Why Unity Fails

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:02:37 -0500 To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Why Unity Fails From: CJ Phillips Baba PS Intro: This song teaches us that initially the devotee thinks that Parama Purusa has come in his close proximity due to his own long penance and deep sadhana; but later on the sadhaka realises that Parama Purusa did not come due to his own long penance and sadhana but rather because of His own divine attribution-- His causeless grace. This very idea Baba has taught us in so many discourses: That in the higher realm of spirituality sadhakas do not get anything by their own efforts. They receive everything by His divine grace. So in the higher aspects of sadhana His grace is everything. Human beings do sadhana just to please Him; but without His grace, nothing is possible. "Kato tapasya' pare, tumi esecho, dhara' diyecho..." (PS 2836) Purport: Baba, I have been waiting so long for Your auspicious arrival. Finally, after so much penance, by Your grace You have come close and allowed Yourself to be held. Baba, for so many ages You gave me hope of Your coming and You made me shed so many tears while waiting for You in longing. Baba, after countless days & nights, after such a long time, by Your grace You have kept Your promise. Baba, You have graced me by coming to me. Baba, I could not dream that You would ever come close and lift me on Your Lap. I could not imagine that one day You will bask me in Your divine effulgence. Baba, by Your sweet grace that which I could not conceive of has happened: The sweetness of divinity has descended. O' Mohan, the most charming One, by Your causeless grace You have come close and become mine and made me Yours. Baba, You always play Your divine liila. You never listen to any of my sincere pleas or any of my earnest requests. Even after hundreds and hundreds of attempts, I could not sway Your heart to come to me. Then in the end, by Your own sweet will You Yourself came, saturated with the pollen of love, and allowed me to hold You. Baba, this is nothing but Your causeless grace, I understand that this is Your karuna'-- Your infinite compassion. Baba, You are grace Personified, with Your own divine attributions You grace everyone...

== WHY UNITY FAILS ==

Namaskar, As 2008 draws to a close, the theme in so many circles is unity, unity, unity. Political parties in the general society have been chanting unity; various groups in AMPS have also been singing the unity song, and indeed, this unity slogan is prevalent in so many spheres of life. But, it never works; their call unity is never achieved; it always fails. That is the reality.

UNITY IN THE GENERAL SOCIETY

Two smaller businesses merge to form a unified bigger enterprise. Two politicians join forces in order to unify their party. Countries join the United Nations or EU as a show of unity. Indeed there are so many examples of unity. But invariably they break apart. Because up till now in this world, "unity" has always been grounded in the selfishness of two different people or groups. So long as it is profitable for them, they remain unified, and the moment when that unity is not meeting their agenda, then they split apart. So many corporations have unified and divided; so many regions of the world have reached a temporary unity, only to again divide; and so many political alliances have been made to gain unity, only to fall apart a day or year later. Whether it be the USSR, AOL-Time-Warner, Czechoslovakia, the Catholic Church, or some political movement in your locale, time and again we see "unified entities" break apart into pieces. And the reason is always the same: The small-minded ideal of selfishness can never stand the test of time-- it can never create a true bond.

THAT SAME UNITY IS SURFACING IN AMPS

Since 1990, that same type of unity has been surfacing in AM. Whether it be in the name of one group or some new faction, various teams have been uniting. It is not at all uncommon. And they then call for others to join them. But this also never works. Because when some group or faction is the basis of unity, then that group's self-interest is the operating agenda. Certain leaders are desperately trying to gain an upper-hand on the power, and for that they start chanting, 'unity, unity, unity' in hopes of gathering people to support their selfish agenda. That is why we constantly see splits and fissures in our Marga. At first after 1990 all were united under Sarvatmananda. Then the Rudrananda group came into being. Then NIA. Then EC. Then... That is the way it goes. Because no group is operating on welfare motive so they cannot attend to all. They just focus on their own unit agenda and others will either join in or break apart based on whether that agenda meets their selfish needs. That is why there has not been any lasting unity in AM since 1990. Through it all, so many good margiis and field workers have sincere feeling in their heart to see a united AMPS based on Baba's teachings.

ONLY BABA HAS GIVEN REAL UNITY

To date, unity has just been a fleeting thing on this earth. Baba has come to change all that. By His grace, He has given teachings on unity that are completely new and revolutionary. When Baba speaks of unity it is totally different from the way corporations, countries, groups or even other gurus speak of unity. When Baba talks of unity, He is using words like 'ideology', 'cosmic inheritance, 'common patrimony', 'universal welfare', 'cosmic brotherhood', 'service motive' etc. Never will you see or hear mundane words like 'power', 'profit', 'control', 'money', or 'popularity', be associated with Baba's ideal of unity. Yet these latter words ('power', 'profit', 'control', etc) are the driving force behind most, if not all, so-called unity movements on this earth. Because thus far, unity has always been just a euphemism for satisfying someone's selfish agenda. And that is why it always fails. So Baba's guidelines on unity are totally unique-- never before have they been put forth on this earth. For your review here are some of Baba's given teachings on unity. Baba says, For the unity of the entire humanity, the indispensable factor is spirituality. This supreme treasure teaches human beings that Parama Purus'a is the Supreme Father, Parama Prakrti [the Supreme Operative Principle] is their Supreme Mother, and the entire universe is their homeland." (AFPS-2) Baba says, "Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another. So to avoid this there should not be any scope for exploitation in society. And to ensure this we have to start a new order to safeguard the interests of the exploited masses. So for a proper social synthesis what we require is a common philosophy of life; that is, ideological unity." (PNS-15) Baba says, "Along with the theory of spiritual inheritance, one Cosmic ideology will have to be propagated too, and that ideology is that one Supreme Entity the Cosmic Entity is the goal of all living beings. This spiritual sentiment will keep human beings united for all time to come. No other theory can save the human race." (TTP)

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace only He has given the practical teachings on unity wherein groupism, dogma, and exploitation are outlawed and instead the time-tested ideals of cosmic inheritance, ideology, spirituality, and one human society are encouraged. All other types of unity based on selfish interest and the profit motive are doomed for failure. That is why to date, attempts at unity have failed again and again and again. Any groupist platform for unity will also fail. Only unity based on the spiritual teachings of AM ideology can bring lasting peace and welfare to society. Only then will we have true unity. Namaskar, Cinmay

*************************************** Who is Greatest Fool

Baba says, "How one person sings melodious songs, how another dances beautiful rhythmic dances, how another delivers wonderful discourses, etc. But we cannot see the entity who pulls the strings from behind and runs the show. And the funniest thing is this: the speaker, the singer, the dancer thinks that he is the agent, the doer, and takes the entire credit for the performance. People do not care to think of the entity that pulls the strings from behind, or if they are even more foolish, they think that others see them alone, not the entity who pulls the strings from behind." (NKS, 97 Edn, p.181) Note: Under the spell of avidya maya many persons think that all credit goes to them for their great deeds. The number of such persons is huge. But according to Baba's above guideline in the spiritual way of thinking they are fools. We should be careful and save ourselves from falling into this category of fools.

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To Form One Human Society

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:54:18 -0800 From: Shaelendra Mathur Subject: To Form One Human Society To: am-global@earthlink.net Baba "Mor na'hi je samay, mor na'hi je samay..." (P.S. 499) Purport: Baba, when I was longing for You & my heart was full of devotion for You, then You did not come. Now though my heart is completely dry. I have lost all those charms and attraction for You. Yet in this desperate condition, now You have graced me by appearing before me. Baba, I am completely plunged in worldly problems and worries. I do not have time to follow spiritual practices. Yet in this very dry phase You have come. It is Your grace. Baba, the bakul flowers of my mental garden have wilted and fallen; there are no more flower petals. The night jasmine has already fallen from the tree and is lying in the dust. The devotional lamp of my heart got extinguished long ago. O' my dearmost Baba, in this dreadful situation, by Your grace You have come. I did not have time to even receive You properly. Baba, why did You wait so long. Baba, all my friends have gone far away; they are lost. Their love evaporated somewhere, floated away. My hope of having the flowers has already dried up. Baba, even then with Your sweet and soft smile You have come and sat beside me. O' love personified Baba, in this odd and difficult atmosphere You have appeared, You are so gracious...

== TO FORM ONE HUMAN SOCIETY ==

Namaskar, As this happy new year rolls in and we start 2009, we should again contemplate how to move forward in creating one human society.

LORD SHIVA & LORD KRSNA'S WORK TO PRESENT

Most are aware that 3500 years ago Lord Krsna tried to unite the then scattered India. And that time India encompassed a huge area stretching from present day Thailand to the Middle East. And not only that being a tropical country, the population was very high since peoples from all over came and took shelter in that bountiful land. And in the dramatic setting, the Mahabharata was arranged. So that was the first effort to form one society-- to unite the various groups and clans. Prior to that, 7000 years ago Lord SadaShiva also guided the primitive people of that era not to fight against different gotras. So He tried what way He could those days-- but it is well accepted that Lord Krsna's efforts were more intense. And now today, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji's approach far surpasses all prior attempts. Because in numerous fields and various aspects Baba has graciously put forth many grand and revolutionary ideas-- and He has also brought them into practice as well. Plus, as we all know, Baba has built up one colourful organisation and He has collected and attracted people from all corners of the globe. In that way sadhakas from all parts started singing the samgacchadhvam mantra in one harmonious voice. Thus, forgetting all differences of class, color, race, etc. Overall, people could not even dream that such a thing could occur. Because since ages and ages so many pseudo gurus and reformers came, but they could not lead a unified march or remove the fundamental differences of caste, color etc. But with His divine touch, Baba has infused so much positive activity and He has given the universal teaching that no one can be expelled from AM society.

