Lifelong Sleep

Subject: Lifelong Sleep Date: Sat 31 Oct 2009 07:02:27 -0000 From: "Gaurishankar Agrawal" To: AM-GLOBAL Baba "A'mi toma're bhuliya' chinu katadin..." (P.S. 4091) Purport: Baba, I was remaining forgetful and was oblivious of You for such a long span of time. My life passed like this. I traveled on the rugged, jagged path. Sometimes I fell down in the ocean current. My days, full of stains, were wasted in hopelessness-- without any achievement, without any genuine progress. So many lonely, isolated nights passed in crying in utter despair with no pra'na-- just frustration. Baba, sometimes I suffered and got hit by the cold northern breeze. And sometimes that northern breeze took away all my hopes, inspirations, and gains. Just I drowned in staticity and crudeness. But now, by Your grace today spring has come. All the surroundings are filled with the colourful flowers and sweet aroma. The dark night has changed into a glittering moonlight, shining in the sky. Peacocks are dancing in happiness and expressing their joy by extending their feathers. The sweet breeze has come. It is shaking my whole existence and making me quiver in the divine vibration. That sweet breeze is giving me the hint and telling me, 'Listen! the divine flute, which is resonating, it is calling you..."

== LIFELONG SLEEP ==

Note: Be sure to read the follow-up report and news update at the bottom of this letter about the awful mistreatment of Didi Shucismita's broken hand. Namaskar, The other day when doing pracara I had an indepth, personal conversation with someone about yama and niyama, kiirtan and meditation. They appeared to be quite interested. When our talk ended, I thought they would have a question on the topic or ask when was the next dharmacakra etc. But instead, they said they wanted to go on the internet to check the timetable about some pseudo-culture movie at the local cinema. That was all they wanted to know. When I recounted this to my Dada then he nodded knowingly and said, "Psychic slumber." My acarya then went on to give the following reply which I have written in summary form for all of you.

DYNAMIC PERSONALITY

The human personality is dynamic and diverse and exists on three realms: physical, psychic and spiritual. We all know that Ananda Marga aims for the development of the whole human personality. Thus we should be fully aware about sleep and how it manifests on all levels of life. Unfortunately nowadays many are not cognizant of this critical issue, both inside and outside the Marga. So it needs our careful attention, for our own understanding and growth, and for sharing with others.

SLEEP: IN A NUTSHELL

In brief, here is what is meant by sleep, in the various realms of life. These are Baba's definitions. (A) Physical sleep is when one is lying down in their bed and sleeping. This we all know about. (B) Psychic sleep is when one is not aware about the real value of human life and is instead engrossed in material pursuits, religious dogmas, and animalistic propensities. (C) Spiritual sleep is when one forgets the divine fact that Parama Purusa is with you, watching you. All these are discussed in greater detail below.

WHY SLEEP IS SO DANGEROUS

The most telling aspect or main characteristic about sleep - whether it be physical, psychic or spiritual - is that when one is sleeping then they are not aware that they are sleeping. They are not at all conscious. That is why it is so dangerous, especially in the psychic and spiritual realms. Though physically sleeping when driving is also very dangerous. Sleep happens unbeknownst to the person. The person sleeping is totally oblivious of the fact that they are sleeping. They cannot think or say, "Right now at this moment I am sleeping." This basic awareness they do not have. The best they can do is to try and remember the very last thing they were doing before they went to sleep. After that they will not be aware what transpired. This mostly applies to physical sleep. Those involved in psychic and spiritual sleep can pass entire lifetimes without waking up - it happens, even in our Marga. It should also be noted that of these three types of sleep, physical sleep is restorative - so long as one does not sleep too much. In contrast, both psychic sleep and spiritual slumber have no redeeming quality - none.

WHAT IS PSYCHIC SLEEP? (Part 1)

We all know what physical sleep is, but psychic sleep may be less apparent. Basically, when one is engrossed in religious dogmas, social dogmas, and material pursuits, then that is psychic sleep. Such persons have no concept of the more subtle aspects of life. They are just here for eating, sleeping, drinking and merrymaking or various dogmatic enterprises. These are the characteristics of psychic slumber. If someone is sleeping psychically and you talk to them about yama and niyama or meditation, then they will often have a blank look on their face. Regardless of their educational status, if they are sleeping psychically, even a PhD scholar will be mentally dull in this regard. They will not show an iota of interest in spirituality. You can tell people all day about how human life is precious and money is not everything and that they must learn meditation etc, and then at the end of the conversation they may only ask about getting a bottle of wine. Such is a classic case of psychic slumber. Unfortunately at present in this grossly materialistic era, most suffer in this regard. They cannot see that this entire world is the divine expression of Parama Purusa and that there is more to living that satisfying one's animalistic propensities. We should not just think that psychic sleep only applies to those non-margiis grossly disinterested in spiritual topics.

WHAT IS PSYCHIC SLEEP? (Part 2)

There are also those who express some or more interest in the subtle sphere but get clouded in dogmas like groupism, factionalism, etc. That is what we have happening in our Marga. All in AM have the book knowledge that groupism is something bad, but even then some have fallen prey to this ism and have committed their life to the selfish interests of their chosen group. No names need be mentioned here, but in our Marga some fall in this category. And that is exactly what Baba is warning about in His below teaching. Baba says, "Next is psychic lethargy. What is the nature of this sort of lethargy? Psychic lethargy is the lack of mental courage to think independently and to utilize the physical potentialities according to one’s inherent thoughts. For example, most people realize that since all human beings are the progeny of Parama Purus'a, there should not be any distinction of caste. Those who accept casteism can never accept Parama Purus'a and conversely, those who believe in Parama Purus'a can never accept casteism. Almost all human beings understand this and yet, in their individual lives, they surrender to old customs and beliefs. Just imagine what a serious lapse this is, what a serious psychic lethargy. The root case is the lack of moral courage." (AV-8) Thus anyone in AM who even is remotely connected with groupism and groupist politics is a victim of psychic slumber. Whether they wish to admit it or not, they are totally sleeping in the psychic realm. And indeed they will not admit it. Because, as stated above, those who are sleeping cannot recognise that they are sleeping. That is the special, if not dangerous, quality of sleep. Thus day in and day out those involved in psychic slumber indulge in groupist activities all the 24hrs. Yet they remain oblivious to their psychic slumber. Their sense of vivek is not working - they cannot understand the teachings of Parama Purusa and apply them to their life. So they think what they are doing is alright. They continue to engage 100% in their groupist battle plans. Yet one fine morning, in this lifetime or the next, by Baba's grace, they will awaken and wonder what hell they have been doing with their lives. And they will exclaim, "Why did you not tell me that I was doing such things?" - yet little do they know that each and every day for decades they were told not to indulge in groupist propaganda. They do not realise that life is short and life is meant for ideology, not groupist or dogmatic or material pursuits. Such is the main criteria of psychic sleep.

PHYSICAL SLEEP & PSYCHIC SLEEP

If you ever talked to someone on the phone when they were extremely tired or if you ever talked to someone just as they were falling asleep or even when they were asleep, then you know that that person will not remember what you were talking about. Having succumbed to sleep, you can tell them so many things - "Your mom called", "It is raining out, "The loan was rejected" - and they will not remember anything. But later they will accuse you of not telling them. Same is the case with psychic slumber. Such persons have been following groupist dogmas for years and doing so many injustices in our Marga, yet they are not able to pay heed to the warnings. They do not understand the harm they are doing, the time they are wasting, and the negative karma they are creating. Thus in both physical and psychic sleep, the person in slumber is oblivious to all kinds of rational talk. Yet later on, they will accuse others of not saying anything when they realise what they were doing wrong and what good things they missed. And the only reply is, "All along people told you but you did not hear or listen."

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL SLEEP?

Lastly, we come to the phenomenon of spiritual sleep. Baba says, "Of all the different types of lethargy, spiritual lethargy is the worst. Spiritual lethargy means not to sit for meditation regularly. Those with spiritual lethargy have time for all other actions, but for spiritual practice there seems to be no time. They say, “It’s already late today – I’ll do a short meditation right now, and devote more time to sa'dhana' tomorrow.” They sit attentively inside the cinema hall, but in dharma sa'dhana' they feel sleepy." (AMIWL-10) So spiritual sleep relates with not properly attending to one's duty of sadhana. That is certainly one main aspect of spiritual slumber. From that main stem of not doing sadhana come many offshoots. Lack of spiritual awareness means forgetting that Parama Purusa is with me, watching me. If at any time during the day or night a sadhaka forgets - even temporarily - that Parama Purusa is with me or if they do not have that idea vibrating in their mind, then it means that they / you are sleeping spiritually. Thus all the dogmatic religions that claim that God is far away are sunk in spiritual slumber. Similarly, those followers of so-called mahaprayan (i.e. Baba is gone) are also lost in spiritual slumber. As are those who chase after Parama Purusa by going on tiirthas, whether that tiirtha be in Mecca, Jerusalem, Jamalpur or Kolkata. Plus those dogmatic worshipers who ask their God for material gain and those groupists who secretly pray to Parama Purusa for prestige and power - they are all sleeping. Internally they are harboring for something else other than Parama Purusa Himself. In all such cases the aspirant is sleeping soundly. They may deny it a thousand times over, but that is the way of the world. Those in sleep cannot recognise they are sleeping. So they come up with dumb justifications for their foolish pursuits. This happens both in psychic and spiritual slumber. The key defining point with spiritual slumber is feeling / not feeling Baba's constant presence. As soon as one feels that, "Baba is with me" then that person is no longer sleeping. However without vigilance and proper spiritual endeavor, they may fall back asleep. That happens. This state of spiritual slumber is also known as adhyataman nidra. In essence anyone who thinks, "I am great" is plunged in this disastrous mode of life or spiritual slumber. Because they are unable to realise the greatness and presence of Parama Purusa, they foolishly think that, "I am great". So these are some of the telltale signs of spiritual slumber. Here is another warning from Baba how people waste their existence doused in spiritual slumber. Baba says, "People...waste their time getting old for nothing. That is, they waste their time in non-spiritual pursuits. This is called “spiritual lethargy”. It causes the greatest harm to human life because it results in only a very small percentage of the human potentiality – maybe one or two percent – being utilized by humans. Even those whom we call great personalities hardly use ten percent of their potentialities. Due to spiritual lethargy people are unable to grow, and thus remain very ordinary. They come to the world, live, decay and die as ordinary human beings." (AV-8)

