When We Should Compromise

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 06:08:27 +1000

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: When We Should Compromise;
(2) Concluding Quote: Who Propagated This Defective Philosophy?;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #1420;

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

== WHEN WE SHOULD COMPROMISE ==

Namaskar,
Here following are some very unique examples from Baba’s own life where He refused to compromise on points of ideology. We are to apply these same measures in our organizational / ideological life.

BABA’S EXAMPLE:

I WILL NOT FORGO PROUT

When Baba was in jail then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sent a representative to convey the following message to Baba.

On behalf of Mrs. Gandhi, the messenger said, “The Government of India & Ananda Marga can peacefully coexist, so long as there is no Prout. If You drop Prout from Your agenda everything will be fine.”

This was the essence of the message from Mrs Gandhi’s camp: For Baba to forgo His Prout philosophy.

In reply, Revered Baba told, “My ideology is more important than my life. I prefer to remain in jail than compromise on My ideology.”

By Baba’s divine example, we are to understand that standing up for our ideological principles is the greatest endeavour in life. This is very evident by the fact that Baba refused to compromise by giving up His Prout philosophy.

Verily, in innumerable places and in countless ways, Baba guides us that we are never to sacrifice or compromise our Ananda Marga ideals.

Thus when certain Dadas have ruined margii rights, made a Fake Bhukti Pradhan manual, distorted Baba’s scripture, invented Fake Ananda Vaniis, created the dogma of mahaprayan, ruined the ACB system, and vicitimised and marginalised countless innocent margiis etc, then we must not compromise or make any deals with such persons. First those Wts must admit to their wrongdoing and sin, express repentance, and mend their ways.

Baba’s overarching directive is to hold firm to ideology – no matter what. We should follow His ideal.

BABA’S EXAMPLE:

I WILL NOT GIVE UP MY FAST

Another well-known incident occurred when Baba was in jail & undertaking His protest fast.

At that time, various political leaders of India came to Baba in a very respectful manner and pleaded with Him to stop His fast. Those political leaders expressed that (a) the long fast was having a very detrimental effect on His body, (b) it was difficult to maintain such a fast, and (c) that His life is very important. Those well-wishers reasoned and concluded that best will be for Baba to discontinue His fast. This was their well-intentioned plea.

But once again, on this very point Baba replied that His fast was for ideological reasons – not for the wellness of His physical existence. For that reason, He must continue the fast.

Baba’s response and action again shows that following His ideological principles is first and foremost in life. On no account should an Ananda Margii ever compromise on Ananda Marga teachings or philosophy.

Hence, when certain Dadas have indulged in Bangalisation, invented dogmatic tiirthas, used expulsion as a weapon, and attacked those who followed silent action etc, we must hold them accountable for contravening Baba’s guidelines. They must accept their misdeeds, beg apology, and correct their wrongdoing etc. There is no other way.

BABA’S EXAMPLE:

DO NOT COMPROMISE WITH THOSE WHO GO AGAINST ISTA

Here is yet another example for us all to consider.

In 1970, when the defectors like Madhavananda, Vishokananda, and Prakashananda, went against Ista – betrayed Guru, then some simple people, who had sentimental friendships with those defectors, wanted to keep everyone together. Those simple sadhakas requested Baba to allow those defectors to remain in the organisation even though they blatantly contravened the very foundational tenets of Ananda Marga. In their naïveté, those simple people wanted to overlook the ideological blunders of those defectors – and have everyone co-exist once again. This is what they asked from Baba.

However, we all know that Baba took a very firm stand – an ideological stand – on this issue, and the rest is history. Baba did not wish to send messengers to those defectors and compromise with their adharmic demands and console them. Instead, on their own accord, those defectors strayed far, far away and never returned. And our Ananda Marga rose to the height of glory. And those who were tricked by such defectors and joined them initially, then Baba openly welcomed them back. While those who deliberately joined those defectors had to face punishment before being allowed back into Ananda Marga.

Here then again, Baba demonstrates through His own Personal example that when it comes to ideology, there must not be any compromise. Rather one is to stand tall on all ideological matters.

Thus in the present day situation, how can we forgive those who have altered Baba’s teachings, and done so many heinous crimes which go against Ananda Marga ideology. How can we simply forgive and excuse such people. We cannot – not until they have purged themselves of such sin and wholly mended their ways.

In so many teachings Baba has guided us to never compromise on ideological matters – never.

“Fight for your Ideology. Be one with your Ideology. Live for your Ideology. Die for your Ideology.” (1)

“Where the question of benevolence and malevolence is concerned we will not deviate an inch from our ideology.” (2)

“Life represents Ideology. Life should be sacrificed for Ideology.” (3)

BABA’S DIVINE DISCOURSE:

DO NOT MADE A PACT WITH SINNERS

So by His own example and in His teachings, Baba guides us to always live by the high ideals of Ananda Marga – never compromise.

This following passage from Baba’s discourse leads in this same direction. This below paragraph has been paraphrased from AV-26 (H) pg 34. It is based on the original Hindi and if anyone has this book and can post the original Hindi section, then that will be very helpful.

Here then is the essence of Baba’s message from that portion of His discourse where Baba is pointedly explaining that there must not be any pact made with those who are opposed to our principles.

“Remember one can have a temporary cease-fire with the black forces, but there cannot be a pact…do you know what is cease-fire? For example, two battling parties may decide that there will not be any fighting at night, and that the fighting will resume in morning. So in a temporary cease-fire the fight has not been stopped permanently; it will continue after a short period of pause. So this is what is known as a temporary cease-fire. In contrast, what is a pact? When a pact is made then a compromise of values is done and each side accepts certain conditions and sacrifices their own ideological platform…Remember, at any cost there will never be a pact with the black forces, i.e. the negative forces. Only there can be a ceasefire from time to time. And that cease-fire will be done with the sole intention to increase your own strength. For example, suppose you are alone and the dark forces surrounding you are ten in number. Then for the time being one can make a cease fire with those black forces; but, then tomorrow you will have to collect 20 fighters to join your cause and then start your offensive against those black forces. That is the use of a temporary cease-fire. Virtuous people must remember, that one can never make a pact with the sinful forces.” (4)

Hence in clear-cut language in His above teaching, Baba directs us that we must never sacrifice our ideals by making a pact with sinful agents – those who go against the welfare of humanity. On this point, Baba maintains that we must live by and fight for our ideals, i.e. Ananda Marga ideology.

In the practical sphere, our Ananda Marga has never made a pact with or bowed down to communists, capitalists, or any type of crooked leadership etc. No matter what the circumstances, always we are to abide by our Ananda Marga ideals. That is Baba’s directive and that is what sincere margiis do.

DO NOT MAKE PACT WITH ANY GROUP

From time to time, a few persons cry out that we should sacrifice Ananda Marga values and ideological principles in order to “keep everyone together” – just like in a crowd where everyone is physically together but has their own separate agenda. That is to say, some confused persons sometimes beg that we should overlook ideological wrongdoings like scriptural distortions and BP rights, and come in the shelter of one particular group or bring all the groups under one roof. This is their unholy approach. Because they are demanding that we forgo our ideological principles for the sake of some type of group pact etc. Yet, Baba never wants us to do such mistakes: Under no conditions are we to compromise on the point ideology.

If really we are to make a pact with unideological group leaders, then Baba would have invited all kinds of communists, capitalists, and dogmatic religious fanatics to bring their dogma into Ananda Marga. But Baba did not do like this. Rather, it was demanded that such persons must first leave their dogma and then enter the house of Ananda Marga – not vice versa.

Because for Baba, ideology is supreme and He wants that we also follow this way of life: Never compromising on ideology.

That means not compromising with those who have ruined margii rights, invented the weapon of expulsion, victimised innocent margiis, and distorted Baba’s scripture. Until such factional heads change their ways, we cannot forgive such persons and forget their sinful deeds. That is Baba’s decree.

IF ANYONE COMPROMISES ON POINTS OF IDEOLOGY

THEY ARE PLAYING WITH FIRE

If any person does not understand the fact that ideology is everything in life, then such a person is really just a baby in Ananda Marga – regardless of their worldly age. If such persons want to make a pact with unideological people, then they themselves are playing with fire as they are going against Baba’s fundamental principle of no compromise on points of ideology. As soon as possible those persons should study Baba’s guidelines and do long sadhana. That is what they need. That is their medicine. Then they will be alright, by His grace.

TWO DISTINCT WARNINGS

#1: If anyone is supporting any group or faction then they themselves are going against Ananda Marga ideology because supporting groupism is against the principles of neo-humanism.

#2: During times of trial, it is very difficult to come onto the right path. Due to allegiance with friends and family or personal interest etc, people go astray. They fail to link up with ideology.

BABA’S TEACHINGS

Ista and Adarsha are the most important things in life. And that is what our svastika flag represents. And that is our victory in life – not the victory of dogma.

ALWAYS STICK TO IDEOLOGY, DO NOT BE SWAYED

“We should always respect our ideology if we are to become true human beings. The ideologist is a man who always acts according to his ideology. If by following the ideology, the older people become unhappy or condemn me, I will not care. If by following an ideology I die and die again, let it be. I will not care. I will stick to my ideology.” (5)

BE READY TO FACE ALL DIFFICULTIES FOR THE SAKE OF IDEOLOGY

“Let those well-versed in ethics criticize me or praise me, as they so desire; let Lakśmii, the goddess of wealth, either be gracious enough (because of my activities) to reside in my house, or, if she prefers, go elsewhere; let death visit me today or decades later. It makes little difference to me. Wise people will never withdraw from the path of ideology, the path which they accept as their ideal.” (6)

“What am I going to do regarding the mission of life? If logicians and philosophers condemn me, saying, “That is a very bad man,” let them say this. Or if, due to my movement towards my goal, a certain portion of society appreciates my action, let them appreciate it – it won’t affect me. I won’t be assailed by such appreciations. And if, due to my action, Lakśmii (Lakśmii is the mythological goddess of riches) comes and resides in my house, it is good. If Lakśmii says, “No, I will quit you forever, I won’t remain with you.” that is, you will have to suffer from poverty, let Lakśmii quit my house: And if, due to my course of action, due to my ideology, Pluto, that is, the god of death, comes and says, “I’ll take you,” let Pluto do it! I don’t care! Or if, due to my course of action, due to my ideology, I am forced to live here for an indefinite period, I am ready to live here. You know life becomes boring if one lives for a long period, but I am ready to undergo that boredom, that monotony, for the sake of my ideology.” (7)

BE DHIIRA – STICK TO IDEOLOGY

“The shástras say that a person must stick to his ideals irrespective of whether he receives praise or abuse, whether wealth comes or wealth goes, whether he lives a thousand years or suffers death the next moment. Such a person is called “dhiira”. My direction to you is to be Dhiira. You must stick to your ideals in spite to everything. In this lies your spiritual growth.” (8)

DO NOT BE SWAYED BY PRAISE OR ABUSE

“If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Puruśa. I have come from Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty.” (9)

IT IS BETTER TO DIE UPHOLDING DHARMA

“Even if the practice of Bhágavata dharma brings pain and sorrow and the practice of paradharma (that is to say, the dharma of animals and plants) brings pleasure, humans will have to stick firmly to their svadharma, their mánava dharma. Humans should never allow themselves to descend to paradharma, the dharma of birds and beasts, of trees and plants. On no account should animal dharma be encouraged. The flag of mánava dharma must always be held high under all circumstances. This is exactly what Shrii Krśńa means when He says: Svadharme nidhanam’ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah – “It would be better to die upholding human dharma, upholding the ideal of humanity; one should never allow oneself to fall back into a state of animality.” (10)

NEVER COMPROMISE WITH SIN OR VICE

“The person will welcome that death rather than compromise with sin and vice. Therefore keep in mind that those who are genuine devotees, sádhakas of high order, loved by Parama Puruśa and closely bound to Parama Puruśa in love and affection, will never compromise with sin and vice. They will cling to their ideal totally, throughout their lives.” (11)

HOLD THE FLAG OF IDEOLOGY UPRIGHT

“O’ human beings, be established in the radiance of divinity and the splendour of valour and chivalry, because yours is the path of revolution. Your path is not the path of extra caution and scheduled movement. You are the traveller of a rugged path. You are travellers of an impregnable path. You have to march ahead proudly with the flag of Marga upright. You have no time to stagger or to look behind.” (12)

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The overall guideline is that we are to hold firm to the ideological fundamental of Ananda Marga irrespective of any worldly situation. Whether we are praised, whether our friends try to lure us away, regardless of any circumstance we are to remain with ideology and never compromise. Thus in our organisational life we must take a firm stand against those who have undermined and contravened the ideological principles of Ananda Marga. We must not compromise with such Dadas etc in any way. Rather they must take responsibility for their wrongdoing, express repentance, and rectify themselves. There is no other option.

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Bhavanath

Note: MORE ABOUT MARGII RIGHTS

For a comprehensive listing of margii rights and common ideological points that have been compromised and violated in our Ananda Marga, please read this letter. (Note: After clicking sure to scroll down to the actual post)

REFERENCES
1. A’nanda Va’nii #14
2. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14
3. A’nanda Va’nii #15
4. Paraphrased from AV-26, p.34, Hindi Edn
5. 23 November 1971 DMC, Purnea
6. NKS, Disc: 2
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam – part 12
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam – part 1
9. Subháśita Sam’graha Part 12
10. Discourses on Krsna & The Giita, “Better to Die . . .” – 2
11. Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 3
12. SS-1

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Who Propagated This Defective Philosophy?

“At one time people were told that this world is for human enjoyment only, so the existence of all the plants, of all the birds and animals, in the world is intended merely to provide objects of enjoyment for human beings. Their hopes and aspirations, their intense desire to live, their pains and pleasures, their affectionate family or community lives are simply without value. However much a baby goat may wish to live, the main consideration is how much meat that kid carries on its frame. This defective philosophy has made people ruthlessly violent – even more dangerous than blood-thirsty tigers. Tigers kill only to fill their stomachs, to preserve their physical existence; whereas human beings kill animals mostly out of greed. Generally people have resorted to hypocrisy to camouflage this instinct of greed; they have killed animals on the pretext of pleasing the gods, while actually their main motive in doing so was to please their own tongues. These are all the inevitable results of such defective philosophies.” (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14)

If you do not know who propagates this defective philosophy then click here for the answer.
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PRABHAT SAMGIITA
~ PS #1420 ~

“A’mi toma’ya bha’lobesechi sare yete doba na’…” (PS 1420)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You have most graciously come to me after such a long time; now I will not let You go away. I love You. O’ my Dearmost, I want to serve You; I want to fall in love with You – because falling in love with You means attaining salvation, getting emancipation, becoming one with the greater ‘I’, and remaining in eternal bliss. I do not want to fall in love with others because that means undergoing bondage, crudification, pain, misery, and, ultimately, degeneration. O’ my Lord, I want to fall in love with You.

O’ Divine Entity, You are the Polestar of my life – my life revolves around You. You are the sweetest of the sweet. You are the evening star of my life – the nucleus of my existence. O’ Prabhu, You are the morning star of the early dawn. O’ my Dearmost, because of You I am alive, and up to eternity I will remain under Your shelter, by Your grace. Thinking, contemplating, and ideating on You is the highest form of sadhana.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, You are the best of everything. You are the smile of the flowers in the crimson dawn. In the mild nights of sarat [1], You are the shepha’lii [2] flower. In the sweet breeze of the shepha’lii flower, I remain awake thinking about You. O’ my Dearmost, O’ Baba, You are manaska’mana: You are the only One who can satisfy all the longing of my heart and mind.

Baba, You are my everything, I love You…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1420:

[1] Sarat: This refers to the pre-winter Season. In tropical areas like India the pre-winter season is one of the best and most charming times of year. It is not hot and humid, nor is it chilly and cold. Rather in the pre-winter season, the climate is highly refreshing, very suitable, and, on the whole, quite delightful.

[2] Shepha’lii: The Night-flowering Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbortristis) is native to the Bengal region of India, where it is known as shepha’lii. The fragrant aroma of the night jasmine flower (shepha’lii) permeates each and every air molecule and makes the whole environment saturated and drenched it its sweetness.

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SO-CALLED DICHOTOMY

Mon, 24 June 2013 22:37:14

Baba

== SO-CALLED DICHOTOMY ==
Namaskar,
Here is one question that was perplexing for me and I was not sure how to respond. On the one hand we say that God is very close, not far, so there is no need for calling Him loudly:

“Those who call out loud to attain Him wrongly believe that He is far away from them. However loudly they might call, their call will never reach Him.” (1)

That is one side of the conundrum: Baba’s above guideline is that if you call Him loudly thinking that He is away then He will go even further away.

And, on the other hand, we are instructed that we must sing kiirtan loudly.

In our Ananda Marga, everything is logical and rational, then why this apparent dichotomy.

Actually, I was not confused about this myself. I was not even aware about this matter. It was only brought to my attention when a new person posed this question to me. Then I found I had no logical reply. That is when I became perplexed. I knew there had to be a rational explanation, but I was not sure what that was.

HERE IS THAT SEEMING DICHOTOMY
I spoke with with many people: Acaryas, senior margiis, new and old people, and they told many things. But here is the key point that I share with you now.

For clarity here again is the question at hand.

On the one side, Baba guides us that yelling and hollering the name of the Lord will not bring one any closer to Him. Thus we should not emulate the faulty approach of certain religious followers who yell for the Lord.

Then in so many other discourses He guides us that we Ananda Margiis are to sing kiirtan loudly.

“If anyone is to be praised in this world, if anyone’s virtues are to be extolled loudly through kiirtana, it should be Parama Puruśa. Kiirtana means to utter good words loudly; not mentally, nor in a whisper, but loud enough for everyone to hear.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 7, How Should a Devotee Behave?)

In that case what is the difference between the loud singing done by those dogmatic religious followers and our loudly sung kiirtan programs? That is the query the new person posed to me. And at the time I was unable to give a rational convincing response.

But after consulting with others, here is essence of the reply that was given.

HERE IS THE RATIONAL REPLY
When the dogmatic religious followers loudly yell and cry out for their Lord, then their intention is that by this way they should gain His favour or His blessing in the form of material goods etc. And because they think their God is far away – up in the seventh sky – they call for Him very loudly. That is why they use such a booming voice.

Think of it this way. Suppose you and a friend are sitting side by side talking. Then one will not use a loud voice. Rather you will just talk quietly and you may even whisper. Because you understand that your friend is right next to you. Whereas, if you saw your friend all the way down the road, 1/2 a kilometer away – then you would yell loudly, so that he could hear you.

That same modality is functioning with dogmatic worshipers who feel that their Lord is far away. To communicate their requests to Him – to make sure they are heard – they call for Him loudly. But according to Ananda Marga philosophy, loudly yelling will only increase the distance between them and their Lord. That is what happens when they call for Him loudly.

