Spirit Behind Ananda Marga’s Vivaha System

21 Jun 2013

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 2 parts:
(2) Posting: Spirit Behind Ananda Marga’s Vivaha System;
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #886.

== SPIRIT BEHIND ANANDA MARGA’S VIVAHA SYSTEM ==

Namaskar,
To bring anyone on the path of dharma a proper environment is necessary and for that one human society is needed. Towards this end, Baba has taken numerous steps.

On the one hand He has involved deeply in repairing addressing and solving society’s ills. In this way And He has exposed and given the solutions to cure society from: religious dogmas, casteism, racism, communalism, sentiments, exploitation, untouchability, color, economic disparity, etc. Indeed Baba has addressed so many inequalities and injustices in the society.

Simultaneously Baba has infused one very positive feature for humanity – His revolutionary concept of society building: Which includes both the creation of WTs and the formation of revolutionary marriages.

Society building ensures a certain stability and dynamism as well as the love and compassion necessary for enabling people to grow in a healthy and proper way. So this is one key for developing one human society.

And indeed when that society is formed then there will be huge scope for people to grow in all sorts of ways and devote maximum time for spiritual pursuits and ultimately become one with Parama Purusa.

So society building has a special role.

REVOLUTIONARY MARRIAGES:

IDEAL TOOL FOR SOCIETY BUILDING

Revolutionary marriages (RM) are a special feature of our Ananda Marga way of life and come within the scope of the society building department of AMPS. Actually the main basis of marriage in Ananda Marga is society building.

In the past Lord Buddha also neglected this important social factor so he could not form the society properly. Lord Buddha’s teachings were deficient in this regard. And many religions also have not been able to create solid systems and ideals for marriage. The materialistic societies around the globe are also severely lacking on the point of marriage.

The tantric system of marriage is 7000 years old and holds a special meaning and practical presentation. We have seen this in our lives especially in DMC when Baba used to give blessings to marriage couples.

BABA’S MARRIAGE BLESSING

First the newly married couple would approach the dais and do sastaunga pranam to Baba. And then with both of their hands the couple would jointly offer a flower garland to Baba. Then Baba would then place His own hands around their hands and join them in holding the mala (flower garland).

Then Baba would graciously bless their marriage: “Be like Shiva and Parvati, go on doing your worldly duties along with your psychic and spiritual pursuits, be the assets of the entire civilisation, and by your service the whole society should be benefited.”

Baba also used to repeat the mantra ‘Shubamastu…’, meaning ‘May you be blessed’.

And then He would give the mala to the bride. To English speaking margiis Baba used to say, ‘little girl take this mala and keep it with you’. And when He spoke to margiis in Bengali or Hindi this was the translation: ‘mother keep this garland along with you’.

Hundreds of times during DMC we have witnessed how Baba used to give His marriage blessings. And always He would begin by saying, “Be like Shiva and Parvati…”

Here the special significance of ‘Be like Shiva and Parvati’ is that during Lord Shiva’s entire married life He took care of Parvati and watched over her physical, psychic, and spiritual development; and Parvati took care of Lord Shiva as well. Their marriage was ideal. It was not based on material satisfaction or gain, but rather a high ideal. It was starting point of building one human society.

NO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE PAST

Prior to Lord Shiva’s advent society was not properly formed. One key reason for this was that there was not a proper system of marriage. Instead, most were involved in libertine type of relations – especially the males.

The ones who suffered most then were the children and their mothers, but especially the children. Basically males did not accept any responsibility. So the whole responsibility of the child’s physical, psychic, sentimental, and spiritual welfare rested upon the mother alone. And it was just not possible for a single mother to manage all aspects of raising and providing for the child. The condition of the baby and mother was terrible.

LORD SHIVA’S CONTRIBUTION

Then Lord Shiva took advent. For the first time in human history He graciously gave the system of marriage. And that marriage system was primarily for the welfare of the child. So that child could receive the requisite love and support to one day become a bonafide member of the civilized society.

In this same spirit, Baba has created the society building department in our Ananda Marga.

THE PRESENT SCENE:

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MATERIALISTIC AREAS & IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

Unfortunately in today’s materialistic countries, the true spirit of society building is not followed. Wherever materialism reigns, children are not properly cared for rather they are a by-product.

That is why we often see that children are not able or allowed to live along with their mothers, or sleep and get love and affection from their mothers even in nighttime. This results for any number of reasons: The parents might be divorced and the mother may have to work 3 jobs, or the parents are grossly involved in their careers and ignore their children, or there are other reasons. Unfortunately this is the common fashion these days: Children are often ignored and neglected whereby the child feels alienated from their surroundings.

In our Ananda Marga society the situation is improving a lot, but in the true sense society building has not yet taken proper shape. If we look back over the history we will find innumerable examples how the letter and the spirit of Baba’s given marriage system has been compromised.

But I have deep faith that with firm determination we will reach to the goal which Baba has established.

MUST PROPERLY PRESENT THE POINT OF VIVAHA

Baba has graciously given various special teachings for building up a spirited & singular human society. Each point has its own unique aspects and beneficial results – including His divine teaching on ‘vivaha’.

However, certain publishers have defined vivaha in an ordinary and mundane way. Yet we know Baba’s grand guideline of vivaha is not common and ordinary, but extraordinary.

POINT SOCIETY TOWARDS A SPIRITUAL GOAL

Since the very beginning in 1955, Baba’s has graciously guided us to form one human society. Because the whole aim of the Ananda Marga mission is Atmamok’s’a’rtham’ jagaddhita’ya ca – ‘self-realisation and service to humanity.’ But without building up one human society this can never be achieved. So Baba has taken strong steps to form a single human society whereby people can move towards their spiritual goal.

NEVER DONE BEFORE

In the past neither Lord Shiva nor Lord Krsna could do this. They were engaged in other ways and could not manage the strong planning necessary to bring the entire humanity within one thread. But Baba has indeed taken up this great endeavour.

BABA’S DIVINE TEACHING OF VIVAHA

Baba’s following teaching makes this subject more clear.

(A) LORD SHIVA INTRODUCED THE IDEAL

OF THE MARRIAGE SYSTEM

“Prior to Shiva, there was no system of marriage in human society. And as there was no recognized marriage system, the matrilineal order was in vogue, because it was easy to identify the mothers. In the case of the fathers, it was impossible to identify them. Shiva, for the first time, introduced the system of marriage which has continued until this day. The Sanskrit word for marriage, viváha (derived vi – vah + ghaiṋ), literally means “to follow a particular system”. This system of marriage is known as Shaeva viváha. According to this system, the bride and the bridegroom will equally share full responsibility for their marriage, without any consideration of caste or community.” (1)

(B) BABA PRESENTS THE HISTORY OF THOSE EARLY HUMANS:

FROM LIBERTINE WAY OF LIFE TO MARITAL FAMILY SYSTEM

“At the beginning of evolution, humans used to lead libertine lives without any consideration for family obligations, but they gradually developed a family instinct. However, that family instinct was no different from that of the elephants, lions, pigeons, etc. Due to this inborn instinct, males and females arrived at a loose but workable compromise regarding family life. But in that there was no sense of responsibility born out of a developed conscience; rather, due to their loose relationships with each other, one person used to desert another and go anywhere he or she liked. The number of such libertines was very high, and they used to disturb the peace and harmony of the so-called family members and become the cause of many serious quarrels.”

“The male libertines would not take responsibility for their offspring. They used to wander freely, and as a result, the entire responsibility for raising the children in their infancy would devolve on the mothers. But it was not possible for the mothers alone to bear the responsibility of maintaining the children, as a result of which many children died in early infancy. Those who survived felt themselves to be in a sea of troubles after they were weaned from their mother’s breast-milk. Then they would be deprived of their mother’s love, since she had to take care of the next baby. Those were the days of the prehistoric humans…The life of the libertines was just like that of the animals.”

“Shiva made the rule that regardless of whether women were capable or incapable of earning a livelihood, men would have to take on the responsibility of supporting them; thus the Sanskrit word for “husband” is bharttá. The word bharttá is derived from the root verb bhr + suffix trń; the root bhr means “to support” and bharttá (in the first case-ending) means “one who supports someone”.”

“As a result of this arrangement, it became easier for the women to maintain the children, since they were relieved of the onerous responsibility of providing their food and clothing. Not only that, when the children became a bit older the direct responsibility for their maintenance shifted from the mother to the father.”

“It was not easy to know the fathers of children even in the case of the so-called householders, far less in that of the libertines. Children would know only their mothers. And after they were weaned, they would forget their mothers also. Thus being deprived of motherly love and affection at a very early age, they had no opportunity to develop the sweeter and finer sensibilities of the human mind. The human mind, the human intellect, was nipped in the bud; those people had no opportunity to blossom, to gladden the heart of the world with their sweet joy. By declaring the males to be bharttá [husbands] Shiva fulfilled a major portion of His task for human society.”

“But Shiva did more than that: He declared that women must be kalatra, which means that women must discharge their obligations to their husbands and their children in such a way that the latter will not have the least difficulty.”

“Those who accepted this new arrangement were declared married, and the other members of their society would be witnesses to the marriage ceremony, to bless the newly-married couple and pledge their cooperation to them. The Sanskrit equivalent for marriage is viváha (vi – vah + ghaiṋ): it means, after the ceremony, the man and woman can no longer live as libertines or as irresponsible so-called family people. They have to discharge their full obligations as bharttá and kalatra, responsible husband and responsible wife.” (2)

(C) VIVAH MEANS TO

LIVE LIFE IN A NEW WAY WITH A SPECIAL TYPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

“Vi – vah + ghaiṋ = viváha. The root verb vah means “to flow, to lead”. Viváha means “leading one’s life in a new way with a special type of responsibility” [in both Sanskrit and Bengali]. In the most correct Sanskrit, however, the word for “marriage” would be formed vi – úh. An alternative spelling is with u (not ú). Vyuh + kta = vyud́há (meaning “a married person”).”

“An unmarried person remains somewhat free from responsibilities. As a result they get the chance to discharge some greater duties outside their small family. Even though they go outside the house for other work, it is not against anyone’s interests. Vyud́há means a “married person who shoulders a greater family responsibility and begins a new style of life.””

“Hence, when an unmarried girl or boy gets married, his or her life begins to flow down a different channel. Various responsibilities devolve on them. They can no longer afford to take their responsibilities lightly.” (3)

Namaskar,
in Him
Diindayal

Note 1: MISTAKE MADE BY PUBLICATIONS DEPT:

OVER AND OVER AGAIN THEY WRONGLY DEFINE VIVAHA

So vivaha is one special way for developing the society; it is a revolutionary form of marriage that brings the fulfillment of human potential through responsibility, commitment and spiritual growth. Vivaha cannot merely be defined by a single mundane term, i.e. marriage. The Sanskrit word vivaha cannot merely be translated or defined as marriage. The ideal of vivaha is so much more than that. That is why Baba Himself takes several paragraphs to explain the meaning of vivaha. Baba never merely defines vivaha as marriage.

As we all know, nowadays marriage mostly means one mundane love marriage where males later divorce when their sensual desires get directed towards some younger female etc. A person might marry 2, or 3, or 4, or 5 times. That is the common way nowadays. And each time it is defined as marriage, but that is not at all what vivaha is all about.

Unfortunately if you search for a definition of vivaha in the note sections of various Ananda Marga books, you will find that certain members of the Publications Dept merely define vivaha as marriage. That means in certain specific sections like the glossary and the footnotes, the publishers themselves chose to define the ideal of vivaha as marriage:

For instance:

(a) In the book, “Sarkar’s Short Stories Part 1” – the publishers inserted a footnote in the story – “The Headmasters’ Contest”. Here is the entirety of that footnote: “Viváha is the Sanskrit word for marriage.” So they merely defined vivaha as marriage when in fact it is so much more than that. Remarkably, the publishers took special efforts to create a footnote for the term vivaha. In that situation they could have described vivaha in so many positive and practical ways according to Baba’s dharmic explanation. But instead they merely defined it as marriage. That is completely misleading to the reader and it undermines the ideal of vivaha.

It would have been far better if those in charge defined vivaha as ‘the special system of a dharmic marriages first introduced in Lord Shiva’s time’ or ‘a union between husband and wife based on fulfillment of an ideal’ etc. Any of these type of definitions would been much more appropriate. Because to only say ‘vivaha = marriage’ is very misleading.

(b) In the book, “The Awakening of Women”, the publishers inserted a glossary and in that glossary they merely defined vivaha as marriage. They wrote one word – that’s it. Here again the publishers created a special place to define and describe the term vivaha but they failed to use any of Baba’s dharmic tenets. Yet vivaha itself is such a key component for the upliftment of humanity and grants women and mothers an entirely new status. And in the book “The Awakening of Women” the publishers utterly neglected to put a proper definition of vivaha in the glossary. That undermines the very purpose of the book.

It would have been far better if those in charge referenced specific sections of Baba’s discourses and direct the reader to learn about vivaha in that manner. Or if they wanted a shorter definition for their glossary they could have defined vivaha as ‘the special system of a dharmic marriages first introduced in Lord Shiva’s time’ or ‘a union between husband and wife based on fulfillment of an ideal’ etc. Any of these type of definitions would been much more appropriate. Because to only say ‘vivaha = marriage’ is very misleading.

(c) The Ananda Marga Dictionary published in 2005 falls into this same problem. If you look up vivaha in the Ananda Marga Dictionary all you will find is the singular mundane term ‘marriage’– nothing more. By this way people will think that vivaha just means one mundane love marriage where males later divorce when their sensual desires get directed towards some younger female etc. It would have been far better if those in charge defined vivaha as ‘the special system of a dharmic marriages first introduced in Lord Shiva’s time’ or ‘a union between husband and wife based on fulfillment of an ideal’ etc. Any of these types of definitions would been much more appropriate. Because to only say ‘vivaha = marriage’ is very misleading.

Just imagine if in the dictionary someone defined dharma as ‘religion’ – without saying anything more. Then people would think dharma was just something dogmatic. How misleading and unjust that would be. Similarly to define vivaha using one simple mundane term like marriage is to do injustice to the ideal of vivaha because nowadays the marriage term is so commonly abused in as the divorce rate is 75% in some states and males regularly cheat on their wives, and vice-versa.

So in this materialistic era where the institution of marriage has nothing to do with the dharmic ideal of vivaha, the publishers of the Ananda Marga Dictionary must not define vivaha as ‘marriage’. The Dictionary definition must carry the inner spirit or dharmic quality of the term. Because Ananda Marga means dharma; so without that, the goal of making an Ananda Marga Dictionary remains unfulfilled, lacking, or faulty.

Note 2: NOT AN ISOLATED EXAMPLE – RATHER A PERVASIVE PROBLEM

The problems associated with the Ananda Marga Dictionary’s definition of vivaha do not exist in isolation. Verily there are dozens and dozens of terms – even hundreds – that are improperly defined in that Dictionary by those publishers. Unfortunately, many of the definitions do not reflect Baba’s given teachings of Ananda Marga. That is why the entire dictionary needs a critical review, not just one single definition.

Note 3: IDEA IS GOOD; PERFORMANCE WAS POOR

Overall, the idea of making an Ananda Marga dictionary is very good – if done properly. That means the dharmic definitions must be given according to the word and spirit of Ananda Marga ideology. Then surely it will be beneficial.

But when a Dictionary itself offers misleading, incomplete, and wrongful definitions, then that undermines the entire purpose of making a dictionary. Rather it is harmful. Best will be if stringent efforts are made to create a proper, well-referenced dictionary based purely on Ananda Marga ideals.

In conclusion, the term vivaha might also be defined in this way: A special union between a husband and a wife based on a dharmic ideal where both parties shoulder a great responsibility in raising a family while caring and watching for each others physical, mental, and spiritual development – plus we should always refer them to Baba’s discourses that offer a more explicit explanation.

REFERENCES
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 2
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shivokti 3
3. Shabda Cayaniká Part 19

******** Prabhat Samgiita #886

“A’j toma’y pelum notun sa’je mor manoma’jhe…” (P.S. 886)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your causeless grace, today I have gotten You in a more loving way in my mind. You have come in a new form in my dhya’na. It is Your grace. Earlier my mind was busy and involved in a variety of works – both positive and negative. But now there are no such distractions. My mind is one-pointed and only ensconced in Your love.

O’ Divine Entity, the path that I was moving on was a zig-zag path. There was no hope or relief. My life was covered in darkness, day and night. By the attraction of Your divine love I looked towards You. O’ my dearmost, my most loving One, by Your grace the wheel of my chariot has just turned. In my dead river, a flood of sparkling fresh water has come. Baba, now my life has become effulgent.

O’ Parama Pursusa Baba, in the past there was black darkness and after that it was even more black. The whole atmosphere was totally bleak; my whole life was shrouded in darkness. Baba, You are so gracious, You have come with Your divine effulgence. You have come with more and more divine effulgence. O’ my Lord, now in whichever direction I look, it feels very blissful and loving. I feel Your divine presence in my heart and all around me. Baba, You have stolen my mind and made my heart full. My heart has become full with Your love.

Baba, today You have blessed me by coming to me in a more intimate and loving way. You are so gracious. Baba, I love You…

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Pessimists Don’t Like to Understand This

Date: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 21:35:05

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Pessimists Don’t Like to Understand This;
(2) Ending Quote: Eating Style;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #2214

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

== PESSIMISTS DON’T LIKE TO UNDERSTAND THIS ==

Namaskar,
We all know that during Lord Shiva’s historic advent, Sadashiva Himself fought directly with the demons. He was physically fighting side by side His devotees against any and all negative forces. At that time His devotees were primitive in their understanding so they needed Lord Shiva’s direct involvement and guidance. They were not going to be able to understand or follow anything other than Lord’s direct physical involvement to save them from the hands of demons. So Lord Shiva guided them using His physical force.

During Lord Krsna’s time the situation was different. He did not need to fight physically in the Mahabharata. That is why He gave His word that He will not physically fight for either side – Kauravas or Pandavas. Instead Lord Krsna became the charioteer of Arjuna and psychically He guided everything.

In actuality then, the Mahabharata victory was nothing but Lord Krsna’s blessing. It was not the magic nor ferociousness of Arjuna’s bow and arrow. Otherwise after Mahabharata war, how is it that Arjuna was defeated by those simple village folk, ‘Bhiil’ people.

That is why it is understood that the victory of the Mahabharata came by Lord Krsna’s mere presence. That alone was enough to grant victory.

THIS PRESENT ERA:

HIS GRACE ALONE IS ENOUGH

This time Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji has His own unique approach. He wants to teach His disciples that Guru’s physical presence is not needed to establish dharma. To execute the task, His blessing alone is enough. Sadguru’s blessing is all-powerful.

At time of the Mahabharata era, society was comparatively of a lower standard than today. That is why in the Mahabharata, Mahasambhuti Krsna Himself was present during the battle – to encourage and guide the people. But this time – because the overall standard of sadhakas is higher – Baba is teaching His devotees that His grace alone is enough.

Remember, when Arjuna was confused, then Lord Krsna showed him and gave him proof via His vishvarupa (universal form) that even before the Mahabharata war, all the warriors had been killed. It was all done already in the mental sphere; that was Lord Krsna’s will.

So what Lord Krsna thought in His mind, within a few days it took shape on the physical plane. So after taking physical expression, then everyone saw that dharma was established. But in true sense dharma was established as soon as Lord Krsna conceived the thought.

We all know that the Lord comes here on this earth as Mahasambhuti to establish dharma. And establishing dharma does not mean physically fighting with a bow and arrow against demons. Lord Krsna established dharma by virtue of His samkalpa. Hence human beings could see after the Mahabharata how dharma was already established but they needed Lord Krsna’s presence to guide them.

In His causeless grace Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji has established dharma by His mere wish, but this time His physical presence is not needed to guide. His grace is enough.

Accordingly, He has graciously come and given the path in the form of Ananda Marga ideology. By this way everyone has been given the ingredients for how to conduct themselves in day to day life and move ahead fighting against exploitation. So Baba has given the path as well as the inspiration, stamina and dynamism for moving ahead, and when He has showered His grace, then everything is complete. After getting everything set and done, He left this earth. And in the due course we will see the results manifest physically. All along He is still living in each and everyone’s heart eternally.

The whole idea being that Baba has fulfilled His samkalpa, and for that reason dharma is established.

Now the question is: Why is it not visible?

ANALOGY OF BANYAN TREE

If you show someone a tiny seed – i.e. the size of the tip of a needle – and tell then one day it will become a great big banyan tree, then many people will not believe it. They will wonder how it is so. Yet that banyan seed contains within it the potential to grow to that size. Similarly, if you tell someone that Baba has given all the ideological ingredients and showered His grace so dharma is already established – only we are waiting for it to take manifest form, then they may stand there in disbelief. But any sadhaka will easily understand that it is true.

And that is verily what we see unfolding today. In the general society, every day, we see more and more practices and trends that reflect Ananda Marga ideals – everything from the spread of vegetarianism to the elimination of smoking in public buildings and many more aspect of life as well

So now again when we ask the question – why is it not visible – we all know the answer is very straightforward. First, it will take some time to manifest on the physical plane. Second, whatever energy He has given it is our duty to utilise that in manifesting dharma in the physical sphere.

So He has fulfilled His vow of establishing dharma and now all that is left is for us to adhere to His precepts so that vow will become visible for all to see.

Above all because He took samkalpa that is why dharma is already established.

THE LIILA OF MAHASAMBHUTI

Each and every advent of Mahasambhuti has His own style of functioning and completing His samkalpa.

For example, what Lord Shiva did was wholly unique and He executed His divine tasks differently from Lord Krsna and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. They all have their own unique style and approach. They do not merely copy one another.

The point is that each Mahasambhuti follows His own pattern and system. As human beings, we may may not know the entire planning of how He operates, but we can see certain trends.

HIS ADVENT IS ENOUGH

So no one should worry unnecessarily that the vision of our Marga will never come to fruition. Because what Baba has promised, He always fulfills. When He says that the Lord comes to establish dharma, then when He came in physical form as Mahasambhuti He established dharma. He did not leave anything undone.

“Such a figure or “Mahásambhúti”, infuses dynamism in the social body and accelerates the speed of movement. All the virtuous people in the world respond to his call and rally around him. He creates a polarization in the society: the virtuous versus the wicked. In the clash between the two groups, the virtuous people emerge victorious by dint of their special efforts coupled with the grace of that great personality. His advent itself signifies victory in the war. The mark of victory is sure to be imprinted on the forehead of the virtuous. The brave companions of this Mahásambhúti accompany him from age to age preferring to work with Him than attain their own liberation. They may or may not have great ambitions, they may or may not suffer from superiority or inferiority complexes, but there is no evil element in this world that can defeat these blessed people. Rather, in the last phase of the conflict, the evil forces are bound to accept total defeat. Therefore, to those of you marching forward on the path of virtue, the path of dharma, I say, “Keep marching on safely and without concern.”” (1)

“No one need harbour any doubt that Parama Purus’a exists to promote the well-being of all created beings. If He was not concerned about the welfare of the living unit beings, He would have remained in His unqualified stance forever and would not have manifested Himself as Ta’raka Brahma or Sagun’a Brahma. But He did manifest Himself in this way and has just showed His intention of promoting the well-being of humanity. That is why He has given the assurance:”

“Paritra’n’a’ya …”

“Now what is the necessity for His repeated advent into this world? To ensure human welfare.” (2)

“Utilizing the vibrations created for eternal time by Shrii Shrii A’nandamurtiji through janusparsha and varabhaya mudras, take yourself and the entire universe ahead along the path of all-round welfare. Omn Shanti.” (3)

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Satyadeva

REFERENCES
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 7, The Transitional Period
2. PNS-11, p 59-60
3. Caryacarya – 1, ‘Concluding Words’

Note: ABOUT THE BANYAN TREE

For those not aware, the banyan tree is one of the biggest trees on the planet – not in terms of height, but in terms of how much space it consumes. The branches grow out and then back down into the earth. In this way the banyan tree spreads across the land. Thus just a little seed manifests into this enormous tree. That is the potentiality of the banyan seed. Likewise when Baba has given the teachings, shown the path, and showered His grace, that means dharma is established. So we are to fulfill our roles with the energy He has given, and watch dharma take physical manifestation.

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.

******************************************
Eating Style

“Follow a system of eating. For example, first eat the bitter items, then the semi-bitter ones, then the sour and finally the sweet things. Sweets come at the end. The entire action of taking the different items is called eating.” (NKS, ’81 Edn, p.157)
******************************************
Prabhat Samgiita #2214

“Toma’r pathe jete kuya’sha’ keno a’se a’nkhite…” (P.S. 2214)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You have blessed me with everything. Then why is it that while following Your path, sometimes frustration and confusions come, thus making everything foggy. It is not easy to see across. Dilemmas arise in the mind as if the future is dark. O’ Divine Entity, please create more and more effulgence so that all the accumulated darkness will vanish.

O’ effulgence Personified, O’ polestar of my life, those who lost their path, please show them the way. Remove their frustration and ignorance and bring them in the right direction. Please grace me so that in Your ideation and in Your dhyana I merge myself in You, by Your grace. Please allow my entire I-feeling to dissolve into You. Without Your grace all this is not possible.

Baba, with the vibration of Your mantra, Your name, please awaken this entire world. And make me Your tool to execute Your task and fulfill Your desire. By that way with proper ideation I should only think that ‘I am involved in executing Your task, I am just a tool in Your hand’. So please go on executing Your task through me. Baba, please bestow Your grace so that I can serve everyone…

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Baba

This entire posting is composed of 2 parts:
(1) Posting: Devotee Story: Good or Bad Bhakta #1;
(2) Prabhat Samgiita #1756

== DEVOTEE STORY: GOOD OR BAD BHAKTA ==

~ Part 1 ~

Namaskar,
Devotees have a special characteristic that separates them from ordinary people. That is Baba’s explicit teaching.

Regardless of a bhakta’s behavior, whether he commits a blunder or a small mistake, we must not think that the devotee is therefore useless or worse than common folk. Because still that bhakta has the special quality of devotion. Baba Himself places tremendous importance on this.

Here below is one famous mythological story about a devotee from long ago. The inner meaning of the story lends itself well to life in Ananda Marga.

As we know, Baba vigorously defends the honor of even bad bhaktas after they were condemned by others for their faults. We have all heard of such incidents.

All these stories point in the direction that Parama Purusa holds a special place in His heart for all devotees, even bad ones who commit wrongs.

GAYA’SURA STORY: BAD DEVOTEE GOES ON CRUSADE

Baba tells the story of King Tripasur who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. After launching a crusade, King Tripasura met his untimely death.

His son, Gaya’sura inherited the throne and followed in his footsteps.

King Gaya’sura too was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. He prayed endlessly and finally achieved the gift of immortality, granted to him by his chosen Lord Visnu. King Gaya’sura promptly launched a heinous offensive wiping out innocent people in all lands. The wrath of Gaya’sura was terrible. And no one could kill him.

King Gayasura even attacked the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu Himself came to defend them, but the Lord too was defeated.

Lord Vishu’s followers pleaded with Him to do something.

Lord Vishnu then asked a boon of King Gayasura. The King agreed. Lord Vishnu then asked that Gayasura be turned to stone.

Gaya’sura replied, “So be it”, but then made three pleas:

1) The Lord should put His feet in Gaya’sura’s heart;
2) All those with the Lord’s feet in their heart must be granted liberation;
3) If anyone with the Lord’s feet in their heart does not get liberation, then King Gaya’sura will again be granted life on earth.

Here Baba describes these boons in full:

“First, the Lord will seat Himself in the heart of the devotee without bothering Himself about the nature of that person, good, or bad. It is enough to be a devotee, in order to have the Lord inside. Second, all those who have the Lord’s feet in their hearts are bound to get liberation – liberation is a sure guarantee for them. Third, since Gaya’sura had been turned to stone by the Lord, and since He would again arise if anyone having the Lord inside failed to be liberated, the Lord would have to grant liberation to all such persons for all time to come.” (1)

By the above story – which Baba Himself has recounted on various occasions – we can understand that Parama Purusa places great value on devotion.

“This devotion is a heavenly attribution.” (2)

Even though King Gayasura was a ruthless warrior, due to his devotion he was able to keep the Lord’s feet in his heart. Such is the quality of devotion and such is the grace of the Lord.

Devotion then is enough to gain the favour of the Lord, despite what other bad qualities a bhakta might have.

TRUE TO FORM IN ANANDA MARGA

With all the groupism, difficulties, power mongering and so forth, it is very easy to think that certain people in Ananda Marga are very bad. But we should never harbor any ill will or hatred. Everyone is part of Parama Purusa’s family.

Some may have made mistakes and committed gross sins, yet still all are our brother and sisters. We must develop a relationship of love with them.

We must remember that all have come into Ananda Marga – and they have come for a reason. Some may have come to play the role of a hero; some may have come to play the part of a villain. Regardless, in the the near or distant past, they established an inner link with Parama Purusa, by His grace. They have a place for Him in their heart – so they have come once again to sacrifice in some way for Him – and they are going to be granted salvation.

So all in Ananda Marga are not just our brothers and sisters, but they are devotees of the Lord and that in itself has great meaning. They have a special connection with Him.

Regardless of what faults they do or what hell they create, we must not banish such persons from our minds or think ill of them. Rather we are to love them.

No doubt such persons may have to undergo rectification in the social sphere – they may have to stand before the court of justice – but their spiritual well-being is safe and secure, just as was the case with King Gaya’sura, Ravana, and so many other sinners. Parama Purusa has saved a place in His heart for even bad devotees.

So we must appreciate all who have come to do something for Baba, despite whatever shortcomings they may have. Their arrival onto the path of Ananda Marga has great meaning – that is enough to make one’s life successful.