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we should all live life as awakened sadhakas - not falling prey to dogma or groupism and not forgetting that He is always with us. Then our life will be successful. Failing that, one will be prone to lifelong sleep. Baba says, "Human beings have to move, and move on ceaselessly. When they are endowed with the strength of movement, they will have to move in a proper manner. Where there is strength, that strength must be properly utilized. One must not slip into slumber, allowing this strength to remain inert. Parama Purus'a has given this power to be utilized. The knowledge of the learned, the strength of the strong, the intelligence of the intellectuals – all these faculties have been given not to be merely preserved but to be utilized. Those persons who do not utilize their faculties have no right to ask for anything from the Lord, and those who misuse their faculties are also doomed to destruction." (AFPS-4) Namaskar, Gaurishankar

NEWS UPDATE: THE HORRIBLE CASE OF DIDIJI'S BROKEN HAND

As we all know, Solapur DSL Didi Brc. Shucismita' suffered a broken hand in May at the WRC camp. That time Centre did not give any treatment - they refused - and her hand was not plastered for 4 days. That was the tragedy. Here is the report about that initial incident. http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/05/news-care-of-injured-wt.html Then in August RDS, Didiji openly told in a meeting with senior Purodha Vishvadevanandajii about her horrible situation. She explained how a medical doctor warned that serious treatment was needed but neither Centre nor her authorities in WWD would help. The doctor warned that the arm may never be the same again. Days passed and still no help. Finally, with no other recourse, she accepted service from her laukik family. She knew that to serve Guru in this lifetime her arm would need to be proper, thus after days of waiting and no one from the organisation offering to help, her laukika family members arrived on scene and pleaded with her to get medical treatment. In the end, taking Baba's name, she went with her laukik brother and got medical treatment, even then it was too late. She told that after the plaster cast was finally put on, not a single senior worker nor any higher authority turned to look after her. Furthermore, because Centre refused to give her the needed treatment - or for that matter any medical care, she did not get plaster on time, that's why her hand has become permanently curved. She had needed more serious treatment but neither Centre nor any senior Ddidi helped her. Such is the horrible plight of innocent workers who do not join any group. They get harrassed and tortured. It is inconceivable that those in Centre and senior Didis would not help our Didi. Such top Dadas and Didias have lost even their most basic human feeling. If someone is suffering, then irrespective of their caste or social status, then help should be given. But this much human feeling is totally absent from the heart and minds of our top Wts. It is shameful how they let this Didi suffer. Such is what happens when people do not practice sadhana etc. Their mind becomes blind due to their vanity and lust for power. Everyone should seek out and write Didi Shucismita'. All should inquire about her welfare.

"Doing to Feel Good About Ourselves"

Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2009 07:48:27 -0000 To: AM-GLOBAL From: Hariish Deva Subject: "Doing to Feel Good About Ourselves" Baba PS Intro: This following song is not a very common type of Prabhat Samgiita. In this song, the scene unfolds how Baba is sitting listlessly in the flower garden all by Himself, and the devotee is trying in many ways to attract His attention. So Parama Purusa is just playing His liila because although He knows everything, here He is pretending as if He is unaware that the devotee is close by. This type of liila is displayed in this following song. "Toma're dekhechi jabe ca'npa'r vane takhano pa'pa'r'i d'ha'ka' madhu chilo..." (PS 531) Purport: Baba the day when I saw You in the campa flower garden, that time also the flower's honey vessels were covered by its petals. Underneath the flower petals, there was an accumulation of honey nectar. I looked toward You with my eyes full of great longing, expectation, and anticipation; but that was all in vain because You did not respond to me that time. Baba, one thing is beyond my understanding, why were You just sitting there listlessly in that flower garden--and You did not seem to notice me at all. Baba, in various ways I tried to attract Your attention. I intentionally placed my foot on some dry, crunchy leaves hoping that at least by that sound You would hear me and wonder 'who has come, who is here'. Yet, alas, You did not pay any heed. But even though You were not looking towards me, still You were pulling my heart very strongly. Thus in spite of Your playful indifference, in my heart the lamp of hope was still glittering. I was keeping the feeling alive in my heart, that Your liila will change and You will graciously look towards me. So again I tried to attract Your attention. This time my heart was filled with fear and shyness; I could not gather the courage to go directly in front You. So I just continued moving from a distance with gentle steps looking towards with longing in my heart. Means slowly, slowly-- time to time-- I was staring at You with anxious and hopeful eyes, hoping that at least You will grace me by looking towards me and call me closer to You. Alas, all my hopes and dreams were in vain. That day I understood how Your liila generates blissful pain in my heart. Baba, even then that day I continued on with the hope that this liila will end soon, and You will look towards me. That time the whole atmosphere was charged with the sweet aroma of all those flowers in the garden. Baba, Your liila is unfathomable. Although You did not look towards me that time, but in my heart I felt that You are more close than ever. Baba, I felt that You graciously pulled my entire existence towards You with the invisible flow of devotion and tied me in the bond of Your love...

== DOING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES ==

Namaskar, Not long back I attended a retreat and at the opening ceremony and also in our ERAWS Departmental meetings Dadas were telling that 'We [margiis] should engage in some work or activity so that we will feel good about ourselves'. They were telling that this should be our motivating factor. Plus they were saying, 'If you do not do something, then how will our seniors be pleased'. So these are some of the things we margiis are hearing at retreats nowadays. So this is one of the common problems. Unfortunately those making these types of statements are oblivious about Baba's teaching. Baba says, "It is incorrect to say that merely doing good deeds is enough: People must hold an object of ideation in their minds. And that supreme object of ideation is Parama Purus'a. Only then if some good action is performed will it be successful. Now if one wants to do some good deed excluding Parama'tma' that will not be a good deed. This will be sheer selfishness on your part, and nothing good can come from it." (26 Feb '71, Jammu)

HOW THE WORLD IS FUNCTIONING THESE DAYS

Due to the mass propagation of the self-centered philosophy of materialism, there is a huge increase in selfishness. The common people are going far astray from Baba's above golden guideline. Nowadays general citizens-- especially those who regard themselves as so-called advanced people-- rarely do good deeds. And in the those measly few circumstances when they do seemingly perform "good actions", it is really done out of self-satisfaction. That is for the sake of their own entertainment. These days this has become the fad. And then afterwards they just brag about their own "greatness". They announce to others about how they did top-level social service. And by saying that they can feel good (puffed up) and get prestige. This is the on-going trend. Baba says, "Suppose a certain man donates one thousand rupees to a particular institution. The next day he looks anxiously for his name in the newspaper. If his name does not appear in the paper, then with an air of conceit he brags amongst his kith and kin. “I have donated a thousand rupees, but I do not desire recognition and therefore I have not published my name in the paper.” The desire for fame exists in a concealed form in that man’s mind. Clearly, he did not make the donation with the spirit of service." (SS-1)

THE OUTCOME OF SELFISH ACTIVITIES

But one should understand such so-called good works neither help the individual nor the collective. Rather it causes or brings about their ultimate degeneration in all the realms: 1) Those who are "doing the service" look down upon those whom they are serving; and they end up exploiting them etc. 2) Those who are "doing the service" really want some something return. Such as name or fame etc. And when if/when they do not get that then they retaliate or r eact in various ways; 3) Plus they go not recognise the dignity of those human beings whom they are serving. They do not respect those downtrodden masses. By their arrogant tendency, they end up imposing an inferiority complex upon those whom they are "serving". 4) They bind themselves in the ocean of negative samskara and bondage by getting sucked into the never-ending cycle of action and reaction. 5) For their own self-entertainment they lose their vivek. And when they do entertain themselves often they harm others. For example on the weekend people do various outlandish things like hunting, fishing, and killing. By this way we can see that there are all kinds of negative things they do to entertain themselves. All so that they can satisfy their selfish desires and feel good. Yet all this is a waste of time-- not to mention destructive. 6) Ultimately such persons degenerate and get totally frustrated.