SARVATMANANDAJI'S NEGATIVE REIGN

Even then as soon as opportunity availed itself, Sarvatmanandji created the negative and wicked process of expulsion and completely discarded Baba's teachings. And later on to a lesser degree H group did that same thing. And now one wrong trend has gotten established-- all due to Sarvatmanandaji's initial misguided and groupist dealings. As he threatened innocent Wts and Bhukti Pradhans to carry out and defend his sinful deeds. And he terrorised others that no one should point out his distortion of Baba's teachings. And this only led to the further degeneration and factionalism of AMPS. So in total various factions & factions have emerged and the whole things-- our whole AM society-- is oozing negativity, such that the only way left is to follow Baba's teachings.

GUARANTEED SECURITY TO ONE AND ALL

As we all know, Baba is quite clearly against any expulsion theory. In HIS discourse, 'Social Psychology', Baba safeguards the status of everyone in our Marga. There is no question of outcasting or debarring anyone from social service or from our AM family. All types of punishment in our Marga are for a definite period, fixed period, not unlimited. But the very 'expulsion' term means the punishment is lifelong. That is why Baba does not accept expulsion philosophy. Because ultimately it balkanizes the society and such type of actions which divide the society have no place in our Marga. So again here critical point is that Sarvatmanandaji's invented groupist strategy of expulsion violates Baba's code that punishment must occur within a "definite period". Please read the following. Baba says "The only punishment in our Ma'rga is disallowing offenders from taking part in social functions for a fixed period." (AFPS-7, p.12) And in His discourse AM A Revolution, Baba states in many places that expulsion is prohibited. Baba says, "Harsh social punishment such as creating outcasts...do not find any place in our society." (AFPS-7, p.6) By all this it is clear that there is no case where someone may be permanently thrown out of our AM society. Expulsion is not an option in Ananda Marga. Hence the question then becomes, when expulsion is forbidden in our AM, why have there been on-going discussions over the year by our respected Acaryas about how to expel someone? When the very act of expulsion is opposed by Baba. After having consulted with senior Margiis, family acaryas, and Bhukti Pradhans about this most important issue of expulsion, then we came to certain conclusions to share with one and all. This whole strategizing about expulsion occurred because both H and B groups want to reserve their exclusive right to expel someone for their selfish group interest. That is the nature of the H-B war. Fight for the post, grab the power, and expel those who oppose you. For many years B group did like this and then later on H group began following this same negative pattern. So both groups are reluctant to revoke the expulsion philosophy. Overall point is that both the H and B groups are selfish and both want to keep the weapon of expulsion in their pocket as a means of revenge for today or tomorrow.

FALSE JUSTIFICATION

Plus one other nonsense thing is going on behind the scenes. Groupist kingpins are saying & justifying that 'Baba Himself created a Procedure Order to do expulsion so we Dadas can also do like this'. This is the logic that those raucous leaders are giving.

GURU'S UNIQUE ROLE

However, we should all be aware that there are many things which Baba did as Guru in physical life which we disciples should not do. Baba was giving blessing using the varabhaya mudra, Baba was accepting sastaunga pranam from Margiis, Baba was lovingly scolding people using His cane, Baba was allowing devotees to sing kiirtan to Him, and like this there are so many things which Baba was doing which we disciples should not do. Doing so it will be sinful. And the historical example of is there with Lord Krsna also. In physical life, Lord Krsna had to kill many demons. But we do not have the right to kill anyone. That is why in our AM scripture Baba has given the teaching that capital punishment is not good. See in Social Psychology (PNS 3) and Mass Murder (PNS 15) for reference. So if any Margii, WT, Central Dada or anyone does any of these things which only Guru can do --like giving varabhaya mudra or punishing others with a stick etc-- that will not be good. Rather it will be sinful. It will bring and lead to that person's degeneration and cause harm to society.

REPERCUSSION OF EXPULSION

Likewise this issue of expulsion is quite clear. If we expel people from the Marga that will be a contravention of Baba's teachings and surely a negative result will follow. Not only that if we accept H and B groups' false logic that expulsion is allowed then what will people think about AM. Surely the society will think that Baba is very controversial. Because on the one side Baba's philosophy grants social security to one and all; and on the other hand AMPS leaders are expelling members from the Marga just like past religious Hindu and Christian priests, mullahs, etc did. With their personal vengeance they mercilessly expelled those who opposed their sinful deeds. So now our Dadas are following in the same footsteps as those mullahs. They are turning AM into a religion. Because just as religions did a disservice to the formation of one human society, same thing we are seeing, step by step, in our AMPS since 1990.

HOW TO PROCEED

So what is the way? How are we to move ahead? How should we think about all this? The overall sense is this. For us our guiding light is Baba's AM scripture. As disciples we are to follow what Baba has taught, i.e. what He has given in His scripture to do. And doing those things is our welfare. The things NOT written in our scripture, i.e. in our shruti, darshan and smrti shastra, that will be sinful to do. All the current groups & factions are attached with the outdated religious dogma of expulsion. And in that way they brought it into AM. But when rational Margiis and Wts come forward this negative theory of expulsion will be thrown away and the people responsible for following this expulsion theory will meet their fate. Because this expulsion theory is contrary to unity and the creation of one human society. Here following is Baba's warning Baba says "In this present age of transition, you are seeing many theories change and being discarded before your very eyes. If any group of people clings to the skeletons of the past they will also be rejected." (PNS-13)

BABA'S ULTIMATE SOLUTION

If Baba's dharmic teachings are followed then this will lead to the formation of one human society. Because after all Baba's blessing is there. Indeed there is no other way than to follower Baba's teachings. And not just those inside AM, rather the whole general public will have to follow Baba's teachings to save themselves. There is no other way. Namaskar, Shaelendra Note 1: Procedure Order = All senior margiis and WTs know that in 1969 some defectors went against Baba. Means they were against Ista. So because they went against the Ista, in that unusual circumstance one procedural order was made in 1969 by Baba. And Baba had full right to do this. And in time of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna similar things happened. But now the situation is completely different. Nobody is against Ista. People are fighting to root out the corruption in our organisation and they are getting victimised. This history of the post 1990 period says that B or H, whoever was in power misused or abused this power. And they are reaping the consequence. And those not yet reaping the consequences will reap the consequences of these sinful deeds in the near future. Demonic laughter and revengeful attitudes cannot remain any longer in the kingdom of Baba when dharma is everything.

************************************************* - The Solution -

Baba says, "Whenever there is a conflict between the brain and the heart, intelligent people should respond to the call of the heart. The books in A'nanda Ma'rga philosophy are all absolute knowledge. The proper mark of identity of absolute knowledge is that it must be universal, rational and psychological. Certain instances of absolute knowledge are as follows --the goal of human life is the attainment of Brahma; human beings are the progeny of Parama Purus'a...by dint of sa'dhana' or spiritual practices human beings gradually become divine." (PNS-18, p.10)

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More About Why They Are Fake

Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:21:06 +0530 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: "Priyanath C Mittra" Subject: More About Why They Are Fake BABA PS Intro: This following song was written in the Urdu language. "Karata'ra ha'ma're, tumhare liye yaha'n a'na'..." (P.S. 4165) Purport: Baba, O' my lord, by Your grace I have come on this earth for You. Baba, whether You love me or not is Your choice, but please do not play hide and seek with me. Baba, please remain in my close proximity so I can see and feel Your always. Baba, I also want that You should love me always. Baba, You are the star of my eye-- You are the charm of my life. Baba, without You my existence is meaningless. Baba, You are the most attractive and divine Entity-- brilliant in Your divine effulgence. Baba, Your infinite love is expressed in each and everything of this world: In the flowers' fragrance, the children's smiles, the beauty of the rainbow. All the sweetness comes from You. All the beauty of the entire expressed world--including the flora and fauna-- everything expresses Your love. Baba, You have saturated this entire creation with Your grace-compassion. Your love resonates within each and every thing. The inherent beauty of every entity is the expression of Your love, the reflection of Your love. Baba, whether I like it or not, but I am residing in Your heart. I am within You. Baba, You are the nucleus of this entire creation. My everything is revolving around You. I do not know which form You are but the entire universe is within You. Baba, You are surrounding everything. You are within and without each and every created being. Baba, You are my Lord; You are my everything. And my only duty is to serve You, to please You-- and do all those things which You like. Baba, You are my ultimate Goal. Baba, my Lord, You have brought me on this earth for You-- to serve You... Note: The Urdu language originally started around Delhi when outside or overseassoldiers were not aware how to speak Hindi. But they were going to the market and speaking in their broken version of the local language. In this way they started interacting with the common people. Subsequently, the Urdu language first sprang up and it became known as the market language. So when Hindi and Arabic were mixed then this new language took shape. And since this language was spoken by a group of soldiers using a military uniform (wardi), that is why the name of the language became known as 'wardi'. Over time and due to a similarity in pronunciation, 'wardi' became 'Urdu'. This historical and linguistic guideline Baba has given in His grammar book.

== MORE ABOUT THE FAKE ANANDA VANIIS ==

Namaskar, We all know that the original and true Ananda Vaniis are golden bullets of inspiration that inspire us to move ahead, overcome all obstacles, and lead the humanity into the new crimson dawn. So Baba's Ananda Vaniis are truly unique. Even then some groupist leaders are thinking that they can create their own false versions-- and have come up with a tainted formula for doing so.

IS SIZE THE ONLY FACTOR?