We should not just think this way about others but about ourselves as well. Baba has graciously blessed us with the special gift of devotion.

THE STORY OF GAYASURA

(From the discourse, “The Lord’s Feet”, December 1971, Patna)

Tripurásura, the father of Gayásura, was a great devotee of Lord Viśńu [a mythological god]. Many devotees of Lord Shiva [a great yogi worshipped as the Lord] wanted him to become a devotee of Shiva instead. But how could Tripurasura go against his Iśt́a [beloved goal of life]? “Though I know that there is no difference between Viśńu and Shiva, for me everything is Lord Viśńu, for He is my Iśt́a. ”

But the devotees of Lord Shiva still put pressure on Tripurásura, in order to see him also become a devotee of Shiva. His conversion might have been possible if the worshippers of Shiva had made a logical appeal to Tripurásura’s understanding that there is actually no difference between Lord Shiva and Lord Viśńu, and that both are only the functional counterparts of Parama Puruśa. But under the pressure put on him by the devotees of Lord Shiva, Tripurásura initiated a crusade against all the devotees of Lord Shiva, until he finally came upon Shiva Himself. But however powerful Tripurásura was, how could he fight against Lord Shiva? He was defeated by Lord Shiva and met his death.

After the death of Tripurásura, his son, Gayásura, became the king. He, too, was a devotee of Lord Viśńu. He worshipped Him with all his heart and devotion, and finally succeeded in attaining a boon of immortality: not to be killed by man, demon or god, in earth, heaven or hell, by day, night, evening or morning. Endowed with such a great power, Gayásura went all over the world conquering people, torturing them and making their lives miserable. None were spared – not even the devotees of Viśńu or Shiva.

But as the saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Gayásura, who had received his power from Lord Viśńu, thought to defeat the Lord Himself…Gayásura started thinking that the great power he possessed was actually his power. He finally challenged Lord Viśńu, and since Viśńu Himself had granted the boon, how could it fail? Viśńu was defeated by Gayásura. Gayásura bound Viśńu to a tree and then went all over the world with a very bloated ego.

When things had become intolerable for the people, they approached Lord Viśńu, still tied to the tree, and recounted their miseries, requesting Him to do something. Viśńu pleaded helplessness, as He Himself was in a precarious condition! Then the devotees reminded the Lord that He had given the boon of immortality to Gayásura in the physical realm only. The devotees urged Lord Viśńu to use His psychic and spiritual power to defeat Gayásura, and relieve the people of their miseries. Lord Viśńu assured them that He would do something in the matter.

When Gayásura returned to Lord Viśńu to offer his prayers, Viśńu said, “Gayásura! I once gave you what you asked, and you have defeated me. You should now give me a boon.” Gayásura readily agreed to it. Viśńu then asked that Gayásura be turned into stone. Gayásura had no alternative but to say, “So be it.”

Gradually Gayásura’s legs started turning to stone. When he was stone up to his waist, he said, “Wait! I have three conditions!” His first condition was that the Lord put His two feet in Gayásura’s heart. The Lord agreed to it, but asked the reason for such a condition.

Gayásura said, “So that people should know that the feet of the Lord are always in the heart of a devotee, good or bad.”

The second condition was that all those who had the Lord’s feet in their hearts would surely get liberation. The Lord agreed to this also.

The third and last condition of the almost petrified Gayásura was, “If even a single person having the Lord’s feet in his heart fails to get liberation, then this petrified Gayásura will again become a living Gayásura.” Lord Viśńu agreed to it. Very soon Gayásura was turned completely into stone.

This story, from one of the Puráńas [ancient scriptures] has the following three lessons for humanity. First, the Lord will seat Himself in the heart of the devotee without bothering Himself about the nature of that person, good, or bad. It is enough to be a devotee, in order to have the Lord inside. Second, all those who have the Lord’s feet in their hearts are bound to get liberation – liberation is a sure guarantee for them. Third, since Gayásura had been turned to stone by the Lord, and since He would again arise if anyone having the Lord inside failed to be liberated, the Lord would have to grant liberation to all such persons for all time to come; it is a matter of the Lord’s prestige!
(From the discourse, “The Lord’s Feet”, December 1971, Patna)

WORST TYPE OF SINNER

“Now even if a man is that type of sinner whom other sinners may take as a bad man, of whom even sinners may say that he is a bad man – for such a sinner, the worst type of sinner, the future is not dark. The future in his case also is very bright, if he takes shelter in the divine lap of the Supreme Father.” (3)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Deveshvara

REFERENCES1. ‘The Lord’s Feet’
2. 1 June 1986 DMC
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 34, Be Free From All Complexes

******** Prabhat Samgiita #1756

“A’mi toma’r pathei cali go a’r tava sure ga’n ga’i…” (PS 1756)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your grace I move only on Your path: I sing in Your tune and dance to Your rhythm. My whole existence is moving in Your divine flow – ensconced in Your sweet bliss. O’ my Dearmost, You are the most attractive One. I think and ideate only on You and I meditate only on Your glory. O’ my Lord, 24hrs a day I am looking towards You; I want only You. Only You are my Goal; only You are my Desideratum. You are the shining star of my life.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, we are so close. We are tied up in a bond of love. You are the ray of hope & happiness in my life. I am like the dark evening of the rainy season – my life is full of problems and difficulties; and You are like the soft night-queen flower (rajaniigandha’ [1]) – You are the Personification of all that is sweet. By Your fragrant touch, my whole life becomes fragrant. By Your grace my life is saturated with Your heavenly aroma – my existence is saturated with Your love.

O’ Divine Entity Baba, I am jiiva and You are Shiva. I am wrought with imperfections and defects and You are blemishless and pure. I am like the winter sky that is enveloped by the fog. My life is filled with problems. Baba, You are like the crimson effulgence of the morning’s new dawn. With the brilliance of Your presence all my problems disappear. You bring charm and bliss into my life. You make everything beautiful. O’ Parama Purusa, without You my life is meaningless – unbearable. Baba, by dyeing my mind in Your color, my whole existence rushes towards Your divine land – towards You.

Baba, because of Your grace-compassion, I am marching only towards You. O my Lord, You have done everything for me…

NOTE FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1756:

[1] Rajaniigandha’: (Night Queen Flower) This is one of the most fragrant and aromatic flowers; it emanates a delicious, sweet smell all around for miles and miles. The wonderful scent of the rajaniigandha’ makes any environment charming. For this reason in the above song the sadhaka is saying that Parama Purusa is like the rajaniigandha – because He emanates unending sweetness all around. In contrast, the sadhaka compares himself to the suffocating, humid evening in the rainy season. Because that humid evening has so many negative characteristics such as heavy air and the onslaught of buzzing mosquitos and pestering insects. Thus the torturous humid evening represents the sadhaka’s problem-filled life. But when the sweet aroma rajaniigandha’ comes in contact with the sticky, humid evening, then everything becomes sweet and charming. Then that humid evening gets transformed into something wonderful. Similarly even though a sadhaka’s life might be filled with countless problems and obstacles, but with the divine arrival of Parama Purusa, everything becomes charming and blissful. All of one’s problems immediately disappear– vanish, because of His sweet presence. That is why in the above song the sadhaka compares Baba with the rajaniigandha’ flower.

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My Notes From Baba’s Museum: Dioramas

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 3 parts:(1) Posting: My Notes From Baba’s Museum: Dioramas;
(2) Point of Information: Mosquito: How Gods And Goddesses Are Created;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #3287;

== MY NOTES FROM BABA’S MUSEUM: DIORAMAS ==

Namaskar,
Most are aware about the magnificent paintings of Lord Shiva and elaborate dioramas of Lord Krsna which Baba has bestowed upon our Ananda Marga society. In particular, this letter focuses on the making and significance of the dioramas depicting Lord Krsna’s life.

Note: For those who may not be aware, dioramas are miniature sculptures that represent an entire scene and this whole artistic yet life-like creation is set inside a glass encasement and put on display.

VARIOUS VISITS TO BABA’S QUARTERS

Like many margiis, by Baba’s divine grace, I got numerous opportunities to visit Madhu Malainca – i.e. Baba’s Quarters in Lake Gardens. On several occasions I was there for gardening projects and other callings etc. While on site at the Baba’s Quarters, there were many things I saw those days – some I understood and some not.

Generally though I did not like to ask any questions. Mostly I thought that, ‘According to His liking Baba will explain or not explain; and whichever way He chooses that will be perfect.’ So like this many of the visits passed by His grace.

HOW THE DIORAMAS WERE MADE

Those dioramas about Lord Krsna are very special and that Baba Himself ordered them to be hand-crafted.

Baba had called & paid the top, expert sculptors, artists, and craftsmen of Kolkata and described to them in great detail how they were to make these dramatic dioramas. Baba gave them very elaborate instructions and monitored their progress up to the very last detail. In that way, under Baba’s meticulous direction, those dioramas were made by the finest artisans of Kolkata. Altogether it was a massive project as there were numerous casings of dioramas – each specially designed and hand-crafted with tremendous attention to detail.

WHY WERE THEY MADE

In brief, we can say that there are two fundamental reasons why the dioramas were made.

First, Baba has used the dioramas to clarify existing misunderstandings. Specifically, the various religions of the world are filled with dogmas which have led to exploitation, suffering, and stagnation. Not only that, such religions have created a plethora of gods and goddesses – that are numerous and contradictory in nature. The common person does not know what to believe. In His many discourses, especially in His books Namah Shivaya Shantaya and Namami Krsnasundaram, as well as in His dioramas etc, Baba has uncovered these myths and given the real history and dharmic meaning. And verily we see that many of the dioramas clarify half-truths and dogmas propagated by certain religious bodies.

Second, Baba made these dioramas because He wants to get His message and teachings to people through various media. Not everyone reads literary essays; not everyone attends dharmic seminars, especially children & young kids. People learn in different ways. The dioramas are an avenue to present dharmic teachings through a visual display. With a relatively quick look, a person can get the basic meaning of what is going on. But to understand it more deeply, study and critical evaluation is needed. If, however, one is already aware of those related teachings, then the dioramas serve as a quick reference and reminder to the key idea. Thus the dioramas are a way to convey knowledge. Actually, such visual presentations create a deeper imprint in one’s memory as people often organise their thoughts and memories with images, not words.

Nowadays, the various news agencies use diverse media: the written word, television, radio, blogs, videos, podcasts etc. By these avenues, they get their message out to a wide audience. Similarly, one of the medias which Baba has chosen for delivering His message is sculpture in the form of these dioramas.

So these are two fundamental reasons why Baba commissioned artists to create these dioramas.

Following is a description of Diorama #4 for everyone’s knowledge and understanding.

THE ELABORATE SCENE DEPICTED IN DIORAMA #4

Diorama #4 is so very dramatic. The scene takes place inside one hall of Krsna’s uncle’s house. Three female attendants and a male guard are standing around completely shocked. And the lady of the house is also present. And they are all astonished by one tremendous event. Because there sprawled out on the middle of the floor is one gigantic demonic female monster. She has huge fangs, long claws, over-sized arms, wild eye balls, dinosaur-like feet, and so many other nasty qualities. And this female demon is quite enraged – on her death bed. She is lying on her back with her chest exposed and there on one of her breasts is the baby Krsna.

By the entire scene one can understand that this is the famous moment which Baba has recounted numerous times where the evil secret agent Putana put poison on her breast in an attempt to kill the baby Krsna. But Krsna being well aware of Putana’s evil ways had to save Himself so He bit into her breast thus making the poison go into Putana’s blood – thereby killing the female spy Putana.

EVIL SCARY MONSTER

So what is the righteous reason behind Baba’s depiction in Diorama #4 where He presents one woman, Putana, as one evil, scary monster.

In reality, Putana was an intelligence agent (undercover spy) so surely she looked like a motherly lady. Because if really Putana looked like a monster then none of Krsna’s family members would have allowed her to go near the tender young baby Krsna. To be effective, spies always must fit in naturally and be able to perfectly play the needed role. As a top-calibre spy, certainly in real life Putana looked like a caring, loving mother etc. In His diorama, Baba designed the image of Putana in a way that clearly reflects her standard of mind and intent.

In each and every art form or media of creative expression, the artist has a special technique for presenting their subject. In literature, a writer can directly state, “Putana was an evil-minded and demonic lady.” And by this way the reader will understand. Similarly, a painter has their special technique – through the use of colours and facial expressions etc – for expressing that Putana was a bad and nasty lady. In that same manner, Baba ordered the sculptor of this diorama employed visual effects to present the idea that Putana was a demonic creature whose sole intention was to murder Lord Krsna. That is why Putana was sculpted with fangs and claws etc. This was Baba’s artistic way of conveying His dharmic message about the demonic-minded Putana.

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON DHARMA

Here the main point is Baba is teaching everyone where dharma lies. That is the secret behind the presentation of all His dioramas – and certainly diorama #4 as well. Because Baba wants to teach sadhakas the truth that Putana is an evil being and that Krsna was perfectly justified in killing her in self-defense. And the best way to capture this is to present Putana as some demonic character. This art form was used to clearly and graphically portray her mental state and depraved actions.

By this way everyone will understand that Putana is some horrid creature. Otherwise if Putana was displayed in her actual physical appearance, then after seeing the normal figurine of Putana, ordinary people will not be able to understand the nature her deeds. When in fact Putana really was a wretched creature.

“[Putana] took a different path, the negative path – they [Putana and other intelligence personnel] wanted to destroy the very nucleus of the universe, Lord Krs’n’a, the greatest treasure of humanity.” (1)

Thus Putana’s entire character was very black – negative and evil-minded. From start to finish she was dastardly. That was her inner nastiness; she was an enemy of dharma. So to depict her in a befitting way Baba has chosen to apply demoniacal traits to her physical body. And by that way everyone – even children – will reach the dharmic conclusion that Putana was one scary figure who got the negative death that she deserved. By this way no innocent observer will mistakenly sympathize with Putana. Rather all will be pulled forward on the path of dharma; and the enemies of dharma will be exposed naked. That is the beauty of Baba’s dioramas about Lord Krsna. Such clairvoyant depictions put a spotlight on the path of dharma for everyone to follow.

USING CLAWS AND FANGS

By this entire scene Baba is also paving the way for how we are to move ahead. He has created one pathway for us all to follow. Because during His advent He has not at all depicted His own greatness; rather He has explained Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva through His comprehensive books – Namah Shivaya Shantaya & Namami Krsna Sundaram – and by these dioramas etc. But about His own Self and His own life experiences, Baba has not said much. That He has graciously left for us to do. Thus Baba has bestowed that honour on His devotees and He has shown us how to spread the grandeur of Parama Purusa in the right way.

So just as He has done in those dioramas, we should also apply all the artistic, theatrical, and literary talents of the humanity to highlight His greatness and at the same time employ those same talents to reveal the nastiness of those who opposed dharma. So when we present the life history of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji we should honor Him and reveal the sinister intentions those who tried to hurt and defame dharma – such as Indira Gandhi, Jytoi Basu etc. Our writers and artists must depict despotic rulers like Indira Gandhi in the darkest way possible – using claws and fangs etc. By this way it will be perfectly clear to one and all that Indira Gandhi was wretched and negative like Satan. Because those who oppose dharma are enemies of the humanity.

This is the dynamic task which Baba has shown us how to do. And by this way we can glorify dharma and guide the humanity where dharma lies. So on this point – like so many others – we should follow His all-knowing example.

SHE WAS A MEMBER OF THE INTELLIGENCE DEPT

Here below is Baba’s dharmic description of this monumental and historical event which ultimately was depicted in Diorama #4. By Baba’s below analysis we can easily understand that Putana was one evil woman.

“Why did the child Krs’n’a kill Putana? She was a member of the intelligence department…Putana was one such female intelligence agent employed by [the demonic] Kansa, king of Mathura… Krs’n’a did not plan to go to them and kill them, but He was obliged to strike back in self-defense when they made an attempt on His life. He could easily have killed Pu’tana’ Ra’ks’asii with his occult powers, but He did not. Putana attempted to suckle Krs’n’a after applying poison to her breast, but Krs’n’a bit her breast sharply, and the poison got into her bloodstream, and she died. Even nucleus of the universe, Lord Krs’n’a, the greatest treasure of humanity. Vraja Krs’n’a had to kill them as a last resort. He did not kill them for the sake of killing, but to counteract their evil tendency to destroy human solidarity.” (2)

Similarly Diorama #4 represents the exact same dharmic idea that the demonic woman Putana who tried to murder the baby Krsna was a completely horrible person. And by depicting her as one enraged demon then everyone can understand that indeed this lady is negative. And that it was needed for Krsna to kill her – because of her bad deeds.

And we A’nanda Ma’rgiis should do the same for Baba by glorifying His divine advent and presenting His nefarious opponents like Indira Gandhi as beastly monsters. Then even simple people can easily recognize the dastardliness of Indira Gandhi as well as understand & appreciate Baba’s greatness and glory.

MERELY THE EXPRESSION OF MEAN PROPENSITIES

“When the movement is towards the sentient force, that is, when the mutative force overpowers the static force and the sentient force overpowers the mutative force, in that case the psychic movement is called psycho-spiritual. This type of movement gives birth to true art and science; whereas that knowledge which creates numerous obstacles and problems for the human society is not at all wisdom, but merely the expression of mean propensities of mind. When nothing great is created, then cheap sentiments emerge for low-grade art, literature, architecture, sculpture.” (3)

PARASITIC WEEDS OF IMMATURE EXPRESSION

“The human mind has two main functions: thinking and recollecting. The human being is predominantly a mental being. So the greatness and excellence of human beings lies in their thinking capacity, intellectual subtlety and brilliance, and wisdom. Human beings, in the process of expressing their creative faculties, externalize the colourful and varied ideas of their psychic world in a variety of ways: on canvas with colours and brushes, in poetry and literature with the strokes of their pens, and in sculpture with the subtle use of hammers and chisels. Their philosophical ideas, their scientific observations and experiments, and the study and analysis of various branches of knowledge are exclusively within the psychic preserve of the human mind, and have been honoured as the golden harvest of the psychic realm. But if there is a lack of pramá in the psychic sphere, then many omissional and commissional mistakes and defects are bound to enter into their art, architecture, literature, philosophy, science and other branches of human knowledge. Dance may lose its rhythm, painting may lack proportion, music may lose the harmony of its melody and rhythm, and in the various branches of literature there may be an overgrowth of the parasitic weeds of immature expression.” (4)

BRINGING THOUGHT OR IDEA INTO THE WORLD OF FORM

IS HIS ARTISTIC SÁDHANÁ

“Sculpture, which are considered to be the subtlest of all the arts, that we find the true expression of the wonderful aesthetic quality of the human mind. In the calm stillness of a painting or sculpture, everything has to be vividly expressed – laughter and tears, hopes and fears, gestures and language. Indeed, painting and sculpture beautifully bridge the gap between the mundane and the supramundane.”
“In painting and sculpture, as in drama, the question of naturalness or unnaturalness arises, and here, too, the same answer holds true: the mode of expression must be chosen to suit the sentiment expressed. In fact, to raise the question of naturalness or unnaturalness in painting is absolutely unfitting. At the time of giving physical expression to his or her mental image, the artist is not bound to reproduce a particular part of the body according to physiological science. Giving form to a thought or idea is what is important; the artist is not a teacher of physiology. Bringing thought or idea into the world of form is his or her artistic sádhaná.” (5)

SCULPTORS SHOULD BE GIVEN FULL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

ARTWORK SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE

“Painting and sculpture, the two subtlest art forms, are the most lacking in popular encouragement and sympathy. It may be argued that in countries where idolatry is prevalent, sculptors have been able to preserve their art due to popular support, and the problem of their subsistence is thus being solved without government aid. Is this not, some say, the most significant sign of popular support? I cannot persuade myself, however, that the people of idolatrous countries are connoisseurs and patrons of sculpture. There is no doubt that the people of such countries buy images from the image-makers, but they do this due to the inspiration of their religion and not out of love for art. If love of art were their motivation, then they would certainly not throw those symbols of art into the water after worship. The situation is different where people buy images of metal, wood or stone to permanently establish a deity in their homes; but there, too, the buyer’s intention is not to encourage art. Although they pay some attention to the beauty and sweetness of the image, they do not give a free hand to the sculptor to create it as he or she wishes and the artists’ work remains confined within the boundaries of the religious eulogies to particular gods; they seldom have any opportunity to display their own original ideas. Hence the observation that the people of idolatrous countries patronize art by buying images is not correct – they only help to preserve a particular class of artists.”
“In order to encourage the art of sculpture, sculptors should be given full freedom as artists, or else their creations will be mere made-to-order, commonplace things. These artists should be free to sculpt images of human beings, animals, natural objects and all natural and unnatural events. Then, freely giving shape to new ideas, they will go on producing new gods every day, and the dhyána mantras of the gods will evolve around the products of their art. Then alone will art find its justification. The artists’ creations will not remain confined within the four walls of the temples, but will rather be in close contact with the common people in all spheres of social life. Statues, deities and other creations will attain a place in every field of life – in homes, drawing rooms, clubs, schools, parks, and indeed, everywhere. Sculpture must also be popularized by occasionally holding exhibitions.” (6)

MOULD THE IMAGE OF THE GODDESS AFTER THE IDEAL OF A HARLOT

“Keeping this refrain in mind, they must continue in their relentless effort to fight against the seemingly indomitable might of hundreds and thousands of obstacles which are deeply rooted in age-old superstitions that are firmly entrenched in petty selfishness. Their pens may break into pieces, their brushes may be compelled to draw only lines of water on the canvas, and their histrionic flows may end in mute protests, yet their efforts must continue unceasingly. Each of their petty defeats shall be strung together as pearls in the garland of victory.”
“When for age after age society spins in the murky eddies of evil and vice, when individual and collective knavery masquerades as intelligence, when hypocrisy, bribery and fraud are the yardsticks for measuring the ability to lead – it is then that the genuine followers of Bháratii [the goddess of learning] must struggle on in spite of constant humiliation. Only taunts and insults will be their fate. Those who are afraid of these insults are incapable of offering anything really lasting to humanity. How can people who lack moral strength, under whose feet the soil is not hard and strong, invite anyone in to a cool, refreshing shelter and impart happiness to them? It may be possible to drag oneself through life by sucking the blood of others like social parasites, but this will not bring fulfilment to either sáhityikas or their readers.”
“The artist or sáhityika who assumes the responsibility of leading humanity along the path to light from the caverns of darkness will have to heed the road signs on that path. It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. Rather it is necessary for the sáhityika or artist to have a keen and vigorous insight, without which all their endeavours will prove fruitless. Merely juggling words or depicting defects in society will not satisfy the hunger of the human mind – and such creations of art are indeed valueless for social progress as well. One must know the path, and one must also know how to move on it. If those who have not comprehended what the form of society will be, allow the trends of the past that have shaped the present to proceed unchecked, they can never lead society to the path of perfection. They will in fact thrust society into darkness in the name of social reform; they will encourage license in the name of freedom. Instead of modelling a woman after the ideal of a goddess, they will mould the image of the goddess after the ideal of a harlot.”
“Sáhityikas are epoch-makers and so they are the sages and seers of society. They cannot afford to forget their dignified calling even for a moment. They are the messengers of the mute masses, the guardians of society. Their slightest mistake may result in catastrophe, and even a small amount of caution may open up many new possibilities. So a person whose thought and expression is not restrained had better not meddle with the practice of art.” (7)

Namsakar,
At His lotus feet,
Chandramohan

REFERENCES:
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc 19
2. Namami Krsnasundaram: Disc 19
3. A Few Problems Solved – 5, Heterogeneity in Aesthetics
4. A Few Problems Solved – 8, Pramá – 1 / Dynamic Equilibrium and Equipoise
5. A Few Problems Solved – 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
6. A Few Problems Solved – 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
7. A Few Problems Solved – 1, The Practice of Art and Literature

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.

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

Mosquito: How Gods And Goddesses Are Created

In India, this is the typical way in which gods and goddesses are created. Wherever the masses are not well-educated then they are prone to superstition. And when superstition sprouts these types of gods and goddesses are created to resolve the issues and problems of the common people. This is the typical formula. All such gods and goddesses were created in this way: Durga, Sarasvata, Vishnu, Laksmii, Ram, Ganesh, Hanuman, Kali, Surya, Jagannath, etc.

“In many cases people are devoted to upadevatás out of fear and sometimes they are worshipped in the hopes of obtaining something. Banabibi [The Lady of the Forest] is there to save one from the grasp of the tiger. Besides her, there is Dakśińa Ráya; out of fear of cholera people worship Olái Cańd́ii; out of fear of smallpox they worship Shiitaládevii; out of fear of snakes, Manasá. These are all upadevatás. The women of a household will sometimes worship Lakśmii year-round to bring happiness in the family; Śet́erá as well as Suvacanii is worshipped in the ritual peace ceremony; Śaśt́hii and Niila are worshipped to bring welfare to one’s children; and out of fear of illness Shmashánkálii and Rakśekálii are worshipped. In Sanskrit they are all classified as upadevatás because they are not Parama Puruśa, the object of meditation in the spiritual world. Besides these, there are many other upadevatás such as Mangalacańd́ii, Áshánbibi, Satyapiira, etc. Upadevatás are also called folk [laokik] gods and goddesses. Some of them have dhyána mantras and some do not; some of them also have dhyána mantras in the local or state language and some do not have that either. In many cases the gods and goddesses of the Buddhist and Jain eras came or are coming to be worshipped as upadevatás in the post-Buddhist and post-Jain eras. Those spiritual aspirants who follow the paths of knowledge, action and devotion, of course, do not bow their heads to upadevatás. They practise the sádhaná of the singular Parama Puruśa.”
“Some people call ghosts upadevatás out of excessive fear, that is, they accept them as minor gods and goddesses lest they be angered by being called ghosts. In Sanskrit, however, the word upadevatá is not used to mean “ghost” – for ghosts the word apadevatá is used. Upa means “near” and apa means “just opposite”. Apadevatá means “one whose nature is just opposite to that of a god”.” (Shabda Cayanika-2, Discourse 9)

Here is an excerpt from a recent news article about what is going on in India. At present, in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, there is an outbreak of malaria and mosquito-related diseases.

“Hundreds of suspected dengue [& malaria] cases have been reported in the district. The health department is yet to wake up. We have sought a shield from the ‘mosquito god’ and tried to appease it by…” (Times of India)

Here is a link to the full newspaper article…
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Prabhat Samgiita #3287″A’ka’she a’loke bhese ja’y tava mahima’ri katha’…” (PS 3287)

Puport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You are the most magnificent One. The tale of Your glory and grandeur is floating and permeating throughout each and every molecule of the vast, blue sky and in the effulgence – everywhere. O’ my Lord, Your story,
the story of the ever-present, Ancient One, is glittering in all the realms: in both bhuloka and duloka – in the physical and spiritual worlds. Baba, You are so gracious.

O’ Ancient, Divine One, You are eternally, ever-new. You are always, intrinsically with everyone – just like their vital force, just like their pra’na. You always remain present in my feeling, ideation, and intuition. For that reason this eternal longing of my heart is for You and You alone.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, with the flow of effulgence You color my mind, and You are sitting in the depths of my ideation playing Your divine flute in the deep core of my heart. You are so compassionate: You do not neglect or overlook anyone. You graciously goad everyone towards divinity; You show everyone the path which leads to immortality.

O’ my Lord, O’ Baba, please shower Your causeless grace; I surrender at Your lotus feet…

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Why Kevalam

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 2 parts:
(1) Posting: Why Kevalam
(2) Prabhat Samgiita #702;

== WHY KEVALAM ==

Namaskar,
Our kiirtan mantra is highly unique: Each word has its particular and pointed meaning.

Even then, some may wonder about the greater significance of the term ‘kevalam’. Specifically, when Baba has selected only three words to comprise our entire kiirtan mantra, why has the term kevalam been chosen? What value does it have?

As Ananda Margiis, we should have a deep understanding of all Baba has given. Let’s together examine why He has included ‘kevalam’ in our kiirtan mantra, as well as why it is so important.

WHAT THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS DO

Since their inception, all the dogmatic religions have taken to worshiping multiple personalities. Whether a semitic religion or an eastern one, they all fall prey to this approach.

In Islam, they worship both Allah and the prophet Muhammad. Christianity worships God and their prophet Jesus. And the Jews worship God and their prophet Moses. And then all three recognise the existence of Satan.

So their prayer or worship is not directed toward a single entity. They believe in multiple deities and even recognise the existence an all-powerful evil Satan that operates beyond God’s domain.

Eastern religions like Hinduism have their own set of issues in this regard.

In most Hindu kiirtans, there are at minimum two deities being praised. Those deities may be Radha & Krsna, Laksmii & Visnu, or Siita and Rama. Never is their kiirtan sung for only one god. And in their paintings also, if there is a picture of Krsna then Radha is also depicted.

Plus in typical Hindu puja worship, not just two or three, but dozens of deities are mentioned and worshiped. For instance, in Lord Krsna temples, always a multitude of other deities or idols are present. In Lord Shiva temples, there will always be Ganesh, Karitkeya, Nandi, Bhaerava, Visnu, Laksmii, Kalii, and Parvatii etc. One must offer sweets to all, do sastaunga pranam to all, and / or light incense to honor all.

BABA REJECTS THIS IDEA

However, Baba wholly rejects this notion that one should worship multiple gods or multiple personalities.

In Ananda Vacanamrtam, Baba recounts a humorous story of when He was watching one of His uncles perform puja. His uncle recited a shloka that contained the names of so many gods and goddesses The names were seemingly endless and Baba’s uncle faithfully recited them all. And then at the end of his puja, the uncle said, “If there is any deity whom I have failed to mention, please do not be angry, please accept my humble salutation…”

“A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone’s name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not.” (1)

Here Baba is showing us that no one should do puja in this defective manner. Our approach should be singular in nature – not two or three or ten or twenty.