THE GREATEST THING-- IN THE REAL SENSE

To do work with the sole purpose and motive of pleasing Parama Purusa is the greatest thing; that is the only good work. And by His grace true devotees do like this. There is no other way. Baba says, "When you perform acts with the ideation that the person served is Náráyańa, there is no possibility of arrogance or the desire for fame growing in your mind. Then you will realize that through the grace of a'ra'yan'a you have been given the opportunity of serving Na'ra'yan'a. Our hands and feet are not ours, they are His, and by serving Himself with those hands and feet, He sports with Himself. Such an action is an action without attachment. Only in this way can one attain salvation from the bondage of Karma. "(SS-1) Baba says, "Knowing oneself is the real knowledge; serving all with the ideation of Na'ra'yan'a, the real action, and the vow to please Parama Purus'a the real devotion." (A'nanda Va'nii #25) Namaskar, Hariish

Note: LIFE IN AMPS

In our organisation AMPS, the following types of ailments are going on. Some Wts are openly bragging and telling each other: (a) "Hey, do something to feel good"; or, (b) "Hey, do something to please your higher authority"; or "Hey, do something to please your grouip leader" etc; or, (c) "Hey, do something to save your post and get a promotion." This is what they say. And this is not a hidden idea either. Rather it happens on a daily basis. In this way they brag and loudly expose their feeling to one and all. Plus some margiis etc who give a few pennies for relief projects talk all day long about their own greatness and great generosity. These are the common ailments. So by this one can easily understand that such persons are surrounded by Cimmerian darkness. The fate of such Wts or margiis ends up in sheer frustration. In contrast, good margiis follow Baba's teaching: Do with the ideation of serving Parama Purusa.

*************************************** Margiis' Status

Baba says, "Most people spend their lives on this planet eating and drinking. Sometimes they contract diseases, their stomachs become distended, and they die. But there are certain exceptional people who say, 'No, we have not come to eat, drink and make merry.' Those who lead licentious lives foolishly get involved in brawls and fights, but the exceptional people say, 'No, we don't want to live such a life, we have to lead an ideological life on the path of "A'tmamoks'a'rtham' jagaddhita'ya ca." "Those people who are society's exceptions are extraordinary people. They alone will build human history. Others cannot and will not do it." "These exceptional people are sometimes seen as lunatics by the naive public, but the fact is that these exceptional people do something new and constructive for society." "You should also know that you are exceptions. You too will do something great, will build up something historical." (9th January '79) Note: The life of each and every good margii is looked upon as something peculiar in the eyes of the common people. The reason is A-grade margiis are not involved in the religious dogma or materialistic ways of common people; plus all margiis are practicing yoga, kiirtan, sadhana, eating only sentient food, and following progressive ideas. So margiis' thinking and living and socializing are quite different from the common public. That is why the common public thinks margiis are peculiar people. But sincere margiis are not worried about this; rather they know that this is one merit. Such margiis are great exceptions and they are also the vanguards of the entire society. All sincere margiis are making the path which the common public will tread in the very near future.

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

Homosexuals & AM

From: "Marc Pele"
 To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Homosexuals & AM
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:39:28 +0000

Baba "Tumi ekat'u ka'che eso, a'r ekat'ukha'ni heso..." (PS 1909)

Purport:

Baba, please grace me by coming a little more close, and please smile a little softly. Baba, by Your grace, my penance to get You will remove the cimmerian darkness of my mind. That I know. And please shower your sweet and charming smile like a full moon. I know this cimmerian darkness of my mind is not eternal. So much mental blackness and stains, hundreds of times comes and goes from my mind. Yet this deep, all around pitch darkness, pervading everywhere, will leave while keeping its head low in defeat. Baba, You love the divine effulgence-- not the darkness. By Your grace, I will not accept defeat at any cost. I will remain holding only Your lotus feet. Whatever people may say, whatever may happen, I will remain pure and blemishless, by Your grace. Baba, You are my beginning and my end-- You are my Goal. Baba, please come close and grace me by Your divine love...

== HOMOSEXUALS & AM ==

Namaskar,
In the general society - especially in the west and certainly in the US - the gay / homosexual movement is gaining momentum. They are marching on the capital, getting the attention of the US President, lobbying to make gay marriages legal in so various states, and various other things are going on. Naturally then, those homosexuals hiding in AM may be thinking that soon their time is going to come. They may be thinking that their star is going to rise and that soon the momentum about the gay / lesbian platform will swing in AM as well. Surely some homosexually-oriented people who've been biding their time in the Marga are making plans to mobilise and turn things in their favour. So we have to think: Is this perspective correct? Is AM going to also "turn the corner" on the gay issue?

WHY MANY FEEL IT IS PROGRESSIVE

In the general society, taking a stand in support of the termed "gay-rights" issue is viewed as progressive and broad-minded. Now it has become the fashion to "accept all people without judgment", embrace all religions, and be open to all ways of doing.

Today this type of outlook is highly appreciated and if one embraces such a perspective they are viewed as being "cosmopolitan" and "open-minded". Why is it that case? Because for centuries there has been a lot of dogma and hatred stemming from both the general society and the various religions. Such harshness made life extremely difficult for many people. There was blatant racism, gender inequality, and so much intolerance of others that life was quite unbearable. Now that is less so - there is widespread & growing acceptance of all peoples. And for the most part this has been a big improvement because earlier the general society and the various religions were littered with so many stigmas and dogmas. People were being senselessly alienated and attacked.

Thus, in the general society, this has been a progressive period in many respects - and the label of "progressiveness" has been expanded to include the homosexual way of living as well. So those gay oriented people hiding in AM are thinking that soon their sun will rise in AM as well.

ANANDA MARGA IS DHARMA

Before deciding one way or the other about the future of homosexuality in AM, we must remember that AM is dharma. That is the first thing to keep in mind.

Baba says, "Ananda Marga alone is dharma and all the rest are sectisms." (SS-1, p.63)

That means that from its very inception Ananda Marga has been filled with truth and righteousness. The teachings of AM are perfect in all respects - they need not be improved upon. Nothing more needs to be added in order for it to become "progressive". Only human beings need to come to realise such teachings. In stark contrast the various religions are founded in dogma.

 Baba says, "All religions are based on dogma - they are not based on logic - and they propagate their dogma through stories, myths and parables." (PNS-18)

Thus there is a heaven and hell difference between AM and the various religions. Ours is based on proper and right-minded teachings given by Parama Purusa Himself and the various religions are based on crude, degrading mandates issued by selfish priests. And those misguided religious tenets have hounded society for centuries.

So when AM is dharma then we should maintain its pristine form whereas the religions should be modified and cleaned-up. It is just like if there is pure food then putting any poisonous chemical or lead in that food "to clean it up" will pollute it whereas if food has dirt in it from the very beginning then steps must be taken to remove the soil and make the food proper.

Likewise if someone is 100% healthy then there is no need to operate on that person - and indeed operating will cause harm - whereas if one is diseased then an operation is needed. Our Marga is like the pure food and the healthy person while the dogmatic religions are like the soiled food and the diseased person. Baba's guidelines need not / must not be changed whereas the religions need huge modifications and changes. That is the central operative principle.

Now let's see how this formula applies to the issue of homosexuality in Ananda Marga, remembering that AM is 100% dharma and straying from that only invites degeneration.

BABA IN DHARMA SAMIIKSA

During dharma samiiksa, Baba took a strong stand against all wrongdoing in order to set society on the proper course and bring welfare to the people. We all saw this. For the sake of righteousness, Baba openly exposed those involved in extra-marital affairs, pre-marital sex, pedophilia, and, here it comes, lesbian and gay interactions. All these things Baba openly addressed during the time of dharma samiiksa. Baba clearly opposed all gay and homosexual type of dealing. Never did He accept it or praise it.

Rather He offered strong punishment to rectify that individual and bring them onto the path of welfare. So when AM is dharma and when Baba's stand is in opposition to gay relations, then we must not deviate from that way. Because whatever may be the trend in the general society today, already the teachings of AM represents the right approach. We need not bend to what is viewed as being "broadminded" according to the general society. Rather deviating from the stand of AM is to fall from the path of dharma. So we must not bend. Baba says, "We will not deviate an inch from our ideology, nor will we allow others to do so. One cannot promote human welfare if one bothers too much about public criticism, about the reaction in the papers or among the voters." (NSS, Disc: 14) Thus when Baba's stand and the stand of AM is against the practice of homosexuality, then that is our approach - period.

EMPATHY NEEDED

This in no way means that we should persecute gay people or allow any hate crimes or violence towards gay people. That is not our way. They are our brothers and sisters and part of this grand human family. We must have maximum empathy for them as human beings and respect as individuals. It is only their mode of living that we do not appreciate, not their personae.

Furthermore we should work to get them treatment for their glandular defects etc. Just like anyone suffering from a malady, we should help them to recover in both the physical and / or psychic fields. In addition, we are to show them that if they want to find and express love, then they should learn to love Parama Purusa. Thus although we strong oppose the practice of homosexuality, we will never launch a personal campaign against those individuals per se. Rather we will always defend and ensure their cardinal human rights as we attempt to educate them about and rectify their lifestyle.

WHY SEX

In AM, we all know that sex is purely for procreation purposes. It is basically has no other value or real use. Baba advises maximum restraint, i.e. "the more the better". Those familiar with AM and Baba's mandates understand this point well. So when homosexuality offers no recourse for producing children then what is the use of such relations. It is just lust and / or misguided attraction. Nothing more. There is no existential value or utility in homosexual relations.