Some may be thinking that: 'Because Ananda Vaniis are small, since they are just one or two paragraphs, so therefore to make one new Ananda Vanii, just take one Baba's discourse and select one tiny paragraph out of that. And that will be an "Ananda Vanii".' A few may be thinking in this above manner. And indeed if anybody sees superficially then they will say that 'Ok, true Ananda Vaniis are generally one or sometimes two paragraphs. So the ruling group or subgroup-- whether B or H, Biharii, or non-Biharii etc-- did fine by collecting some excerpts or quotations from Baba's long discourses. So on the basis of size, their fake Ananda Vanii is ok.' This is just one misguided outlook. So some may get confused because the the length of the true Ananda Vaniis and the length of the fake Ananda Vaniis is the same. Means, the length of Baba's true Ananda Vaniis are one or two paragraphs, and in the same way from the discourse various group leaderss select one paragraphs to create their Fake Ananda Vanii. And then they stick on the name-- Ananda Vanii-- when in fact what they are sending out is just a Fake Ananda Vanii. Here the main ideas is that on the point of length or counting of words, certain quotes and true Ananda Vaniis may be similar-- in length. But length is not the only criteria to measure anything. If you start valuing anything with its length, then that will be a foolish approach.

A FEW COLORFUL EXAMPLES

For example, suppose, you chop the trunk of the elephant and you start calling it a horse, who can believe that? Or, you chop a little bit from the legs of the camel and then start calling it a cow. Because the camel was a high animal. This type of logic, only babies or crazy people can accept. Not anyone else. Or taking the example of a car, you remove two wheels from that car. And with the remaining two wheels you proclaim that "This car is now a motorcycle. Because it has only two wheels. As, a motorbike has also two wheels and now this car only two -- so it is now a motorcycle." All this type of reasoning is nonsense.

LENGTH NOT THE ONLY CRITERIA

Surely this approach will be a foolish approach if anybody does the above. Just like, in the motorbike, only two wheels is not its sole characteristic. Similarly in the true Ananda Vanii, its length is not its only criteria. It has many more things, which we never find in those Fake Ananda Vaniis which are mere selections from a bigger discourse. That is why Baba designated the true Ananda Vanii as something unique-- as "Ananda Vanii". So, this is unparalleled.

FAKE ANANDA VANII IS BORN

It is known that when Sarvatmanandaji was initially struggling to find out some formula to create his fake Ananda Vaniis, then he finally devised his plan & he called a CC meeting in order to generate group support. And during the CC meeting they were all were thinking of a solution to continue the tradition of Ananda Vanii. After long discussion, then one great idea was put forth by one of Sarvatmanandji's trusted pawns. He told, "Don't worry. Here is a unique idea to create fake Ananda Vaniis. Because the length of Ananda Vanii is small, one or two paragraphs. So take Baba's discourse. Select one or two paragraphs. And the length of this new paragraph is the same as that of real Ananda Vaniis. And then just call this new para as 'Ananda Vanii'." Listening this, all the CC Purodhas clapped and accepted this idea. And since then, this selection of a few paragraphs from Baba's discourses and passing to margiis as a new Ananda Vanii of "Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiiji" of every year, is coming. And H group has adopted this same model of Fake Ananda Vaniis. So now multiple fake Ananda Vaniis are being presented each time. This is the ongoing drama by such group and sub-group leaders.

REALISING IT IS FAKE

Of course now after critical analysis margiis are realizing that (A) Ananda Vaniis and (B) certain quotes of the discourses, are two different things, not one. In other words we can say, the current formula to produce fake Ananda Vaniis is similar to these above noted animal examples. Take some discourse and select one or two paragraphs and put the title "Ananda Vanii" and date it '1st January, such-and-such year'. And - "Here it is, ready. New Ananda Vanii". How easy it is. But those who are rational margiis and WTs, they understand that taking some paragraphs of Baba's discourse is just one quote. Neither it is a full discourse, nor is it as pointed and conclusive as a true Ananda Vanii. So at any cost, Baba's quote cannot be called as "Baba's Ananda Vanii". And they cannot be collected together with the "Ananda Vanii Samgraha" book.

WILL BE REJECTED BY FUTURE ANANDA MARGIIS

Altogether we have 74 true Ananda Vaniis. If we allow to go on adding every year two quotes, two new fake Ananda Vaniis, then in the next millennium the total of fake Ananda Vaniis will be more than two thousand. And the true Ananda Vaniis already will remain only 74 in one book. So we have to think. Carrying dogma is not good. Ultimately it will be thrown out by future Ananda Margiis. Because Baba says, "Dogma no more no more". Here following is this divine teaching of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. If we follow this, then no problem will remain as a problem on our path of forward movement. Baba says, "There are many good people in the society-- noble people engaged in noble deeds-- who are not ready to fight against wrongs and injustices. This sort of passive benevolence does not really promote the cause of human progress in the world." (AVM 8, p.51) Namaskar, Priyanath Note 1: We cannot create another Supreme Command from a few paragraphs of His discourses. In the same way, we do not have the right to create some fake Ananda Vaniis. Note 2: True Ananda Vaniis are unparalleled, full of spirit, and they give the clarion call of marching song and victory. So that is the greatness of Ananda Vanii. Note 3: In the real Ananda Vaniis of Baba, He is inspiring strong fighting tendency. To overcome injustice and exploitation in the society. But the so-called Ananda Vaniis since 1991 never deal on this societal point. Note 4: We must be alert. We should take it seriously that in the name of Ananda Vanii, certain groupist factions are trying to mislead margiis. To avert and fix the situation of this current Ananda Vanii problem, we have to depend on the real original treasure of true Ananda Vaniis. Such true Ananda Vaniis are the eternal source of our inspiration.

**************************************** Crow & OWl Relation

Baba says, "The etymological meaning of ka'ka'ri is "owl". Owls cannot see during the day. If a crow spies an owl during the day it will peck at it. Fearful of crows, the owl hides itself in the dark crevices of trees during the day. Crows cannot see at night, so if an owl sees a crow at night it attacks it. But since crows have more strength in their beaks than owls they save themselves somehow. Thus, it is seen that it is the crow's young that are generally killed by owls. If an owl is not overly hungry it will not eat crow-meat. Since the crow's meat is bad-tasting, no bird will eat it apart from the vulture. It is said that the crow eats any kind of meat, but it also will not eat crow-meat...." (SC-3, p.235)

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Speciality Of Mudras

Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:28:44 -0000 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: NJK Majumdar Subject: Speciality Of Mudras Baba "Bandhu a'ma'r, nikat' a'ma'r, a'mi kii ga'ibo toma'r ga'n..." (P.S. 525) Purport: O' my Bandhu, O' my dearmost, You are my very close and intimate One. What song should I sing to please You. You are aware about my longing. Baba, You are my Love, You are the personification of hope, saturated in sweetness.You are my heart of hearts-- and my everything. Baba, since that very first day when You blessed me by bringing me in Your closeness under Your care, since then by Your grace I have understood that You are my shelter; You are doing everything for me. Also since that very day, with Your divine touch You have blessed me with a new life, O my Bandhu and most intimate one. By Your causeless grace my way of living got transformed from a worldly existence into life divine. Since then everything has become blissful. O' my Lord, on that most blessed day You graciously caressed me with Your soft lotus hand. In that atmosphere of the blissful early morning dawn, the lotus flowers were blossoming in the pond and spreading their aroma all around. Then by Your infinite grace You pulled me very close to You and graciously placed me on Your Lap and loved me; and by placing Your hand on top of my head, You bathed me with divine effulgence. And You granted me ever thing. What You have done is unparalleled. Baba, You are love personified; You are my most dear; You are my everything... Note 1: Usually people think that the term 'Bandhu' means 'friend' but in AM devotional life it is not like that. Bandhu means something much more. Baba says, "'Bandhu' means 'those within the bondage of love'. That is when one can not tolerate the idea of separation it is called 'Bandhu'. Now you see in this world have you got any Bandhu? No. Even your friend, your best friend-- he also did not come at the same time as you and after leaving the cremation ground, there is permanent separation. He will be with you up to the cremation ground. After your cremation he won't be with you. So he is not Bandhu-- he is not friend for he can tolerate the idea of separation." "So who is the real friend? Parama Purusa. When you are in this physical framework-- in this quinquelemental framework, He is with you, with your body, with your mind and with your spirit. After death, He will be with your mind, with your soul. When the body will be lost, the body will become one with the earth but mind and spirit will remain, He will be with you. So He is the real friend, He is the real Bandhu. And there cannot be any mundane friend, mundane Bandhu." (AV-12)

== SPECIALITY OF MUDRAS ==

Namaskar, In our Marga, there are numerous practices we have which guide us through our various activities of life. One of which is the use of mudras-because the touch so many aspects of our existence from our dances & salutations (greetings) to sadhana, and more. Indeed as Ananda Margiis not a day goes by where we do not practice a wide selection of mudras.

WHAT ARE MUDRAS

Of course everyone in AM knows that mudras refer to very specific & deliberate body positions. Often these mudras convey a particular idea and in some cases mudras refer to a more strenuous type of exercise than an asana. Here below is a brief look at the use of mudras in AM life.