That is why in so many discourses Baba has told the story of the great devotee Hanuman who would only repeat Ram’s name. Others would question Hanuman and ask him why he is not repeating any other name. Then Hanuman replied, “I know Rama and no one else. All other names are meaningless to me.”

Baba uses this story to show us that this is the proper approach. An aspirant should have pointed, singular approach on path of spirituality. The Goal should be singular in nature, otherwise a sadhaka cannot get success.

ONLY ONE…ONLY ONE

That is why in our Ananda Marga there is only one of everything. There is one God, one Guru, one Preceptor. We repeat one Ista Mantra. Sadhakas have one Guru Mantra. In each and every sphere of our practice there is one. That makes our spiritual approach pointed.

Similarly in our Ananda Marga kiirtan there is only one. There is Parama Purusa Baba. And to emphasize this crucial point the term, ‘kevalam’, meaning only, has been used.

Because up till now, every kiirtan and every religious approach has embraced multiple deities. Whether it be god and Jesus or Radha and Krsna, but that bifurcates the mind and leads people astray.

In Ananda Marga, we are blessed with a unique approach that is singular and pointed. To protect the sanctity of our kiirtan, the term ‘kevalam’ has been given to ensure that under no circumstances is there to be more than one. Only the name of Parama Purusa Baba and no other. Only He is our Goal.

PRIESTS HAVE TAINTED TARAKA BRAHMA’S APPROACH IN THE PAST

Lord Krsna graciously told sadhakas to follow Him and on one else. He emphasized that a devotee must not let the mind run in hundreds of directions, nor in even two directions.

“Forgetting all other things, forgetting your desires and aspirations, come to Me.” Ma’mekam’ sharan’am’ vraja – “take shelter in Me.” (2)

But the priests of the day could not manage and it was not long before they instituted the idea of worshiping Radha. And not only that, so many other deities have come alive in the name of worshiping Lord Krsna.

And in Ananda Marga, there were similar problems. Prior to 1970, various so-called devotees were also worshiping Uma Sarkar and crying for her. They were chanting “Maa…Maa” etc.

But this dogma soon got obliterated. In the liila of Parama Purusa, Uma Sarkar took her own route in life and there was no scope for anyone in Ananda Marga to get confused in this regard.

In Ananda Marga, the sanctity and singularity of Ista has been protected and maintained. The term ‘kevalam’ in our kiirtan emphasizes the idea again and again that ours is a singular approach. We only sing, worship, and meditate on His name and no other. Only, Only, Only that is the essence if kevalam, only the name of Baba.

NOT ‘LOVE IS ALL THERE IS’

A final note on this topic is that in certain sectors, some have translated Baba Nam Kevalam as ‘Love is all there is’. But as His disciples we should propagate Baba’s meaning of this mantra.

“And what is Kiirtana? You are teaching your mind, you are teaching your ear, what you are saying with your vocal cord. What is that? To take only His name, and not so many names – London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Santiago… What is the meaning of Kiirtana? “Ba’ba’ Na’ma Kevalam”. “Ba’ba’” means “the Dearest One”. Only the name of the Dearest One, only the name of Parama Purus’a, and not so many names – Helsinki or London or Santiago or Georgetown. (3)

Our kiirtan is unique. It means only the name of Baba. He is the Parama Purusa and we are singing to Him and Him alone. He is the ONLY object of our adoration and ideation.

Whereas the term love has all sorts of vague meanings and mundane insinuations. People commonly say, “I love movies”, “I love ice cream”, “I love my boyfriend”, “I love drinking wine” etc. So when we teach them kiirtan they will use that type of ideation. It happens.

Hence, we should avoid translating Baba Nam Kevalam as ‘Love is all there is’, and instead use Baba’s own description and translation.

THERE IS NO SECOND ENTITY

In our kiirtan we are to take the name of only One Divine Entity, Baba. And that is emphasized by Baba’s special use of the term kevalam, meaning only.

“Within the scope of infinite space, and without the scope of infinite space, He is the Singular entity. So nobody is outside Him. So He is the only goal. He is only Desideratum, and for Him you say, “Ba’ba’ Na’ma Kevalam”. That is, “I am taking the name of that Singular Entity.” (4)

““Kevalam”; only the name of that Noumenal Entity because he is the only Noumenal entity and there is no second Entity. So there is no alternative but to move and dance and sing around Him.” (5)

“The question arises – is the Supreme Entity, the Supreme Faculty, a singular one or a plural one? The question of plurality in the controlling faculty is a knotty one. The rs’i says the important law, the Supreme Controlling Faculty, is a singular one – a singular one. There cannot be any plurality in it. That is, it is singular and shall remain singular forever.” (6)

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Bharat

***** Prabhat Samgiita #702******

“Tava preran’a’y puspit holo shus’ka marur yato taru…” (PS 702)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You are the most magnificent One. By Your divine grace, all the trees & vegetation in the dry, dusty maru [1] (desert) have started to bloom and flower. By Your unfathomable grace, the fragrant flower blossoms have transformed the dead and lifeless desert into a golden, colorful, and charming paradise – overflowing with sweetness and full of life. O’ my Lord, You can do anything and everything.

O’ Divine Entiy, You have done the impossible. That which I could never imagine happening and that which still today at this very moment is difficult for me to believe happening, that impossible feat You have done. You have made my broken heart new again – full of love for You. With Your divine compassion You have filled my heart with devotion and propelled me forward on the path of sadhana. It is only Your grace.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, You are unparalleled. You are the embodiment of everything & You go everywhere. On the one side You are stationary yet at the same time You move very, very fast. Baba, by Your grace with the madhu meru (mountain of sweetness) You stir and vibrate the jyotisamudra (effulgent ocean) [2]. O’ my Lord, You have flooded the spiritual realm with the love and attraction for You.

Baba, by Your grace everything has changed and my sleeping, sunken heart has become full of devotion. Baba, I love You. Your grace is everything…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA 702:

[1] Maru: (Literally means desert). In this song the maru or desert metaphorically represents the sadhaka whose heart is completely dry – devoid of any devotion. And the flower blossom represents the sweetness of devotion. So in the above Prabhat Samgiita, the maru or desert has become full of fragrant flowers, i.e. by Baba’s causeless grace the sadhaka’s heart has become full of devotion.

[2] Jyoti Samudra and Madhu Meru: The term ‘jyoti samudra’ liteally means effulgent ocean and the phrase ‘madhu meru’ means the mountain of sweetness. The inner sense is that the jyoti samudra is the spiritual world and the madhu meru is that deep devotional attraction for Him, i.e. madhur bhava (loving relation with Baba in dhyana). Thus in the song when it says that Baba is stirring the jyoti samudra with the madhu meru, it means that Baba has vibrated the entire spiritual sphere to such a height that everything is upsurging with the flow of devotion– by Baba’s divine grace the bhakta is ensconced in madhur bhava, that deeply charming and loving relation with Him.

REFERENCES:
1. 11 April 1979, Kolkata
2. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 6
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam-12
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam-12
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam-12
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam-1

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HARMFUL BABA STORY ABOUT DOG PRACTICING HIGHER PRANAYAMA

Baba

HARMFUL BABA STORY ABOUT

DOG PRACTICING HIGHER PRANAYAMA

Namaskar,
One Baba story book – published in Hindi – contains many good stories, yet, unfortunately, also contains some very serious flaws. Here we are going to address one of those critical flaws wherein the writer attributes a false statement to Baba.

Specifically, the writer claims that Baba told the following:

“Animals of the dog group perform shu’nya khumbak [pranayama] while sleeping.” (Note: Shu’nya kumbhaka means keeping the air expelled after exhalation, and not breathing in again.)

More about the “veracity” of this statement is explained below.

First it should be understood that by directly addressing such flaws, the book can be corrected and made better; and, most importantly, Sadguru Baba will be presented in the proper light. Then the publication will be cured of its ills.

As Ananda Margiis, we must examine the veracity of this claim. Because as we know, if an incorrect philosophical tenet is put forth in story form, then the whole society can be led astray. This happened in the past with Mahasmbhuti, i.e. Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. Such events must not be repeated.

STEPS OF PRANAYAMA

Most senior sadhakas know that a type of pranayama has elements known in Sanskrit as puraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention of breath), and recaka (exhalation). Here I am referring to a type pranayama this is potentially very dangerous whereby if not done correctly, one may even die. This is not the pranayama done as the 4th lesson of Ananda Marga sadhana, but rather a different pranayama.

Then there is another aspect of pranayama known as shu’nya kumbhaka, i.e. the act of keeping all the air expelled for a period of time before taking the next inhalation. That is the topic of this letter.

BEWARE – VERY HARMFUL IF DONE WRONGLY

So everyone should know that practicing any type of kumbhaka pranayama without getting the proper guidance from an acarya is very harmful. Baba has delivered a stern warning about this. Because if this practice is done incorrectly then one may puncture their lung and be forced to get emergency medical treatment in the hospital; and, various other physical and psychic problems can arise if this type of pranayama is wrongly done – even death itself. The body and mind can become so adversely affected that the person actually dies. That is why Baba has advised us not to practice any type of kumbhaka pranayama without proper instruction.

You can ask your acarya more about shu’nya kumbhaka; certainly they will warn you about how harmful it is if not done properly.

In contrast, our 4th lesson pranayama is comparatively safe. Though certainly one should practice 4th lesson after taking proper precaution and carefully following the guidelines as told in Caryacarya. Just to reiterate, in our 4th lesson pranayama meditation, there is no aspect of shu’nya kumbhaka or any type of kumbhaka. There is only puraka (inhalation) and recaka (exhalation).

What we need to know here is that shu’nya kumbhaka pranayama means keeping the air out for an extended period, and that the writer claims Baba said dogs do like this when they sleep. As if animals in the dog family just sleep in a state of shu’nya kumbhaka, i.e. they exhale, and keep the air out entirely while they sleep and do not inhale again until after they awaken. This is an outlandish idea. How can a dog do like this. Baba would never tell such a thing.

WHAT ONE FAMILY ACARYA WROTE

Yet on page 131 of his book, “Baba Antarya’mii” (Hindi), one family acarya – Shrii Diip Narayanji – has laid claim that during senior acarya classes Baba stated that dogs do shu’nya khumbak when they are sleeping.

Here is his exact line from acaryaji’s Hindi publication:

“Dog group sote samay shu’nya kumbhaka karte hain.”

The English translation is:

“Animals of dog group perform shu’nya khumbak [pranayama] while sleeping.”

This is the statement acaryaji has attributed to Baba. But how can a dog sleep and do shunya khumbak and not take any air while it sleeps. This is a most erroneous and outlandish claim. Obviously Baba never made such a statement. Clearly, the writer is confused.

Moreover, dogs are unable to practice any form of meditation, let alone shu’nya khumbak pranayama. So this is just a false and bogus claim.

THE BOOK MUST BE FIXED

Now it is the duty of Shrii Diip Narayanji’s son, Randhir ji, to correct this mistake. This is a grave error as it is done in Guru’a name. It should not be in print that animals from the dog family practice shu’nya kumbhaka pranayama. This is a complete misnomer.

Many other aspects of the book are ok, yet there are a number of critical issues.

In particular, when Shrii Diip Narayanji tries to explain Ananda Marga philosophy or wrongly cites Baba, then he goes far from the path. And verily that defeats the whole purpose in writing. The book is meant to serve as a clarification of Ananda Marga ideals, but, at times, the author is steering things in the other direction. His explanations misguide the reader. That is the problem.

We should contact Randhir ji and inform him of the situation. An errata page is needed that corrects the various errors in Ac Diip Narayanji’s book.

ENSURE, EVERY WORD AND EXPRESSION IS

CONSISTENT WITH ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

Since 1990, various Baba story books have been written and many have serious flaws – i.e. poor devotional expression and wrong explanation of Ananda Marga ideology. That does not mean that such books should not be written. Only it means that greater care must be taken before publishing a Baba story book.

It is very important to share draft editions with various senior sadhakas etc to ensure that every word and expression within the book is consistent with Ananda Marga ideology. By having numerous proofreaders ahead of time, it is sure that the final publication will be of a higher standard.

Unfortunately, the way things are going these days, many such publications are wrought with inaccuracies, including the book by Shrii Diip Narayan ji, Baba Antarya’mii.

Following are some of Baba’s divine teaching about pranayama including shu’nya kumbhaka pranayama.

PRANAYAMA AS DESCRIBED IN CARAYACARYA

Here below Baba is describing the pranayama which is the 4th lesson of Ananda Marga sadhana. By reading the following it is evident that there is no component of kumbhaka in this practice. So none should confuse this with that potentially very harmful pranayama that is discussed throughout this letter.

“Closing the eyes, sit in either siddhásana, padmásana or bhojanásana. Do bhútashuddhi. After doing ásana shuddhi, concentrate your mind on the point that the ácárya will fix. Then, after doing cittashuddhi, ideate on the first syllable of your Iśt́a mantra, press and close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand, and draw in a deep breath through the left nostril. During inhalation, ideate that infinite vital energy is entering the point from the infinite Brahma who is existing all around. After taking a full breath close the left nostril with the middle, ring and little fingers, and, taking the thumb away from the right nostril, slowly let out the air (Ideate that the infinite vital energy is returning from the point to that Infinite Brahma). During exhalation ideate on the remaining syllable of your Iśt́a mantra. When the breath has been fully expelled from the right nostril, inhale as fully as possible again through the right nostril. Afterwards, closing the right nostril with the thumb and removing the fingers, exhale the air through the left nostril. This completes one round.” (Caryacarya – III, Pranayama)

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR STRENGTH & BECOME STRONG

“Moreover, the process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways. It was Shiva who determined what kind of activity should be performed, depending on which nostril the breath was flowing through, and depending on whether the id́á or piuṋgalá or suśumná channel was active. He set down specific rules and regulations as to when one should undertake physical, psychic or spiritual activities. He further instructed when and in what circumstances one should do ásanas, práńáyáma, dhárańá, dhyána, etc. This science, which Shiva invented and developed, was known as svara shástra or svarodaya [science of breath control]. Prior to Him, the world was not aware of this science. Shiva also gave clear instructions how this science could be applied by people in the practical field of action. In fact, this svara shástra did help the people later to solve many problems in their mundane as well as spiritual lives. When doing a heavy job while breathing normally, a person might have serious difficulties – perhaps one’s limbs might be broken – but in a state of baddha kumbhaka, or púrńa kumbhaka [with the lungs full], one can easily do the same work. While doing some over-strenuous activity in a state of shúnya kumbhaka [with the lungs empty] one might even die.”
“Suppose you are climbing to a high place or lifting a very heavy load. If you do not follow the system of breathing while lifting the load, your hands may become painful or your bones dislocated. If you do the same work in a state of shúnya kumbhaka, you will have great difficulty – you may even collapse. If, on the contrary, you perform any strenuous activity in púrńa kumbhaka, taking a deep breath, you can easily do it. All this comes within the scope of that svaravijiṋána. You might have read in the Rámáyańa that Hanuman, by taking a deep breath, made his body swell and lifted a whole mountain. Although it is a mythological story, it refers to the science of svaravijinána.” (Namaha Shivay Shantaya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything (Discourse 3))

DANGEROUS TO PRACTICE

Here is one of the many places where Baba Himself advises that non-sadhakas should not practice pranayama as without the proper training they may harm themselves.

“Práńáyáma is meant for sádhakas – it is better for non-sádhakas not to take the risk of injuring themselves by doing práńáyáma.” (Caryacarya, part 3)

But for sadhakas, 4th lesson pranayama is very important

PAUSE IS NOTHING BUT A STATE OF DEATH

“In the case of respiration also, after human beings inhale, they do not immediately exhale. They retain the breath inside for a while, and then they exhale. Similarly, after exhaling, they do not immediately inhale. They stop for a little while, and then only do they inhale. So in both cases there is a pause for a short while. The first pause, after inhalation, is called púrńa kumbhaka, and the second pause, after exhalation, is called shúnya kumbhaka.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Dhruva and Adhruva)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GIVEN BY BABA

“Question: What is the meaning of recaka?”

“Answer: Recaka means “emptying”. When one exhales completely and keeps the breath out during the process of breathing, it is called recaka.” (Yoga Psychology, Q & A #14)

“Question: What are the differences among recaka, púraka, and kumbhaka?”

“Answer: At the time of práńáyáma, when one exhales the breath completely, it is called recaka; when one inhales completely, it is called púraka; and when one retains air inside the body, it is called kumbhaka.” (Yoga Psychology, Q & A #15)

REMARKS

If any aspect of this letter is unclear or you have any questions, then please write me.

Also, it should be known that there are a number of other problems with this book; please come forward with other fallacies and inconsistencies that you have found in this book. In brief, to improve this publication the need of the day is to point out any and all places where the book does not match Ananda Marga ideology.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO WRITE A PROPER BABA STORY

It is important for us to consider what is needed to write a proper Baba story. First and foremost one must ensure that the Baba story is itself true. After carefully making this assessment, these following criteria are needed: (a) deep devotion for Baba, (b) pointed understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.

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

Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes their story will not have philosophical support. And in some cases the stoy may even be dogmatic. And, certainly without literary skill, the story will be rough and jagged and will lack proper expression.

If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly expressed.

And if one only has literary prowess, yet lacks both devotion and philosophical understanding, then that story will like applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person – there will not be any charm. It will be useless and dogmatic. If a person is alive and healthy, then that make-up will have some value, i.e. if one has devotion then that literary skill give devotional flow to the story, but if one does not have devotion then that literary skill is meaningless. What they write will be low-minded and dogmatic. So first one must have devotion and philosophical understanding, then literary talent can add beauty – otherwise not. Writing a story only with one’s literary skill – without proper devotion and devoid of ideological value – is of no use whatsoever.

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

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

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

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhava Deva

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History And Story of Paincajanya

History And Story of Paincajanya
Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: History And Story of Paincajanya;
(2) Comment by Reader – Re: Bitter Pill To Swallow;
(3) Trailer Quote: Harassing Others Is Dreadful
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #2327;

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

== HISTORY AND STORY OF PAINCAJANYA ==

Namaskar,
During my usual pracara work with my Dit.S. Dada, I visited various remote villages of the district. And in those travels I became surprised to see that long-term, senior margiis were singing Shivagiiti at the time of paincajanya. Not just once did I witness this, but on numerous occasions. Because I got the opportunity to stay in those remote villages. And in those places they are without basic communication – let alone email. So still this dogma of Shivagiiti and paincajanya is going on. Actually they think the two are interlinked. That one cannot happen without the other. And this may not be an isolated case; there may be other places where this is going on. Some of our brothers and sisters may have their own opinion about this – whether it is a dogma or not.

One way to begin is by reviewing the history. Here then is one look into the past to see into the situation.

HISTORY OF SHIVAGIITI IN ANANDA MARGA

What follows is a brief history of how the dogma of singing Shivagiiti got established in AMPS.

As many margiis know, in 1982 Baba graciously gave the book Namah Shivaya Shantaya (NSS). I remember that Baba delivered many of the discourses during general darshan in front of the margiis and acaryas. And other chapters Baba did in straight dictation format privately in His room in Patna directly with Ac Vijayanandji.

One such discourse was ‘Shiva in the Song of Shiva’, discourse #19 of the book Namah Shivaya Shantaya. And that very chapter begins with the Shivagiiti song, “Jaya shubhavajradhara…”, which is actually a song Baba wrote long back in His childhood (See Note A). Because that time on 8 August 1982 when Baba was giving the dictation, He told to all that this Shivagiiti is one song which He composed in His childhood for Shiva. Then and there Baba sang the Shivagiiti song and made the Dadas note it down. As we know now, just over 2 1/2 years later on 28 March 1985 in Kolkata, Baba included this very Shivagiiti song, “Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara”, in His Prabhat Samgiita collection as song number 2526.

But 8 August 1982 was the day that Baba first revealed this Shivagiiti song to Ananda Margiis. And that was the time when He was dictating the Namah Shivaya Shantaya book.

HOW SHIVAGIITI GOT ENTWINED WITH PAINCAJANYA

Immediately news spread that Baba has just revealed one song which He has written in His childhood. And everyone was very exuberant. Because those days in August 1982, it was very unusual to have songs which Baba had composed Himself, since Baba had not yet begun His Prabhat Samgiita collection.

We know that Prabhat Samgiita first began on 14 Sep 1982. So original songs composed by Baba were unavailable those days in August 1982. That is why Dadas were encouraging everyone to sing the Shivagiiti bhajan because this was composed by Baba. So all thought that, ‘Okay this is good’. And as there was no existence of Prabhat Samgiita so everyone was feeling comfortable.

Simultaneously that very time in 1982 Baba also introduced the practice of paincajanya into Ananda Marga. And according to Baba’s direction, everyone was supposed to sing a song during this newly given paincajanya program.

So those days in August of 1982 Dadas were vigorously moving all around giving two basic messages:
(1) That Baba has given a new devotional program that is to be done in all Ananda Marga units. And that program is paincajanya. And the singing of a song is compulsory in this program.
(2) That Baba has recently revealed one of His original songs: the Shivagiiti.

In this way many Ananda Margiis mixed up the two matters and developed the fixed idea in their mind that the Shivagiiti song is the song of paincajanya.

THE STARTING OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Furthermore, those days Baba used to encourage samaj members to compose their own songs. Many remember how that time Baba used to arrange competitions between one samaj and another samaj on the point of composing and singing their Prout or social or devotional songs. This style of competition went on for few weeks. We should not forget that this was the pre-stage of Prabhat Samgiita planning.

So in 1982 first Baba inspired all the margiis to compose their own songs and when they could not make proper songs, then Baba Himself started giving His own song. And in that way Baba’s fountain of Prabhat Samgiita songs began.

The history is like this: Those days Baba was moving around in Bihar and in the end of August He was in Kolkata. Then after a short tour Baba reached Deoghar. And it was on the historic day of 14 September 1982 in Deoghar, Bihar, that Baba composed His first Prabhat Samgiita, ‘Bandhu he niye calo’.

HOW SHIVAGIITI GOT ENTWINED WITH PAINCAJANYA – PART 2

Here then we should analyse how Shivagiiti got established in the Paincajanya program.

Basically, those margiis who got the message from Dadas about the new paincajanya program before the creation of Prabhat Samgitia, they started using the Shivagiiti song because those days Shivagiiti had just been given publicly. A month later, when Prabhat Samgiita had begun, some units started using Prabhat Samgiita directly in their paincajanya program.

Yet already other units were habituated with using Shivagiiti at paincajanya. In this way singing Shivagiiti at paincajanya had taken root in many Ananda Marga units.

For those who started with Shivagiiti, that tradition continued on for years and years. Today, in some places, it is still going on. But which devotee can think that it should and will continue much longer. Although, philosophically, Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, and Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji are one, but with the strict adherence to Ista no Ananda Margii should worship or meditate on Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. And verily, no true devotee of Baba can ideate on any other Divine Entity like Shiva or Krsna.

Reason being that mind is one and at the same time it cannot focus on or be dedicated to two or three different Entities.

DEVOTION TOWARD ISTA ONLY

And here is another way of looking at it.

Everybody is aware that Paincajanya is one very beautiful, dharmic, and devotional program. But linked up with that program is one bulky dogma. Because paincajanya is about oneness with Ista, Baba. So if someone is singing the Shivagiiti in the morning then that goes against the basic devotional approach. Because in that sentient mood of the early morning dawn, we should remember Baba. He is our most loving and closest One. This is the common, sentimental feeling of the heart for every Ananda Margii: That Baba is our nearest and dearest One.

Then why should we wake up in the morning and sing: ‘Lord Shiva, victory is yours, Lord Shiva, victory is yours, Lord Shiva, victory is yours…’

Why should we sing like this when it goes against the basic devotional feeling of the heart. All night we dream about Baba and then in the sweetness of the early dawn we want to sing exclusively for Him, a song related with Baba. Yet the Shivagiiti is something different.

A sadhaka should have devotion for Ista and ideate on Ista in sadhana. For Ananda Margiis, we lovingly call Ista as Baba. Various people have various Istas. Just as Baba has come as Mahasambhuti, Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna also came as Mahasambhuti; yet for Ananda Margiis, only Baba is Ista.

If all your life you have been calling your mother as mom, and then one day your call her by her legal name, she may not even recognise that her own child is calling her. Similarly, we should be very keen to always call our Ista as Baba.

Philosophically speaking, one can make various connections but those cannot stand in the field of devotion. The devotional heart only knows One. For Ananda Margiis, that singular and most loving Entity is Baba. Hence in the devotional mood of the early morning dawn during paincajanya we should only sing songs that are for Him.

STORY OF GREAT MYTHOLOGICAL DEVOTEE HANUMAN

Here is a very significant story that is highly related with this entire matter: Pointed ideation on Ista.

“When Hanuman was asked why he was so insistent on taking the name of Ráma and never taking the name Náráyańa, he promptly replied:

Shriináthe jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani
Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocana.

“I know by philosophical analysis that there is no difference between Náráyańa and Rama, and yet I will channelize my mind towards One Entity and not many. For me there is no Náráyańa, there is only Ráma.”

“Likewise for the genuine spiritual aspirants there is only One Entity, and they rush only towards that Supreme One. Their minds move only in one direction, not in a thousand directions.” (1)

In that discourse, Baba’s pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka’s devotional feeling must be linked with one Ista – for Ananda Margiis that Ista is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For non-margiis it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.

Without this idea firmly set in the mind, one cannot reach the Goal. Ananda Margiis should not say, “O Lord Shiva come and grace me” – that will not help, rather hinder. The mind will be bifurcated or trifurcated. Some part of the mind will go to Lord Shiva, and another portion to Lord Krsna, and some portion to Baba. That mind is broken, retarded – it will go nowhere. There is one ista – that is our Guru’s teaching.

An Ananda Margiis should only sing those devotional compositions that point the mind towards Baba; whereas those Prabhat Samgiita compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are for the general public. In devotional life, a sadhaka of Ananda Marga is to choose from the many hundreds of songs about Baba and sing only those songs, and not sing or use compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva during paincajanya etc. That does not mean we should discard those songs about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva, rather we are to learn them so we can teach to non-margiis. But, in one’s own personal practice and devotional life, a bhakta of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Baba) is to only sing songs about Him. That is the key guideline – and the pointed mandate to follow.

BABA WROTE SHIVAGIITA FOR NON-MARGIIS

So Baba wrote the Shivagiiti song for non-margiis. We margiis are responsible for learning this Shivagiiti song in order to share with those non-margii devotees who have not yet come onto the path of Ananda Marga and are involved in worshipping Lord Shiva etc. So that song is Baba’s gift to those non-margii devotees. In Baba’s divine kingdom no one is left out or forgotten.

IMPORTANCE OF ISTA

Till a little while ago, even in our local unit we were singing the Shivagiiti song during paincajanya. But that practice has since stopped as we realised that when Baba alone is the Ista, then during our collective devotional practices we should sing songs of His glory, and not that of Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna.

“Spiritual aspirants should remember that they will have to become dedicated to their Is’t’a. They will have to establish a relationship of exclusive devotion to Is’t’a. If there is not intense attachment to Is’t’a in one’s heart, then one cannot do anything”. (2)

Here is another of Baba’s key and colorful teachings on this matter.

Baba says, “A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone’s name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not.” (3)

So although Baba has given 5,018 Prabhat Samgiita songs, one must have the required viveka to use the songs in the right way. We are only to sing those songs in our devotional practices like paincajanya that focus on Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

ONE-POINTED DEVOTION

If one margii is singing this song – Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara (Prabhat Samgiita #2526) – it means you are paying homage to Lord Shiva, requesting Him to “please come in my meditation and come in my dhyana.” But then when you conclude the song and start your actual meditation practice, you are pointing the mind towards your Guru, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. So that bifurcated approach is not at all good; it will not be helpful.

Why? Because you are addressing both Lord Shiva and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji; the mind is not at all pointed, rather bifurcated. Yet sadhana can only be done with a pointed mind.

“According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed.” (4)

SICK FATHER AND MEDICINE STORY

Once there was a father who was suffering from a sickness. He called out to his sons, “O’ Tom, Dick, Harry, I need medicine. Please go to the store and bring my medicine.” All three sons listened very sincerely to their father’s request. The eldest son, Tom, immediately thought that the youngest (Harry) will get it. And Harry thought Tom would get it. And Dick thought one of his brothers would get the medicine. Later, in the middle of the night, the father called out to his sons, “O Tom, Dick, Harry, now is the time I need my medicine.” All three sons looked at each other and realised that no one had gotten the medicine. Now all the shops were closed and father’s condition was not good. In short, disaster had struck. And there was nothing to be done in that late hour.

If the father had specifically asked one of his sons to get the medicine, then that son would have done it. Then the problem would have been averted. Asking all three sons at the same time was a mistake. The father learned his lesson.

This same theory holds true in the realm of devotion as well. Worshiping multiple deities is not going to bring the proper outcome. How is one going to be graced with it is divided in multiple directions. The mind must be pointed in one direction. In the field of devotion, the sadhaka must be singular in approach.

In their day-to-day practical manner, the Semitic religions worship not one god but many. Those followers ask boons and grace from numerous godheads. In theory, they may try to deny this and give their own justification; but in their practical life that is what they do. It is quite evident.

Nowadays, most Christians and Muslims are in so-called 3rd world countries. And those believers follow multiple religions plus local gods and goddesses. They are involved in numerous belief systems. One single person might worship Allah, a Christian God, and their own local or native gods / goddesses and ritualistic deities. This is prevalent all around Africa and the Asian nations.