In contrast, when Ananda Margiis sing kiirtan loudly, that is not done because we feel that Parama Purusa is far away – i.e. across the planet or up in the sky etc. We do not feel that He is far and that is now why we sing kiirtan loudly. We sing kiirtan loudly so others can hear the glorious name of the Lord. That is why we sing kiirtan loudly: To propagate the Lord’s glory to others.

“It is said, “Kiirttaniiyah sadáharih”. What do we mean by “kiirttaniiyah”? When someone’s qualities are sung aloud and highly praised, it is called “kiirttaniiyah”. In Saḿskrta, the root verb “kiirt” means “to utter something loudly in praise of someone”. It is something that is uttered loudly enough to be audible to others. If uttered very softly, it will be audible to oneself, and if uttered mentally, it will be audible to one’s own mind, but will not be audible to others. Kiirtana should be sung loudly enough to be heard by others.” (2)

By Baba’s above explanation it is very clear that we are to sing kiirtan loudly so that others may hear. That is the key reason for singing loudly: That way others can listen to the glories of the Lord.

NOT DONE SO THE LORD CAN HEAR
We do not sing loudly because we think that by singing loudly then Parama Purusa can hear us – whereas if we sing softly then He will not be able to hear. We do not take part in such dogma. Because we know that volume is not the operating factor in communicating with Parama Purusa. He is with us always and knows all our thoughts. In that case one need not use one’s voice box at all. In sadhana and in dhyana we communicate silently with Him.

Thus there is no question of singing kiirtan loudly so He can hear it. Even if we silently repeat the kiirtan mantra in the mind, then also He will know about it. Then also He will hear it.

So when we use a loudspeaker in our kiirtan programs that is not so God will hear. Some of the dogmatic religions feel that if the voice does not reach a certain decibel then the Lord cannot hear them. But that is not our approach. We use the PA system or loudspeaker system to share the kiirtan with those around us – so they can hear the Lord’s glories.

JUST LIKE IF YOU FOUND GOLD IN YOUR BASEMENT
Singing kiirtan loudly so others can hear the glories of the Lord is a very natural thing to do.

It is just like if you found a solid gold brick in your basement, then immediately you would cry out and tell all your friends and family about what you found. Here the point is that when anyone finds or discovers something special then they have a strong desire to share that news with others. People have an inherent inclination to share good news with others.

This is what is commonly done. When scientists discover a new star or planet then they have a big press conference and announce it to the world. And when a sports team wins a championship then they broadcast that so all can hear about it. Similarly, when a politician wins an election then they do not just repeat the victory slogan to themselves silently – rather they spread that news far and wide so all can hear it.

This is the common psychology.

In a related manner, when as bhaktas we know that Taraka Brahma has come then we are inclined to share that news with everyone. For that reason, we loudly sing the glories of Parama Purusa so all can hear about it.

We want others to realise that only His name is the divine truth – not any material possession like money, fancy cars, social status, or other mundane quality. These things are transient: Here today, gone tomorrow. Anyone running after material wants is sure to be disappointed as those things just do not last. As Ananda Margiis, we hold dear only His name. That is why we sing Baba Nam Kevalam. Only His name is meaningful – everything else is temporary and transient. So we sing His name loudly to share that the glory or the name of Parama Purusa as that is what is most meaningful. We want to communicate this with everybody.

Thus our main reason for singing kiirtan loudly is so others may be benefited by hearing His divine name – they should hear the glories of the Lord.

“Kiirtaniiyah sadá harih. One should always do the kiirtana of the Lord. What does kiirtana mean? To sing in a loud voice the qualities of the Lord.” (3)

And this is done so that others may hear our call – i.e. the name of the Lord.

OTHER BENEFITS OF SINGING KIIRTAN LOUDLY
One side reason for singing kiirtan loudly is that it satisfies a fundamental emotional quality of being human – i.e. expressing one’s heart-felt feelings.

First and foremost, we sing kiirtan loudly so others can hear not because our aim is to communicate directly with Parama Purusa. That can happen internally – there is no need to sing loudly to achieve that.

MUST CALL HIM WITH AN INTROVERTED MIND – NOT WITH THE VOICE
“Those who call out loud to attain Him wrongly believe that He is far away from them. However loudly they might call, their call will never reach Him. To call that Supreme Entity the mind must be introverted with proper ideation. The scriptures describe three types of incantation: vácanik (verbal repetition), upáḿshu (muttering repetition), mánasik (mental repetition). Verbal repetition means to call Parama Puruśa loudly on the supposition that He is far, far away. In muttering repetition there is a slight movement of the lips causing the incantation to be audible to oneself only. In the third category of incantation it is the mind which utters and listens to the incantation; no one even gets the least hint that you are engaged in iishvara prańidhána (cosmic ideation – a vital part of the spiritual cult).” (4)

ANOTHER REASON
“Why does kiirtana have to be vocalized? The science behind it is that when you do kiirtana loudly your mind remains engaged. It cannot do anything else. At that time it is not possible to abuse someone or to have a worldly conversation. The mind is busy vocalizing, rather I will say that it is given over to the vocalization. The vocal cords are busy in that, the mind is employed in that thought, and the ears are hearing it, they don’t have any chance to go here and there. For this reason the rule of vocalizing kiirtana loudly makes it both heard and sung. Kiirtan is not done softly.” (5)

PERVASIVE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF KIIRTANA

“The easiest way to do this is to sing the glories of the Supreme Entity whose very thought automatically elevates the mind. Chanting the name of Parama Puruśa aloud is called kiirtana; For, the vibration created in the atmosphere by kiirtana will influence others also. But if one’s mental ideation is conveyed only to Parama Puruśa without affecting other human beings, this is called bhajana. So bhajana is purely personal; it has no collective aspect. Kiirtana is more beneficial than bhajana, and hence it is said kiirtaniiyah sadá harih: whenever you find time, do kiirtana loudly and you will never become degenerated because by chanting the Lord’s holy name the mind remains elevated. Mudslinging and criticizing is thereby stopped forever, and hence kiirtana averts the degradation of the human mind. You should always remember that in every sphere of life – social, political, economic, psychic, and spiritual – you should always follow the principle of “taking the opposite stance”: there is no exception to this rule. Victory will surely be yours. ” (6)

THE INNER FEELING IS THE KEY POINT – NOT THE VOLUME OF THE VOICE
“Perhaps you know that japa is of three kinds – vácanika, upáḿshu, and mánasika. Vácanika japa, the attempt to attract His attention by reciting prayers in a loud voice, is absolutely meaningless. Respect, affection, sincerity and devotion are attributes of the inner heart and are not to be expressed loudly in the language of flatterers. Vácanika japa, therefore, serves no purpose. However when a desire for vocal expression of an internal feeling is aroused, the divine touch can be expressed in sweet language in the form of a verse or song…but they cannot serve the purpose of auto-suggestion of Iishvara prańidhána.” (7)

IDEATION IS EVERYTHING

DON’T JUST SHOUT YOUR FEELINGS TO HIM
“Iishvara prańidhána means to move with accelerated speed towards that Supreme Shelter, God. Therefore, Iishvara prańidhána is absolutely based on bháva, or ideation – it is a mental effort in its entirety. Shouting at the top of one’s voice for a big crowd to assemble, or showing devotion by beating drums, etc., has got no place in it. Your Iishvara is not deaf. Don’t shout to convey your mental feelings to Him.” (8)

HE LIES COVERT WITHIN

IF YOU THINK HE IS FAR – YOU WILL CRY YOURSELF HOARSE
“Those who don’t have this feeling and think that Parama Puruśa is far away, may cry themselves hoarse, yet their sobs will not be heard by Him. The actual truth is that the Supreme Entity lies covert in the small “I” feeling of all living creatures. So He is not far from anything; rather, He is the very “I” of each and every microcosm. With this idea or feeling in mind, spiritual aspirants should start their spiritual practice. To be ensconced in this supreme idea is the culminating point of all sadhana.” (9)

HE IS CLOSE OR AS FAR AS YOU DEEM HIM TO BE
“He is far, far away from the one who thinks Him to be remote, and He is nearer than the near to the one who thinks Him to be close. The one who has eyes to see who has known Him even a wee bit, knows that He abides in his or her very sense of existence – in his or her very heart’s desire as the Supreme Radiance. To seek Him – to attain Him – it is not at all necessary to run from one place to another. “He is not elsewhere but right within.”” (10)

HOW SOME HAVE FALLEN IN THIS WAY WITH MPD
In a related manner it is terribly unfortunate that some of our brothers have gotten confused and think that Baba is far, far away, and has left to some other world. Their very use of the term -prayan (gone far away) gives this very idea. That is why they observe mahaprayan divas (MPD). Such persons cannot think or feel that Parama Purusa lies within, so they started their dogma of mahaprayan. Observing this is a veritable dichotomy. Parama Purusa resides eternally in the heart, and the propagators and supporters of MPD proclaim that Baba has journeyed far, far away. Such is their misunderstanding. It is a sad and tragic situation. For their well-being it is our collective responsibility to guide them and bring them onto the right path.

SUMMARY
Thus there is a stark and vast difference between those religious followers who sing loudly to reach the God who is up in the heaven and want bonds and our approach of singing kiirtan loudly with the intent that others should hear. Those are two polar-opposite avenues.

It is just like if a mother and daughter are sitting near each other than they speak softly, and if they are very far apart physically, they will yell to convey their message to one another. Same is the case of those shouting to Parama Purusa in hopes of getting His favour or boons etc. Tragically, they do not feel He is near.

Every true bhakta has realised that they can communicate with Him silently in dhyana – or anytime. Because always Parama Purusa is present – He is aware of one’s every thought.

So our kiirtan is not sung to communicate directly with Him. Kiirtan is done so others may hear about the glory of the Lord.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Purusottama

REFERENCES
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life – 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 8, The Lord Should Always Be Praised
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 9, “Always Do the Kiirtana of the Lord”
4. AMIWL-6, Microcosm and Macrocosm
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 9, “Always Do the Kiirtana of the Lord”
6. AMIWL-11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
7. A Guide to Human Conduct
8. A Guide to Human Conduct
9. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 4, He Is Even Nearer Than You Think
10. SS-2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 2

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this following song the devotee is expressing His inner heart to Baba in an indirect manner.

“A’j saka’le ghum bha’una’le, ke tumi priyo cinmay, Abhinava tumi abhinava…” (P.S. 4651)

Purport:

O’ the Divine Entity, who are You who is so effulgent and charming. In the very early dawn, You have come and awakened me this morning. Who are You who is so sweet and benevolent.

By Your own efforts, You have graciously opened my doors of bondage and removed all the attachments from my mind. O’ Divine Entity, You have made me Yours. Who are You who is so beautiful.

Since You came in my life, everything has taken on a new colour. The Controller of the operative principle has Himself taken advent – in the most colourful rainbow form.

O’ Divine Entity, You have coloured my mind; You are the brightest jewel. With Your divine Presence You have vibrated all the lokas. The most effulgent Divine Entity has come and made my life colorful…

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PREJUDICE AGAINST ONE OF OUR SPIRITUAL TREATISES ~ Part 2 ~

Baba

This entire posting is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Re: Prejudice Against One Of Our Spiritual Treatises;
(2) Trailer Quote: Questions & Answers on Microvita
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #1111;

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).

== PREJUDICE AGAINST ONE OF OUR SPIRITUAL TREATISES ==

~ Part 2 ~

Namaskar,
With Ananda Purnima just a few days away, we should embrace Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis as part of our eternal spiritual treatise.

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

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

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

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

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

TRUE ANANDA VANIIS:

FACE PREJUDICE LIKE HARIJANS

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

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

WHO STARTED THE FAKE ANANDA VANIIS

As most know, Ac Sarvatmanandji started the Fake Ananda Vanii dogma. It is his brainchild. And since 1990, the prevailing factions have all – at some time or another – adopted this Fake Ananda Vanii tradition. More recently, some of the groups have quietly chosen one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis instead. What cannot be denied however is that no group has come forward and publicly denounced the Fake Ananda Vanii dogma. What they are feeling inside their hearts is another matter, but none have stood up on the public platform and categorically rejected the Fake Anand Vanii dogma.

Each year, however, more and more margiis and field workers are insisting that one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis be read.

HOW THEY MAKE THEIR FAKE ANANDA VANIIS

Yet that is exactly what we see happening. In the name of Ananda Vanii, certain group leaders are going against Baba by infusing their own dogma and creating their own Fake Ananda Vaniis.

How do they do it?

They pull some quote out of context – that is obviously incomplete as it is a small part of a greater discourse – and then label that as an Ananda Vanii, as if that was meant to stand all along, by itself. This is their method.

Not only that, they cut and paste words according to their own need and desire – according to their agenda.

Their entire manner is just their dogmatic approach that has nothing to do with the letter or spirit of Baba’s sacred and divine messages of Ananda Vanii.

SELECTING AN ANANDA VANII

In our unit we have chosen to select one of Baba’s original A’nanda Va’niis which we feel is quite fitting for today’s world. And other units and sectors have also selected one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis. And this is the best way: To select one of His original Ananda Vaniis and highlight that for the day and the next six months.

Certainly in the future, our united AMPS will select one of Baba’s true Ananda Vaniis.

Until that time, so long as everyone is choosing an original Vanii and rejecting the Fake Ananda Vaniis that are being created, then on this point dharma will be on the rise in our Ananda Marga.

Naturally, if we keep His divine teaching in the forefront of our minds, this will give us the stamina and strength to move ahead on the path of Supreme fulfillment. This is Baba’s blessing upon one and all.

MORE ABOUT WHY CHOOSE YOUR OWN TRUE ANANDA VANII

Certainly, the time will arrive when our organisation is united and following all points of dharma. Naturally then only True Ananda Vaniis will be used by organisational leaders, and Fake Ananda Vaniis will have been eradicated.

But we have not reached that point yet. Still our organisation is struggling on points of righteousness and power mongering. That is why it is important for those in the various units to select one of Baba’s True Ananda Vaniis for the occasions of Ananda Purnima and New Year’s Day etc.

As mentioned, our unit we have taken to choosing one of Baba’s true Ananda Va’niis for this blissful occasion of A’nanda Pu’rnima’. Other units are encouraged to select and read an original A’nanda Va’nii given by Baba. On this point, there is complete freedom to choose and select one which you wish.

This is important because not selecting one of Baba’s True Ananda Vaniis means accepting one of the Fake Ananda Vaniis fabricated by those at the helm.

DOGMAS SHOULD BE ROOTED OUT

Just like the dogma of mahaprayan, the dogma of Fake Ananda Vanii should also be eradicated by rationlly-minded Ananda Margiis. Baba is the dharma Guru and it is a mockery for some so-called leaders to invent and drag dogmas into this holy Ananda Marga mission. Hence, the sooner such dogmas can be rooted out the better.

All in all, the days of the Fake Ananda Vanii are numbered. More and more realise that the only real Ananda Vaniis are the ones which Baba Himself has given. That is why some sectorial offices are now selecting an original Ananda Vanii to celebrate Ananda Purnima. After years and years of following the dogma of Fake Ananda Vanii, various regional and sectorial offices have turned over a new leaf and chosen one of Baba’s original Vaniis. That is indeed a good and welcome turn of events.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS ENCOURAGED

If any group is recommending that people come “to their place” – such as Tiljala or Ananda Nagar, insinuating that theirs is best place for Ananda Purnima etc, then in our hearts and minds we should all know that Baba’s system is for Ananda Purnima to be celebrated locally in every unit, as His divine grace and presence is felt throughout this entire universe.

ROOT OUT DOGMA

“All dogma must be rooted out. You should start a revolution against dogma. But to start a revolution you need courage. So gather that courage and start a revolution against dogma.” (1)

SAMPLE OF ANANDA VANII

“The humans of today are possessed of spirited intellect and accomplished wisdom. They are keen to advance with rapid step shattering the shackles of dogmas. They will no longer be entrapped by the illusion of opportunism. The rays of the crimson dawn of a new humanity on the eastern horizon have started weaving textures of colours on their eyelids and in the subtle recesses of their minds. As for those who have been dreaming of keeping humanity imprisoned by dogmas, their days are numbered; their blissful dreams are being shattered to pieces. I call upon all enlightened people and say: “Go ahead with courage. The humanity has been awaiting you. Establish it in the excellence and grandeur of glory.”” (2)

CLEAR-CUT INJUNCTIONS

“In the realm of dharma, the only true guide and controller, motivating force and protector of the people, is an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut and bold directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s personal daily routine, to one’s social activities and collective motivation, to the spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and closer to God. A scripture which does not fulfil these conditions is not worthy of being called a scripture at all. Such a scripture does not contain the light of consciousness according to the definition Shásanát tárayet yastu sah shástrah parikiirttitah [“That which liberates through discipline is called shástra, scripture”]. We should also remember that in the realm of dharma there must be clear-cut injunctions in the form of dharma shástra [scriptural treatises].” (3)

FINAL REFLECTION

Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis are His divine gifts for one and all as they encapsulate the spirit of Ananda Marga and the spirit of humanity. Thus, they are truly timeless and eternal treasures of humanity. Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis are discourses unto themselves – complete, pointed, and stand alone as eternal truths and as spirited messages for the humanity. They are not mere quotes, adaptations, cut-and-paste jobs from some other place. Baba’s every Ananda Vanii is veritably unique and original.

Just as fake medicines will not cure an illness or disease, but rather create more harm, similarly, the Fake Ananda Vanii will not quench the dharmic thirst of sadhakas – nor will it guide them properly. It will not lead towards immortality rather it will lead them elsewhere. So keep away from such Fake Ananda Vaniis and embrace Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis.

Happy Preparations for A’nanda Pu’rnima!!

Namaskar,
In Him,
Ashiis’a

REFERENCES:
1. Prout in a Nutshell – 16, Religious Dogma – B
2. Ananda Vanii #53
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14

Note: LINK TO EARLIER LETTER

Here is a link to the first letter in this series.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/04/prejudice-against-one-of-our-spiritual.html

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.

********************************************
Questions & Answers on Microvita

“Question: What is the difference between the effect of microvita on developed creatures and the effect of microvita on undeveloped creatures?”

“Answer: Microvita make no difference or find no difference amongst different living beings. In living beings with complex structures there are different glands and sub-glands which secrete different types of hormones. Microvita develop, invigorate, increase or decrease the hormone secretions of these glands and sub-glands, therefore developed beings – physically and psychologically complex beings – have greater scope to progress through the aid of microvita than undeveloped creatures. This is the difference between the effect of microvita on developed creatures and the effect on undeveloped creatures. Let us take an example. On a moonlit night light is showered equally on one and all, but not everyone can utilize that light properly. The moon cannot be blamed for this. Similarly, microvita emanating from the cosmic factor are for one and all.” (Microvita in a Nutshell, Questions & Answers on Microvita – Excerpt G, #20)
********************************************

Prabhat Samgiita #1111

“Saba’r saunge tumi a’cho, tumi a’cho, Prabhu tumi a’cho…” (PS 1111)

Purport:

O’ my Lord, You so gracious, You are with all; O’ Prabhu, You are ever-present, You know not any barriers of relativity. You always remain with everyone. By showering Your infinite love & compassion, You have graciously captivated and attracted my mind. Baba You are ever present – ever present.

