Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked

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

Baba

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

== COLOUR FESTIVAL & GURU PUJA INTRINSICALLY INTERLINKED ==

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

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

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

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

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

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

BABA’S WORDS ABOUT THIS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE OF BABA’S TEACHINGS

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

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

3-11. Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.

[Prayer and ritualistic worship become a source of confusion.]

Purport: It is useless to pray to God for something, for He is sure to give what is necessary. Solicitation or importunity in the name of worship is nothing but toadyism and flattery. (3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR ANANDA MARGA COLOUR FESTIVAL IS UNIQUE

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

SUMMARY

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

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

Namaskar,
Ramlal

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

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

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

Namaskara Brothersji,

Good article.

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

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

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

Namaskar
Vyasa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincere sadhakas keep away from using a pillow also.

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

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

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

Prabhat Samgiita

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

Purport:

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

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

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

Read Full Post »

Success in Human Life #2

Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2012 21:37:41
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Anandeshvar Deva
Subject: Success in Human Life #2

Baba
== SUCCESS IN HUMAN LIFE ==

~ Part 2 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. A link to the first letter titled “One Step to Please Guru” (28/10/12) is appended below. – Eds)

Namaskar,
“We are to fill our days from morning till night doing those things which will please Him. And pleasing Him means doing as per the desire of Guru, and following the so many guidelines from all Ananda Marga books. We are to read, study, understand, and sincerely follow all His given teachings and mandates. That is the meaning of gurupujanam.

So to get success in spiritual life we should be more and more vigilant in gurupu’janam – i.e. obeying Guru’s teachings and orders. We should actively take part in this aspect of gurupu’janam throughout each and every day. This should become not just our habit but our nature.

Doing the 3 rounds of guru puja after sadhana is most necessary and part of our dharmic approach, but we should not think that this practice starts and ends there. Gurupu’janam is an all encompassing approach to life – following all do’s and don’ts & mandates. That will bring success in the spiritual realm. That means by doing gurup’ujanam one is sure to get Him. Any sadhaka will feel His sweet touch in each and every work – all the moments of life.” (From One Step to Please Guru)

In a short phrase, we can say that we are to do those things which make Baba happy. We are to do that which pleases Him. That is gurupujanam.

Here it should be understood that gurupujanam is only one of the factors for attaining success in spiritual life.

OTHER FACTORS FOR GAINING SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

So I close with a list of all the factors for gaining success in spiritual life. Because as we know, gurupujanam stands as only one of the seven factors needed for success in spiritual life. Any single factor by itself is not enough. They all work together in complementary fashion.

Here then are all the seven factors as given by Baba for gaining success in spiritual life.

1. vishva’sa (firm determination)
2. shraddha’ (deep reverence & surrender)
3. gurupu’janam (obeying Guru’s order)
4. samata’bhava’va (mental balance)
5. indriyanirgraha (control over motor and sensory organs)
6. pramita’ha’ra (nutritious and balanced food).

Baba says, “saptamam naeva vidyate – There is no seventh factor.” (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 12, 21 May 1979 evening, Timmern, West Germany)

Baba’s special mandate is that there is no seventh factor. Those aforementioned six factors are all that is needed to achieve success in the spiritual realm. Sincerity in those six factors will enable one to reach their cherished Goal.

WHAT IS SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

Many become confused and ponder what is meant by spiritual success. This is especially the case with non-margiis as they equate success with getting a good paying job, having financial security, and having those types of limited, worldly things that can never truly satisfy human longing.

After all, material things are transitory – here today, gone tomorrow. Worldly gains do not last; they are not permanent. Spiritual success is not like that. Parama Puruas is the eternal Bandhu. To get and realise Him is spiritual success in the true sense.

So our view and aim is 100% different from the material approach.

As every sadhaka easily understands, spiritual success means reaching to the Goal – becoming one with Parama Purusa. That is our perspective in Ananda Marga.

Parama Purusa is bliss personified; naturally as one progresses along the path and gets closer to Him, His divine qualities will be reflected in that sadhaka. In which case one will feel a greater sense of peace, happiness, and bliss. Their devotional standard will be higher and their sadhana will be deeper. Most importantly, one reaches closer and closer to Him – always feeling His divine presence.

In that state, all tension and degrading tendencies drift away as one is firmly advancing along the path of bliss – Ananda Marga. Spirituality becomes a practical aspect and driving force in one’s day to day life.

By sincerely understanding and adhering to gurupujanam, and the other factors for success, one will surely become more established in the realm of spirituality and hence make their life successful – i.e. become One with the Goal.

Namaskar,
Anandeshvar Deva

Note 1: REMEMBRANCE:

HOW BABA WOULD EXPRESS HIS HAPPINESS IN REPORTING

I can never forget how when Baba is happy then His whole face lights up in a beautiful manner and He says, “Yes, my boy did a very proper job. My girl did very nice work.” Those in various reporting sessions have witnessed Baba express His happiness in this way on countless occasions. No sadhaka can forget this; it is a most blissful remembrance.

Note 2: NOT JUST THEORETICAL

Here is another important aspect of devotional life. We should not think that pleasing Baba is just theoretical or hypothetical etc – nor is it a things of the past. Just as in those pre-1990 days in reporting sessions when Baba would express His happiness, still today, in this era also, we can please Him whereby He expresses His happiness.

When one does as per His wishes, then their entire mind will be vibrated by His divine grace. One will feel His bliss. His happiness has a very practical and tangible effect. Actually, we can say His grace is always present, and if anyone tries sincerely to please Him, naturally Baba will be gracious.

The more we communicate internally with Baba, the more we will understand what makes Him happy, as well as how He expresses His happiness. This is the essence of devotional life: Communicating with Him and getting His sweet response.

Note 3: LINK TO PRIOR LETTER

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/one-step-to-please-guru.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Ankhi mele, ceye dekho aja’na’ pathik eseche…” (PS 1550)

Purport:

O’ human beings, behold, look, Baba, the Aja’na’ Pathik [1], has come. With His sweet, charming smile and infinite grace, He is pouring His endless compassion and love unto all. He is showering everyone with His divine blessing. All are getting bathed in His love. O’ brothers and sisters, come hither and see, Baba, the Aja’na’ Pathik has come and He is showering His causeless grace upon all.

Due to His divine arrival and august presence, the darkness which was in the mind has vanished somewhere – to one far distant place. In the past, where there was darkness, one stream of effulgence has come and blossomed in the colour of one rose. By His grace, the mind has become devotional, calm, and peaceful. Baba, the Ajana Pathik has come and showered His grace.

He has showered His blessing: He is near and dear to everyone. With His infinite love, everyone has a sacred and beloved place in His heart. Parama Purusa graciously holds each and every being in His bosom. O’ brothers and sisters, do not waste your time running after name and fame, money, prestige, or any other transitory thing. Do not run after mundane longings. Come unto the path of bliss, and fulfill your hopes and aspirations by reaching unto Him. Baba is the Ista – He is the Goal. Only He can quench your infinite thirst with His boundless love. O’ human beings, your life and death – your coming and going – on this earth is dancing in His Cosmic rhythm. Everything is blissful; everyone revolves around Him – nobody is alone. All are an inseparable part of Him. This is His divine liila and ultimately everyone is sure to become one with Him, by His causeless grace…

NOTES TO PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1550:

[1] Aja’na’ Pathik: The term Aja’na’ Pathik means ‘The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe and Who resides everywhere and knows everything, and irrespective of where one goes He remains along with you’. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name ‘Ajana Pathik’. Means the name ‘Ajana Pathik’ denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja’na’ means ‘unknown’ and Pathik means ‘divine traveler’. But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the “Unknown Traveler” or “Unknown Divine Traveler.” The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The the inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and by His special grace He is constantly present with everyone all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere – carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja’na’ Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire expressed universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. Thus in their devotional approach devotees feel that wherever they go then the Aja’na’ Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, devotees can always get His intimate company & companionship. With this devotional link, by His grace sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja’na’ Pathik.

Overall the name Aja’na’ Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A’nanda Ma’rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja’na’ Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has revealed this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. Hence He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as – Aja’na’ Pathik.

Read Full Post »

One Step to Please Guru

Subject: One Step to Please Guru
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:20:07 -0000
From: Ananda.Sagar@vjk.dept…
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== ONE STEP TO PLEASE GURU ==

Namaskar,
Typically, religious Hindus think of puja as an offering made with leaves, flowers, and various ornaments such as with a’rati. This is the ritualistic manner of puja in Hindu mythology. Over the centuries, billions and billions of worshipers have performed their puja in this manner.

As Ananda Margiis, we know that puja is more than a ritualistic offering.

In Ananda Marga, guru puja is something completely different and very dynamic: It is a psycho-spiritual practice, not an external display of worship. In Ananda Marga puja, the bhakta withdraws the mind to one point and offers everything unto Him. That is the devotional approach of guru puja in Ananda Marga.

Even then, the practice of guru puja is not limited to the aforementioned devotional practice along with the repetition of a shloka after sadhana.

We should all be aware of Baba’s expanded teachings on this important spiritual topic.

WHAT IS REGULARLY THOUGHT OF AS PUJA IN ANANDA MARGA

Generally, in Ananda Marga, we think of guru puja as the repetition of the three stanza shloka at the conclusion of sadhana, i.e. “Akhanda mandala karam….”

This is repeated internally when doing individual sadhana, and chanted collectively during dharmacakra. In either case, this is often what is thought of as guru puja in Ananda Marga.

That approach, of course, is guru puja – but it is not the totality of our guru puja practice.

GURUPUJANAM

In His various discourses on “The Seven Secrets of Success”, Baba gives us a greater or wider expression of guru puja.

Phalis’yatiiti vishva’sah siddherprathama laks’an’am;
Dvitiiyam’ shraddhaya’ yuktam’ trtiiyam’ gurupu’janam;
Caturtho samata’bha’vo paincamendriyanigrahah;
S’as’t’hainca pramita’ha’ro saptamam’naeva vidyate.

The third secret of success is gurupu’janam (end of line two of the above shloka).

By seeing the spelling, one might get confused. But gurupu’janam basically means guru puja just as namaskaram essentially means namaskar. The case ending is a bit different, so there is a slight linguistic difference. The term, however, is essentially one.

As we know, it is not at all uncommon for a single term to have multiple meanings or applications. For instance, the term dharma means righteousness, and it also means the inherent quality or characteristic. Dharma is used in both ways, depending upon the circumstances or situation.

Similarly, guru puja or gurupujanam carries more than a single meaning. In Hindu dogma, it means ritualistic worship. And in Ananda Marga it carries two more meanings. Guru puja is repetition of the shloka and offering made at the conclusion of one’s sadhana, plus it means obeying Guru’s guidelines and teachings.

In this last context, as per the above shloka, Baba is guiding us that to get success in spiritual life gurupu’janam is needed.

Next we shall review what gurupujanam means in the context of gaining success in spiritual life.

MORE ABOUT GURUPUJANAM

Baba says, “gurupu’janam is doing as per the desire of the guru.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 3)

Here Baba explains one of the requisite factors for gaining success in spiritual life is following the order and teachings of Guru. That is what is meant by gurupujanam. So this teaching of gurupu’janam goes far beyond the short devotional practice which we perform after sadhana.

To gain success in spiritual life, the practice of gurupu’janam extends to each and every moment of the day. We are to abide by and follow His vast array of teachings from yama and niyama to Caryacarya, Subhasita Samgraha, conduct rules, Sixteen Points and more. By adhering to those do’s and don’ts and all related spiritual principles, then we will be adhering the point of gurupujanam. We are to please Him and following His guidelines – that is what is meant by gurupu’janam.

Thus, gurupu’janam entails those things which make Him happy, i.e. those deeds which are done to please Him. That of course means, following Ananda Marga ideology. It is a moot point that Baba will not be pleased by those actions which directly contravene His teachings.

Baba will not be happy by cheating, theft, groupism, scriptural distortions, or the imposition of dogma etc.

Baba will be happy by service, sacrifice, and sadhana. That means feeding the poor, helping the homeless, teaching youths, propagating dharma, fighting against exploitation etc – all these things will make Baba happy.

Thus we are to fill our days from morning till night doing those things which will please Him. And pleasing Him means doing as per the desire of Guru, and following the so many guidelines from all Ananda Marga books. We are to read, study, understand, and sincerely follow all His given teachings and mandates. That is the meaning of gurupujanam.

So to get success in spiritual life we should be more and more vigilant in gurupu’janam – i.e. obeying Guru’s teachings and orders. We should actively take part in this aspect of gurupu’janam throughout each and every day. This should become not just our habit but our nature.

Doing the 3 rounds of guru puja after sadhana is most necessary and part of our dharmic approach, but we should not think that this practice starts and ends there. Gurupu’janam is an all encompassing approach to life – following all do’s and don’ts & mandates. That will bring success in the spiritual realm. That means by doing gurup’ujanam one is sure to get Him. Any sadhaka will feel His sweet touch in each and every work – all the moments of life.

TO ALL SADHAKAS

There are many who do sadhana but do not feel their kundalinii rising and they do not attain samadhi etc. If any sadhaka becomes more sincere in His teachings on gurupujanam – obeying all His guidelines – then one will get success in spiritual life. Spirituality and getting His grace is not a utopian concept. It is a practical approach, and if one earnestly follows His guidelines, then certainly their sadhana will be successful.

BABA’S BLESSING

Baba has graciously blessed us with all the dharmic practices that bring bliss in life. Ananda Marga is the path of bliss where one can feel His grace each and every moment. To gain success in spiritual life, one must be sincere in gurupujanam. Naturally then He will be most gracious and success is sure – one will get Him.

Baba says, ‘You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success, in your attainment of siddhi.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 14)

Namaskar,
Ananda Sagar

Note: DIFFERENT FROM HINDU DOGMA

In the Hindu religion, gurupujanam is done in a ritualistic manner. They honour their guru by offering certain leaves or flowers, doing ceremonial arati, burning clarified butter, as well as garlanding the guru. Mostly, the guru is sitting in front of them and followers make their offering to their guru directly. If the guru is away or deceased, they make those ritualistic offerings to guru’s photo. They do all these kinds of rituals for gurupujanam. It is not required that they follow guru’s teachings. In Ananda Marga, it is the exact opposite: We do gurupujanam by obeying Guru’s command.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Kuya’sha’r ka’lo muche diye, hata’sha’r resh dure sariye…” – P.S. 1285

Purport:

Baba, You came that very night after wiping away the blackness of the fog. Whatever little faint remnant of hopelessness was left in my mind, You removed. It is Your grace. Baba, You came holding the lamp of hope in Your hand.

Baba, when You came that very night, Your eyes were filled with love and Your face was shining with divine effulgence – You looked so beautiful. O’ Baba, after crossing the long, jagged, and tiring path, You came and stood on my doorstep.

That very night the vast sky was covered with the clouds, and my mental sky was filled with longing for You. By just thinking about You, tears of love and devotion were rolling down from my eyes, that very night when You came.

On that very rainy night, in the breeze the sweet fragrance of the night jasmine flowers was emanating all around. And the peacock was dancing by seeing the game of hide and seek between clouds and the moon. Baba that very beautiful, rainy night, You came and graced me.

Baba, the dust of Your feet was saturated with karuna. And by the touch of that divine dust, my lowly mind became vibrated in Your divine flow. Baba, You Yourself came that very rainy night in my dhyana. Baba, You are so gracious…

Read Full Post »

Gurupujanam of Devashish

Date: 02 Jun 2012, 20:44:06
From: “Giovanni Spulotto” 

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Gurupujanam of Devashish

Baba

== GURUPUJANAM OF DEVASHISH ==

Namaskar,
I read the earlier letter on this tantra piit’ha thread and greatly value all that was shared – indeed a tantra piit’ha is not made by planting 5 trees and burying 5 skulls. I do not know why the writer presented such a dogmatic view in the name of Ananda Marga in his book – “[Shrii Shrii] Anandamurti The Jamalpur Years”. According to Baba, a tantra piit’ha is solely a place where great sadhakas achieved realisation. Clearly, the writer is confused.

NEW POINT FOR THE DISCUSSION

Here I would like to raise one new point regarding this debacle. In his book, the writer completely misportrays Baba’s own Personae as well. Take a look at what the writer does.

“Out of respect for the sacred history of that particular tantra pitha [made of 5 trees & 5 skulls], Prabhat would always remove his shoes before entering.” ([Shrii Shrii] Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years, p. 381)

ADDRESSING BABA PROPERLY

Firstly, when writing about or addressing Revered Baba, either directly or indirectly, we must always use a respectful address like Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. As His disciples, we never are to address Him as Prabhat etc, regardless of the circumstance. This is especially true in the public arena where we are teaching others by our example.

By his expression, it is evident that the writer does not have due reverence for Sadguru Baba; this writer is just a fake margii. No true Ananda Margii – no true disciple of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji – could ever even think to do like this. True Ananda Margiis always express the highest respect for Beloved Baba.

But see what this writer did:

“Prabhat would always remove his shoes before entering.” (The Jamalpur Years, p. 381)

This is absolutely appalling – the writer does not follow even one ounce of Guru Pujanam – reverence to Guru, which is a basic point that even beginner margiis understand.

“Trtiiyaḿ gurupújanam. I must have reverence for the guru…respect for the guru.”
(Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 12, ‘Secrets’)

Rather, in his book which he published for all to see, the writer is treating Baba like some ordinary person on the street, or even less than that. Because even on the street one must use the address as Mister or Sir. This much the writer does not do. And this happens again, and again, and again in his book – thousands of times.

SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF THE CATHOLICS

Even all the religions – whatever faults they may have – show proper regard for their preceptor.

Catholics address their leader as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope’s worldly name is Joseph Alois Ratzinger, but no Catholic would ever consider calling the Pope, “Joey”. That would be a terrible display of disrespect. No Catholic could ever imagine doing that. Rather, they refer to him as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. And by this way they teach others to do the same. Lay people, heads of state, newspaper reporters, indeed everyone refers to the Pope in a most respectful way. All because that is the tone and address used by the Pope’s chief followers, i.e. catholics.

As an example, here is an excerpt from The New York Times:

“Pope Benedict XVI is on Twitter, and he tweets from an iPad. His Holiness sent out an initial tweet… ” (The New York Times, Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011)

In this article, the Pope is referred to in very respectful language because that is what his followers have taught the world to do. They have set a gold-bar standard, and the rest of the world is following along. That is the main message to be learned here.

Tragically that lesson was utterly lost on the writer of the book – “The Jamalpur Years.” This person has referred to Beloved Baba in the most ordinary, mundane, even lowly manner.

“Prabhat would always…” (p.381)

That is the unfortunate and poor example the writer is putting forward for the world to see. The results are not going to be good.

Let’s take a look at another example.

SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF THE BUDDHISTS

Buddhists address their leader as His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama’s worldly name is Tenzin Gyatso, but no Buddhist would ever consider calling the Dalai Lama, “Tenz”. That would be a terrible display of disrespect. Rather, in their each and every syllable, gesture, statement, and publication, they refer to the Dalai Lama in only the highest, most respectful manner: His Holiness. And by their lofty example, the rest of the world follows along. The proof is that even President Obama’s office used this same reverential address:

“Statement from the Press Secretary on the President’s meeting Thursday with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama: “The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama…” (Washington Post, Feb 18 2010)

Thus the followers of the Dalai Lama, by their respectful way of addressing their chosen leader, have successfully guided everyone around the globe to do the same, including the office of the US President.

Yet in his book – “The Jamalpur Years” – the writer could not even begin to approach such a standard – rather he sank to a most lowly level when referring to our Marga Gurudeva:

“Prabhat would always….” (p.381)

Let’s take a look at one more example.

SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE OF HINDUS

Hindus address their leader as Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya. Indeed now he is known the world over by this most respectful title: His Holiness Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya of Dwarka. Because that is how those followers have presented him to the rest of the world.

Indeed this “Jagat Guru” title means Guru of the whole world. Those followers give him this highest stature.

Of course this same Shankaracarya was once a boy who had a simple laukik boyhood name. When that boy grew older and became a monk then he eventually became known as Swami Shree Swaroopananda Saraswati ji. And when that same Swami Shree Swaroopananda Saraswati ji became a senior leader he was proclaimed by Hindu followers to be His Holiness Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya of Dwarka.

So it was a three-step progression: (1) Boyhood name (which is no longer known) to (2) monk name to (3) His Holiness Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya of Dwarka. His followers naturally refer to him by his highest appellation; so today the whole world references him by this great and magnanimous name.

Unfortunately, the writer of the book “The Jamalpur Years” went in the opposite direction. He introduced Baba to the world in the lowliest way imaginable.

As we all know as a boy He was Prabhat; as a social writer He is Shrii PR Sarkar ji; as a spiritual Sadguru He is Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji – the embodiment of divine bliss. Yet instead of using this third and highest name, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the writer has introduced Baba as merely “Prabhat” to the entire population of planet earth. That is the terrible sin that this writer has done.

“Prabhat would always…” (p.381)

This type or mundane, ordinary expression is repeated countless times throughout the book.

So that is what the people around the globe are going to call our Beloved Baba – Prabhat. Because that is what this writer has taught them to do. It is nothing less than sinful what this so-called writer has done.

The Catholics have His holiness the Pope Benedict XVI; the Buddhists have His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama; and the Hindus have His Holiness Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya of Dwarka; and now, thanks to the work of this writer, the world over thinks that Ananda Margiis have “Prabhat”.

Indeed. there is only one His holiness the Pope Benedict XVI – there is no room for confusion – this title does not refer to any second entity; there is only one His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama – there is no room for confusion – this title does not refer to any second entity; and there is only one His Holiness Shrii Shrii Jagat Guru Shankaracarya of Dwarka – there is no room for confusion – this title does not refer to any second entity. These appellations are totally unique; when these titles are mentioned everyone knows exactly who you are referring to.