Next is Buddhism which has adopted multiples deities. And the worst is Hinduism where there are countless gods and goddesses.

Those who come into Ananda Marga from such backgrounds often have a hard time understanding that Ista must be one, i.e. singular. Those who come into Ananda Marga at a young age easily understand. Age aside, those with adequate devotion absolutely understand.

Every bhakta in Ananda Marga must be singularly pointed on Ista, and only ideate on Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. There is no other way.

Note A: HIS CHILDHOOD COMPOSITIONS WERE BROUGHT INTO PRABHAT SAMGIITA

It was not entirely uncommon for Baba to take songs which He wrote in His childhood or during His student life and include them in His Prabhat Samgiita collection. For example, one other such song “Toma’r e asiim apa’r bha’laba’sa’r…” which Baba wrote as a young boy when seeing His grandmother pray to the Lord, and this song Baba later included in HIS Prabhat Samgiita collection as Prabhat Samgiita no. 209. In 1988 DMC Baba revealed this history.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of this entire letter is that the Shivagiiti song should not be sung at the time of paincajanya or for any devotional gathering of Ananda Margiis. For Ananda Margiis, the Ista is Baba, and we should only sing for Him, our most-loving Baba.

Ananda Margiis should not sing those songs that directly address Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. Those songs give way to this type of expression, “O’ Lord Shiva, O’ Lord Krsna, I salute Thee.” Those songs are not for margiis but for non-margiis. Those singing such songs are not following 16 points – unfortunately. They are remiss in one of the points.

There are many devotional Prabhat Samgiita that are not for Lord Krsna nor Lord Shiva that focus fully on Baba. In total, there are only a few compositions for Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva – other than those few songs, the entirety of the Prabhat Samgiita collection are songs for Baba. And those are the songs we should sing during paincajanya and our devotional programs.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Satiish

REFERENCES:
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 11
2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life
3. 11 April 1979, Kolkata
4. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Liberation of the Devotee

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

Subject: Re: Bitter Pill To Swallow
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:43:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nagaraja …sbcglal.net>
To: AM-GLOBAL

== Re: BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW ==

Comment on: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/bitter-pill-to-swallow.html

Great analysis done.

Nice way to shake up every one. Lots of individuals begin to think, “Yes, I can identify myself with such and such Mahabharata character. Hope at least one person reading this article changes for the better.

Namaskar,
Nagaraja

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.

**********************************************
Harassing Others Is Dreadful

“It is only when the human beings, become puffed up with vanity and misuse the power granted to them by Parama Purus’a, that He steals everything from them. Hence, He is called Darpaha’rii – the stealer of vanity…Vain people suffer a similar fate when their vanity is destroyed as the balloon faces when its air is let out. But, does Parama Purus’a snatch away everything from everyone? No, He takes away only when the unit beings try to create obstructions in the flow of His creation.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutsehll – 4, p. 247)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba warns us about the fate of arrogant people. As we know, the ultimate antidote to vanity is developing a devotional link in life and surrendering to the sweet will of Parama Purusa. Then, in that case, extreme arrogance and vanity will not get scope to crop up and ruin one’s personae. Unfortunately, some in our Ananda Marga overlook their devotional practices and instead get wrapped up in their own plans and programs. Such persons can be easily be recognised. With their ego and vanity, they harass and terrorise others, as well as misuse their strength to inflict harm. For their welfare, Parama Purusa pulverizes their ego – He destroys and crushes their feelings of vanity. When their ego is crushed, they learn their lesson. If afterwards they are still alive they become humble and stop terrorizing others. They become proper human beings. That is why one of the names of the Lord is Darpaha’rii – destroyer of vanity.
**********************************************

Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita

Introduction to PS #2327: In the following song Baba is lovingly guiding one disciple who is confused and totally immersed in materialism.

“Cora’ba’lir pa’r’e keno gar’e ya’o ghar…” – P.S. 2327

Purport:

O’ human being, why are you building your abode on quicksand. Have you not examined the matter carefully. That structure is sinking and shaking dramatically because of its soft foundation.

For so many ages, you have been passing your days in constructing your castle on quicksand. You have invested huge time and energy along with blood, sweat & your own grueling labour to build it. All the while you were indulging in your own dreamland – foolishly thinking that this “thing” will give you permanent satiation – that it will be with you always. You were never ready to admit that this is temporary and ephemeral.

O’ human being, pay heed, any moment a river or landslide will overrun the embankments, even before the quicksand would give way. Your abode is destinted to be destroyed. All the alluring transitory colours and shine would vanish and only the unchangeable would remain…

Note: In the above song quicksand means materialism and castle means building one’s life.

Read Full Post »

5 Years, 4 Months, & 1 Day

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Vidyabhusan
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:48:11
Subject: 5 Years, 4 Months, & 1 Day

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #1370;
(2) Posting: 5 Years, 4 Months, & 1 Day;
(3) Trailer Quote: Sometimes Democracy is Harmful.

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).

****Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita.

“Nayaneri ainjan ma’nasranjain tumi janame maran’e sa’thii mor…” (PS 1370)

Purport:

Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, You are so gracious. You are the ainjan (ointment of knowledge) of my eyes; You are Manasrainjan [1], the One who saturates my mind with devotion; You are with me life after life, in birth and in death, always – up to eternity. O’ Divine Entity, in the vast sky of my mind, in my mental horizon, Your attractive and charming form is vibrating and shining. Seeing Your exquisite beauty & divine vibration, I have become completely captivated and devotionally ensconced in You.

O’ Parama Purusa, this expressed universe is situated in the mirror of Your maya. Everything is resonating in Your divine sound – omnkara (shinjit o nu’pure) [2]. Please grace me, by looking towards me; please shower me in Your divine compassion. O’ Citta-cor / Chit-chor [3], O’ Parama Purusa, You are captivating my mind in all the ways.

Baba, O’ my Dearmost, I want You and You alone. I do not want anything from You. I only have one desire: Please grant me parabhakti [4] and keep me at Your lotus feet, always. I want to surrender my entire being unto You. O’ Lord, please grace me and allow me to concentrate all my feelings and surrender my whole existence at Your feet. You are my Goal; You are my Ista. Baba, You are like the moon and I am the like the cakor / chakor [5] bird, always involved in Your ideation.

O’ Divine Entity. O’ Baba, You are my everything; You are the Goal of my life. My only desire is that You please grace me and give me a place eternally at Your lotus feet by granting me parabhakti…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1370:

[1] Ma’nasrainjan: The mind is affected or coloured by whatever one thinks about in day to day life. Every thought has a particular colour and that colour varies based on one’s object of contemplation. If a businessman is thinking primarily about his business, then his mind is coloured in that way. A drunkard’s mind is coloured with the thought of wine. When the mind is completely obsessed with a particular thought, the mind becomes fully coloured in that manner, whether it be tamasik, sentient, or spiritual etc.

When Parama Purusa graciously colours a sadhaka’s mind with devotion, they remain wholly ensconed in the thought of Parama Purusa. If a new sadhaka cannot do sadhana at all, then we can understand that their mind is not coloured with devotion. And if someone longs to do more and more meditation, we can understand that their mind is deeply coloured with with divinity.

Depending on the nature of one’s thought, their mental colour changes. It may be black, red, yellow or white etc. Those bhaktas who think of Parama Pursua exclusively will have a white-coloured mind; it will be white effulgence. A violent person’s mind will be red in colour. Remember, this colour is not their skin colour, nor any other external colour. Here we are only talking about the colour of their mind – nothing else.

Baba has given countless demonstrations on this. He used to make two sadhakas sit facing one another. Then He would bestow upon one the power to see into the other’s mind. Then that devotee would be able to clearly see the colour of the other sadhaka’s mental plate. Still today this is possible. When one advances in sadhana, they can easily see another’s mental colour. Immediately, they can understand what type of person they are. In that case, nobody can hide. There is no scope for hypocrisy.

Parama Purusa, in His role as Ma’nasrainjan, is that Divine Entity who colours and saturates the mind of sadhakas in the fountain of devotion.

Baba says, “‘rainjana’, which means ‘the One who colours’ – that which colours the mind.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 1)

So He is that Cosmic Being who graciously showers devotional love into the heart and mind of the bhakta. And by such overwhelming Cosmic grace, the devotee becomes immersed in Supreme bliss and comes in the closest proximity with that Love Personified Entity: Parama Purusa.

We all know that devotion is that unique ingredient which allows one to advance in the spiritual field. Without innate love for Parama Purusa one can never succeed.

[2] Shinjit O Nu’pure: In the process of creation, the universal sound of omnkara is generated. There is a variety of such sounds: The roar of the ocean, the sweet melody of the flute, the chirping of the crickets etc. At different stages of realisation the sadhaka can hear these sounds. In this song, all these sounds are symbolically represented by the ankle bell – shinjit o nu’pure – Parama Purusa.

[3] Citta-cor / Chit-chor: In His role as ‘Citta-cor’ Baba is the Thief or Stealer of the devotee’s mind. How does He steal the mind? He captivates their mind and attracts the bhakta by His exquisite beauty and charm whereby the sadhaka cannot think of anything or anyone else. The sadhaka has lost control of his own mind: It incessantly and unknowingly rushes towards Parama Purusa. The One who makes this happen is Citta-cor – the Stealer of the mind.

And this happens in the mundane realm as well. There are numerous worldly examples where a person’s mind is stolen. If they lost money, if they are infatuated with the opposite sex, if they are anxious about getting a new job – in all such cases when the person’s mind runs again and again in that direction, then it means their mind was stolen. The person’s mind is no longer their own – they do not have control over it. Over and over, their mind is thinking of that lost money or the opposite sex. So their mind has been stolen. And the person or entity that causes someone to lose control of their mind is citcor – the stealer of the mind.

In the devotional sphere, only Parama Purusa is Citta-cor. The sadhaka thinks of Him, unknowingly. Always the mind is goaded in that direction. Even if the bhakta intentionally tries not to think in this way, still his mind becomes ensconced in the thought of Parama Purusa.

Ultimately, when this condition climaxes, in that culminating state the unit mind – the jiiva’tma – becomes one with Supreme Consciousness.

[4] Parabhakti: Par means divine; and apara means worldly. The feminine is para and when combined with bhakti, it is parabhakti. That is the highest devotion. In that blessed state, devotees want to do each and everything for Parama Purusa and give Him pleasure. In return, they do not want anything. Those sadhakas who got Parama Purusa, by His grace, have gotten everything.

Baba says, “When one wants Parama Purus’a from Parama Purus’a, then that bhakti is para’bhakti…And what is para’bhakti? ‘O Parama Purus’a, You know whether I am Your devotee or not. It is You who are to judge whether I am Your devotee or not — but I want You…I want You. And why do I want You? Because I want to serve You’.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 24, p.97)

[5] Cakor / Chakor Bird: The red-legged Bartavelle bird or Greek Partridge that seems to subsist on moonlight alone. All night long the cakor bird looks and stares at the moon – wanting to soak up and drink each and every ounce of moonlight. It is completely linked with the moon (vidhu). That is why it is said that the cakor bird has a deeply loving relation with the moon. In Baba’s above devotional song, the bhakta is compared to the cakor and Parama Purusa is likened to the moon.

== 5 YEARS, 4 MONTHS, & 1 DAY ==

Namaskar,
Everyone is aware that after being poisoned Baba took to fasting for 5 years, 4 months, and 1 day. He was poisoned on 12th February 1973. After being refused a judicial hearing, Baba began His fast in April 1973. And He did not break His fast until after His release from jail in early August 1978.

This entire episode stands as the basis of our “Niilkantha Divas” – when the whole society was transformed, by His grace.

MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNIFICANT OBSERVANCE

As we all know, the important Ananda Marga observance Niilakantha Divas was on Feb 12. Now, here is more about the significance of this remarkable moment in history.

Specifically, how has the name been born & why do we call Baba as “Niilakantha”. What is the meaning, and how did it happen. These are the questions addressed in this letter, as well as the grand mythological tale surrounding Lord Shiva.

MEANING OF THE NAME

There is a reason behind the name, and why we call 12th February as a Niilakantha Divas. The reason behind that very day is well known. This was the day Baba Himself swallowed the poison while in jail.

But there is also a reason behind the term “Niilakantha”. Why the name Niilakantha? Niilakantha is a Sanskrit / Samskrta term. “Niila” means blue; “Kantha” means throat. The literal meaning of Niilakantha is Blue throat; and, the common meaning in everyday parlance is Lord Shiva. And divas means day. So the entire meaning of Niilakantha Divas is “blue throat day”.

SIGNIFICANT MYTHOLOGICAL STORY

There is one mythological story related with this term “Niilakantha”. To save the society from the poisonous effect of deadly poison or “Kal Ku’t'”, Lord Shiva Himself swallowed all that entire poison.

In that magical story, the churning of the mythological divine ocean was arranged. The ocean took the form of a bowl or mortar, as from ‘mortar and pestle’. And in the ocean one big mountain was placed as a pestle to churn the ocean. And the mythological cobra, Shes’ Na’g, was tied as a rope around the mountain. On one side of the mountain a party of demons was holding one end of the rope-like cobra. And on the other side of the mountain a party of devatas was holding the other end of the cobra. By this way they could move the mountain back and forth. These two parties used the mountain to churn the ocean. Then various things emerged from the ocean in the course of that churning. One thing that emerged from the ocean was the deadly poison “Kal Kut'”.

That poison was so deadly, if it had remained there, it would have spread all around and destroyed everything. To save the society, Lord Shiva swallowed all the poison.

Although we don’t believe these mythological stories, there is one meaningful teaching behind this mythological tale. Namely, to save the society, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison and counteracted its negative effect. This is one great example: Serving the society even by swallowing poison. That is the great meaning of this mythological story.

ADDITION TO THE STORY

Here I will add something further in connection with the story about Lord Shiva. For that lends also deeper understanding about what occurred with Baba.

Seeing the situation with the deadly poison, Lord Shiva took it upon Himself to swallow it. Otherwise, that very ‘vish’ (poison, or “Kal Ku’t'”) would have annihilated a huge population. So Lord Shiva saved the society by swallowing poison. He swallowed it and with His divine play, the poison remained in Lord Shiva’s throat permanently. And with its effect, the poison created a blue mark all around Lord Shiva’s neck. His neck became blue permanently. Yet it did not affect Lord Shiva more than that. That’s why one of the names of Lord Shiva is “Niilakantha” – Blue throat.

This was the greatness of Lord Shiva: He swallowed the deadly poison, with the sole purpose to save the society from the disastrous effect of that deadly poison, “Kal Ku’t'”. Saving the society was His only motive – nothing else.

For this reason, Baba has chosen the term “Niilakantha” and declared 12th February as “Niilakantha Divas”. There is a literal meaning and an inner meaning. The literal meaning is blue throat day. The inner meaning is, ‘The day of ingesting poison to save the humanity’.

THE DAY WHEN BABA TOOK THE POISON

AND SAVED THE UNIVERSE

FROM ITS GHASTLY EFFECT

A similar thing happened with Baba.

We know that when Taraka Brahma descends on this earth as Mahasambhuti it seemingly looks like He is human, but the truth is something else. Mahasambhuti is not just one human being that is full of shortcomings and limitations. Mahasambhuti is capable of doing anything He likes.

So it is with Baba.

To save the society from the disastrous effect of much deadly poison or many deadly and destructive weapons, He Himself knowingly, deliberately swallowed the poison. Why? To save humanity from the demonic and destructive forces. That is what happened symbolically in the jail. AMPS was not yet banned, most of the WTs and Margis were outside the jail. Then Baba took upon Himself the trouble of the entire organization, nay the entire society.

PLUS…

Not only the demon Indira Gandhi, but all demonic political groups like communists were spreading their claws to grip the entire society in their hold. Just as serpents do. Communism was most ghastly in those days. Such demonic leaders turned their full attention towards Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii. By that way, they gave poison in the jail. And Baba swallowed that.

OTHERWISE…

If Baba would not have done so, Indira Gandhi and communist Russia would have done more heinous crimes and killings – both to Ananda Marga and the general society. They would have wreaked even more havoc on this earth. Baba graciously defused their negative plan. In that way, their negative intentions were neutralised: Everything was controlled and everyone was saved – and Indira Gandhi was destroyed.

Those aware about Baba’s divine play know if Baba would not have taken the poison, Indira Gandhi would have brought more disaster on the country. And communists would have ruined many more lives on this earth.

And Indira Gandhi would have poisoned or killed many WTs and Margis. But she could not do anything. Rather every one of us, those in jail, saw that Baba controlled the situation. He transformed thorns into flowers. All trouble He took upon Himself. And digested everything to save us.

So those who do not have deeper understanding, they think that Baba was poisoned in the jail, etc. And those who know the inner truth, and Baba’s way of playing His divine play, they know that by swallowing poison, He saved Ananda Marga and the entire society from the deadly effect of various negative events. Baba disclosed all this to many devotees while in jail. On that very basis, I wrote here the above section related with poisoning and saving the society.

CONCLUSION

So this “Niila Kantha” term and “Niilakantha Divas”, has deep meaning. And as we know that “Niilakantha” means blue throat, and the ‘blue throat’ appeared because of swallowing the poison. And this name Niilakantha was related with Lord Shiva. And a similar thing happened with Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. That’s why one of the names of Lord Anandamurtiji is also Niilakantha. On 12 February day, Baba became “Niilakantha”: He swallowed the poison and saved the earth.

RELATED TEACHINGS:

“It has been seen that whenever the Divine Entity has descended on the earth, one group of human beings has stood in its favour, while an opposite group has opposed it. Kansa was against Krśńa; Ravana was against Rama.” (1)

” when Parama Puruśa brings about social welfare by speaking truthfully and unambiguously and performing many good deeds, good people, common people, derive the benefit and speak highly of His deeds. They are full of praise for Him. They love Him and they revere Him…Much time has passed since Krśńa left the earth, but still today thousands of people praise Him, and at the same time many people continue to slander Him. I will not call them wicked; let the people pronounce judgement. Thus yashasah implies both yasha [fame] and apayasha [infamy]. Positive and negative go hand in hand. Interestingly, a clear polarization emerges in the minds of people. Two unmistakable lines are drawn; two opposing camps are formed – the Kaoravas and the Pandavas. This is yasha.” (2)

“Yasha: One who is praised by the world for his or her uncommon virtues or else is continually slandered by those blinded by jealousy, is called yashasvii. His or her essential quality is known by the name yasha (yashas).” (3)

“Lord Shiva came to this world about 7000 years ago; even now there are many who are His admirers, there are many others who are His opponents. The Iyers in South India will say, “Oh! Lord Shiva was great;” the Iyengars will say, “No, Lord Shiva was not great.” Lord Krśńa came about 3500 years ago; even now you will see there are so many admirers and so many opponents of Krśńa. That is, when Táraka Brahma comes, the entire intellect of the world gets polarized – one north pole, another south pole; one admirer, another opponent. There were the gopabálákas [cowherds] of Vrindavana who loved Krśńa very much, and there were Kansa, Putana Raksasi, Bakasur and Aghasur who were His deadly enemies. So during Krśńa’s time there was polarization.” (4)

“Yasha: By His advent two things happen simultaneously. On the one hand, He gets staunch supporters, and on the other, sworn enemies. The whole human society gets clearly divided into two camps – moralists and immoralists, the bad elements. Everyone has to join either of the two camps, and complete polarization takes place. If one is the North Pole, the other one is the South Pole. He is crowned with success and glory and at the same time faces bitter criticism and infamy. This happened to Lord Shiva and Lord Krśńa also. During their time also the whole society got divided into two camps – the moralists and the immoralists. Remember always dhármic people are ultimately bound to be victorious.” (5)

“Suppose an evil force says, “I, the lord of a certain country, will destroy Ananda Marga from the very root.” A dhármika should maintain patience, should be patient. Because the day is soon to come when that evil force is going to be destroyed. Its weapon will serve as a boomerang for its own death. And this happened in the near past, as you all know.” (6)

“Those who misuse their faculties are also doomed to destruction. The misuse of one’s qualities not only brings harm to the world, but it also exhausts one’s own inherent strength. You have seen with your own eyes that in the past certain powerful persons thought, in their extreme vanity, that they could make or break anything. They perpetrated indescribable tortures and atrocities on Ananda Marga. But even in the face of such torments, Ananda Marga held its head high. There is no power in the universe, in the heaven or in the underworld, which can annihilate Ananda Marga, because Ananda Marga is established on the solid foundation of rationality and righteousness. If those wicked forces engage in fight with Ananda Marga, they will themselves be pulverized: they will be crushed like ants.” (7)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Vidyabhusan Deva

Note 1: EARLIER LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

In preparation of this significant observance, a few days ago there was a posting about Baba’s famous darshan of that day.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/02/discourse-transcription-niilakantha.html

REFERENCES
1. Discourses on Krsna & The Giita, The Significance of the Word “Bhagaván”
2. Namami Krsnasundaram: Párthasárathi Krśńa and Pariprashna (Discourse 24)
3. Shabda Cayanika – 2, Disc: 8
4. Subhasita Samgraha – 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 1, Devotion
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 6, Ten Wonts of Dharma
7. A Few Problems Solved – 4, Forward Movement Is the Essence of Life

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

*******************
SOMETIMES DEMOCRACY IS HARMFUL

“There are occasions when majority decisions do not create unity in society because people are more or less divided on an issue. In such circumstances, the leaders should be very cautious when making their decisions, and take special care to safeguard the interests of everybody. In particular, they should select a course of action which does not harm the sentiments of any group. For example, suppose there are seven brothers in a joint family, and these brothers are divided on an issue. Four brothers may be on one side and three brothers on another. If the head of the family takes a decision based on the wishes of the majority, the family will be divided into two groups. Therefore, a decision should be taken which safeguards the interests of all the brothers.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles)

Note: Up till now, amongst the various political systems, democracy is the best of a bad lot. The ideal system will come in the future. Until that time, we must stick with democracy, despite its pitfalls and limitations.

On certain occasions, the democratic approach works well, but in many circumstances the result of majority rule is harmful. There are many delicate issues that should not be decided by the democratic process because such majority decisions harm the sentiments of the people, thereby leading to disunity and division. That is Baba’s above warning.

Here are a few practical examples from the greater society.

EXAMPLE OF BLOODSHED ON NATIONAL LANGUAGE

(A) After Indian Independence, using the democratic process, a majority decision was taken to make Hindi the national language. Ten of millions of people were extremely displeased and angered by this decision, especially in South India. That led to chaos and bloodshed within the country, and national unity was lost. This was clearly a case where a majority-based decision went against the well-being of the country, and failed to protect the interest of all. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

EXAMPLE DIVISION OF COUNTRY

(B) In certain Middle Eastern nations, the majority Muslims made Islam the national religion, thereby alienating those citizens who followed a different religion. This too led to infighting, socio-religious tensions, and disunity among the populace. Here again we see that a majority decision led to the fragmentation of society. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

EXAMPLE OF LANGUAGE SUPPRESSION

(C) For decades Pakistan and Bangladesh were one nation. But majority leaders of Pakistan suppressed the mother tongue (Bengali) of Bangladesh. In addition, those Pakistani leaders imposed various rules and laws. The people of East Pakistan felt suffocated and in result broke away and formed their own nation, i.e. Bangladesh. This also shows how a majority vote by Pakistani leaders led to a divisive outcome. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

TWO EXAMPLES OF FAMILY DIVISION

(D) As Baba points out above, majority decisions can lead to disunity and divisions within a family as well. Suppose there are 6 grown siblings who share a house together. Four are smokers and wish to smoke inside the house. The two non-smokers object. A voted is taken and by a 4 to 2 majority it is decided that smoking is acceptable in the house. This greatly annoys and disturbs the non-smokers and they move out, thereby dividing the family. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

In such a circumstance, the rational approach for these six siblings would be to consider the wishes of everyone and ban smoking in the house but allow for people to smoke outside on the porches. By this way, all can still peacefully and practically co-exist.

(E) A similar type of example can be raised regarding loud music. Suppose there are 6 people living together and 4 wish to play loud music at night while the remaining two prefer a quiet house. If a majority decision is made to allow loud music, then the remaining two will leave. Here again, majority decisions leads to the breakdown of a family or social unity. That is why on sensitive issues, other means need to be employed to protect the comfort and interests of all.

The above are all cases where a majority decision alienated and infuriated a section of the population. In result, there was serious social discord, violent uprisings, and division.

TWO EXAMPLES OF HOW UNITY WAS HEIGHTENED

BY FORGOING MAJORITY BASED DECISIONS

There is another way to examine this issue.

(F) There are occasions where majority rule was not followed and in result there was greater unity in society. When the black slaves were freed in the US, that was not a majority decision. If it had gone to a democratic vote or referendum, their freedom would not have been granted. In response, there would have been a revolt, and that would have led to more struggle and strife and tremendous bloodshed. Those in power understood well that a majority decision to keep black enslaved would be tantamount to pouring gasoline on a fire. Thus, a proclamation was made to set blacks free; this issue was never sent for a referendum. In result, the blacks were freed and society was far better off than if they voted and the majority decided not to free the black slaves. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

(G) A similar event occurred with granting women the right to vote. In various countries around the world, the ruling males could have taken a majority decision not to grant voting rights to women. Had they done so, there would have been terrible discord and tension in society. Due to social pressure and circumstance, those at the helm came to the conclusion that women must be given franchise. A similar event occurred with granting women the right to vote. In various countries around the world, the ruling males could have taken a majority decision not to grant voting rights to women. Had they done so, there would have been terrible discord and tension in society. Due to social pressure and circumstance, those at the helm came to the conclusion that women must be given franchise. They understood that in so doing there would be greater peace and harmony in society. Thus, on sensitive issues a democratic, majority decision sparks anger, alienation, and disunity.

The overall point which Baba has given is that the democratic approach does not bring social harmony if a majority decision is made on certain sensitive issues. On certain occasions, the rule by majority is fine. Yet there remain numerous instances on delicate topic where a majority decision only serves to alienate and anger many people ultimately cause division and disunity.

Thus care and caution are needed to build a unified society. Simply resorting to majority rule will not do. That is Baba’s guideline.
*******************

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Discourse Transcription: Niilakantha Divas & how to Observe

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:31:51
From: “kalyanmurti…”
Subject: Discourse Transcription: Niilakantha Divas & how to Observe

Baba

This entire email contains three distinct sections:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita and explanation;
(2) Posting About Niilakantha Divas;
(3) Trailer Quote.

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*). Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita:

“Apa’r ananta tumi, ki va’ ja’ni a’mi,
toma’r krpa’y mor din cole ja’y…” PS# 2147

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are endless and infinite, yet I am small and meagre. How much can I know of You; I know not. O’ Lord, my days are passing only by Your grace. O’ Divine Entity, by taking Your name and singing Your song, I am moving along Your divine path of Ananda Marga, according to Your desire. My existence moves on in Your flow.

O’ Parama Purusa, I love You; by singing Your name, I smile and weep in Your love. By singing Your name and ideating on You, I am drenched in your overflowing divine love. Ensconced in that vibration, I weep and smile [1]. Baba, O’ Prabhu, to do Your work, I come onto this earth again and again. The way You want my life to proceed is the way it moves on. You make me act according to Your desire.

One cannot know Your whereabouts – one cannot get You – by the study of scripture, philosophy, and science. By this way, one cannot get any idea about You. Baba, according to Your desire everything happens. Everything happens due to Your karuna’ [2], due to Your immense compassion.

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are infinite, beginningless, and endless. By chanting Your name and singing Your song, my whole life is passing according to Your direction…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA # 2147:

[1] Ensconced in that vibration, I weep and smile: Here below Baba enlists the many different ways a sadhaka might express their deeply devotional feeling and realisation.

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

[2] Karun’a: When Parama Purus’a sees the suffering of devotees, He feels pained by their inability to move ahead because of so many problems and difficulties. In such circumstances, Parama Purusa cannot bear to watch His bhaktas go through so much struggle and strife. When devotees are helpless and trying hard to progress but their pathway is completely obstructed and they cannot advance in their sadhana or any sphere of life – overcome by various complexes, bondages, and obstacles – then a feeling of deep, deep empathy develops in the mind of Parama Purusa. This feeling or mind-set is karun’a bha’va. He feels He must rescue them immediately. And when He steps in and helps that is His showering of His karun’a. In that way, Parama Purus’a comes. With His immense feeling of karuna’, He blesses His devotees and relieves them of their pain and suffering. This is nothing but His divine karuna’: Wherein Parama Purus’a cares for the devotees and removes their troubles and hindrances so that once again they can move ahead. So there is a distinct difference between krpa (grace) and karuna (compassion). Finally, there is more to say about this topic of karun’a so kindly consider this an ongoing topic.

*** Prabhat Samgiita ends and now the letter starts ***

== DISCOURSE TRANSCRIPTION: NIILAKANTHA DIVAS & HOW TO OBSERVE ==

Namaskar,
We all know that the observance of Niilakantha Divas stands as one great occasion in our Ananda Marga society. That marks the very significant day – Feb 12, 1973 – those sinful forces poisoned Baba when He was in jail.

Upon initial reflection, one might think this day of Niilakantha is a time to grieve or be sorrowful, and to solemnly recall the past. After all, this was the time when a dreadful attack was done against our Sadguru. In those early years many were thinking like this.

Specifically from 1973 – 1979, margiis were observing this date by fasting and engaging in protest. To clear the matter to one and all, in His divine way, Baba Himself has guided us that Niilkantha Divas is the day to express sentient anger against those sinful forces.

This occasion hold dharmic spirit that and long-term & far-reaching ideological significance.