SOME COMMON MUDRAS WE USE

Certainly we are all aware about our namaskar mudra. This greeting or salutation pose comes under the category of namah mudras. And by this physical movement we are conveying an particular idea. Baba says, "Mudra is the 'externalisation of an internal feeling' and means 'to express the desires of the mind'." (PNS-18, p.34) Thus in our namaskar mudra we are greeting someone with a particular ideation. Plus we use mudras when we kneel and extend our palms in Guru Puja. Or to pay our respects, reverence and surrender to Guru we lie straight in sastaunga pranam. This also is a type of namah mudra. Then when we offer something to anyone we touch our right elbow with our left hand; this comes within the category of sampradam mudra. Baba says, "One should receive or offer something with the following mudra': Extend the right hand, touching the right elbow with the left hand." (CC-2, 'Social Norms, pt#3) And then of course in our dances whether that be kiirtan or a classical dance of Prabhat Samgiita then mudras are used extensively. In our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan we use lalita marmika with its special mudras and in classical dance a wide variety mudras are used. Baba says, "The science of dance recognizes about 850 mudra's [meaningful gestures], such as namo mudra', lalita mudra', barada' mudra', abhaya mudra, am'kusha mudra', maha' mudra', ka'kacaincu mudra', tejasii mudra', a'mbha'sii mudra', pa'rthivii mudra', va'yavii mudra', a'ka'shii mudra'..." (APH-8) And in total, there are thousands and thousands of mudras in human existence. Even to convey our simple answers of 'yes' and 'no' we nod or shake our head in a particular way to convey our answer. This also comes within the category of mudra'. Here Baba describes more about the common use of mudras in daily life. Baba says, "A mudra' expresses Bha'va without creating any sound. For example, if you call someone to come near you, you make a particular movement of your palm [gives Mudra']. When you tell somebody to go away you make another kind of movement with your palm [gives Mudra']. Similarly, when you feel thirsty and need a glass of water to drink you make a particular corresponding Mudra'." (AV-12, "Dances and the Path of Vidya') Thus mudras are a distinct element in the life of any sadhaka. Mudras are used in all spheres of existence: Dance, physico-psychic exercises, ideation, social occasions, offerings etc.

BENEFITS OF MUDRAS

Each mudra play an important role and they give greater meaning to a given activity or practice. So they have deep value. For instance one can do sastaunga pranam mentally, but if one does sastaunga pranam using the proper mudra then that give a greater sense of surrender. And anyone will feel that beneficial effect in their mind. Likewise we can sing kiirtan by sitting down but by dancing kiirtan with the appropriate mudra then naturally more devotional feelings comes in the mind. This is the common experience of all sadhakas. Baba says, "In Lalita Ma'rmika, the position of the arms is above 90 degrees. This denotes that it is a Mudra' - in Sam'skrta it is called a 'Mudra''. This Mudra' means, 'O Supreme Creator, Thou art mine and I am Yours. I am Thine'." (AV-12) Baba says, "Lalita ma'rmika is purely a devotional dance. The elbows must be placed above the 90° position in relation to the shoulders. The upraised hands indicate the spirit of surrender." (May 22, '79, Hannover, Germany) And in our kaoshikii & tandava dances the mudras employed provide tremendous force and make the body, mind, and spirit healthy and strong. So the benefits of mudra are well known.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MUDRAS AND ASANAS

When used as a form of physico-psychic exercise, mudras have a distinct use that is different from that of an asana. Asana is a position of ease where there is not need to put forth any sustained such as in padmasana or viirasnana. One can easily & comfortably remain in those positions for long periods. But with mudras such as uddayan mudra one has to bend forward and draw the naval point in and hold the breath-- it takes great effort and cannot be held for a long time. Here Baba talks more about the differences between mudras and asanas. Baba says, "Mudra's are postures which exercise the nerves and muscles...The practitioner of mudra' may or may not enjoy physical comfort and mental composure. During the practice of mudra's one has to continue one's conscious endeavour to remain in that posture, but in the case of a'sanas one need not." (YP, 'Q & A on Meditation') Baba says, "A'sanas are calm, quiet and easy postures which are held with proper inhalation and exhalation. They exercise the nerves, tissues, glands and organs of the human body. While practising a'sanas one enjoys physical comfort and mental composure." (YP, 'Q & A on Meditation')

COMMONALTIES BETWEEN MUDRAS AND ASANAS

Mudras and asanas in a similar type of way as they both provide either a pressurizing or depressurizing effect on particular gland or sub-gland and that affects the glandular secretions which in turn affects the related propensity. In general, by applying pressure that increases the glandular secretion and that increases the particular propensity. Whereas taking pressure off a particular gland works in the opposite manner. It decreases the secretion and activity of the corresponding propensity. For example we can apply pressure to our manipur cakra by doing mayurasana (peacock pose) or by doing agnisara mudra. Both increase the glandular secretions of that area. And when we do our sarvaungasana (shoulder stand) and matsyamudra (fish) then we are alternately applying pressure and taking pressure off of our thyroid gland. If the thyroid gland is underactive then we should do sarvaungasana and if it is overactive then we must do matsymudra. And for those who are healthy persons then practicing both is ideal.

BABA REVEALS THE SPECIAL PROCESS OF MUDRAS AND ASANAS

Here Baba describes in greater detail how our asanas and mudras work. Baba says, "Each and every mudra' affects certain human glands in a particular way and thus influences people's minds accordingly." (NSS, Discourse 2) Baba says, "All a'sanas [and mudras] have either a pressurizing or depressurizing effect on the glands and sub-glands. For example, mayu'ra'sana [peacock posture] has a pressurizing effect on the man'ipuracakra. The secretions of the glands and sub-glands of the man'ipura cakra and the propensities associated with them will become more balanced if this a'sana is practised regularly." "If someone has a great fear of public speaking, it means his man'ipura cakra is weak. Through the regular practice of mayu'ra'sana, this propensity will be controlled and fear will be eliminated." "Other a'sanas [and mudras] may have a depressurizing effect on the man'ipura cakra, and if these a'sanas are performed regularly the glands and sub-glands associated with the cakra will become less active. Increased glandular secretions generally make the propensities more active and vice versa." "By practising a'sanas [and mudras] regularly, one can control the propensities and either increase or decrease their activity. So spiritual aspirants should select the a'sanas they perform very carefully. This effect of a'sanas on glands and sub-glands has never been revealed before." (YP, 1998 Edn.) Thus in day to day life we should be intimately aware how to use mudras in each and every sphere of our existence. Namaskar, Nagendra

Note: NO TIME FOR MUDRAS IN CRUDE MATERIAL EXISTENCE

When deeply engrossed in this materialistic era, people rush around so much that they do not have time to follow the proper mudra system in their practical life. Indeed they often do not know what mudras are. And instead of eating in a proper manner they eat while driving their car and do the "drive-thru" etc. They feel they have no time to do all things in a proper and systematic way. Instead of properly offering water to someone they just leave it on the table for anyone to grab and they do not politely give it directly in their hand using the correct mudra etc. In that way, in modern materialistic life-- especially in the cities-- everything gets done in a shortcut way. Because of this people are losing their mental balance and composure. What bliss one gets from sastaunga pranam cannot be gotten by just mentally doing sastaunga pranam etc. Now common people are step by step losing the link between their heart and mind-- they are just mechanical in their dealings. This is the sad state or affairs nowadays. Of course for Ananda Margiis it is not like that as by Baba's grace we are moving along the path of dharma in our each and every thought, word, action, & gesture. Even then we should be careful not to fall into that shortcut syndrome of materialistic bent of mind.

Widespread Myth about Jobs

From: "Karma Rasa" To: AM-GLOBAL Subject: Widespread Myth about Jobs Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:51:02 +0000 Baba "Kenoi va' ele, dola' diye gele, na' bale gele cale, phele a'ma'y..." (PS 1995) Purport: Baba, You have been gone so long, why did You come and stir my heart only to then go away without saying a word-- thereby leaving me all alone. Baba, neither do You have any love for me nor do You understand the aching pain of my heart. Baba, after coming and reciting one fairy tale, where did You go. Baba, I want You to remain here with me. Baba, amongst all the dear ones, You are my dearmost. Why then do You not reside eternally in my heart. Baba, You are my dearmost and innermost, then how can You justify going so far away from me. Is it proper to leave me isolated and all alone. Please tell me. Baba, You are so dear to me, no matter what I will never forget You; Baba, I will never leave You. Not at any cost will I ever wipe You away from my mental plate-- from the memories of my mind. That I will never do. Baba, even if You do not desire to remain with me-- even if You want to hide-- I shall always keep You in the golden casket of my heart. Baba, You are eternally mine; my everything is surrendered at Your lotus feet...

== WIDESPREAD MYTH ABOUT JOBS ==

Namaskar, In today's capitalistic economy, jobs are becoming more and more scarce. Most of the population has been reduced to laborers-- either physical laborers (blue-collar) or mental laborers (white-collar), but with the increase in mechanization and the profit-oriented culture, executives are hiring less and less people and instead resorting to machines and / or cheaper labor markets elsewhere. In short, those with jobs are losing them; and those without jobs are not finding them.

CAPITALISTIC MYTH: INDIVIDUAL'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET A JOB

Over the decades, capitalists have successfully brainwashed the public into believing that it is the individual's responsibility to get and maintain a job. And if one is not getting a job, then, well, that is just too bad-- try harder. That is the capitalistic maxim-- the myth that capitalists propagate. So that is what everybody thinks, 'That it is the duty of each and every person to find their own job, and if they lose their job it is their responsibility to find another one'.