Yet, with the simple boyhood name Prabhat, there are tens of millions of ordinary people named “Prabhat” – there is nothing unique at all about this name. So when the name Prabhat is mentioned, there will be so much confusion. Each and every person will have their own separate idea of who Prabhat is. There is nothing great or unique about this name that will alert people to know that we are referring to Sadguru Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

Yet it is this common name that the writer has used thousands of times in his book. What the writer has done is scandalous and sinful.

BOGUS LOGIC

Some give the bogus logic that since this book – “The Jamalpur Years” – was written in English for a more western audience, then it was appropriate to refer to Baba in that way; because that is how it is done in the west.

However, that is nothing but bogus logic.

The Pope is also a western figure but no one calls him as “Joey”. Rather they use the term His holiness. So then why should the writer stoop to such lowly levels when addressing Beloved Baba as merely “Prabhat”. It seems then the writer did like this because he has absolutely no reverence in his heart for Baba. That is why the writer portrayed Baba in such a dishonorable fashion. One other reason is that he could be a paid stooge – in the hands of enemies – to downgrade Baba. The CIA, CBI, ISI, or KGB – or who knows who – could have paid him to put down Baba. The writer may be involved in covert operations. Otherwise what could be the reason – why is he denigrating Beloved Baba in this way.

Indeed, this writer does not even have social regard for Baba. Writers in the west will honourably refer to the current US President by his family name, Obama. They may precede that with the respectful title, President or Mr, in which it is President Obama or Mr Obama. But no one ever refers to him by his simple name, Barack. Nor were prior US presidents ever referred to as George or Bill. Rather their family name – Bush or Clinton – was used in order to pay respect. The world knows these people as President Clinton, President Bush and President Obama, not by Bill, or George, or Barack. No one says that “Bill did this”, or “George did that”, or “Barack did this.” Referring them by the first name / simple name is not done.

Yet the writer of “The Jamalpur Years” just used the simple name “Prabhat” when writing about Baba. Not an iota of social regard was afforded to Baba in this publication. There is no reasonable or decent explanation for this other than the writer has no inner love and no outer regard for our Sadguru Baba.

The writer cannot make the claim that what he has done is in sync with the western tradition. Because that is not at all the case. Spiritual and social leaders in the west are given proper appellations. Just look at how the Pope is addressed; the Pope is a western institution, but look at the reverence with which the Pope is addressed. Indeed, even on the street one must address the common person with Mister or Sir. But the writer did not do even an ounce of this with Baba.

So no one can say that the writer is following the tradition of the west. Rather the only logical explanation at this point is that the writer did this due to his own pitiful devotional standard and the blackness of his own heart. Or he may be a stooge in the hand of spy agencies like the CIA, CBI, ISI, or KGB – or who knows who – in order to ruin the image of Ananda Marga. The writer may be involved in covert operations. Otherwise what could be the reason – why he is denigrating Beloved Baba.

Namaskar
Ganesh Deva
(Giovanni Spulotto)

Note 1: WHY I WROTE THIS PIECE

I was walking my dog and met up with my neighbor recently – he is not someone I know very well – then suddenly out of the thin air he says, “I know you are an Ananda Margii, so then Prabhat must be your guru.” I was totally shocked and speechless. I wondered how this guy is referring to our Sadguru Baba in this base manner. I certainly never refer to Baba in this way – neither in my own home nor in public. Then it flashed in my mind that this fellow got this lowly idea by reading Devashish’s book. It was then that I first truly understood that this book must – absolutely must – be removed from the shelves. This book should not be available to the public or even to anyone at all. This book should be tossed aside and a more qualified sadhaka with proper devotion should take up the task.

Note 2: WHAT BOOK IS THIS

By now everyone certainly knows that the book being referred to in the above letter is “Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years” by Devashish (Donald Acosta). Even the title he got wrong; it should be Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

May we always remember, the entire aim in writing such a book is to glorify Guru and His teachings; but Devashish’s book moves in a totally different direction – a negative one. I too wholly believe this publication should be removed from the shelf. From the front cover to the back page, this entire book utterly fails to properly represent Revered Baba and His teachings.

Best will be if Devashish offers a formal statement of apology and correction, and withdraws the book.

Note 3: EARLIER LETTER IN ITS ENTIRETY

Here following is a link the previous letter about Devashish’s book.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/05/sloppy-book-misinformation-of-tantra.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Iisha’n toma’r vis’a’n’ bejeche, alasata’ du’re sare geche…” (P.S. 2496)

Purport:

Baba, Your divine call and thundering voice is resonating all around; it has removed the staticity, dogma, and lethargy from everyone’s mind. Those negative things which were impeding the path of human progress have disappeared into the far distant horizon. Now the degenerated state of dogma cannot remain any longer. Living beings have gotten new life, smiles, and joy due to the rejuvenating spirit of neo-humanism.

O’ Divine Entity, the world which was sleeping in the past is getting awakened. New leaves and flowers are beautifying the green vegetation and trees. Everything has been filled with the colours of flowers & fruits – ensconced in the feeling of service to one and all.

Now there are no narrow sentiments or dogmatic thoughts which can hinder our forward movement. Now there is no one to create obstacles on our path towards our cherished Goal.

The time has come – under great sky and in this beautiful environment, I should go on marching forward undauntedly towards You. O’ Parama Purusa…

Read Full Post »

How to Remove Negative Thoughts in Sadhana + Story

From: “Girish Chandra Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: How to Remove Negative Thoughts in Sadhana + Story
Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:49:53 +0530

Baba

== HOW TO REMOVE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS IN SADHANA + STORY ==

Note: Be sure to read the special quote at the bottom of this posting. The headline is, “Look What Priests Did – Human Sacrifice.” Just scroll down and you will see it.

Namaskar,
By Baba’s divine grace our AM system of sadhana is that most comprehensive and blessed path which leads each and every aspirant to the Goal. It brings one to that highest state of attainment and supreme fulfillment – receiving His eternal shelter at His lotus feet.

OBSTACLES ARE INEVITABLE

At the same time, we all know the theory that human life is that movement from imperfection to perfection – from animality to divinity. And in this grand endeavour, in this course of movement, in the practical sphere one is bound to encounter so many obstacles and difficulties.

That is why it is said that the life of a sadhaka is wrought with innumerable hindrances – both external and internal. Sometimes the challenges come from outside such as from an employer, one’s parents, local dogmas, or religious exploiters etc. And other times the enemies come from within, from one’s own mental arena. One may suffer from an inferiority complex, a fear complex, or countless other psychic defects.

Plus when the mind is in a lower state, it easily gets caught up in the net of allurements of those baser propensities. At the point the mind gets flooded by crude, instinctual desires and cannot concentrate on anything subtle. Then mind is not even interested in sadhana. Just it is rushing after carnal pleasures.

So any or all of these external bondages and internal hindrances – including one’s baser propensities – may confront a sadhaka at any point in their journey. But by Baba’s grace, through our devotional link with Him, He blesses us with the sustenance to march ahead.

Baba says, “…Obstacles are inevitable on the path of movement. In fact, in all actions, auspicious and inauspicious, obstacles arise, but the innate force lying in each thought and every action, from the cosmic perspective, provides the necessary stamina for forward movement. Let us not forget this fact.” (A’nanda Va’nii #62)

SPIRIT OF TANTRA:

OVERCOMING THE DARK FORCE OF AVIDYA MAYA

The whole spirit and essence of tantra is the systematic fight against avidya maya and become one with Parama Purusa.

Because mahamaya – that creative principle – wants to keep living beings in her bondage. She does not want anyone to progress and escape from her grasp. She wants to dominate and rule over human beings for ever and ever. That is her dream– her desire.

Naturally then she does NOT want sadhakas to advance such that they can become mayadhiish – the controller of maya. Rather mahamaya wants to lord over sadhakas. So she continually binds them in her vast array of internal and external obstacles.

Due to the dark force of avidya maya, so many negative, degenerating, and sinful thoughts arise in the mind of a sadhaka. Because maya wants to frustrate and discourage aspirants on their path of forward movement. She wants sadhakas to feel so burdened and encumbered by negative thoughts that they give up the idea of even doing sadhana.

That is why we see that so many people take initiation into AM but very few actually move ahead on the path of sadhana. Most leave quite quickly – never to be seen or heard from again. This is the common outcome which we have all witnessed innumerable times.

So avidya maya or mahamaya is that binding force that tries to hinder one’s growth and development. Because she never wants anyone to escape from her grip.

And the perfect and indeed only way for completely freeing onself from the suffocating ways of avidya is to sincerely take up the practice of Tantra. Because it is only through the intutional practices of AM – by developing a link with Parama Purusa & thinking of Him– and thereby getting His divine grace, that one can become liberated from all these worldly bondages.

CLEANSING THE MIND:

SPECIAL DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE GIVEN BY BABA

As we all know in our tantric system of Ananda Marga sadhana, Baba has given various lessons. And that particular aspect of sadhana which comes under the practice of pratyhara and clears the mind of all encumberances is known as Guru Puja. This every Ananda Margii has experienced.

So by Baba’s grace it is our practice of Guru Puja, or varnarghyadan – ‘the offering of one’s mental colours’, that enables one to be cleansed from any impure or sinful thoughts.

Baba says, “…To dispel [the] clouds of ignorance and spiritual slumber. ‘Tasmae Shrii Gurave Namah’– to that Guru I offer my pranama.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 3, p.16)

But, as we have all seen, to gain success in this endeavour one cannot merely half-heartedly repeat Guru Puja in a mechanical way. That will not do. That will not work at all.

Rather just like in all our AM sadhana practices – whether that be first lesson or dhyana – when doing Guru Puja one must awaken their innate devotional faculty. One should feel that sweet, devotional yearning in their heart. And with that longing one should see our Sadguru sitting in front of them and think that in this vast universe they are helpless and only Parama Purusa can save them.

The aspirant must say: ‘O Baba, You are my Guru and You see that I am helpless. I cannot move ahead. I want to reach to You but my mind is not allowing me to advance. I am sunk in sinful thoughts. I cannot repeat my mantra for even one second without my mind getting disturbed. Time passes in sadhana and my mind becomes only more and more burdened – suffering from the onslaughts of negative thoughts. O’ Baba, I have no other way out, You are my Saviour and only You are my shelter. By Your grace I am surrendering everything unto You. Please be gracious.’

With this type of inner feeling and sincere desire – and by feeling helpless – one is sure to get His grace.

SURRENDER IS NEEDED

So surrender is needed in the practice of Guru Puja and for that one should cultivate the devotional feeling of helplessness in the heart. By that way one can fully rely on Him and develop more and more prapatti – complete dependence on Him.

In contrast, those who think that by their own effort they can shatter the bondage of maya will never get success. To overcome the grip of avidya maya one has to have the feeling of surrender and helplessness – one must take His shelter.

Baba says, “Now by individual effort it is very difficult to fight the overwhelming effect of maha’ma’ya’. The easiest way is to take shelter in the Supreme Purus’a. As ma’ya’ is the faculty of Parama Purus’a, when one has taken shelter in Purus’a, naturally ma’ya’ will surrender before him, and actually ma’ya’ surrenders before him.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 24, ‘The Causal Matrix’)

So by Baba’s grace when one takes shelter in Him then they are able to surmount the negative effects of avidya maya.

Thus before, or after, or during sadhana – or whenever sinful thoughts enter the mind one should sincerely engage in the practice of Guru Puja and seek His divine grace. And by cultivating the feeling of helplessness one is sure to get His krpa’ – divine grace. In which case one will easily be able to reach up to the Goal and become one with Him.

BABA’S DIVINE GUARANTEE

Here is Baba’s special grace upon all aspirants for how to immediately overcome sinful thoughts in sadhana– or anytime.

Baba says, “If those human beings who are getting degenerated remember Parama Purusa even once, for a moment, if they think that ‘I belong to Parama Purusa, what am I doing, in which negative path am I treading, I am a human being, I am a devotee, I belong to Parama Purusa, I will remain His forever’, if they think like this then their degeneration will stop immediately.” (Bhagalpur, 3 Feb 87, General Darshan)

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’ grace each and every Ananda Margii will progress along the path of sadhana and reach that divine stance.

Baba says, “In the history of the world, you will see that against this type of spiritual aspirants who make spiritual progress with the grace of Parama Purus’a, all the degrading and degenerating forces will easily concede defeat. You too should keep moving forward, and you will also attain victory after victory — there is no doubt about it. Therefore continue your efforts tirelessly, do your duty and you will surely be crowned with success.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 18)

Namaskar,
Girish Deva

Note 1: BABA STORY:

OVERCOMING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS &

GETTING HIS ETERNAL SHELTER

In His role as Dharma Guru, Baba graciously guides us how to overcome negative ideas and advance along the path of Supreme Positivity.

Specifically in this below story from Shabda Cayanika, Baba Himself is blessing the aspirant by showing him how to rid the mind from sinful thoughts. In the described circumstance which the sadhaka is facing below, the ‘dog’ – or thinking about the dog – is representative of all sinful and undesirable thoughts.

The story begins here with the aspirant, Khagen, telling his problem to Baba.

“Yes,” he said, sobbing. Then he cried out: “Forgive me. Help me to forget all these [negative] things.”

“I also want that,” I [Baba] replied. “Come on, let us return to town.”

We continued walking side by side. I kept hold of his left elbow with my right hand and pulled him along in a fashion. Glancing behind, I noticed a point of light following us. Since I was looking at the point of light, Khagen also glanced in that direction. He shivered and said: “That dog, again that dog, again that dog is chasing me.”

“Wipe that dog out of your mind,” I said. “Repeat your Is’t’a mantra.”

“I am trying,” he said. “But I am not able to.”

“Think of Me for a little bit,” I said. “Think that I am pulling you along by the hand. Then, while thinking of Me, fix your mind at your Is’t’a cakra. Try it. Then you’ll be able to do it.” (Shabda Cayanika-2)

So by Baba’s grace, by thinking of Him and surrendering to Him, we can certainly escape even the darkest and most sinful thoughts. By His grace those devilish and distorted ideas will completely vanish from the mind and with that pure mind one will reach that Supreme Stance at His alter.

Note 2: LORDING OVER MAYA

Here Baba guides us how Parama Purusa is that Supreme Cosmic Entity who rules over the dark forces of maya. Thus one of His infinite attributions is Mahadhish– the Lord of maya.

Baba says, “The Macrocosmic mind remains unassailed in all circumstances, for He is the only one, He is the Supreme Authority. The Entity who becomes active within His vast cosmic body, exerting a tremendous influence over the microcosms is Ma’ya’, His immanent power. Brahma Himself does not do anything but remains unassailed as Ma’ya’dhiisha (Lord of Ma’ya’).” (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 7, ‘All Shine With His Effulgence’)

And by His grace, by doing sadhana and becoming one with Him, sadhakas can escape the sticky ways of maya also become mayadhiish. Sadhakas can become completely liberated & fully emancipated, and thus being relieved of the negative effects of maya, one can do great things on this earth by His grace.

Baba says, “When a person attains an exalted state of spirituality, they can bring welfare to millions of people, and they can do so due to the grace of Parama Purus’a.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 18, p.14)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’ke ca’i a’mi jiivane, a’loke a’ndha’re sabkha’ne…” (PS 3238)

Purport:

Baba, You are my everything. In the effulgence as well as in the darkness, all the time, in all the places– everywhere, in my life I only desire You. Baba, You have blessed me with the feeling that, “You are mine and mine alone.” I want to keep You with me always. Baba, please be gracious and remain in my heart eternally.

Baba, I long for You in the depths of my heart. Baba, except You, I do not have any other desire. By Your grace You are my shelter & You are my base. Baba, You and I– the two of us– will remain in one corner of my deserted heart forever and ever. By Your grace, we will be there together, always. That is my longing; that is my desire.

Baba, You are with all; nobody is lowly or insignificant, everyone is Yours. We are all part of one divine family. Baba, to those who went away in the past and to those who will come in the future, I go on telling the tale of their heart: No one is downtrodden – all belong to You.

O’ my dearmost Baba, Your qualities are endless and You have infinite forms. Baba, all the flora and fauna – all that is mobile and immobile – everything is Your divine expression. You are so gracious, You are manifesting Yourself in countless ways. Baba, whatever right or wrong I do, by Your grace I always keep You in my mind, in my heart. I always surrender unto You. Baba, in my shravana* and in my manana*, I go on singing Your song – Your glory. It is Your grace.

Baba, You are the Polestar of my life; You are my everything. Baba, please keep me under Your shelter…

ASTERISK NOTES (*):

*Manana & Shravana: Here Baba explains both the special meaning and intrinsic value of the devotional practices of manan and shravan.

Baba says, “To attain Him human beings have to take recourse to shravana (constantly hearing His name), manana (constantly ideating on Him) and nididya’sana (constantly meditating on Him). The Supreme Entity is Gurha, that is, He is lying hidden in the innermost recess of the human entity. To attain Him one must penetrate deep within oneself, and for that the development of an introversial outlook is essential.” (Tattva Kaomudi-3)

*****************************************
Look What Priests Did – Human Sacrifice

Baba says, “Though it may be a bit irrelevant, I should still say that in the age of Vajraya’na the Buddhists used to sacrifice human beings in order to gain material boons from the deities. During the period of Vajraya’na in India, particularly in Bengal, thousands and thousands of innocent people were sacrificed in order to propitiate Vajrayoginii, Vajrata’ra’, etc.” (Namah Shiva Shantaya, Disc: 4)

Note: The Buddhists strayed far from Buddha’s original teachings. Buddha himself was preaching the gospel of love and compassion and that maximum respect should be given to life. His slogan was, “live and let live.” He opposed all kinds of sacrifices – including animal sacrifices, let alone human sacrifices. But over the course of time those Buddhist priests went directly against Buddha and issued edicts that humans should be sacrificed. In that way, Baba tells us that thousands and thousands of innocent people were killed.

We should keep the above in mind. Because now our Sadguru Baba has come and already so many Dadas are turning around Baba’s teachings. They are distorting Baba’s books, eradicating the BP system, and changing everything in order to grab the post and power.

Thus what happened with Buddhism in the past is happening today in our Marga. In AMPS, certain top Dadas are marching down this same road. If they keep going, it will not be long before innocent family margiis are burned and slaughtered for the sake of group fight. Neo-humanism will be finished. That is what happened with Buddhism.

Those who love Baba’s teachings should stay focused and ensure that His teachings remain in pristine form and are followed. Parama Pita Baba Kii – Jai!!
*****************************************

Read Full Post »

Baba Story: Wrong Pronunciation

Date: 15 Mar 2012 20:41:57 -0000
From: “Gursharan Deva”
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba Story: Wrong Pronunciation

Baba

== DMC STORIES FROM MY DIARY ==

Namaskar,
I can never forget the time when, by Baba’s grace, I attended DMC at Kullu on 1 November 1979. Actually in my life, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend many DMCs, and all were special in their own way, due to His divine presence. In particular at Kullu, I remember the strong spiritual vibration. All were enchanted by His sweet charm.

NAME OF THE DMC DISCOURSE AT KULLU

From my diary, I am reminded how at that DMC Baba delivered the discourse: Moks’a Kya’ Hae, or What is Moks’a.

BABA CORRECTED GURU PUJA PRONUNCIATION AT KULLU DMC

Also on that occasion, I noted in my diary how Baba graciously stopped the chanting of Guru Puja and corrected the pronunciation. Because as we all know, for Guru Puja to be effective, one must maintain purity of mind, proper ideation (bhava), and recite the chant three times with the correct pronunciation. Without those qualities, Guru Puja will not work. It is Baba’s grace that He has shown us the proper pronunciation so we may do our puja in the right manner.

AUDIO FILE ON THE AM-GLOBAL BLOG

I have the audio file of that very DMC program from when one Dada shared it with me, and I have uploaded it to the blog for all to hear.

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/

MY DIARY ENTRY FROM KULLU DMC (INTRO)

What follows below is my diary entry from that magnificent occasion of Kullu DMC where Baba lovingly showered His grace on all, irrespective of one’s social stature or birth. Because at DMC, Baba calls His bhaktas– all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds, from all corners of the earth– and He equally showers His love on everyone, without any differentiation. That is the special quality of DMC.

(Note: It will be too long if I include my entire entry, so here I am appending the later part of the DMC experience which includes Baba’s blessing, Guru Puja, and Jai Slogan etc. In addition, in parentheses (00:00) I have added the timings which relate to the sound file on the blog.)

MY DIARY ENTRY FROM KULLU DMC (PART 1)

…Baba is beautifully concluding His discourse– ‘What is Salvation’– in Hindi. (00:57, timing on the sound file)

Sadguru Baba is seated on the dais, His eyes closed and His palms together, as He recites, Samgacchadhvam…

(At this point, they have removed the microphones from in front of Baba so all will be able to witness and experience the upcoming varabhaya mudra. For this reason it is difficult to hear Baba recite Samgaddhadhvam. But if one listens carefully the chant can be heard.)

The anticipation and spiritual energy mounts as Baba recites, ‘Omn Shanti, omn shanti, omn shanti’. (01:28, timing on the sound file)

All eyes are minds are pin-pointed towards Baba– everything is still– and in His loving manner Baba slowly begins to separate His hands, bringing His right hand slightly up, palm facing the margiis, while His left hand is placed by His left thigh, palm facing upward.

Baba is graciously giving varabhaya mudra– His divine blessing!! (01:34, timing on the sound file)

There is a strong upsurge of devotional feeling and spiritual flow. Sadhakas are crying out, ‘Baba!, Baba!, Baba!…bhaktas are crying in bliss…His divine love is radiating everywhere– in all directions… (01:34 – 01:52, timing on the sound file)

(According to His causeless grace, at His various DMC’s, Baba will give His blessing for around 10 seconds, per His wish. The longer the varabhaya mudra is held, more and more sadhakas will become unconscious, inundated in divine bliss, and go into samadhi.)

MY DIARY ENTRY FROM KULLU DMC (PART 2)

(It is always arranged that the BP or local in-charge should be close by PA Dada so that as soon as Baba concludes His mudra, then the BP can ask PA for permission to ask Baba to do Guru Puja. So first the BP goes to PA Ramanandaji, and then the BP respectfully approaches Baba for permission. That is the system. And it all happens in a matter of seconds.)