IT WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE WHEN...

So although this is a seemingly controversial topic, our approach is quite clear. There need not be any debate or countless forums about this topic. Those who think that just as gay relations are gaining support in general society then the same will occur in AM are misguided. This is not what the future holds for Ananda Marga. Gay relations - as a human practice - will only be possible in Ananda Marga when things like pre-marital sex, prostitution, easy-as-pie divorce, fatherless children, and child pornography are also accepted in AM. I.e. Never. The day such things are embraced by AM society is the day it is no longer Ananda Marga. It will be something else. AM ideals are based on Baba's teachings and our AM society is meant to follow those ideals - none other. That is why only naive people carry the false hope that one day homosexuality will become an accepted and honoured life choice in AM.

SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING NEEDED

Once again sympathy and understanding is needed in all respects - all should be valued and loved. Here we are condemning the practice of homosexuality and not homosexuals per se. We are against the practice - not the person. Rather we are to extend all sympathies and therapies to guide the person in the proper manner, away from such pursuits.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has given us all the teachings for dharmic life. Whatever is popular or not popular in the general society has no bearing on the way things develop in AM. Ours is the path of pure spirituality and the social representation thereof according to Baba. Thus when the issue of homosexuality comes to the table, we know exactly where we stand, irrespective of the current protests and / or proposals being made in the general society.

Namaskar,
Mahendra

Note 1: FURTHER READING

Here is further reading on this topic of homosexuality.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/05/sex-is-not-goal.html http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/01/gay-marriage-stand-of-ananda-marga.html http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/01/why-homosexuality.html http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/09/should-prostitution-be-legal.html

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BABA SAYS

"Along with the theory of spiritual inheritance one Cosmic Ideology will have to be adopted 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." (To The Patriots)

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Which Samaj is Great

From: "Ramanuj Subramanyan" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Which Samaj is Great Date: Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:50:43 Baba "Toma'r tare vishva ghure, ber'iyachilum, shudhu shudhu..." (PS 2199) Purport: Baba, You are the most charming Entity of this entire creation. I have wandered around and searched this vast universe looking only for You-- only for You. I could not see or find You anywhere; I could not get that most sweet Entity of my mind, O my dear most Baba. Baba, about You, various people say various things: Some give useless logic and empty theories about You; and, O' my Vidhu, O' my Moon, others say that You cannot be held by studying the philosophy or by learning spiritual science. Baba, I do not possess any spiritual wealth or atma-jinana for attaining You. Only this much I know that You alone are the essence of everything. Baba, You are my Goal. O' my dearmost, by Your grace this much I understand that when You shower a wee-bit of Your grace only then will I get You. Baba, please be gracious...

== WHICH SAMAJ IS GREAT ==

Namaskar, On and off since 1990, various groups have come into the lead, simultaneously pushing others behind. And they justify their view by telling that their people or their samaj is "better than the rest". But we know that Baba is the Cosmic Father-- the Supreme One. And He never favours the people of one area over another. Rather in front of Him everyone is of equal standing-- irregardless of their birth or community. Rather Baba enjoys seeing the growth of one and all-- 'Let everyone develop in a nice way', He would say. Thus there is no credence to the statement or feeling that one group is a shoulder up from another. And proof of this is that whereever Baba would go He would sing the praises of that particular area to give them positive spirit to move ahead. And those receiving that inspiration would understand that just as Baba is encouraging us to advance, likewise He is infusing the spirit of progress within all. So Baba's samaj theory is a dynamic approach where all progress in coordination with the development of all. And no group, clan, or community can raise their head and say they are better or more blessed than others. To do so is merely to expose their own ignorance. Here is more about Baba's samaj theory.

BABA'S SPECIAL WAY OF DOING

As we know, Baba's samaj theory recognises the specialties of all. In that regard Baba praises all the samajas. For example, each and every place where Baba has visited then invariably He praises that community and the qualities of their samaj. Because Baba wants to highlight the good things of a particular samaj in order give them a boost of self-confidence so that they can fight against exploitation and raise their standard. So Baba praises all samajas with the intention of removing their inferiority complex-- thus enabling them to move ahead.

WHAT SOME PROCLAIM

Unfortunately some samajas are operating in an opposite way. They are eulogising their own greatness in such a way as to inject inferiority complexes within other samajas all around the globe in our AM society. But such an approach goes directly against the spirit of Baba's samaj system.

MORE ABOUT BABA'S SPECIAL WAY

Because Baba inspires one and all in order to help the society rid itself from any and all negative feelings like inferiority complex. Because Baba loves all and He encourages each and every community to overcome their current difficulties and struggles. Baba helps everyone to recognise their inherent strength and talents. Toward this end Baba has praised so many samajas so that each and every community could rise up and grow.

WHEREVER BABA VISITS HE INFUSES POSITIVITY

Here then are some of the many examples where Baba praises various samajas when He visits that particular area. In the following quote Baba is glorifying how Chattisgarh samaj will serve as one guiding light to the whole humanity. Baba says, Chattisgarh "should have a very bright future. Let the people from other parts of the world come here and learn how far the people here have achieved progress, and in which ways they are going to bring about progress in other spheres of life. Let the light of Chattisgarh be ever effulgent, like a luminous star in human society, so that all may learn and be benefitted by it." (AFPS-4, p.37) And here below Baba is encouraging and reminding the Bhojpuri people of the greatness of their land so they will raise their fist against injustice. Baba says, "From the economic point of view the soil of this [Bhojpur] area is extremely fertile...The [Bhojpuri] people are industrious, and the soil is fertile...If the land is not poor, why should the people be poor? There should not be poverty among the people at all in this area. So it is your bounden duty to make this beautiful fertile land free from exploitation." (AFPS-4, p. 53) Baba also highlights the speciality of those people of the Ananda Nagar area. Baba says, "Anandanagar has a unique glory, and that glory has developed out of the great sacrifice of many noble souls. Let Anandanagar provide guidance to the entire universe in spiritual practice, service, sacrifice, renunciation, and culture. This is what we should pray for, and this is the reason that we should build Anandanagar and help it radiate light to the universal humanity. This is what I want." (AFPS-4, p. 38) Baba continues, "Let Anandanagar be the medium of our cultural progress...it will not be difficult to establish Anandanagar as an ideal cultural and spiritual center." (AFPS-4, p. 39) And here below Baba is injecting Magadha samaj with the strength and courage to stand in the face of all opposition and exploitation. Baba says, "That Magadha which has given birth to noble persons...will never perish. There is no power on earth that can destroy it." (SC-1, p. 141)

WHEREVER BABA VISITS HE INFUSES POSITIVITY-- (CONT)

Furthermore, by the following lines it is clear that when Baba visits any samaj then He praises not one but many aspects of the samaj. A case in point occurs here with regards to Mithiila samaj. Baba says, "Mithiila is situated in the eastern part of India, at a different longitude, and as such it should and does have its own almanac...Thus we see that in all respects Mithila has its own specialities...This proves that Mithila has all along had its own script and alphabet." (AFPS-4, p. 47) Baba continues, "The children of the present-day Mithila, should remember that even five or six thousand years ago there was a great civilisation at Mithila, and it was a pre-Aryan civilisation: That is, it existed even before the Aryans migrated to India. Thus you can easily understand how ancient was the civilisation of Mithila." (AFPS-4, p. 48) Baba says, "The very land of Mithila is the land of Tantra." (AFPS-4, p. 48) Baba adds, "The people of Mithila are very rational-minded and intellectual by disposition. There was no differentiation of caste among them even as far back as in the post Buddhist age." (AFPS-4, p.48) Baba concludes, "In fact it can be said that the Maethili language has the oldest history of all the Sam'skrt-derived languages in India...This language is at least 1200 to 1300 years old, and its literature is 900 years old." (AFPS-4, p. 50) And here below Baba is highlighting particular attributes of the Pahari and Dogari samajas. Baba says, "Pa'ha'r'ii is a separate language, not merely a dialect; and Dogrii, too, is also a separate language, as I have told you previously." (AFPS-4, p. 55) Similarly when Baba has visited overseas then He always praises and encourages those local samajas as well. Such as in Venezuela, Fiesch, Manila and so many places. By this way it becomes clear that Baba has injected strong inspiration within all the communities which He has visited. This is one special approach that He has done everywhere. So none should think that Baba only praises one-- thus leading the rest behind.

