…

Note: In this song Baba is using the allegory of an angel, yet in true sense He is talking about Himself. Thus, although the word – parii – literally means ‘angel’, but in Prabhat Samgiita the real meaning of the term parii is: Baba the Parama Purusa.

== STORY: BABA’S HUMOUR ==

Namaskar,
In His divine manner, Baba made everyone laugh at this DMC (Dharma Maha Cakra) with His humourous comment.

HERE IS THE SCENE

It was May 1983 in Ananda Nagar and general darshan was going on.
The Prabhat Samgiita was sung. It was song #58, Dujane jakhan miliche takhan, which is a song about marriage. As per the custom, after the song was sung, then in Baba’s presence, selected Dadas read their purports.

The basic idea of the song is:

O’ human beings, when two people are being united in marriage, then you all shower them with your good wishes. Amidst their burning sorrows, amidst their garlands of joy, in their pains and pleasures, be with them always.

Our human society is indivisible, neglecting not a single family. Let us all sing and dance together. Accept everyone as your own.

With the sweet music of the earth, give this newly married couple your affectionate words and wishes. Give them sweet messages of love. Fill their lives with colour and shower them with your well wishing…

HERE COMES BABA’S HUMOROUS COMMENT

As everyone may recall, it was quite normal for Baba to add and correct the purports read by various Dadas. This day was no different.

When the Dada finished reading His Hindi purport, Baba started reciting this Sanskrit shloka about marriage.

Kanya’ varayate ru’pam, ma’ta’ vittam, pita’ shruti,
Ba’ndhavaha hitam icchanti, mis’t’a’nnam itare jana’h

While smiling, Baba then gave the following explanation:

At the time of marriage, the bride longs for a handsome groom; the mother hopes that the bride and groom become wealthy; the father hopes the groom is a talented and smart husband for his daughter; the friends desire that in spite of all of life’s difficulties the newlyweds should be happy; and others in attendance hope that whatever may be, there should be the distribution of sweets.

With His wide smile, and looking across the pandal from left to right, He said: “I belong to the last group!”

Hearing this, everyone started laughing.

REFLECTION ON ABOVE STORY

By His divine example, Baba is demonstrating that there should be a very sweet and cordial relation when teaching others. As the ideal Guru, and Supreme teacher, Baba always maintained a familial and loving relationship with His disciples, where there was always a perfect symmetry between discipline and humour.

As Ananda Margiis, when guiding others it is our duty to create this same balance. When we teach others we should emulate Baba’s appraoch. We should not be too strict where there is no time for laughter. That will not achieve the desired result. Through the use of humour, talented teachers hold the interest of their students. Laughter helps bring the wandering mind back onto the topic with greater focus.

Those who fail to use any humour in their teaching style are poor teachers. Indeed, we have all seen how some professors remain aloof when they are teaching; that makes for a very poor relationship with students. In contrast, some teachers are too casual and relaxed in their teaching style. That also is not good because when the time comes to impose discipline, they cannot do it.
Between the teacher and student, there should be a proper balance between discipline and humour. That is Baba’s teaching.

Finally, the above story is not an uncommon occasion. In every discourse and darshan, Baba would lovingly create the situation where everyone would laugh and feel joyous. This was part and parcel of His beautiful and effecive teaching style. By this way, all bhaktas kept focused on the topic and enjoyed Baba’s darshan.

BABA’S SPECIAL MANNER

Being a Parama Purusa, Taraka Brahma and Sadguru, Baba was very humorous and loving. Irrespective of anyone’s economic or social standing, all margiis felt close to Him. By this way they came closedevotionally as well. Between God and His devotees there should not be any distance or complex. Every margii felt Baba to be their own, by His grace.

During His each and every discourse, Baba used to create certain situations wherein everyone would laugh.

“Laughter gives happiness.” (Yoga Psychology)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Surya

Read Full Post »

BLAME GOD FOR ONE’S OWN SIN

Baba

“Tamasa” ka”t’iche bihag d”akiche, purva toran”e khuliche dva”r…” (P.S. 4647)

Purport:

By His grace, today in the eastern horizon the sun has come, the birds are chirping with full joy, the darkness has gone. The crimson dawn is rising– everything is beautiful; everything is charming. The door of a new era has opened.

O” my brothers and sisters, everyone get ready. Do not remain drowsy and in a state of slumber – Arise, awake. O” children, boys, and girls of the world, break the jail of dogma and staticity and come out.

Now it is our duty to fulfill those great tasks which were started by sages in the past. We have to remain vigilant and keep the lamp of neo-humanism effulgent forever.

By His grace, today all the darkness and staticity has gone; a new brilliant era has come….