The Bhukti Pradhan now asks PA Ramananda Dada and PA Dadaji gives the BP access to Baba. The BP requests Baba about Guru Puja and Baba graciously grants permission. (1:52)

Before the start of Guru Puja, we can hear reminders how the terms “Gurave” and “Parama'” should be pronounced properly. (2:00)

(In particular Gurave should not be spoken as Guruve, as that (Gurave) is the proper Sanskrit grammar. Those who do not read the text properly pronounce it in the wrong manner, as Guruve.)

Secondly Parama should be pronounced with a natural “a” at the end. Once again, those not aware about Sanskrit merely say Param. But that is not correct. In essence there are three ways that parama is pronounced:
(a) Param: This is when the -ma is given half-pronunciation. This is not the proper way.
(b) Parama: This is when the -ma is given full-pronunciation wherein the -ma sounds like the “ma” in the work market. This is the proper pronunciation.
(c) Parama’: This is when the -ma is given an overly long pronunciation with the mouth open wide such as the “a” sound in the word father. This also is not the proper way.

Finally, the best way to learn how to pronounce the word parama is by listening to the audio file on the blog.

In the early days of AM it was also like that. That is why the CC-1 1975 English Edition also states, “Param” in the Guru Vandana’ section. Around 1978 or so, Baba clarified to one and all that it should be Parama. And that is reflected in the later books as well as in ZY Find or the Electronic Edition of Baba’s books. In certain instances it was written as paramah, but that is not correct. It should be parama.

MY DIARY ENTRY FROM KULLU DMC (PART 3)

One Dadaji begins leading Guru Puja. (2:11)

When Dada recites the last line of the first stanza, Tasmae Shrii Gurave namah, the Dada mispronounces Gurave as Guruve, and one can hear Baba making corrections in pronunciation to PA Dada. (2:43 – 2:52)

But Guru Puja continues.

When Dada recites the last line of the second stanza of Guru Puja, again he commits the same mistake by saying, Guruve. Then in dramatic fashion, Baba again clarifies to PA Dada that ‘Gurave’ is the proper pronunciation, not Guruve. Baba repeats the corrections again and again, emphatically. (3:18 – 3:23)

Then, you can hear PA Dada shout, ‘Stop it!’.

At this point Guru Puja is halted. The whole DMC Pandal is totally silent.

Then the Dada re-starts Guru Puja from the very beginning. (3:30)

From then on, the three rounds of Guru Puja proceeds without incident, as the Dada correctly says “Gurave” and “Parama”. And it all goes smoothly.

After three blissful rounds of Guru Puja, we collectively chant, “Tava Dravyam…” (9:53)

Then everyone does sastaunga pranam.

MY DIARY ENTRY FROM KULLU DMC (PART 4)

When Guru Puja (Akhanda Mandala…) and the Pranama Mantra (Tava Dravyam…) have concluded, then Baba showers another blessing upon us all. (10:29)

Sarve’tra sukhinah bhavantu sarve santu nira’maya’h;
Sarve bhadra’n’i pashyantu na kashcid duhkhama’pnuya’t.

Let everybody be happy (11:10)
Let everybody be free from all ailments
Let everybody see the bright side of everything
Let nobody be forced to undergo any suffering or exploitation

Parama Pita Baba Ki– Jai!! Parama Pita Baba Ki– Jai!! Parama Pita Baba
Ki– Jai!! (11:30)

PRONUNCIATION IS KEY FOR ALL CHANTS

We should be vigilant in the pronunciation of all our chants: Samgacchadhvam, nityam shuddham, and of course Guru puja – as all as any other chants used in our AM way of life. Then one can derive the full benefit from those chants. That will be very meaningful.

CLOSING

So this was the beautiful scene that we all experienced that day at Kullu DMC. And still that divine vibration of Baba is alive in everyone’s mind and heart. All we need to do is search Him within and He is there showering His blessing.

Baba says, “Now by dint of sadhana,’ one is to arouse and exalt that sleeping divinity. That Svayambhu’liunga becomes one with Shambhu’liunga. But for this one requires divine help. And I know one is sure to get divine help. And I know further that one is getting divine help. And I know still further that in future, for infinite time and infinite space, one will be getting this divine favour. And you are all sa’dhakas. You will certainly attain that supreme stance and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it, my sons and my daughters.” (AV-23)

Namaskar,
Gurusharan

Note 1: VARBHAYA MUDRA AND JANUSPARSHA MUDRA

Generally at DMC, Baba would graciously shower His varabhaya mudra upon all. On some select occasions, Baba would lovingly present His janusparsha mudra, wherein both hands are on His knees, palms facing upwards. Although less common, this is another one of Baba’s divine blessings.

Note 2: ABOUT SAMADHI

When a sadhaka becomes inundated in His spiritual bliss, then that sadhaka may undergo all kinds of blissful sensations.

Baba says, “When the mental flow of a spiritual aspirant moves along the introversial phase of Macrocosmic meditation, one’s animative force, having the potentiality of divinity itself, rises above all tendencies – all sam’ska’ras – and proceeds towards Eternal bliss. In this state the mind is vibrated with Cosmic feeling. The unexpressed divine qualities of the higher glands find expression and the resonance of the mind vibrates the nervous system. This gives rise to pious expressions in the physical body. In the case of those people whose occult feelings are not physically expressed due to causes associated with the nerves, the mental vibrations cause certain radical changes, in the various glands within the body. These occult feelings are basically of eight types: stambha (astounding), kampa (trembling), sveda (sweating), svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), ashru (tears), roma’inca (horripilation), vaevarn’a (change of colour) and pralaya (fainting fit). There are other feelings associated with these major feelings. For examples, nrtya (dancing), giita (singing), vilun’t’hana (rolling), kroshana (weeping), hum’ka’ra (roaring), la’la’sra’va (salivating), jrmbhan’a (yawning), loka’peks’a’ tya’ga (indifference), at’a’ha’sya (bursting into laughter), ghu’rn’ana (whirling), hikka’ (hiccoughing), tanumot’ana (relaxation of the physical body) and diirghashva’sa (deep breathing).” (Guide to Human Conduct)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Nu’tan diner nu’tan su’ryat pu’rva a’ka’she ut’heche a’cho…” (P.S. 1308)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace, today the new sun of the new dawn is rising up in the sky. With the feeling of fear and shyness, the Cimmerian darkness of the night has disappeared. O’ human being, throw away the staticity and dogma of the past, and embrace the effulgence of the new dawn. The divine Entity with the divine effulgence has come to your doorstep – with new form and color, showering love on all. O’ human being, the creatures of darkness have disappeared. The Parama Purusa who is the nucleus of this universe, that very Entity is the greatest One. Ideating on Him go on doing His service…

Read Full Post »

Special Significance of Dolya’tra

From: “Shivadayal Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Special Significance of Dolya’tra

BABA

== SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DOLYATRA ==

Namaskar,
Spring festival has come. Of course for sadhakas, the change of season itself is not such a dramatic of critical event. Morever, our interest in spring festival is its spiritual meaning.

As many sadhakas may be aware, the practice of Guru Puja is deeply linked with the inner spirit of spring / colour festival. Here following then are some guidelines about Guru Puja which have been sent from our family acarya.

Most margiis know that Guru Puja means the offering of our mental colours to Guru. Hence Guru Puja is also termed as Varnarghyada’n– the offering of colours. And how one ideates during Guru Puja is highly important. Using the various tanmatras in our Guru Puja helps greatly in this process. Below are some techinques for consideration.

THE USE OF TANMATRAS IN GURU PUJA

Of course in the practice of Guru Puja, every sadhaka offers a lotus flower. So after kneeling in the proper posture one should close their eyes and with the palms open visualise the form a mental lotus.

The colour of the lotus will be the colour of that worldly object which is most dominating or disturbing to our mental flow during sadhana. For instance if one is facing financial difficulties or if one is just greedy for money, then that sadhaka should visualise a green lotus– or the dominant colour of money in their locale.

The idea being that each every material object has 5 tanmatras, or inferences. All the tanmatras should be utilised in Guru Puja when offering a mental lotus. This gives one very strong and positive effect. And the five tanmatras are: Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, and Smell.

So money has its own crumpling sound when it gets stuffed into a bag or taken out of a wallet. And it has a special touch of smoothness because it is paper.

So when doing Guru Puja the lotus takes on the sound of a crumpling type of sound and the touch or texture of that lotus will be very smooth like paper.

And since the third inference is form, then that is the time to visualise the colour of the louts, which in this case is green.

Then 4th tanmatra is taste. And the taste of money is known to all. So when doing this practice then in one’s hand the green coloured lotus made of smooth paper is there. And if ever one will taste it, it will taste like chewing on dry paper.

Then the 5th and final inference is smell. That also should be utilised in Guru Puja. Hence the whole lotus which get pictured in the mind takes on the smell of money.

This is the first aspect for performing Guru Puja.

RECITING THE CHANT

When these five inferences of sound, touch, form, taste, smell are present in the mental lotus, then one may start chanting:

“Akhanda mandala karam…”

But at the same time we should be strictly aware not to prematurely begin the chanting of the Guru Puja mantra until step by step, all the tanmatras are properly incorporated into one’s mental lotus. Then and only then should the chanting of the of Guru Puja mantra be started.

‘Then after completing the chanting of each round of our Guru Puja mantra:

“…Gurureva Parama Brahma, Tasmae Shrii Gurave Namah”.

Then one should offer that very mental lotus at the feet of Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji- Who is sitting in front of me.

BABA’S EXPLICIT EXPLANATION

And here following Baba Himself has given this below guideline which is highly linked with how tanmatras are to be used in that practice of Guru Puja.

Baba says, “Any object which creates bondage in the mind has its own particular colour. In those early days people used silver coins. While thinking of those silver coins, their minds would be coloured silver. Today, people’s minds are coloured by the thought of paper currency. When someone thinks of an iron safe, one’s mental object becomes the iron safe. When someone goes to the bank to deposit money, the bank’s signboard becomes his or her mental object… All such things become a person’s mental objects, one by one. The mind always takes something as its object, each object having its specific colour.” (NKS, ’97 Edn, p. 174)

And like that each and every tanmatra or inference takes effect in the mind. So in our Guru Puja practice they should all be offered to Guru. Baba guides us as follows.

Baba says, “Surrender all one’s mental colour to Parama Purus’a, and thus free oneself from the bondage.” (Namami Krsnasundaram)

Baba says, “This is significance of the Dol Liila’, the Spring Festival.” (NKS)

GURU PUJA LINKED WITH COLOUR FESTIVAL

Hence the process of Guru Puja is closely related with colour festival / spring festival. Now again, for those living in the northern hemisphere, the day of spring festival, or color festival has come.

THE DOGMATIC ROOTS OF SPRING / COLOUR FESTIVAL

Before further examining the inner spirit of spring festival, Baba guides us what is the misguided traditional understanding of this festival– also known as Holi in India.

Baba says, “In Indo-Aryan mythology there is mention of a king named Hiran’yakashipu. His sister, Holika, was a woman of violent nature. She was a cannibal. (You should note that she was a cannibal, not homivorous. A human eating another human is called a cannibal, whereas an animal eating human flesh is called homivorous. Holika was a cannibal, whereas a tiger is homivorous). The people out of anger burnt Holika alive the night before the full moon, and to celebrate this occasion, they arranged a festival of joy which was called Holikadahana (the burning of Holika). That is why even today in northern India particularly in the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, this Holi festival is Celebrated.” (AFPS-5, p.4)

THE REAL SPIRIT OF COLOUR FESTIVAL OR OFFERING OF COLOURS

This following teaching of Baba represents the inner spirit of color festival.

Baba says, “The inner significance of the Dolyatra [Color Festival] is this: ‘By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless.’ This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him. So this colour festival is not merely an outward play; it is a psycho-spiritual phenomenon. This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of varn’a’rghyada’na (offering of colours):’Oh Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation’.” (NH-LOI, ’99 Edn, p.29)

And once again Baba gives another inspring aspect of this special occasion of Spring Festival.

Baba says, “The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours; it is meant to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the mind. When this practice of offering your own colours — your own attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless — you will go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the Cosmic Ego. Whichever way you look you will see only Him in His ever-surging glory.” (SS-3)

And in a similar light Baba guides us as follows.

Baba says, “The inner significance of Dolya’tra is, in the swinging vibration in which the entire universe is vibrating, I will also be vibrated.” (AFPS-5)

Namaskar,
Shivadayal Deva

Note 1:DOGMATIC HOLI FESTIVAL IS NOT PART OF THE REAL DOLYATRA

Here below Baba reveals that dogmatic, externally-oriented festivals like Holi etc have absolutely nothing to do with the dharmic inner spirit of Dolyatra (color festival).

Baba says, “The psychology behind this [internal] Dolya’tri festival is to give one’s mental colour to Parama Purus’a. The inner idea is, ‘Let my mind vibrate in the same way as the Cosmic mind is vibrating’. This [internal] Dolyatra has no relation to the Holi festival of north India or the Phalguy of central and east India, for it [the internal offering of colours] is something purely psychic.” (AFPS-5)

Note 2: HOW THE COLLECTIVE FUNCTION OF SPRING / COLOR FESTIVAL

IS CELEBRATED IN ANANDA MARGA

Baba says, “Those of the same age will play with colours and flowers among themselves in the morning of the full-moon day. The youngsters will offer the same at the feet of the elders, and the initiate at the feet of his a’ca’rya. (But the elders will not offer colours and flowers to the youngsters.)”
“Then, in the afternoon, all will perform collective Iishvara Pran’idha’na and Varn’a’rghyada’na (using a’viir [coloured powder] or flowers of colours of their own choice). At the end, all will play among themselves with this a’viir or these flowers without distinction between young and old, initiate and a’ca’rya. Do not offer these colours or flowers at anybody’s feet. But if, while people are playing, they do touch anybody’s feet, that should not be considered wrong, in A’nandamu’rtijii’s opinion. (Men and women should not exchange colours and flowers with each other.) Finally, there will be a collective meal.
“The following day, continue merry celebrations at your residence and have a procession with ta’n’d’ava dance in the afternoon. Continue collective merry celebrations in the evening.” (CC-1, p. 45)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’r tarei kato vyatha’ tumi ki ja’no na’ balo more…” (P.S. 3636)

Purport:

Baba, You are the all-loving and omniscient One. Then how is it that You do not know how much longing and pain I have for You in my heart, please tell me. Days come with the hope that You will be coming withYour sweet smiling face, and I will receive You by offering a garland. In this hope my days pass in waiting, but in the end the night come and my eyes floats in my tears. The whole night passes in my unfulfilled longing for You.
Baba what a tragedy I have brought upon myself by loving You. Why I love You I do not know. My whole life has passed crying in longing. Even then my mind does not want to forget You. You have tied me in the bond of Your love.
In the distant sky the shining of crimson sum tells me that ‘I am not alone’. O’ my eternal Sakha*, across the cimmerian ocean You are ever-awake.
Baba please grace me; without Your grace I cannot reach unto You…

*Sakha = Baba says, “‘Samapranah sakha smrtah’. Where love and devotion are so overwhelming that it appears as if there is only one entity in two bodies, such a pair of is known as ‘sakha’. The bhakta, the devotee, is the sakha of Parama Purusa, because the bhakta can never think of Him as a separate entity from Him. Here he altogether forgets that he is separated from God. That is why Parama Purusa is also a sakha to His bhaktas and the bhakta is the sakha of Parama Purusa…You should also know– you should remember this truth– that the only well-wisher that you have in this universe…the only sakha is Parama Purusa.” (AV-6, p. 75-6)

***************************************
Special Creation

Baba says, “There is one defect in jinanis. Two jinanis cannot agree on any point. Among them, many jinanis believe that agreeing means accepting one’s defeat. Indeed there are some godly qualities in jinanis. Such as they can speak in flowery language. Or that with their grandiloquence they can prove day as night, and night as day. If in daytime one jinani tells to anyone that it is night, or if during the night they tell that it is day, and if the next person does not accept what the jinani is telling, then the jinani will use the their logic and reasoning to prove that person as a top-grade fool. And he (the jinani) will make it look like this one simple thing the next person could not understand. Because of this in the scriptures is it said, ‘Mathitva…’ Meaning, that if an unfathomable amount of milk is turned into butter and whey, then jinanis argue and quarrel about the whey and in so doing the butter gets rotten and destroyed.” (Varna Vicitra (H), p. 49-50)
***************************************

Read Full Post »

Not Just Bhagavan

From: “Satiish K Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Not Just Bhagavan
Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:49:28 +0530

Baba

== LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT GURU ==

Namaskar,
Due to a fundamental lack of understanding and devotional feeling, some have written books about our Sadguru Baba that fail to present Him in the proper light. Whether this happens intentionally or not, the problem is that it happens and therefore needs to be addressed.

To begin then we should pointedly remind ourselves of Guru’s divine stature.

Baba says, “The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidyá (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamúrtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty.” (Caryacarya, Part 2, Point #1a)

All sadhakas should have this basic understanding; due to a lack thereof, so many problems come – including lowly books.

SOME OF THE PROBLEMS

When someone writes a book that reduces Baba to a mere bhgavan, then we should
all take it seriously. Ands more recently, someone else has written a book, “The Jamalpur Years”, and that falls to a baser standard.

Alertness is needed, because it is through such books that dogmas get propagated, whether that was purposely intended by the writer or not. That is what history teaches us.

TAKE THE CASE OF THE DOGMAS OF ISLAM

In Islam the propounders wrongly reached the conclusion that one male is equal to three females. In which case females do not have any religious or social rights; hence they are looked upon as being low and mean.

How did such a negative idea get established? First, it took birth in the mind of the one who wrote the Islamic scripture. And then to prove his theory hundreds of pages were written to convince people that this conclusion was proper and meaningful. And when certain people became suspicious of their negative theory, then those religious leaders gave the false justification that, ‘This is the voice of the Almighty and everybody should
obey’.

Like this Islamic priests infused the dogma that 3 females are equal to one male.

So various types of dogmas come first in seed form and then they get amplified more and more. In that way people go on rattling off their dogmatic ideas in their talks, writings, and in all kinds of their expression.

Here the point is that all this can be avoided if correct things are written at the outset.

MORE ABOUT THE BHAGAVAN DOGMA

Unfortunately in our Marga certain writers have wrongly written about Baba. One concluded that Baba is just a bhagavan and wrote an entire book to this end, while more recently in his book brother Devashish proclaimed that Baba is Bengali.

Here we shall first review the point about Bhagavan. Why? Because we all know that it is wrongful, hurtful and dogmatic to state that Baba is Bengali. In so many places Baba has outrightly proclaimed that Parama Purusa belongs to all. None can claim then that Baba is of a particular land or community. This most understand.

So let’s take a look at the claim that Baba is bhagavan.

As if Baba is like so many of those bhagavans. Because on the Indian soil alone, several hundred bhagavans have come and gone. A few such names I am writing here as example: Bhagavan Satya Sai Baba, Bhagavan Rajaniish, Bhagavan Shankaracarya, Bhagavan Buddha, Bhagavan Mahaviira, Bhagavan Devarahava’ Baba, Bhagavan Swami Narayan of Gujurat, Bhagavan Datta’trya, Bhagavan Ram, Bhagavan Meher Baba, all told there are more than 100 or 200 of such bhagavans, including Bhagavan Satya Sai Baba & Bhagavan Rajaniish.

Indeed this earth has seen so many bhagavans. So the term bhagavan is not something unusual, rather it is common-place because there are hundreds or even thousands of bhagavans. Whereas the advent of Parama Purusa as Taraka Brahma is completely unique.

Yet in miscalculated fashion one margii designed an entire book trying to prove Baba as being only a bhagavan, like Bhagavan Satya Sai Baba and Bhagavan Rajaniish etc. And to illustrate this the margii – Narada of SUVA – wrote several dozens of pages and gave all kinds of cock and bull stories. All done in order to “prove” that Baba is merely a bhagavan, like so many others bhagavans.

So this margii forgot the fact that bhagavan is not a very high characteristic. Being Parama Purusa is far above. If he had remember this fact then he would have spared himself the trouble of writing a book. Likewise, if Devashish could keep the totality of Baba’s personae in mind, brother Devashish would not have wrongly labeled Baba as being a Bengali (p. 34) in his book.

MANY BHAGAVANS ARE TOTALLY FAKE

Back to the point of bhagavan, everyone should be aware that most bhagavans are fake. And second, anyone person who does sadhana can become a bhagavan. For instance Shankaracarya and Buddha did like this. They had to do sadhana and undergo all sorts of penance in order to achieve their limited status of bhagavan.

PARAMA PURUSA IS FAR, FAR ABOVE

In contrast Parama Purusa is Parama Purusa. He does not need to do any sadhana. By His own will He takes human form to liberate others. He Himself is beyond all the bondages. So for Him there is not need of any sadhana. He does not need to do anything in this regard.

Baba says, “He needs no sa’dhana’, but just to set an example to others, He performs sa’dhana’ with the masses.” (AV-33)

So the infinite glory of Parama Purusa towers far above the comparatively lowly position of bhagavan. But a few people, including this mixed-up margii, remain terribly confused about this.

So Baba has taken it upon Himself to remove the confusion from the public mind that Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are not bhagavan like bhagavan Rajaniish etc. Instead Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are something far higher than that.

BABA DESCRIBES BHAGAVAN

AND THAT IS LESS THAN TARAKA BRAHMA

To achieve this, Baba first describes in step by step manner the meaning of bhagavan. That He did in the discourse titled: Pa’rthasa’rthi Krs’n’a and Pariprashna. In that discourse Baba clearly describes that bhaga means the combination of six attributions: aeshvarya, viirya, yasha, shrii, jina’nam, and vaera’gya.

So first Baba illustrates what it means by the term bhagavan. And then Baba gives an example with respect to the life of Lord Krsna. Baba cites the occasion whereby Lord Krsna proclaims to one and all that, ‘I will liberate you from all sins. You have no cause to worry’.