HUMANS ARE JUST COMMODITIES

In that case human beings have just been turned into mere commodities wherein they have to shine and polish themselves-- like apples or potatoes-- in order be attractive in the marketplace. To that end, common citizens try tirelessly to get more and more qualifications in order to assure themselves of a job. But it is an uphill battle. Because due to increased mechanization, less and less jobs are being done by humans. With the development of more refined computers and fancier machines, a work that used to take 300 people now takes only 5. In that case 295 are suddenly out of a job. And then, since top capitalists are only interested in increasing their profit, then at any time they can and do move their entire factory or business to another land or country where labor is cheaper. In that case, an entire sector of the workforce may suddenly lose their job. And in the end, it is the common citizen that gets blamed for not making themselves marketable. That is the ugly predicament in capitalism. But it is continuing on since everyone has gotten duped into thinking that every individual is responsible for securing their own job, while the government bears little or no responsibility.

PROUT'S RESPONSE

To combat this nasty, capitalistic spiral and bleak outlook, Baba has put forth one very special socio-political principle: No one should lose their job without first have been offered and given a different job, of a comparable of higher standard. Baba says, "Cardinal socio-political principles [ ] should never be violated. First, people should not be retrenched from their occupations unless alternative employment has been arranged for them." (PNS-16) Unfortunately all around the globe this important principle is not be fulfilled. Because people are being released from their jobs and are not being replaced. From stock-brokers to shoe salesmen, so many are out of jobs, and every week this is increasing, leading to a totally unhealthy situation in society. Here Baba describes further about what happens when people lose their jobs and are not given a different job. Baba says, "There are many instances where these three cardinal principles have been violated, causing much suffering and disturbance in individual and collective life. Let us discuss what happens when people loose their livelihood. Take the example of rickshaw pullers in India. The work of rickshaw pullers is exhausting and poorly paid, but if it is declared illegal, many rickshaw pullers will become unemployed and their lives will become more miserable. Those who cannot find alternative employment will either die of starvation or become criminals in an effort to survive. In either case, society will be adversely affected. So, before this occupation is prohibited, rickshaw pullers should be provided with suitable alternative employment." (PNS-16) Because of losing their jobs and not being given other employment, people are suffering from depression, abusing their spouse, developing health problems, dying early, even committing suicide. Such reports are commonplace in the news these days.

APPLYING THE SOLUTION

So the myth that the individual is 100% responsible for getting a job and the government need not play any role in this is totally harmful and stands as one of the worst aspects of capitalism. Yet that is the myth that big vaeshyas have successfully instilled in the minds of the people. So the whole affair is awful. Everyone is trying to increase their stature and skills in order to get a job, yet that jobs are being sucked up elsewhere or getting totally eliminated. Hence it is an uphill battle; the cards are stacked against the common person. Jobs are disappearing left and right and there is no replacement in sight. When in reality, in the case of jobs being reduced due to mechanization, and then firing 100 or 200 people, instead everyone in the factory or plant should simply work less hours-- allowing everyone to keep their job. That is how it works in family life. If a new stove is purchased which dramatically decreases the amount of cooking time, then the wife or daughter is not kicked out of the house because they are no longer needed. Rather, everyone works less in the kitchen and people get time to spend in other pursuits. Same should be the case with regards to mechanization in the workforce. All should work less and then devote more time to psychic and spiritual pursuits. Then everyone is benefited. As for the second problem-- i.e. the outsourcing of jobs to cheaper labor markets-- the answer is creating a local economy. Capitalists should not be allowed to exploit human labor all over the globe. Rather the cooperative system should be developed wherein all in a locale are guaranteed work as well as a proper purchasing capacity. This can happen if the natural and human resources of an areas stay within that samaj. So there are lots of Proutistic solutions. And among them all, it has to be recognised that governments must be held responsible and they must ensure a job to each and every member of society. There is no other way. The current capitalistic myth that an individual must find their own job must be eradicated. Then and only then can society progress.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace the myopia of capitalists is being exposed and soon all will be aware of the pitfalls of this vaeshyan age, thereby allowing society to make that step forward into that bright, new era. Baba says, "If any group tries to violate any of these three cardinal socio-political principles, you should immediately oppose them with a thundering voice and sufficient force. Victory will be yours, because you are supporting the collective psychology. But before launching any movement, you should make sure that the masses are conscious of their exploitation, otherwise the movement will not be successful. Although it may take some time to raise the consciousness of the masses, ultimately you will be victorious." (PNS-16) Namaskar, Karma Rasa

*********************************************** Deserts Needed

Baba says, "Ecologists claim that some deserts are essential for keeping the global ecology in a balanced state. The high day temperatures and the cold night temperatures that occur in desert regions create a useful effect. The hot, dry desert air rises and creates a vacuum which sucks in cool air, generating a chain reaction. Moist air is sucked in from the sea and formed into clouds which then rain on the land. If deserts vanish entirely, the overall rainfall will be reduced." (PNS-16, p.37)

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Improving Sadhana-- XI

Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2008 23:01:28 -0000 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: Pierre LeTour Subject: Improving Sadhana-- XI BABA "Tumi je path diye giyechile priyo, se pathe a'jo surabhi rayeche..." -2781 Purport: Baba, even today Your sweet aroma remains lingering on that path-- on the path which You have traveled. Baba, the songs which You sang so beautifully in tune and rhythm, those very songs are ever-present in the deep core of my heart. Their lingering resonance still vibrates my entire being. O' my dearmost Baba, I cannot ever forget Your blissful tales; it is impossible for me to forget. Your divine advent in my mind is far more significant than hundreds of lives of sadhana, & its penance. Baba, You are the most meaningful thing in my life. By Your grace, You have presented Yourself after my hundreds of lives of searching and longing. Baba, even if You do not remain close to me, my mind does not go far from You. By Your grace I always remain ensconced in Your blissful ideation. Baba, keeping all my longings for You in my heart, I will go on singing Your divine songs day and night. Baba, by Your grace You have made me understand this truth: That to do any extraordinary task is impossible for those who have a dry heart. Only those with innate love for You will be able to climb over the insurmountable mountains. Others cannot because in each and every sphere of life Your grace is everything. Without that nothing is possible. Baba, by Your own qualities You have bound me with Your divine love and by Your grace You always keep me under Your shelter. Baba, Your sweet and charming aroma keeps me thinking about You constantly...

== IMPROVING SADHANA (PART 11) ==

Namaskar, We know that nowadays the trend of so-called movement is from west to east. No doubt fake yogis in the west are copying and downgrading the ancient yoga tradition of the east. But far greater numbers in the east and in the so-called less developed nations are emulating all aspects of western pseudo-culture and lifestyle. Because most think that the western nations and in particular the US are the top of the world. On the crude display of money and false advertisments innocent people get led into this dogmatic belief that the so-called first-world nations are number 1. Of course for Ananda Margiis, we know well that Baba's way is greatest thing. Whatever Baba has directed then that is the best plan-- in every field of life. Using His standard as the measuring rod, then those countries whose traditional ways more closely resemble the approach of AM then they comparatively better. Whereas those nations whose ways are opposite to AM style, then their status is a step down. By using this simple formula then we can get a clearer picture. Of course the main goal here is not to prove one country as being better than another. But rather to get all persons on the planet moving collectively in the right direction-- towards the path of dharma. For instance let's just take a practice which is done around the globe, such as bathing.

BABA'S PERFECT SYSTEM OF BATHING

In point #6 of Sixteen Points Baba has given the most perfect, the most scientific, and the healthiest way to bathe. In that way He beautifully directs us that:

"Bathe should be done according to the prescribed system." (Point #6 of Sixteen Points)

Ands while there are many do's and don'ts of His prescribed bath system, some very basic ones include that: 1. Bath should be taken on a daily basis; twice daily in hot season; 2. Water should not be more than the body temperature; 3. Bath should be done from a sitting or kneeling posture. At a minimum, these are some of the essentials regarding taking a proper bath. And when done properly according to Baba's entire system then bath has innumerable benefits: (1) Freshness; (2) Shaoca (inner and outer cleanliness); (3) Strengthens glands; (4) Energizes upper cakras; (5) Enhanced blood circulation; (6) Mental Sharpness; (6) Overall positivity by attracting positive microvita; (7) Spiritual zeal; (8) And so many more benefits. Then by looking west and east and seeing how they bathe we can easily get a look at which nations are moving in the better direction-- that is closer to the perfect ideal of Ananda Marga. Because sometimes those feeling inferior have better practices but due to their inferiority complex they feel they should be like the dominant so called first-world countries of the west. Thus as Ananda Margiis we should eradicate such differences and open the doors for all to follow Baba's unique system of dharma. Here follow then is a brief look from west to east.

GOING COUNTRY BY COUNTRY

For much of the modern era, France was looked upon as King of western (pseudo)-culture and all were emulating the France's glorified stance. And while there are many ways to measure, just on the point of bath we can see how far France was leading the way or not. Here it is a hands down race because if nothing else the common French citizens were and are notorious for not taking baths at all. Of course not all were like this but that was the general trend and various French citizens were vocal and proud of the fact that they did not bathe on daily basis. Sometime bathing only twice a week. So by our common judgement we can see that this is not at all proper. Likewise in the US, although bathing is done comparatively more frequently than in France, but it is done with blistering hot water-- and nearly always from a standing position. So these two distinct drawbacks lead to numerous problems in life from damage to the reproductive organs to mental lethargy to improper hygiene to spiritual dullness. In comparison the so-called third world countries of the east and other lands follow a much more refined and healthy bathing system. Of course even then there are exceptions such as some individuals who do not bath regularly nor properly. But overall, such as in India, the common citizens all bath every day. And the traditional way is with cold or less than body temperature water, and various mantras and salutations they do. And not just India but numerous other simple countries follow a traditionally more natural bathing process that is better for the body and mind than what the high-powered western countries do. Even then nowadays throughout the east and various third-world nations, much of the common mass is deeply interested in following the crude western approach to bathing using a stand-up shower and hot water etc. As they think that this will make them more respected or more civisilised. So this is the dogma they sadly suffer from. And not just on the point of bath but on innumerable points are like that where the comparatively simple and better ways of the east get dwarfed by western pseudo-culture. So all this is a mess. And as Ananda Margiis are duty is to respected and encourage the dignity of one and all and simultaneously bring everyone under the dharmic umbrella of Ananda Marga. So on the point of bath and in all respects people should be brought under Baba's divine shelter and shown the proper way. As always everyone-- all sadhakas of AM are warmly invited to share their own experiences about western and eastern nations and well as the dharmic teachings of AM.