SAMAJ THEORY IS FOR THE GLORY OF ALL

Indeed the entire spirit of Baba's samaj theory encompasses the welfare of all-- whether He physically visited a place or not. Baba's overall guideline is that every samaj and community should grow. Baba says, "Encourage everyone to build their career in a nice way. Let none get the scope to think that their life has become useless." (Ananda Vanii #19)

ALL ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT

So there is no question of any land being high or low. All are are part of Parama Purusa's special creation; and He loves all equally. About this there should be no complex, no feelings of inferiority, no dogma. We should all live remembering that all samajas are great, all human beings are great, and that all are His progeny. Baba says, "You must never encourage superiority complex, inferiority complex, fear complex, defeatist complex etc. You are the very children of Parama Purusa. Hence you are not inferior to anyone. You must not encourage any inferiority complex, for you are the members of the highest and noblest family. Because Your Father is the most revered Entity of this universe." (AFPS-4, p. 22-23) Namaskar, Ramanuj Note 1: Here Baba is guiding us not to accept the dogma that any particular samaj is better than the rest. Rather we are to directly oppose such a misguided idea. Baba says, "A person who wants to promote other's welfare, a person who wants to serve the entire humanity must keep away from dogma. Not only that, he will have to staunchly resist dogma." (AFPS-4, p. 61) Baba continues, "It is not enough to keep away from something which is considered a veritable sin, it is not enough to lodge only verbal protest against sin. But one will have to wage an uncompromising fight against it. This is the greatest criterion of a truly righteous person." (AFPS)

*************************************** Contrast

Baba says, "Acaryas who have a minimum of five hundred initiates and are adept in the difficult vishes'a yoga will be eligible for purodha training." (CC-1, chapter 4, point 2) Note: These days this above mandate of Baba is limited to the printed page only. Unfortunately, in practice, different parameters are there for getting Purodhaship. Now a minimum two qualifications are needed: (1) To obey Centre like a slave without any "if's & but's"-- to always be ready to blindly follow them; And (2) To collect money by hook or by crook, by right or wrong means, and give that to one's bosses. If these two criteria are present then one is qualified for Purodha training. So I hope in future Baba's teaching will again be followed.

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...Bringing It To Fruition

To: AM-GLOBAL Subject: ...Bringing It To Fruition Date: Mon 26 Oct 2009 09:58:26 +0500 (IST) From: Ram Sahay Kulshresth Baba "A'lo eseche ghum bheungeche, phuler vane raun legeche..." (P.S. 2253) Purport: With the arrival of effulgence, all drowsiness & sleepiness have been vanquished. In the flower garden, new growth has come. The buds of those flowers which were in hibernation have now all bloomed. And they have filled the flowers with nectar; it is overflowing. Each and everyone's heart is vibrated with the new color. Each and every movement in life is vibrated in His flow. The air, the water, the earth, and the sky-- everything is filled with His vibration and charm. The advent of the new dawn has come; now there will not be any more cries or laments due to the darkness. In the language and expression there will no longer be any bitterness-- rather it will be saturated with sweetness and love. Love will be the source of all inspiration. This transformation has all happened due to the causeless grace of Parama Purusa; He created this momentum and changed the whole vibration of this entire universe. He filled it with His own color. The new dawn has come and the drowsiness of staticity and dogma has disappeared. The sweetness and charm of spirituality has come...

== ADVANCING PROUT AND BRINGING IT TO FRUITION ==

Namaskar, Nowadays with Parama Prakrti raising her magic wand and with so much corruption in the uppper echelons of government and with the vaeshyan era at its full height, now more than ever this world is aching for the call of Prout. Even then for Prout to appear on the scene is not a joke. Even with all the conditions apparently ripe, there is a specific system for bringing the Prout revolution-- and without adhering to Baba's prescribed method, Prout will remain on the sidelines.

SOME OF THE WELL KNOWN HISTORY

Since the inception of Prout in 1959, there have been numerous & on-going efforts by various Proutists to bring revolution; but unfortunately mostly they were thinking in their own way how a Prout government can be quickly established-- and they overlooked Baba's system. No doubt in various units field wts and margiis are doing very good works, but the overall flow of PU from the top down has not been like that. This is evidenced in multiple ways including the time in 1970 when Proutist candidates first contested in the local elections. That time those Proutists thought that the golden age of Prout had come. And they thought they were there just to eat gravy and collect the prize. But in that election those Proutist candidates got blown away like the dust. They hardly got even a vote. And another example is how after 1970, huge enthusiasm was created in Tripura, Bengal that there itself would be the first Proutist government. And in that naive excitement, huge money was poured into Bengal from around the globe to establish a Proutist government in the A'mara' Bengali area. But beyond the terrible waste of money and resources, nothing could happen. And still today there are hardly any margiis in Tripura-- and not even the shadow of a Prout movement, let alone Prout leadership. So the whole program turned into one fly-by-night affair. And like this all across the entire globe there are countless examples how various Proutist Dadas and margiis became enthusiastic and tried their own various 'quick-n-easy' methods to usher in a Proutist government. But in those poorly thought out ways, so many persons got killed, so many Wts left, and so many Margiis were misled because of those misguided efforts. In that manner countless attempts have been met with failure.

MUST FOLLOW BABA'S WAY

So this is the common rule that if the path is wrong then one cannot reach the goal. And the answer is very simple. The Lord Himself has given the theory of Prout and He has given the pathway for how to establish it. But because His guidelines have been overlooked that is why little has happened thus far. Or what has been accomplished could be increased multi-fold. So this letter is based on Baba's teachings-- i.e. the way to bring forth the revolution along Proutistic lines. Here following are a few of Baba's well-known guidelines. In His discourse 'Nuclear Revolution', Baba has given a phase-wise plan and program. In the first phase, His expressed teaching is that Margiis should first be created. Have new people start doing sadhana and social service. And gradually they will get the teaching and training about out Proutistic socio-economic policies. And also education will be given as to how the present-day exploiters are cheating the common mass. Because if the society is not educated properly and not awakened to the exploitation going on, then the common mass will not support the call for revolution. So education is highly needed. Here education does not mean the learning of a-b-c-d. In this case education means developing an awareness how the exploiters are cheating everyone to the bone. On this point Baba has given various meaningful guidelines in the chapter "Nuclear Revolution". As we have seen, certain of our Prout leaders are thinking that on the point of money everything will be purchased and Proutist government can be formed. This is one of their misguided views. And some others are thinking that simply by shaking the hand of this or that President then Prout will be established. But both of these approaches are faulty and one important ingredient is missing. Such types of Proutists never tried to do any psychological preparation of the masses. When in fact this is Baba's guideline. Baba says, "Revolution may not take place unless the exploited masses are psychologically prepared for revolution. If the people do not support revolution, the clarion call for revolution will not be heeded." (PNS 21 p.63) Baba's above teaching proves that first of all, the common members of society should be taught and prepared. Just by purchasing some political leaders or cadres, Prout cannot be established.

SAMAJ MEETING STORY: BABA'S IMPORTANT EXAMPLE

On this very point about education, in one samaj meeting, Baba has given some discourse. He told, that, "In one common public meeting the political leader raised the slogan that we should die for our land, Angabhumi. Then several hundred of the simple villagers seated in that room rose up because they did not like the idea of literally dying for their motherland. Some of them even stood up and told that "I am not going to die here. Better I should die in Varanasi. By dying there, I will get salvation." Baba says like this, in that very discourse. The sense is that because villagers were not educated about the local socioeconomic political problems, that's why they took it in a completely literal way. 'Dying for motherland' does not mean that you are absolutely going to die there. Rather it means 'dedicate for the cause of one's motherland'. So that was one misnomer. And secondly, villagers have dogma about "Death in Varanasi brings heaven". Because of all this, combined with the villagers' blatant lack of understanding about exploitation, they opposed the program of anti-exploitation movement because they were oblivious to the exploitation of the land. So, that very time Baba's sole teaching was that first the society should be educated, and once done if the other factors are ripe then revolution should be launched. But unfortunately in our Prout programs, sometimes we moved in a different direction. Here is another historical example. BY reviewing this, certainly we will be able to learn from the past and bring Prout to the fore at the earliest.

EXAMPLE FROM THE HISTORY

In the past, 1857, one attempt of revolution happened from India, to shoe

away the Britishers. But it completely failed. Rather the revolutionaries were crushed mercilessly. That time society was not educated, socio-politically. But in 1947, it was a different case. In 1947 India got freedom. Reason being that this time in 1947 the common mass possessed the requisite social awareness about how the Britishers were cheating everyone. So the public supported the revolution. Thereby the exploitative Britishers were forced to leave the country-- India. So the overall idea is that in 1857 the public was not educated. Then the revolution was crushed right away. And not just that but, those people could not raise their head for the next 90 years. So prematurely trying to bring revolution brings complete negative result. Baba has taught this very ideas in His Nuclear Revolution discourse.