Thus here Baba is revealing the fact that such type of divine guarantee cannot be given by some ordinary being like a bhagavan. Such a proclamation guaranteeing the liberation of one’s sins can only be given by Parama Purusa Himself. So Baba concludes that Lord Krsna is not just a bhagavan but something far higher; He is Taraka Brahma.

And in the final section of the discourse, Baba concludes:

Tula’ va’ upama’ Krs’n’asya na’sti…

Meaning: There is no comparison of Lord Krsna. He can only be compared with Himself.

BABA IS DESCRIBING HIMSELF IN NAMAMI KRSNA SUNDARAM ETC

All margiis also know that Baba is talking about Himself in these discourses of the Nama’mi Krs’n’a Sundaram book. The greatness Baba is illustrating about Lord Krsna, that is actually His (Baba’s) own greatness. So in that book Baba is expressing indirectly about Himself to his devotees. Just like in Prabhat Sam’giita Baba is indirectly guiding us how we can express our devotional longing for Him.

Likewise when He taught Guru Puja then this same type of approach was done. He taught devotees how to perform Guru Puja– when we all know that Guru Puja is being done to Him. So He was revealing the technique to us in indirect fashion.

And a similar approach was taken when He taught the devotional concept that, ‘Parama Purusa is always with you’. In that case Baba is indirectly talking about Himself. I.e. that He is with everyone, sitting inside their mind and in the heart.

NOT JUST BHAGAVAN

So the conclusion is that when Baba has written that there cannot be any comparison of Lord Krsna then the same is the case with Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji also. Baba also is beyond comparison. Then why should we undermine His glorious status by comparing Him and saying that He is just a bhagavan. As if He is just like all those other bhagavans such as Bhagavan Rajaniish Bhagavan, Bhagavan Datta’trya, Bhagavan Ram, Bhagavan Satya Sai Baba, etc, etc, etc.

WHY THEY WRITE LIKE THIS

The natural question that arises is why do people like Narada and Devashish write like this about their own Guru. Most often it seems that people write Baba stories and books with full sincerity, but because of their lack of understanding and devotional feeling, they do the opposite of what they want to accomplish. Instead of glorifying Baba the opposite occurs.

Why? Some writers are cowards and do not have the courage to tell the truth while others are crude and cannot comprehend that Baba is Parama Purusa. Those with no courage think that public will not appreciate Baba as Parama Purusa so “I should not write this.”

You are welcome to think to which category Narada and Devashish belong.

BABA’S BLESSING

Some try to compare & undermine Him and thus invite their destruction. That is why Baba has graciously warned us ahead of time not to do such things. Rather as His disciples we are to propagate His divine stature and greatness.

Baba says, “The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamurtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty.” (CC II p.1)

Namaskar,
Satiish

Note 1: PARAMA PURUAS IS MUCH HIGHER

Here below Baba is explicitly proving how Parama Purusa is far more than just a bhagavan. The following is the incredible scene from the Mahabharata when Lord Krsna uses His unique abilities as Parama Purusa to give victory to His devotees. And Baba Himself emphatically states that no type of bhagavan has the capability to do such things.

Baba says, “Krs’n’a’ had covered the sun with His Sudarshana Cakra [His special discus]. Now you can imagine that it was impossible to cover the sun with a discus. Is it possible to cover the sun with a dinner plate? When you observe a dinner plate close up it seems to be about this large. But if you could see the sun from close up, how big it would appear! If the dinner plate could somehow be placed near the sun, it would be a mere
speck. No, the discus could never cover the sun! Though the devotees claim that it did, I take it as a mere story. Then question arises as to how the sun was covered. The answer is that the Lord Krs’n’a willed it so. He had mastery over Praka’mya Siddhi, one of the eight occult powers. He willed the sun to be covered by clouds and so it happened. The sun was covered by clouds and people thought that the sun had gone down. So Arjuna was able to keep his promise and kill Jayadratha.”

Here below is the exact section where Baba says only Parama Purusa can do such great works– not bhagavan.

Baba says, “To perform such a miraculous feat by going against the natural order cannot be accomplished by even a first grade Bhagava’n, not to speak of a second or third grade one. Only Parama Purus’a can do this.” (NKS, ’97 Edn, p. 208)

Then Baba directly adds how there are numerous examples whereby Parama Purusa shows Himself to be far more than just a bhagavan:

Baba says, “This is only one story. Dozens of similar stories can be found.” (NKS, ’97 Edn , p. 208)

Note 2: NOT JUST BHAGAVAN

Here Baba is announcing the fact that Parama Purusa is not just a bhagavan. Because only the singular entity Parama Purusa can save people from their sins. No bhagavan can do that. Please read below. Baba says about Lord Krsna:

“Those accepting Me as their final refuge, I will free from the bondage of sin. Their future is certainly glorious. No one need worry about their past. It is senseless to worry about atonement for past misdeeds….”

“Only Parama Purus’a can assure jiivas so unequivocally. This goes to show beyond any shadow of a doubt that He is not bhagava’na, but the veritable manifestation of divinity. He cannot be compared to either khan’da’vata’ra, am’sha’vata’ra or kala’vata’ra. They may be bhagava’na due to their possession of the six qualities, but none among them is the Supreme Entity. “I will forgive your sins. I will free you from all sins, I will take away
your sins.” No one but Krs’n’a, the Supreme Entity, has the right to say this. No one has ever said this in the past, nor will anyone say it in the future. If anyone claims this, it would be only the highest audacity on his or her part. But my Krs’n’a has proclaimed it loudly and openly: Aham’ tva’m’ sarvapa’pebhyo moks’ayis’ya’mi ma’shucah — “I will liberate you from all sins. You have no cause to worry.”

“After all this can anyone claim that Krs’n’a has any parallel? No, no one can claim this. All will have to fold their hands and say unto Him,”

Tula’ va’ upama’ Krs’n’asya na’sti;

[Krs’n’a has no parallel or equal. Krs’n’a is Parama Purus’a Himself.]

(Source: Nama’mi Krs’n’a Sundaram, ’97 Edn, p. 211)

Note 3: HE IS BEYOND COMPARISON

Here it should be understood that Baba is Parama Purusa; He is the Taraka Brahma. His infinite Personality is infinite and beyond comparison. So why should one belittle Him by labeling Him as being just a bhagavan. When in clear-cut language Baba Himself explains that His qualities go far beyond that of only bhagavan. Being the Parama Parama of course He possesses those few attributes of the limited stance of bhagavan, but He also has much more than that. So no one can say that He is just a bhagavan.

Indeed the limited nature of the term bhagavan is insufficient to encapsulate all of Baba’s greatness. It falls far short of the mark. The bhagavan term utterly fails to represent Baba. In the same way Lord Krsna is not just a flute player or musician, His Personality is much more than that. So who can say that Lord Krsna is just one simple flute player– that is an injustice to the inherent greatness of Lord Krsna. Likewise no one can say that Baba is just a simple bhagavan because as the Parama Purusa incarnate Baba’s infinite qualities far surpass the narrow scope of bhagavan.

Note 4: TARAKA BRHAMA IS SUPREME

Here Baba is further revealing the uniqueness of Tarak Brahma and that He is greater than all those other lesser entities like bhagavan.

Baba says, “A Maha’kaola is one who makes others kaola by his infallible spiritual guidance. But Ta’raka Brahma is a different Entity, a unique Entity for He is the spiritual preceptor, social preceptor, Kaola, and Maha’kaola, all in one. He is also something more: He acts as a compass in every stratum of society.” (NKS, ’97 Edn, p.50)

Note 5 : ABOUT THE MISGUIDED BOOKS

The misguided book titled “Bhagavan Anandamurti” written by Narada (SUVA) was done with the negative goal of falsely proving Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji as merely a bhagavan. But Baba is the Parama Purusa; He is far beyond the limited definition of bhagavan.

Thus Narada’s book is going against Baba– in which case Narada’s book needs to be set aside – never to be seen again. Because page after page its full conclusion is that Baba is just a bhagavan like Bhagavan Rajaniish.

So Narada’s entire unholy premise runs contrary to the teachings of AM. From its very title to its concluding line, his book is way off the mark– completely devoid of any ideological value, rather harmful.

Note 6: MAHA’PAP (TERRIBLE SIN)

Overall then Narada’s approach is no different than the terrible sin (Maha’pa’p) which those idol worshippers commit. Because those sinful idol worshippers engage in the negative act of limiting Parama Purusa to a piece of stone or rock.

In similar fashion the misguided strategy of both Narada’s entire book and at least part of Devashish’s book is to bind Parama Purusa to something limited. Of course Baba sternly warns us never to commit such misdeeds (Maha’papa / worst type of sin). (Refer Caryacarya II, p. 5, point 18).

Note 7: SPREAD HIS GLORY

In contrast, by propagating the true glory of Parama Purusa and by following His teachings then certainly we will be able to establish dharma on this dusty earth in a very short time. About this Baba has assured us of victory.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’lora rathe a’sabe tumi a’ja ja’ni nishcaya…” (PS #978)

Purport:

Baba, I know that You will certainly come today riding the chariot of effulgence and make my life successful. You will remove all the darkness of ignorance and avidya maya, and make me fearless.

Baba, day and night, I waited for You with a garland in hand. Times passed like this. At last, the auspicious hour has arrived; all the doubts have been removed. I see that You have come – You are here.

Baba, in yearning for You, I have been ensconced in Your dhyana – in the resonance of Your tune [1] and insurmountable effulgence [2], ages after ages – counting the prahara [3] and tithis [4] for Your arrival.

Baba today You have come; I received Your causeless grace. O’ my Lord, I surrender everything at Your lotus feet. Please accept me…

Notes For Prabhat Samgiita #978:

[1] Resonance of Your Tune: This is a metaphor; When the sadhaka always hears the repetition of their ista mantra mentally, then that is a very grand state. At that point, one’s mantra japa continues effortlessly. That is what the sadhaka is experiencing in this song.

[2] Insurmountable Effulgence: Initially when one tries to do dhyana then the image of Guru may not come. Guru’s image comes when the mind reaches a higher stage. And finally when dhyana becomes deeper and more intense, then one is ensconced in Him. At that point the image becomes effulgence. In this deeply devotional state, there is no awareness of one’s own existence. That is what Baba is describing in the third stanza of
this song.

[3] Prahara: A measurement of time equal to 3 hours.

[4] Tithis: One day in the moon calendar. In the moon calendar, each month is comprised of 28 days.

******************************************
Our Family

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

“Our family is universal, our abode is also universal. Hararme…

This universe is our homeland.” (SS-18, p. 40-41)
******************************************

Read Full Post »

In the Beginning of Sadhana

From: “Girish Chandra Mitra”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: In the Beginning of Sadhana
Date: Thu 17, Nov 2011 21:26:40 +0530

Baba

“Bhul kare du’re thekechi tumi bhul bheunge dio…” (1827)

Purport:

Baba, due to my own defects I am not able to get close to You. Because of not following Your dharmic guidelines, my progress is hindered and I am just keeping myself away from You. Baba, by Your grace, please remove all my shortcomings and weaknesses and bring me in Your closest proximity, take me in Your lap. In my life I have received an abundant amount of love from You; You have graced me so much. Baba, now I am offering my love to You– please grace me by accepting it.

Baba, in the sky there is a deep blueness and my tender heart is full of love for You. Baba, I do not want my love to remain hidden & secluded in my little heart. By Your grace please allow the reddish glow of my heart– i.e. my love– to merge in the vastness of the distant blue sky. Baba, please let my love reach up to the highest realm– reach up to You.

Baba, when I sing the song and ideate on You there is a deep feeling of longing in my heart. By Your grace You have given the tune and in that way I sing for You. Baba, may my heart’s inner longing be goaded & pointed exclusively toward You. Baba by Your grace, I should always contemplate and think of You; my life should revolve and dance around You. My life should be successful, please grace me…

== IN THE BEGINNING OF SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
In this quinquelemental world, usually the life of spiritual aspirants passes in so many mundane activities from dawn to dusk– trying to meet their worldly requirements and managing their responsibilities.

So when sadhakas try to do sadhana in a pointed way then often times all those mundane plans and programs come again and again into their mental plate during sadhana. This is the regular reality– for all sadhakas, both wts and margiis.

It is a natural phenomenon because the activities one engages in during the day often cloud the mind during meditation. In that case it is very difficult to start sadhana. That is why Baba has graciously given our Baba Nam Kevlam kiirtan. Singing kiirtan helps tremendously in transitioning the mind from one’s mundane daily routine to spiritual sadhana.

However, even then on, some occasions when very positive or very negative incidents happen during the day, then those thoughts strongly dominate the mind. And in that circumstance is not easy to get rid of those thoughts– they come again and again, barraging the mind during sadhana.

THE PERFECT REMEDY: GURU PUJA

In that condition, what recourse should be taken. By Baba’s grace He has given the perfect remedy: Guru Puja, a.k.a Varnarghyadan– the offering of colours. In systematic fashion Guru Puja cleanses the mind of unwanted thoughts. It enables sadhakas to remove those burdens and start pointed sadhana.

Unfortunately many people waste huge amounts of time “sitting in sadhana” when in reality their mind is just flickering from one mundane thought to another. So this is just a waste of time and– and even worse– it degrades the mind.

Altogether, stray or dominating thoughts coming into the mind occurs in everyone’s life. I can openly admit that this has happened to me on countless occasions and when I’ve spoken with others they have also recognized this as a problem.

And the best remedy is Guru Puja, as that has the ability to remove or wash away those impressions from the mind. Here follow are some techniques when doing Guru Puja.

POINTS ABOUT GURU PUJA FROM SENIOR ACARYA DIARY

Of course we all know that in Caryacarya Baba has given many points about Guru Puja. And in the Senior Acarya Diary Baba has given more highly valuable guidelines regarding the proper technique of Guru Puja. And those acaryas who are sincere in sadhana guide their diksa bhai in this way.

Some of the instructions I have also received and those aspects which are common points for all– and are not secret– I have written below as I feel it is my duty to share these things with my margii family.

SOME OF THE BASICS

1. Guru Puja can be done again and again– round after round. It is not the strict rule that it can only be done three times. Rather when one is facing any problem then Guru Puja should be done until that problem has been washed away and the mind is feeling light and free.

2. So when any problem is blocking the mind during sadhana such that one’s mantra is not coming then Guru Puja is the answer. The basic approach being that one should surrender their problems again and again in order to free and prepare the mind for sadhana.

3. In that way, Guru Puja can be done any time: At the beginning or in the middle of sadhana, and then course always at the end of meditation.

4. As mentioned above, another name of Guru Puja is Varnarghyada’n. Varna means colour, Arghyada’n means offering. So, Guru Puja means offering the colours of the mind to Guru. So here colour means mental colour.

CLEANSING THE MIND DOING GURU PUJA

5. If during the whole day someone has to communicate with different people about building a new jagrti and they have to convince others and get a donation, and arrange the labour etc. Then in that case the whole day they involved in thoughts about labour, money, bricks, and cement. All these thoughts are racing through the mind during the day. So when starting sadhana then that time off and on these thoughts related with the jagrti construction may enter into one’s mind in sadhana.

6. And if the mind is crowded with unwanted, crude, negative thoughts of money, labour, bricks, cement, building supplies etc during meditation, then ultimately sadhana will be destroyed. In that condition the best option is to do Guru Puja first, and offer one’s mental colours to Guru.

7. But doing Guru Puja superficially is not going to give any yield. Rather the whole process of Guru Puja can be repeated again and again until the mind is completely vibrated and ready to offer everything to Him. In that process one can spend extra time doing Guru Puja.

8. Then after doing long Guru Puja, the heaviness of my mind will be released and all those negative thoughts of bricks and cement will be gong. Then one will feel felt better and can start doing sadhana. But if one would have started meditation right away, then in the beginning, in place of doing sadhana, the mind would be cluttered with thoughts about the bricks & cement as that was the main dominating thought in the mind.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: USE OF TANMATRAS

9. The question may come that how can this offering of colour theory can be utilised? What is the most effective way to do it?

10. As we all know, in Guru Puja one has to offer a lotus flower. So after sitting in the proper posture then close the eyes and with open palms, one should form a mental lotus. And the colour of the lotus should be the colour of that worldly object which was dominating or disturbing your mental flow during sadhana. If the red bricks for the jagrti is disturbing the mind then one will envision a red lotus.

11, Because each every material object has 5 tanmatras, or inferences. All the tanmatras should be utilised in Guru Puja when offering your mental lotus. And the five tanmatras are: Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, Smell.

12. Brick has its own sound when it falls from the truck during unloading time. That is the first tanmatra and that sound should be ascribed to the lotus flower during Guru Puja.

13. Then of course bricks have a special touch of roughness because it is rock. So during Guru Puja one should picture a lotus that has the hard scratchy surface of a rock.

14. The third inference is form. Here form means that red colour which has already been mentioned.

15. Then 4th tanmatra is taste. And the taste of rock one may know. So then one should imagine that in their hand a red coloured lotus that feel rough like a rock and has a loud sound and that tastes like a rock.

16. Then the 5th and final inference is smell. That also we have to utilise in Guru Puja. Imagine that the whole lotus being formed in one’s palms smells like bricks.

16A. So this process should be done with whatever thing is disturbing the mind. For example let’s say that one is thinking about sweets like rasagolla during the time of sadhana. Then one will form a white lotus. Because the colour of rasagolla is white. And the touch of that lotus will be the exact touch of rasagolla: soft and spongy plus sticky & syrupy. And the taste of the lotus will be the taste of rasagolla– very sweet. And the smell of the lotus will also be the exact smell of rasagolla. One should perfectly make one mental lotus that is of white colour with a thick, syrupy touch, and a very sweet taste, and aromatic smell. That mental lotus will be as if it is made of rasagolla material.

17. So whatever one’s dominant thought is, after creating this complete ideation using these five inferences: sound, touch, form, taste, smell and when all 5 qualities are present in that mental lotus, then one can start chanting “Akhanda mandala karam…”

THE PRACTICAL PROCESS AND SEQUENCE

18. One must not prematurely begin the chanting of the Guru Puja mantra. First all the tanmatras, step by step, should be incorporated and accordingly one’s mental lotus should be formed. Then and only then should the chanting of the of Guru Puja mantra be started.

19. Then after completing the chanting of each round of our Guru Puja mantra, “…Gurureva Parama Brahma, Tasmae Shrii Gurave Namah”. Then we are to offer that very mental lotus at the feet of Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji Who is sitting in front of me. Baba guides us that this should be our ideation.

20. So taking the ideation that Beloved Baba is sitting in front of you, then with that bhava and using the Guru Puja mantra in proper way, slowly with good ideation one should offer that very mental lotus to Baba. And then one will see that this will solve their problem or attachment. Those uninvited thoughts related with rasagolla or whatever which are disturbing the mind during sadhana will be gone.

WHY NORMALLY DONE AFTER SADHANA

21. Some may wonder then why is it that normally Guru Puja is done just after sadhana?

22. And the basic reply is that when anyone does sadhana then that time mind is busy in ideation & involved in the chanting of one’s personal mantra. So that time it is very easy to find out the negative thoughts. And in particular one can pointedly identify which thought is creating the most disturbance.

23. In contrast, when one is busy in mundane work then they may not understand or be able to identify their psychic disturbance, but when one starts sadhana and closes the eyes, then immediately from nowhere so many useless & distracting thoughts will come into the mind. That time one has to gauge and see carefully which one is most disturbing and that very thought one should utilise for Guru Puja. Using the process which is outlined above described.

IF UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, DO PUJA BEFORE SADHANA

24. On some special occasions when the mind is so much disturbed with pre-occupied ideas, then before even starting sadhana one should try to do Guru Puja to get rid the mind of those negative thoughts.

25. If for example someone left 5000 rupees on the bank counter and they did not get that money back. Naturally then in their disturbed state of mind, if they start doing sadhana it may be fruitless. In such a special case better one should do Guru Puja multiple times before starting sadhana. By this way the strong thoughts of losing money will be wiped away by His grace.

26. Many of these points my acaryas told me, Baba has included in the Senior Acarya Diary.

SPECIAL REMINDER

27. Special Reminder: If after doing Guru Puja once and still the problem is not solved, then one should do Guru Puja multiple times. Then surely one will see that the mind will become calm, quiet, and relaxed. All those disturbing thoughts will go away. And mind will be pinnacled and ready for sadhana.

A FEW OF BABA’S QUOTES ON GURU PUJA

28. About the importance of Guru Puja, Baba guides us in this following way, which is written in Neo-Humanism:

Baba says, “‘By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless’. This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him…This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of Varn’a’rghyada’n (Offering of Colours, Guru Puja): ‘Oh Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation’.” (NH-LOI, ’87, p.27)

In Ananda Vacanamrtam part 3, Baba further gives guideline how one devotee should do the final offering in Guru Puja :

Baba says, “‘Tava dravyam Jagatguro Tubhyameva Samarpaye’, ‘Everything of mine, along with my mind, is offered at Your altar. Please oblige and accept it’. ” (AV,3,p.21)

Sastaunga Pranam at His lotus feet,
Girish

Read Full Post »

Who Does Not Want…

Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:46:33 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Hariish Dev”
Subject: Who Does Not Want…

Baba

== WHO DOES NOT WANT… ==

Namaskar,
Every human being wants to be successful. Who does not want to be successful? Whether in the realm of art, law, medicine, schooling, business, literature, science, or architecture – or any other field or endeavor – everyone wants to be successful.

Knowing how to be successful then is an important recipe.

By Baba’s grace He has given us His special guideline. Because in one Hindi discourse, Baba reveals that the ‘Seven Secrets of Success’ apply not just to spiritual life, but to worldly life as well.

Let’s then investigate how these work.

UNIQUE ASPECT OF SHRADDHA’

Of course all the aspects of the Seven Secrets of Success have their own unique utility. So we shall take a look at how they all apply in this special circumstance. At the same time in His Hindi discourse Baba gives marked importance to the point of shraddha’.

As He tells us, there is no direct English translation for the term shraddha’, yet in its more traditional usage, Baba describes shraddha as the following.