I WAS THERE ON THAT OCCASION

By Baba’s fathomless grace I was present at that very morning general darshan on 12 Feb 1979 in Patna when Baba Himself has given the full descriptive analysis about how to observe Niilkantha Divas.

ONE SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE

We are remember that we are expressing sentient anger toward those demonic forces who poisoned Baba by not giving in to their tactics and instead feeding the impoverished and need people delicious food. This is our special approach and more about this is explained below.

LITERAL MEANING OF NIILKANTHA DIVAS

Niila Kantha is a Sanskrit / Samskrta term. “Niila” means blue; “kantha” means throat. This is the literal meaning of Niilakantha: Blue throat. And ‘divas’, as we all know means day. So the entire meaning of Niilakantha Divas is “blue throat day”. As this was the day when Baba Himself allowed His throat to ‘turn blue’ by swallowing the deadly poison that those papiis gave Him when He was in jail.

Niilakantha is also the name of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva swallowed the poison to save humanity and that poison remained stuck in His throat. In consequence, His remained blue. By His divine force, Lord Shiva he did not allow the poison to be digested and spread throughout His entire body. More about this account is written in note 2 after the signature.

TRANSCRIPTION OF BABA’S DISCOURSE

Here below is a transcription of the English portion of the original sound file 12 Feb 79 in Patna. The Hindi and Bengali sections are not included here.

This morning general darshan of 12 Feb 79 was the first observance of Niilkantha Divas after Baba was released from jail. As all may recall, Baba Himself was released from jail towards the end of 1978. And Baba’s below darshan took place on Monday, 12 February 1979 in Patna, six years to the day of that poisoning incident.

The following is an actual transcription of the original audio recording. It is printed “as is”.

—

[मार्गी लोग एक साथ बोल उठे—“नीलकण्ठ बाबा की, जै !!”]

[Margiis are raising the slogan, “Niilakantha Baba Ki – Jay!!”]

Baba addresses Ramanandji: “अंग्रेज़ी में भी बोल दो |” [Now speak in English.]

[Ra’ma’nanda—“Actually you know, on 12th February, 1973, on this very day Baba was poisoned in Bankipur Central Jail. And this conspiracy was hatched by CBI, those who since the very beginning were trying to finish Baba, remove Him from this world. So, on this very day in 1973 He was poisoned in the jail. Actually, I was the first visitor to visit His cell, and when I saw Him lying on the bed, He was neither able to move nor to speak. And I came to know, just through indications, that His nerves and brain were not properly functioning. His eyes were red, and were watering profusely. And these were the signs which indicated that something serious had happened. When I came out from the jail, I inquired with the doctors–some Margii doctors, and other doctors were there. They immediately said that He has been poisoned, and these are the reactions of the poison. So we felt that there should be inquiry into this incident. That, who is behind this nefarious work.”]

Baba: “Judicial probe
[Ra’ma’nanda—“Yes. Who are the persons behind this nefarious work. So we wanted judicial inquiry, judicial probe. The Indira government never gave us the opportunity to express ourselves or to place the fact before the public, as to what are the issues. She suppressed this thing, she didn’t institute any inquiry. Then Baba was compelled to go on fast from 1st April 1973. And He continued His fast up to 1st August 1978. So five years, four months, and one day He continued His fast. So these things, actually—“]

Baba: “I wrote a letter to the President of India, that I know who are the black hands working from behind the curtain.”

[Ra’ma’nanda—“Several letters were written and there are many things as you know, which happened. Self-immolations, for that, agitations—“]

Baba: “So many boys and so many girls died.”

[Ra’ma’nanda —“So, in spite of that, many things had happened. Anyway, we were not knowing how to commemorate this particular day, this 12th February. Then we just sat together and asked that what we will call this very day. What will be the name of this particular day. And, we came to this conclusion that this day will be commemorated in the name of, “Niilakant’ha Divasa”. So, we were observing since 1973, and we were continuing. But, we were not having the proper guidance, in which way we can commemorate it. So, today, just I asked Baba how to do it. And then He told that, “You people will decide how to commemorate it.” Then, when we didn’t give proper reply to Baba, then He Himself told that, “Why you will be fasting? It will be, You will have to show your sentient anger, not just go on fasting or something like that.” Then, He told that, “You will have to give the reply if somebody has poisoned you, you will have to show some—“]

Baba: “Give the reply in a subtler way.”

[Ra’ma’nanda—“Give reply in a subtler way, giving them Amrta.”]

Baba: ““Amrta” means nectar.”

[Ra’ma’nanda—“Amrta means nectar. So, we are to take food that day, and the best food we should give to the needy on this very day. Whosoever we may be, whether margii, avadhuta, or acarya. If avadhutas, or acaryas, or wholetimers having not money, they will have to beg.”]

Baba: “Avadhutas have got no property, personal property.”

[Ra’ma’nanda—“They have to raise funds, they will have to collect, and buy something and feed to the people.]

Baba: “They will collect funds by begging. And feed the poor people.”

[Ra’ma’nanda—“So in this way, we can comemmorate this day, of Niilakant’ha Divasa.”]

[बाबा ने उपस्थित मार्गियों से पूछा—] अच्छा, तुम लोगों को यह मंज़ूर है ?

[Baba asked all those margiis present, OK – do you all agree with this?]

[मार्गी—“जी बाबा |”]

[Margiis repleid in one voice: Yes, Baba]

[मार्गी लोग एक साथ बोल उठे—“नीलकण्ठ बाबा की, जै !!”]

[Margiis are raising the slogan, “Niilakantha Baba Ki – Jay!!”]

[परम पिता बाबा की जय ! परम पिता बाबा की जय ! परम पिता बाबा की जय !]

[Parama Pita Baba Ki – Jay! Parama Pita Baba Ki – Jay! Parama Pita Baba Ki – Jay!]

—

That concludes the transcription of the audio file from Baba’s unique darshan of 12 Feb 1979 in Patna.

SOME UNIQUE ASPECTS OF NIILAKANTHA DIVAS

Here is another way that we could consider adding to the observance of Niilakantha Divas.

Just as Light Festival and Victory Day have their historical significance as well as their present day value, we could do the same with Niilakantha Divas. We could think of it not just as as point of history but as a day to oppose injustices. We could take a strong resolution and vow to fight against injustices and establish dharma.

It could be a day to oppose any and all sinful acts – wherever one may be, where we wholeheartedly raise our voice and take a staunch stand against all sorts of misdeeds committed by those terrible sinners.

It could be a time to express our sentient anger (sattvika krodha) and forcibly create the necessary circumstantial pressure to make those unrighteous and wicked people give up their nasty activities and mend their unjust ways. It could be a time to bring negative elements onto the path of welfare.

So just as other festivals have their own specific purposes such as Light festival, Spring festival, Ananda Purnima etc, likewise Niilkantha Divas could have its own special value both historical and contemporary.

SUMMARY OF HOW TO OBSERVE NIILAKANTHA DIVAS

Here is brief summary for how we are to observe Niilakantha Divas.

If one is a family margii one must buy and prepare food and create a delicious dish to serve to the neediest person. All must participate in this way. Each individual in Ananda Marga must feed at least one financially impoverished person the best food available. And if one is part of a family of 5, then that family must feed at least 5 economically destitute persons a sumptuous meal. If a Wt does not have sufficient funds to buy food then they must beg for enough money to purchase food. Accordingly, they must prepare a delicious meal and serve theat to a needy person. So everyone is involved: WT’s and margiis.

In a phrase, we are to replace the poison with nectar. Every margii and worker must participate in this way.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Kalyanmurti

Note 1: SATTVIKA KRODHA

Sentient Anger (Sattivka Krodha): The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Baba – Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never really became angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach and impress upon others the severity of a particular situation. By this way, He would express sentient anger. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc. Just He would display anger externally in order to lovingly guide His devotees.

Usually in anger one does not have control over their nerve cells and nerve fibres. Their face gets red and their body starts trembling and ultimately they lose control over their motor and sensory organs. In that case, they may engage in uncontrollable anger, talk in an outraged manner, and lose all their physical and intellectual strength. That is tamasika anger when they are over-powered in that way.

In contrast, when you feign anger then one is not affected. They do not lose their rationality – just they may use their voice to get their point across.

In feigned anger you are in control – you are the master of your anger vrtti – and in real anger you are a slave to your anger vrtti. Those who are occupied by this vrtti later repent, because they do nonsense things and harm others. That anger is very harmful, whereas sentient anger is not.

One can usually analyse if anger was real or feigned by synthesizing the entire situation. The person who is overpowered by or feigning anger certainly knows – others may or may not know.

Baba says, “Suppose a very good man is harshly rebuking an immoral person for having insulted him. Is that unfair? No, no, it is not unfair. It is called sentient anger. Anger is static; but sometimes it may be sa’ttvika, it may be sentient. And that type of anger is sentient anger– sa’ttvika krodha in Sanskrit.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 2, p.73-4 Sept ’78)

Note 2: LORD SHIVA SWALLOWED THE POISON

The mythological story about Lord Shiva swallowing the poison goes like this. The mighty ocean was churning and so many good and bad things emerged from the mouth of that ocean, including a huge amount of terrible poison. The rishis and devates saw all that poison and thought that only Lord Shiva can handles this – everyone else will be ruined. So to save the universe Lord Shiva graciously ate that poison.

In a devotional way, we can understand that without the sweet will of Parama Purusa nothing happens. To save the universe from the tortures and lethal effects of the demonic forces – who wanted to wipe out everyone, i.e. all the dharmic people from this earth, Baba took the poison and saved humanity.

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

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HUMAN BEINGS HAVE LOST TALE AND THE CAPACITY TO RUMINATE

“In that era people used to live in trees. They used to secure themselves to the tree or the tree branch with their tail so that they would not fall out of the tree while they were asleep. Later on, when human beings began to build temporary dwellings in the trees, the possibility of falling out diminished. Naturally, since the need for a tail diminished, the tail became smaller. Later still, when human beings learned to build permanent dwellings on the ground the need for a tail completely disappeared. Since there is no need for a tail now, there is no tail. The need for a tail disappeared some hundreds of thousands of years ago. There is, however, a truncated bone at the base of the backbone which is a carryover from that past time. It is present in the fetus while it is in its mother’s womb. Thereafter the tail does not grow in proportion to the rest of the body. By the time the human child is born the tail is no longer outside the body. A somewhat similar thing happens with frogs. The tadpole has a tail but when it gets bigger it falls off. This all happens in the path of emanation.”

“In those days there was little security in people’s lives. On one side there were fierce animals and on the other a scarcity of food. Both of these were constants. Nowadays if there is a scarcity of food in one place people can bring food materials from someplace else but that was not possible then. If food appeared one day there was no certainty [nishcitatá] that it would appear the next. Due to these kinds of circumstances human beings used to have an appendix to their intestines for accumulated or excess food. As it was needed this food would stimulate salivation in the mouth and be fully eaten and digested. The proper eating and digesting of the surplus food in the appendix is called romanthana in Sanskrit and jábar kát́á in Bengali. In good English we call it “rumination” and in spoken English “chewing the cud”. Many herbivorous (vegetarian) animals still ruminate and a need still exists for it in their wild state. As the certainty of food supplies gradually increased, the need for a corporal appendix to the intestines lessened. Eventually there was even not the slightest need for it. Today a small vestige of it remains in the human body although it is no longer used in times of distress. Human beings have lost the capacity to ruminate.” (Varna Vijiana – Emanation (Discourse 20))
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Which Pathy Is The Best #2

Date: 04 2013 22:36:13 -0000
From: “Surya Deva”
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Which Pathy Is The Best #2

Baba

“Nijer katha’ bolate gele yug ye cale ya’y…” (Prabhata Samgiita #2610)

Purport:

Baba, my whole life is getting wasted in propagating my own “greatness”. Since ages I have been involved in this foolish endeavour. O’ Parama Purusa, please fill my mind with Your divine tales. By listening to Your stories and talks, my whole heart, nay my whole being, will be satiated.

O’ my Lord, in order to listen to Your divine gospel, I have remained awake since many lives – since ages. O’ Parama Purusa, my mind is restless to get a glimpse of Your smile. My mind only wants You, O my Dearmost.

O’ Parama Purusa, today You have graced me and changed my heart; I will no longer waste my time in self-glorification and bragging about my unit ‘I’, little ego. I will not talk about my own unit hopes and misteries. Now, O’ Divine Infinite Parama Purusa, this unit is running constantly towards You.

Baba, I wasted my life in self-propaganda. Now by Your grace only I want to listen to Your glory, Your sweet gospel, O’ Parama Purusa, I am surrendering at Your lotus feet…

== WHICH PATHY IS BEST #2 ==

Namaskar,

“Now the question is, which system of medicine is best. Certainly every individual has their own opinion. The purpose of this letter is to highlight some critical points which Baba has given about the prevailing pathys. To this end, we shall review (a) allopathy (i.e. western medicine), (b) ayurveda, (c) naturopathy, and (d) homeopathy. In addition, we will examine a few of Baba’s overarching guidelines about the field of medicine and health, as well as what form it should take in the future.”

In the first letter (link appended below) on this topic, the first three of the aforementioned pathys were examined. Here we start with homeopathy.

BENEFITS OF HOMEOPATHY

The final pathy explored here is homeopathy.

Baba says, “In homeopathy whose principle is “Samah samam shamayati” (like cures like), the disease is not treated, but the symptom of the disease is treated. No matter whether the disease is diarrhea or malaria, the symptom is treated and not the disease. Moreover, the medicine is applied in a subtle form. It is theorized that the subtle affects the crude, hence subtle medicine is applied to cure the crude disease. The more subtle the medicine, the more effective the result on the crude disease.” (12)

“The value of the principle shama samaḿ shamayati [similia similibus curantue – “like cures like”)] has been understood by human beings since the age of the Mahábhárata, but it was Mahatma Hahnemann who brought it to the scientific level through his system of homeopathy. People realized the value of this principle during the Mahábhárata age from the poison treatment of the poisoned Bhiima. There were considerable advances in Ayurveda in poison research, especially with snake, scorpion, spider and hornet poisons.” (11)

The special quality of homeopathic medicines are that they are subtle and work in a very deep way. These medicines work directly on the symptoms of the patient. That is highly beneficial. In contrast, medicines of other systems like allopathy and ayurveda are not based on the symptoms of the patient, but rather the disease.

For instance, suppose a patient is suffering from dyspepsia. In that case, homeopathic meds will be given based on the type of pain and discomfort a person is feeling. Burning pain might be one medicine, and if it is excess gas and bloating, then that is a different medicine. Thus there are various medicines in te field of homeopathy that might be used for that patient, depending upon what they are experiencing. Whereas, allopathy has only one single medicine for dyspepsia. And that medicine will create a very harsh reaction on the body.

Same is the case with dysuria. Homeopathic remedies will be numerous based on the various symptoms a patient might have. Whereas allopathy and ayurveda have a single medicine for such a disease. And those medicines invite harmful side-effects.

That is why Baba warns us that such medicines can create problems. Not only that, if an allopathic medicine is given yet the patient does not actually have that disease, then it is doubly dangerous.

Furthermore, because homeopathy uses very subtle medicines even if the selection is wrong, it does not cause harm. No doubt, the wrong homeopathic medicine may not bring about the cure; yet it will not be harmful, let alone disastrous as is the case with ayurvedic or allopathic medicines.

Baba says, “The principles, application and philosophy of homeopathy are completely different from [other] medical treatments. Homeopathy treats the symptoms of the patient, not the disease. So there is very little possibility of causing harm, even if the diagnosis is not quite correct. A doctor with good powers of observation and a subtle sense of discrimination can easily prescribe remedies according to the patient’s symptoms.” (13)

All in all there are many benefits of homeopathy:
(a) The medicines are very subtle and hence not harmful.
(b) Homeopathy treats the symptom – not the disease – yet this way the problem is cured.
(c) If the wrong medicine is administered, there are no adverse side effects.
(d) Homeopathy can treat a wide array of illnesses and human conditions.
(e) The medicines are inexpensive.

So there are many plus points of homeopathy. In addition, with the today’s modern computer programs, an observant patient can often find out the right homeopathic remedy. In that case, there is no need to visit the doctor.

MODERN ENHANCEMENTS OF HOMEOPATHY

Here below Baba appreciates how homeopathic practitioners now support the use of needles to administer medicines – as do modern day ayurvedic doctors.

“Nowadays, in those cases where there is difficulty getting the desired effect by swallowing the medicine or ingesting it in some other way, or where the effect is delayed, the system of introducing the medicine into the body through injection is widely prevalent. If anything is injected into the body through a needle it is called súcikábharańa. Súcikábharańa existed in Ayurveda in ancient times to a small extent, but this science could not advance much in those days, chiefly due to the influence of certain superstitions among the people at that time. They did not want to allow anything into their bodies through injection, so this science remained unappreciated. Nowadays it is possible to save the patient’s life with injections in the case of diseases that are difficult to cure or treat, or in the case of life-threatening disease. Thankfully, modern practitioners of Ayurveda and Homeopathy, willingly or unwillingly, have accepted the use of needles and themselves use them.” (14)

With the addition of surgery, homeopathy will be an even more successful and effective pathy.

“Homeopathy should embrace surgery, and if this is done it will be good for the all-round welfare of the people.” (15)

BEWARE:

PRESCRIBING MEDICINES IS JUST GUESSWORK

Here Baba points out that the doctor’s decision to prescribe a particular medicine is just their best guess. So no one should accept a doctor’s prescription for a particular medicine as an exact science.

“Is it not simply guesswork to prescribe medicines for a particular disease when the medicine is prescribed for the disease but the disease is diagnosed according to the bodily constituents? If you mentioned this to an allopath, ayurvedic doctor or hakim he or she would probably hand over his or her stethoscope or mortar and pestle and reply, “Here you are, sir. You had better treat the disease yourself.” This, of course, is an angry remark. While I recognize that a lay person should not have the audacity to counsel a doctor, I must also point out that everyone has the right to consider the merits and demerits of a particular type of medical treatment.” (16)

Doctors can only guess as to which medicine they think is most appropriate. They can only surmise whether, “This is absolutely the correct medicine or whether this is definitively the wrong medicine.” All in all, it is a delicate situation. But so long as the medicine is inherently not harmful, then naturally that pathway is more safe.

So, two things are of importance here:

(a) No doctor of any pathy can confidently claim that: “This is the proper medicine”, as their selection is only based on their “best guess.” On an assumption they administer the medicine.

(b) If some medicines are unrefined – virtually poison – the patient may be harmed and even die.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT IS THE BEST

ESPECIALLY FOR SADHAKAS

As sadhakas, we take sentient food, practice asanas and sadhana, and maintain a devotional ideation. By this way both the mind body become more subtle.

By following Ananda Marga teachings, the entire existence becomes more subtle than common non-margii citizens. So we have to be very cautious and alert while taking any type of medicine. The medicines of the ayurvedic and allopathic systems can be more disastrous for us than non-margiis. In some extreme cases, there may be no other option. We may need to take a strong medicine that is potentially very harmful. But for the overall treatment of the body, in our practical approach, one chief option remains: Taking treatment via homeopathy.

Homeopathic remedies are the best types of medicine. That is Baba’s general guideline. Ultimately, however, Baba advises that all the pathys should be used to complement one another and the end point should be the welfare of the patient.

ALL PATHY’S UNDER ONE ROOF

According to Ananda Marga philosophy, the most rational approach with respect to medical care is for all the pathys to exist under one roof. Patients should be evaluated on a case by case basis and then directed to the right avenue of treatment. Each medical pathy has its speciality and ethic. The goal is the cure the patient, regardless of the pathy involved. Using multiple pathys is also quite appropriate. For instance allopathic surgery combined with homeopathic medicine might be the ideal way to treat a particular patient. The end point should be the patient’s welfare – not which pathy is used.

“The welfare of the patient should be the main aim of the medical profession, regardless of the philosophical or logical ramifications of a particular system of medicine. Doctors may find it somewhat difficult to work with such a principle, because it is unreasonable to expect them to be experts in all the medical systems. In reality, it is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, what is not possible in a doctor’s chambers may be possible in a hospital.”
“In the hospitals of some countries the welfare of the patient is given top priority and the patient is treated accordingly. Immediately after being admitted, he or she is thoroughly examined by an appropriate board of doctors who determine the most suitable system of medical treatment. In other words, if the patient’s disease can be easily cured by allopathy, he or she will be treated by an allopath; if by homoeopathy, by a homoeopath; if by naturopathy, by a naturopath; and so on. If various types of treatment are available, changing from one type to another will not be difficult in the event of the patient not responding to a particular type of treatment.” (17)

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“The great danger in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines according to the germs and diseases present in the body is that it is nearly impossible to arrive at a firm conclusion about the precise nature of germs. Whether diseases are caused by germs or germs are created from diseases which are caused by other factors is a matter of controversy. The symptoms of one disease may be identical to those of another, and the remedy for one may prove to be completely ineffective or even harmful in the case of the other. Moreover, as poisons are used, they may seriously affect the vitality of the patient. Just imagine, if the doctor is incompetent or is completely motivated by a business mentality, what will the plight of the public be?” (1)

“In both systems [ayurvedic and unani system] crude medicine is applied.” (2)

“Ayurveda and hekemii [hakims]…use strong medicines and also poison as a medicine…In this method of treatment the selection of medicines involves great risk, because more emphasis is placed on the indications of the disease than on those of the patient, and because of the possibility of causing death.” (3)

“There was a time when diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines were not very difficult because diagnoses were based on three constituents of the body – air, bile and phlegm – with blood as a fourth constituent. But increased physical and glandular complexity has led to a corresponding increase in the number and complexity of diseases.” (4)

“In the pure ayurvedic system, there is no surgery.” (5)

Baba says, “Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet.” (6)

Then Baba describes the various techniques and methods used by naturopaths – like fasting.

“Since ancient times many non-human creatures have considered fasting or deliberate abstinence from food as their natural medicine. You will notice that dogs and certain other animals abstain from eating if they feel a little ill. You also often do not feel like eating when you feel somewhat physically out of sorts. Some contemporary physicians advise their patients, and even pressure them, to eat even when they do not have any appetite. This, however, goes against the laws of nature. It is natural for a sick creature to feel an aversion for food, unless they suffer from the disease of overeating. By not eating, certain organs of the body enjoy a temporary rest. As a result, after the fast the organs are rejuvenated and reenergized and a feeling of wellbeing returns to the physical body. So not only in the case of prehistoric humans, in the case of the prehistoric animals as well, the ancient, pure and chief medicine was fasting or voluntary abstention from food.” (7)

Baba also describes how naturopathy uses the elements like light, air, earth and water.

“Sunlight and air: There are many healing elements in sunlight. The rays or pencils of rays of different colours in sunlight are medicines for different kinds of diseases – preventive and antidotal. Sunlight has different benefits during different hours of the day. Sun-warmed water also has different kinds of benefits. Thus sunlight has been regarded since ancient times as medicines for different bodily ailments. It is also said in the Vedas: súryah yathá sarvalokasya cakśuh [as the sun is the eye of the entire universe]. The medicine, that is, sunlight should be taken in through the dorsal spine, not through the chest or the abdomen.”
“The pure air of a secluded place is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine in the form of air should be taken through the back of the head and the upper part of the forehead. The earth from a riverside area near a forest in which there is a small amount of sand and a large amount of soil is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine should be taken bare-bodied on a bed of earth.”
“Water: Odorless, tepid water, especially if it is sun-warmed, is an excellent medicine for the physical body. It has great healing qualities. Since ancient times, knowingly or unknowingly, human beings and different animals have also accepted water as one of their medicines. It is also said in the Vedas: ápashca vishvabheśajii [and water is a universal medicine].” (8)

Ultimately, Baba reveals that limiting the practice of medicine to naturopathy alone is quite limiting and incomplete.

“Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet. I do not deny that this is possible, but it is also often difficult to gradually and completely attune the body to nature.” (9)

Here below Baba unveils the special way that medicine works – it facilitates the healing process in the body.

“People should recognize that medicine does not cure disease, rather nature cures disease with the help of the body’s own healing power. Medicine only helps to accelerate the activity and speed of the healing process.” (10)

Thus, Baba does not support the naturopathic model where no medicines are ever administered. Baba clearly appreciates the application of medicine when needed.

SUMMARY

The best way is to have all the pathys under one roof, utilizing the strengths of each for the welfare of that patient. We should also keep in mind that as a stand-alone practice, the medicines of homeopathy are best suited to the well-being of Ananda Marga sadhakas and all people. As far as possible, we should try and maintain health by strictly following Sixteen Points, and using homeophatic remedies – as the need arises. In the near future, more and more hospitals and medical centers will offer all the pathys under one roof. That will be the ideal system.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Surya Deva

Note 1: VAEDYAK SYSTEM APPROVES OF SURGERY

And the Ayurveda system should not be confused with the vaedyak system given by Lord Shiva which does include surgery. Because Lord Shiva Himself approved the vaedyak system of medicine.

But this vaedyak system got a serious blow after the arrival of Buddhism. Since then various dogmas and superstitions were injected and that had a horribly detrimental effect on the progress of medicine. Rather it sent medicine back into the dark ages. Due to the dogma of Buddhism, the dead body was prohibited for use in dissection.

Thus because of Buddha’s dogmatic influence and that of the Puranic religion, India went far behind in surgery. At the time of the Mahabharat period, surgery was quite common. And that was not due to ayurveda; rather, it was because of vaedyak shastra.

In the Discourses On the Mahabharat Baba has revealed the above fact. History is there that King Jarasandh, at the time of his birth he was born via cesarean, and the doctor was the lady doctor Jara’ who stitched Jarasandh’s body parts together. This marked how the people of that period were well acquainted with surgery. But later on this science of surgery faced serious problem, due to the dogmatic beliefs of Buddhism, and research on medical science could not be done. So India lagged behind, in surgery. (18)

Note 2: ORIGIN OF HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT STARTED IN INDIA

Baba says, “Visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) is native to India, and its first reference is found in the Mahabharata period. Later on this visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was encouraged not by Aryans, but rather by non-Aryans, and South India, especially Malabar, saw it expand a lot. These people attribute the origin of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) to Lord Krsna, i.e., visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was originated by Krsna.And vaedyaka shastra was originated by Lord Sadashiva…”
“But the originator of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was Lord Krsna. In the Mahabharata period, it was appreciated a lot, and people discussed it and practised it by applying different venoms such as the venom of the snake, the venom of the spider, the venom of the scorpion, etc., to cure snake bite, spider bite, scorpion bite, etc. In course of time, it was neglected. At last it had some place in the royal family of Cochin. This system is neglected nowadays, but if it is encouraged, a new system will be added to medical science.” (19)

Note 3: OTHER KEY POINTS FROM THE FIRST LETTER

The first letter in this series addressed the first three aforementioned pathys, as well as various points about medicince and health including two Sanskrit Samskrta proverbs:

(A) “Sariram vya’dhi mandiram”.
‘Where there is a body, disease comes’.

(B) Here is one traditional, satirical saying about those pathys where harmful and poisonous medicines are used.
“Shat ma’ri bhavet vaedhyah. Sahasra ma’ri cikitsakah” (Human Society – 1)

The meaning is: If a doctor kills 100 patients by prescribing the wrong medicine, he is known as a “vaedyah”, i.e. less qualified doctor; if a doctor kills 1000 persons by administering wrong medicines, he becomes “cikitsak”, i.e. high-qualified doctor.

Note 4: LINK TO THE PRIOR LETTER IN THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/which-pathy-is-best-1.html

REFERENCES
1. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
2. Discourses on the Mahabharata, The Medical Science of the Age
3. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
4. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
5. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21
6. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
7. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
8. Shabda Cayanika – 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
9. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
10. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
11. 8. Shabda Cayanika – 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
12. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21-2
13. Human Society – 1
14. Shabda Caynika – 4, Kárpat́ika to Kála (Discourse 23)
15. ‘Guidelines for Commencing Microvita Research’
16. Human Society -1, Various Occupations
17. Human Society – 1, Various Occupations
18. Reference: Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.24
19. Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.22-23

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

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BEWARE OF THE CINEMA & VIDEO GAMES

“Many people in society do not become criminals because of physiological or hereditary factors. Nor do they become involved in criminal activities due to the influence of base propensities, or due to lack of education or social control. Yet today civilized society looks down on them because they are criminals when they could have been revered as ideal human beings with impeccable characters if they had been given a proper environment.”
“They are glaring examples that honest people can become dishonest as a result of environmental pressures. The sensitive, honest son of a villainous father is compelled to participate in antisocial activities out of fear of paternal abuse. This creates a habit which eventually becomes part of his nature.” (Human Society – 1, Justice)

“In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls, adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities, the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad company causes depravity. Many cinema-goers imagine that the characters that they see on the screen are their actual acquaintances, but when they try to emulate these characters, they discover that the real world is much tougher than the world portrayed by the cinema.” (Human Society – 1, Justice)

Note: Here is a recent news report. This following incident happened after one teenager watched a horror film over and over again. The boy became obsessed with the film’s main character and in result he committed the same demonic crime. The main character killed his mother and his sister. After watching the film many times, in a cold-blooded, detached manner, the teenager ruthlessly murdered his mother and his sister. We must not allow children to see such violent movies and play such violent video games. So many dastardly crimes have occurred because of these violent video games and movies. That is Baba’s warning.

Here is the headline and introductory sentence of this news article.

“17-year-old murder suspect inspired by ‘Halloween’ slasher flick”

“Jake Evans fatally shot his mother and sister after watching the horror film numerous times. Evans wrote he was ‘amazed at how at ease the boy was during the murders and how little remorse he had afterward’ in a confession to police.”