O’ Parama Purusa, in the fast, ferocious winds of the cyclone, and in the deadly grip of the cobra, at the time of death when the god of death comes near, or when in the jaws of enemy, in all these terrifying circumstances You shower Your sweet grace by smiling and dancing. Even in the fire of the unbearable inferno, You shower Your causeless grace and turn everything into the cool balm of sandalwood. O’ my Lord, You are ever-gracious.

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, You are present eternally. Even before anything existed and before there was even the hint of creation, You were present then also. Baba, You are the Creator. You are the origin; You are omnipresent. Even when there were no seconds, minutes, hours, days, dates, months, or years, and there was no way to count the time, then also You were present. In that moment You were alone. There was no divine play of hope and hopelessness between the Lord and His devotees; just You were all alone. O’ Parama Purusa, today You are ever-present along with Your creation. You are vibrating in Your liila’rasa, dancing with divine ecstasy in the bond of love, showering Your grace to all the jiivas, and attracting everyone close to you. Baba, You are ever-present, omnipotent. Your liila is unfathomable.

Baba, You are the beginning and You are the only desideratum, the Goal…

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Mahaprayan of Shrii K.C. Bhalla ji

Date: Sun 05 May 2013 20:38:03
From: Niramala.1
Subject: Mahaprayan of Shrii K.C. Bhalla ji
To: ananda-marga-universal-forum-1@yogasamsthanam.net

Baba

== MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF SHRII K.C. BHALLA JI ==

Namaskar,
It is with much sorrow to share with you news of the recent mahaprayan* (death) of Shriii Kailash Chandra Bhalla which occurred on 01 May 2013 at the Umaria master unit, Raipur, India. At the time of his mahaprayan he was 91 years of age.

Shrii K.C. Bhallaji became a family acarya back in 1961 and involved in many works for Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. So Acarya K.C. Bhallaji was a very senior member with a long history in Ananda Marga. In his later years, Acaryaji suffered from various ailments and was essentially bed-ridden.

May we all take solace in the fact that Shrii K.C. Bhalla ji was a devoted bhakta of the Lord. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His grace.

With deepest regards,
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Nirmala

Note 1: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL MAHAPRAYAN AND FAKE MPD

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person’s departure from this earth. That is the way mahaprayan is to be used.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan.That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa Himself. This is grossly inappropriate because when Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is entirely wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare “mahaprayan of Parama Purusa” is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa.

Note 2: ASTERISK NOTE ABOUT MAHAPRAYAN

* Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in Bengal to describe the death of an honoured or even ordinary person. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word ‘mahaprayan’ (death) is one extraordinarily devotional term to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no devotees ever use the word ‘mahaprayan’ in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Those who think that Baba is a mortal human being celebrate Mahaprayan on a particular day of the year related with Baba; but, in the true sense, Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary on page 742. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word ‘mahaprayan’ means death. Which is why it used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens.

Note 3: STORY- SITTING ON BABA’S LAP MEANS DIED?
(contributed by one margii)

Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, “After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap – I remained there for some time soaking up His love – and He blessed me.”

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, “How did Baba bring you back to life?”

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around – people were really shocked to hear him say this.

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, “I thought that sitting on Baba’s Lap means that he (the margii) died – that is why I asked that question.”

This was quite eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba’s lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase “Baba’s lap” when a person has died, such as “Let him rest peacefully in Baba’s lap”, as if all who have died have accumulated there. Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, “being on Baba’s lap.” It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense, the phrase “being on Baba’s lap” really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent’s lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba’s grace this can happen anytime in one’s sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate “Baba’s lap” only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

ve bhagavan ko pya’re ho gaye
(he has been loved by God)

ve svarga sidhar gaye
(he has gone to heaven )

ve guzar gaye
(he passed away)

mahaprayan hoyeche
(he died)

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, “being on Baba’s lap.” Because the phrase – “being on Baba’s lap” – is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase “being on Baba’s lap” should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean “a devotee”. Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean “untouchable”. Nobody uses it to mean “devotee”, but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one’s death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, “on Baba’s lap”, when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression, and not just think that Baba’s lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba’s lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba’s lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba’s lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, does not mean death.

RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase – “in Baba’s lap” – with the occasion of death:

– “We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap.”

– “May his soul rest in Baba’s lap for ever.”

– “Let her rest peacefully in Baba’s Lap – which she always desired.”

– “now he is in beloved Baba’s lap”

– “May his soul get peaceful place in His lap”

– “He is now in BÁBÁ’S loving lap”

– “May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap.”

– “May BABA accept him in HIS divine lap!”

– “May Baba take him in his eternal loving lap.”

All of the above lines are commonly written at the time of death. Of course it is fine to write like that. Here the point is that this same phrase “in Baba’s lap” should be used when describing one’s devotional practices and experiences as well.

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MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF SHRII B.D. RANJAN JI

Baba

== MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF SHRII B.D. RANJAN JI ==

Namaskar,
It is with much sorrow to share with you news of the recent mahaprayan* (death) of Shriii B.D. Ranjan ji which occurred on 15 February 2013 while attending seminar in Bhopal. He suffered a massive heart attack. His loss will felt by many.

Shrii B.D. Ranjan was a dedicated Ananda Margii who was blessed to give much time and energy for Ananda Marga ideals. As the Bhukti Pradhan of Fatehpur (UP), Bhagavan Das Ranjan ji, or BD Ranjan ji, worked hard in service to Gurudev. There are many stories to tell.

May we all take solace in the fact that Shrii B.D. Ranjan ji was a devoted bhakta of the Lord. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His grace.

With deepest regards,
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Nirmala

Note 1: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL MAHAPRAYAN AND FAKE MPD

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person’s departure from this earth. That is the way mahaprayan is to be used.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan.That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa Himself. This is totally inappropriate because when Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is totally wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare “mahaprayan of Parama Purusa” is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa.

Note 2: ASTERISK NOTE ABOUT MAHAPRAYAN

* Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in Bengal to describe the death of an honoured or even ordinary person. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word ‘mahaprayan’ (death) is one extraordinarily devotional term to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no devotees ever use the word ‘mahaprayan’ in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Those who think that Baba is a mortal human being celebrate Mahaprayan on a particular day of the year related with Baba; but, in the true sense, Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary on page 742. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word ‘mahaprayan’ means death. Which is why it used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens.

Note 3: STORY- SITTING ON BABA’S LAP MEANS DIED?
(contributed by one margii)

Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, “After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap – I remained there for some time soaking up His love – and He blessed me.”

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, “How did Baba bring you back to life?”

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around – people were really shocked to hear him say this.

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, “I thought that sitting on Baba’s Lap means that he (the margii) died – that is why I asked that question.”

This was totally eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba’s lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase “Baba’s lap” when a person has died, such as “Let him rest peacefully in Baba’s lap”, as if all who have died have accumulated there. Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, “being on Baba’s lap.” It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense, the phrase “being on Baba’s lap” really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent’s lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba’s grace this can happen anytime in one’s sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate “Baba’s lap” only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

ve bhagavan ko pya’re ho gaye
(he has been loved by God)

ve svarga sidhar gaye
(he has gone to heaven )

ve guzar gaye
(he passed away)

mahaprayan hoyeche
(he died)

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, “being on Baba’s lap.” Because the phrase – “being on Baba’s lap” – is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase “being on Baba’s lap” should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean “a devotee”. Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean “untouchable”. Nobody uses it to mean “devotee”, but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one’s death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, “on Baba’s lap”, when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression, and not just think that Baba’s lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba’s lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba’s lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba’s lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, does not mean death.

RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase – “in Baba’s lap” – with the occasion of death:

– “We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap.”

– “May his soul rest in Baba’s lap for ever.”

– “Let her rest peacefully in Baba’s Lap – which she always desired.”

– “now he is in beloved Baba’s lap”

– “May his soul get peaceful place in His lap”

– “He is now in BÁBÁ’S loving lap”

– “May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap.”

All of the above lines are commonly written at the time of death. Of course it is fine to write like that. Here the point is that this same phrase “in Baba’s lap” should be used when describing one’s devotional practices and experiences as well.

Read Full Post »

Mahaprayan of Ac Prankrsnananda Avt

Date: Mon 19 Nov 2012 08:21:36
From: Dharmaviira Deva
Subject: Mahaprayan of Ac Prankrsnananda Avt
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF AC PRANKRSNANANDA AVT ==

Namaskar,
It is with much sorrow to share with you news of the mahaprayan* (death) of Acarya Prankrsnananda Avt. Dadaji’s last breath and mahaprayan took place on 18 Nov Sunday at 9:50pm EST (USA). He had been in hospice care.

As many may know, Dada Prankrsnanandji was one of the first overseas acaryas / avadhutas. He came early on into Ananda Marga and his long-time service work and devotion will not soon be forgotten. In particular, Dadaji made a big impact in Manila sector where he initiated countless sadhakas and did extensive pracara. Many remember him for his humour, kindness, and soft-heart.

May we all take solace in the fact that Dadaji was a devoted bhakta of the Lord. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His grace.

With deepest regards,
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Dharmaviira Deva

Note 1: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL MAHAPRAYAN AND FAKE MPD

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person’s departure from this earth. That is the way mahaprayan is to be used.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan.That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa Himself. This is totally inappropriate because when Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is totally wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare “mahaprayan of Parama Purusa” is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa.

Note 2: ASTERISK NOTE ABOUT MAHAPRAYAN

* Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in Bengal to describe the death of an honoured or even ordinary person. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word ‘mahaprayan’ (death) is one extraordinarily devotional term to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no devotees ever use the word ‘mahaprayan’ in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Those who think that Baba is a mortal human being celebrate Mahaprayan on a particular day of the year related with Baba; but, in the true sense, Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary on page 742. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word ‘mahaprayan’ means death. Which is why it used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens.

Note 3: STORY- SITTING ON BABA’S LAP MEANS DIED?
(contributed by one margii)

Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, “After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap – I remained there for some time soaking up His love – and He blessed me.”

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, “How did Baba bring you back to life?”

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around – people were really shocked to hear him say this.

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, “I thought that sitting on Baba’s Lap means that he (the margii) died – that is why I asked that question.”

This was totally eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba’s lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase “Baba’s lap” when a person has died, such as “Let him rest peacefully in Baba’s lap”, as if all who have died have accumulated there. Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, “being on Baba’s lap.” It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense, the phrase “being on Baba’s lap” really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent’s lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba’s grace this can happen anytime in one’s sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate “Baba’s lap” only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

ve bhagavan ko pya’re ho gaye
(he has been loved by God)

ve svarga sidhar gaye
(he has gone to heaven )

ve guzar gaye
(he passed away)

mahaprayan hoyeche
(he died)

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, “being on Baba’s lap.” Because the phrase – “being on Baba’s lap” – is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase “being on Baba’s lap” should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean “a devotee”. Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean “untouchable”. Nobody uses it to mean “devotee”, but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one’s death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, “on Baba’s lap”, when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression, and not just think that Baba’s lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba’s lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba’s lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba’s lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, does not mean death.

RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase – “in Baba’s lap” – with the occasion of death:

– “We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap.”

– “May his soul rest in Baba’s lap for ever.”

– “Let her rest peacefully in Baba’s Lap – which she always desired.”

– “now he is in beloved Baba’s lap”

– “May his soul get peaceful place in His lap”

– “He is now in BÁBÁ’S loving lap”

– “May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap.”

All of the above lines are commonly written at the time of death. Of course it is fine to write like that. Here the point is that this same phrase “in Baba’s lap” should be used when describing one’s devotional practices and experiences as well.

Read Full Post »

Re: Old Hindu Dogma Getting New Colour in Ananda Marga #2

Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 13:27:44 +0200
From: Shankar Panigrahi
To:
Subject: Re: Old Hindu Dogma Getting New Colour in Ananda Marga #2

== RE: OLD HINDU DOGMA GETTING NEW COLOUR IN ANANDA MARGA #2 ==

~ A FEW EXAMPLES ~

(Note: This is an updated and corrected version of the second letter in this series. A link to the initial letter is appended below. In addition, all below sections in brown italics are excerpts from that first letter. – Eds)

Namaskar,
“The existing Hindu dogma of shraddhanjali or punyatithi (annual death ceremony) has been redecorated and given a place in Ananda Marga – not just in the form of so-called mahaprayan but also as an annual death day ceremony for Ananda Margiis who have passed away.

Unfortunately this has become a general trend in our Ananda Marga society.

Some may think this is something glorious, but when it runs contrary to Baba’s teaching, then there is no question of it being something good. Rather it is a dogma that should be removed.

The new dogma is that some are turning the death day of their dear relative into an annual death day ceremony.

Since 1990, there have been innumerable cases wherein margii families choose to observe the anniversary of the death of their cherished relative.

For instance, someone dies on July 1st, then the prescribed system is to mourn and observe death death for no more than 12 days. That means, by 13 July, all public ceremonies and gatherings related with the mourning of the deceased must be completed. That is Baba’s system.

But some families are opting to celebrate the death for years and years, by honoring the anniversary of the death each year on July 1. They mark those celebrations by reciting shlokas, distributing food and clothes, and garlanding the deceased margiis’s photo etc. Just as is done in the Hindu dogma of punya tithi / shraddha.

To some naive persons this may sound “honorable” or “respectful”, but it is 100% against Baba’s system.”

SOME RECENT EXAMPLES OF DOGMATIC MARGIIS

INVOLVED IN ANNUAL SHRADDHA (DEATH DAY) CEREMONY

Unfortunately, here are a few recent examples of “prominent” margii families that are going against Baba’s teaching.

[A] The family members of Ac Harishankarji of Ranchi performed the first shraddha divas (death day ceremony) of Shrii Harishankar by incorporating the Hindu dogma mass feeding. Not only that, every year since, on the death day anniversary of Ac Harishankar, the son and his family come to Ranchi and, along with other family members, they garland Harishankarji’s samadhi (tomb), which is inside the house premises. These are “important” margiis yet they are involved in Hindu dogma each year on the anniversary of Ac Harishankarji’s death.

[B] Lokanath Pradhanji, a well-known margii of Debagad, Sambalpur in Odisha state, is involved in annual death day ceremonies. Pradhanji was a college professor who was blessed with microvita sadhana by Ba’ba. But on the death day anniversary of his father, he performs akhanda kiirttan for 12 hours in his residence, feeds the kiirttanites & relatives – i.e. Hindu dogma of mass feeding. This occurs every year on 13th June which is the occasion of his father’s death anniversary. In this case, Lokanath Pradhanji is continuing the dogma of mass feeding and kiirtan year after year after year. This is a more serious case.

[C] Another margii, Pratap Nayakji also involved in dogmatic Hindu shraddha tradition of doing mass feeding for the occasion of his wife’s shraddha ceremony. Nayakji is well-versed with Caryacarya, yet on the anniversary of his wife’s death, he did the mass feeding the first year and continues honouring her with garlands on the anniversary of that day. Ironically, before his wife’s death he was against mahaprayana, now he is in favour of it. By the way, Nayakji was a WT sanyasi before emergency period. He knows the rules, yet still he indulges in annual death day celebrations anyway.

[D] Other important margiis like Bhaskar Jenaji observed the death day or shraddha divas of his mother accompanied by a mass feeding in the dogmatic Hindu tradition. Since that time, others have tried to convince Jenaji to do a mass feeding each year, but thus far Jenaji has resisted. Bhaskar Jenaji received microvita sadhana. If he had been strict in following only the Ananda Marga system and not done the Hindu dogma of mass feeding at the shraddha ceremony, then he would not be facing the pressure to continue this dogma year after year. Even then, to his credit, he does not give in to the pressure.

[E] Prof Aditya Mohantyji observed the initial shraddha ceremony on the death day celebration for both his wife & his father with mass feeding according to the Hindu dogma. He too was blessed with microvita sadhana. He was aware that he should not do mass feeding, but due to social pressure he gave in to Hindu dogma that first year. To his credit, he has not continued it like Lokanath Pradhanji does.

In particular these three – Loknath Pradhanji, Bhaskar Jenaji, & Prof Aditya Mohantyji – are samaj leaders who go to conferences and seminars preaching the gospel of Prout and neo-humanism. So when people see them cave in to Hindu dogma, then naturally others will also do the same. That is what happens when leaders fail to live up to an ideal.

WORST CATEGORY OF DISCIPLE

Actually, all of the above are so-called important margiis – holding important posts – but see their standard. They had the opportunity to see Baba and receive His blessing. When they were close to Baba they understood His guidelines, but as soon as they were apart from Baba they could not keep His teachings in mind – they could not follow His mandates. Such persons are the worst type of devotees.

Baba says “According to Tantra, disciples are of three categories. The worst category are likened to pitchers placed inversely in a tub of water. Such pitchers contain water as long as they are kept in the tub, but as soon as they are taken out, all the water pours out. These disciples acquire spiritual knowledge when they are in close contact with the preceptor, but as soon as they are apart from the preceptor they forget all his teachings.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 9, Tantra and Sádhaná)

That is the state of the aforementioned so-called senior and great margiis.

HOW TO BE GREAT

According to Baba, greatness is based on something else.

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

According to Baba, greatness is not determined by being a senior citizen or gaining a top university degree, or any other worldly quality. Greatness comes from one’s sadhana, service, and sacrifice.

The aforementioned persons think they are following so-called mahaprayan, therefore their dealing is good. They justify that they are merely emulating what is done in Kolkata each October. But nothing could be further from the truth; their dealing is not good. They are drowned in dogma yet do not realise it. Such is their unfortunate state.

SPECIAL NOTE

Note: In Ananda Marga, shraddha should be done once within the 12-day mourning period and money must not be spent on food / feasting or charitable donations to the priest. Just we follow Baba’s given ceremony in Caryacarya. Spending money on shraddha means succumbing to Hindu dogma. So if one does a mass feeding in honour of the deceased during the 12-mourning period, then that is bad. Then there are those who do annual death day ceremonies and spend lavishly on food / feasting and donations. That is a second scenario. Both situations are bad, but doing a dogmatic Hindu-style shraddha on the anniversary day is worse. Any of the above margiis falling in either of these categories are living representations of Hindu dogma. They should change their ways immediately.

WHY THIS DEATH DAY DOGMA IS SO BAD

Since long, because of this death day dogma, Indian society has been exploited financially by Hindu priests. The common people incur huge loans and are forced to feed their entire village on annual death day celebrations. Plus they pay those priests enormous sums of money. If all this is not done, then they will not go to heaven. In turn, many lead miserable lives trying to repay these huge loans. Spiritually this is very bad and socially it is crippling. There are many reasons why this death day dogma is poisonous for society, but this is one of the major ones. Because of this, centuries ago led by Carvak, atheism was on the rise in India. People were getting exploited by the priests and Carvak stood up against those religious exploiters. Even then he could not root out this dogma completely. So still society is suffering. Now is the time for all Ananda Margiis to wipe out this dogma with our dharmic, God-centered approach, by Baba’s grace.