EDUCATION NEEDED FIRST

The whole point is that society should first be educated. That is the first and foremost work. If political consciousness about the presence of exploitation is not aroused amongst the common mass, then the result will be negative. But unfortunately up till now most of the plans and program taken by the Prout department are not moving in the direction which Baba has taught. Many margiis and wts are working hard and doing good things, but certain top Proutist Dadas etc are moving in their own selfish way-- greedily thinking that all the power will fall into their pocket. For example, attempt after attempt has been made to buy the leaders and capture the power. Or buy the cadres, make the leaders, win the election, and make the Prout government. But a proper plan and program has not been not made to raise the consciousness in the public against exploitation. But Baba's distinct guideline is that if this is not done, there will not be an iota of success. So our first duty is not to fall prey to the negative strategies employed to date by some Proutist Dadas etc. Rather we are to follow Baba's teachings step by step. First create margiis and educate them about Baba's teachings and practices and help them to develop revolutionary qualities. And if it will be done on mass scale, then there will not be any delay for changing the whole society and bringing revolution. This is the critical first step. Because without the creation of new and upcoming sadvipras, how will there be sadvipra leadership? Collecting corrupt persons from the general society and trying to take their help in forming a Prout government is nothing but an ill-fated strategy.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's divine grace, Prout will be established very soon. As we understand how to work according to His direction, our efforts will be efficient and effective and so many great things will happen in the realm of Prout. Things are coming together, by His grace. Baba says, "Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encrumbrances cannot be more powerful that your capacity to solve them. You are the children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a sadvipra and make others sadvipras also." (PNS-6, p.30) Namaskar, Ram Sahay Dev Note 1: In HIS discourse BABA gives very explicit instructions about Prout: Baba says, "According to PROUT, the rule of Sadvipras is the ideal form of leadership. The establishment of Sadvipra leadership will require the systematic and rational application of PROUT by the collective effort of many highly intelligent people. Sadvipra rule cannot be established by blind physical force or idle intellectual extravaganza." (Prout-18) So from the grass-roots level the creation of sadvipras should be done to establish Prout society. This is the practical approach, not just some theoretical analysis. Note 2: Baba also guides us as follows. Baba says, "The revolutionaries will have to fight against three forces-- outside exploiters, internal exploiters and other inner evil forces." (PNS 21 p.65) Note 3: Whether in the general society or in the organisation, the necessary requirements for establishing a revolution are the same. Note 4: From 1959 to 1990, for 31 years, Baba taught us via various Prout rules & regulations, discourses. And then in reporting sessions He has given plans and programs for how to implement Prout. And that plan and program was for certain phases. We should keep in our mind that when Taraka Brahma takes human form, then He does not keep that very body for thousands of years. So Baba is a Mahasambhuti, He has also a limited span of time to play His divine liila. And along with that, He went on teaching and educating us about different aspects of His grand philosophy, plans and programs, & so many things. He chose to use about 35 years of time to talk about Prout and Ananda Marga. And He has given different plans, program, and teaching. And in that very concentrated period, He taught the plan for perhaps the next five, ten, twenty, hundred, or several hundred years. Those who are senior Margiis and WTs and anyone following 16 Points can easily understand all this. But those who have superficial knowledge of Baba's teaching, for them this may be difficult to comprehend. And they always confuse the matter. They think that what Baba has told in a particular year, that was the plan of that very year only. When in fact what Baba has told in a few years, that is the plan for the entire phase of one era. And it depends upon the progress of society, how many years it will take to develop from one step to another step. For example, if the society is educated in five years, then the first phase is finished. And the second phase program can be started. But to educate the society on socio-political consciousness might also take 50 years. In that case then the first phase will go on for 50 years. And as Baba says, that not until the fourth phase will there be revolution. So it will come in its own time. Not prematurely. One time I heard myself, in Patna, Baba was telling that "I don't speak for those who are attending the General Darshan or sitting next to me. I speak for the entire humanity -- present and future." Similarly, Baba's plan, program is for the present and for the near or far future. So before making plans we should be very careful about how we are going to execute His teaching, plans and programs.

*************************************** Like New Born Baby and Mother

Baba says, "It is a law of nature that nature provides a mother with sufficient breast milk to feed her newly-born baby. In the same way, nature provides sufficient resources like food and other essential requirements for all human beings. Human beings need only utilize these resources in a proper way. Shortages of food and space cannot be blamed on nature. These problems have been artificially created by the folly of human beings." (PNS-13, p.45)

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Do You Eat Sweets?

From: "Virendra Mandal" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Do You Eat Sweets? Date: Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:41:37 +0530 Baba Intro to PS: This song is to be used in concerts organized for the general public because Baba has written this song for non-margiis. Everyone knows that Baba is for all. "Shivashankarah he shubhankar vishvabiijah prabhuh karun'a'-a'karah..." (P.S. 3653) Purport: O' Lord Shiva, Shiva Shankar, O' welfare and grace Personified, You are the Controller of everything. You are origin of the universe. O' Prabhu, You are the Ocean of grace. With the beauty of divine effulgence, Your body is shining like the mountain of silver. The Moon* is beautifying above Your head. Your whole existence is like the most precious jewel and it is shining in its own glory. O' Kalyan Sundaram, Lord Shiva, You bless everyone. Please grace me with both Your hands in varabhaya mudra. I surrender at Your alter. Please grace me always. You are always established in sama-samaj-tattva. No scripture has the capacity to express Your glory. You have infinite attributions. Please grace me with a wee-bit of the dust of Your lotus feet. I surrender at Your alter.... *moon= Here the idea is that Lord Shiva is always ensconced in the divine nectar (soma dha'ra' / rasa ) of the pineal gland. That is why the moon is symbolic. Because of this reason in mythology Lord Shiva's picture is made keeping the moon above His head. General people do not know the reason behind this. Baba says, "The hormone secretion of the pineal gland (pineal plexus or sahasra'ra cakra ) is partly controlled by the moon, hence its nectar is called somarasa or somadha'ra' (soma means moon). This pineal secretion invigorates the lower glands of the human body and intoxicates the spiritual aspirant with divine joy." (SS-8) PS Note 1: Most songs of Prabhat Samgiita are based on Sanskrit vocabulary and word meaning, but in this song the case endings & verb endings are in Sanskrit also. PS Note 2: About one-pointedness in Ista see the 'Shriinathe...' shloka from AMIWL-11, p. 801 PS Note 3: This song has value for understanding the philosophy & greatness of Mahasambhuti. Same way Baba has written the Namah Shivaya Shantaya and Nama'mi Krsna Sundaram books-- for philosophical teachings and also to indirectly tell about Himself without making exact reference. Of course in the realm of personal spiritual practices we Ananda Margiis only refer to Baba.

== DO YOU EAT SWEETS? ==

Namaskar, One time at DMC Baba was giving a discourse about dhruvasmrti, or fixed memory on Brahma. Baba was explaining that dhruvamsmrti means remembering Parama Purusa always and that when not doing sadhana then one must use Guru mantra in order to keep the mind ensconced in the thought of the Supreme. Then one will be established in dhruvasmrti. Baba then looked at everyone in attendance - there were a few hundred present that day - and Baba lovingly said, "When coming into the hall today, not one person repeated Guru mantra." Everyone fell silent - awed by Baba's statement. Then Baba explained further, "When taking food or eating rice, if one is thinking that this is rice etc, then one's mind is not fixed on Brahma. In that case the person is not established in dhruvasmrti. One should instead think that this rice is Brahma. Then one will be properly practicing 2nd lesson and become established in dhruvasmrti." In that same DMC discourse, Baba also told that if you love your son or daughter as a son or daughter, then that is not consistent with the practice of 2nd lesson. Rather one must think that that the person before me is Brahma in the form of my son / daughter. One must view all as expressions of Parama Purusa. Then that is second lesson, otherwise not. Baba says, "Do you love your son? No, no you don’t love your son. You love Brahma in the form of your son. By loving your son as a son, you cannot love the Lord. Where there is the feeling of son, there is no Lord and where there is the Lord, there is no son. Where you exist He does not and where He exists you are no more." (SS-1) Baba's guideline and discourse that day was all about how we should see Brahma in each and every object. That is the right practice of second lesson and leads to dhruvasmrti. Merely repeating the mantra itself is not enough. Side by side one must ideate on the idea that all is Brahma. Then one's practice of second lesson is proper. That was the very meaningful teaching Baba was emphasizing that day.

VALUE OF SECOND LESSON

We all know that all thoughts and actions in this world are binding. For that reason people take birth on this earth again and again, from one life to the next. That is the way of karma and samskara theory. By Baba's grace He has blessed us with the process of second lesson whereby we can live in this world yet not incur further samskaras. In that case we can live a reaction-free existence and attain liberation, by His grace. Such is the great value of second lesson. At the same time we must remember that second lesson must be practiced properly, otherwise it will not have any effect.

BABA'S DIVINE EXPLANATION: Part 1

As Baba has explained, merely repeating Guru mantra is not enough. Second lesson must not be repeated mechanically like one parrot. It must be accompanied by the feeling and idea that everything and everyone is a manifestation of the Divine. If one hastily recites second lesson and feeds a poor person thinking that the person before me is one helpless beggar, then that second lesson is not proper and that action will be binding. Likewise if before eating a sweet one mechanically recites second lesson, but the whole time one's mind is engrossed in the thought of that sweet delicacy and thinking "this sweet is so tasty", then that also is not the right practice of second lesson. In that case one is incurring sam'skara. One must think that this is Parama Purusa in the form of that sweet. Here Baba explains how we should interact with the world and perform our service. Baba says, "Action performed for the sake of action is bondage...As explained earlier the ideation that whatever I do, I do only to please Parama'tma' is called devotion – Bhaktirbhagavato Seva'. Devotion is service to God. When devotees serve the universe they do it with the feeling that they are serving the manifestation of Na'ra'yan'a only to please Him." (SS-19) Thus whether we are eating or helping the poor or doing anything on this earth, then one's mind must be suffused with the idea that everything is Parama Purusa - the person doing the action is Parama Purusa, the item offered is Parama Purusa, and the person being served is Parama Purusa. Then one's action comes within the domain of second lesson. Then one will not incur new samsakra. So again the key point is that mechanically repeating Guru mantra is not enough. In addition, the mind must be suffused with the sweet feeling that everything is Parama Purusa. That is Baba's divine teaching. It should be noted that even though there are various Guru mantras, the meaning behind them all is the same: Everything is Brahma. That is the singular meaning of second lesson.