A FEW DHARMIC GUIDELINES

Here following then are some of Baba's direct reminders and teachings. In the following quote Baba is impressing upon us the need to bath using a sufficient scrubber, not just soap with the bare hand. Baba says, "Due to the accumulation of dead protoplasmic cells, a bad smell arises in the body. The reason for this is not taking a proper bath and washing away the dead cells." (MVNS, p. 56) Here below Baba is guiding us that during hot season and other times when needed, bathing should be done multiple times a day. Baba says, "Due to the secretion of smelly hormones, an unpleasant odour is emitted from the body. Everyone should take a bath at regular intervals to clean the body." (MVNS, p. 56) In the following quote Baba is giving a special health remedy for children and senior citizens and at the same time reminding us that under no conditions should the bath water be warmer than body temperature. Baba says, "When children are massaged with oil and then bathed in sun-warmed water it increases their vitality. Sun-warmed water is also beneficial for older people, however for older people it is not good if the temperature of the sun-warmed water is greater than the temperature of the body." (SC-3, p. 105) In various other places Baba also guides us that for healthy adults taking a cold bath is best.

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "The man who is intelligent should, from his very childhood, move along the path of proto-spirituality. The sooner a man starts and moves along this path of psycho-spirituality, the better it is. He is the blessed one." (AV-12, p.75) Namaskar, Prakash

Note 1: SYSTEM FOR TAKING BATH

As everyone is aware, here following is Baba's basic guideline for bathing. Baba says, "First pour water on the navel. Then wet the region below the navel by splashing water from the front. Then pour water from behind. Thereafter pour water on the crown of the head in such a way that it trickles down over the backbone. Then bathe all over." (CC-3, p.1) Then of course Baba has also given other points such as (a) Using a proper cleansing agent, (b) Using a scrubber, (c) Using cool or cold water, (d) Bathing in a seated position, (e) Not using hot water, (f) Not using artificially scented soaps etc. Plus, of course, afterwards we are to recite our "Pitr Purus'ebhyo namah" mantra along with the proper mudra(s).

****************************************** Real Wealth

"Ya'jinavalkya asked, 'What would you like?'" "Maetreyii replied: 'Yena'ham' na'mrtasya'm' tena'ham' kim kurya'm'" "'What will I do with things which will not remain with me permanently? Of what use are the objects which will not establish me in immortality?...'Please give me that thing which will remain with me permanently, which I'll be able to preserve forever, which will establish me in immortality. I don't want anything else.'" "Then Ya'jinavalkya gave her a number of instructions, upon which a major part of Raja Yoga is based'." (AV-7, p.44) Note: As described in the above quote: Really, worldly things cannot remain with us very long. That is why ideal people run towards Parama Purusa. Being Parama Purusa and Guru, Baba Himself has guided us how to reach Him. On this point, we are extremely fortunate to at least have gotten the path. Now our main duty is to follow it.

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Quite Positive

To: AM-GLOBAL From: Arati Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 23:32:09 -0000 Subject: Quite Positive Baba "A'ma'r sakal dukher ma'jhe ele tumi dukhaharan'..." (PS 1421) Purport: O' Baba, You are Dukhaharan'. I was surrounded by sorrows & suffering; I was in big problem; my life was unbearable. I was completely miserable. But now, by Your grace, to save me, You have come with Your gazing eyes, silent footsteps, loving smile, and sweet face. Baba, by Your divine advent You have blessed me and rescued me by wiping away all my troubles and suffering. Baba, completely depending upon You with full surrender, in that very distressed and helpless condition, I was calling You and looking towards You. Raising both my hands in surrender I told, 'Baba, please save me; You are my only shelter. If You will not save me then who will.' Then at that moment You rescued me by showering Your grace. Baba, when I look around I see that because of Your gracious presence this entire universe has become vibrated & charged. The whole sky is enveloped in Your divine effulgence and my mind and heart is drenched in Your love. Baba, holding Your lotus feet, I sing Your glory in my heart and surrender to You...

== QUITE POSITIVE PHASE GOING ON IN AM ==

Namaskar, Nowadays, there is a strong upsurge of thought and a grand awakening going on throughout our Marga. One can even say that this is the highest wave of renewal in AM since the pre-1990 era. So this is one very great development-- and it will surely lead to the creation of true unity in AM. At the same time, accompanying this wonderful resurgence, in all realms of our AM society, there is more and more heated debate and arguing going on-- it is quite prevalent, if not rampant, all around. Seeing this outbreak of contentious discussion, a few have become affected and even frustrated-- losing all hope, thinking that this whirlwind of arguing will send our Marga into some permanent state of disarray. Some are sunk in this notion. When in actuality, if we view the matter a little more deeply and see beneath the surface, then it becomes evident that all the debate and arguing is itself the manifestation of the great transformation and regeneration taking place in AM.

AM IS A FREE & OPEN SOCIETY-- NOT LIKE DOGMATIC RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES

By Baba's grace He has built our Marga on the pillars of freedom of expression, open communication, logic, and rationality. Everyone is welcome to share their opinion and bring their view according to the given system. In His divine way, Baba has empowered each and every member of our Marga with the right to voice their say when they see any injustice or wrong being done. Baba says, "All A'nanda Ma'rgiis, when they see other ma'rgiis acting against the principles of yama and niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong." (GHC) Hence Baba's above guideline is but one of the many places in His body of AM teachings which grants the right for any sadhaka to speak out against any misdeed etc. In direct opposition to this, the dogmatic religions operate in a totally different way. They do not want there to be any rational discussion amongst their followers. Baba says, "The worst propounders of dogma --the kings of dogma -- do not want people to develop mental clarity. They do not want the penetrating illumination of the sun's light to pierce through the mists of dogma. They do not want people to bathe in the radiant light of the day and stand under the clear, unclouded sky...In fact, the very attempt to find the path of rationality [is] considered blasphemous." (PNS-16, 'Religious Dogma') Thus, as Baba states above, in the dogmatic religions like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam etc, to some or more degree, the lay people are forced to keep their mouths shut. Their opinion is not at all welcome. And if it is expressed, they will get wickedly punished for their audacity. For this reason their followers mostly keep quiet and do not say a word.

IT ONLY LOOKS LIKE THOSE RELIGIONS ARE UNIFIED

So today we are confronted with a scene of contrasts. Today in AM there is open and frank discussion about our current problems. And by this way in their confusion some in AM are thinking that this is plunging us into a deeper state of disunity. But in the true sense it is not like that. Whereas in the dogmatic religions, there are no heated debates going on amongst the followers. So it looks like they are all working together in a unified way. But this is not the case. Rather all those religious followers are wrapped in the cloak of dogma. Baba says, "All human beings want to lead a secure, harmonious life, and have the opportunity to express themselves and progress. However, religious dogma goes against these fundamental human aspirations. Some priests, for example, say that if women dance their feet will become useless, therefore they should not dance. This is dogma." (PNS-16, p.50) Thus in those dogmatic faiths the lay people keep quiet and do not say a word. But by witnessing this none should hastily conclude that because these religious followers are not arguing that it therefore means that they have achieved a deep state of unity. It is not like that. Rather due to the excessive onslaught of dogma those meek followers have been trained to accept their poor fate and suffer at the hands of those religious exploiters. This dogma is in their mind like cement. So there is not an ounce of unity in those dogmatic religions, their silence is due to the extreme imposition of dogma and wanton exploitation.

AM: FROM UNITY IN DOGMA TO UNITY IN IDEOLOGY

In the early 1990's, AM was going down a similar road as those fake religions. Those in the helm were imposing one after another dogmatic proclamations such as the eradication of BP rights, Mahaprayan, Fake Ananda Vanii, scriptural distortions etc, and due to their unawareness and cowardly nature the general Marga population was just accepting those dogmas-- in response no one was raising any point against those exploitative actions. So there was just fake sheen of unity all around. But now the scene has totally switched. All around margiis and field workers are coming forward and discussing how to apply Baba's divine guidelines to organisational life. So by Baba's grace we have moved away from unity in dogma and we are step by step moving towards unity in ideology.