Baba’s system is a 12-day mourning period.

Of course we all know that Baba has firmly declared in Caryacarya that the period of mourning shall be 12 days – no more.

Baba says, “The period of mourning should not extend beyond twelve days.” (Caryacarya – 1)

Thus to observe an annual death day ceremony is against Baba’s guideline and against His wish.

All this type of dealing is not at ll pleasing to Guru.

However, certain families justify that when so-called mahaprayan is observed every year as shraddhanjali (dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremony) in Tiljala, then why can’t we (i.e. the family) observe the death of our dear loved one, each year on the anniversary of his death.

They innocently think that by honoring the death day annually, they are pleasing both Baba and their deceased relative. But in true sense they are satisfying neither. Because to please Baba one must follow His teachings and to please a deceased person one must honor their wishes. And most often, in the case of a Ananda Margiis, honoring their wishes means following Guru.

Thus by observing the annual death day, neither party is pleased. The deceased is not pleased nor does Guru approve.

Yet people have fallen into this trap because that is the prevailing Hindu dogma and that is what groupists like Sarvatmananda have popularised in Ananda Marga.

This is the predicament and the new dogma that is taking birth.

DOGMA NO MORE

These people forgot Baba’s slogan:

Baba says, “You boys, you girls, you the spiritual aspirants, must always remember that you must never surrender at the altar of dogma. In the past, dogma committed so many nuisances, dogma created so many fissiparous tendencies in this human society. Your slogan should be “Dogma – No more! Dogma – No more!” Establish yourselves above the boundaries of dogma, and be established in the excellence of human glory.” (A Few Problems Solved – 4, Dogma – No More)

We must not succumb to the dogmatic Hindu beliefs of mass feeding on the initial shraddha ceremony nor observing the annual death day ceremony with feasting and public donations. As disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we must glorify Him by adhering to and practically following His divine teachings.

Namaskar,
Shankar Panigrahi

Note 1: BABA’S GUIDELINES ON SHRADDHA

The following is Baba’s discourse – Shraddham – from Ananda Vacanamrtam Part 3:

What’s the meaning of shráddhá? “Shraddhayá diiyate yastu ityarthe shráddhah” – “that which is offered with shraddhá is shráddha.” And what is shraddhá? “Shrat satyam iti dhiiyata ityarthe shraddhá”, that is, when an idea or a culminating point is accepted as supreme, then that idea or culminating point is called “shrat”; and when the mind, with its propensities, moves towards that object, that movement is called shraddhá. Shrat + dha is shraddhá. Now let us see some of the prevalent usages of the world in connection with this shraddhá, or shráddha. When you offer something with shraddhá, it is shráddha. A priest may say that your father will die only once, and so after his death you should arrange for a sufficient quantity of food-stuffs, a sufficient quantity of edibles, a sufficient quantity of clothes, etc., for him. And that has been done in India for about five thousand years, since the time of the Atharva Veda. And people have generally offered rice and sesame, also honey and ghee, to be consumed by that person who has left the world.

Regarding these things, Maharshi Charvaka (he lived in India about 2500 years ago, during the time of Lord Buddha. He was a bit senior to Lord Buddha. Charvaka’s disciple, Ajit Kusum, was a contemporary of Lord Buddha) said “If you are in a room, and another man is in the courtyard a few yards away, and you offer rice and sesame for that man, he won’t get that rice and sesame, and his hunger won’t be satisfied. And if a man is in another world, Aparaloka, and you are offering rice and sesame for him, will he get them? Is it reasonable? No, no. All these things are exploitation by the privileged class.”

After offering rice, sesame, clothes, etc., what do you find? The rice is consumed by the purohita in his house. Go to his kitchen, and all that rice is being consumed by his family. That dhuti which is being offered by you for your late father is being used by the purohita, and the sháŕii by the purohita patnii; and the gamci, the towel, if it is surplus, is sold in the market. And the utensils are also sold in the market. So your deceased father, your parents, who are now inhabitants of Aparaloka, won’t get anything.

And the second thing you will see, or you will feel, is that they do not require these things. The microcosm, or unit spirit, does not require any food or clothes or sesame or utensils. All these ideas are scoundrels’ philosophy. And they have been doing this type of exploitation for the last five thousand years, since the time of the Atharva Veda.

In some other corners of the world, people wait for forty days, and after forty days they offer a particular type of prayer, and that prayer is supposed to make the position of the dead person secure. Is this logical? Certainly not. All these things done in the name of shráddha are nothing but a cheating business.

In prehistoric times also, those people of less-developed intellect used to think in this same way, that even after death people require worldly objects. So in prehistoric times also you would find, looking within the graves, that they used to offer barley (at that time wheat was not popular), wine, honey, such things. And even now in India during shráddha they use these things – barley, wine, wool – so that the dead person will wrap that woollen cádar around themself, etc.

Now, as I told you, in all corners of the world this type of exploitation is going on. And why are the people being exploited? Because they are under the veil of superstition. They are superstitious people. They are less developed in intellect.

I remember a short story. In my town there was a businessman. Say his name was D́oman Sáhu. And his father was also a businessman. During the day he was a businessman, and at night he was a d́áku(2) . Say D́oman’s father’s name was Mohan Sáhu. Now a big pańd́ita came from Kashmir to my home town and said that he had the capacity with the strength of his mantra, to arrange heaven for all pápiis, all degraded persons, all degraded souls. Then D́oman thought, “My father Mohan is a d́áku. Let me take the help of this big pańd́ita and arrange heaven for my d́áku father.”

So the pańd́ita said, “Yes, yes, yes. I will do everything, but I want fifty guineas as a fee for the purpose.” And D́oman agreed.

But D́oman’s friend was one Mr. Ravi Ghose, a very intelligent man. Ravi Ghose said, “You see, D́oman, that pańd́ita is a businessman, that is why he wants fifty guineas. You do one thing. Let there be bargaining. Tell the pańd́ita, ‘You see, pańd́itajii, I can offer only fifty silver coins, fifty rupees. Please agree.’”

Then the pańd́ita said, “Yes, it will be done, but had it been fifty guineas, your father would have reached just below the Párijáta tree of Nandana Kánana of heaven. If you give fifty silver coins, fifty rupees, he will reach the main gate of heaven, but not near that Parijata tree.”

D́oman thought, “Right near the gate. Then that short distance will be covered by my father on foot. Then let me spend only fifty rupees.”

Then again he went to Ravi Ghose, that crooked and intelligent fellow. Ravi Ghose said, “You see, D́oman, our first attempt has been a success. Now you just tell him, ‘Pańd́itajii, I will spend only forty rupees; not fifty.’”

Pańd́itajii said, “In that case, there will be a short gap.”

Then next day D́oman said, “No, I will spend thirty rupees,” and so on. And finally the settlement was for ten rupees.

So this is the commercial story regarding shráddha. There is nothing in it.

So what should one do? Haven’t we any social responsibility for dead persons? When the necessity arises, we should offer shraddhá for them, not barley or wheat or woollen clothes or wrappers or ghee or sesame. What can we do? As long as a man is here in our society we have a social responsibility for him. Human beings are social beings, we have a social responsibility for them. And when the leave this world and go to the other world, they go beyond the scope of our responsibility. We cannot render any service to them. Our social responsibility is over as soon as the cremation is done.

So what can we do? We can say “O Parama Puruśa, while that man was with us we tried our best to do whatever we could do. But now they are beyond our scope, they are beyond our jurisdiction, so please do take care of them.” This much of a request can be made by us, and nothing more than that. And the Ananda Marga shráddha is just like that. Here we require no edibles, no clothes or anything else. We offer our shraddhá, and we do nothing else, and we can do nothing else. (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 3, Shra’ddha)

Note 2: PLEASE FORWARD THIS LETTER

For their welfare, please forward this email to any of the margiis mentioned in this letter, so they can adhere to Baba’s teaching fearlessly.

Note 3: LINK TO ORIGINAL LETTER

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/old-hindu-dogma-getting-new-colour-in.html

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Guru Sakash & MPD Can’t Co-Exist, Why?

Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:18:42 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Shantanu.Deva@bharata.net…
Subject: Guru Sakash & MPD Can’t Co-Exist, Why?

Baba

== GURU SAKASH & MPD CAN’T CO-EXIST, WHY? ==

Namaskar,
That day at the Madhu Koraka Baba Quarter (Tiljala, Kolkata) in June 1990, I was there. Baba gave His discourse in Bengali. He revealed the secret behind the greatness of Guru. That was the day Baba gave Guru sakash, which every sadhaka knows is an extremely important practice in spiritual life.

Presently, each and every margii is aware about Guru sakash. The sadhaka feels, “Baba is in my close proximity – showering His grace.” In Ananda Marga, each and every day starts with Guru sakash.

Baba says, “Gurusaka’sha means ‘near the Guru, under the Guru’s umbrella, under the Guru’s wings, in the Guru’s shelter’.” (Yoga Psychology, p.146)

Guru sakash can only be done when one has this basic feeling or ideation: “I am under His shelter” or “He is, that is why He will give me the shelter”, & “He is here with me”.

Baba has graced every bhakta to feel, “Parama Purusa is easily accessible, He is around me. Not only around me but very close and intimate.” This special feeling is a great boon in the life of any sadhaka: To experience what it is like to live under His shelter.

SCENE AT THE POLICE STATION

Once I visited one of my friends who worked at the police station. While I was there, one lost baby from a local mela (festival) had been brought to the station by a concerned citizen. The baby was crying and crying for its parents. Police officials were trying to help the baby by offering the child some chocolate, fruit, sweets, candy etc. But all their attempts were in vain. I kept wondering why is this baby crying non-stop. What was missing? What is it that the baby needs?

As we all know, that baby did not need anything other than its mother. Why mother? Because the baby feels safe when it is under the shelter of its mother. Haven’t you seen in your childhood or neighborhood that when 2 young children of different families quarrel, they claim, ‘I will tell my mother and she will beat you’. The point being those young kids think their mother is going to solve all their problems. In that way, small babies are care-free, their life is free of any type of problem, because mother takes care of everything.

IMPORTANCE OF SHELTER

The whole concept of shelter is very significant. Taking the shelter of Guru has a tremendous value in the life of a spiritual aspirant. Life is enmeshed in problems; yet those who depend more and more on the Supreme Entity (Baba) are comparatively stress-free and relaxed. Life is blissful.

In contrast, those lacking the feeling of taking shelter in God, live in a quagmire of problems. In spite of having all worldly luxuries, still they live in hell – in tension. To remove that, they get addicted to alcohol and other vices. So taking shelter in Guru is very meaningful in day to day life.

Baba says in many discourses, “Mahat prpaeva bhagavat krpaleshadva”, meaning Grace of Guru is everything.

We can say that Baba gives His special grace when a devotee takes shelter in Him. In spiritual life, His grace is everything. So when grace is everything and grace is related with the feeling of shelter under the Guru, and when the feeling of shelter is associated with the feeling of the presence of Guru, then feeling Guru’s presence is paramount. Because without feeling His presence one will not feel His shelter.

For the bhakta, Guru’s presence means “very close proximity with my own existence.” So to take shelter in Him, the existence of both Guru and devotee is required.

DOGMA OF MAHAPRAYAN

When the idea is injected that Guru has left and gone to some distant land, i.e. passed away, departed, and went to heaven – vis so-called mahaprayan, then the One to Whom the disciple should take shelter in is missing. The disciple is present, but the Guru has departed to some far away place. In that situation, taking shelter in Him is not possible. One’s heart will not feel comfortable taking shelter in an entity who is in some other abode, gone to some distant land, i.e. passed away, departed, and went to heaven i.e. “mahaprayan”. That is the ill-effect of the dogma of so-called mahaprayan.

The eternal truth is that Brahma is Guru and Guru is an eternal Entity – He never dies.

Those sadhakas who take shelter in Him are most blessed and realise Baba in an intimate way.

Baba says, “Parama’tma’ is seated in your heart.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 19)

Such a bhakta feels in their regular life and realises in their sadhana that Guru is along with them. That is the greatest blessing of all.

The practice of Guru sakasha helps greatly in this way.

Baba guides us that very early in the morning upon awakening, immediately a sadhaka should place themselves under His shelter. For this reason, the practice of Guru sakash is mandatory for each and every Ananda Margii.

For every Ananda Margii, each day begins with Guru’s closeness. Indeed, over the course of the whole day, His closeness is felt by Guru mantra, different meditation lessons, shravan (hearing His name), manan (thinking of Him), nididhya’sana (ideating on Him), and doing His work, etc. At night, when going to bed, each bhakta remembers Him and falls asleep in His lap.

That is how a devotee passes their days. Such is Baba’s divine grace and presence.

HOW TO DO GURU SAKASH

Thinking on this, there is no scope for so-called mahaprayan. Baba is always present with every devotee. So every sadhaka should be vigilant to adhere to Baba’s divine guideline from Shabda Cayanika, discourse #223, which is also printed in Yoga Psychology:

Prátah shirasi shukle’bje dvinetraḿ dvibhujaḿ gurum;
Varábhayakrtahastaḿ smarettaḿ námapúrvakam.

“Early in the morning one should meditate on the Guru in Vara’bhaya Mudra with two hands and two eyes seated on a white lotus in Guru cakra, and address Him with your most loving and affectionate epithet…In what state does the Guru, endowed with two eyes and two hands exist? In the Vara’bhaya Mudra (in the posture of holding out the boon of fearlessness) He is your well-wisher, and as a matter of fact, the doer of your good. The epithet with which you address the Guru or silently speak during your dhya’na or Gurudhya’na should also be used by you at the time of this Gurudhya’na. Always address the Guru at a stretch. This is Gurusaka’sha.” (10 June 1990)

In one’s practical life, one is to feel and experience that, “Baba is with me.”

FOOLISH ATTEMPT: SHELTERING IN DOGMA

Some people misuse this theory of taking shelter by “sheltering” under dogma. But their so-called shelter is futile because that shelter is itself baseless. One must take shelter in that Entity Who does not need any shelter, i.e. Parama Purusa.

Idol worshipers think that by the grace of their cherished idol they will cross bhavasagar (ocean of samskaras). But they are living in dreamland. Likewise, those following the program of mahaprayan feel this will bring them to the door-step of their final emancipation. But that is just bogus.

Those sheltering in dogma only bind themselves deeper – they are further plunged in the net of avidya maya.

RELEVANT STORY OF SHANKARACARYA JI

This following story about Shankaracarya & his Mayavada theory (illusion theory) is highly related with the present scene.

Baba says, “One morning a wild bull suddenly started to charge that maha’purus’a [Shankaracarya], so he ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A logician who happened to be standing nearby asked the maha’purus’a, “Well sir, if you say that this world is unreal, then the bull is also unreal, so why are you running in fear?” That maha’purus’a would not accept any defeat in logic and replied, “My running away is also unreal.” (Namami Krsnasundaram, ’97, p. 81)

Baba says, “This philosophical doctrine [of mayavada] had left the people cynical and brought them to the brink of disaster.” (Namami Krsnasundaram, ’97, p. 81)

The above story which exposes the hypocrisy of Shankaracarya is more than 1000 years old but it still has much relevance in this present era. Because these days certain leaders are once again organizing their hypocritical, so-called mahaprayan function.

The point being that making their so-called mahaprayan (MPD) program itself gives the false message that Baba is gone. At the same time at so-called mahaprayan, they are making a kiirtan program in which everybody ideates that Baba is present. So on the one hand Baba has departed forever (i.e. mahaprayan), and on the other side He is along side us. That is the conflict: So-called mahaprayan versus kiirtan.

So the entire way of dealing of these group leaders is self-contradictory and submerged in the whirlpool of dogma. They are caught in the net of their own self-created contradiction.

This hypocrisy is for no other reason than the purpose of convincing innocent people to come into their group fold and donate money to their “cause”. It is nothing but one negative, hypocritical ploy.

These days no one is befooled by such tactics. And step by step, nearly everyone is understanding the dogma and extreme negativity of the so-called mahaprayan program and how this is just one group’s hypocrisy and groupist strategy.

Namaskar.
At His feet,
Shantanu

WHO IS SADGURU

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

GURU MUST BE MAHAKAOLA

“In order to be an ideal guru in the spiritual sphere, one must be thoroughly conversant with the minutest details of sádhaná, every aspect of sádhaná, important or unimportant. The guru must not only learn those things, but must also possess the capacity to teach those practices to others. Otherwise he should not be treated as a guru. The Mahákaola alone has this capacity, no one else. Kaolas are those who by dint of sádhaná have successfully elevated their microcosmic stance and established it in the Macrocosmic one; but a Mahákaola is one who is a kaola, certainly, but at the same time possesses the capacity to help others as well to get to that exalted kaola position. In the past Lord Shiva was one such Mahákaola. Lord Krśńa was another. To be a guru one must be a Mahákaola. One must possess knowledge regarding sádhaná, not only thorough knowledge of the shástras [scriptures]. And in order to gain thorough scriptural knowledge, one must know as many important languages as are necessary for the purpose. That is to say, it is not enough that a guru acquire the necessary qualifications to be able to teach sádhaná (that is, impart lessons on the practical cult); he must possess adequate knowledge of theory also. That is, in order to know the inner secret of sádhaná, he must possess thorough and authentic scriptural knowledge; then only should he be accepted as a perfect guru in the spiritual sphere. One who has a fairly good knowledge of sádhaná and can also help others in that realm, but is completely devoid of intellect, or knowledge of languages and scriptures, cannot be a perfectly competent guru in the spiritual sphere; for, being a guru, he will have to explain the theoretical side also. If, suppose, I say to someone, “Do this,” I should also explain why he or she should do that, and at the same time I should be able to support it in the light of the shástras.” (2)

BE ABLE TO PUNISH & LOVE

“A spiritual guru must be well-acquainted with all the processes of sádhaná, must have the capacity to convince others, must possess complete knowledge of the scriptures, must know many languages, and must have comprehensive knowledge and intellect, plus some extra qualifications. What are those qualifications? Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate – “the guru must possess the capacity both to punish, and to love, or bless, his disciples.” Punishment alone, without love, is not good. Love and punishment should go together, and the degree of punishment should never exceed the degree of love. Then only can one be called a real spiritualguru.” (2)

GURU MUST BE AUTHORITY ON ALL SUBJECTS & ALL REALMS

“I have already said that a guru must be an authority on all subjects in all the three strata:”

“As a spiritual guru, he must be thoroughly versed in spiritual science – both the theory and the practice. He must know how Parama Puruśa associates Himself with jiivas [unit beings]; and he must know how jiivas associate themselves with Parama Puruśa (they associate themselves just as the Ganges merges into the Bay of Bengal). Otherwise, how can he teach this science to others?” (2)

BRAHMA ALONE IS THE GURU

“And who knows this science? Only Parama Puruśa knows it, because He Himself has created everything. He has created our sense organs, and He has created the tanmátras that our sense organs detect. He can create anything He likes. But remember, He does not do anything. His “doing” means His thinking. Things will take shape as He thinks. No one but Parama Puruśa knows how He does it. So how can people know Parama Puruśa if He does not teach to others the science of knowing Him? Only Parama Puruśa knows the science and the method to realize Him, to know Him; because He has created both human beings and the path that they must move along. So people can know the method by His grace only. Hence it has been said in Ánanda Sútram, Brahmaeva Gururekah náparah – that is, “Brahma alone is the Guru.” Through His physical structure, He teaches the actual science to the spiritual aspirants. People should clearly understand this.” (2)

GURU IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

“Next comes the physical world. The followers, the disciples, of the guru, are men and women of flesh and blood having physical structures. They have their sorrows and miseries, their tears and smiles. This is their life. They have their problem of food and clothing; they have their pleasures and pains, their tears of pain and tears of joy; they become elated in happy circumstances and depressed when things go wrong. It is the duty of a guru to provide his followers with the wherewithal for their progress. This is what an ideal guru is to do in the physical sphere. As a guru in the physical world, he will have to teach mankind such techniques as will solve their worldly problems – problems of food, clothing, education and medical treatment. A guru must see to it that their mundane problems are solved.”