To read more of this news story, click here…
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Current Affairs: AMPS – Group Fighting – Causes & Solutions #1

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:47:33 -0000
From: “Manoj”
Subject: Current Affairs: AMPS – Group Fighting – Causes & Solutions #1
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== CURRENT AFFAIRS: AMPS – GROUP FIGHTING – CAUSES AND SOLUTION ==

~ Part 1 ~

Namaskar,
When Parama Purusa comes in the form of Mahasambhuti, all His engagements in that form come within the scope of “Naraliila of Parama Purusa”. Many things He does people don’t understand – they do not know the reason. That’s why those types of events are called “liila”. The reasons of which are known to Him only. So Parama Purusa is infinite and His liila is also infinite.

This is also one of His liilas: On one side in the scriptures He has written that He lives with devotees. That is true. But there is another side to the story as well.

HISTORY OF MAHASAMBHUTI

Lord Shiva came and then Lord Krsna came. In each of these circumstances, Mahasambhuti engaged with various types of people. Some were very good; some were normal. One common theme was that those working with Him thought that they had higher realization of and greater proximity with the Lord.

The same thing happened in Baba’s time as well.

Such persons working around Mahasambhuti thought that they are most close to Him. Why did they think like this? Because they were in close physical proximity to Parama Purusa. For this reason, they thought they were psycho-spiritually close as well.

WAYS HE GIVES HINT OF HIS LIILA

In His divine liila, Baba reveals His teachings in various ways: Through stories, humor, Prabhat Samgiita, and discourses etc. Through these media, He reveals His inner thoughts in various ways.

THOSE PHYSICALLY CLOSE MAY BE SPIRITUALLY FAR

Baba has also given this following Prabhat Samgiita which demonstrates that those physically close may not have been very close in other realms.

“Keu ka’che peyeo cinate na’re, dure thekeo cene…” (Prabhata Samgiita 3286)

By getting physically close they do not recognize Him, whereas some from even distance recognize His magnanimity. And some by getting His sweet touch even, they drown in staticity. And some without knowing, they unknowingly believe fully in His greatness. O’ my Lord, You are doing so many things for me. You are filling my heart with the nectar. I am so unfortunate that after all this grace I do not recognize You and remain oblivious. – PS #3286

Clearly this song – “Keu ka’che peyeo” – gives this message that living physically close to Parama Purusa is not the defining quality of one’s devotional stature or closeness with Parama Purusa. Living in His physical proximity does not mean one is psycho-spiritually close. Many lived physically close to Mahasambhuti, yet they remain far from Him. In contrast, many live physically far, but keep Him in their hearts.

Innumerable examples of this can be given. We can determine one’s true relation with Mahasambuti by examining a person’s conduct. This formula applies to those who were living physically close to Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna or Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. By examining their conduct, we can undertand their real proximity to Parama Purusa.

THE YADAVA DYNASTY

We know the history of those in the lineage of Lord Krsna, His family the Jadu (Yadava) dynasty. They killed themselves with their blindness. They were all proud, to belong to the same lineage and part of Lord Krsna’s family, but by their actions we can understand that they were not truly close with Lord Krsna. They were not close psycho-spiritually.

The history is that after the Maha’bharat was over, the Yadavas – family members and disciples of Krsna – had nothing to do other than to drink wine and enjoy materially. And one day under the spell of wine they started attacking and killing each other. A group conflict erupted and everyone was killed.

Here below Baba describes how the Yadavas killed each other.

“In the Jadu dynasty during the time of the Mahabharata … Balaram was the elder brother of Krs’n’a and the king of the Jadu dynasty… Balaram was also an alcoholic. [And when Balaram and the Jadu family drank at one gathering]. The resulting drunkenness caused people to quarrel amongst themselves. Eventually they killed each other at Prabhash Tiirtha and the Jadu dynasty was destroyed.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 15, p. 62)

“When at last the Yaduvamshii [Jadu Dynasty] were destroyed in Prabhasa Tiirtha, Krśńa did not help them; rather He said that they were immoral and He could not support them.” (Discourses on the Mahabharata, Lord Krśńa’s Unique Approach)

EARLY DAYS OF ANANDA MARGA

Please look into this following example about those who were working along with Baba as a WT, or in any type of working relation. They were thinking they are most close. To remove their illusion, one day Baba told about the “Ringing Bell” story. (If you do not know this story then speak with senior margiis or acaryas.)

We have seen downfall of those who were in close physical proximity to Baba. And we will go on seeing. Because, ego is the worst enemy.

One can cite the name of Pranay Kumar Chatterjee, the first GS of Ananda Marga. And then Vishokananda, the first PA. Then Madhavananda, and so many such persons. These type of events are not new. Earlier in the Jamalpur days, many persons had this type of vanity – that they were close. Later on their glory became one with the dust.

Baba says, “Aham’ka’rah patanasya mu’lam” [“Pride goeth before a fall”]. (Namah Shivaya Shantaya)

SAME THING – OR WORSE – HAPPENING NOWADAYS

So at the time of Lord Krsna, the Yadavas drank, became intoxicated, and destroyed themselves.

Now in Ananda Marga we are seeing a similar scene: Those at the top are drunk with power. Groups have been formed and lines have been drawn. Both the sides are full of vanity. With whatever power and position they have, they are trying to root out others. They are on the attack for more power. They can do anything and everything for their own agenda, and wholly overlook ideological guidelines which Baba has given. Looking back at the history of what happened to the Jadu dynasty, then we have to consider the outcome. In the same are these group leaders going to meet a similar fate?

“They killed each other at Prabhash Tiirtha and the Jadu dynasty was destroyed. People who follow a path which is devoid of ideology are bound to meet the same fate. Eventually they will destroy themselves by their infighting… Consequently different groups are formed. We see this situation today.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 15, p.62)

BABA’S BLESSING

I recognize that some difficult challenges may be on the horizon. But by the following Baba’s blessing, I never feel pessimistic. I know that the future is bright.

Baba says,”There are some people who are pessimistic. They say that the society around us is very bleak, that it has no expression of vitality and that it seems that everyone is in a deep slumber. Pessimists say this because they have never made any detailed study of human history, nor do they care to. Had they done so, they would certainly be optimistic, because if they had looked carefully at the symptoms of pause, they would have realized that significant preparations were being made for the subsequent phase of speed. So under no circumstances should human beings be pessimistic. That is why I am always an incorrigible optimist, because I know that optimism is life.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 7, p.67)

Baba says, “We shall no longer remain divided into various gotras, and erect artificial walls of separation among ourselves. Smashing all these barriers, we shall all sit and eat and drink together in the same compound, bound by the ties of one human family.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 2)

CAUSE OF DISUNITY, INFIGHTING IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

BABA SAYS IN ORDER TO HAVE UNITY THE FORMULA IS…

“Unity among the members of any society or social structure is absolutely necessary, otherwise the structure will start disintegrating. Lack of unity among the members of society because of too much self-interest in the individual members, the formation of groups for economic or social advantage, and the lack of understanding of others, act not only to bring about the downfall of society, but also can wipe it out completely from the face of the earth. Instances of many groups and empires disappearing altogether are not rare in the little-known history of this world.”
“The problem, therefore, is the preservation of unity in society. Unity in society will be ensured if it is possible to enthuse the members of society with the following: a common ideal, a casteless society, collective social functions, and no capital punishment.” (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

BABA SAYS IN ORDER TO HAVE UNITY FORMULA:

A COMMON IDEAL

“A common ideal: It is often heard that a particular country was never so united as during war. This is partly due to love of one’s motherland, but more importantly, it is due to all the individuals having a common ideal: facing the perils of war. This common ideal is, however, a very temporary phenomenon and disappears when the dangers of war diminish.”
“In Ananda Marga the seed of a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a child’s life. At the age of five, when the child has acquired only a preliminary understanding of his or her surroundings, he or she is given the idea of Brahma [the Supreme Entity]. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal or goal – Brahma. This foundation will never be lost like the dangers of war. Such an ideal will not disappear like the common ideal of facing the dangers of war; so the unity in a society founded on the ideal of Brahma will be everlasting.” (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

APPLYING THAT TO AMPS

In above His discourse “Social Psychology”, Baba explains that four essential factors are needed to create unity.

Baba says, “Unity in society will be ensured if it is possible to enthuse the members of society with the following: a common ideal, a casteless society, collective social functions, and no capital punishment.” (A Few Problems Solved – 7, Social Psychology)

Here we shall address the first aspect: A common ideal.

Prior to 1990, there was a common ideal. Everyone rallied around Parama Purusa – that was the unifying factor. There was a tangible do-or-die spirit for Guru. Armed with this common ideal, our Ananda Marga organisation stood as one monolithic structure.

After 1990, also, for the first few years there was a common ideal. All in Ananda Marga looked upon the communists as an enemy. In rallying against the communists, there was the presence of a common ideal. To the degree that this was present,the there was unity.

But that common ideal soon faded.

Thus, due to lack of a shared enemy and a lack of accepting Parama Purusa as a common ideal, (i.e. common patrimony or one family where Parama Purusa is the Father), the seeds of division crept in and two distinct groups were formed – each with their own agenda. The fracturing has continued ever since.

Essentially, the group in power is prone to splitting whereas the non-dominant group holds together because they are have shared ideal – i.e. rallying against the dominant side. And that is what we have seen in AMPS. The Ranchi camp is the dominant group but they have divided into various sub-factions: Rudrananda camp, Nigamananda sub-faction, and Ananda Giita group and others. B group has stayed as one body when they accepted H group as an enemy. When that ideal faded, their cohesiveness was lost.

This has led to the rise of infighting.

When Brahma is not the common ideal of all members of society, then there is no chance for unity. Without that common ideal, unity cannot last. A group may maintain unity temporarily based on having a common enemy. But when there is no common enemy then disunity occurs. For lasting unity there must be a common ideal.

Those who cannot understand this notion of a common ideal should think in this way. So long as Iran says that the US is an enemy, they keep unity. Similarly, Pakistan says India is the enemy and by that way they keep unity. And now, every country has this type of temporary unity and the world gets disunited. In the US, the various political parties united after 911 and then they disunited when they no longer had an enemy as a common ideal.

Margiis could be united easily by embracing Parama Purusa as Father. Nowadays unity is maintained in a particular group by embracing an enemy as a common ideal – but that is temporary as best. Further requisite points for achieving unity will be addressed in forthcoming letters.

“The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal or goal – Brahma. This foundation will never be lost like the dangers of war. Such an ideal will not disappear like the common ideal of facing the dangers of war; so the unity in a society founded on the ideal of Brahma will be everlasting.” (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Manoj

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So Important, But Still Some Oblivious

From: “Manoranjan Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: 03 Jan 2013 19:13:56 -0000
Subject: So Important, But Still Some Oblivious

Baba

== SO IMPORTANT, BUT STILL SOME OBLIVIOUS ==

Namaskar,
Here we are talking about Prabhat Samgiita and which songs are best for Ananda Margiis to sing – from a purely devotional perspective.

Nowadays, in their innocence, a few are singing songs which go against the devotional feeling of Ananda Marga. We should therefore take a deeper look at the matter.

ALL HAVE DEVOTION

As we know, Baba has explained that every human being in this cosmos has devotion; not only that, but even developed animals have devotion. Undeveloped animals have devotion too, but it is in latent form. So even developed animals have their animal devotion and desire to be great. When they see something or someone bigger and stronger than they are, then they stop and look with awe at that entity. That means they accept that entity as greater than themselves. Reverence towards someone great is their devotion. You can visibly see this in all kinds of tamed animals. That is the main reason why intelligent animals have accepted human beings as their masters and have taken shelter under human care and direction. For them, their master is everything. They have devotion toward their master – just as intelligent human beings have devotion for Parama Purusa.

Actually, those animals do not know that there is someone greater than their human master – they do not know there is Parama Purusa. The moment they know about Parama Purusa they will salute Him and develop loyalty and surrender to the Divine Entity.

Similarly, every human being also has devotion and an innate longing to become great. Plus, everyone has the very sincere desire to satisfy that longing. Unfortunately, along the way, some get caught up in undesirable activities.

For instance, take the case of Hindus sacrificing goats to the gods. They do this as a sincere expression of their devotion. Though we know that this is just a dogmatic ritual that will not get them any closer to God. Rather, their harmful ways lead them in the opposite direction. Even then, these worshipers think that their practice of sacrificing goats is good and will allow them to reach God. So they are sincere, but misguided.

Such static rituals and traditional forms of worship are present in all the dogmatic religions.

Thus, even though all have devotion, vivek, and knowledge are needed to express that devotion in a proper way.

RELATING THIS WITH ANANDA MARGA AND PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Now let’s see how these above ideas relate with our devotional life and Prabhat Samgiita.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA IS FOR ALL

First off, we have to remember that Baba has given His teachings not just for Ananda Margiis, but for the entire humanity. For instance: Soon the whole world will be following the ways of Prout, whether they be margii or not. Likewise, Baba’s remedies in Yogic Treatments are for everyone; and, His various grammar books are to be studied in all schools around the globe. In the same way, Baba has graciously given His Prabhat Samgiita collection for the whole humanity – not just to the relatively small number of people who are Ananda Margiis.

Here then comes the crux of the matter.

Those Prabhat Samgiita composition that state, “O’ Lord Krsna, please come in my heart.” Then that song is for those bhaktas whose Ista is Lord Krsna.

And those songs which say, “O’ Prabhu, please come in my heart, come in my mind”, then that song is for Ananda Margiis. Why? Because here Prabhu means Lord and that can easily be goaded to Ista (i.e. nearest and dearest One), Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Side by side, those followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna can also use this song in their own way.

So Baba has graciously given His Prabhat Samgiita collection for all kinds of devotees – His divine compositions are for all. As Ananda Margiis, we should sing only those songs which goad the mind toward Baba, not any other divine entity. In our devotional life, we should only sing those songs that address Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, i.e. Baba.

Certainly we may learn the songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna; by that way we can best introduce non-margiis to those compositions. But we will not use those songs in our own devotional practices and programs.

THE POINT OF ISTA

Here the critical point is Ista. For Ananda Margiis, the Ista is not Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Although Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, and Baba are all the same, in theory. The same Divine Entity came three different times, in three different forms, with three different names. But for Ananda Margiis, Ista is not three, but rather one. Only Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is the Ista. So we must not chant, “O Lord Krsna, please come in my heart.” That is not beneficial – that is against point #10 of Sixteen Points: Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista.

Even then, some may naively wonder, “What is wrong if I sing those songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. I call out to all three Taraka Brahmas because if one fails to respond then at least one of the other two will do something and solve my problem.” But unfortunately that method does not work. About this dilemma, please read the story about the sick father in note 1 after the signature.

SINCERITY ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

Those who worship idols do not know that they will one day become idols; they will not become one with Parama Purusa. So although they are involved in worship, but that style of worship is the wrong approach and they are going to be crudified. They will not be benefitted, rather degraded.

Baba says, “The mind is extroverted by idol worship and is attracted towards finite objects. If the mental force is directed towards finite and crude objects, then the person is ultimately converted into crudeness.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1)

So here the key point is that sincerity alone is not enough. Those idol worshipers are very sincere in their devotion to their chosen deity. But the outcome of their practice is not good; they will degenerate and become one with the stone, bronze, copper, clay, wood etc, whatever their chosen idol is made of. So no practitioner can stand on sincerity alone; the path must also be proper.

Similarly, in Ananda Marga, Baba has given 16 points; and as noted above, one point is Ista. Ananda Margiis must be strict in Ista. In the practical realm that means: Although there are countless names of Parama Purusa, but for devotees and disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Ista is Baba, not Lord Krsna, not Lord Shiva, not goddess Durga, not Gaunga nor various other deities. There is none other important entity besides Baba.

Here is Baba’s key and colorful teaching on this matter.

Baba says, “A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone’s name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not.” (11 April 1979, Kolkata)

So although Baba has given 5,018 Prabhat Samgiita songs, one must have the required viveka to use the songs in the right way. We are only to sing those songs in our devotional practices that focus on Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

ONE-POINTED DEVOTION

If one oblivious margii is singing this song – Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara (Prabhat Samgiita #2526) – it means you are paying homage to Lord Shiva, requesting Him to “please come in my meditation and come in my dhyana.” But then when you conclude the song and start your actual meditation practice, you are pointing the mind towards your Guru, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. So that bifurcated approach is not at all good; it will not be helpful.

Why? Because you are addressing both Lord Shiva and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji; the mind is not at all pointed, rather bifurcated. Yet sadhana can only be done with a pointed mind.

Sadguru says, “According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed.” (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Liberation of the Devotee)

MUST LINK WITH ONE DIVINE ENTITY – NOT MANY

Think in this way: One small child calls its mother with the name “mom”. With that appellation, with that word, the mother and child are linked. When the child calls out “mom”, then that mother comes rushing and helps the child.

Now let’s say the mother’s legal or professional name is Radhika Devii, or Betty Thompson, or Maria Theresa Garcia. Then if that same child starts calling Radhika, Radhika, Radhika, or Betty, Betty, Betty, or Maria, Maria, Maria, then neither the child nor the mother will feel linked. Neither one will appreciate this.

This simple analogy anyone can understand. Try it in your own life with your own mother, close family member, intimate friend, or companion. Experiment with not using that special appellation or nickname that you have for them and address them by their public, legal name. You will find that the effect and vibration is vastly different as it adversely affects the intimacy and closeness of the relation.

The relationship with Ista works in the same way. Devotees and the Lord have a special relation and connection with one name not many. Devotees and God have a very intimate relation – there is only one name by which to address the Lord. Ista is one not two, and not many.

For Ananda Margiis, the Ista (i.e. nearest and dearest One) is Baba. So one must not focus on Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna during devotional practices. That will bifurcate the mind and dilute the devotional approach. In numerous discourses, Baba Himself says the name of Ista is one, not multiple. In Ananda Marga, Baba alone is the Ista. It is His glory one should sing and His name and form should be meditated upon.

STORY OF GREAT DEVOTEE HANUMAN

Here is a very significant story about the mythological bhakta – Hanuman.

“When Hanuman was asked why he was so insistent on taking the name of Ráma and never taking the name Náráyańa, he promptly replied:

Shriináthe jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani
Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocana.

“I know by philosophical analysis that there is no difference between Náráyańa and Rama, and yet I will channelize my mind towards One Entity and not many. For me there is no Náráyańa, there is only Ráma.”

“Likewise for the genuine spiritual aspirants there is only One Entity, and they rush only towards that Supreme One. Their minds move only in one direction, not in a thousand directions.” (Ananda Marga Way of Life – 11)

In that discourse, Baba’s pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka’s devotional feeling must be linked with one Ista – for Ananda Margiis that Ista is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For others it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.

Without this idea firmly set in the mind, one cannot reach the Goal. Ananda Margiis should not say, “O Lord Krsna come and grace me” – that will not help, rather hinder. The mind will be bifurcated or trifurcated. Some part of the mind will go to Lord Krsna, and another part to Lord Shiva, and some portion to Baba. That mind is broken, retarded – it will go nowhere. There is one ista – that is our Guru’s teaching.

An Ananda Margiis should only sing those devotional compositions that point the mind towards Baba; whereas those Prabhat Samgiita compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are for the general public. In devotional life, a sadhaka of Ananda Marga is to choose from the many hundreds of songs about Baba and sing only those songs, and not sing or use compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva. That does not mean we should discard those songs about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva, rather we are to learn them so we can teach others. But, in one’s own personal practice and devotional life, a bhakta of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Baba) is to only sing songs about Him. That is the key point – and the pointed mandate to follow.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINE

Remember, this is a very important spiritual guideline. If you follow this you get everything and if you do not follow it you will not get anything in the realm of spirituality.

Namaskar,
In Him alone,
Manoranjan

Note 1: SICK FATHER AND MEDICINE STORY

Once there was a father who was suffering from a sickness. He called out to his sons, “O’ Tom, Dick, Harry, I need medicine. Please go to the store and bring my medicine.” All three sons listened very sincerely to their father’s request. The eldest son, Tom, immediately thought that the youngest (Harry) will get it. And Harry thought Tom would get it. And Dick thought one of his brothers would get the medicine. Later, in the middle of the night, the father called out to his sons, “O Tom, Dick, Harry, now is the time I need my medicine.” All three sons looked at each other and realised that no one had gotten the medicine. Now all the shops were closed and father’s condition was not good. In short, disaster had struck. And there was nothing to be done in that late hour.

If the father had specifically asked one of his sons to get the medicine, then that son would have done it. Then the problem would have been averted. Asking all three sons at the same time was a mistake. The father learned his lesson.

This same theory holds true in the realm of devotion as well. Worshiping multiple deities is not going to bring the proper outcome. How is one going to be graced with it is divided in multiple directions. The mind must be pointed in one direction. In the field of devotion, the sadhaka must be singular in approach.

In their day-to-day practical manner, the Semitic religions worship not one god but many. Those followers ask boons and grace from numerous godheads. In theory, they may try to deny this and give their own justification; but in their practical life that is what they do. It is quite evident.

Nowadays, most Christians and Muslims are in so-called 3rd world countries. And those believers follow multiple religions plus local gods and goddesses. They are involved in numerous belief systems. One single person might worship Allah, a Christian God, and their own local or native gods / goddesses and ritualistic deities. This is prevalent all around Africa and the Asian nations.

Next the is Buddhism which has adopted multiples deities. And the worst is Hinduism where there are countless gods and goddesses.

Those who come into Ananda Marga from such backgrounds often have a hard time understanding that Ista must be one, i.e. singular. Those who come into Ananda Marga at a young age easily understand. Age aside, those with adequate devotion absolutely understand.

Every bhakta in Ananda Marga must be singularly pointed on Ista, and only ideate on Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. There is no other way.

PRABHATA SAMGIITA

“Tumi utta’l sindhute na’co, utta’l sindhute na’co…” (1182)

Purport:

Baba, You are expressing Yourself as the dance of the high tide of the roaring ocean. You have taken the form of the ocean waves. O’ my dearmost
Baba, in this condition it is impossible to hold You. It is very difficult to get close to You. Baba, now everybody wants You; but You are not easy to get. People run quickly towards You with the desire to get You. But, shaken with the fear, they return back because Your vibration is ferocious and rough like the high tide of the turbulent ocean. Baba, only when You really want to be held can it be done – otherwise not.

O’ my Lord, when I was searching You externally in this material world then I was studying the shastras, and I was listening to discourses given by various scholars, and I was running from one holy land to another. Any place where people claimed You were, there I went – externally searching for You. But by all these methods I could not get You in my heart; I could not realise You as my own, as my very close.

Baba, in the end, You have graciously made me understand that You are hiding in the inner recesses of my heart – in a very sweet and intimate way. O’ Divine Entity, You have taught me that only by searching You within could I make You my own. In this way, You have blessed me. O’ my dearmost Parama Purusa Baba, You are ever-gracious…

END NOTE FOR PRABHATA SAMGIITA 1182:

In the above song, through the symbolism of the ‘high tide’, Baba is expressing that at the time of Dharma Samiiksa, or Personal Contact, or in reporting, then many people – margiis and Wts – wanted to go close to Him. But at the same time they thought that it is too dangerous because Baba is scolding and abusing everyone too much. Baba is Love Personified and He does everything for your welfare, even then some were scared. With that fear and anxiety many persons did not want to be in His close physical proximity. So that is one sense of the meaning of ‘high tide’. And of course now every Ananda Margii understands that the only way to have Baba in a close and intimate way is through meditation, in one’s dhya’na.

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Left & Right Nostrils: How to Utilise for Physical & Psychic Health

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:34:14
From: “Prabhakar”
Subject: Left & Right Nostrils: How to Utilise for Physical & Psychic Health

Baba

== LEFT & RIGHT NOSTRILS: HOW TO UTILISE FOR PHYSICAL & PSYCHIC HEALTH ==

Namaskar,
In their day to day life, mostly the common people do not have much awareness about the practical process of breathing – or, more specifically, the proper use of nostrils. They are not aware how the nostrils function and how the nostrils can be utilized to enhance their life.

THE SCIENCE OF TANTRA

In the teachings of tantra, however, one special science is entirely dedicated to the proper and correct use of the nostrils. And this teaching is highly advantageous and helpful for us – as it details how we can best do the various works and activities of our daily life.

Whether these activities & duties are physical, psychic, or spiritual – each is highly linked with breathing, and in particular with the nostrils. So within the practice of breathing and breath control, there is a particular science which explains, outlines, and describes which nostril should be used for physical work, mental activities, or spiritual practices.

In Ananda Marga, most are well aware of this ancient science first propounded by Lord Shiva.

SVARSHASTRA: FIRST PROPOUNDED BY LORD SHIVA

When Lord Shiva first introduced this science of breath control He named it svarashastra. And this science clarifies which nostril is to be used when; how to change the nostrils, and all the related points about breath control and nostrils.

Tantra Yoga says, “Moreover, the process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways. It was Shiva who determined what kind of activity should be performed, depending on which nostril the breath was flowing through, and depending on whether the id́á or piungalá or suśumná channel was active. He set down specific rules and regulations as to when one should undertake physical, psychic or spiritual activities. He further instructed when and in what circumstances one should do ásanas, práńáyáma, dhárańá, dhyána, etc. This science, which Shiva invented and developed, was known as svara shástra or svarodaya [science of breath control]. Prior to Him, the world was not aware of this science. Shiva also gave clear instructions how this science could be applied by people in the practical field of action. In fact, this svara shástra did help the people later to solve many problems in their mundane as well as spiritual lives.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, 95 Edn, p. 25-6)

So Shiva was the first to propound the theory of breathing and use of nostrils. And Baba has revealed all the practical aspects of this in Ananda Marga books and discourses – including a special chapter in the Acarya diary.

Because the point is that using the proper nostril has a big effect on the entire body.

So whether doing arduous physical labour, or when taking food, or while doing asanas, or when involved in school examinations & study, or while doing sadhana, and even when experiencing samadhi, in each and every one of these activities, proper breathing through the nostrils has a keen role to play. Sometimes a particular nostril should be dominant or used exclusively and other times it is best to have both working simultaneously. Naturally then, being aware about this science is most helpful and beneficial.

A CASE IN POINT: EATING

This svarashastra, or science of breath control, plays a tremendous role in each and every life activity. As a case in point we can look at the process of eating.

The ingestion and digestion systems play a very significant role in maintaining human health. Because if a person’s physical health is good then one is able to move ahead in the psychic and spiritual realms. If the food is digested properly then the mind can think clearly and it is also highly beneficial for sadhana. So digestion is very important. And this entire process of digestion is intrinsically linked with breathing through the proper nostril at the right time.

For example, if one is drinking water or taking any type of fruit juice etc, then the left nostril must be working. But if anyone is eating solid food, then prior to, during, and after the meal the right nostril must be dominant. Otherwise food will never be digested properly.

Here are Baba’s guidelines about this:

“Take solid food when the right nostril (Piungala Na’d’ii) is predominant.” (Caryacarya-2)

“When your left nostril (Ida’ Na’d’ii) is active you should take liquid food.” (Caryacarya-2)

“It is good to take food when the main flow of breath is through the right nostril. Even after food, it is good if the flow of breath mainly through the right nostril continues for some time. Because that is the time when the digestive glands start secreting a sufficient quantity of fluids to help digestion.” (Caryacarya – 3)

“During mealtime and for an hour thereafter the breath should be flowing through the right nostril.” (Yogic Treatment, p. 8)

According to Baba, the system is to have the right side nostril active or dominant before and after food. When that right nostril is active the stomach will secrete digestive enzymes etc. If one has yet to eat, the secretion will cause hunger; and, if one has eaten, that secretion will help digest the food in the stomach. Thus, it is very important to have the right nostril dominant prior to, during, and after taking food.

If one is experiencing indigestion, then they should not take any food and take steps to make the right nostril dominant. Then their digestion will improve dramatically. On a related manner, if anyone begins to feel hungry but they are involved in pressing work or for any reason they are unable to eat at the moment, then they should switch their nostrils and make the left side dominant. More about this is written in the next subheading.

Part and parcel of eating is elimination. To clear the bowels properly, the right nostril must be dominant, otherwise one will suffer from constipation and elimination problems.

“It is desirable to take food or to defecate when the main flow of breath is through the right nostril. Even after food, it is desirable if the flow of breath mainly through the right nostril continues for some time. Because that is the time when the digestive glands start secreting a sufficient quantity of fluids to help digestion.” (Yogic Treatment – Dyspepsia (Indigestion))

SWITCHING THE NOSTRILS

There are essentially three ways by which one may switch the nostrils: From a lying position, a seated stance, and a standing position. Future letters will address all three techniques. Since the lying down technique may be the easiest, that I will describe here. If you wish to make the right nostril active, then simply lie on your left side. By remaining in that position for a short while (just a few minutes) then then you will notice that the right nostril has become dominant. You can make the left dominant by doing just opposite.

This is discussed in Caryacarya and in Senior Acarya Diary. Perhaps the easiest way is to ask an acarya. But, if they avoid your query or give a vague reply, then it means they do not understand the importance of this or they do not know the technique. In that case, better to ask someone else.

As mentioned, there are two more techniques for changing the nostril, and those will be written about in future letters on this topic; in addition, viirasana will facilitate making the left nostril dominant.

IN DISBELIEF

Some non-margiis may be thinking that all this is very strange because they never paid any attention to the use of nostrils, yet their food was digested nicely. But if they look carefully, they will see that within their unit structure, automatically, the whole science of the use of nostrils is happening – unbeknownst to them.

Ultimately it is just like how breathing goes on when one is sleeping or how the heart works even if one is not aware about its functioning. Similarly the same thing happens with respect to the nostrils. That’s why right nostril starts functioning and the digestive juices are released, then automatically one starts feeling hungry. So during the time of food only their right nostril is working. In that case their digestion will be alright.