A GOOD SIGN-- A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT

By looking around and evaluating the state of affairs in AM it evident that there are numerous positive transformations taking place. 1. Everyone's debating the way AMPS should proceed itself is a sign of margiis' and wts' investment in the organisation. If there was apathy all around then people would not care about the collective and they would just attend to their own unit existence. But because in the core of their hearts Ananda Margiis are linked with AMPS, for that reason they are arguing and vehemently discussing the various viewpoints. So this type of psychic investment in AMPS is completely positive since it demonstrates everyone's involvement and will bring about a bold new phase in AMPS. 2. Those not understanding the way things are going these days in AM think that everything is awry. They get confused by seeing all the heated exchanges. But Baba explains that this is nothing but a period of pause whereby our AMPS will get cleansed and renewed and then be able to move ahead exponentially faster in the upcoming period of speed. And Baba furthermore explains that pause is a necessary feature to bring the ensuing phase of speed, growth, and development. That is why Baba proclaims that periods of pause are wholly positive and beneficial. So none should think otherwise. 3. By there being so much ideological discussion, at least by this way new dogmas cannot sprout up and the old dogmas are getting eliminated. So that is another great development. 4. With their increased awareness margiis and wts want to see things fixed in AMPS and everyone wants to follow Baba. No one is proclaiming that we should start doing dogmatic idol worship in AM. Rather everyone agrees that Baba's AM ideology is divine-- there is no dispute about this. And there is less talk about people's private agendas and more interest in implementing Baba's guidelines. Given this entire combination it is only a matter of time before our AMPS becomes a sterling representation of His perfect teachings.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace our AM society is collectively shedding itself of all dogmas and quickly moving ahead-- reaching that grand new era: The apex of human expression. Baba says, "Modern, educated people must be liberated from all sources of dogma and petty isms. They should reject the worn out shackles of the past and welcome the new, crimson dawn with an open mind. This will prepare the way for all-round success in human life, and the attainment of the highest fulfillment." (PNS-16) Namaskar, Arati

Note 1: SAME NONSENSE GOING ON IN COMMUNISM

Here Baba demonstrates how the ruthless communists are no different than the dogmatic religious leaders. Baba says, "Question: Why was everything in communist countries done under the dark veil of the iron curtain?" "Answer: Because they were conscious of the loopholes in communism and they did not want the world to know what they were doing." (PNS-18) So the communists also never allow freedom of expression because they are attached to their ugly dogma-- even though they are aware that it is inherently faulty.

Note 2: DOGMATIC RELIGIONS VS SCENE IN AM

When any of the dogmatic religions like Christianity divide into various factions then there is not a whole whirlwind of chaos. Just everything breaks apart into pieces with each content having their own dogma to follow. And there is no concerted effort to unify all the scattered factions. Each fragment peacefully rallies around their own dogma. So this is all their superficial display of unity. In contrast, in AM there are various perceived splits all around but none are content to just follow their own dogma and let the others go by the wayside. The overwhelming majority-- all rational wt's & margiis-- wants to see everyone together under the unified front of AM ideology. That is why there is so much contention in AM these days. Because no one is satisfied by seeing any group break away. And all the arguing is about how to bring everyone back together-- how to achieve unity. That is why all the heated debates going on nowadays is a good thing-- it is a healthy development.

************************************************* Good Sadhaka

Baba says, "The mind of the man whose consciousness or discriminating judgement is awakened-- whose power of judgment is intense, always remains wedded to the 'Buddhi'. That is to say, his rein (mind) remains constantly under the control of the charioteer (Buddhi or discriminating intellect), and so, quite naturally, his organs remain loyal to the Buddhi. Random rambles of the organ-like horses (organs) will cut no ice with him. But in a case like this if the horses (organs) be bad and untrained, i.e. the organs are faulty, it becomes impossible for the charioteer (discriminating intellect) to get the desired result. Hence for the right functioning of the chariot (body), well-trained horses (organs) are indispensable. A sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) also should train himself likewise. His mind, body, intellect, and organs should be directed towards the Blissful Spirit (Shreya)." (SS-4, p.9)

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Human Stampedes Around the Globe

Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:49:57 -0400 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: Douglass Lauder Subject: Human Stampedes Around the Globe Baba "Tumi sudha'taraunge khelicho raunge saba'r saunge niyato..." (PS 700) Purport: Baba, You have been playing Your divine game since eternity. It is filled with the vibration of colour and nectar. You are playing with one and all. You never get tired; You never stop; You go on working day and night. Your liila is eternal. Even when there was no creation, no planets, stars or galaxies, and also there was no existence of the vast sky, that time there was nothing. In that great void since eternity You were ever-present, remaining alone. Even before and prior to the beginning of the creation You were there, emanating with Your divine vibration. Baba Your liila cannot be expressed in words and language. Since eternity You have been present and You will remain forever. You are the Nucleus of this whole cosmic cycle...

== HUMAN STAMPEDES AROUND THE GLOBE == ~ CAUSES & SOLUTIONS ~

Namaskar, To see just where people's values are today, we need look no further than recent tragic cases of human stampedes, i.e. when human beings are trampled to death by others. As we will see, such horrific events result when a society falls prey to either a matter-centered or dogma-centered philosophy.

FEVER OF MATERIALISM IN USA

Just recently at a Walmart store in New York, hundreds and hundreds of anxious shoppers burst into the store and trampled (i.e. killed) one employee as they stampeded inside in order to get special deals. Here is an excerpt from the report: "...the doors shattered, and the shrieking mob surged through in a blind rush for holiday bargains. One worker, Jdimytai Damour, 34, was thrown back onto the black linoleum tiles and trampled in the stampede that streamed over and around him." Such is the disease of materialism these days. In order to get a "good deal" on mundane things-- not even the essentials of life like food and clothing-- just mundane toys and electronics etc, one human being got brutally killed by shoppers. This needless death happened due to the the spell of materialism. The selfish rush for matter has totally overpowered and clouded the human personality. People, drowned in a matter-centered philosophy, know that the objects on this earth are limited, so they rush to get one of the those limited things before they are all gone. Whether it be a new i-Pod, or a Barbie doll, they think, 'I must get one'. Baba says, "People who follow matter-centred philosophy want to enjoy anything and everything for their own interest... In matter-centred philosophy, enjoyment of material objects is the main motive." (PNS-18) Matter is worshiped in such a society-- it is their religion. In this regard, the US holds the very unenviable role of being top-most materialistic nation. That is why common citizens will even trample over another human being to buy a computer game or regular household item at a discounted rate. Such is the extent of the disease of materialism in the US.

OTHER CASES OF TRAMPLING TO DEATH & STAMPEDE

Other countries also experience such types of death, but rarely for purely materialistic reasons, though recently there was a trampling death in China at a super store. "Shoppers eager to buy goods on sale stampeded at a Carrefour supermarket in southwestern China on Saturday, trampling three people to death and injuring at least 31, state media reported." So now that China is becoming more materialistic-- and partially because due to Communism still not all the basic needs are given to everyone-- such a trampling has occurred. Outside of materialistic nations like the US, usually tramplings happen at dogmatic pilgrimages like Hajj of the Khumba Mela that such stampedes happen.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK AROUND THE GLOBE

Due to religious dogma-- and the belief that one limited parcel of land is holy-- has caused innumerable human stampedes in various countries. "On the first day of the Hajj [in Mecca], the annual pilgrimage to the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammad. The worst stampede happened in 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims were trampled to death." "More than 145 people were trampled to death yesterday [April 2008] when up to 3,000 panicking pilgrims stampeded from a hilltop temple in northern India.The stampede began as a vast crowd of Hindu worshipers, chanting and singing hymns, were snaking up a two and a half mile path leading to the temple in Himachal Pradesh state." So from Jerusalem to Varanasi, and wherever else people deem a particular patch of land to be holy, religious fundamentalists will trample over their brother in order to set foot in that land. This is all due to religious dogma and the belief that their dogma or holy land is very great and should be achieved at any and all cost-- even at the expense of another's life. People who follow dogma-centred philosophy believe in dogma, wrong sentiments and foolish ideas... People who follow dogma-centred philosophy exploit others in the name of providence for their own self-interest." (PNS-18)

MORE STAMPEDES & MORE STAMPEDES

Indeed in each and very corner of this earth stampedes occur for petty and dogmatic reasons. In South America and Africa there is a history of human stampedes at football matches. "More than 100 people died in Ghana in the fourth soccer tragedy to strike Africa in a month. The stampede at the Accra Stadium was the most deadly on the soccer-mad continent." Then in other lands, pseudo-culture rock concerts are the cause of stampedes. And like that in each and every country, stampedes occur. It all depends upon what the people value most. That is what determines where a potential stampede will take place. If the country it is very materialistic, the stampede will occur at a store like Walmart. If the country is suffering from extreme religious dogma then stampede will occur at a so-called holy site. And if the country is sports-crazed or whatever else, then the stampede or human trampling will occur at that venue. That is the way it works. All of which is a result of the people losing sight of the value of human life and being tunnel-visioned toward some type of dogmatic or crude limited thing.