“So in order to be a guru, one must come onto this earth with the highest qualifications in the spiritual field, and with the greatest capacity to face the mountainous obstacles in the physical world. To shoulder the responsibility of a guru is not child’s play.” (2)

References For Above Quotes:
(1) = Caryacarya – 1
(2) = Discourses on Tantra – The Criteria of a Guru

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’ka’shabhara’ a’jake ta’ra’…” (P.S. 2523)

Purport:

Baba, the sky of this amavasya night is filled with the stars. The sweet, nectar-like breeze is blowing mildly. The mind is floating in divine ecstasy from the known to the unknown world – towards its final destination. Baba, ensconced in Your ideation, my mind is getting lost in Your divine bliss. Baba, the lily flower is constantly looking towards the sky; the aroma of flowers is emanating all around. They have forgotten themselves and lost their awareness about their own unit existence. They restlessly move in the attraction of one call. Baba in Your longing I am sitting alone, counting the stars. I understand that by Your grace I have lost myself in this beautiful atmosphere and the attraction of Your love. Baba, You are ever-gracious and You are always remaining by my side and guiding me. Baba, on this amavasya night my heart is yearning and longing for You. Please grace me by coming closer and still more close…

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Re: Old Hindu Dogma Getting New Colour in Ananda Marga #2

Date: Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:32:58 +0200
From: Shankar Panigrahi
To:
Subject: Re: Old Hindu Dogma Getting New Colour in Ananda Marga #2

Baba

== RE: OLD HINDU DOGMA GETTING NEW COLOUR IN ANANDA MARGA #2 ==

~ A FEW EXAMPLES ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. A link to the initial letter is appended below. In addition, all below sections in brown italics are excerpts from that first letter. – Eds)

Namaskar,
The existing Hindu dogma of shraddhanjali or punyatithi (annual death ceremony) has been redecorated and given a place in Ananda Marga – not just in the form of so-called mahaprayan but also as an annual death day ceremony for Ananda Margiis who have passed away.

Unfortunately this has become a general trend in our Ananda Marga society.

Some may think this is something glorious, but when it runs contrary to Baba’s teaching, then there is no question of it being something good. Rather it is a dogma that should be removed.

The new dogma is that some are turning the death day of their dear relative into an annual death day ceremony.

Since 1990, there have been innumerable cases wherein margii families choose to observe the anniversary of the death of their cherished relative.

For instance, someone dies on July 1st, then the prescribed system is to mourn and observe death death for no more than 12 days. That means, by 13 July, all public ceremonies and gatherings related with the mourning of the deceased must be completed. That is Baba’s system.

But some families are opting to celebrate the death for years and years, by honoring the anniversary of the death each year on July 1. They mark those celebrations by reciting shlokas, distributing food and clothes, and garlanding the deceased margiis’s photo etc. Just as is done in the Hindu dogma of punya tithi / shraddha.

To some naive persons this may sound “honorable” or “respectful”, but it is 100% against Baba’s system.

SOME RECENT EXAMPLES OF DOGMATIC MARGIIS

INVOLVED IN ANNUAL SHRADDHA (DEATH DAY) CEREMONY

Unfortunately, here are a few recent examples of “prominent” margii families that are going against Baba’s teaching.

[A] The family members of Ac Harishankarji of Ranchi performed first shraddha divas (annual death day ceremony) by feeding the margiis & relatives. Then every year since on the death anniversary of Ac Harishankar they put garlands on the samadhi (tomb) which is inside their house premises. These are “important” margiis yet they are doing such activities each year on the anniversary of Ac Harishankarji’s death.

[B] Similarly, an important margii, Lokanath Pradhanji of Debagad, Sambalpur in Odisha state, is involved in death day ceremonies. Pradhanji was a college professor who was blessed with microvita sadhana by Ba’ba. But on the death day anniversary of his father, he performs akanda kiirttan for 12 hours in his residence, feeds the kiirttanites & relatives. This occurs every year on 13th June which is the occasion of his father’s death anniversary.

[C] Another margii, Pratap Nayakji is also involved in dogmatic shraddha or annual death day ceremonies. Nayakji is well-versed with Caryacarya, yet on the anniversary of his wife’s death, he performs kiirtan of Baba nama kevalam for 3 hours and feeds people. All done on the death anniversary of his wife. Indeed, every year he is honouring his wife with garlands. Ironically, before his wife’s death he was against mahaprayana, now he is in favour of it. By the way, Nayakji WT sanyasi before emergency period. He knows the rules, yet still he indulges in annual death day celebrations.

[D] Other important margiis like Bhaskar Jenaji does annual death day on the shraddha divas of his mother by doing mass feeding, akhanda kiirtan etc. Bhaskar Jenaji received microvita sadhana and other experiences, yet now he is plunged in dogmatic annual death-day celebrations.

[E] Likewise, Prof Aditya Mohantyji does annual death day celebration for both his wife & his father. He too was blessed with microvita sadhana, but performs akhanda kiirtan, and feeds the people on shraddha divas (yearly death day) of his deceased relatives.

In particular these three – Loknath Pradhanji, Bhaskar Jenaji, & Prof Aditya Mohantyji – are samaj leaders who go to conferences and seminars preaching the gospel of Prout and neo-humanism. Yet, see how they are sunk in hypocrisy.

WORST CATEGORY OF DISCIPLE

Actually, all of the above are so-called important margiis – holding important posts – but see their standard. They got opportunity to see Baba and get His blessing. When they were close to Baba they understood His guidelines, but as soon as they were apart from Baba they did keep His teachings in mind. Such persons are the worst type of devotees.

Baba says “According to Tantra, disciples are of three categories. The worst category are likened to pitchers placed inversely in a tub of water. Such pitchers contain water as long as they are kept in the tub, but as soon as they are taken out, all the water pours out. These disciples acquire spiritual knowledge when they are in close contact with the preceptor, but as soon as they are apart from the preceptor they forget all his teachings.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 9, Tantra and Sádhaná)

That is the state of the aforementioned so-called senior and great margiis.

HOW TO BE GREAT

According to Baba, greatness is based on something else.

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

According to Baba, greatness is not determined by being senior citizen or gaining a top university degree, or any other worldly quality. Greatness comes from one’s sadhana, service, and sacrifice.

The aforementioned persons think they are following so-called mahaprayan, therefore their dealing is good. But nothing could be further from the truth. They are drowned in dogma yet do not realise it. Such is their unfortunate state.

SPECIAL NOTE

Note: In Ananda Marga, shraddha should be done once within the 12-day mourning period and money must not be spent on food / feasting or charitable donations. Just we follow Baba’s given ceremony in Caryacarya. Spending money on shraddha means succumbing to Hindu dogma. So if one does a mass feeding in honour of the deceased during the 12-mourning period, then that is bad. Then there are those who do annual death day ceremonies and spend lavishly on food / feasting and donations. That is a second scenario. Both situation are bad, but doing a dogmatic Hindu-style shraddha on the anniversary day is worse. Any of the above margiis falling in either of these categories are living representations of Hindu dogma. They should change their ways immediately.

WHY THIS DEATH DAY DOGMA IS SO BAD

Since long, because of this death day dogma, Indian society has been exploited financially by Hindu priests. The common people incur huge loans and are forced to feed their entire village on annual death day celebrations. Plus they pay those priests enormous sums of money. If all this is not done, then they will not go to heaven. In turn, many lead miserable lives trying to repay these huge loans. Spiritually this is very bad and socially it is crippling. There are many reasons why this death day dogma is poisonous for society, but this is one of the major ones. Because of this, centuries ago led by Carvak, atheism was on the rise in India. People were getting exploited by the priests and Carvak stood up against those religious exploiters. Even then he could not root out this dogma completely. So still society is suffering. Now is the time for all Ananda Margiis to wipe out this dogma with our dharmic, God-centered approach, by Baba’s grace.

Baba’s system is a 12-day mourning period.

Of course we all know that Baba has firmly declared in Caryacarya that the period of mourning shall be 12 days – no more.

Baba says, “The period of mourning should not extend beyond twelve days.” (Caryacarya – 1)

Thus to observe an annual death day ceremony is against Baba’s guideline and against His wish.

All this type of dealing is not at ll pleasing to Guru.

However, certain families justify that when so-called mahaprayan is observed every year as shraddhanjali (dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremony) in Tiljala, then why can’t we (i.e. the family) observe the death of our dear loved one, each year on the anniversary of his death.

They innocently think that by honoring the death day annually, they are pleasing both Baba and their deceased relative. But in true sense they are satisfying neither. Because to please Baba one must follow His teachings and to please a deceased person one must honor their wishes. And most often, in the case of a Ananda Margiis, honoring their wishes means following Guru.

Thus by observing the annual death day, neither party is pleased. The deceased is not pleased nor does Guru approve.

Yet people have fallen into this trap because that is the prevailing Hindu dogma and that is what groupists like Sarvatmananda have popularised in Ananda Marga.

This is the predicament and the new dogma that is taking birth.

DOGMA NO MORE

These people forgot Baba’s slogan:

Baba says, “You boys, you girls, you the spiritual aspirants, must always remember that you must never surrender at the altar of dogma. In the past, dogma committed so many nuisances, dogma created so many fissiparous tendencies in this human society. Your slogan should be “Dogma – No more! Dogma – No more!” Establish yourselves above the boundaries of dogma, and be established in the excellence of human glory.” (A Few Problems Solved – 4, Dogma – No More)

We must not succumb to the dogmatic Hindu beliefs of mass feeding on the initial shraddha ceremony nor observing the annual death day ceremony with feasting and public donations. As disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we must glorify Him by adhering to and practically following His divine teachings.

Namaskar,
Shankar Panigrahi

Note 1: PLEASE FORWARD THIS LETTER

For their welfare, please forward this email to any of the margiis mentioned in this letter, so they can adhere to Baba’s teaching fearlessly.

Note 2: LINK TO ORIGINAL LETTER

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/old-hindu-dogma-getting-new-colour-in.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’r a’sa’-ja’oya’ hoy na’ kabhu, prabhu ekatha’ jeneo na’ ja’ni…” – P.S. 274

Purport:

Baba, You always remain with me & with everyone eternally; that is why it is said that Your arrival and departure never happens. I am aware about this eternal truth, but even then I do not know and I remain forgetful. I know this very fact, but also I do not know. Your welcoming and Your farewell are not possible because You are eternally present. This is such a mysterious notion that I know, and even then I do not know. I do not like to believe. Sometimes I think You are near and sometimes I think You are far. That is my misunderstanding.

Baba, You have created this world in such a way that when anything is flourishing or blooming, the seed of destruction is hidden within. In due course it perishes. This type of divine play is going on in this cosmic cycle, eternally. On the one side with Your two eyes You saturate everyone with Your love, and on the other side from Your third eye the flame of fire burns everything.

In this creation of Yours, the sweetness of effulgence is always accompanied by the black shadow of death, which falls gradually. But in this entire divine play You are the black shadow and You are also the effulgence; You are everything. Baba Your welcoming and farewell never happens because You are omnipresent…

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Story: Journey To MPD Commemoration

Subject: Story: Journey To MPD Commemoration
Date: Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:32:11 +0530
From: N
To: ‘AM-GLOBAL’

Baba

== STORY: JOURNEY TO MPD COMMEMORATION ==

Note: This personal account is the veritable history how the organisers of so-called mahaprayan were trying to glorify their chosen program.

Additional Note: Baba is that Divine Eternal Entity so any use of the mahaprayan term with Him is really so-called mahaprayan. Always it is like that. In order to recount the below in conversational style, sometimes the mahaprayan term was used. All bhaktas understand that this means so-called mahaprayan. Now please read this personal and historical account.

Namaskar,
One time I went back to my village and I learnt that my uncle, Harihara Dasha (a non-margii) had been to Tiljala to attend our Gurudeva’s shraddha function.

I asked him how he could attend it. (After all, my uncle was a simple villager and I wanted to know how he had the means to go to Kolkata.)

He replied, “What a huge gathering! 24 hours the people were taking delicious food! 24hours kiirtana was going on! A group of about 200 persons from our village & around our village led by Bhaskar Jena went to Kolkata by train in a rally in the name of Proutist Sarva Samaja Sammelan [All Indian Samaj Unions] and a badge was given to everyone of them in lieu of rs.10 only. We were fed nicely. We performed your kiirtana for a few hours on those days & the rest of the time we spent visiting different sites in & around Kolkata.”

He showed his gratitude to Ananda Marga because of free lodging & boarding provided by the organisers.

WHAT WE LEARN FROM THIS TRUE STORY

From the facts mentioned above it is quite evident that non-margiis are brought to the function held in Tiljala from 21st Oct to 26th Oct every year. They’re allured or attracted by either free boarding & lodging for six days by the organisers to observe such a dogmatic function.

All in all there is a multi-layered strategy of deception going on here:

(a) First of all, the villagers are initially led to believe that they are going for a Prout rally, not so-called mahaprayan, where they will get free food and lodging and that they will have lots of time to go sightseeing in Kolkata;
(b) Second, those villagers were led to believe that for just 10 rupees (20 cents US) they got an actual train ticket as well as free lodging, free food, and all other expenses free. But that is not true – they only got a badge to attend the B group function – not a train ticket. So in reality are traveling on that train illegally and could be put in jail. But they do not realise it;
(c) Those organising Dadas tell the train officials that these people are traveling to attend a political rally and should not be charged for their ticket. That is the unwritten rule in India;
(d) The railway personnel think that if they do not give free train travel to those villagers then they will be attacked, because these travelers are political activists;
(e) Those Dadas collecting ten rupees keep that money and more importantly PRS Dada gets to brag & propagate in their email that so many people attended their MPD program;
(f) The margiis who attend MPD think that all those villagers are bonafide margiis when in fact they are just simple villagers;
(g) Those simple villagers are pleased because they will pass their time touring Kolkata in exchange for participating in the program for 1 hour or so each day.

So that is the layered strategy of deception that is unfolding.

MAHAPRAYAN IS A DOGMATIC CEREMONY

Whether it is named as “mahaprayan” or “shraddhanjali” or “samkalpa divas”, the non-margiis will name it “shraddha”. And as we all know, the Hindu shraddha tradition is a dogma as explained in Ananda Marga philosophy. On such shraddha ceremonies, Hindus feed people for free, and donate clothes or valuable articles to their guests and the public to please their ancestors. In such functions, often the “harekrshana hare rama” mantra propagated by Shrii Chaitanyamahaprabhu is sung by hired professional kiirtana groups.

A CASE SCENARIO: MORE ABOUT THE DOGMA OF MPD

Now let’s suppose someone is traveling by train or flight to Kolkata to attend so-called mahaprayan divas (MPD). If one co-passenger asks him about his purpose of visit, he will definitely reply that, “I will attend mahaprayan.”

Immediately the co-passenger will inquire, “What is mahaprayan?”

The traveler will explain, “On this particular day our Gurudeva left His physical body, so we call it mahaprayan.”

Then that co-passenger will conclude by saying, “Oh! You are going to attend a traditional Hindu shraddha ceremoney.”

Here the point, those outside the marga will think of it as a typical Hindu shraddha or death anniversary. That is what is being taught to them by observing so-called mahaprayan.

Yet we know how Baba has condemned this dogmatic shraddha ceremony throughout Ananda Marga philosophy. Plus in Caryacarya He has clearly mentioned that our dharmic Ananda Marga shraddha function should be observed within 12 days. Whereas the dogmatic Hindu shraddha program is an annual ceremony where they “send” gifts and food to their deceased family member in heaven. In Ananda Marga, we wholly reject such a notion. Yet that is what non-margiis will think what is going on by having an annual “mahaprayan” gathering.

BABA’S BLESSING

Baba alone is the infinite, eternal Entity who is the Goal and He resides forever in the hearts of His devotees.

Those who observe the so-called mahaprayan programme should reconsider their this dogmatic approach and come onto the path of bliss and realise His Divine and Eternal Self.

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

Namaskar,
Narayana

Note 1: HOW ORGANISERS “BENEFIT” FROM MAHAPRAYAN

Certain dogmatic leaders do this dogmatic MPD commemoration because (1) they benefit economically, and (2) they get some followers. This we all know.

For such reasons they are willing to propagate the Baba is gone, and along the way they fool some naive and innocent margiis who participate in their dogmatic programme, as well as some non-margiis.

How do they allure non-margiis? Well just like in the above account, they offer this as a gift to travel and tour Kolkata. That is very unique opportunity for rural villagers. This is like one big event or a dream-come-true to move around Kolkata and have someone else pay for their trip. To do this, they only had to chant kiirtan a few minutes here and there. They think it is a cheap deal.

If is just like if you invite common people to take a free holiday to some exotic place on the other side of this earth, they people will jump at the opportunity. Similarly, for rural Indian villagers, going to Kolkata is something very exotic. They will talk about it their whole entire life. For them, this is very exotic. Plus, the time of so-called mahaprayan is when their agricultural work is less so they have free time to travel.

You can also think of it this way: If you wanted to do some sightseeing in Mecca, then Muslim pay for your trip then you must attend their namaz program and participate in their feast.

Side by side, group leaders entice, cajole, and convince margiis (who have never been to MPD) to attend by using the allurement of kiirtan and visiting Baba’s room.

Finally, some margiis are verily confused and do not know right or wrong. So they just go to mahaprayan because of their friendship with various Dadas or Didis.

All in all, this universe is colourful – if you organise any type of activity then someone will be ready to follow. If you create a nasty blog or a bogus twitter account, even then someone will follow. So-called mahaprayan is like that.