Baba says, “When one ascribes everything to one’s goal, or one’s object, or to the Supreme Subjectivity appearing as one’s object, and moves, or rather directs one’s everything towards Him, then that movement is shraddha’.” (AV-3)

So in the spiritual realm, shraddha’ means pointing all one’s energy and love towards Parama Purusa, and not toward any number two or number three object. Everything is goaded towards Him. This we all know.

The interesting thing becomes, how does this apply to worldly life.

In His Hindi discourse, Baba neatly describes how shraddha’ manifests in worldly life. Suppose there is a father and a son. The boy wants to study engineering, but the father is pressuring him to study medicine. Yet the boy has little or no interest in becoming a doctor. In that case, if forced to pursue medicine, the boy will not get success. Because Baba’s entire point is that to get success in worldly life, one must have inner inspiration or inner motivation for what they are doing. Then and only then can one get success. That is the key point.

TRAGEDY OF TODAY’S MODERN SOCIETY

Unfortunately, in today’s materialistic society, where money is the be-all and end-all, so many people in so many lands engage in work or jobs that they do not care about. They have little or no interest in their day-to-day endeavour. But they do it to earn money, for prestige, to please their parents, or to just survive etc. This is the way in so-called first world and various so-called third world nations.

There are innumerable cases of this round peg in a square hole phenomenon. That means, there are so many people who have a keen interest in one realm, but spend all their time doing something else – either to earn money, or due to family pressures etc. Haven’t we all gone into a shop or office and noticed that the people working there appear to be going through the motions like robots and have no real interest in what they are doing. The same happens in student life as well when children are pushed by their parents in a particular direction.

In that case, according to Baba, that worker or that student cannot get success. Because as Baba guides us, one can only be successful if they have inner motivation and inspiration for what they are doing. That is the special point Baba is making in His Hindi discourse about how the Seven Secrets of Success apply to worldly life.

THE OTHER POINTS ARE ALSO MEANINGFUL

Here then are how the other spiritual elements apply to achieving success in the mundane sphere.

Vishva’s: In spiritual life this means have firm determination for one’s Goal. Yet Baba guides us that in worldly life this is also needed. If before studying for an exam, a student thinks that, “I will never be able to pass”, then they are doomed. Certainly they will not be able to get success. Similarly, if an adult walks into a job interview thinking that, “I will not be able to get this job – it is beyond my qualifications”, then they will have little or no chance of getting that job. So vishva’s in worldly life is a big point. It refers to having confidence and a positive outlook before pursuing any endevor.

Guru Puja: In spiritual life, Baba guides us that this means surrendering to the will of the Guru. Then one can serve and attain Him. And in worldly life this point of Guru Puja has great importance: It means having respect or reverence for one’s teacher. Yet in the modern world, there are so many loopholes and so much rampant hypocrisy that students & citizens alike lose respect for their teachers and leaders. Either their teachers punish them unduly or their teachers preach some ideal such as abstinence or non-smoking, when they themselves are indulged in that. Likewise, various social leaders preach noble values yet they themselves are caught up in scandalous affairs. This is a daily occurrence, and this undermines one’s ability to get success. Because one loses faith in their teacher or societal leader, in which case they cannot learn from them.

Samitabhava: In spiritual sphere, this means complete mental balance. And this same type of psychic equanimity is needed in worldly life. For instance, if a student or interviewee is very nervous or shy, then they will not be able to perform well. A student may become so nervous that they even get easy questions wrong, because they have lost their mental composure. Likewise, a professional seeking employment or putting on a presentation may be so shy that they are unable to convey their skill-set or knowledge to others in the room. And there are so many other examples. For instance, one’s marriage may end in misery, if one constantly gets angry or acts in an erratic manner toward their spouse. So mental balance is highly needed in all aspects of worldly life.

Indriyanigraha: We all know how control over the motor and sensory organs is needed for success in spiritual life. And same is the case for worldly life. If a student drinks too much whiskey or beer or wine at a party, then they will be inattentive in class the next day. Or, they may sleep through class entirely. Likewise, if a big business executive indulges in too much gossipy talk, then they will not be prepared for their meeting or they may underestimate their competition. Because loose talk diverts the mind from important obligations. It is also commonly seen how important politicians show sexual weakness and this can undermine if not ruin their entire career. So having proper restraint
and control regarding the ten indriyas is highly needed to gain worldly success.

Pramitahara: Just as proper attention to diet and food is needed in spiritual life, it is also needed for mundane success. If a student overeats then they will not be mentally sharp for their examination. Similarly, if a person grossly overeats time and time again, they will become obese, in which case they will suffer from all kinds of ailments from shortness of breath to heart disease, and that will keep them from discharging their duties properly. So food and drink must serve to keep one healthy and fit. Then only can one get success in worldly endeavors.

No Seventh Factor: The same is true in worldly life as in spiritual life.

Baba says, “There is no seventh factor. That is, if you practise these six factors, you require no seventh factor.” (AV-3)

LIVING IN TODAY’S ULTRA-COMPETITIVE WORLD

Today’s world is more competitive than ever. Getting success is not easy. The standards are high and the competition is tough. Whether it be the global economic market, the political arena, student life, or any other realm, day by day the requirements for getting success get stiffer and stiffer. There is no such thing as an easy victory anymore. There are too many people gunning for the same thing. So if we are slack in any of the above points, then someone with a more pointed vision will come forward. In that case, success will not be ours. Because living in today’s world is not a joke.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has blessed us all with great teachings which lead us to success. And in His Hindi discourse, Baba has given us the way to utilize the Seven Secrets of Success in our worldly endeavours. So we should pay heed to this doctrine not just in spiritual life but in all our worldly dealings as well.

Baba says, “You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success.” (AV-14)

Namaskar,
Hariish

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“(Tumi) a’lo jhalmal u’s’a’y ele, a’ndha’rer ja’l chinrile…” (PS 3983)

Purport:

Baba, You have come in my heart when the blissful dawn was glittering in effulgence. By Your grace, You have wiped away the net of staticity and crude darkness from my mind. In a flash You have also removed the dogma which had accumulated since ages. Baba, You are so beautiful.

O’ my dearmost, You know how to make such a divine magical display. By Your grace You have created a heavenly panorama– complete with the beauty and grandeur of colour, by Your divine play. Baba, in the blink of the eye, You bring lowly and depraved persons close to Your bosom, without making any differentiation or disparity about who is virtuous and who is sinful. Baba, You are my beginning as well as my end, my Goal, my everything.

Baba, my whereabouts, my name, my place, my address– everything has become one with You, by Your grace. Baba I offer You my heartfelt surrender and sastaunga pranam thousands, millions, crores, & an infinite number of times– again & again.

Baba, by Your divine grace You have arrived in my heart and showered me in Your supreme effulgence. You are my own; You are my everything…

*********************************************
Desire For Money is Dangerous

Baba says, “Suppose there is a very elevated person who often ideates on
the Supreme Consciousness, but who has some greed for wealth. He does
not, however, express it openly to the Supreme, nor does he even think
of it directly. He thinks indirectly, “Oh, since I am a devotee of the
Supreme Consciousness, He will certainly give me enormous wealth and
make me immensely rich.” Those who harbour this sort of covert desire
are reborn asyaks’as.” (YP, p.78)

Note: Yaksas are one type of negative microvita. Those unfortunate
beings who got degenerated and took on a form less than human,
sub-human. Not only that but they got caught up in that bondage of
punishment for thousands of years. And only then after their extreme
punishment did they again get opportunity for human life.
*********************************************

Read Full Post »

Special Significance of Dolya’tra

Date: 16 Mar 2011 10:52:39 -0000

From: “Shivadayal Deva”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: Special Significance of Dolya’tra

 

BABA

 

“Toma’r tarei kato vyatha’ tumi ki ja’no na’ balo more…” (P.S. 3636)

 

Purport:

 

Baba, You are the all-loving and omniscient One. Then how is it that You do not know how much longing and pain I have for You in my heart, please tell me. Days come with the hope that You will be coming withYour sweet smiling face, and I will receive You by offering a garland. In this hope my days pass in waiting, but in the end the night come and my eyes floats in my tears. The whole night passes in my unfulfilled longing for You.

Baba what a tragedy I have brought upon myself by loving You. Why I love You I do not know. My whole life has passed crying in longing. Even then my mind does not want to forget You. You have tied me in the bond of Your love.

In the distant sky the shining of crimson sum tells me that ‘I am not alone’. O’ my eternal Sakha*, across the cimmerian ocean You are ever-awake.

Baba please grace me; without Your grace I cannot reach unto You…

 

*Sakha = Baba says, “‘Samapranah sakha smrtah’. Where love and devotion are so overwhelming that it appears as if there is only one entity in two bodies, such a pair of is known as ‘sakha’. The bhakta, the devotee, is the sakha of Parama Purusa, because the bhakta can never think of Him as a separate entity from Him. Here he altogether forgets that he is separated from God. That is why Parama Purusa is also a sakha to His bhaktas and the bhakta is the sakha of Parama Purusa…You should also know– you should remember this truth– that the only well-wisher that you have in this universe…the only sakha is Parama Purusa.” (AV-6, p. 75-6)

 

 

== SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DOLYATRA ==

 

Namaskar,

Spring festival is upon us– coming 18, 19, 20 March. Of course for sadhakas, the change of season itself is not such a dramatic of critical event. Morever, our interest in spring festival is its spiritual meaning.

 

As many sadhakas may be aware, the practice of Guru Puja is deeply linked with the inner spirit of spring / colour festival. Here following then are some guidelines about Guru Puja which have been sent from our family acarya.

 

Most margiis know that Guru Puja means the offering of our mental colours to Guru. Hence Guru Puja is also termed as Varnarghyada’n– the offering of colours. And how one ideates during Guru Puja is highly important. Using the various tanmatras in our Guru Puja helps greatly in this process. Below are some techinques for consideration.

 

 

THE USE OF TANMATRAS IN GURU PUJA

 

Of course in the practice of Guru Puja, every sadhaka offers a lotus flower. So after kneeling in the proper posture one should close their eyes and with the palms open visualise the form a mental lotus.

 

The colour of the lotus will be the colour of that worldly object which is most dominating or disturbing to our mental flow during sadhana. For instance if one is facing financial difficulties or if one is just greedy for money, then that sadhaka should visualise a green lotus– or the dominant colour of money in their locale.

 

The idea being that each every material object has 5 tanmatras, or inferences. All the tanmatras should be utilised in Guru Puja when offering a mental lotus. This gives one very strong and positive effect. And the five tanmatras are: Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, and Smell.

 

So money has its own crumpling sound when it gets stuffed into a bag or taken out of a wallet. And it has a special touch of smoothness because it is paper.

 

So when doing Guru Puja the lotus takes on the sound of a crumpling type of sound and the touch or texture of that lotus will be very smooth like paper.

 

And since the third inference is form, then that is the time to visualise the colour of the louts, which in this case is green.

 

Then 4th tanmatra is taste. And the taste of money is known to all. So when doing this practice then in one’s hand the green coloured lotus made of smooth paper is there. And if ever one will taste it, it will taste like chewing on dry paper.

 

Then the 5th and final inference is smell. That also should be utilised in Guru Puja. Hence the whole lotus which get pictured in the mind takes on the smell of money.

 

This is the first aspect for performing Guru Puja.

 

 

RECITING THE CHANT

 

When these five inferences of sound, touch, form, taste, smell are present in the mental lotus, then one may start chanting:

 

“Akhanda mandala karam…”

 

But at the same time we should be strictly aware not to prematurely begin the chanting of the Guru Puja mantra until step by step, all the tanmatras are properly incorporated into one’s mental lotus. Then and only then should the chanting of the of Guru Puja mantra be started.

 

‘Then after completing the chanting of each round of our Guru Puja mantra:

 

“…Gurureva Parama Brahma, Tasmae Shrii Gurave Namah”.

 

Then one should offer that very mental lotus at the feet of Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji- Who is sitting in front of me.

 

 

BABA’S EXPLICIT EXPLANATION

 

And here following Baba Himself has given this below guideline which is highly linked with how tanmatras are to be used in that practice of Guru Puja.

 

Baba says, “Any object which creates bondage in the mind has its own particular colour. In those early days people used silver coins. While thinking of those silver coins, their minds would be coloured silver. Today, people’s minds are coloured by the thought of paper currency. When someone thinks of an iron safe, one’s mental object becomes the iron safe. When someone goes to the bank to deposit money, the bank’s signboard becomes his or her mental object… All such things become a person’s mental objects, one by one. The mind always takes something as its object, each object having its specific colour.” (NKS, ’97 Edn, p. 174)

 

And like that each and every tanmatra or inference takes effect in the mind. So in our Guru Puja practice they should all be offered to Guru. Baba guides us as follows.

 

Baba says, “Surrender all one’s mental colour to Parama Purus’a, and thus free oneself from the bondage.” (Namami Krsnasundaram)

 

Baba says, “This is significance of the Dol Liila’, the Spring Festival.” (NKS)

 

 

GURU PUJA LINKED WITH COLOUR FESTIVAL

 

Hence the process of Guru Puja is closely related with colour festival / spring festival. Now again, for those living in the northern hemisphere, the day of spring festival, or color festival has come. The exact day being March 20, 2011.

 

 

THE DOGMATIC ROOTS OF SPRING / COLOUR FESTIVAL

 

Before further examining the inner spirit of spring festival, Baba guides us what is the misguided traditional understanding of this festival– also known as Holi here in India.

 

Baba says, “In Indo-Aryan mythology there is mention of a king named Hiran’yakashipu. His sister, Holika, was a woman of violent nature. She was a cannibal. (You should note that she was a cannibal, not homivorous. A human eating another human is called a cannibal, whereas an animal eating human flesh is called homivorous. Holika was a cannibal, whereas a tiger is homivorous). The people out of anger burnt Holika alive the night before the full moon, and to celebrate this occasion, they arranged a festival of joy which was called Holikadahana (the burning of Holika). That is why even today in northern India particularly in the Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, this Holi festival is Celebrated.” (AFPS-5, p.4)

 

 

THE REAL SPIRIT OF COLOUR FESTIVAL OR OFFERING OF COLOURS

 

This following teaching of Baba represents the inner spirit of color festival.

 

Baba says, “The inner significance of the Dolyatra [Color Festival] is this: ‘By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless.’ This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him. So this colour festival is not merely an outward play; it is a psycho-spiritual phenomenon. This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of varn’a’rghyada’na (offering of colours):’Oh Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation’.” (NH-LOI, ’99 Edn, p.29)

 

And once again Baba gives another inspring aspect of this special occasion of Spring Festival.

 

Baba says, “The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours; it is meant to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the mind. When this practice of offering your own colours — your own attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless — you will go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the Cosmic Ego. Whichever way you look you will see only Him in His ever-surging glory.” (SS-3)

 

And in a similar light Baba guides us as follows.

 

Baba says, “The inner significance of Dolya’tra is, in the swinging vibration in which the entire universe is vibrating, I will also be vibrated.” (AFPS-5)

 

Namaskar,

Shivadayal

 

 

Note 1: DOGMATIC HOLI FESTIVAL IS NOT PART OF THE REAL DOLYATRA

 

Here below Baba reveals that dogmatic, externally-oriented festivals like Holi etc have absolutely nothing to do with the dharmic inner spirit of Dolyatra (color festival).

 

Baba says, “The psychology behind this [internal] Dolya’tri festival is to give one’s mental colour to Parama Purus’a. The inner idea is, ‘Let my mind vibrate in the same way as the Cosmic mind is vibrating’. This [internal] Dolyatra has no relation to the Holi festival of north India or the Phalguy of central and east India, for it [the internal offering of colours] is something purely psychic.” (AFPS-5)

 

 

 

Note 2: HOW THE COLLECTIVE FUNCTION OF SPRING / COLOR FESTIVAL

 

IS CELEBRATED IN ANANDA MARGA

 

Baba says, “Those of the same age will play with colours and flowers among themselves in the morning of the full-moon day. The youngsters will offer the same at the feet of the elders, and the initiate at the feet of his a’ca’rya. (But the elders will not offer colours and flowers to the youngsters.)”

“Then, in the afternoon, all will perform collective Iishvara Pran’idha’na and Varn’a’rghyada’na (using a’viir [coloured powder] or flowers of colours of their own choice). At the end, all will play among themselves with this a’viir or these flowers without distinction between young and old, initiate and a’ca’rya. Do not offer these colours or flowers at anybody’s feet. But if, while people are playing, they do touch anybody’s feet, that should not be considered wrong, in A’nandamu’rtijii’s opinion. (Men and women should not exchange colours and flowers with each other.) Finally, there will be a collective meal.

“The following day, continue merry celebrations at your residence and have a procession with ta’n’d’ava dance in the afternoon. Continue collective merry celebrations in the evening.” (CC-1, p. 45)

 

 

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

Special Creation

 

Baba says, “There is one defect in jinanis. Two jinanis cannot agree on any point. Among them, many jinanis believe that agreeing means accepting one’s defeat. Indeed there are some godly qualities in jinanis. Such as they can speak in flowery language. Or that with their grandiloquence they can prove day as night, and night as day. If in daytime one jinani tells to anyone that it is night, or if during the night they tell that it is day, and if the next person does not accept what the jinani is telling, then the jinani will use the their logic and reasoning to prove that person as a top-grade fool. And he (the jinani) will make it look like this one simple thing the next person could not understand. Because of this in the scriptures is it said, ‘Mathitva…’ Meaning, that if an unfathomable amount of milk is turned into butter and whey, then jinanis argue and quarrel about the whey and in so doing the butter gets rotten and destroyed.” (Varna Vicitra (H), p. 49-50)

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

 

Read Full Post »

DMS News: #7: Birth of One New Dogma

Date: 13 Sun Feb 2011 05:38:29 -0000

From: “Manoj”

To: am-global@earthlink.net

Subject: DMS News #7: Birth of One New Dogma

 

Baba

 

== DMS NEWS #7: BIRTH OF ONE NEW DOGMA ==

 

Namaskar,

This following first-hand account details one new dogma that took birth at last month’s January 2011 DMS in Ananda Nagar.

 

* * * *

 

When I went to the meditation hall in Baba’s Quarter on 1st January 2011, I thought I saw some coins thrown by some sadhakas just below the cot on which Baba’s photo was placed.

 

From a distance, I doubted what I saw so I stepped closer and went to the front side. Then I confirmed that it was indeed a coin. Upon further investigation I found that some margiis were throwing coins and rupees just in front of Baba’s photo. Those coins were landing at the same spot where the flowers, pots with coconuts and candles (pradiipa) were placed as decoration. All these coins were tossed just below the cot upon which Baba’s photo was placed.

 

Upon further investigation, it become clear that people were doing this in hopes of getting their selfish desires and requests fulfilled. They were essentially bribing Parama Purusa. In exchange of their monetary offering, they were seeking a daughter’s marriage, victory in their court case, getting their enemies destroyed, or a job promotion etc. These were some of the selfish requests they wanted fulfilled by dropping money in front of Baba’s photo.

 

Of course all those in-charges knew this was dogmatic, but because this offering was generating income, such Dadas were not telling them to stop.

 

I even asked one Dada about this and he said, “Yes, some might have done this.” But he did not say anything further.

 

However, many of us felt that an announcement should have been made this act of dropping coins by Baba’s photo was not good. Then margiis – new or old etc – would have gotten the message not to toss coins by Baba’s photo.

 

Instead those in-charges put this coin tossing dogma on open display by letting it continue. By that way more and more began to partake in this dogmatic manner. That was the lesson put forth: Others are doing and you can too.

 

And again, why was it allowed to be continued? Because ultimately there was an economic benefit involved. The more who participated increased the amount of money those Dadas will get. What else can be the reason why such Dadas did not openly denounce this dogmatic offering from the very beginning.

 

Of course every rational margiis knows that this type of (crude) offering – i.e. arcana – is an exact copy of the Hindu dogma – about which Baba has instructed us not to follow. Yet that is what I personally saw going on at last month’s DMS program at Ananda Nagar.

 

* * * *

 

BABA’S TEACHINGS ON ARCANA

 

Here are a few of Baba’s teachings on this topic.

 

(1) In this first below guideline, Baba clearly tells us that offering money at His photo has nothing to do with devotion.

 

Baba says, ‘Bhakti cannot be identified with árcaná either, which means to worship the deity with flowers, leaves, [holy] water or other articles [like money].” (Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 33)

 

(2) Then in Ananda Sutram Baba warns us that those who ask for their selfish interests to be fulfilled by giving money to Parama Purusa are merely indulging in useless prayers.

 

3-11: Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.

 

[Prayer and ritualistic worship become a source of confusion.]

 

Purport: It is useless to pray to God for something, for He is sure to give what is necessary. Solicitation or importunity in the name of worship is nothing but toadyism and flattery.” (Ananda Sutram, 3-11)

 

Baba’s teaching is that Parama Purusa will do what is required for the proper development of each and every person, so to ask for something – when He already knows what is best for you – is just one defective manner and undermines one’s relation with Parama Purusa.

 

(3) Next Baba differentiates between selfish and selfless puja. Clearly that type of puja where money is offered is nothing but arcana, i.e. that puja done with “selfish motive and external paraphernalia”.

 

Baba says, “Now, what is pu´ja´ or pu´jana? When a person, with or without any selfish motive, offers his or her deep reverence to an entity with undivided concentration, with or without external paraphernalia such as flowers, bel leaves, sandalwood paste, Ganges water, basil, bananas, rice, etc., that is called pu´ja´ or pu´jana. And the type of worship which is performed with selfish motive and external paraphernalia is called arca´ or arcana´. The type of worship which is performed with or without selfish motive, but certainly without any specific external paraphernalia, is called pra´rthana´. And the special type of pu´ja´ which is performed without any selfish motive or external paraphernalia is called Brahmasadbha´va [ideation of Brahma].” Shiva’s Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 14)

 

(4) Here below Baba points out that those who pray to God to give them a job promotion or a husband for their daughter actually send the message to Parama Purusa that He is not fulfilling His duties properly and has forgotten what a person needs. That is what is implied by asking something of Parama Purusa – one is blaming God for failing to do the needful.