GOD-CENTERED PHILOSOPHY IS THE SOLUTION

The only answer to the tragedy of human stampedes is adopting a God-centered philosophy. Humans are psychic beings and it only when we tap into our deeper nature are we able to escapes the throes of dogma and matter. Then only are we able to recognise the tremendous value of human life. In that case one will not trample over another human being for the sake of buying a discounted toy or placing their foot on some so-called holy land. That is how the selfishness of matter-centered and dogma-centered philosophies rot the human mind. That is why Baba has declared such types of philosophies must be eradicated. Baba says, "As I have already said, dogma-centred, matter-centred and self-centred theories will have to be replaced by a God-centred philosophy in the very near future." (PNS-18) Only a God-centered philosophy enables human beings to realise the value of humanity and develop themselves in a way befitting of a human being. Then we will not get allured into trampling on one another but will instead help and serve each other. But this transformation can only occur with the implementation of the God-centred philosophy of Prout. Baba says, "PROUT is the only panacea. If the God-centred philosophy of PROUT does not come forward immediately to fill this vacuum, some other ideology will, because it is a law of nature that something will fill a vacuum once it has been created. If this ideological vacuum is not filled by PROUT, a great catastrophe will take place in the future because other defective philosophies will come forward. Some dogma-centred, matter-centred or self-centred theories will occupy the space. We cannot allow this to happen." (PNS-18)

BABA'S BLESSING

By His grace, the craze associated with human stampedes will soon be a thing of the past. People will no longer be trampled at Wal-Marts or at different holy lands. Instead, with our spiritual outlook our value system will reflect what is truly most important in life. Baba says, "Spiritual philosophy is the hub. By propagating spirituality, implementing PROUT and rendering selfless service to suffering humanity, you will be able to elevate the standard of human beings in a very short time." (PNS-18) Namaskar, Mahendra

******************************************* Should We Sing these types of Prabhat Samgiita in Our Sadhana Time

Some innocent margiis & wts on different occasions sing certain Prabhat Samgiita related with Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. And they do so as part of their spiritual practice. But according to Baba's guideline this is wrong. Baba says, "Observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Is't'a." (Point 10 of Sixteen Points) Note: According to this above guideline, Baba is telling that there should be pointedness in Ista. For Ananda Margiis, Baba is the Ista. When we do sadhana then we do sadhana for Him. But some innocent margiis when they are singing Prabhat Samgiita songs then a few forget this very fact. And unknowingly they sing the song of Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva. But that is going against this very teaching. Their mind gets bifurcated since they sing about Lord Krsna and Shiva in Prabhat Samgiita and in their heart they have love for Baba. So it is not working properly. That is why in numerous discourse Baba guides us that there should be pointed devotion towards Ista. So the only question that remains then is why has Baba created these types of songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna and included them in His Prabhat Samgiita collection. The point is that these songs are for non-margiis. And our duty is to know the meaning and words so that we can teach them these songs. Thus these songs are for non-margiis devotees-- ie followers of Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva.

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Improving Sadhana X

Date: Mon 22 Dec 2008 23:18:48 -0000 To: AM-GLOBAL Subject: Improving Sadhana X From: "Ishvara" Baba "Aungane mor na'hi ele yadi, maner mukure bha'sio..." (PS 3019) Purport: Baba, since You have not come in my courtyard-- my home, then please be gracious and blossom in my mental mirror. Baba, since You have not come within the scope of my perception, then please come in my ideation. Baba, please come in the depths of my sadhana. O' my dearmost You are ever-gracious; You have come. For me You are everything; whatever You want to do is blissful for me. Baba, if You do not want to say anything, then just remain here with me smiling sweetly. Your sweet smile satiates my heart. O' my dearmost You are so gracious. Baba, in search of You by Your grace I spent so much time doing so many practices-- shravan, manan, and nidhidhyasana-- but alas I could not get You. O' Baba, so many ages passed doing tapasya-- trying to get You. Finally, by Your sweet touch the long, dark amavasya night has finished. Gone are the days when sadhana was just an ongoing struggle and it was difficult to move ahead. Now by Your grace I am advancing on the path of divinity-- the long, dark night of amavasya has finished. Baba, today in this effulgent crimson morning, please grace me by removing that final layer of cimmerian darkness from my mind. Baba, please remove the shadows of avidya maya from my inner abode and shower me in Your divine effulgence and make me Yours. Baba, now all that is left is this one final request that You shower Your grace me so I can attain that eternal stance of divine enlightenment. Baba, I have a deep desire to have You. By Your grace, You have made me understand that by singing and chanting Your name, and by ideating on You I can get You. Because You have told me that sadhana, kiirtan, japa, dhyana, and ideating on You is not futile. As one thinks, so one becomes. By thinking about You I will get You. That is why I go on doing all these devotional practices-- in order to get You and quench my eternal thirst. Baba, please shower Your causeless grace and sweet flow of Your divine compassion, and keep me eternally under Your loving shelter. Since eternity I have yearned for that divine love; please fulfill my eternal longing. Baba, with my own merits and qualities I cannot get You. Please shower Your grace by keeping me always at Your lotus feet...

== IMPROVING SADHANA-- PART 10 ==

Namaskar, On this grand planet, most people never get any proper teachings in their life. Baba says, "Even after getting human life, only a few get the opportunity to listen to dharmika discourses." (AV-3) So being Ananda Margiis we have been blessed with the special grace of Baba as He has bestowed upon us all the teachings of dharma and encapsulated them in His wonderful gift of Sixteen Points.

POINT #6 OF SIXTEEN POINTS

Here following then is one of His dharmic guidelines of the 16 Points:

Baba says, "Bathe according to the prescribed system." (Point #6 of Sixteen Points)

So, as we all know, bathing is an important aspect of our spiritual life. In particular, proper bath rejuvenates and revitalises our entire existence. And it does this primarily by both cleaning and cooling the body. Here are some other specifics about our practice of bathing.

SOME SPECIAL GUIDELINES FROM BABA

Baba says, "When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the arm-pits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region." In our daily routine, invariably we move our arms and legs to perform various tasks. And by this movement, frictional heat gets generated-- especially at the joints. Yet the human body cannot remain healthy when excess heat is generated in those areas. To combat this, nature has provided a very good system: During puberty hair grows in those joint areas and that helps to dissipate the frictional heat, thus allowing the body to naturally cool itself. And this is especially beneficial for the glands. The question may then arise that if joint hair is so important then why is it that babies and children do not have hair on their joints also-after all they generally born with hair on their head. And the reason is that children's bodies are not fully developed, and that includes their glandular system as well. So for them when their joint areas invariably become heated from their various activities then it does not have a negative effect on their glands-- as those glands have yet to be developed. Thus children have no real need for hair in their joint areas. But for teenagers and adults it is extremely important.

NATURE'S WONDERFUL WAY

The thing is nature does everything in its own special way-- according to the proper timing. For example when babies are born they do not have teeth. And that is best. Because in those early years all their nutrition comes by sucking the mother's breast. And if infants had teeth it would infringe upon and negatively affect that natural process. But later on when time comes for those same young children to start eating solid food then according to nature's way those children develop teeth. So nature arranges everything in the proper time. In the same way joint hair grows on the human body exactly when it is needed-- not too early and not too late, just at the perfect time.

FULL BATHING SYSTEM INCLUDES MAINTENANCE OF THE JOINT HAIR

So for teenagers and adults joint hair satisfies a particular and special function within the body system; because that hair is needed for the all-around balance and health of the body. But some people-- in their ignorance-- cut the hair of the joints thereby inviting various diseases which result due to the improper functioning of the glands. And in addition when the glands get overheated the sex vritti also becomes active-- if not dominant. For all these reasons Baba has included within our bathing system the point to keep the joint hair clean by oiling and combing it on a regular-- daily-- basis. By this way the glands will function properly and the body will maintain optimal health. So part and parcel of our bathing and cleaning process is paying proper attention to the joint hair. Here again is Baba's pointed guideline. Baba says, "When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the arm-pits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region." Namaskar, Ishvara

Note 1: SYSTEM FOR TAKING BATH

As everyone is aware, here following is Baba's basic guideline for bathing. Baba says, "First pour water on the navel. Then wet the region below the navel by splashing water from the front. Then pour water from behind. Thereafter pour water on the crown of the head in such a way that it trickles down over the backbone. Then bathe all over." (CC-3, p.1) Then of course Baba has also given other points such as (a) Using a proper cleansing agent, (b) Using a scrubber, (c) Using cool or cold water, (d) Bathing in a seated position, (e) Not using hot water, (f) Not using artificially scented soaps etc. Plus, of course, afterwards we are to recite our "Pitr Purus'ebhyo namah" mantra along with the proper mudra(s).

****************************************** Why Sadhana is Difficult

Baba says, "When we engage our minds in crude thoughts, our minds lose their capacity for subtle thinking. When our minds constantly entertain animal-like thoughts, that is a sort of crude thinking. Conversely, when we think subtle ideas, our minds distance themselves from mean or petty thoughts. A person can keep his mind engrossed in a crude thought up to a certain limit, which limit depends upon his mental constitution. If a person is told to think of his pet dog for twenty-four hours, that person will surely be able to think of the dog for some time, but after that period, he will feel bored and start contemplating something else. It is a psychological fact that that person's human mind will not be able to keep itself engrossed in the crude thought of a dog for a long time. Likewise, if an ordinary person is asked to contemplate subtle ideas for a long time, his mind will feel repulsed after some time, because his mind is not used to adjusting itself to subtle vibrations for a long time. Thus the human mind functions within a limited scope of actions of certain specific types and durations. Here also the mind has to function within certain limitations, certain bondages..." "Human beings represent a mixed state of animality and divinity. We can say human beings are like a stage between water and land, that is, on the one side there is land, on the other side there is water. The path of human life extends along the subtle midline between the two. Standing on this delicate precarious line, most human beings lean towards animality: because human beings carry over the full experience of past animal life, but they do not have the experience of divine life...but once they do gather courage to move forward, they realize the greatness of that path of eternal bliss." (SS-21, p.29) Note: In His above teaching Baba is revealing the reason why doing sadhana is difficult for some people. Here the whole point is that people like activities according to their psychic standard. People like to do what their mind is habituated to thinking about. That is why very crude people like the company of drunkards and drug addicts; and that is why strong sadhakas like to spend hours and hours in meditation. Because the mind moves according to its accustomed pabulum. So if one is in an inbetween stage then they will not like the company of drunkards nor will it be easy for them to do sadhana. Because their mind is neither very crude nor habituated to that subtle practice of meditation. And if one does not practice sadhana then they will just continue to involve in their regular activities-- not progressing at all on the spiritual path. So it is important to note the mind is dynamic; it can change. Through ardent practice one can train the mind by doing sadhana and then it will become more and more accustomed to being in that sublte state. Evenutally it will become fully habituated to doing sadhana. This is the natural law. Because as the mind gets more accustomed to subtle things then it will naturally move towards sadhana.

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