== BLAME GOD FOR ONE’S OWN SIN ==

Namaskar,
We all know that in Baba”s different discourses He has clearly expressed that there are various types of devotees. Some are A-grade devotees, some B-grade, and some are C-grade devotees.

WHAT C-GRADE DEVOTEES DO

Those who have the lowest type of devotion, those C-grade devotees have one peculiar way of dealing. Whenever they do anything at all, then in their mind they crudely think: “I made this jagrti…”, “I arranged this relief program…”, “I gave a very good speech…”, “I initiated so many persons…”, “I established this unit or that Master Unit…”, “All these good things I did – They were done by me…”, “I did all those things….”

In this way lower devotees review their actions.

And if sometimes they become sick or get into an accident and their leg is broken, then that time those same low devotees blame Baba, as if He is responsible for creating the problem. At that time such low devotees proclaim, “He (BABA) confused my mind. That is why I drove into the ditch and broke my leg; otherwise I was fine.”

So in day to day life such low-grade devotees openly blame Baba for their own mistakes and sin. Yet when they do something good then they never give credit to Baba. Such devotees only give “credit” to God for their negative deeds onl – not for any good deeds. In that case, they themselves take the credit.
This is the status of the lower most category of devotees.

THE WAYS OF A-GRADE DEVOTEES

As you may have read, in His discourses Baba explains how the feeling and expression of A-Grade devotees is the exact opposite. A-grade devotees always take responsibility for their bad deeds and firmly tell Parama Purusa, “I am ready to take punishment for all my bad deeds, and the positive credit of my good deeds I am offering at Your lotus feet”.

So A-grade devotees always give due credit to Parama Purusa and never blame Him for their mistakes, blunders, or sin. Whereas C-grade devotees always indulge in this casting blame on Parama Purusa.

BABA’S GUIDELINES

In so many teachings in Ananda Marga philosophy, Baba has explained that people create their own problems due to their own errors or sinful acts and that Parama Purusa is not responsible for their negative actions. Thus people acquire samskaras, either good ones or bad ones, from their previous actions. In that case there is no scopre for blaming Parama Purusa for one’s own problems.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Purusa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, p. 86-87)
Here again Baba is directing us not to blame Parama Purusa for one’s own problems.

“I have already said that the sadhaka’s sufferings are caused by the samskaras which one created oneself. One should not therefore be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account. Humans very often complain, “God, so you had this in store for me. Is this my reward for so much worship and so much charity?” Such complaints are foolish, even sinful. At the time of suffering a sadhaka should reproach himself for his past misdeeds and refrain from evil actions in order to avoid more suffering in the future. Everyone should bear in mind that as long as the fire of woes is not extinguished–so long as the samskaras are not burned one has got to suffer. That is why I say you must not find fault with others because of your own samskaras; they are merely the reactions caused by your own mistakes and misbehavior.” (Subhasita Samgraha, pt 2, p. 7)

In His above teachings, Baba is emphasizing again and again that every sadhaka is responsible for causing their own suffering; blaming Parama Purusa for such their misfortune is very negative. It is sin.

BABA’S ETERNAL BLESSING

Baba always showers His grace and guides us always along the road of Supreme welfare.

“Utilizing the vibrations created for eternal time by Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji through januspharsha and varabhaya mudras, take yourself and the entire universe ahead along the path of welfare. Omn Shanti!” (Caryacarya – 1, “Concluding Words”)

Namaskar,
Nagendra

Note 1: “BLAMING GURU” OR SAYING “GURU GIVES TESTS” IS THE SAME THING
Blaming Guru and saying that Guru gives tests to humiliate and torture us – these two outlooks are rooted in the same defective mentality. Because in truth, Guru is always blessing all His devoees and whatever negative situations a sadhaka may undergo is merely the result of their own samskara.
But due to their low state of mind, low-grade devotees prefer to blame Baba and justify that, “Guru is testing me.” Whereas those with higher devotion feel in their heart and understand in their mind that Baba is all-loving and always showering His causeless grace.

Note 2: ACARYAJI’S BOOK:

BABA PURPOSELY CREATES PROBLEMS TO TEST US

In his book “Divyacaksu”, Acarya Pratapa’dityaji is infusing the misguided noition that Baba intentionally tests us. As if Baba is purposely creating problems and difficulties for us. This dogma Acarya Pratapa’dityaji puts in print in his book. However, this defective mentality is just one false notion. As we know, Baba the Parama Purusa is all-loving and He does anything and everything to bring us along the path of supreme benevolence. The problems one undergoes in life is due to their own poor choices and samskaras.

Read Full Post »