 

Baba says, “Prayer is the act of asking for a favour with earnestness. It also means a solemn petition addressed to the Supreme Being for certain benefits. One prays to God for something which one does not possess or thinks one does not possess. One asks God for these favours with the faith that He alone can bestow everything and by His mere wish all wants can be satisfied. By prayer or by begging one wants to awaken His wish so that one may be granted the things one lacks. Does not one’s attempt to rouse the wish of God to fulfil these needs, upon careful and rational thinking, appear to be a reminder to God to give one something of which God has kept one deprived? It would otherwise not be necessary to remind Him in prayer of that thing or to try to arouse His wish to give. For instance, if one is in need of money, one would, with the faith that God alone can give, pray to Him for the favour of giving one money. Does not this request show God’s fault in keeping one in want of money, when He alone can give it? God alone is blamed for it, and by praying to Him for money one is precisely pointing out to Him His partiality in not giving one the money one needed. Therefore, prayer or asking for favours from God is only pointing out to the Sole Giver His mistakes in the distribution of His favours. It only presumes lack of impartiality in Him, and that is why He is blamed for making some very rich and others very poor. Praying to God for favours is only to bring to His notice the charge of partiality levelled against Him. When prayer leads to such a conclusion, it is only ignorance to ask for favours. One who performs actions will also bear the consequences, and blaming God for it as His partiality is not going to save one from bearing the consequences.” (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy)

 

 

REFLECTION

 

Tragically the scene of giving money at DMS was nothing but a dogmatic case of arcana, i.e. praying and bribing Parama Purusa with external objects (i.e. money) in order to get His favour and one’s selfish desires met. This type of offering is just dogma and has nothing to do with devotion. It is shameful that out of greed certain Dadas allowed this act to go on at our very own DMS gatherings. That is the new dogma that took birth.

 

 

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

 

Here Baba clearly tells us what we should offer to Parama Purusa. We are to offer our own selves – i.e. our minds, not external objects like money.

 

Baba says, ““Tava dravyaḿ Jagatguro Tubhyameva samarpaye.” “Everything of mine, along with my mind, is offered at Your altar. Please oblige and accept it.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam, part 3)

 

Namaskar,

Manoj

 

Read Full Post »

Who Does Not Want

Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:26:47 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Hariish Dev”
Subject: Who Does Not Want

Baba

“(Tumi) a’lo jhalmal u’s’a’y ele, a’ndha’rer ja’l chinrile…” (PS 3983)

Purport:

Baba, You have come in my heart when the blissful dawn was glittering in
effulgence. By Your grace, You have wiped away the net of staticity and
crude darkness from my mind. In a flash You have also removed the dogma
which had accumulated since ages. Baba, You are so beautiful.

O’ my dearmost, You know how to make such a divine magical display. By
Your grace You have created a heavenly panorama– complete with the beauty
and grandeur of colour, by Your divine play. Baba, in the blink of the eye,
You bring lowly and depraved persons close to Your bosom, without making
any differentiation or disparity about who is virtuous and who is sinful.
Baba, You are my beginning as well as my end, my Goal, my everything.

Baba, my whereabouts, my name, my place, my address– everything has become
one with You, by Your grace. Baba I offer You my heartfelt surrender and
sastaunga pranam thousands, millions, crores, & an infinite number of
times– again & again.

Baba, by Your divine grace You have arrived in my heart and showered me
in Your supreme effulgence. You are my own; You are my everything…

== WHO DOES NOT WANT ==

Namaskar,
Every human being wants to be successful. Whether in the realm of art,
law, medicine, schooling, business, literature, science, or architecture
– or any other field or endeavor – everyone wants to be successful.

Knowing how to be successful then is an important recipe.

By Baba’s grace He has given us His special guideline. Because in one
Hindi discourse, Baba reveals that the ‘Seven Secrets of Success’ apply
not just to spiritual life, but to worldly life as well.

Let’s then investigate how these work.

UNIQUE ASPECT OF SHRADDHA’

Of course all the aspects of the Seven Secrets of Success have their own
unique utility. So we shall take a look at how they all apply in this
special circumstance. At the same time in His Hindi discourse Baba gives
marked importance to the point of shraddha’.

As He tells us, there is no direct English translation for the term
shraddha’, yet in its more traditional usage, Baba describes shraddha as
the following.

Baba says, “When one ascribes everything to one’s goal, or one’s object,
or to the Supreme Subjectivity appearing as one’s object, and moves, or
rather directs one’s everything towards Him, then that movement is
shraddha’.” (AV-3)

So in the spiritual realm, shraddha’ means pointing all one’s energy and
love towards Parama Purusa, and not toward any number two or number
three object. Everything is goaded towards Him. This we all know.

The interesting thing becomes, how does this apply to worldly life.

In His Hindi discourse, Baba neatly describes how shraddha’ manifests in
worldly life. Suppose there is a father and a son. The boy wants to
study engineering, but the father is pressuring him to study medicine.
Yet the boy has little or no interest in becoming a doctor. In that
case, if forced to pursue medicine, the boy will not get success.
Because Baba’s entire point is that to get success in worldly life, one
must have inner inspiration or inner motivation for what they are doing.
Then and only then can one get success. That is the key point.

TRAGEDY OF TODAY’S MODERN SOCIETY

Unfortunately, in today’s materialistic society, where money is the
be-all and end-all, so many people in so many lands engage in work or
jobs that they do not care about. They have little or no interest in
their day-to-day endeavour. But they do it to earn money, for prestige,
to please their parents, or to just survive etc. This is the way in
so-called first world and various so-called third world nations.

There are innumerable cases of this round peg in a square hole
phenomenon. That means, there are so many people who have a keen
interest in one realm, but spend all their time doing something else –
either to earn money, or due to family pressures etc. Haven’t we all
gone into a shop or office and noticed that the people working there
appear to be going through the motions like robots and have no real
interest in what they are doing. The same happens in student life as
well when children are pushed by their parents in a particular direction.

In that case, according to Baba, that worker or that student cannot get
success. Because as Baba guides us, one can only be successful if they
have inner motivation and inspiration for what they are doing. That is
the special point Baba is making in His Hindi discourse about how the
Seven Secrets of Success apply to worldly life.

THE OTHER POINTS ARE ALSO MEANINGFUL

Here then are how the other spiritual elements apply to achieving
success in the mundane sphere.

Vishva’s: In spiritual life this means have firm determination for one’s
Goal. Yet Baba guides us that in worldly life this is also needed. If
before studying for an exam, a student thinks that, “I will never be
able to pass”, then they are doomed. Certainly they will not be able to
get success. Similarly, if an adult walks into a job interview thinking
that, “I will not be able to get this job – it is beyond my
qualifications”, then they will have little or no chance of getting that
job. So vishva’s in worldly life is a big point. It refers to having
confidence and a positive outlook before pursuing any endevor.

Guru Puja: In spiritual life, Baba guides us that this means
surrendering to the will of the Guru. Then one can serve and attain Him.
And in worldly life this point of Guru Puja has great importance: It
means having respect or reverence for one’s teacher. Yet in the modern
world, there are so many loopholes and so much rampant hypocrisy that
students & citizens alike lose respect for their teachers and leaders.
Either their teachers punish them unduly or their teachers preach some
ideal such as abstinence or non-smoking, when they themselves are
indulged in that. Likewise, various social leaders preach noble values
yet they themselves are caught up in scandalous affairs. This is a daily
occurrence, and this undermines one’s ability to get success. Because
one loses faith in their teacher or societal leader, in which case they
cannot learn from them.

Samitabhava: In spiritual sphere, this means complete mental balance.
And this same type of psychic equanimity is needed in worldly life. For
instance, if a student or interviewee is very nervous or shy, then they
will not be able to perform well. A student may become so nervous that
they even get easy questions wrong, because they have lost their mental
composure. Likewise, a professional seeking employment or putting on a
presentation may be so shy that they are unable to convey their
skill-set or knowledge to others in the room. And there are so many
other examples. For instance, one’s marriage may end in misery, if one
constantly gets angry or acts in an erratic manner toward their spouse.
So mental balance is highly needed in all aspects of worldly life.

Indriyanigraha: We all know how control over the motor and sensory
organs is needed for success in spiritual life. And same is the case for
worldly life. If a student drinks too much whiskey or beer or wine at a
party, then they will be inattentive in class the next day. Or, they may
sleep through class entirely. Likewise, if a big business executive
indulges in too much gossipy talk, then they will not be prepared for
their meeting or they may underestimate their competition. Because loose
talk diverts the mind from important obligations. It is also commonly
seen how important politicians show sexual weakness and this can
undermine if not ruin their entire career. So having proper restraint
and control regarding the ten indriyas is highly needed to gain worldly
success.

Pramitahara: Just as proper attention to diet and food is needed in
spiritual life, it is also needed for mundane success. If a student
overeats then they will not be mentally sharp for their examination.
Similarly, if a person grossly overeats time and time again, they will
become obese, in which case they will suffer from all kinds of ailments
from shortness of breath to heart disease, and that will keep them from
discharging their duties properly. So food and drink must serve to keep
one healthy and fit. Then only can one get success in worldly endeavors.

No Seventh Factor: The same is true in worldly life as in spiritual life.

Baba says, “There is no seventh factor. That is, if you practise these
six factors, you require no seventh factor.” (AV-3)

LIVING IN TODAY’S ULTRA-COMPETITIVE WORLD

Today’s world is more competitive than ever. Getting success is not
easy. The standards are high and the competition is tough. Whether it be
the global economic market, the political arena, student life, or any
other realm, day by day the requirements for getting success get stiffer
and stiffer. There is no such thing as an easy victory anymore. There
are too many people gunning for the same thing. So if we are slack in
any of the above points, then someone with a more pointed vision will
come forward. In that case, success will not be ours. Because living in
today’s world is not a joke.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has blessed us all with great teachings which lead us
to success. And in His Hindi discourse, Baba has given us the way to
utilize the Seven Secrets of Success in our worldly endeavours. So we
should pay heed to this doctrine not just in spiritual life but in all
our worldly dealings as well.

Baba says, “You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do
accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success.” (AV-14)

Namaskar,
Hariish

*********************************************
Desire For Money is Dangerous

Baba says, “Suppose there is a very elevated person who often ideates on
the Supreme Consciousness, but who has some greed for wealth. He does
not, however, express it openly to the Supreme, nor does he even think
of it directly. He thinks indirectly, “Oh, since I am a devotee of the
Supreme Consciousness, He will certainly give me enormous wealth and
make me immensely rich.” Those who harbour this sort of covert desire
are reborn asyaks’as.” (YP, p.78)

Note: Yaksas are one type of negative microvita. Those unfortunate
beings who got degenerated and took on a form less than human,
sub-human. Not only that but they got caught up in that bondage of
punishment for thousands of years. And only then after their extreme
punishment did they again get opportunity for human life.
*********************************************

Read Full Post »

Importance of Sadhana + Two More Secrets

Date: 13 Mar 2010 12:38:04 -0000
From: “Pramod Dev”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Importance of Sadhana + Two More Secrets

BABA

“Toma’kei a’mi bha’lo ba’siya’chi, toma’ke jenechi sa’r…” (805)

Purport:

Baba, I have love only for You. By Your grace, this much I understand:
That You are the Essence of essence. You are the Soul of the soul. You are
everything. What way You make me dance, in that rhythm, melody, and style, I dance.
I do not know any other entity in this universe except You.

My mental flower garden is fully covered with the buds and fruits. It is
filled with nectar. And this is all for You; please come.

Baba, You are the lamp of my heart and pra’na. Please come close–
delaying only makes it very painful, unbearable.

In this vast, blue sky, whatever tune, melody and rhythms are there,
everything together–all things collectively–are residing in You.
Everything is within Your mind. Baba, You are the Heart of hearts. You are
everything…

== IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA + TWO MORE SECRETS ==

Namaskar,
Nowadays in our Margii society one serious psychic disease is groupism.
Although general margiis and many wts are not suffering so much; but those
at the helm are surely in the whirlpool of groupism. And they are trying
hard to lure simple margiis and wts into their camp.

It is not that such persons do not know the philosophical aspects of Baba’s
teachings. Theoretically everyone understands; but to bring this into
practice is not easy. That is why those who are not inculcating our AM
sadhana practices into their practical life, their mind gets diseased with
the ailment of groupism. This is not a physical ailment but a psychic one.

And there is no answer other than to follow and practice sadhana in the
practical life. Not superficial sadhana but sadhana done in the proper way.
Otherwise all the approaches of peace meetings and various efforts will go
in vain. So the only solution is to clean the mind with the help of cosmic
ideation– thinking about Parama Purusa. Please see here what Guru’s
guideline.

Baba says, “The humans of today have started to realize that they are the
progeny of Parama Purus’a, an integral part of Parama Purus’a. If people
can properly ideate on Parama Purus’a, they will realize Brahma. On
imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured.” (PNS-8, p.19)

IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA

So sadhana is a highly significant thing and everyone of us must be very
strict in bringing Baba’s teaching into our day to day life.

We know that our AM sadhana system is eight-fold. These are (1) yama, (2)
niyama, (3) asana, (4) pranayama, (5) pratihara, (6) dharana, (7) dhya’na,
(8) samadhi. These are the total 8 folds, or aspects. That is why our
system of meditation is called ast’aunga yoga.

And in this 8-fold system, each and every item is significant. One cannot
neglect any one of these. Because these steps are complementary to one
another. Just like higher cakras control lower cakras. In the same way
lower cakras also affect the higher cakras. If the lower cakras are not
fully controlled then the control of higher cakras is not possible and vice
versa.

That is why those who try to do dhya’na, without placing adequate emphasis
on the other lessons, do not gain success. For them dhya’na will be
difficult.

We know that with the help of Iishvara Pranidhana, mukti can be attained.
And with the help of dhya’na, moksa or ultimate salvation is possible. So
dhya’na is the most significant lesson in our system of sadhana.

In human life everyone wants peace and there are various types of peace:
(a) black peace, (b) white peace, and (c) perfect peace. In true sense,
perfect peace is the real peace. It comes through spiritual practice and
His grace.

While talking about the ‘Seven Secrets of Success’, Baba has given one
unique discourse on perfect peace. The discourse, “Ka’rya Siddhi Ke Tattva”
later published in AV 24, was given by Baba in the town of Diigha’ on 9
January 1990; and this happened when He was returning from Ananda Nagar to
Tiljala.

TWO MORE SECRETS

And this discourse is unique in its own way. We know that there are so many
discourses on the ‘Seven Secret of Success’, ie dialogues between Lord
Shiva and Parvati. But in this particular discourse of 9 January 1990, Baba
added two more points with regards to getting success and peace. That is
why this particular discourse is so unique.

As you know already in the 7 secrets of success, there are really only 6
secrets. And they are as follows: (1) Firm Determination, (2) Shradda’
(Deep Reverence), (3) Guru Puja, (4) Sense of Equipoise, (5) All-round
self-restraint, (6) Pramita’ha’ra (Balanced and Nutritious Diet). And these
important points are mentioned commonly in several discourses.

But in His unique discourse of January 1990, Baba added two more
significant points:

1. Keeping the mind focused on the Goal or Desideratum. On this point Baba
says that if you remember your Goal then you will get success, and at the
same time you will get mental peace also.

2. The second additional point for attaining success & peace is practicing
dhya’na, off and on, many times throughout the 24hrs.

DHYANA DONE INTERMITTENTLY DURING THE DAY

Baba says that whenever you have 20 – 30 seconds, or one minute time, then
whatever condition you are in, just close your eyes and do dhya’n. By this
way your mind will be in balance and equipoise. And whatever work you will
take in your hand, that will be successful. Because to get success and
peace together, the pre-requisite factor is the mind which has prama’. And
that can only come through spiritual practice. And dhya’n is the most
significant source to do so. It is needed to be done properly.

In other discourses and in so many teachings, Baba has emphasized the need
of kiirtan. And that one should always utilise the time in this way. Means
whenever one has time for few seconds, then one should do kiirtan. So this
very technique and guideline of doing intermittent dhyan during the day is
a rare and unique type guideline.

Practicing dhya’n in small duration many times per day is very essential
for maintaining a proper mental flow and for keeping the mind in prama’,
means saturated with His love and devotion.

By His grace, if with that type of mind, anybody tries to do any work, then
both the resultants come together: success and true peace.

Namaskar
Pramod

Note 1: Baba’s discourse, “Ka’rya Siddhi Ke Tattva”, appears in AV-24 (B)
p.139-153 and AV-24 (H) p.135-145.

Note 2: Here are some of Baba’s teachings about sadhana and dhyana:

Baba says, “He is the Supreme Subjectivity. He is the subject and
everything else is the object…During meditation you should think that the
entity on whom you are meditating is looking at you as His object. He is
not your object. He sees whatever you are doing. This should the
psychology. He can never be your object. During meditation you should
remember that the Supreme Entity looks on you, sees you as His object. He
is not your object, you are His object. Do you follow?” (AVM-6, p.25)

Baba says, “While meditating on the Supreme you can not accept Him as your
object. Because He is your subject. Everything is His object. He is the
Supreme Subject. Then how, during japa and dhyana can He be your object? He
cannot be your object. So what is necessary is that– and herein lies the
charm– is that while doing japa and dhyana, you should think that He is
seeing you, you are His object. This thing you should always remember
during japa and dhyana. That is the idea. That is the spirit.” (AVM-2, p.34)

Note 3: Baba tells us that peace comes in three spheres: physical, psychic,
and spiritual so sadhana is needed for perfect peace.

The following are BABA teachings about peace:

Baba says, “A state of mental equilibrium and equipoise is called peace. It
is important to know how the state of peace is attained, and how it is
disturbed. A systematic, spiritual practice leads to psychic balance.”
(PNS-16, p. 20)

Baba says, “Spiritual discipline and relentless struggle against
superstition are required to maintain psychic peace. The principal aim of
human life is to be free of sorrow and misery. Otherwise one cannot hope to
attain peace.” (PNS-16)

Baba says, “To attain permanent relief from sorrow and affliction,
paramartha (perfect peace) is the only means. Paramartha can only be
attained through spiritual practice. That is why in Ananda Marga, each
member is encouraged to learn spiritual practices from the age of five. As
one grows, one acquires tremendous physical, psychic, and spiritual
benefits…to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual progress, A’nanda
Ma’rga teaches a methodical and scientific system of spiritual practices.”
(PNS-16)

FINAL NOTE: This next teaching of Baba is extremely important because in
very clear words Baba is guiding us that those who adopt the path of
materialism can never achieve the stance of perfect peace. Rather their
lives will always be full of frustration and misery:

Baba says, “The characteristic (dharma) of the mind is to seek the
infinite. The mind attains this goal by concentrating on a particular
ideation. As material objects are finite, those who accept them as the aim
of life eventually feel frustrated. They fail to attain bliss because
neither wealth nor material objects can be enjoyed infinitely.” (Prout-6,
p.59)

***************************************
Size of Cranium and Spirituality

Baba says, “People may think that they cannot make rapid spiritual progress
unless the size of the brain, and hence the size of the cranium, is
increased. But this is not so because human beings can increase the
jurisdiction of their thinking.” (Proutist Economics)
***************************************

Read Full Post »

In the Beginning of Sadhana

From: “Girish Chandra Mitra”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: In the Beginning of Sadhana
Date: Fri, 4 Dec 2009 07:26:40 +0530

Baba

“Bhul kare du’re thekechi tumi bhul bheunge dio…” (1827)

Purport:

Baba, due to my own defects I am not able to get close to You. Because
of not following Your dharmic guidelines, my progress is hindered and I am
just keeping myself away from You. Baba, by Your grace, please remove all
my shortcomings and weaknesses and bring me in Your closest proximity, take
me in Your lap. In my life I have received an abundant amount of love from
You; You have graced me so much. Baba, now I am offering my love to You–
please grace me by accepting it.

Baba, in the sky there is a deep blueness and my tender heart is full of
love for You. Baba, I do not want my love to remain hidden & secluded in my
little heart. By Your grace please allow the reddish glow of my heart–
i.e. my love– to merge in the vastness of the distant blue sky. Baba,
please let my love reach up to the highest realm– reach up to You.

Baba, when I sing the song and ideate on You there is a deep feeling of
longing in my heart. By Your grace You have given the tune and in that way
I sing for You. Baba, may my heart’s inner longing be goaded & pointed
exclusively toward You. Baba by Your grace, I should always contemplate and
think of You; my life should revolve and dance around You. My life should
be successful, please grace me…

== IN THE BEGINNING OF SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
In this quinquelemental world, usually the life of spiritual aspirants
passes in so many mundane activities from dawn to dusk– trying to meet
their worldly requirements and managing their responsibilities.

So when sadhakas try to do sadhana in a pointed way then often times all
those mundane plans and programs come again and again into their mental
plate during sadhana. This is the regular reality– for all sadhakas, both
wts and margiis.

It is a natural phenomenon because the activities one engages in during the
day often cloud the mind during meditation. In that case it is very
difficult to start sadhana. That is why Baba has graciously given our Baba
Nam Kevalam kiirtan. Singing kiirtan helps tremendously in transitioning the
mind from one’s mundane daily routine to spiritual sadhana.

However, even then on, some occasions when very positive or very negative
incidents happen during the day, then those thoughts strongly dominate the
mind. And in that circumstance is not easy to get rid of those thoughts–
they come again and again, barraging the mind during sadhana.

THE PERFECT REMEDY: GURU PUJA

In that condition, what recourse should be taken. By Baba’s grace He has
given the perfect remedy: Guru Puja, a.k.a Varnarghyadan– the offering of
colours. In systematic fashion Guru Puja cleanses the mind of unwanted
thoughts. It enables sadhakas to remove those burdens and start pointed
sadhana.

Unfortunately many people waste huge amounts of time “sitting in sadhana”
when in reality their mind is just flickering from one mundane thought to
another. So this is just a waste of time and– and even worse– it degrades
the mind.

