== 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).
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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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