The problem comes for those without good digestion. Then they will see that when they eat, their right nostril is closed – or working less. In that case, they should apply one or more of the techniques of positioning the body whereby the proper nostril can be activated. Those with poor digestion will be greatly benefited.

BENEFICIAL IN ALL THE SPHERES OF LIFE

Not just with eating and digesting food, but in all the spheres of life, the nostrils have a big role to play. When reading or studying, the left nostril needs to be dominant. But if while reading the right nostril is being used more, the mind will be fickle and less focused. Whereas having the left nostril open will enable the mind to be more concentrated. During sadhana it is best if both nostrils are working equally – yet if one is a little stronger then it should be the left nostril, not the right one.

Verily, in all the spheres of existence, the use of the proper nostril is key and highly beneficial. It yields a positive result.

Baba says, “This svarashastra did help the people later to solve many problems in their mundane as well as spiritual lives.” (Namah Shiva Shantaya, ’95 Edn, p.26)

SHOULD I BLOCK THE NOSTRIL??

Some naive people may be wondering if using superficial measures to control the nostrils are needed, or not. But the answer is no. One need not do things like stick cotton up the nose to try and block the left nostril in order to make the right one dominant, or vice versa. This is not the way – rather that will be harmful.

A DEEP SCIENCE IS AT WORK

This entire science of svarashastra is highly significant and occurs deep within the subtle processes of the body. All this occurs within the internal workings of the human structure. Rather it all happens automatically– deep within all this is going on.

Because when the body is in a state of balance and health then automatically the proper nostril will be working according to the type of activity one is involved in. If anyone is not accustomed to or less aware about this, then at any given time they can test which nostril is working by placing their finger(s) just below the two nostrils while exhaling. Then one can feel the air flow and it becomes quite evident which nostril is dominating.

So again, this all happens quite naturally when the body is healthy.

The purpose of letter is to bring awareness to times when the body is not functioning properly and empower one with the ability to make the body healthy and balanced by changing the dominant nostril. This is one very helpful and practical technique.

And this applies not just to physical health but psycho-spiritual well-being also. For instance, if sadhana is not pointed and the mind is running hither and thither, then check to see if the left nostril is dominant. If not, then make it dominant by lying on the right side for a few minutes. Once the left nostril becomes more active, return to your sadhana and most likely you will experience a dramatic shift in the quality of your meditation.

So this is quite practical on many fronts.

MORE COMING IN THE FUTURE

The next letter on this topic will talk more about the inner science behind the use of nostrils. Such as the three nadis, i.e. ida, susumna, piungala; how they are related with the cakras; how they are linked with higher sadhana. Plus how, in general, all this transforms our life practices and duties. As well as what techniques to employ to prompt the needed nostril to open.

ALL THE ANSWERS IN ALL REALMS OF LIFE

Our life is three-fold and we are fortunate Baba has told us all the key points for each and every aspect of human life. By following them we the have the best opportunity to develop and grow – in all the realms of life. Accordingly the use of nostrils also has a big effect. Some few may naively think this is an insignificant point, but in our practical life this science of nostrils has a grand role to play.

BABA’S RELATED GUIDELINES & TEACHINGS

– SADHANA

“When your Id’a’ Na’d’ii is working predominantly, you should utilize the time for your sadhana.” (Caryacarya-2)

And sadhana is to be done when the ida nadii alone is open or when it is functioning in cooperation with the right nostril.

– PHYSICAL EXERCISE

“When doing a heavy job while breathing normally, a person might have serious difficulties – perhaps one’s limbs might be broken – but in a state of baddha kumbhaka or purna kumbhaka (with the lungs full), one can easily do the same work. While doing some over-strenuous activity in a state of shunya kumbhaka (with the lungs empty) one might even die.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya)

“Suppose you are climbing to a high place or lifting a very heavy load. If you do not follow the system of breathing while lifting the load, your hands may become painful or your bones dislocated. If you do the same work in a state of shunya kumbhaka (lungs empty), you will have great difficulty – you may even collapse. If on the contrary, you perform any strenuous activity in purna kumbhaka, taking a deep breath, you can easily do it. All this comes within the scope of that svaravijinana.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya)

“You might have read in the Ramayana that Hanuman, by taking a deep breath, made his body swell and lifted a whole mountain. Although it is a mythological story, it refers to the science of svaravijinana.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya)

– TREATMENT

“As with dyspepsia, during mealtime and for an hour thereafter breath should be flowing through the patient’s right nostril. At the time of severe colic pain, the dominant flow of breath should be changed from the nostril through which it was flowing at the time the pain started to the other nostril. Allowing the bile to accumulate by not taking something when one is hungry should never be permitted, because in that event the undigested bile itself will become the cause of acidity.” (Yogic Treatments, Acidity)

– ASANAS

“Practise Asanas only while breath is flowing through the left nostril or both nostrils; do not practise asanas when the breath flows only through the right nostril.” (Caryacarya Part III, chapter 8, pt #6)

“There is no restriction of nostrils for the following asanas: Padmasana (lotus posture), Siddhasana (Siddha posture), Ardhasiddhasana (half Siddha posture), Bhojanasana (‘cross-legged sitting posture’), Viirasana (Viira posture), Diirgha Pranama (long bowing posture), Yogasana (Yoga posture) and Bhujaungasana (snake posture).” (Caryacarya Part III, chapter 8, pt #19)

“For all those asanas where there is no restriction of nostrils, there is no restriction on food either.” (Caryacarya Part III, chapter 8, pt #20)

– MISCELLANEOUS

“[Sadashiva] also invented sha’stras; that is, He found the link between the exhalation and inhalation of breath…This is called svarashastra.” (Song Dance And Instrumental Music)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Prabhakar

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“He Prabhu tom’ar caran’e a’j a’mi ya’ciya’ cali…” (P.S. 4473)

Purport:

O’ my Lord, at Your lotus feet today I am requesting only one thing. Please grace me so that I can fight against all sorts of obstacles. Even if clouds roll in and overcast the eastern horizon, even if hopelessness comes and covers the effulgence by submerging it into blackness, in those very moments please grace me so that I should always realise that You are along with me – side by side. Please grant me this wee-bit of Your cosmic grace. So all the moments I should go on having faith and surrender unto You. If in my journey, some dilemma comes and tries to break my rhythm of forward movement, Baba, at that very moment, please shower Your fathomless grace. Then certainly I will be able to overcome that situation. O’ my Dearmost, please allow me to go on moving forward unto You, the Path of Bliss. Baba, You are my Saviour, I surrender again and again unto You. I want the dust of Your feet – except this I do not want anything…

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Those Who Think They Understand Fully – Don’t

From: “Naval Sinha”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Those Who Think They Understand Fully – Don’t
Date: Wed 10 October 2012 21:49:38

Baba

== THOSE WHO THINK THEY UNDERSTAND FULLY – DON’T ==

Namaskar,
Hindus think that brahamcarya means “celibacy”, when in in our Ananda Marga it means ensconcing oneself in Godhood. That is the dharmic understanding as given by Baba. This type of example is not unique; there are countless such cases.

As we know, Ananda Marga philosophy has its own vocabulary: Words carry a pointed dharmic meaning given by Baba Himself which is different from the general understanding of the common public and the various religions.

THE TERM AVATAR

For example, take the term avatar. Here are three different definitions:

1) The dogmatic Hindus believe that an avatar is a divine being that has descended from heaven onto earth.

2) Next, there is the pseudo-culture / video gaming definition of avatar, wherein an avatar is the creation of a character (as in a computer game) that represents and is manipulated by a computer user.

3) Finally in Ananda Marga, the term avatar refers to every created entity in this universe.

Baba says, “The fundamental stuff of the universe has emerged from Parama Purus’a; hence all objects, big and small, are the sambhu’tis of Parama Purus’a… When Parama Purus’a is manifested in some physical object, that physical object is called the avata’ra of Parama Purus’a.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 10)

Thus the Ananda Marga definition of avatara is dramatically different from that of the dogmatic religions and pseudo-culture venues.

ABOUT THE TERM TANDAVA

Now let’s investigate another term: Tandava.

The Hindu community thinks that tandava means destruction. In Indian newspapers, if they are describing some village that caught fire wherein the houses burned to ashes, then they say that it was tandava of fire.

So Hindus commonly use it in this way: “Tandava depicts Shiva’s violent nature as the destroyer of the universe.”

The general Indian society also adheres to this meaning. Hence when destruction comes in the form of fire, the loss of blood, or an earthquake etc, then people use the term tandava, i.e. the tandava dance of destruction was going on.

But we know that this is not the true meaning of tandava.

In Ananda Marga, tandava is the name of one dynamic and tantric dance which Lord Shiva invented. All margiis practice this dance. So we use the term tandava in a very positive way: As one of the great gifts of Lord Shiva.

If in our Ananda Marga magazine or newspaper it is reported that margiis were doing tandava, it does not mean that margiis were killing, destroying or engaging in arson etc. Because for us tandava is something quite beneficial and positive. It is our duty to propagate this ideal to all.

Thus when we use the term tandava we should not use it as dogmatic Hindus do: They think that tandava means obliteration, destruction or disaster. Even in the newspapers, they will say that the dance of tandava of fire – or the first is dancing tandanva – happened if a huge blaze burned down an entire city.

As Ananda Margiis, we are not to be drawn in to such dogmatic ideas.

DADAJI’S BOOK

Unfortunately, in his book, “Mere Rahasyamay Baba” (2010, Hindi) – which translates as “My Mysterious Baba” – Dada Keshavanandji also uses the tandava term to mean destruction. When talking about the Emergency period during the 1970’s, Dadaji uses tandava as a destructive force. He says things like: During the destruction of Emergency period, the dance of tandava was going on and everything was destroyed.

In this manner, Dadaji has drifted and adopted the dogmatic Hindu meaning of the term tandava. To be fair, Dadaji uses the tandava term twice in his book: one time properly (dharmic) and one time improperly (dogmatic). When describing the Emergency period, Dada uses the tandava term in that latter dogmatic way.

OTHER MISTAKES IN DADAJI’S BOOK

Throughout the book, there are numerous small mistakes and some really big errors as well. Perhaps the most problematic story is chapter 41 (p. 46 – 48) titled “Ramchij Do Bar Mara'”, or “Ramchij Dies Twice”. Someone should really come forward and correct this chapter / story. Bacause there Dadaji misunderstood Baba’s view entirely. All in all, this book need to be updated and made proper. Once all the mistakes are corrected, it can be translated into various languages and shared with margiis around the globe. But first, all corrections should made done, checked, and re-checked. To publish a Baba story book that goes astray is not at all good.

BABA’S BLESSING

As His PA (Personal Assistant), Dada Keshavanandji was given so much time with Baba. So Dadaji should recount some of his experiences – just we need to correct his errors and misundertandings so that all the words, terms, and stories properly reflect Baba’s ideals. Each story should be focused, flawless, and not at all haphazard, murky, or misleading. Each story should give neatly reflect Baba’s and teachings.

Namaskar,
Naval

Note 1: ABOUT THE TANDAVA DANCE

Here Baba below Baba talks about the meaning of the tandava dance. By His explanation it is quite clear that the tandava dance is not about destruction but rather life itself.

Baba says, “Now the fundamentality, or rather the primordial phase of Oriental dance, is táńd́ava. It is not a very easy job either. The knees must cross the navel. When they cross the navel it is called Brahma táńd́ava. When they cross the anáhata [mid-point of the chest] it is called Viśńu táńd́ava. When they cross this portion [indicates the throat], it is called Rudra táńd́ava. It is very difficult to dance Rudra táńd́ava. It requires long practice.

That is why Lord Sadáshiva is known as Nat́arája. And when these boys [indicates them] were dancing, it was just like a picture of Nat́arája in táńd́ava mudrá. It is called táńd́ava; táńd́ava is a mudrá.

Why is it called táńd́ava? In Sanskrit tańd́ means “to jump”. Tańd́u means “of jumping habit”. Táńd́ava means “having the use of tańd́u, the use of jumping”. But jumping in the proper style, not in a disorderly manner. You should learn it properly in a disciplined way.

And táńd́ava represents life; you know Tantra is a cult of life, it is not a cult of death. For Tantra you should be strong physically, mentally and spiritually. First in the present tense; Lord Shiva says all your expressions, all your manifestations, must be based on the present tense. So this táńd́ava is the starting phase of Tantra.

This táńd́ava I said represents life, it represents vitality. There are so many forces that want to destroy you, so many forces forces that are inimical to you by nature. Say a snake – a snake is a born enemy. There are many such born enemies. As Tantra represents life, táńd́ava says that one’s spirit should be based on vitality, based on the principle of survival.

This human skull represents death. You are surrounded by death, but you must not be defeated, you must not develop the psychology of fear or defeatism. So the knife is with you to fight against death.(1) Yours is a fight for survival. In the daytime one may also use a snake to represent death – not an ordinary snake, but a venomous snake. In India our boys dance with a snake. But at nighttime neither a skull nor a snake will be visible. Here there is light, they will be visible, but in a burial ground, in a cremation ground, where there is darkness, a snake or skull will not be visible. There you may use fire to represent death.

This is the spirit of Tantra. To fight, to fight for survival. [[It is the normal wont of all living beings to fight for survival.]] It is normal life moving towards the supreme state of abnormality.

Lord Shiva started this táńd́ava dance.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – part 12)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Ga’nera jharn’a’ baye ya’ya, bela’ abela’ na’hi ma’ne…” (P.S.#4868)

Purport:

Baba, O’ my Dearmost, Your divine fountain of Prabhat Samgiita is flowing eternally, completely independent of the normal cycle of time. Your blissful songs flow according to their own schedule, according to their own routine – not caring about day or night, summer or winter. The divine flow and sweet melody of Your Prabhat Samgiita is dancing on the jagged path. They lead one towards that vast Cosmic Ocean – towards the fountain of effulgence, towards You Baba…

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The Advent

From: “A. Roy”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: The Advent
Date: Fri Jul 20 2012, 19:05 +0530

Baba

‘Before the Advent’

PS Intro: This below song describes the scene of that pre-1920 era, i.e. before the divine advent of Parama Purusa. In that time, the people were completely distraught and feeling helpless; they were pained by witnessing all the suffering of their brothers and sisters. Those days the whole humanity was being exploited, tortured, and choked. In response, various great devotees tried to solve the situation but they could not get victory over those wicked, demonic forces. That is why they began desperately calling for that Divine Entity – Parama Purusa – to come immediately and rescue them from those the cruel rulers and restore harmony and peace throughout the society. So this song is the expression of the heart of those devotees from that era when they were desperately crying for His divine help. Upon hearing their call, by His sweet will, Parama Purusa Baba has taken advent as the Taraka Brahma; He has created a tremendous psycho-spiritual vibration whereby all the problems were solved – completely. In the very near future, in the coming hours and days, we will see those divine solutions manifest in the physical sphere.

“Manavta’ a’ja dhu’la’y lut’a’y, tumi keno du’re royecho…” (PS 2815)

Purport:

Baba, the whole humanity is wallowing in the dust. People have lost their dharma and have fallen into sin and the suffocating noose of materialism. There is hatred, war, and destruction all around. Human beings are behaving like animals. Baba, why are You not listening; why are You remaining far; why are You allowing this degradation to take place. Baba, all the sweet softness has turned into an abrasive roughness. Love and compassion have turned into animosity and cruelty. The sweet devotional feeling has gotten completely dried up. Now crudity, materialism, and lust are the rule of the day. Baba, seeing this terrible circumstance is Your heart not moved. Do You not understand what is happening, why are You not showering Your grace.

Baba, please grace us by coming. In this present era, the fragrant flower pollen has lost its sweet aroma and has now become stale and dry. The sandalwood has lost its aromatic fragrance and become crude and static, like a demon body. Morality and devotion have become relics of the past; they are completely absent in the world nowadays. Baba, why have You allowed noxious poison to spread throughout the flower garden. Why are You letting the whole society become overrun by the crudeness of materialism and religious dogmas. Baba, why are You not coming in the inner core of my heart.

Baba, the great virtue of generations and generations of sadhana has become lost. Humanity’s benevolent brilliance and compassionate endeavours are long gone. All the dharmic teachings of those great rishis and yogis has faded away. Instead all the people have fallen into the depths of degeneration and sin. Everything sweet and pure in this world has gotten crushed by the hell-bent ways of materialism and communism etc. Mundane and superficial things have become the goal of life. Negative forces have taken over as demons in human form are ruling – doing their hellish dance of war and destruction.

O’ Lord, O’ my dearmost Baba, please be gracious and advent Yourself…

== THE ADVENT ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, “Now when the society is in a degenerate or depraved condition, where fissiparous tendencies dominate, where the static principle dominates, it becomes impossible for Parama Purus’a to remain unaffected or unassailed by human sentiments and human cries and human demands. Then and then only does He come in the form of Ta’raka Brahma. ‘Ta’raka’ means ‘the liberator.’ And that Ta’raka is the Ba’ba’ of the created world. For Him devotees sing, ‘Ba’ba’ Na’ma Kevalam’.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12, p.44)

Some confused people think that without fulfilling His promise Taraka Brahma Baba has left the earth.

In the next category up, some mediocre persons, i.e. those who have a slightly better standard of thinking, know that Parama Purusa cannot go astray from His vow. So for them they think His advent is shrouded in mystery and they have to think very deeply to unravel this knot. At least they do not outrightly levy the false accusation that “Baba did not fulfill His promise.” They feel accusing Him would be very bad. Considering these various aspects, they remain quiet.

Finally, those who have deep devotion – agreya buddhi (i.e. pointed intellect) – realise in their heart Baba’s Supreme stance. They understand that just as the style of Lord Krsna was different from that of Lord Shiva, similarly why should Baba follow the old pathway of Lord Krsna: Such as driving the chariot in the battleground with His own hand. Devotees of this category feel in their heart that this time Baba has established a completely new standard: That the grace of Parama Purusa is all that is needed to accomplish any task – anything. Therein lies victory. There is no need for His physical involvement; He need not hold the reigns of the chariot. Rather the chariot is moving by His divine grace and it will go on moving. In this way they think.

So by His grace heaven is getting established on this dusty earth and very soon it will be quite apparent to one and all.

Namaskar,
A. Roy

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Re: Gurupujanam of Devashish

Subject: Re: Gurupujanam of Devashish
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2012 00:16:04 +0530
From: jitendra kumar
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

Namaskar,

Thanks for highlighting this blunder and mistake by Devashish (letter below). The way he has addressed Baba is completely inappropriate, not to mention all the other errors in his book.

Really Devashish should apologise and say sorry to our AM society, as well as correct the errors in his publication. Otherwise, we will have to boycott Devashish’s book and remove it from our bookstores etc.

From now on we should be extremely careful in selecting / allowing people in making this type of publication.

Jitendra Kumar
Ranchi, India

On 06/02/2012 09:17 PM, AM-GLOBAL wrote:
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

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News: How Boomerang Worked & Is Working In Ananda Marga

From: “Seshagiri Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: News: How Boomerang Worked & Is Working In Ananda Marga
Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:54:26 +0530

Baba

NEWS:

HOW BOOMERANG WORKED AND IS WORKING IN ANANDA MARGA

Note: All the quotes in this letter are from Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10, i.e. (NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10).

Namaskar
This entire letter is related with a recent happening. As you read the following series of quotes and explanations it will all be quite clear how this relates to events in our Marga.

SINNER’S PSYCHOLOGY

Baba says, “All created beings have a natural tendency to move along a straight path. But out of cowardice, selfishness or sinful propensities, humans and other creatures may resort to a crooked path, not only in the material world, but also in the mental world. That is, cowardliness, selfishness and sinful tendencies bring about curvatures in the world of thoughts. These curvatures breed mutual suspicion. Even innocent people are taught to think wrongly.”

“Sometimes people grow suspicious of innocent people and mistreat them. Those who still have some amount of benevolent intellect feel pained and ashamed when they realize that they should not have suspected those innocent people. But those who are devoid of benevolent intellect do not feel at all ashamed of their conduct. Rather they think and also say publicly that it is better to suspect others first, and then gradually remove those suspicions later. This is the main characteristic of a sinner’s psychology.” (NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

In the above two paragraphs Baba is indirectly talking about Ac Sarvatmananda Avt, Ac Nigamananda Avt, and Ac Rudrananda Avt etc. If you can’t figure out how this works then please go back and read that again.

Note: For those new margiis not aware about Sarvatmanandji’s sinful dealings can write this network and proof of his misdeeds will be sent to you.

The basic point is that individuals like Sarvatmanandji, Nigamanandji, and Rudranandji harassed, humiliated, abused, and exploited countless innocent people. That is what Baba is describing in the above cited paragraphs.

However, the story does not end here; please read furthermore….

SEE OTHERS AS ENEMIES

Baba says, “Individuals or groups or communities guided by this sinner’s psychology, become involved in various inhuman activities out of unjustified suspicion. Ultimately there comes a time when they no longer repent. Those doctrines and philosophies which teach people to suspect their fellow citizens, which teach people to treat their fellow humans as enemies, have done enormous harm to the world in the past, and if not restrained and controlled, will do so in the future also.” (NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

Baba’s above teaching on sinner’s psychology is very pointed and neatly encapsulates the ways of Sarvatmanandji, Nigamanandji, and Rudranandji as well as their blind followers. While in power they harassed, terrorised, beat, expelled and humiliated so many innocent people. Various margiis and wts wanted the organisation to move according to Baba’s divine teachings, but those so-called leaders like Sarvatmanandji, Nigamanandji, and Rudranandji etc declared such idealistic margiis & wts to be enemies. Those same shameful leaders changed Baba’s teachings including books Caryacarya Part 1 and many more.

During the 1990’s, all know and saw how the boomerang effect took its course with Sarvatmanandji. If you are a new margii and do not know what I am referring to, then please write and we will send you proof.

THINGS GET WORSE

Baba says, “The situation may come to such a pass that detectives may be employed against every person. Again, another set of detective personnel may be employed to watch whether each detective is functioning properly or not. Thus a vicious atmosphere of intelligence and counter-intelligence will be rampant in the society. And the dangerous consequence is this – that all human treasures having been poisoned, human existence itself will become meaningless. People will grow cynical, or will be forced to leave their country or their society to escape this venomous atmosphere.” (NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

In the above section Baba is describing the sinner psychology so beautifully. Good, ideological margiis and wts were kicked out or forced to leave and so many other atrocities were done. To this end, the “leaders” employed both intelligence and counter-intelligence. We all saw this happen.

THE BOOMERANG EFFECT

Baba says, “The matter does not end here. The wickedness, the deceit, that pollutes human society first moves along a crooked path like its masters, and finally ends up by annihilating its masters themselves. The wicked persons at the helm of affairs, who are now out to liquidate others, will one day themselves be liquidated and erased from history by their own followers. Sinful persons, by following the crooked path, contaminate the atmosphere of the universe, but ultimately that sinful conduct, in a similar crooked way, will recoil like a boomerang on the sinners themselves.” (NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

Now let’s apply this to life in our Marga.

From the outset after 1990, the top ringleader, “master”, and most devious sinner was Sarvatmanandji. Just as Baba employs the word “master” in His above teacher, that is quite suited to Sarvatmanandji as he was the first at the top of the pyramid but then all his obedient followers like Rudranandji and Nigamanandji and their followers boomeranged on Sarvatmanandji. They wiped out his rulership and Sarvatmananda was left sitting all alone in one corner. That was the first stage of the boomerang approach.

If you are a new margii and do not know what I am referring to, then please write and we will send you proof.

In the next stage, this boomerang theory is related with another sinner: Dada Nigamanandji. Here again this boomerang effect has run its full course as all his followers have since turned on him.

In due course, the next stage will unfold and this same sinner psychology will boomerang against Rudranandji. Who will do this? Rudranandji’s own followers will take him down.

And this boomerang effect will continue – on and on – until all the sinners have been wiped out.

Although we want to help, we cannot do anything to stop this effect – we are helpless – the boomerang has to run its course.

SINNERS MUST REAP THE “REWARDS”

Baba says, “Those who deprive others of justice, who stifle others’ voices and try to immortalize themselves by their own loud proclamations, are themselves usually deprived of justice in the end. And their loud cries which had risen to the skies, are smothered in the underworld. Shiva the Omniscient was aware of these hard realities. So He warned the devoted and dharmic people, Pápasya kut́iilá gatih [“The ways of sin are always crooked”].(NSS, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

We all know that since 1990 the main player and most devious sinner in all of this was Sarvatmanandji. He was the kingpin directly from 1990 through the mid 1990’s. By that time, his obedient followers like Rudrananda and Nigamananda and their followers levied the boomerang effect on him. They wiped out Sarvatmananda’s chair and he was left sitting all alone in the corner. That was the first stage of the boomerang approach.

If you are a new margii and do not know what I am referring to, then please write and we will send you proof.

But the boomerang effect did not stop there. It’s next victim was another sinner: Dada Nigamananda. Now we see that this boomerang effect too has run its full course as all his followers turned on him.

The impending next stage will soon unfold and this same sinner psychology will boomerang against Rudrananda. Who will do this? Rudrananda’s own followers will take him down.

And this boomerang effect will continue – on and on – until all the sinners have been wiped out.

THE BOOMERANG MUST RUN ITS COURSE

Although we want to help we cannot do anything to stop this effect – we are helpless – the boomerang has to run its course.

This cycle will continue on and on because these people are not going to change their course or repent. They are set in their ways.

Finally if you want more proof on any point, just ask.

Namaskar,
Seshagiri Deva

Note: THE FOLLOWING LETTER MAKES THIS CLEAR

The following letter is but an example of how some of the pieces of the puzzle fit together. If you have any questions or comments, let us know…

From: dada nitya
Date: Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Subject:

Namaskar.
Yes, it is true, leaflets were put beneath the baggage of all dadas at night in Jamalpur jagrti hall . As soon as we came back to jagrti at night after programme some one shouted about discovering a leaflet, then soon Liilabodhananda rushed into the hall and snatched the leaflet from his and and shouted ‘search every bed and collect every leaflet and give me soon without delay’, Within 5 minutes he took away the leaflets with the help of a sycophant dada of him.

This Liilabodhananda was very vocal against dada Nigamananda. When the doctors told in New Delhi ” the patient Nigamananda may survive, but cant be active as a normal person, he may lead a crippled life, his life is in danger, cant remain alive longer, any time he may colapse.”……then soon after many dadas of Rudranada became more harsh, rude and started mudslinging against dada Nigam. These vocal opponents of dada Nigam are all Rurananda men……Liilabodhananda, Priyatoshananda, Madhuvratananda, Harishananda, Shvarupananda, Navatitananda, Chitshvarupananda etc…… .

These fellows realized that after Dada Nigam’s demise only Rudrananda can give an umbrella-shelter to them and they can lead unhindered, unchecked, free life in Ananda Marga. To become Purodha Rudrananda’s blessing is must sought. One year deserter along with a woman, Jaipur scandal creator is now a new Prudha, he is Navatitananda.

Dada Nigam was vigilant about some secrete business of Liilabodhananda, Madhuvratananda, Harishananda and checked them…..

Because of such attempt of Dada, these fellows became arch enemy of Dada Nigam. Some of these fellows wanted to become Purodha and had fear psychosis over Dada Nigham, so they wished Dada Nigam’s every ill and prayed for his early death.
These people very strategically distributed leaflets defaming dada Nigam last year. Madhuvratananda was the ring leader and Harishananda was his assistant.
Both are running a smuggling syndiacate in the name of ‘legal help’ and making huge personal money. They both are running a good share market business in New Delhi.

Dada Nigam once asked them about such share market business, money invested in Life Insurance Policy and sought proper accounts of their bank transaction etc. Thus this duo became strong opponents and leaned towards Rudrananda. More over caste feeling( Brahminism ) is very rapidly spreading In Marga. More or less ‘racial’ attitude is florishing within Marga….for example…YOU ARE MARATHI, YOU ARE BANGALI, YOU ARE MADRASI…
We find ourselves in a situation ‘from frying pan to fire’. We came to Marga to lead a pious, nice, hermit life. But nothing such of environment is here to become hermit, sanyasi. Where should we go?

Madhuvratananda, Harishananda and their whole group is enjoying life like kings, it was visible in Jamalpur, they never cared our comfort, food etc.They have every immunity granted by Rudrananda. Very surprisingly we found Madhuvratananda doing feet massage of Rakeshananda (PA) in Ananda Nagar.

This is a glaring example of easy method to go upward in administrative parlor in Ananda Marga.

Brother Nitya.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Mora ma’na’sa sarovera tumi son’a’lii kamal…” (PS 2209)

Purport:

Baba, in the pool of my mind You are the golden lotus. Looking towards You – ideating and meditating on You – is my dance and my life. Baba, You are the sweet vibration of my heart.

Baba, the garden of paradise is filled with sun rays; the glow of Your beauty is resplendent. In grove after grove, the buzzing bees get the pure, sweet honey from that lotus, i.e. You. [1]

Baba, pleasing You is my sadhana – except You I want nothing. O’ my Dearmost, O’ the Liila Personified, please fulfill the longing of my heart.

Baba, please be gracious and shower Your causeless grace on me…

END NOTES FOR PS #2209:

[1] In the above Prabhat Samgiita, the allegory is that Baba is the sweetness of the lotus blossom and the bhaktas are like the buzzing bees. Just as the buzzing bees are attracted are attracted by the nectar of the lotus, similarly, bhaktas are attracted by the divine charm of Parama Purusa.

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“Baba Forgot One Thing”

Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:44:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Pradiip Deva
Subject: “Baba Forgot One Thing”
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

== “BABA FORGOT ONE THING” ==

Namaskar,
Anyone around those days remembers well that each and every year Baba would make an announcement about the birthday of Lord Krsna.