Altogether, stray or dominating thoughts coming into the mind occurs in
everyone’s life. I can openly admit that this has happened to me on
countless occasions and when I’ve spoken with others they have also
recognized this as a problem.

And the best remedy is Guru Puja, as that has the ability to remove or wash
away those impressions from the mind. Here follow are some techniques when
doing Guru Puja.

POINTS ABOUT GURU PUJA FROM SENIOR ACARYA DIARY

Of course we all know that in Caryacarya Baba has given many points about
Guru Puja. And in the Senior Acarya Diary Baba has given more highly
valuable guidelines regarding the proper technique of Guru Puja. And those
acaryas who are sincere in sadhana guide their diksa bhai in this way.

Some of the instructions I have also received and those aspects which are
common points for all– and are not secret– I have written below as I feel
it is my duty to share these things with my margii family.

SOME OF THE BASICS

1. Guru Puja can be done again and again– round after round. It is not the
strict rule that it can only be done three times. Rather when one is facing
any problem then Guru Puja should be done until that problem has been
washed away and the mind is feeling light and free.

2. So when any problem is blocking the mind during sadhana such that one’s
mantra is not coming then Guru Puja is the answer. The basic approach being
that one should surrender their problems again and again in order to free
and prepare the mind for sadhana.

3. In that way, Guru Puja can be done any time: At the beginning or in the
middle of sadhana, and then course always at the end of meditation.

4. As mentioned above, another name of Guru Puja is Varnarghyada’n. Varna
means colour, Arghyada’n means offering. So, Guru Puja means offering the
colours of the mind to Guru. So here colour means mental colour.

CLEANSING THE MIND DOING GURU PUJA

5. If during the whole day someone has to communicate with different people
about building a new jagrti and they have to convince others and get a
donation, and arrange the labour etc. Then in that case the whole day they
involved in thoughts about labour, money, bricks, and cement. All these
thoughts are racing through the mind during the day. So when starting
sadhana then that time off and on these thoughts related with the jagrti
construction may enter into one’s mind in sadhana.

6. And if the mind is crowded with unwanted, crude, negative thoughts of
money, labour, bricks, cement, building supplies etc during meditation,
then ultimately sadhana will be destroyed. In that condition the best
option is to do Guru Puja first, and offer one’s mental colours to Guru.

7. But doing Guru Puja superficially is not going to give any yield. Rather
the whole process of Guru Puja can be repeated again and again until the
mind is completely vibrated and ready to offer everything to Him. In that
process one can spend extra time doing Guru Puja.

8. Then after doing long Guru Puja, the heaviness of my mind will bereleased and allthose negative thoughts of bricks and cement will be gong.Then one
will feel felt better and can start doing sadhana. But if one would have
started meditation right away, then in the beginning, in place of doing
sadhana, the mind would be cluttered with thoughts about the bricks &
cement as that was the main dominating thought in the mind.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: USE OF TANMATRAS

9. The question may come that how can this offering of colour theory can be
utilised? What is the most effective way to do it?

10. As we all know, in Guru Puja one has to offer a lotus flower. So after
sitting in the proper posture then close the eyes and with open palms, one
should form a mental lotus. And the colour of the lotus should be the
colour of that worldly object which was dominating or disturbing your
mental flow during sadhana. If the red bricks for the jagrti is disturbing
the mind then one will envision a red lotus.

11, Because each every material object has 5 tanmatras, or inferences. All
the tanmatras should be utilised in Guru Puja when offering your mental
lotus. And the five tanmatras are: Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, Smell.

12. Brick has its own sound when it falls from the truck during unloading
time. That is the first tanmatra and that sound should be ascribed to the
lotus flower during Guru Puja.

13. Then of course bricks have a special touch of roughness because it is
rock. So during Guru Puja one should picture a lotus that has the hard
scratchy surface of a rock.

14. The third inference is form. Here form means that red colour which has
already been mentioned.

15. Then 4th tanmatra is taste. And the taste of rock one may know. So then
one should imagine that in their hand a red coloured lotus that feel rough
like a rock and has a loud sound and that tastes like a rock.

16. Then the 5th and final inference is smell. That also we have to utilise
in Guru Puja. Imagine that the whole lotus being formed in one’s palms
smells like bricks.

16A. So this process should be done with whatever thing is disturbing the
mind. For example let’s say that one is thinking about sweets like
rasagolla during the time of sadhana. Then one will form a white lotus.
Because the colour of rasagolla is white. And the touch of that lotus will
be the exact touch of rasagolla: soft and spongy plus sticky & syrupy. And
the taste of the lotus will be the taste of rasagolla– very sweet. And the
smell of the lotus will also be the exact smell of rasagolla. One should
perfectly make one mental lotus that is of white colour with a thick,
syrupy touch, and a very sweet taste, and aromatic smell. That mental lotus
will be as if it is made of rasagolla material.

17. So whatever one’s dominant thought is, after creating this complete
ideation using these five inferences: sound, touch, form, taste, smell and
when all 5 qualities are present in that mental lotus, then one can start
chanting “Akhanda mandala karam…”

THE PRACTICAL PROCESS AND SEQUENCE

18. One must not prematurely begin the chanting of the Guru Puja mantra.
First all the tanmatras, step by step, should be incorporated and
accordingly one’s mental lotus should be formed. Then and only then should
the chanting of the of Guru Puja mantra be started.

19. Then after completing the chanting of each round of our Guru Puja
mantra, “…Gurureva Parama Brahma, Tasmae Shrii Gurave Namah”. Then we
are to offer that very mental lotus at the feet of Guru Shrii Shrii
Anandamurtiji Who is sitting in front of me. Baba guides us that this
should be our ideation.

20. So taking the ideation that Beloved Baba is sitting in front of you,
then with that bhava and using the Guru Puja mantra in proper way, slowly
with good ideation one should offer that very mental lotus to Baba. And
then one will see that this will solve their problem or attachment. Those
uninvited thoughts related with rasagolla or whatever which are disturbing
the mind during sadhana will be gone.

WHY NORMALLY DONE AFTER SADHANA

21. Some may wonder then why is it that normally Guru Puja is done just after
sadhana?

22. And the basic reply is that when anyone does sadhana then that time
mind is busy in ideation & involved in the chanting of one’s personal
mantra. So that time it is very easy to find out the negative thoughts. And
in particular one can pointedly identify which thought is creating the most
disturbance.

23. In contrast, when one is busy in mundane work then they may not
understand or be able to identify their psychic disturbance, but when one
starts sadhana and closes the eyes, then immediately from nowhere so many
useless & distracting thoughts will come into the mind. That time one has
to gauge and see carefully which one is most disturbing and that very
thought one should utilise for Guru Puja. Using the process which is
outlined above described.

IF UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, DO PUJA BEFORE SADHANA

24. On some special occasions when the mind is so much disturbed with
pre-occupied ideas, then before even starting sadhana one should try to do
Guru Puja to get rid the mind of those negative thoughts.

25. If for example someone left 5000 rupees on the bank counter and they
did not get that money back. Naturally then in their disturbed state of
mind, if they start doing sadhana it may be fruitless. In such a special
case better one should do Guru Puja multiple times before starting sadhana.
By this way the strong thoughts of losing money will be wiped away by His
grace.

26. Many of these points my acaryas told me, Baba has included in the
Senior Acarya Diary.

SPECIAL REMINDER

27. Special Reminder: If after doing Guru Puja once and still the problem
is not solved, then one should do Guru Puja multiple times. Then surely one
will see that the mind will become calm, quiet, and relaxed. All those
disturbing thoughts will go away. And mind will be pinnacled and ready for
sadhana.

A FEW OF BABA’S QUOTES ON GURU PUJA

28. About the importance of Guru Puja, Baba guides us in this following
way, which is written in Neo-Humanism:

Baba says, “‘By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to
become colourless’. This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human
beings towards Him…This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating
behind the process of Varn’a’rghyada’n (Offering of Colours, Guru Puja):
‘Oh Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any
hesitation’.” (NH-LOI, ’87, p.27)

In Ananda Vacanamrtam part 3, Baba further gives guideline how one devotee
should do the final offering in Guru Puja :

Baba says, “‘Tava dravyam Jagatguro Tubhyameva Samarpaye’, ‘Everything of
mine, along with my mind, is offered at Your altar. Please oblige and
accept it’. ”
(AV,3,p.21)

Sastaunga Pranam at His lotus feet,
Girish

Read Full Post »

His Books Are Not the Way

From: “Shantatma Kerketta”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: His Books Are Not the Way
Date: Thu, 15 0ct 2009 08:27:56 +0530

Baba

“Pradiip shala’ka’ jvele cali eka’, se priyo to mor elo na’…” ( P.S. 4794)

Purport:

Alone sitting in isolation I lit the lamp. I was waiting and wondering
why my Dearmost has not come. I wanted to have a glance of Him, to lay my
eyes on Him. But neither did He come nor did He look towards me.

Sitting in dhyan, in my mind I prepared and decorated a seat for Him; I
was waiting and waiting for Him. But in dhyan I was just asking Him for
boons– to fulfill my worldly desires. I did not want to have Him. Rather I
wanted worldly things– boons etc. I did not ask for those things which are
divine and eternal. Instead I asked for perishable, decaying, material
things– those which are under the bondage of time, space, and person. So
instead of longing for Him, I asked Him for boon after boon. In my
misguided dhyan all these crude types desires I had.

So all that went in vain because my Dearmost did not come. In dhyan when
I was folding His seat and putting it away, then I thought that without
pure devotion then nothing is going to happen; I cannot get Him. What I did
in dhyan was just a waste of time. Everything went in vain. I gave more
importance to worldly things in comparison to devotion and I went on asking
for parabhakti from Him. That too went in vain.

Sitting alone I lit the lamp and waited, but my dear most did not come…

== HIS BOOKS ARE NOT THE WAY ==

Namaskar,
Even after a person dies, their example stands. Either that history
serves the welfare of humanity by providing a stellar model, or it
leads people in the opposite direction, toward the path of degeneration.

One of our late Dadas has put in print various ideas that may not be so
conducive to our human growth and development. It needs our clear-cut
review to remind us whether this Dada’s method is the path of dharma
or not.

This has great relevance to the way things are going in AMPS these days.
Because this Dada glorified creating a separate structure and now that
same misguided method is going on today. Thus our review is needed.

HIS MAIN CLAIM

“I had established an ashram at the foot of the Himalayas…in Dehradun
District of UP.”

One of our late avadhutas wrote these words in his own book, when describing
the time he left AMPS to establish his own ashram.

IMPORTANCE OF CONDUCT

We all know that in the general society, one’s quality, qualifications and
attributions are measured on the grounds of various superficial variables,
money, age, post, power etc.

But according to Baba’s Neohumanistic philosophy, character, dealing,
behavior and conduct are one’s true qualifications.

Baba says, “Your ideal is represented by your conduct. Your learning,
your social or economic status have nothing to do with your ideal.”
(Ananda Vanii #13)

In the above Ananda Vanii, Baba’s message is quite clear. Without ambiguity we
Ananda Margiis evaluate others on the point of their character and conduct.
Not on the point of money, power, avadhuta dress, Purodhaship, Kapalik
Sadhana, vishesha yoga, age, seniority, and Central Committee, Acarya board
and Purodha board, or even post of Purodha Pramukha.

So according to Baba’s above teaching we should evaluate the calibre of
everyone by their conduct only.

So to evaluate the quality and qualifications of this late avadhuta,
respected Dada Samanvayananda, we should discuss on the point of conduct.
How far did Samanvayanandaji’s conduct go in accordance with Baba’s
teachings.

GURU-DISCIPLE TEACHING IS PARAMOUNT

In Tantra, the Guru-disciple relation is the most significant thing. That
is why Baba has made various rules and given in Caryacarya about the
services to Guru.

We Ananda Margiis always do Guru Puja, minimum two times a day, every day.
And we know “Guru Brahma…”, the whole idea behind this is that Guru is
everything. And that any disciple of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji must have
this basic characteristic that they should believe in Guru, not betray. One
must not betray Guru, otherwise everything is gone.

SOME OF DADA’S HISTORY

Here in India, Margis are fully aware about the history of Dada
Samanvayanandji. But our overseas Margis and newer margiis may not be aware
so for clarity, the basic matters are described here below.

Samanvayananda’s previous name was Ac. Shivananda Avt. And in 1972
when Baba went into jail, Dada lobbied against Baba and got failure.
Precisely, Samanvayanandaji a.k.a. Dada Shivananda left the organisation
and in a challenging way he created his own organization, giving it the name
“Prema Marga”. Dada established his office in Dehradun that time.

Making matters worse, in his lifetime Samanvayanandaji never expressed repentance
or remorse for going against Guru those days.

Tragically, Samanvayananda remained shameless & glorified that betrayal,
as if what he did was just and proper.

Dada created his own book ‘Glories of …’.

And in that book he mentions many times about his great work in Dehradun.
Means he is glorifying that time when he went against Guru and made that
separate organization known as Prema Marg and he was challenging Guru and AM.

About this deceitful display, Dadaji says that this was his “great” work.

We should not forget that in those days, Baba was in jail. It was during
those difficult days for AM when all support was needed, yet the late Dada
Samanvayananda left and created his own organization to compete against AM.

Andin his book, Samanvayanandaji wrote on page 57 about his glorified
days as a pseudo-guru.

“I had established an ashram at the foot of the Himalayas…in Dehradun
District of UP.”

Thus Samanvayananda does not show an ounce of repentance for his betrayal to
Baba. Not a word of repentance does he express for those black days in
which he left Baba and created his own organization.

In simple language this is betrayal to Baba and also back-stabbing.

SO MANY TRUE MARGIIS FOLLOWED BABA

When Guru is in jail then true margiis took lot of trouble and suffering in
various ways and also got imprisonment. I have deep respect for them. But
what respect should one have when Dada Samanvayananda betrayed Baba and
left Him during that very crucial time when Baba was in jail. And when
Baba was released then Dada Samanvayanandaji painted his own black face
with white oil paint and appeared before Margis in the beginning of 1983 as a
great saint as if nobody knows about his hypocrisy and betrayal to Baba.

When Baba was in jail Margiis were suffering also in jail, and Dada
Samanvayanandaji was enjoying his own self-created guru-ship, and
establishing one organization. And when the good days of AM came, then Dadaji
returned back because his fake guruship of Prema Marga was not as
beneficial or enticing as befooling Margiis. What a hypocrisy.

Baba appointed him as brahmacarya and made him wear a white lungi in order
to help rectify Dada of his arrogant and misguided ways.

But after ’90, Samanvayanada petitioned and got a very high post in our administration.
Who will appreciate his hypocritical behavior. I don’t think that any true Margii
and WT will appreciate.

Then later on some of those group leaders made Samanvayanandaji their high priest.
And Dada Samanvayanandaji moved all around the globe & gave his sermon
like the Pope of Rome. And he praised himself about the glory of his past.

About hypocritical people Baba’s guideline is very strong.

Baba says “Hypocrites are those who betray.” “Don’t forgive till his
nature is reformed. Immediate forgiveness is a special weakness of mind. It
results in worse harm to society.” (CC-2)

Everybody in this universe can forget Dada’s back stabbing to Marga
ideology. But true Margiis and Wt’s cannot. And his poor example must
not be glorfied but rather shown as deceit so none get enticed to
make a similar mistake by going against the Marga.

Already, a few others others have created their separate, parallel
structure as our Marga is struggling to survive, but this is not
the way. None should get duped by Samanvayananda’s example.

BABA’S BLESSING

Here following is Baba’s divine guideline for building up one human society.

Baba says, “You must think, ‘I will personally move towards the supreme
desideratum, and at the same time I will try to assist those who are
suffering from despair, those steeped in blind superstition…Our family is
universal; our abode is also universal’.” (SS-18, p. 41)

Namaskar,
Shantatma

Note 1: MORE OF SAMANVAYANANDA’S DOGMATIC MANNER

Here is one further point about which Samanvayananda wrote in his
book. It regards the matter of certain instructions Dada Samanvayanand
himself dogmatically created, telling that if these are followed one will
achieve liberation.

Ac. Samanvayananda wrote in his book Ananda Satakam on p.131 last
para “Bhagavat….Paraman Padinca…” And, Samanvayanda Dada explains:

“Those who not only read but follow the instruction noted herein (of Ananda
Satakam) with interest and care, they will surely overcome the delusion of
this world and cross the stormy ocean of living in this world.” (p.131,
Ananda Satakam)

A similar type of teaching to what Samanvayanandji is teaching in this
“sutra”, is also very common teaching in Hindu religion. One famous example
is Hanuman Chalisa. Hanuman Chalisa has been written to impose / inject
fear complex into the general public mind to worship the god monkey, Hanuman.

To force the public to worship Hanuman monkey god, poet Tulsidaas wrote
“Hanuman Chalisa'” and that same way Samanvayanandaji is teaching others by
giving a dogmatic teaching like Tulsidas did. It is obvious that if the
dogmatic poet of the Hindu religion would not have injected the fear
complex then surely nobody would have appreciated to worship the monkey.

Because human psychology is that humans like to believe or pray that some
human being is their god. Not the monkeys. So it is the charisma of the
fear complex of that poetry that misguided / forced Hindu people to chant
every day the Hanuman chalisa hymn, means the monkey god eulogy.

So, it is obvious to all that to inject his Ananda Satakam on Margiis’
mind, Dada Samanvayananda did the same technique as the dogmatic Hindu poet
did.

Following is the stanza of that dogmatic monkey god hymm: ‘Jo
satbar…mahasukha hoi’. The meaning is that those who will repeat those
Hanuman Chalisas (eulogy of Hanuman monkey god) will get liberation
and be free from all worldly problems, like money, matter, ghost etc.

So with fear Hindu dogmatic people are repeating this. In the same way our
Dada Samanvayananda tried to impose his book Ananda Satakam on Margiis
by creating fear complex.

“Those who not only read but follow the instruction noted herein (of Ananda
Satakam) with interest and care, they will surely overcome the delusion of
this world and cross the stormy ocean of living in this world.” (p.131,
Ananda Satakam)

The hidden threat is that those who do not follow my teaching will be
bound up in maya. Such is the crude fear complex that Samanvayananda
used to promote his faulty book.

Just the dogmatic poet of Hindu religion did with the monkey god story.

Baba clearly explains that religions do not follow the path of rationality,
do not follow the path of dharma. Rather they claim to be issuing the word
of God, and with this excuse they inject one after another dogma among
their followers.

Baba says,”The word “Dharma” is often loosely used for so-called religion.
The reasonfor this is that when the founders of almost all religions
propagated their respective doctrines to the general mass, they claimed
they were the messages of God. But no religion ever followed the path of
logic.” (HS-I, ’87 ed., p.4)

So religions preach all sorts of harmful dogmas under the aegis of their
false claim that they are preaching the word of God.

Certainly, those living in India know very well about the monkey god Hanuman
but for overseas readers let me please tell something more….– the god
Hanuman belongs to the ape family. He has a long tail and his face is like
a monkey. It is not even a human being; Hanuman is one monkey. That is why
one name of the monkey is Hanuman. And Chalisa’ means eulogy. Every Hindu
dogmatic person is well aware of these things but for the benefit of
overseas Margiis it is meaningful to explain the matter in full.

However the main point is that this dogma of the monkey god is deeply
rooted in all fundamental Hindus’ mind. And every day they must repeat this
thing minimum one time and especially when they feel fear of ghost. The
dogma is that by repeating the monkey god name, ghosts will not come and
monkey god worshippers will ultimately reach the goal of liberation and all
desires will be fulfilled. And those who disrespect this will themselves
burn in hell fire. Because of this dogmatic belief, Hindu people are afraid
and they are repeating the Hanuman Chalisa with deep reverence.

So Dada Samanvayananda unfortunately suffered from attachment to
Hindu dogma. Clearly Dada carried this dogma on his head. Because in
the same way as the monkey god hymn, Dadaji created one complex that if any
margii will believe and respect and chant his sloka then surely they will
get liberation as if there is no need of astaunga yoga sadhana. Only his
Ananda Satakam will work as the divine ship to across the ocean of maya.

******************************************
Our Language

Baba says, “All the languages of the world are our language, this always
you will remember. All the languages are your language. Of them you may
know 2, 4, 10, 20, 200, 500, and all the rest you do not know. That does
not mean that the languages which you do not know are not your language.
All the languages of the world are the language of humanity. All the
languages are the language of Parama Purus’a. For all the languages you
should have love– equal love for all the languages.” (Hindi Language,
Morning General Darshan 1/1/84, Ananda Nagar)

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

Read Full Post »

Sinful Thoughts in Sadhana– Part II

Date: Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:27:43 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Mandal.Virendra@bharata.net…
Subject: Sinful Thoughts in Sadhana– Part II

Baba

“Ya’r asmita’, shes’a hoye geche, se toma’re pa’y hridi bhare…” (PS 1130)

Purport:

Baba, this grand creation of Yours is colourful. In this world, there
are some arrogant & egoistic people who are so fully consumed by asmita’*
that they think they are everything– above all. Drowned in their own ego
they can never get You. Baba, by Your grace, only those blessed devotees
who are not suffering from the disease of ego and vanity can attain You. By
Your sweet will, by surrendering unto You those sadhakas get You to their
heart’s content– to their full satiation. Baba, You graciously fill their
whole existence with Your divine love. You accept their everything and by
Your divine compassion You give Yourself to them and they become one with
You.

Baba, You have filled this entire universe with Your divine Presence.
Even in the cimmerian darkness– in those bleak moments of their life–
those blessed sadhakas feel Your divine presence everywhere. It is Your
grace. And by Your charming smile they realise that even the disparate
evening star is saturated with Your endless love. Baba, in the crimson dawn
and in the golden effulgence, by Your grace they bath themselves in Your
divine form and blissful tune and they dance in divine ecstasy.

Baba, by Your grace, no tragedy can befall such sadhakas; there are no
disasters in their life. Baba, by Your wish in their life there is only the
presence of the sweetness of Your divine love songs. Baba, by Your Supreme
benevolence those aspirants have gotten You up to their full heart’s
content–with the charm and sweetness of the essence of nectar…

ASTERISK NOTES (*):

*Asmita’= Here below Baba gives quite an elaborate and colourful
explanation of the Sanskrit term, asmita’.