BABA'S DIVINE EXPLANATION: Part 2

Here Baba explains further how we are to interact in the world. This is how we should do second lesson and view the world. Baba says, "Thus the mind of one, who has established himself in real vaera'gya (the renunciation of all sensual pleasures) can never become attached to finite objects. Even in their midst he remains beyond the reach of their attraction and gains eternal peace after death."

"No truck with water while I bathe With hairs flowing free Nor woes nor griefs shall ever scathe Unwet I dip in sea. Dedicated to God, night and day Awake, asleep or dreaming be No lures of world or desires gay Dare ever come between He and me."

"Do your work, but do not be caught up with it. A great man said, –"

"Grind spices or be a cook Touch not the pan you ever Dance a frog ’fore serpent’s hook But let it not devour, In the sea of nectar shall you bathe Unwet shall remain your hair Tie the elephant to a spider’s web Love awaits you there."

"Here the spider represents the little unit, the sa'dhaka. A sa'dhaka will realize what divine love is like only when he prepares the cobweb of devotion and ties the elephant, the Supreme Entity to it." (SS-2) Thus in both of the above poems, Baba is beautifully explaining to us how with the help of second lesson we can remain permanently linked with Him, never getting attached to any mundane allurement on this earth. In that case we will view all as His divine expression and our second lesson will be perfect. We will live in this world, serving one and all, totally free of any samskara. Baba says, "Life is intimately bound up with work. If people do their work ascribing divinity to each object they are involved with, then, because of their non-attachment to material pleasure, they cannot be bound by the reactions of their actions. Life also cannot be the cause of such bondage, nor for that matter can the reactions of one’s actions be the cause of future lives. Otherwise a person who lives a long life will perform many actions, thus creating many reactions of greater sorrow to be experienced, and one will be a victim of the actional cycle life after life. (SS-2) By His grace, the proper application of second lesson allows us to feel and view one and all as divine expressions. That is the right application of second lesson. Then there is no question of any worldly bondage. In contrast, if one merely repeats Guru mantra like a parrot and fails to ideate properly, then one will be forever bound in the cycle of karma, living and dying on this earth again and again and again.

LIFE IS SWEET

One final point to remember in this discussion is that by doing second lesson properly, then one will be forever floating in His bliss. The sadhaka will think that everything is Brahma and that all day long he is interacting with and seeing Baba. Then life is so blissful and sweet. That is why another name for second lesson is madhuvidya, that practice or knowledge which brings the sweetness of the Lord's love into each and every interaction.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we should make second lesson perfect. We should see Him in each and every thing. Even when eating sweets we should think this is Parama Purusa, we should not think that right now I am eating one sweet. In that case, our life will pass blissfully on this earth and we will not be bound by any action. We will feel each and every moment that everything is Brahma. Each cell will be vibrated by this divine idea. Then life really is blissful.

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

Namaskar, Virendra

Note 1: MORE POSTINGS ABOUT SECOND LESSON

Here are two posting that are intimately related with this topic of second lesson. A) This is one special Baba story how second lesson protects sadhakas from danger and disaster.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/baba-story-power-of-guru-mantra.html

B) This below shows how closely related bath mantra is to second lesson.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/08/not-just-ritual.html

Old Dogma Getting New Colour in AM

Date: 24 Oct 2009 05:43:06 -0000 From: "Shivadayal Singhal" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Old Dogma Getting New Colour in AM Baba "Lukiye tumi ka'j kare ya'o pratya'sha' kichu rekhe..." (P.S. 2618) Purport: Baba, You are the doer of all the work being done in this vast universe. Secretly You go on doing and executing everything. Nobody can see You-- but You are doing everything. And You do not harbour any desire to receive anything in return. Just You are deeply involved in managing all the work secretly, O' my Parama Purusa. And when You notice that somebody is searching You, then that time You move ahead in Your grand liila of hide and seek. Baba, You decorate the effulgence in darkness; and simultaneously You flood the cimmerian darkness with the showering of Your divine effulgence. Baba, You are the bridge between life and death; You are the crossing point. Yet all the while You Yourself remain hidden behind the scenes. Baba, You are the great hope of the hopeless hearts. In the end of the night You are the colourful dawn. Baba, You show the direction to those who have lost the path. And You spread Your divine love in all the ten directions. Baba, You go on doing all the work of this entire universe secretly-- never desiring anything in return. Just You continue playing hide & seek. Baba, Your liila is unfathomable...

== OLD DOGMA GETTING NEW COLOUR IN AM ==

Namaskar, A new "development" is taking place in our Marga. One new dogma is piggy-backing itself on top of an existing one. In that way, this new dogma has been born. Specifically, the existing Hindu dogma of shraddhanjali or punyatithi has been redecorated and given a place in AM - not just in the form of so-called mahaprayan but also as an annual death day ceremony for Ananda Margiis who have passed away. Unfortunately this has become a general trend in our Marga society. Some may think this is something glorious, but when it runs contrary to Baba's teaching, then there is no question of it being something good. Rather it is a dogma that should be removed.

NEW DOGMA: TURNING THE DEATH OF THEIR DEAR RELATIVE INTO AN ANNUAL DEATH CEREMONY

Since 1990, there have been innumerable cases wherein families in AM choose to observe the anniversary of the death of their cherished relative. For instance, if someone dies on July 1st, then instead of observing their death for the standard period of 12 days as per Baba's system, such families opt to celebrate the death for years and years, by honoring the anniversary of the death each year on July 1. They mark those celebrations by reciting shlokas, distributing food and clothes, and garlanding the deceased margiis's photo etc. Just as is done in the Hindu dogma of punya tithi / shraddha. To some naive persons this may sound "honorable" or "respectful", but it is totally 100% against Baba's system. Of course we all know that Baba has firmly declared in Caryacarya that the period of mourning shall be 12 days - no more. Baba says, "The period of mourning should not extend beyond twelve days." (CC-1) Thus to observe an annual death day ceremony is against Baba's guideline and against His wish. However, certain families justify that when so-called mahaprayan is observed every year as shraddhanjali (dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremony) in Tiljala, then why can't we (i.e. the family) observe the death of our dear loved one, each year on the anniversary of his death. They innocently think that by honoring the death day annually, they are pleasing both Baba and their deceased relative. But in true sense they are appeasing neither. Because to please Baba one must follow His teachings and to please a deceased person one must honor their wishes. And most often, in the case of a Ananda Margiis, honoring their wishes means following Guru. Thus by observing the annual death day, neither party - not the deceased nor Guru - is pleased. Yet people have fallen into this trap because that is the prevailing Hindu dogma and that is what groupists like Sarvatmananda have popularised in AM. This is the predicament and the new dogma that is taking birth.

MAHAPRAYAN: JUST A HINDU DOGMA OF ANNUAL SHRADDHA (DEATH) CEREMONY

It is well known that the founders of MPD dogma treat their so-called mahaprayan program in Tiljala as a yearly shraddha ceremony. The same Hindu dogma of "yearly shraddha" - observing the death of a human being year after year - has been named shraddhainjali and it is going on in the form mahaprayan. Each year at so-called mahaprayan the shraddha mantra which is for general persons death, is repeated - with just a few changes. And side by food is served and gifts are given to the poor. Just like in the dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremonies for deceased human beings. Indeed, this is the common Hindu dogmatic platform in India. Each year, the shraddhanjli or punyatithi of deceased political leaders like Indira Gandhi is performed. In that way, dogmatic Hindus garland their photo, offer food to the poor, and distribute clothing. Since 1990, this same dogma has been going on in AM in the form of the so-called mahaprayan occasion. Thus the MPD program in Kolkata is nothing but a mirror image of Hindu dogma - plus MPD is openly observed as a type of mourning / sad ceremony. Whereas in AM, our annual festivals are marked by joy & celebration. No annual festival in AM is based on sorrow. Baba says, "You may participate in all sorts of festivals which are blissful and free from defect." (CC-2, Society chapter, point 35) But see how the "founders" have described the 2009 dogmatic MPD program as sad and solemn, plus you will see by their description that they just copied the Hindu dogma of annual shraddha or punyatithi by doing mass feeding and distributing clothes etc. "The 19th anniversary of Mahaprayan of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii has been solemnly observed today...where His mortal remains were cremated...There was mass feeding of more than a thousand poor people and about 500 persons were given new clothes..." (B group PRS, 10/21/2009 12:54 PM) As mentioned above, this very same thing happens at all dogmatic punyatithi programs across India. So this is not some glorious thing invented by certain Dadas, rather the so-called mahaprayan program is just the prevailing dogma that is common in all of India. Baba Himself condemned such antics. Thus from top to bottom - the "solemnity" and sadness to food distribution etc - the whole so-called mahaprayan agenda is painted in the colour of the dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremony. For that reason and more, mahaprayan is just one dogma.