Baba would refer to it as: Janma’s’t’amii.

There is an audio file on our blog where you can listen to Baba’s announcement:

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

After bringing recognition to the day, Baba would invariably take some time to talk about the life of Lord Krsna, His dharmic teachings or scenes from the Bhagavad Giita.

This was a regular event.

But never ever once did Baba comment on the exact day, time, or place of Lord Krsna’s passing. Never did Baba highlight this occasion as a point of remembrance or celebration. Rather He carefully avoided the matter.

As His disciples, we should pay heed to Baba’s example and represent His ideals by our own conduct.

Unfortunately, some feel that “Baba forgot one thing” and they have taken it upon themselves to bring the “missing point” forward.

THOSE NOT SUNK IN GEO-SENTIMENT

Indeed all those margiis and wts not attached to any form of geo-sentiment will realise the completeness of Baba’s teachings and that only a few who wish to dogmatically highlight their own land as a pilgrimage etc. For them it is also a money-making venture.

That is why many say that their dogma is just based on selfish gratification or a’tma sukha tattva, and not anything dharmic. More about this point is written below.

Our view is to take Baba Himself as our pole star; He is our dharmic example. What He does we should do. And Baba never highlighted or talked about the exact day or date that Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva passed away. Not even in His books, Namami Krsnasundaram and Namah Shivaya Shantaya, does He mention the day or date. This type of commemoration Baba never did. He never mentioned that today we have to do something because this day is the observation of the passing of Lord Krnsa. This was never Baba’s manner – not once.

Just Baba would highlight the birth of Taraka Brahma – every year He would mention Lord Krsna’s janma’s’t’amii.

BRINGING IN DOGMA JUST LIKE PHALLIC WORSHIP

Even then, some group leaders have worked hard to drag their chosen dogma in through the front door of our Marga. This has been their life’s endeavour since 1990.

In turn, we should be extremely careful because once a dogma arrives, it is not easy to kick out. A perfect case in point is the Shivaliunga or phallic worship with Lord Shiva.

In those prehistoric times, when people were less developed, they brought much attention on phallic worship. They thought therein lied their welfare and victory.

As people progressed, they realised that they should meditate God and not indulge in any type of ritualistic phallic worship.

But by that point it as too late. Already the temples of Lord Shiva had been completely overrun with Shivaliunga and phallic worship. And still today this type of worship and presentation is prevalent in all temples of Lord Shiva.

Here the point is that once a dogma enters the house it is not at all easy to get rid of it. But some feel that “Baba forgot one thing” and hence have taken it upon themselves to drag it into AM. We should be cent per cent ready, lest this become one permanent scar on our AM society, just like phallic worship became totally linked with Lord Shiva.

THOSE WITH GEO-SENTIMENT DRAGGED IT IN

Indeed, in view of the pilgrimages of Haj and Mecca etc, such geo-oriented group leaders wanted some ritualistic event wherein they could dance and brag about their place. Hence they continue to host their annual dogmatic program at their HQ. In this way they derive selfish pleasure and side by side they say, “Baba forgot one thing so we have brought it in”.

It is a dogma, but this is what makes them happy in life.

Baba says, “This dogma in its turn is entirely based on a’tma-sukha tattva. Human beings yield to this dogma with the sole intention of attaining selfish pleasures; even educated people knowingly submit to dogma. They know that they are surrendering their intellect to dogma, and that the outcome will be undesirable; they know and understand everything – why, even then, do they knowingly submit to it? They are all deliberate sinners and intentionally accept dogmas as truth. They observe that these dogmas are based on a’tma-sukha tattva; but they think, “I don’t care whether it does good or harm to others, because at least I have got some pleasure out of it!” Being motivated by this idea, they enslave themselves to dogmas.” (NH-LOI, Disc: 6)

All in AM understand that Baba Himself only highlighted the birth of Taraka Brahma and never the day of Lord Krsna’s passing. All in AM understand that Baba is omniscient and that AM teachings are complete in all respects. All know that Baba is Parama Purusa incarnate and that He can do no wrong.

Even then, one team continues to chant, “Baba forgot one thing.” They say this because they have utterly drowned in their chosen dogma.

A CURIOUS THING

Some think that their chosen Deity will punish them if they do wrong, others think that their God will plunge them into the hell fire for their sins, and still others think that their Parama Purusa “forgot one thing.”

Tell me, do you know which sect or group falls in this later category?

It is the Kolkata sub-faction. They think that Baba forgot to give the mahaprayan ceremony so they decided to create it themselves. This is the grand outlook and justification they give. They think, “Baba forgot to give the teaching of mahaprayan and that therefore it was our job to make it.”

Such is their curious outlook in life.

BABA’S GRACE

By His grace all true Ananda Margiis, understand and realise that Baba is pure and perfect in all respects and that He never forgets anything. He is omniscient and all-merciful. All that was needed was given.

Just as Baba never talked about the actual date of Lord Krsna’s passing – likewise He purposely does not give the program of mahaprayan in AM. It is that simple.

Blinded by their geo-sentiment, some within the Kolkata ranks feel that, “Baba forgot one thing” in the form of mahaprayan. Saving such persons from their own dogma is not easy. We will try, but do not have much hope. All rational margiis however can easily understand the point.

In the end, we should just let the day be forgotten as has happened with Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva. That is Baba’s explicit teaching. Baba only highlighted Lord Krsna’s birth – never the passing. We should do the same.

Namaskar,
Pradiip

Note 1: IMPORTANT LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/01/carvaka-of-today.html

Note 2: STORY OF HUNTER AND LORD KRSNA

In His book, Discourses on the Mahabharata, Baba does mention how one hunter shot Lord Krsna. This story has been told to give the teaching of forgiveness. And indeed the proof that this is not meant to be a day of commemoration is that Baba never ever mentions or tells us the day of Lord Krsna’s passing. And not even the dogmatic followers of Lord Krsna do not celebrate or observe His passing. They may be ritualistic but at least this much sense they have. So it is a shame that a few in AM have fallen below that standard and given way to mahaprayan. Baba Himself never approves of such things.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Jiivane maran’e toma’kei a’mi ja’ni…” (P.S. 3570)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace this much I know that all the time You are with me – in good times and bad times, in life and death, in each and every situation. Baba, in darkness and in effulgence, all the time, I feel Your proximity. Baba You are everything; You are the quintessence.
Oh my dearmost, You are formless, but You have taken advent before me in form. In this way You have graced me. You are bhavatiita* and divinely effulgent. You are like the vast ocean and I am like a little droplet. Even then You love me. Baba You are ever-gracious.
Baba, by Your grace I have come on this earth by Your thought projection and the only longing I have is to get You. According to Your mental waves I am floating; my life is passing.
With Your rhythm and flow I dance; and, in Your divine effulgence I smile. My coming, remaining, and going is completely depending on You, Your grace. With that dream, by Your grace all types of colorful tales I weave in my mind.
Baba all the time, good and bad, every moment You are my everything….

* Bhavatiita= The Entity which is beyond ideation.

***************************************
Health Guideline: Over-Indulgence and Paralysis

Baba says, “The people who have an over-active Manipura Cakra also show a dominance of the lust and anger vrttis. Such a type of person, though always found to be energetic, generally suffers from constipation owing to excessive anger and over-activity. If these pitta-dominated persons do not find a high ideal in their lives, they become weak in their lower bodies due to over-indulgence in sex and anger. Often the nerve-fibres of their lower bodies degenerate, and paralysis sets in there.” (YT, p.29)
***************************************

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Our Samaj Songs

Date: 23 Feb 2012 08:43:27 -0000
From: “Subhash Dholakia”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Our Samaj Songs

== OUR SAMAJ SONGS ==

Namaskar,
Time and again the topic comes about Prabhat Samgiita and in particular about His Proutistic samaj songs. Some are misunderstanding the utility of such compositions. Here below is a discussion of this important topic and everyone should write in with their thoughts and suggestions.

THE BEAUTIFUL AND DIVERSE NATURE OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA

All are aware that Baba has graciously given 5018 songs of Prabhat Samgiita.

And these divine songs vary tremendously in style, characteristics, and qualities. In Prabhat Samgiita, the whole Ananda Marga philosophy has been projected through the medium of song– in one or another way.

Starting from the cycle of creation to samskara theory to kosa, vice and virtue, sadhana, shravan, manan, niddidhyasan, the benefits of satsaunga, the value of human life, vidya and avidya maya, saincara and pratisaincara theory, psychic diseases, social and political exploitation and their eradication, samaj movement, Neohumanism, entire Prout philosophy, songs related with Lord Krsna and Shiva, and songs of various seasons, festivals, ceremonies, birth and death, house entrance, and so many more.

Everything is present. Including so many other things which usually we find in the topics of His discourses — everything we find in Prabhat Samgiita.

EVERYTHING HAS ITS SPECIAL USE IN THIS UNIVERSE

INCLUDING PRABHAT SAMGIITA

It is just like how Parama Purusa has created varieties of things in this universe. According to our needs and requirements, we utilise those things for the collective welfare. So in this creation, varieties of things are
there– but everything is not for everyone. According to the need, we utilise them:

(A) Baba has given the system of asanas. But all asanas are not for everyone. Some need certain asanas, and others need different asanas.

(B) In Yogic Treatments, various remedies and guidelines have been given. All are not for everybody. It depends on the disease.

(C) In AM Philosophy and Yoga Psychology discourses, Baba has given significant guidelines about psychic diseases and their treatments. But those are exclusively for those who are suffering those psychic diseases. It is for them only.

(D) Similarly Baba’s sama’j (socio-economic movement) songs are for those local areas whose indigenous people are suffering the psychic disease of inferiority complex about their land and cultural expression.

As with the examples above with asanas and yogic treatments, all the Prabhat Samgiita are not needed in any given single situation. That is, in a random way just taking any Prabhat Samgiita and starting to sing does not have any sense.

For example if you start your dharmacakra with the shra’ddha song (commemoration song) — “O Parama Purusa, Toma’r jinis toma’ke… (P.S. #60) “O Parama Purusa Your things (our departed friend) I am offering You, please accept it.” If this type of song is sung at dharmacakra, then that will be inappropriate.

And in the same fashion, when sitting in one’s own sadhana place, if one starts singing the song related with Lord Krsna “Tum ho mere Krsna jagat pati mae tum he chahata’ hum diva rati”. “O my dearmost Lord Krsna, You are the Controller of the universe. I Yearn for You day and night. And cry for You.” Certainly any devotee of Baba will not like to sing like this. Because of the strictness in ista point. (Sixteen Points, #10)

So the central idea is that, Baba has given varieties of songs for varieties of occasions and varieties of peoples’ needs. In this way, He has written many songs related with sama’j (socio-economic) movement.

MISUNDERSTANDING AND MISUSE OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA

A couple people are completely confused that on the one side Baba is talking about the philosophy of neohumanism, and on the other side He is writing and giving the narrow sentiment about samaj. This usually happens because certain crude intellectuals, for their group interest they are spreading extravaganza all around. Concocted things about sama’j (socio-economic movements).

Certain WT groups are engaged in the misuse of sama’j theory for their crude and selfish interest, i.e. just to gain the power in the organization. This subject is complex, so I am not going to discuss anything on this–which group, etc etc. Here the point is only related with Prabhat Samgiita.

SOME SAMAJ SONGS: A BRIEF ANALYSIS

Let us see what are the songs related with sama’j. And we can analyse the situation. For example, please see below here this one example. The Prabhat Samgiita song which Baba has written for Angika samaj. Song number #4134.

“Aungabhu’mi sundarata’ bhu’mi…” (PS #4134)

Purport:

This land of Angadesh is most beautiful. This type of land you will not get on this earth. My Angika language is more sweet even than honey. My mother tongue is so great. O my friend, come and collectively speak in this glorious language, Angika. This beautiful Angaland is incomparable on this earth…

And also, see the following Prabhat Samgiita #4082.

“He ma’y Aungabhu’mi ma’tribhu’mi tor lelii ja’n kabul karaechiiye…” (#4082)

Purport:

O, my motherland “Angabhumi”. My life is dedicated for You. I am offering my life for Your cause. O my motherland “Angabhumi”, by Your grace and by Your shelter I am surviving on this earth. O my motherland “Angabhumi”, I have only one desire: to serve You I should get bliss and satiation. O my motherland “Angabhumi”, by Your grace I am surviving. I yearn for Your love. And I am ready to sacrifice my life for You.

Baba has written the above songs for the indigenous people of that land. These songs are not for the universal AM family. And this is not an isolated case, in which Baba has written songs related with one sama’j (socio-economic movement) only. But He has written sama’j songs related with many individual sama’jas.

For example, following is the song related with Amra Bengali sama’j (socio-economic unit).

“Ra’r’her e la’l ma’t’i go la’l ma’t’i…” (PS #4245)

Purport:

The red soil of this Ra’r’h is very precious. I feel that this has more value than the pearls, jewels and gold. In this land, people are very sweet. And the language is also very sweet. Everything here is saturated with the sweetness. Everything of this Ra’r’h is most beautiful. Here we get our heart enlightened in divinity. This land is not just a soil, but it is more precious than gold…

So we can see that one side Baba is praising about the land of “Angabhumi” in songs 4134 and 4082. And in another song, song #4245, Baba is telling that the soil of Ra’r’h is most precious. So I have given you only two examples. Yet there are so many examples like this.

Here below is another song related with Amra Bengali sama’j (socio-economic unit)

“Madhur ceyeo a’ro madhur a’ma’r ba’nla’ bha’s’a’…” (PS #4766)

Purport:

Compared with sweetness, it is more sweet this my Bangla language. This is the language of my pra’n’a. In my arteries and veins and blood, the vibration of this language is resonating…

DHARMIC USE OF SAMAJ SONGS

Some innocent or foolish persons can easily get confused. Some may think that this is just one contradictory type of song after another. But the reality behind this is something different. These songs are for indigenous people of those socio-economic units (sama’jas). These songs have been written for them.

If anyone is circulating the cassettes of these songs in other areas, then that will be highly objectionable. That usually threatens the unity of one human society. Because the spirit of socio-economic movements (sama’jas) is regional in approach and universal in spirit.

Rather what should be done is simply to exchange the name of the samaj in the song. That is the key point: All the songs can be used for every samaj by inserting the name of their own samaj. Then everyone can use the same song for the upliftment of their own samaj, when and if that type of song is needed in their area.

HELPING THOSE WHO LAG BEHIND

One more question is raised occasionally. That what was the need to write this type of song which eulogizes one particular area. Why did Baba do like this? The answer is very simple. If a mother has four babies, and one is very meritorious, and the other three are suffering from inferiority complexes, then to remove that inferiority complex, she will praise those other children to give them self-confidence. Without this, their personalities will not grow.

This type of psychology is applied by teachers in the schools also. If they do not praise unenthusiastic students, then the growth of their personality will be affected. That’s why the teacher has to praise even unenthusiastic students. To create the opportunity for them to grow.

We have usually seen in DMC that after distributing the prizes, then Baba says to all the remainder who are seated there (who did not get prizes), that “Yes you all should try. And next time you all will certainly win.” He would say this to inspire and give enthusiasm to all.

THE NEED TO BANISH INFERIORITY COMPLEX

Another example can be given. These days capitalist exploiters are exploiting the society by infusing inferiority complexes. Just like when Britishers came to India and they imposed their language and culture on Indians. And the Portuguese and Spaniards also were imperialist exploiters who imposed their language and created inferiority complex amidst the indigenous population. And with this psychic disease of inferiority complex, the local people accepted everything which the exploiters imposed on them. Thinking that this is something greater than they are.

Until this inferiority complex is not removed, an exploitation-free society cannot be formed. And to remove this, only one way is there. That is socio-economic movements (sama’j movements).

Just as with Yogic Remedies in which so many remedies have been given for various diseases. With the remedies prescribed, meant only for those who have the disease. And in AM Philosophy, guideline about psychic disease is given for those who are suffering from these diseases. Not for all.

Similarly for the common mass who is suffering from an inferiority complex, these songs have been given. So the indigenous people will get rid from the inferiority complex of their local language and cultural expression. That’s why Baba has given these songs in the local language of that area.

Because true Ananda Margiis are not suffering from this sort of complex and psychic disease, so these songs are not for them. As Ananda Margiis, we should only learn such songs in order to teach others. True Margiis need not to sing “O my motherland, Angabhumi, I am sacrificing everything for you” or “O my motherland Bengalistan, I will do and die for you”. But surely, the indigenous population of that area who is suffering from inferiority complex, they will sing.

CONCLUSION

The central idea is that for various sama’jas, various Prabhat Samgiita have been given. And these are a few examples given above. At the time of writing these songs, Baba has also given the instruction that on the basis of these sama’j Prabhat Samgiita songs, similar songs should be composed for all the sama’jas of this earth. By their own indigenous litterateurs and poets. And in that way, inspire the indigenous people to root out exploitation in their local area. So these songs given by Baba should be treated as a specimen and guideline.

There should not be any confusion on this very point. And again it should be noted that these songs related with the socio-economic movements (sama’j) are not for the entire Marga family. They are for indigenous people of that particular sama’j.

Please write your valuable thoughts on this topic.

Namaskar,
Subhash

Note 1: HUMAN CULTURE IS ONE

Baba says in various places that human culture is one. Only the mode of expression is different.

Note 2: FERTILE BRAINS…

The fertile brain of crude intellectuals, they are always creating problem by misguiding society. Such things happened so many times in the past. And Baba has given many examples, which happened in the past. That these crude intellectuals misguided and exploited the common mass, making them believe for example that their poverty is due to their own sinful deeds in the past.

Similarly, everybody knows that some WT groups always distort Baba’s samaj psychology. And so many times they given the false justification that Baba has written Bengalistan samaj songs and that is why A’mara Bengai samaj is the best and should be revered by the entire world; indeed everybody should donate money to this Bengali samaj. Because this is the top-most, special favoured samaj of Baba. This is their dogmatic preaching.

Baba in the following quote is teaching us how dogmatic people polluted the mind of innocent people by preaching false ideas. And establishing their supremacy. Baba says how in the following way these religious parasites spread falsehood. Religious parasites misguided and exploited the common mass by telling them:

“Your God is the only God. You are His blessed sons and daughters, and others will burn in hellfire.” (PNS 14, p.13)

In similar fashion, these days certain WT factions sing their glory about their language and land. That they are most precious, and everyone from the entire globe should salute them and praise their glory. In their group propaganda network, they talk like this. They did not get tired by spreading their own greatness. They never get tired of eulogizing themselves. Nor do they feel shame by doing so.

Note 3: ABOUT SOCIAL ECONOMIC MOVEMENTS

Baba says, “Thus Prout’s approach can be characterised as universal in spirit but regional in approach.” (PNS 13, p.24)

Baba says, “An empirical spiritual base to society will protect it from all fissiparous tendencies and group or clan philosophies which create shackles of narrow-mindedness.” (PNS 13, p.24)

Often we have seen how certain fundamentalist groupists were propagating Amra Bengali songs all around the globe. That was really suffocating for everyone. For example this song, “Rarh e lal mati” was circulated and the cassette was sold in various sectorial retreats of all the sectors. But that song was only meant for the indigenous people of Rarh. So this proves the blindness of certain groupist-minded negative people who do not understand the spirit of sama’j movement (socio-economic movement).
PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Baba

“Jhainjha’ jadi a’se jujhite shakati dio…” (P.S. #1783)

Purport:

Baba, You are my Saviour. If in my life a hurricane or typhoon comes, then You please provide me the strength to fight and face that negative situation. Grant me the strength to struggle and persevere.
Baba, if ever in my life lethargy and frustration comes, then please provide me strength to hold onto Your feet and to go on moving on Your path.
Baba, by Your grace I am treading on Your path. You please color my mind with Your color in all situations. During both pleasure and pain. With Your divine grace, if my mind becomes radiant then it cannot be covered by staticity during times of cimmerian darkness. Please grant me strength to follow Your dictates.
Baba, please grace me and give me the force to go on marching on the path of effulgence, in an undaunted way moving ahead. And please give me strength by Your grace, to jump up and take on ever-new tasks to serve the downtrodden people.
Baba, please bless me by Your Varabhaya mudra so in my life, I never feel fear or cowardice to fight against demonic forces. Baba, in all the circumstances I am completely depending on Your grace. Without Your grace, nothing is possible…

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Serious Matter

Baba says, “The system of education prevailing today was formulated or evolved long ago, mainly with a view to suit the needs of the capitalist class. For the last three to four thousand years, the same type of education is being imparted. The main purpose behind this sort of educational system is to create persons with a slavish mentality to fulfill need of those capitalist exploiters. This sort of education is fundamentally defective. It is certain that this type of education which serves the capitalists’ interests is not at all suitable. This sort of education creates obstacles in the evolution of humanity. We have to thoroughly revamp the entire educational system. A new educational system must evolve to produce sadvipras.” (11/29/70, transcribed from cassette)

Note: Those who are bragging about the standard of their education should know what type & what category of knowledge they have. In this regard, we should ponder Guru’s above guideline.
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How Falsehood Become Truth

Date: Thu 12 Jan 2012 21:56:03 -0400
From: Divyajyoti Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: How Falsehood Become Truth

Baba

“Egiye calo, egiye calo…” (PS 156)

Purport:

My brothers and sisters, we should move on towards our goal, Parama Purusa. Today the glorious dawn has come. We should take everyone along with us; no one should be left behind. Everyone is ours. Nobody is other. We all belong to one family. Our father is Parama Purusa; we have to move together on the path of His teachings. Human society is one and indivisible, let no fissiparous tendencies be allowed to destroy this. Baba’s grace is with us….

== HOW FALSEHOOD BECAME TRUTH ==

Namaskar,
There are two schools of thought with regards to Baba stories.

(1) Some in our Marga think that whatever someone writes as a Baba story is OK and that margii readers should not say anything even if it is wrong. They feel one should just read the story, accept it as is, and keep quiet.

(2) Others think there should be careful scrutiny of each Baba story to see how far it is correct or not. They feel that, when needed, there should be constructive criticism of the story to improve its accuracy, clarity, and devotional expression.

These are the two diametrically opposing views and both sides have their own logic. Let’s take a deeper examination of this issue. These days more and more are writing Baba stories and as a community we should decide how to proceed.

MYTHS ABOUT LORD SHIVA AND LORD KRSNA

Nowadays, many think that Lord Shiva smoked hashish, and that one of his sons, Ganesh, had the face and head of an elephant, and that Lord Shiva would lie down in the cemetery totally drunk. These are but some of the prevailing myths surrounding Lord Shiva.

Plus it is popularly thought that Lord Krsna was a simple cowherd who chased after females and that the gopis were all females. These are but some of the many myths surrounding Lord Krsna.

Thus there are a plethora of misconceptions surrounding these two great personalities, i.e. Taraka Brahmas.

As disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we must not let history repeat itself. We must ensure the world learns the truth about Baba and His divine teachings. We must not give any scope for the creation of such myths about Baba. And the best way to achieve this is to ensure that our presentation of His divine Personality is accurate and true.

BOOKS ARE VIEWED AS TRUTH

Recently someone published a book, Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years. Although the book was written with the best of intentions, we must ensure its expression properly reflects Guru and His teachings.

The reason great care is needed is that books are seen as veritable authoritative sources of truth. That is the basic belief about books. When a person reads something that has been printed, published and bound as a book, they take that information to be substantiated and true. That is the common approach adopted by both the public and experts. Books then have a huge effect on the common psyche.

Yet tragically, books often contain serious misconceptions and stray far from the truth.

For instance, there are numerous books which describe how Lord Shiva smoked hashish, or how Lord Krsna chased after females. And the general public accepts those falsehoods as true. Why? Because they were published in a book.

Not only that, people generally believe in the existence of the mythological characters, Ram and Hanuman. Why do people believe they are real? Because Ram and Hanuman have been written about and printed in a book, the Ramayana. Yet both Ram and Hanuman are totally mythological figures. But because their story has been printed in book form, people think they are real.

The problem does not end there. On Indian soil, thousands have been killed over this issue, even within the last 20 years. Specifically, there have been court cases, rallies, protests, threats, and attacks over Ram’s supposed birth place. Ram’s existence is 100% mythological but hundreds of millions of people are ready to die in order to secure Ram’s birthplace.

So see the situation: Ram is an imaginary figure, yet hoards of people are arguing over where Ram was born – and fighting about it. Yet, Ram never took birth on this earth. How did this confusion happen? By reading about Ram in a book, people came to believe he is real. Such is the power that books have over people.

WIKIPEDIA EXAMPLE

Wikipedia, the popular on-line Encyclopedia, also places huge confidence and credence into books.

For instance, if any information is printed in a book then it can be added to a Wikipedia topic and nobody can change or delete it. If it is stated in a book that Baba supported racism or communalism or so many other mistakes, then those false claims can be added to the Wikipedia site. All because those falsehoods have been printed in a book.

Thus when someone has recently written a book about Baba which contains innumerable falsehoods, should we just sit back and think that it is ok? Or what should be our approach.

THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM

A small few may be thinking that, “Come on, what Devashish has written in his book, Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years, is fine. We all know that Baba is most loving and the Divine One, so if there are some errors or misconceptions in the book it is not a big deal. Just let it be.”

Some individuals mistakenly justify the matter this way: “All margiis know that Baba was and is most loving and this book is for margiis; so if there are mistakes in the book, that is not a problem. We can mentally correct the book as we read it and enjoy. After all, we know about Baba so we will not get confused and misguided by this book.” This is their defective mentality.

This type of thinking has a serious flaw. Here is that flaw.

That problem is that it will not be long before all of us who were blessed to be with Baba physically are gone from this earth. Naturally then people will base cent-per-cent of their knowledge about Baba on what is written about Him, i.e. what is printed in the books.

FALSE CLAIMS BY DEVASHISH ABOUT BABA

So when a book makes totally outrageous claims like the following, readers and the general public will be bound to get a wrong idea about Baba and Ananda Marga. Because Devashish has written all of the below and more in his book:

(1) Baba is Bengali (p.34);
(2) Baba’s favourite language was Bhojpuri in His childhood (p.114);
(3) Baba has a loose tongue like a drunken policeman who is rude and harshly abuses innocent people and criminals just to irritate and torture them (p.211);
(4) Baba is merely a saint like Saint Paul, Mother Teresa, Mohamed & Swami Ramdev (p.166);
(5) Kapalik sadhana is a ritual (p.151);
(6) Baba ordered His own book, A Discussion, to be burned (p.185);
(7) Buddha is also Taraka Brahma (p.179);
(8) As a Guru, Baba celebrated Durga Puja (p.263)
(9) And so many other misleading statements and falsehoods.

But making all these types of misleading and erroneous statements is not good. Enemies will certainly take advantage of the situation and turn these misstatements into major, mountainous issues, i.e. turning a piece of dust into the Himalayas. Because that is what enemies do. They look for points of weakness and areas to attack and then use that to make a huge cases against their foes.

So these false statements from Devashish’s book are extremely problematic and cannot be overlooked. It is by these types of ludicrous statements that the world came to think that Lord Shiva just smoked hashish or that Lord Krsna just chased after young females. Such dogmas flooded this earth for centuries, nay thousands of years, until finally Baba Himself came as the Taraka Brahma and dispelled these myths about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna.

HOW IRONIC

The irony is that now misguided disciples are creating the same types of problems all over again about Baba Himself. If we let Devashish’s book stand as is without offering any clarifications or corrections, readers will most definitely get the wrong idea about Baba. Not only that, those who are enemies of the Marga, will use Devashish’s book as ammunition to attack Baba. In that case, once again a Taraka Brahma will have to take advent and clear up such misconceptions about Baba.

Because enemies will take one relatively small point, like Baba is Bengali or that Baba favours Bhojpuri, and use that to defame Him and charge Him as being a hypocrite. They will accuse Baba of preaching about neo-humanism yet at the same time harbouring communal sentiments. Because that is what is written in Devashish’s book.

That is what enemies do. They take whatever ammunition they can find and blow that up into monstrous proportions in order to take someone down. Unfortunately, Devashish’s book is an entire ocean of ammunition for such enemies. They will have a field day with his book.

THE BOOK HAS SO MANY MISTAKES

There are countless mistakes in the book, Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years. To correct them all we will have to write every day for weeks on end.

If we fail to raise this critical matter then so many falsehood will emerge. Just as it was propagated that Lord Shiva smoked hashish or that His son was born with an elephant face, similarly so many wrong claims will be made about Baba. And people will accept those as true. This is the problem.

Now I put forth my request to all margiis that they should also participate in cleaning-up and addressing this serious issue.

CONCLUSION

For reasons mentioned above, if any publication about Baba and Ananda Marga has any mistakes we should point out those errors and go on the public record. Because if any published mistake remains unopposed, that becomes unassailable proof in the future. But if we oppose such falsehoods now – before it is too late – then wrongs will be brought to light and corrected. Such is what needs to happen with Devashish’s book, Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years.

Namaskar,
Divyajyoti

Note 1: WHO DOES NOT LIKE THIS

An honest publisher or writer is always looking for healthy criticism; but those who are cowardly, selfish, and egoistic do not like their writings to be critiqued. It is the same as if you are telling the truth, then you are not afraid if people discuss that topic, since your point is true. But if you are telling a lie then you are always afraid that the matter should not be discussed.

Note 2: FINE INTENTION, POOR SHOWING

Overall, Devashish’s intention is fine and well; that is not the problem. The main hurdle is that he is sloppy and not up to the mark in various ways, including a lack of professionalism, as he did not verify the points in his book with various experts. Plus his devotional expression is also suspect.

Note 3: EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/12/devashish-book-half-truth.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/12/devashish-book-misinformation-ii.html

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