Drkdarshanashaktyoreka’tmateva’smita’

Baba says, “As asmita’ is devoid of any discrimination, 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 asmita’ 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
asmita’ will lead people towards their downfall.” (NSS, ‘Shivokti-6’)

== HOW TO RID THE MIND FROM SINFUL THOUGHTS IN SADHANA ==

— Part II —

Note: Here is the link to the first part of this discussion.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/05/sinful-thoughts-in-sadhana.html

Namaskar,
It is well known and commonly understood that the path of yoga is the
process of elevating the mind to that divine stance. By one’s selfless
service and by one’s devotional sadhana and by His ever-flowing grace, the
sadhaka quickly moves towards that Cosmic Nucleus– Baba’s divine lap.

ENCOUNTERING PROBLEMS ALONG THE WAY

However, along the way on this journey, due to one’s own shortcomings and
inadequacies, so many difficulties and trials, so many undesirable thoughts
and impure actions, may attempt to set one back on this journey. Those
obstacles may be internal or external– but nonetheless they may come.
And if and when they do, the very existence of those obstacles creates an
impression on the mind: They colour the mind.

In that condition, when one sits in sadhana, it can sometimes happen that
those undesirable thoughts– those mental colours– invade one’s psychic
arena. In that case, instead of meditating on Him, one is entangled in all
those impure ideas.

As Baba describes below, this phenomenon can happen to any sadhaka.

Baba says, “When human beings rush towards the Supreme, they may sometimes
think, ‘I am a sinner. I have committed so many sins that I am immersed in
sin’. The particular mental colours of the sinners’ minds are the
combination of so many thoughts of sin, which may leave a profound mental
impression.” (NH-LOI)

MUST RID THE MIND OF THOSE MENTAL COLOURS

Thus if mind becomes filled with so many colours– when the mind is
affected by various defects or attachments– then there is a distinct need
to rid the mind of those things so that one may advance with renewed vigour
towards Him, towards the Goal.

In that case, what is one to do? As Baba guides us in innumerable
discourses, we are to offer those mental colours to Him and surrender
ourselves at His lotus feet. And this of course is our practice of Guru Puja.

MISGUIDED WAY: THINKING ABOUT SIN

It can happen though that instead of properly adhering to that cleansing
and purifying process of doing Guru Puja, one or two confused sadhakas may
end up thinking again and again about those sinful thoughts.

That is, instead of surrendering themselves at His lotus feet and offering
those undesirable thoughts unto Him, in their confused state and in their
wrong way of doing Guru Puja they may involve their mind again and again in
dwelling upon those negative ideas, in which case the mind becomes more
degenerated.

Needless to say, this defective approach should be avoided as one has
strayed far from the systematic and devotional practice of Guru Puja.
The root problem is that if when doing Guru Puja one plunges oneself in the
thought of those sinful things as opposed asking His grace and surrendering
them unto Him, then the mind cannot go towards the Guru.

FOCUS ON HIM, NOT THE PROBLEM

That is why our approach in Guru Puja we always see Him graciously sitting
before us, look upon His divine countenance, and ask His grace.

The sadhaka may say:

O’ Lord please take this problem, I do not want it; just I am a little
unit being seeking Your eternal shelter. Let this be Your problem.
Baba, please grace me by taking it so that I may move ever onwards
towards You.

BABA’S DIVINE SYSTEM OF GURU PUJA:

MAKING THE MIND COLOURLESS

Here below in perfect fashion Baba guides us how to systematically move
ahead in the process of Guru Puja– whereby one can rid the mind of useless
thoughts, become colourless, and merge in Him.

Baba says, “In A’nanda Ma’rga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind
from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the
Great, is called Pratya’ha’ra Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or
Varn’a’rghyada’na (the offering of colours). All people have a particular
attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become
attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of
that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and
dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the
object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratya’ha’ra Yoga. The word
Pratya’ha’ra means ‘to withdraw– to withdraw the mind from its
object…to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the
mind. When this practice of offering your own colours– your own
attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you
will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless– you will
go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the
Cosmic Ego.” (SS-3, ‘Vibration, Form, & Colour’)

HIS DIVINE GUIDELINE

By His grace, here again Baba is specially describing the divine process of
Guru Puja– so ultimately we attain His eternal shelter.

Baba says, “‘By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to
become colourless.’ This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels
human beings towards Him…This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is
operating behind the process of varn’a’rghyada’na [offering of colours]: ‘O
Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any
hesitation’.” (NH-LOI, ‘Inner Asset’)

Namaskar,
Virendra

Read Full Post »

Human Baby in Monkey’s Care

Now... "true yoga lost its charm in the eyes of those people-- it remained as some physical exercise, nothing do to with the unification of atma and Paramatama" - Baba

From: “Jorge Santana”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Human Baby in Monkey’s Care
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:18:53 -0500

Baba

PS Intro: In the following song, the term ‘parii’ (angel) has been used to
denote Parama Purusa Baba. So in Prabhat Samgiita, the term ‘parii’ does
not mean some dogmatic religious angel.

“Ghor timire ma’tha’ nat kore bosechilum ekela’…” (P.S. 1946)

Purport:

In the deep cimmerian darkness, with my head hung low in shame and
sadness, I was sitting along in an isolated place. One angel came from the
golden divine world, extending its wings.

The angel told me, “I am always along with you; you are never alone or
helpless– nor in the past were you ever alone. You are unaware that I am
the angel of divinity and that I am your eternal companion. I reside
eternally in your mind. So don’t ever be perturbed or get affected by the
spell of misery.”

The divine angel further revealed to me that, “Even if you are
forgetting me and keeping distance, even if you don’t remember or think
about Me, I will never forget you. Lovingly I care for you and fulfill all
your needs. Even by mistake I cannot avoid you. I always keep you close to
me.”

In the deep, isolated dark place immersed in avidya maya, with my
hanging head I was crying in misery. The angel from the divine world came
close and blessed me…

== HUMAN BABY IN MONKEY’S CARE ==

Namaskar
In Nama’mi Krs’n’a’ Sundaram while talking about Lord Krsna’s gifts to
humanity Baba has also explained a little about Lord Shiva’s contribution.

And there Baba says that at the time of Lord Shiva society was very primitive. People
were not even aware about the common basics of life. To address this, Lord
Shiva organised the society in various ways. And in the field of music,
Shiva invented different ra’gas and ra’giniis, and He also gave various
systematic dances. Otherwise, prior to that, human beings were not aware
about the science of music and dance. Especially their dance was not based
on any system other than the way animals dance in their happy mood, without
any system, just haphazard.

LORD SHIVA’S TIME

So because of the contribution of Lord Shiva, common people learned about
music and they came to know what octaves are and they learned how to sing
properly. In that ancient time musical instruments were very few. During
Lord Shiva’s period there was only the viina. And He created various types
of musical notes which were very difficult to play but they had very high
spiritual vibrations. The description of that music Baba has narrated in
Shabda Cayanika’.

Baba says, “When Shiva first started His musical sadhana then He had to do
it with this viin’a’…This viina is a quite simple string
instrument…Over time this viin’a’ changed into different kinds of
viin’a’s and viin’s, the sitar, esraj, tamboura, violin, and so many
others…But Shiva had to make practically superhuman efforts with this
primitive viina’. He had to invent the scale. He had to string his
instrument very carefully to get proper sound. It was Shiva who made the
ra’gas and ra’gin’iis. He introduced soul-stirring modulation into them.”
(SC-2, p. 127)

ADVENT OF SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTIJI

And this time when Parama Purusa came as Mahasambhuti in the form of Lord
Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. He has given Prabhat Samgiita. Certainly Baba’s
each and every gift is unparalleled. But Prabhat Samgiita is one of the
most unique. Because Prabhat Samgiita covers not only all the strata of
human life but it resonates within the soft core of the devotional heart of
each and every disciple of Baba.

If one reads any Baba’s discourse that may give knowledge and guidance, but
it may not be able to give that type of feeling which vibrates the soft
lyre of the heart. And with that vibrated devotional heart, devotees feel
close to Parama Purus’a Baba.

BABA’S PRACTICAL APPROACH: THEORY + HOW TO DO

We all know that Samgiita has three aspects to it: (a) song, (b) dance, and
(c) music. All these three components Baba Himself taught and approved for
His Prabhat Samgiita. Just like He has taught us the kaoshikii dance for
which He has not only taught us the theoretical side but practically He
taught us how to do it also. In similar fashion all the sadhanas that He
taught, He showed us how to practice. So not only theory but practice also.
This is Baba’s method.

For example when He taught Guru Puja, then He also told exactly how people
should sit, in which asana, how to position their hands, what mantra to
use, everything He taught.

MELODY AND LYRICS OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA APPROVED BY HIM

Similarly in 1982 when HE started teaching Prabhat Samgiita, Baba gave the
lyrics and its musical melody– everything He taught. And each and every
song was performed in His presence and got approved by Him- both the lyrics
and melody.

Here the critical point is that Baba’s Prabhat Samgiita is given in
different fashion. It is unlike the writing of other poets and musicians.
Because BABA Himself has given its tune / melody to go along with the
lyrics. And He has given the very strict guideline that His Prabhat
Samgiita songs should be performed only in that very fashion which He has
taught.

All this is not some oral description I am giving.

BABA’S DIVINE PROCLAMATION

Each and every Prabhat Samgiita cassette prior to 1990 and each and every
Prabhat Samgiita book carry this special instruction in the beginning. This
following instruction has been given in relation with PS and what way it
will be sung.

For example in my pre-1990 Prabhat Samgiita book in the preface it says,
“The author Himself has given the tunes, the songs must be sung to these
tunes”.

So this above Baba’s instruction is very clear. Here the singer does not
have any freedom of changing the tune and melody of Prabhat Samgiita. Those
who love Prabhat Samgiita and those who have love for Baba must have to
follow Baba’s strict guideline of singing of Prabhat Samgiita. Only in that
way will they be benefited*. Going off the track they will not get
benefited and possibility is there to get harmed.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA HAS GOTTEN NEGATIVELY PROJECTED

Unfortunately in our AMPS many things are not moving in the proper
direction. As in our individuals lives, spirituality is the most important
of the three stratas. Similarly in addition to the various problems in the
organisation on the physical and psychic planes, now also there is this
problem of Prabhat Samgiita. So I feel this is the most critical one.

Recently what I have seen, that some Margiis are going off the track in
their singing of Prabhat Samgiita. Because of pseudo-culture like disco
music, reggae, rock n’ roll, these things have polluted the atmosphere. So,
many simple innocent margiis are unaware that Prabhat Samgiita should not
be sung in those negative filmy style tunes.

But when we see critically at how all this is happening, then we will reach
to the conclusion that sister Jyotsna is moving around Berlin and NY
sectors with invitations in different units to perform and teach Prabhat
Samgiita.

Some of the Prabhat Samgiita cd’s prepared by her I have along with me.
After listening many times and comparing with Baba’s original songs and
melody, it is quite clear that the Prabhat Samgiita songs sung by Jyotsna,
the melody for those songs are not according to Baba’s direction.

It should then be understood that just like any song where the melody is
based on crude rhythm then it leads to degeneration and invites negative
microvita. It can happen even if the lyrics are proper and the melody is
crude. Because according to the rhythm and melody, the mind and inferences
get motivated. That is why if from some distance any person listens to the
melody of disco / reggae / rock ‘n roll / Huuuu Haaaaa Huuu Haaaa, then
crude vibrations generate in the mind. And then the mind will become a
fertile place of crude microvita. So one such example Baba is giving below.
He has given that if one sings ‘ra, ra, ra, ra, let us dance and go to
hell’, then it will lead the mind towards degeneration. Same way Jyotsna is
singing Prabhat Samgiita which is not based on the correct style which Baba
guided. Surely then the outcome will not be positive.

Please read below what happens after engaging oneself in singing crude
melodies.

Baba says, “If someone makes a sound like ‘ra, ra, ra — cha, cha, cha’ or
if someone sings, ‘Follow my song! Let us sing and dance our way to hell’,
these are sound inferences, but they carry a very crude idea.” (MVNS, p. 94)

NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE MELODY

The central idea is that when Baba has given the proper melody then nobody
has the right to ruin those things and change the melody. I think that
sister Jyotsna, maybe because of her innocence, she is not obeying those
things but negative microvita is not going to spare innocence.

Here I am not accusing any individual or party, I want to highlight the
facts and figures. And with this proof anybody can easily assess the
situation and see what way Baba wants and what way HIS Prabhat Samgiita got
tainted / diluted.

Just like Indian yogis since thousands of years ago they invented the
system of yoga. And now non-margiis took those things and painted them in
their own colour, in the colour of pseudo-culture. And now such distorted
yoga is getting popular in advanced countries. But this so-called yoga of
those advanced countries has nothing to do with the proper and true yoga.

BABA’S WARNING

So when in 1979 devotees were attending Baba’s General Darshan in Patna,
then one of the discourses which is probably printed in AV part 1 or 2, in
that very discourse Baba has warned everybody about the negative propaganda
of yoga.

“So now we see that yoga has been propagated in a very crude way. And true
yoga lost its charm in the eyes of those people– it remained as some
physical exercise, nothing do to with the unification of atma and Paramatama.”

In similar way, Baba warned us in relation to Prabhat Samgiita. That this
should be sung in proper style. Means in the way He taught. But some
superficial singers like Jyotsna are ruining the things. So it is my
request to all Margii brothers and sisters that please look into the
matter. Compare her songs with the original Prabhat Samgiita which you may
have from your collection of pre 1990 stage. And by comparing you will
reach the conclusion that her songs are distorted versions. So in the name
of teaching Prabhat Samgiita and doing pracar, what is actually going on is
misleading.

I do not have any malice against Jyotsna. But when the question of
ideological concern comes then it is everyone’s common concern not to allow
Baba’s things to go astray. And we all know that practicing a negative
teaching is more detrimental than not getting taught that idea at all.

STORY: NEGATIVE LEARNING IS MORE DETRIMENTAL THAN NOT LEARNING

To make this point clear here is one story. There were 2 students of music
who reached to one professional musician. And after getting interviewed by
the music teacher, one student was asked to pay 500 dollars per month and
and the other student was asked to pay 250 dollars per month.

Since they were friends, both students raised the question to the
teaching: ‘Sir for the same class why are there 2 different tuition fees?’.

Then the teacher replied that, ‘One student has some negative knowledge about
playing guitar. Because they learned those bad habits from one sloppy,
incompetent teacher’.

The teacher continued, ‘So first my duty is to give some more extra time to
that student and watch him practice. That is why he has to pay extra
tuition fees. Because I have to ensure that he undoes those negative
habits. And that is not an easy job. But when that student outgrows his
negative habits and false knowledge about guitar that he acquired in the
past then he will be at the normal rate’. The teacher further clarified
that the 250 extra dollars is for wiping away his negative memory about
those wrong teachings about guitar. And then when the memory will be clear
then he will learn in proper way at the normal tuition rate of 250 dollars’.

So this above story is not only related with musicians; but it can be with
anyone. Just like some nursery students when they start learning the
language if they had previously learned certain letters of the alphabet in
the wrong way, then they do not like to forget that and then it is very
difficult to teach them.

WHAT RESULTS FROM WRONG LEARNING

So not knowing Prabhat Samgiita is something which is not as bad as having
learning incorrectly. If one learns incorrectly then many negative things
can happen.

(1) They will sing in their regular misguided way and they will not be
benefited.

(2) They will teach others those negative teachings and by that way those
negative teachings will multiply. Just like how in India they think that
Lord Shiva is a hashish smoker, and this Indian negative teaching got
multiplied. This pracar went to one and all, around the globe. And now it
is not easy to wipe away.

I am hopeful that now entire Margii society all around the globe is more
and more alert to save Baba’s legacy. with this view I am putting forth
this letter for your consideration.

Namaskar,
Jagadiish

NOTE 1: MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO SYSTEM

Here Baba is giving one very good guideline about the importance playing
the music according to the proper system. And that only in this way will
one be benefited.

Baba says, “The ra’gas and ra’giniis were created. There is no scope for
any deviation this way or that. On this basis Sada’Shiva developed the
science of musical notes, svara sha’stra or svarodaya, or shabda sha’stra.
Due to the strict rules as outlined in the svara sha’stra, there is not
room for any deviation at the time of singing. If any deviation is
attempted one will have to break the established rules…Indo-Aryan music
is based on a system, a rhythm; there is no room for any mistake, no scope
for deviation.” (APH, p. 359)

Thus the sanctity of Prabhat Samgiita must also be maintained.

NOTE 2: SISTER J’S MISGUIDED HANDLING OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA

In all of Jyotsna’s CD’s, her dealing and approach towards Prabhat Samgiita
is totally against Baba’s system. Means what she is doing is way off the
mark– negative.

For example on her CD titled, ‘Dancing Divinity, Jyotsna blatantly
overlooks and ruins the sanctity of Guru’s guidelines and compositions.

In particular just see Jyotsna’s misguided rendition of PS #138– A’mi
jedike ta’ka’i hera o ru’p keval. In her adulterated versions Jyotsna
breaks all of Baba’s rules by changing the melody, adding crazy sounds and
words, and so many things.

In that song (138) Jyotsna wrongly introduces her own made-up words that
have absolutely no sense at all.
For instance throughout the song Jyotsna crazily cries out:

Yaaaa-heeeeee, yaaaaa-heeeee, yaaaaaaa-heeeeeee…
Yaaaa-heeeeee, yaaaaa-heeeee, yaaaaaaa-heeeeeee…
Yaaaa-heeeeee, yaaaaa-heeeee, yaaaaaaa-heeeeeee etc

Jyotsna does this yelling of this crude sound in quick succession throughout
the song. So this newly-created tamasik sound by her was placed there and
sung in the Prabhat Samgiita in order to make it crude. This was her
intention– to make it crude like typical negative western pop tunes.

Indeed it is embarrassing to listen to Jyotsna cry out like this on her CD.
And it is a tragedy to Baba’s holy Prabhat Samgiita.

…But non only that on that same CD Jyotsna terribly ruins another Prabhat
Samgiita as well. Here I am talking about Prabhat Samgiita song #66, “Rum
jhum, rum jhum nu’pur ba’yaye…”

Jyotsna’s crude rendition is done using the tune of some hotel cabaret
dance music. That means instead of following Baba’s divine tune, Jyotsna
negatively inserted a degenerated melody line that is common used in
prostitution halls. This is the common fact. Newer people may not recognise
and think I am stretching it. But so many senior margiis are appalled by
Jyotsna’s negative dealing. Because it is so disgraceful she switched the
tune like that.

So every Prabhat Samgiita song which Jyotsna sang on that CD is infested
with her negative adaptation. And not only this CD but all her CD’s are
like that. Her CD titled– Crimson Blossom– is one raucous display of how
to ruin Baba’s Prabhat Samgiita.

To read about that visit:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2004/09/painted-in-sensual-lesbian-colour.html

NOTE 3: THE FRAUDULENT FOURSOME

All told there is a crew of 4 core members involved in this negative
campaign. To make their money at any cost. Chiefly responsible are Inner
Song led by Kamala (formerly of NY now in SUVA) and Narada (Suva). Their
main relation with Ananda Marga is as a money-making venture. Both of a
long history in this and now it is going on full-fledge with the
profiteering done by Inner Song for their personal bank account. For that
reason they encourage and propagandize about Jyotsna’s so-called legendary
status in order that they can make money. And their partner in all of this
is Cirasmita (NY) as she runs Inner Song in that sector plus Cirasmita is
engaged at times in puffing up Jyotsna’s image and invites her to be that
main attraction at the Prabhat Samgiita retreat in NY. And in all of this
hype, Jyotsna plays the part “so well”. She walks around retreats as if she
is some Prabhat Samgiita goddess. She stands by the booth selling her CD
and autographs (signs) people’s copy as if she is an established star and
great singer when all along she is actually ruining Prabhat Samgiita. So
this is the unfortunate scene and the main culprits are the foursome of
Jyotsna, Cirasmita, Kamala & Narada.

For years and years it has been like this, if there has been some
improvement of late, please do share – that will be wonderful news.

Aside: You might be aware that Jyotsna’s personal preferences and dealing
are quite questionable and against Baba’s viewpoint.

NOTE 4: IMPORTANT QUOTATION BY REVERED BABA

Please read this following explanation by Baba as it relates to this whole
entire posting.

Baba says, “The world of music today is like a person without a proper guru
or proper training. People want to show they can play without having paid
their dues. They are selling themselves for gold without realizing that the
real value of music is being lost thereby. Gold is becoming even cheaper
than glass. Whenever a ra’gin’ii is a little difficult they only show that
they can play the notes without going deep into the music.” (SC-2 p. 129)

Note 5: HUMAN BABY IN MONKEY’S CARE

Just as when a monkey abducts a human baby and drags that infant throughout
the forest jumping from branch to branch. By that way the human baby gets
completely affected. In the same way Prabhat Samgiita has been grabbed up
by some greedy person who is hankering for money and fame.

***************************************
Advent of Mahasambhutis

Baba says, “Lord Krsna came about 3500 years ago, when the war of the
Mahabharata took place. People’s individual qualities then had not taken a
collective shape. People did not know the art of living collectively…they
fought among themselves because they had no collective sense. Lord Krsna
thought that if He combined all there would be collective spirit in the
true sense of the term. Then alone all human faculties would get expanded.
He tried to make people understand, but they did not understand, because
there was no collective spirit in them…to synthesize them all Lord Krsna
was born.”

“Lord Krsna wanted to bring about a social synthesis, the seed of which was
sown by Lord Shiva.” (Disc MHB, p.6-7)

Note: In the same way Baba advented to form one synthetic human society.
But unfortunately, groupist leader in H, B, & NIA are doing just the
opposite. They are engaged to balkanize and disintegrate it. But what Baba
has planned, i.e. to form one human society, that is going to happen.
Because it is His wish.

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

Read Full Post »