It is just like how various religious leaders have lots of followers. The followers naively follow the dogmatic edicts of those religious leaders. That is the way those religions work. Same is the history with the dogma of mahaprayan. However, as more and more margiis understand that mahaprayan is anti-Baba, they give up attending this dogmatic programme. And that is what we see happening nowadays.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In the life of a sadhaka sometimes sadhana is good and one feels very close proximity to Parama Purusa – Baba. Then everything in life is pleasing & charming: Blissful. Naturally though, over the course of their systaltic movement, sadhakas inevitably experiences a phase of pause in their sadhana. In that time, the mind becomes dry and deep, devotional spiritual ideation and strong sadhana are almost impossible. One’s surroundings become tasteless and in the heart the sadhaka starts to feel that ‘something is missing’. Because in the absence of the Divine Entity – Baba – one’s surroundings become bland & mundane. Even then in the hearts of good sadhakas, they still have deep longing for Parama Purusa – Baba. And that blissful, devotional yearning is known as melancholic longing. In the following song, this entire idea has been expressed through the metaphor of the bakul flower garden etc.

“Jabe ei path diye esechile, viithika’ pus’pe bhara’ chilo…” (PS 2141)

Purport:

Baba, when You came to my home by this path, that time the garden lane was full of sweet, fragrant flowers. By Your divine presence, my mind became spiritually intoxicated with the divine aroma of those flowers. On that occasion also the flow of songs was floating in the air. Baba, since You did not come, even today that bakul flower lane is just lying there vacant – unused. Innumerable flowers have fallen and become one with the dust. Where has that sweet flower fragrance of the bakul flower gone. Now all its aroma is completely dried up. O’ my dearmost, since You have not come to this lane for so long, everyone has forgotten how beautiful and charming that garden was. Because of Your presence.

Baba, anyhow still today the flowers on the trees are surviving, but due to Your absence, the garden lane has lost all its charm. So those trees are just weeping thinking how the days of old were so charming and blissful in Your presence. Because in those days You showered Your grace by coming down that garden lane. Those days were so magnificent and blissful. But now You are not coming. So by remembering Your august visit those trees are very unhappy. Their melancholic tears have totally drenched the garden lane. And those trees repeat again and again that despite having everything: The flower, the lane, the atmosphere, and greenery – despite all these things, in the absence of the One, i.e. You Baba, this entire world becomes utterly meaningless and empty.

Baba, please be gracious. Do not remain distant – always remain inside my heart. Baba, please grace me so that I always feel Your divine presence…

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Cidrupananda Letter

Baba

Namaskar,

Please write us at am-global@earthlink.net if you wish to have a copy of that letter.

It was posted here initially – now kindly request a copy from us and we shall certainly send it to you.

Respectfully
AM-GLOBAL Moderators

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Baba Story: Sadguru Never Dies

Date: 25 Oct 2012 21:27:48 -0000
From: “Madhava Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Sadguru Never Dies

Baba

== BABA STORY: SADGURU NEVER DIES ==

Namaskar,
During my stay in Tiljala, I was attending to Beloved Baba as a medical doctor. The year was 1990. Those days in my sadhana I would regularly put forth this request: “Baba, I do not want live on this earth without a Guru, so please do not leave Your physical body so long as I am alive.”

Per my medical duty, when I would check Baba in His room, I used to do sastaunga pranam – both upon entering and after finishing my work. In prostration I would offer: “May my service make you well, Baba please become healthy.”

Then the scene changed. After some time I could not control anything. Baba manifested His plan.

After the events of late October 1990, I was feeling like I was immersed in sheer darkness. I was thinking, “Baba is my shelter and now He is gone – I am shelterless.” It was a very tormenting period for me. Time passed like this: November, December, and into January 1991.

Amazingly, one day I saw Him in the very same room where I would treat Him. And I was actually treating Him. Incredibly, Baba became alright and I shouted loudly and told everyone the good news: “Look Baba is ok!” After that Baba put me in His lap and He embraced and loved me as my Father. And He told me that, “I am healthy now.” Hearing this, I became very happy.

When I woke up from that dream, I was feeling very blissful. Every cell and pore of my mind and body were virbrated with His divine presence. I felt completely new and revitalised. My one and only thought was: Baba, You are so gracious.

After some time, I had another experience with Him. Baba told me something but I did not hear what He said.

Politely and respectfully I asked, “Baba, what did You say?”

Baba graciously repeated the question, “Does Guru ever die?”

What could I say – Baba was directly in front of me. I was so ashamed – how could I have thought that Baba would leave. What reply could I give? I kept quiet, basking in the sweet closeness of His divine presence.

Then Baba told me, “Guru never dies.”

After that second dream, my mind became wholly transformed, by His grace. Today, I still feel that Baba is always with me. He has not gone away to some other world. He is here – with me: I am not shelterless. It is His grace…it is His grace…

Namaskar,
CG Goswami

REFLECTIONS ON THE ABOVE STORY

As you may know, Dr CG Goswami of Madhya Pradesh served as one of Baba’s doctors and lived in Tiljala to monitor Baba’s health. The above story is his own first-person narration so the “I” noted in the story refers to Dr Goswamiji.

SO-CALLED MAHAPRAYAN IS BOGUS – BABA IS ALWAYS WITH YOU

The above story gives the clear-cut view that the so-called mahaprayan is 100% bogus. Why? Because mahaprayan itself means that Baba is gone, yet Baba’s pointed and devotional message is that He is with us always. Devotees get this realisation in their dreams and sadhana. Throughout Ananda Marga scripture, it is stated again and again that, “Parama Purusa is always with you.”

Because Guru is present, even today when initiations are done then the acarya tells the initiate, “Your Guru is Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.” Not only that, every sadhaka does dhyana asking for Baba’s grace. So it is just hypocrisy for those Dadas to try to justify so-called mahaprayan. Baba is present the in the heart and mind of each and every bhakta.

A FEW OF BABA’S TEACHINGS

These following three teachings from Baba nicely support and complement the theme and expression of the above story.

1. Here below is the famous guideline that Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is that eternal Divine Entity.

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

2. The following teaching from Ananda Sutram guides us that Brahma and Guru are one.

3-9. Brahmaeva gururekah náparah.
[Only Brahma is the guru, no one else.]

Purport: Brahma alone is the guru. Brahma alone directs the units to the path of emancipation through the media of different receptacles or bodies. No one except Brahma conforms to the real significance of the word “guru”. (Ananda Sutram, 3-9)

3. The devotional approach in Ananda Marga is to ideate on the supreme truth that He is with you, watching you, and caring for you all the time – always. In stark contrast, the so-called mahaprayan program program states that Baba is gone. We should all pay heed to Baba’s below guideline and keep Him as the nearest and dearest One of the heart.

Dúrát sudure tadihántike ca pashyatsvihaeva nihitaḿ guháyám.

Baba says, “If you think that He is very far from you, He will remain forever beyond your reach. If you think that He is near, He will be so near that you need not move even an inch to attain Him.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm)

Namaskar,
Madhav Deva

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Purn’ima rate niirave nibhrte mor phulavane esechile…” (P.S. 471)

Purport:

Baba, You came in my flower garden very secretly on that full moon night. You came in my flower garden. It was so divinely intoxicating to have You. All my thirst was quenched by Your presence; the whole universe became beautified and filled with the flowers and fruits.

O’ my Dearmost Baba, with Your divine touch, You graciously brought life to the lifeless. All those flower buds which never blossom, You made them bloom and You filled their heart with nectar.

You vibrated the whole environment with Your divine music, with Your octave. You vibrated everything with Your divine songs of Prabhat Samgiita. You vibrated the ‘madhu malainca’ by Your sweet smile. Baba, You came in my heart on that full moon night. It is Your grace…

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Re: Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma in Ananda Marga #3

Subject: Re: Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma in Ananda Marga #3
Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:40:37 +0200
From: Amrit Lalloo
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== RE: SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED WITH PREVAILING DOGMA IN ANANDA MARGA ==

~ Part 3 ~

(This comes to us from an important margii of South Africa. This is the third letter in this series. Links to earlier letters are appended below.)

Namaskar,
“He [Sarvatmanandji] invented mahaprayan and glued it into Caryacarya Part 1 as the appendix.

Sarvatmanandji gave the justification that:

‘It is our duty to include the mahaprayan program of annual remembrance in Caryacarya – because Baba does not want to discuss this sensitive issue in front of devotees.’

But all this is wrong. Baba has discussed His physical departure in various places such as in Senior Acarya Diary (Guru Puja section) and in other places as well. In those instances, He clearly guides us how to proceed and how to do guru puja when He is not physically manifest as Mahasambhuti on this earth.

So it is not that He is too shy or too hesitant to include so-called mahaprayan in Caryacarya.

Rather deliberately He has not put mahaprayan into Caryacarya because this type of false notion is not part of Ananda Marga ideology. He is along with us always – He has not left and He is not gone.” (From Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma)

The “mahaprayan dogma” must be stopped without delay. Do not trash the future. The future will not forgive us.

To think that a six-day kiirtan practice can only happen on the dogmatic occasion of so-called mahaprayan is a ludicrous idea.

I recall a story told so often by my acarya about a family man locking up his cat before offering milk to his deity as he did not want the cat to drink / lick that pure milk and ruin his puja. After he and his cat passed on, his son blindly carried on with the family tradition. The son went out specifically and bought a cat, and locked it away when he offered the milk to the deity. Even sometimes the son would do his puja just by locking up the cat and not offering any milk to the deity. The son thought the having a cat locked was itself the key point to successful puja, and did not realise his father was locking up the cat so that it would not ruin the puja by licking the milk offered to the deity. By this misunderstanding, locking up the cat became a necessary ingredient for the ritual. No-one questioned as to why the cat was locked away in the first instance.

This is how meaningless rituals / dogmas come into being. And now some are thinking that same way about kiirtan and so-called mahaprayan. They think they cannot do a multi-day kiirtan program unless they organise the dogmatic mahaprayan program as well. Are they not blind & dogmatic like the son in the above story?

The situation will only worsen…

Now imagine what will happen in Tiljala in say 10 – 50 years. Ritualistic worshipers will come in hoards to the “shrine” for cures, for good-luck, win courtroom battles , wealth, jobs etc. And they will all think that long kiirtan can only happen at this mahaprayan event. Such will be their dogmatic outlook.

Dogmas make silent, devious inroads into the human psyche. This is a historical fact. Baba guides us that if casteism was destroyed in the early making it would have been easier to destroy. Once it got rooted into the society it became more diffcult to remove. Baba also give the example in His book on neo-humanism wherein the banyan seed in the couryard of a mansion – if not pulled out – will grow into a massive tree that will destroy the entire mansion. (Reference: Neo-Humanism – Liberation of Intellect, Disc: 2, Bondages and Solution)

Similarly the mahaprayan dogma -if not halted now – will make even more dangerous and devilish inroads. One dogma gives birth to many dogmas.

Babas teachings and practices are more than comprehensive. If Baba wanted He would have included “mahaprayan maha-kirtan”, but He did not.

Message to the leadership:

EGO IS SOMETHING THAT STOPS YOU FROM TELLING THE TRUTH. James Coburn 1928-2002

in Baba,
Amrit

Note 1: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS THREAD

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/some-questions-and-answers-related-with.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/re-some-questions-and-answers-related.html

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Only for Misguided Devotees #2

Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2012 20:46:03 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Jagadiish Dev” @jagadiish.cakra…
Subject: Only for Misguided Devotees #2

Baba

== ONLY FOR MISGUIDED DEVOTEES ==

~ Part 2 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. The first letter in this series was posted under a different title: “Philosophy of The Ignorant?”. A link to this first letter is appended to the bottom of this letter.)

Namaskar,
“In our Ananda Marga, there are some margiis who say that, “I am not a follower of any group, I visit every group, attend their programs, and support them psychically and economically. I am not groupist, rather I am a neo-humanist. Such people who attend the rituals and dogmas of all the groups think that therefore they are not in any group.”

Unfortunately, this is the type of thing we see with certain margiis in our area as well. For instance:

(a) There is one person and he/she claims to be a friend of all factional workers, attends some of their meetings, participates in some of their gatherings, gives time generously to all groups, and supports them all financially. All these things she / he does. Top of all, she / he has great affinity and deep emotional attachment for one particular group. This group they hold particularly dear. Always this person justifies the wrongs of that group – no matter the circumstances.

(b) Then there is another person who attends the dogmatic mahaprayan functions and then goes directly to Rudrananda’s camp to live with them. Finally, they visit Ananda Giita. Always they make this circuit.

(c) Then there is another person who is always carrying out the agenda of this or that group, depending upon which group they were with last.

Amazingly, they all claim that they are not part of any group. If you try to convince them otherwise, they flat out reject your claims and sidetrack the conversation entirely. There seems to be no way to manage this. We try gentle words of praise and pointed examination. Still no success.

Can anyone possibly shed light on how to deal with or cure such types of persons.

“VEGETARIAN” ANALOGY

When I was talking about this with someone they came up with this following analogy. (Note: The analogy was told using “I”, but that “I” just means anyone who does like this, so do not take it personally.)

On some days I go to east-Asian restaurants and eat insects and bugs.

On other days I go to McDonald’s and eat beef.

Other days, I visit friends and eat pork.

On occasion, I dine at the Hare Krsna restaurant.

Hence, I am a vegetarian.

The above outlook is laughable. The person’s way of living has nothing to do with vegetarianism, yet somehow in their mind they view themselves as being vegetarian. Quite remarkable.

Is this not similar to those who are wedded or attached to various groups yet claim to be neo-humanists??

FOLLOWING THE GROUPS IS NEO-HUMANISM?

AND

FOLLOWING ALL GROUPS & ALL RELIGIOUS SECTS IS SUPER-HUMANISM?

By the way, according to Baba’s philosophy of neo-humanism, the following is the central idea of what it means to be a neo-humanism. (Note: For more detail please reference the text, The Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humansim.

A neo-humanist sees the whole creation as the universal expression of Parama Purusa; such neo-humanists are not shackled by any small-mindedness like caste, creed, colour, religion, or gender etc, nor do they fall prey to any narrow sentiments like geo-sentiment, socio-sentiment, or any other divisive approach like groupism or factionalism.

Remember, following various groups does not mean one is a neo-humanist. Just as drinking water from various dirty ponds does not mean drinking pure water.

Likewise, following the dogma of all the religions does not mean being above all religious dogmas and adhering to the code of universalism. Following one religion is bad and following all is worse – not better.

Drinking water from one dirty drain is bad and drinking water from all the dirty drains is worse. Similarly, following one group is bad and following all the groups is worse.

Some confused persons think that since they follow all the groups then they are neo-humanists. Accordingly, if one follows all current groups in Ananda Marga like H, B, EC, & Giita group etc, as well as all the sects of Hinduism, all the hundreds of factions of Christianity, and the innumerable divisions of Islam, then they must be a super-neohumanist. Some misguided person may think like that.

Following one bad thing is bad, and following many bad things is worse. The ideal of neo-humanism means not following any narrow-sentiments – it does not mean following all those narrow-sentiments. That is what Baba says in His book, The Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humansim.

Namaskar,
Jagadiish

Note 1: QUOTE FROM FIRST LETTER

“On Friday, I go and pray at the mosque with the Muslims. I grow my beard, eat halal meat, and perform 5 times namaz (prayer). I strictly follow all Islamic rituals and dogmas. On that day I only raise the slogan: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. On Fridays, during Ramadhan, I fast during the day and feast at night.

On Saturday, I walk to synagogue with all the Jews and adhere to their dress code. I follow a Kosher lifestyle and adopt all Judaic rituals and dogmas. On that day, the torah is everything for me.

On Sunday, I attend church with the Christians, and refrain from any and all alcohol. I also maintain all Christian rituals and dogmas. On that day, I think only about Lord Jesus Christ.

On Monday, I go to the Sikh temple. I tie my hair on top of my head and carry a sword. I eat jhatka’ – i.e. goat killed in a swift manner – and follow all Sikh rituals and dogmas. That day I only repeat the name of Guru Nanak.

On Tuesday, I attend the Hindu temple to honor the monkey god Hanuman. I wear a shawl that says “Ra’m Na’ma'” and chant the holy mantra Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram. I follow all Hindu rituals and dogmas. And on that day, only I worship Ram.

On Wednesday, I go to the Buddhist monastery and wear their robes and follow their customs. I chant: Buddham sharanam gaccha’mi. I strictly adhere to all Buddhist rituals and dogmas.

On Thursday, I practice prayer at the Jain temple. I walk there with a broom to ensure I do not step on any organisms. And I do not eat any root vegetables or tomatoes – I follow all the rituals and dogmas of the Jain religion. On that day, I only seek the blessing of Lord Mahaviira Jain.

In this way I pass the week. I do not consider myself a part of any one particular religion. Rather, I remain a friend of them all and follow all their rituals and dogmas. That is why I am a neo-humanist.”

Note 2: LINK TO FIRST LETTER

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/philosophy-of-ignorant.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Srs’t’idha’ra’ dha’y toma’ri karun’a’y, liila’ racana’y tumi advitiiya…” (PS 3600)

Purport:

O’ my Baba, this flow of creation is moving ahead by Your divine karuna. Baba, because of You, everything is created, nourished, and withdrawn back to its origin. This entire cycle of creation is nothing but Your divine grace on everyone. Baba, in the creation of Your divine liila, You Yourself are unparalleled; You have no comparison. Baba You are Alaks’yaca’rii [1], Cittabiharii [2], Sarvadukhaharii [3], O’ my dearest and most intimate One.

Baba, there are many similarities between us – between You and I – even though I am ‘unit’ and You are ‘Cosmic’. Baba, in Your divine vibration with the most charming aroma of candan [4] permeating all around, & with Your beautiful Presence, my atoms & molecule, my entire existence has started dancing in bliss.

Baba, You are so gracious, we are so close; there is no difference between You and I. My existence is depending solely on You. Because You are, that is why I am. O’ Divine Entity, if You would not have been, then I would have floated away somewhere into the vast oblivion.

Baba, You are the nucleus of this divine creation. Because of You, everything is existing and dancing around You in bliss. Baba, You have no equal…

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3600:

[1] Alaks’yaca’rii: This is one of the names of Parama Purusa and it literally means the Entity who always moves invisibly – secretly – around the entire universe. Here following Baba explains why He moves around secretly:

Baba says, “He [Parama Purusa] can never be fully discovered; He has concealed most of Himself. If He were to express Himself fully, He would face many difficulties in carrying out His work and thus the collective interest of humanity would suffer. In the interest of human society, He will have to keep Himself secret.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 7, p. 30)

[2] Cittabiharii: This denotes one of the beautiful attributes of Parama Purusa whereby He lives in each and every unit mind, ensconced in His eternal bliss. In this divine & playful stance of His, Parama Purusa is called: Cittabiharii.

[3] Sarvdukhaharii: This name of Parama Purusa represents His great compassion wherein He takes away & removes all the sufferings and pains from each and every being of this entire creation. In that fashion, His presence works as a balm of bliss. That is why Parama Purusa is often called: Sarvadukhaharii, (Sarva= all; dukha= sorrow; Harii= He who takes).

[4] Candan: sandalwood.

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Re: Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma in Ananda Marga #2

From: “Praviira Matel”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma in Ananda Marga #2
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:33:44 +0000

Baba

== SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED WITH PREVAILING DOGMA IN ANANDA MARGA ==

~ Part 2 ~

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

Namaskar,

“He [Sarvatmanandji] invented mahaprayan and glued it into Caryacarya Part 1 as the appendix.

Sarvatmanandji gave the justification that:

‘It is our duty to include the mahaprayan program of annual remembrance in Caryacarya – because Baba does not want to discuss this sensitive issue in front of devotees.’

But all this is wrong. Baba has discussed His physical departure in various places such as in Senior Acarya Diary (Guru Puja section) and in other places as well. In those instances, He clearly guides us how to proceed and how to do guru puja when He is not physically manifest as Mahasambhuti on this earth.

So it is not that He is too shy or too hesitant to include so-called mahaprayan in Caryacarya.

Rather deliberately He has not put mahaprayan into Caryacarya because this type of false notion is not part of Ananda Marga ideology. He is along with us always – He has not left and He is not gone.” (From Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma)

The above is well stated. Ananda Marga ideology is based on rationality and spirituality. Moreover, Baba, as the Supreme Sadguru, always give perfect, complete, and flawless teachings. No instruction – big or small – has been left out or forgotten, not for any reason. To harbour any doubts in this regard reveals one’s own lack of devotion.

The reason so-called mahaprayan was not given by Him is because it is irrational and unideological. Now here is more about why some are attached with this bogus program.

THE POWER OF AVIDYA MAYA

HIDDEN REASON WHY SOME ARE ATTACHED TO DOGMA

Why are some people in AM in favor of observing so-called mahaprayan?

Firstly, when the human mind is overpowered by avidya maya then it plunges into dogma. And that is what mahaprayan is: A dogma. Parama Purusa is eternal; He never leaves. Baba as the Mahasambhuti is not gone – rather He resides within every human heart, and in every pore of this vast cosmos. He maintains a personal connection with every unit being through His ota yoga, and keeps a link with this entire cosmos through His prota yoga. By this dual and unique approach, He remains with every entity, always.

Secondly, Baba describes in His teachings on bio-psychology if a person’s svadhisthana cakra – and related glands and sub-glands – is not properly developed, then that person is more prone to dogma. (Reference: Yoga Psychology, Aspects of Bio-Psychology)

Thirdly, here’s yet another cause of this dogmatic program: Those who started so-called mahaprayan are so involved in their own geo-sentiment. They want to highlight that day to wrongly heighten the prestige of their land. They will do anything and everything for this lowly sentiment. That is, perhaps, the chief real cause behind the invention of so-called mahaprayan.

MUST OVERCOME ALL BASE TENDENCIES

As true Ananda Margiis, we should put our mind beyond all narrow barriers and think rationally. We must not fall prey to the tendencies of the small individual ego, rather serve the divine will of Guru Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, who is within us.

Remember, this petty ego will not remain. Nothing of this world lasts forever; this entire world is ephemeral. Kings too become one with the dust. So we should only surrender to Parama Purusa and let His will be established. Concocting fake programs like mahaprayan is not the way.

JUST LIKE CANCER – OFFSHOOT OF MPD DOGMA

When any irrational idea or dogma is left unhindered, it grows like cancerous wounds and swallows everything.

Consequently, in the past two decades, this mahaprayan dogma has created off-shoots. Just see the trend that has recently sprouted up, especially amongst a few margiis of India: When any family member dies, then those surviving margiis annually observe the anniversary of their death. This happens with a few margiis families across Delhi sector.

With their mouths, those involved wrongly justify that, “As this is happening with Guru in the form of mahaprayan, so I to should make a yearly day of remembrance for the death of my laukik father, or mother etc.”

That is what they say.

Internally though, they are pleased to use this as an opportunity to follow the Hindu dogma of observing the anniversary of the death of dear family members. By this, they are able to convince their neighbors that they are good Hindus.

That is the hypocrisy going on: Internally those margiis are happy to be wedded to the Hindu dogma, yet externally they tell other margiis that they are doing this in order to emulate the mahaprayan program.

The situation is not at all good. We never celebrate the anniversary of the death. Baba has given the strict rule of a 12-day period of mourning. Thus with the invention of the so-called mahaprayan program, so many other dogmas have taken root. That is why Baba always warns us about the insidious nature of dogmas – they multiply.

BABA’S BLESSING

So, we should all think. Do we want to be part of problem or the solution? What do you want? Think carefully.

Baba intentionally did not include so-called mahaprayan in Caryacarya, then who are we to do such a thing. Those behind the insertion of the dogmatic mahaprayan program into Caryacarya are deliberate sinners. We should save them from their complete annihilation. The first step of their recovery is that they themselves should remove the wrong they did. They should publicly announce the removal of so-called mahaprayan from Caryacarya. Once this is done, we can think what further rectification is needed.

Baba is the Divine Entity – to impose a so-called mahaprayan program that dictates that Baba is gone is sinful. All our Ananda Marga programs and festivals should enhance one’s inherent and inner link with Him.

Baba says, “The Supreme Father, the Supreme noumenal entity is always with you. And that link with the individual is known as Ota-yoga. In the case of the collectivity it is Prota-Yoga; in the case of the individual it is Ota-Yoga. You are never alone. And your goal is that noumenal entity, that Parama Puruśa.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 12, The Noumenal Cause and the Personal God)

Namaskar,
Praviira

Note 1: LINK TO FIRST LETTER IN THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/some-questions-and-answers-related-with.html

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Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma

Date: 09 Oct 2012 21:49:01 -0000
From: “Sudhakar Suman”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Some Questions and Answers Related with Prevailing Dogma

Baba

== SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED WITH PREVAILING DOGMA ==

Namaskar,
Some think that there should be an annual day of so-called mahaprayan – as if it is the duty of His followers to implement such a program. Let’s examine this issue more closely.

BABA IS NOT SHY ON THIS POINT

1. Everyone should know that Baba is not shy about talking of His physical departure. This point is important because some mistakenly think that Baba is hesitant to talk on this issue – as if it is too sensitive or too delicate and therefore He does not want to include it in Caryacarya.

Hence, some people thought, “It is our duty to include the mahaprayan program of annual remembrance in Caryacarya – because Baba does not want to discuss this sensitive issue in front of devotees.”

This is the way some think. And they give more logic.

“Parama Purusa believes that devotees will not appreciate it if He talks of His mahaprayan. So let it be done by His disciples themselves. After all, for all other occasions He Himself has given like His birthday ceremony or spring festival. But with regards to mahaprayan, that He has left for us to do.”

This is the way they think.

And indeed, with this false logic, that is exactly what Sarvatmanandji did. He invented mahaprayan and glued it into Caryacarya Part 1 as the appendix.

But all this is totally wrong. Baba has discussed His physical departure in various places such as in Senior Acarya Diary (Guru Puja section) and in other places as well. In those instances, He clearly guides us how to proceed and how to do guru puja when He is not physically manifest as Mahasambhuti on this earth.

So it is not that He is too shy or too hesitant to include so-called mahaprayan in Caryacarya.

Rather deliberately He has not put mahaprayan into Caryacarya because this type of false notion is not part of Ananda Marga ideology. He is along with us always – He has not left and He is not gone.

Thus, it is utterly sinful to add the so-called mahaprayan appendix to Caryacarya part 1 because how can we say that Parama Purusa is gone or no longer present. Rather He tells us the opposite. In thousands of discourses, Baba has said He can’t leave – His relation with us is beyond time and space – He is always with us.

MISNOMER: DOES NOT WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT

2. The inventors of mahaprayan thought that just as worldly family members do not wish to discuss their death with their family, then Parama Purusa will also not like to discuss this.

Remember though that Baba is not just our family member, He is Guru and more than that – practically He has revealed everything that needed to be told. So there is no question that He was concerned or hesitant about putting this in His book. Rather it was and remains His full intention to purposely leave it out.

If one needs further proof, consider this. As a precedent, Baba Himself has written two books about Taraka Brahma or Mahasambhuti. Those books are Namah Shivaya Shantaya and Namami Krsnasundaram. And in neither of those two books has Baba mentioned the so-called mahaprayan of those two Great Personalities.

ALL ANANDA MARGA FESTIVALS ARE UPLIFTING

3. In our Ananda Marga, there is no such thing as a festival or annual program that is sad or sorrowful in nature. All our festivals are full of joy and bliss. Yet the dogmatic mahaprayan program has been described as “a solemn occasion” when certain leaders wrongly added the mahaprayan appendix to Caryacarya Part 1. Thus, the notion of observing mahaprayan goes against the very essence of our Ananda Marga festivals.

This stands as yet another factor how the so-called mahaprayan occasion is unideological and anti-devotional.

NARROW-MINDEDNESS

4. Observing so-called mahaprayan annually or observing it using another name is just one narrow-minded idea. Parama Purusa is not a particular physical body and we must not think that He has gone. The truth is that Parama Purusa is an eternal Entity and Baba remains in our heart – always.

Can any sincere sadhaka really think that Baba has gone?

In Ananda Marga, Parama Purusa always lives with us, we are nothing but His thought projection. We do not think that Parama Purusa has gone etc. This is not some dogmatic religious conception where God lives somewhere else and you cannot communicate with Him. In Ananda Marga, God lives everywhere – as well as in the inner-most portion of your heart.

This is what Baba has shown in personal contact, reporting sessions, and so many demonstrations. He is our nearest and dearest One who watches over us constantly and remains with us each and every moment.

SHRADDHANJALI

5. The Indian dogma of Shraddhanjali is that a tomb is made for all deceased leaders – political, religious etc – and every year on the anniversary of their death a big function is held. That is named shraddhanjali. It is a Hindu dogma for the followers to remember their fallen leader, i.e. a unit being or worldly person – not Mahasambhuti.

So on the anniversary of the death, each year, thousands or more reach to that tomb to pay their respect. That is a Hindu dogma and now it has become widespread in India. The classic example is that of Mrs Indira Gandhi. Here below is a short video from a newscast which depicts how followers offer a garland every year on the anniversary of her death.

In that way all such leaders have their own tomb. And, since 1990 some started doing the same for Baba. Some have dragged the shraddhanjali dogma into Ananda Marga in the form of so-called mahaprayan.

DU’RA’T SUDU’RE

6. Here are a few more points why it is to our disadvantage to remember and observe so-called mahaprayan each and every year.

Let us remind ourselves that Aannda Marga teachings are complete. Baba deliberately avoided marking mahaprayan as a festival day in Ananda Marga. Our scriptures are complete and He purposely did not include the dogma of mahaprayan in Caryacarya.

Plus in countless discourses Baba has guided us not to think that Parama Purusa is distant or far from us. Otherwise we will invite our extreme degeneration and follow the path of negative pratisaincara.

It is just like some horrible scene of your life – such as when your baby drowned etc – that you do not want to remember again and again- otherwise it will steal away all your happiness. Baba avoids degenerating programs like mahaprayan because Ananda Marga is the path of bliss – not the path of extreme sorrow or sadness.

Thinking that Parama Purusa is gone is most terribly detrimental, and will crudify one to stone and dirt. Our mantras all give the same idea: Parama Purusa is with us. Only avidya maya, viks’epta shatkti, says that Parama Purusa is far.

Du’ra’t Sudu’re…

Baba says, “If someone continually thinks, “Parama Purus’a is far from me”, then He will seem to be truly far from him…If in their ignorance people think that Parama Purus’a is far from them, then He may indeed remain for from them – so far that in future, even if one cries oneself hoarse, one’s cries will never reach Him… Some people think, “No, Parama Purus’a is not far from me. He is quite near. He is everywhere.”” (Subhasita Samgraha – 12)

It is our duty to always remember and cultivate the supreme truth that He is always with us.

His presence is our sadhana and this creation is His thought projection. He is the nucleus, He cannot be missing, thus it is philosophically and emotionally wrong to have a program like mahaprayan that dictates that Baba is gone.

BABA’S BLESSING

To those who worship the mahaprayan program and have started thinking that Parama Purusa is gone, there is this last reply.

Baba says, “You spiritual aspirants, you should remember that Parama Puruśa is always with you and His grace is always with you, and you all are His loving children.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 19, The Path of Salvation)

Namaskar,
Sudhakar

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’ma’r pran’a’m na’o tumi prabhu, toma’y a’mi bha’laba’si…” (2692)

Purport:

Baba, O’ Prabhu, please grace me by accepting my pranam & surrender at Your lotus feet. Baba, I love You. Your divine flute goes on calling me
continuously – in my sleep, in my dreams, and in my awakened state. Baba, by Your grace I long for and search You in each and every activity. Keeping Your name in my heart, I go on fighting against all difficulties & dangers of my life. Baba, in this entire universe only You are most adorable for me. Baba, by Your grace, my body, mind, and heart have become one with You. My whole existence is saturated in You. Baba, with a smiling face You always shower Your grace on me. Whatever are my needs, You go on fulfilling them. Baba, You have removed all the cimmerian darkness from my mind. By Your causeless grace You are doing everything for me. Baba, I love You, please accept my sastaunga pranam…

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How People Remember Their Loved One: Baba – part 2

Date: Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:43:28 +0530
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Ravindra Deva” @ecosphere…..
Subject: How People Remember Their Loved One: Baba – part 2

Baba

== RE: HOW PEOPLE REMEMBER THEIR LOVED ONE: BABA ==

~ PART 2 ~

Namaskar,
“For Ananda Margiis the most desirable idea in this universe is that ‘Baba is with me’. So this idea should be inculcated again and again. A bhakta’s thinking should be: ‘Baba is watching me, He cares for me, and He loves me…’ For Ananda Margiis this is our routine remembrance. From morning till night, all our practices and thoughts revolve around this pinnacled idea – that He is with me.

Whereas the fake or so-called mahaprayan program enforces the false or negative notion that Baba has left this earth and is no longer with me. That is why at so-called mahaprayan it is regularly seen that people are distraught and crying. Their mind gets confused as they recall that day in Oct 1990. Such misguided ideas race through the mind. So many sadhakas have experienced this.” (How People Remember Their Loved One- part 1, posted 03 Oct 2012)

In follow-up, here are more points on this key topic. Namely, why the so-called mahaprayan program is ultravarious to Ananda Marga ideology and against the devotional sentiment with Ista (Baba).

ONLY 12-DAY PERIOD OF MOURNING – NOT ANNUAL PROGRAM

1. Baba lovingly teaches us never to engage the mind in any pessimistic thoughts. That is why Baba forbids us from celebrating the death of any worldly family member – year after year.

Rather Baba has granted a 12-day period of mourning to show respect and that is all. (Reference Caryacarya – 1, ’95 Edn, p.65)

Baba has written that such death day occasions should not be celebrated year after year as this bring sadness and pessimism in the mind. Rather He has concluded our shraddha ceremony with the sweet idea, “Let everybody be happy…let everybody see the bright side…”. This is the blessing He has given.

2. But tragically, the dogmatic & sorrowful so-called mahaprayan program is being observed year after year, going against the devotional and social tenets of our Ananda Marga. Some innocent and well-intentioned margiis attend – this letter is meant to help bring them onto the right path.

IN ANANDA MARGA EVERYTHING IS BLISSFUL

MAYAPRAYAN IS THE OPPOSITE

3. In our Ananda Marga everything is blissful:

“A’nanda’ddhyeva….a’nandam’ prayantyabhisam’vishanti.”

Baba says, “This quinquelemental world has been born out of bliss, is being maintained in bliss and into sacred bliss it will merge.” (Namami Krsnasundaram)

Thus where is there scope to indulge in sad ceremonies like the dogmatic mahaprayan program. This outrightly goes against the spirit of our Marga.

4. The positive idea in Ananda Marga is that ‘Baba is with me’ and this brings courage, dynamism, and spiritedness. With that idea in mind, the bhakta feels that they can do anything and everything.

5. In the opposite direction, those attending so-called mahaprayan knowingly or unknowingly cultivate the idea in mind that Baba is gone. Because the whole nature of the so-called mahaprayan program is based on an inherently faulty concept – that my Lord is away from me, forever. So in either the front or back of their mind, those attending the so-called mahaprayan program are involved in a serious dilemma that ultimately pushes Parama Purusa away from their mental plate.

So that is the tragedy at hand. All are our brothers and sisters and it is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margii to help others progress on the path towards Him. Let us all try and help guide those few who still attend so-called mahaprayan. They have good hearts, just they need a little direction to get back onto the right path.

THE SCIENCE OF MEMORY

& THE NEGATIVE CYCLE OF “MAHAPRAYAN”

6. What we think about or remember again and again stays in the mind. For example if one is disciplined in their sadhana practice then they will effortlessly know how to do all their lessons whereas if one is half-hearted in sadhana then they will forget their third lesson mantra – or even all their mantras. That is what happens. Those things just become a faint memory.

7. We should cultivate positive remembrances. If we remember that Baba is with us – if this is our main ideation in life – then that sweet reality will be permanently part of our mental structure. That idea will always be in our heart.

8. Whereas if one goes to so-called mahaprayan and spends 10 days thinking again and again about the cremation, this type of negative memory will destroy one’s inner link with Him. And not just during those ten days but before and after the trip, for weeks and months, one will be absorbed in this defective approach. Until finally one will not be able to rid that defective idea from the mind. Such is the effect of the so-called mahaprayan prgoram. No sadhaka should let such a catastrophe befall them. Nor should we allow others to fall into this misery either.

Indeed the very idea of so-called mahaprayan is sinful when its main effect is to cause the mind to degenerate in such a stark manner. Let us concentrate our energies in alerting those who are unaware about the dangers and dogmas associated with so-called mahaprayan.

9. Our margii brothers and sisters who attend so-called mahaprayan inevitably suffer the drawbacks and pessimism associated with this dogmatic function. And it takes the other 11 months of the year for them to regain their balance. Only to again go to so-called mahaprayan and again be adversely affected by thinking that Baba is gone. This is the negative cycle of attending the dogmatic mahaprayan program. We should help them break this cycle.

HE IS WITH US – ALWAYS

Here is Baba’s divine reminder that He is always with us. And this sweet teaching is the most advantageous thing to remember in this vast universe.

Baba says, “Parama Purus’a, that Supreme Father, is with each and every entity. No man, no expression, is ever alone in this world. He is always with you. Science says this, philosophy says this. And under no circumstances should a man suffer from a complex of helplessness or hopelessness or fear. You are the dignified children of Parama Purus’a, and He is always with you.”

“He is with the universe, that is, the entire universe is His object. And not only that, He is with each and every expressed unit entity, with each and every individual also. That is, collectively He is attached to the world, to that expressed world; and singularly He is with you. You are never alone.”

“…Parama Purus´a, the Supreme Father, is always with you and you are never alone…

“And the main advantage is – the advantage is a very great advantage, and that is – you are never alone. And because He is with you, you are the strongest person in the universe. He is with you. You are never alone. It is the greatest advantage.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12)

Thus no one should suffer and fall into the dark abyss of so-called mahaprayan and get lost in the faulty notion that Baba has left. No one should impose that false memory on their mental plate again and again. This tragedy should not happen to anyone.

Yet unconsciously, unbeknownst to the attendee of so-called mahaprayan, this happens. It is just like if one visits a bar then they invariably have at least one drink, even if they are not a drinker per se; similarly, if anyone goes to Tiljala to participate in the dogmatic mahaprayan program, then in at least one corner of their mind they are bound to think that ‘Baba is gone’. Such is the negative effect of participating in so-called mahaprayan.

Thus those types of dogmatic remembrances such as so-called mahaprayan, which go against the spirit of Ananda Marga, should be discarded – eliminated. Such occasions only push the mind in the opposite direction.

Most of those attending so-called mahaprayan are well-intentioned sadhakas who were goaded by certain organisers to attend. So they are good devotees who were simply misled. We should help bring them into awareness about the negative message and effect of so-called mahaprayan. They are our brothers and sisters and we should patiently help them.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His fathomless compassion His divine grace is with us each and every moment – now and up to eternity.

Baba says, “I know one is sure to get divine help. And I know further that one is getting divine help. And I know still further that in future, for infinite time and infinite space, one will be getting this divine favour. And you are all sa’dhakas. You will certainly attain that supreme stance and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it, my sons and my daughters.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23)

Namaskar,
Ravindra

Note 1: WHY SO-CALLED MAHAPRAYAN

Mahaprayan means death. The term then can only be applied to jiivas, unit beings, and never to Parama Purusa Baba. He is eternal and timeless. He never leaves His devotees. He is the permanent shelter of all. That is why it is completely wrong, illogical, and inappropriate to use the term mahapryan in association with Him. Yet that is the “name” of the program that is held each year in Tiljala. Since Baba is the Parama Purusa who exists across time and space and always resides in the heart of each and every bhakta, rational sadhakas refer to this program as so-called mahaprayan. The term so-called indicates that that thing is fake or wrong. And indeed this program is fake or dogmatic – as Parama Purusa never dies- hence so-called mahaprayan.

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

PRABHATA SAMGIITA

“Eso eso prabhu mor mana’ne…” (P.S. 4941)

Purport:

O’ Lord, O’ my dearmost Baba, please grace me by coming in the depths of my ideation. By Your sweet attraction, I am always looking towards the path of Your arrival. Always I am waiting for Your blissful presence in dhyana.

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, You have lovingly infused my whole existence with devotion. By Your grace I do not want any prestige, money, wealth, boons or any kinds of mundane allurements. Baba, I only want Your compassion. So please appear again and again in my dhyana and bless me with Your sweet smile and close proximity.

Baba, ages have passed, so much time has gone by. So many dawns and evenings have come and gone – where I was crying in longing for You. Baba, now my eyes are floating in the tears of yearning for You. Baba please grace me by coming.

Baba, You are my everything. Please come in my contemplation, ideation, meditation and dhyana. Baba, please be gracious and make me Yours. Baba, I love You…

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How People Remember Their Loved One – part 1

Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:39:55 +0530
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: “Ravindra Deva” @ecosphere…..
Subject: How People Remember Their Loved One – part 1

Baba

== HOW PEOPLE REMEMBER THEIR LOVED ONE ==

~ PART 1 ~

Namaskar,
Our Ananda Marga is that most positive stance in life. The whole entire concept of Ananda Marga rests on the supreme idea that ‘Baba is mine and He is with me’. This is the great idea which pulsates in the mind of each and every Ananda Margii.

This email is a short investigation into how our human memory works and how that is related with the so-called mahaprayan program.

HOW MEMORY WORKS

We all know that those things which we think about again and again remain alive in the mind. That is why if one thinks about one’s childhood friends again and again, then even if those friendships occurred 50 years ago, it will seem as though those events happened only yesterday. It will be fresh in the mind.

In contrast, if one tries to remember their high school mathematics theorems or chemistry equations etc, and even if one got an A+ in those classes, but if they have not thought about mathematics or chemistry for years and years, then those facts and figures will be impossible to recall.

The point being that any idea which gets remembered again and again will be vibrant and crystal clear in the mind, while those forgotten ideas just fade away into the oblivion.

WHAT WE REMEMBER IN ANANDA MARGA:

‘BABA IS WITH ME’

For Ananda Margiis the most desirable idea in this universe is that ‘Baba is with me’. So this idea should be inculcated again and again. A bhakta’s thinking should be: ‘Baba is watching me, He cares for me, and He loves me…’ For Ananda Margiis this is our routine remembrance. From morning till night, all our practices and thoughts revolve around this pinnacled idea – that He is with me.

Whereas the fake or so-called mahaprayan program enforces the false or negative notion that Baba has left this earth and is no longer with me. That is why at so-called mahaprayan it is regularly seen that people are distraught and crying. Their mind gets confused as they recall that day in Oct 1990. Such misguided ideas race through the mind. So many sadhakas have experienced this.

POSITIVE REMEMBRANCE NEEDED

Here is another way of looking at the matter.

Suppose one mother has one sweet, little child and suppose one day that charming baby gets hit by a car and the lifeless body of that dear baby is lying mangled on the road. Then certainly that caring mother will not keep a picture of that horrible and gruesome scene on her bedroom wall. She will not think again of the bloodied face of her little child. Rather she will hang a sweet picture of her young one which shows them happy and smiling. That will be the type of sweet remembrance the mother will carry.

Likewise, as devotees, we will always keep the most supremely positive memory of Dearmost Baba in the core of the heart and in the deep recesses of the mind. The sweet thought is, ‘Baba You are along with me wherever I go in this vast universe. You are ever with me – protecting me and caring for me. Your blessing of fearlessness is always reflecting in my mind.’ This is our Ananda Marga way of thinking and this is our reality.

So just like the mother keeps a delightful memory of her little boy, similarly bhaktas keep a divine and intimate remembrance of Baba. In both cases, that keeps the mind sparkling with that positive idea.

MAHAPRAYAN IS A NEGATIVE REMEMBRANCE

Whereas, the dark and negative occasion of Mahaprayan just imposes the false notion in the mind that Baba has gone – that He has left. Indeed the very name of the so-called mahaprayan program itself means ‘great departure’, i.e. that Parama Purusa is away from us.

BABA DIVINE EXAMPLE: POSITIVE MEMORY OF SHIVA AND KRSNA

That is why no true devotee appreciates this type of anti-devotional program and that is why Baba Himself never discusses the so-called mahaprayan of Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna in His books.

Rather if any devotee of Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna reads those books that they will automatically think that their Lord is along with them – and there will not even be a moment to think that their Lord is gone.

REMEMBERING BABA

AND KEEPING HIM FOREVER IN OUR HEART

In A’nanda Ma’rga Baba again and again guides us that we are always to remember the most positive and optimistic things. He tells us to always remember our Ista mantra, always practice madhuvidya (2nd lesson), always chant His name etc. We are always to do those divinely positive practices, then, by His grace, the eternal truth will be permanently established in the mind that Parama Purusa is with me.

Thus there is no scope to adopt the dogmatic program of mahaprayan which dictates that Baba is gone.

Rather every true sadhaka cultivates the idea in the heart and mind that: “Baba is always with me, caring for me, helping me.” This is the proper spiritual outlook and this is way to remember Dearmost Baba.

“Whatever you speak or do,
Forget Him never;
Keeping His name in your heart,
Work, remembering it is for Him,
And, endlessly active, drift in bliss.” (Caryacarya – 2, Sadhana, pt #10)

Namaskar,
Ravindra

Note 1: WHY SO-CALLED MAHAPRAYAN

Mahaprayan means death. The term then can only be applied to jiivas, unit beings, and never to Parama Purusa Baba. He is eternal and timeless. He never comes and goes. He is the permanent shelter of all. That is why it is completely wrong, illogical, and inappropriate to use the term mahapryan in association with Him. Yet that is the “name” of the program that is held each year in Tiljala. Since Baba is the Parama Purusa who exists across time and space and always resides in the heart of each and every bhakta, rational sadhakas refer to this program as so-called mahaprayan. The term so-called indicates that that thing is fake or wrong. And indeed this program is fake or dogmatic – as Parama Purusa never dies- hence so-called mahaprayan.

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

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Toma’y khunje khunje priyo, din je ket’e ja’y…” (P.S. 3982)

Purport:

Baba, my most adorable One, with deep longing in search of You my days are passing in vain. In the absence of getting You, my whole life is gradually getting wasted. O’ my Dearmost, where have I not looked for You. I have wandered around and searched in the seven oceans, on the mountain peaks, as well as on the earth, and also in the caves – in every nook and corner of this world, but alas I could not get You.

Baba, day and night, secretly I also searched You in the flower garden and in various holy lands and tiirthas – all done in hopes of getting a glance at You. Baba, I searched everywhere with the hope that one day I will find You. But, in the end, all my efforts were for naught.

Baba, with deep longing in my heart, I have also searched You in the galaxies, meteors, nebulae, and in the stars – all around & everywhere. Also, I searched for You in the dark, black-coloured clouds on the rainy days, in the scorching heat of the summer season, as well as in the shade of the tree in springtime. Baba, I have searched for You with a deep yearning and longing in my heart; I have looked for You everywhere.

Baba, O’ my Dearmost, on one colourful golden dawn saturated in the effulgence & aroma of a newly blossoming flower, You took advent in my heart. Your grand arrival came after a long, deep, dark, & painful night of searching for You. Alas, in the end, You graced me by coming in my mind. Baba, You are so gracious…

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Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them #4

Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:37:02 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Ram Deva
Subject: Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them #4

Baba

== RE: TO BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO FEEL BABA LEFT THEM ==

~ Part 4 ~

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

Namaskar,
“In their naivete, many dogmatic idol worshipers wholeheartedly express, “What is wrong with idol worship, for me this is my god.” This is the manner of so many idol worshipers.

By this way, they become more and more emotionally and sentimentally attached with their form of worship and innocently; and, mistakenly, believe they will achieve salvation. This is their unfortunate circumstance hope.

The reality, however, is that such dogmatic worshippers degrade themselves. That is the sad reality of their approach.

Unfortunately in our AM family, some few emotional sadhakas express a similar idea: “What is wrong with mahaprayan, for me this is my feeling with god.”

This is the response of those few people who innocently adhere to the dogmatic MPD programme. In their simplicity, and also because of their group interest, they convince themselves and get emotionally and sentimentally bound to the function of so-called mahaprayan.”

Agreed. Those dogmatic proponents of so-called mahaprayan unfortunately justify their emotional ties to the MPD programme just like idol worshippers justify their reason for engaging in idol worship. So the mentality of so-called mahaprayan attendees is similar to that of idol worshippers. Both use their logic and emotional attachment to justify their dogmatic stance. And both invite an unenviable end.

OUTCOME OF IDOL WORSHIP AND MPD IS SAME

Here is Baba’s stern warning:

Baba says, “Why is idol worship faulty?”

“Ans.: An idol is nothing but the imaginative creation of the human mind, with a finite beginning and end. On the other hand Brahma is beginningless
and endless. This we can deduce through reason. This idol, this finite creation of the human imagination cannot, therefore, be the cause of emancipation of the living entities.”

“Moreover, the external idols of clay, stone and wood are composed of the five fundamental factors. Ideation on such crude objects lead human beings towards Non-qualified Consciousness; rather it will lead them towards degeneration.” (Ananda Marga Philosophy – 3)

Similarly, those who worship Mahaprayan trick themselves into believing that Baba is gone in which case their negative sadhana will hurl them into the depths of degeneration. How can they get salvation, when they do that which Baba warns not to do – they are doing the exact opposite of Guru’s wish. How then can they get salvation when they are treading the path of bondage.

OUR DUTY

Our bounden duty then is to help.

All are our brothers and sisters – so there is no question of outcasting anyone. Only we are to strive to bring the highest devotional expression in our Ananda Marga – that way all can get the benefit.

So we are to follow all those divine teachings which Baba has given: Madhuvidya (2nd lesson), Guru Puja, Guru Sakash, dhyana etc. All such practices enable us to realise and feel His close proximity in our heart. That is our approach – not any contrary ritual or manner.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace, we realise in our hearts that Baba is always along with us. That is why the day is not far when this dogmatic MPD programme will be totally abandoned & finished. Because the sentient feeling of Ananda Marga is that Baba is always with us – in that case where is the scope to worship so-called mahaprayan.

“Vrnda’vanam parityajya pa’damekam na gaccha’mi…”

“I am always eternally present in Vrindavan, in the hearts of devotees. That is Guru cakra. I do not go even a little away from that. I am eternally present along with the devotees.” (Purport of PS #4425)

Namaskar,
Ram Deva

Note 1: EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-brothers-and-sisters-who-feel-baba.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-to-brothers-and-sisters-who-feel.html

#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-to-brothers-and-sisters-who-feel_23.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Phuler ma’la’y ei avela’y dhu’la’y jharite dio na’…” – PS 3270

Purport:

Baba, with deep longing and heart-felt love, I have threaded this flower garland [1] especially for You. Yet it just remains lying there untouched. Baba, please accept [2] this flower garland. Baba, so much time has passed; at least now in these late hours please accept it. Do not let it fall down in the dust and wither away.

Baba, by Your grace, the feeling of love which I have in my heart for You is incomparable – it far surpasses the love and beauty which I have felt for You in my life up till now. With this new and heightened love, I have prepared this garland for You. Baba, please do not forget to accept it. O’ my Dearmost, I have searched for You in all the nooks and corners of my mental garden and collected the sweetest flowers. With deep longing and much care, I have threaded this garland for You. Baba, please grace me by accepting it; do not let it go in vain.

Baba, being the Parama Purusa You are the divine Controller of this vast universe. Your abode is filled with gems and jewels [3]. Each and everything lies within You. I know that this garland is comparatively quite meagre. Please understand that my longing is completely saturated in this flower garland. Won’t You please accept it.

Baba I am surrendering myself at Your alter, please accept my everything….

END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3270:

[1] Flower Garland (Ma’la’): Here the ma’la’ symbolically represents the sadhaka’s mind involved in satisfying Him by various spiritual pursuits and lessons. By that process the feeling of surrender comes. So it is the sadhaka’s mind that is being offered.

[2] ‘Accept the Garland’: In more personal devotional language, this phrase means: O’ Parama Purusa, please grace me by coming in my close proximity.

[3] Your abode is filled with gems and jewels: Parama Purusa does not need anything; only He is hungry for love from His devotees. All the worldly things He already has in abundance. He is the Creator and Controller so by externally offering and giving Him worldly things nobody can satisfy Him. This shows that external ritualistic worship is improper.

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Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them

Subject: Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2012 05:14:31 +0200
From: amrit.lalloo
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

== RE: TO BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO FEEL BABA LEFT THEM #3 ==

Namaskar,
The very idea of “mahaprayan diivasa” defeats the very purpose of Baba’s advent on this planet earth. Baba has come to destroy dogmas, narrowness, groupism and to replace these with rationality, neo-humanism and devotion.

Every year, 21 – 26 Oct., adherents are invited to to do kiirtan around BABA’S MAHASAMADII. Is this not tantamount to tomb worship?

Do the adherents truly believe that (like the shrine in Ajmer) they will get special grace by bowing and dancing around the tomb of Baba. Is this what Baba has taught his devotees? This is nothing short of a lunatic idea of a sick, depraved mind. They advocate that mahaprayan diivasa is a solemn (sad) occasion and yet they continue to blow conch shells.

When I google searched Mahaprayan, some very, very interesting things came up. The film- MAHAPRAYAN – the last journey Of Mahatma Gandhi-Can we equate this with Shrii Shrii Anandamurti jii ? Does Parama Purusa have a last journey?

Another pop up MAHAPRAYAN – Payment Ananda Dhiira. Very strange! Mahaprayan and fund raising. Indeed, this has become the main motive – to make money by exploiting sadhakas: Indoctrinate margiis into the mahaprayan dogma and get maximum donations and cash from them in the name of mahaprayan. That is the agenda of such organisers.

Please, fellow Margiis, read what Baba has said about tiirtha (places of pilgrimage) and Varanasii. Don’t be fooled by fakes, clad in saffron, hell-bent on infusing dogmas, narrowness and false hopes in the minds of devotees.

Follow the dictates of true Dharma. Baba is Dharma Guru. Follow and practice only what has been sanctioned by Him who is eternal. Baba is not Dead!! He is with you !

One last point. Is Mahaprayan Diivasa held for Lord Krishna or Lord Shiva or for the mythylogical Rama? Why then for Lord Anandamurtii? Devotees are wise. They don’t ever ideate that my lord is dead. Wisely they construct mandirs and not tombs and memorials.

Tomb worship is a terrible sin – see note 1 below…

In Him who is eternal,
Amrit

Note 1: TOMB AND IDOL WORSHIP ARE SINFUL

Baba says, “Not to call a thing what it is, but to call it something else, is known as slander. Therefore those who in the name of the beginningless, endless, formless Brahma worship idols, are indulging in deliberate slander. You must not give indulgence to this type of Mahapápa (great / terrible sin).” (Caryacarya -2, Sadhana, pt #18)

Those who follow dogma are also prone to indulging in contradictory notions. That is the case with the adherents of so-called mahaprayan as well. On the one side, they think that Baba is far, far away – gone; and, on the other side, they think that the tomb in Tiljala is a representation of Baba and that by going there and doing sastaunga pranam at the tomb and asking for boons, then He will satisfy your wishes and shower His blessings. This is their inherently dogmatic and contradictory approach.

Note 2: EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-brothers-and-sisters-who-feel-baba.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/re-to-brothers-and-sisters-who-feel.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Prabhu, toma’r na’mer bharasa’ niye aga’dh sa’gar pa’r’i dobo…” (PS 2350)

Purport:

Baba, surrendering in You has immense force. Trusting in Your name, I can do anything. Nothing is impossible in this universe. I can even cross the bottomless ocean by having faith on Your name, keeping You in my heart, and holding Your feet. Baba, I will go on singing Your name while pulverizing all the obstacles and hindrances of pebbles & stones which come on the pathway of my forward journey. Baba, with the stroke of my feet I will crush them and march ahead, by Your grace.

Baba, holding Your flag in my hand and singing Your name in my heart, I will go on marching forward with my head held high – it is Your grace. Baba, by Your ahetuki krpa’, I will bring the neo-humanistic era onto this dusty earth. The victory mark will be on my forehead.

Baba, by keeping You in the heart, there will not be any dilemmas or doubts in anyone’s mind. The mind will be pointed, straight-forward, and clear. Everyone’s longing will be satiated – permanently. Baba, by Your grace, I will shower my love and win over everyone’s heart by my selfless service and sacrifice. I will honor everyone’s right to live.

Baba, by keeping Your feet in the heart, one can do anything. Nothing remains difficult or impossible. Baba, please reside in my heart eternally…

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