SOME AM FAMILIES ARE DOING SAME THING

But by witnessing the dogma of MPD in AM, which is just a re-make of the dogmatic Hindu punyatithi program, some family margiis are inculcating this same dogma with their deceased family members. They think they are doing something glorious by pleasing all parties involved - wishing that the dead person reaches heaven and praising Parama Purusa - but Baba is never pleased by the spread of dogma. In AV 10, Baba openly jokes about those dogmatic worshipers who pay salutations to all the gods and goddesses in order to appease every deity etc. Baba raise the point that in reality there is only one God and He is not at all happy seeing such dogmatic things. Thus those involved in worshiping all kinds of idols etc are in fact not pleasing any Divine Entity. Similarly, those involved in observing the annual death ceremony of their uncle or grandfather etc are not gaining points with Parama Purusa. Rather they are facing degradation. Because one cannot please Baba by indulging in a bogus practice from Hindu dogma. But some margiis fall into this trap because it is crude and easy, far easier than doing sadhana. That is why it has become somewhat popular. Mostly though, in their innocence margiis are just trying to do something respectful and do not mean to do any harm. They are just emulating what they see happening in Kolkata each year. There are quite a number of margii families involved in such annual death day celebrations. And at present, the revered family of N.R.K. Raju is also planning such a death day celebration in April 2010 on the first anniversary of his death. But we should discourage such things. First, we do not believe in heaven so there is no need to pray for any margii's arrival into heaven. Nor should we offer physical articles like food and clothing in hopes that they will get those things when they reach heaven. Rather ours is a most rational approach. In the case of deceased margiis, we should know that they have reached Baba's divine lap and gotten ultimate salvation, i.e. they have become one with Baba. And in the case of ordinary persons, they have been reborn to continue their journey along the path of pratisaincara. Thus in neither case is the deceased person in heaven, as the Hindu dogma stipulates. But again, some margii families have gotten caught up in annual death day celebrations because the Kolkata faction has reinforced this Hindu dogma as being something great. By doing this with Baba for their so-called mahaprayan program, they have indirectly or directly influenced the minds of innocent margiis who want to revere their deceased family members. By this chain of events so many have been led astray. And through it all, Parama Purusa Baba does not at all approve. Just as a drunkard will offer alcohol to all they meet - the drunkard thinks because he likes alcohol then all must like it - similarly dogmatic worshipers will think that their crude dogma will be pleasing to others. So they indulge in ritualistic death day ceremonies. But such antics are not at all appreciated in AM. The fact that one group invented their so-called mahaprayan program based on Hindu dogma does not then mean that all AM family members should create similar programs for their deceased. Doing so is to invite the wrath of Parama Purusa, not His favour. Plus it is a disservice to the deceased as they were honorable margiis and now in their name one dogma is being performed. So it is a total loss in so many ways.

DOGMA JUST GETS REPEATED

In their crude manner, the founders of so-called mahaprayan become happy by watching others drown by inculcating the annual death day ceremony into their family observations. They feel joy watching their dogma spread. Baba describes this defective mentality in His below teaching. Baba says, "Even educated people knowingly submit to dogma. They know that they are surrendering their intellect to dogma, and that the outcome will be undesirable; they know and understand everything. Why, even then, do they knowingly submit to it? They are all deliberate sinners and intentionally accept dogmas as truth. They observe that these dogmas are based on A'tma-Sukha Tattva; but they think, "I don't care whether it does good or harm to others, because at last I have enjoyed some pleasure!" Being motivated by this idea, they enslave themselves to dogmas." (NH-LOI, p.37) Such is the dark mind-set of the founders of MPD dogma. Intellectually and even spiritually they know Baba is eternal, but they mourn His so-called death each and every year in the fashion of dogmatic Hindus because they get some enjoyment by this dogma. It brings money to their group and makes Kolkata into the capital of AM. For these selfish pleasures they indulge in this dogma. Of course nowadays, most margiis and field workers are critically aware that MPD is one dogma - thus hardly anyone attends. But that does not stop the founders of MPD from trying to impose their dogma on others. The concluding point is this: All family margiis should be aware that the so-called MPD program is not a guiding light for making annual death day observations for their deceased family members. This is not the way of dharma and benefits no one - rather the organisers will incur negative samskaras.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace the way to please Him and honour our deceased family member is by adhering to His teachings and guidelines and not getting caught up in various dogmas like punyatithi (annual Hindu shradda ceremony) etc. Baba says, "From the very starting point you should be active, you should be vocal, in fighting against the influence of dogmas. It is due to these dogmas that human society could not progress properly." (AV-30) Baba says, "When people are established in devotion, they attain a state called “ist'a nis't'a” – devotion for one’s goal. In that stage there is but one dominant thought: “Whatever I do, be it social, political or socio-economic service, the motivating thought in my mind will be to please Parama Purus'a”. (AV-8) Namaskar, Shivadayal

******************************************** How Meaningful

Baba says, "A jiiva is manifested out of Paramashiva as a jiiva in human body-- or rather, simultaneously in the Cosmic Body and in a human body. Each and every microcosmic structure is like a universe. Hence the yoga of scriptures say, Traelokye ya'ni bhu'ta'ni ta'ni dehatah-- 'Whatever exists in the universe exists in your small structure as well." (DKG, p.19)

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A Key Point For...

To: AM-GLOBAL From: "Phoenix Chapman" Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:02:38 -0700 Subject: A Key Point For... Baba "Tumi bhuliya' giya'cho a'ma're..." (P.S. 4102) Purport: Baba, You always hold me in Your heart. That is why it is so painful that now You have forgotten me. All my efforts are going in vain: Singing Prabhat Samgiita according to the tune and melody, crying in yearning for You and looking towards the path of Your arrival, and also trying to hold You in my ideation, meditation, and dhyana. All these efforts are getting wasted. Because You have forgotten me. That is why You are not paying any heed to my efforts. O' Prabhu, by Your grace I never forget You. Because Your introduction is my introduction, then how I can forget You. By Your wee-bit of grace all the time-- every moment-- I am always floating. My whole existence is depending upon Your karuna, divine compassion. Baba, age after age-- what type of liila is this that are You are playing with this meagre entity like myself. In Your divine liila my role is to always get neglected by You. This has been going on since ages; You never cared about me. Baba, You do not love me. Baba, all the time, in the dawn, morning, midday, evening, You go on playing hide and seek with me. Why this type of divine play. Baba please come in my heart...

== A KEY POINT FOR THIS ERA-- & ALWAYS ==

Namaskar, In this critical period when the leadership is so helter-skelter, here is something that will surely keep us sadhakas on track-- simultaneously creating a proper collective flow.

ONE OF BABA'S SIGNIFICANT GUIDELINES

Baba says: "If human beings do not keep company with righteous people, or do not study holy books, if their minds are not saturated with love for the Supreme Entity, then this group of enemy microvita infests their minds. Ultimately, the structure of those minds is crudified, and through dogma, reaches the nadir point of crudification." (MVNS, p. 15-16) We should follow this above quote of Baba. It is the duty of each and every disciple of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji to observe HIS guideline.

MUST ALWAYS FOLLOW DHARMA

In my life, I have experienced that in the beginning I often find it difficult to follow many of the rules of dharma (16 Pts etc). But good margiis friends and my acarya have told me again and again that on the point of dharma we should not try to find some excuse why not to follow, but rather the mentality should be to follow and adhere to all the rules even more strictly. This should be our approach. That is the guidance I have continually received by Baba's grace. So since then I have tried to follow all the aspects of 16 Points. Because they were also telling that in one of His discourses, Baba guides us that even in our jokes and humour we should not move a single step away from the path of dharma.

BABA'S UNIQUE TEACHING ON GREATNESS IN LIFE

Similarly, in one of the discourses which Baba has given during the Bhukti Pradhan reporting in Tiljala, Calcutta, then Baba told that many persons think, 'I will do something great when dharma and adharma fight will start, like Mahabharata'. But in their regular day to day life these same persons do not care. They think, 'When Mahabharat types of battles happen, then I will support dharma. Otherwise when involved in simple things in day to day life, then I need not to take trouble'. The point being that if one does not follow dharma all the time then one can never follow dharma. That is Baba's warning. Furthermore Baba guides us that in the lives of most human beings, such great battles of dharma never happen. Means most people never get the opportunity to participate in such types of battles. Rather in their life only 2 major things happen. One is the moment of their birth and other is the time of their death. Beyond that not much else happens. And at those two important times it is hard to perform great deeds. Because at the time of one's birth, one is just a baby & thus incapable of doing anything. Likewise, at the at the time of death one is old and feeble, in which case it is very difficult to manage. So the essence of Baba's teaching is that we human beings should follow the principle of dharma all the time. At every opportunity, small or big.

DHARMA IS THE FLOW OF LIFE

Baba says, one must have to follow dharma all the 24hrs.

Sutra 2-7: 'Tasmaddharmah Sadakaryah.' Meaning: "Dharma should always be practiced."

IN THIS PRESENT ERA THE MENTAL MIRROR OF DHARMA IS NEEDED

Now, at this present moment, is the delicate time when a few are getting confused about what to do and what not to do. In that case they are getting misguided by one or another group or subgroup etc, and in that way they end up getting misled. So this is a very delicate time. Thus we should strive hard to follow Baba's above teaching: In every moment in our day to day life we have to follow dharma. Then only will the mind will be serene and pure. In which case internally one's own inner vivek (conscience) will develop more and more such that one will be able to see with pristine clarity what is to be done. Otherwise people get confused again and again and get permanently caught up in the negative track. Because always one or another sub-group faction will try to convince you that their way is best. So to avoid that poor outcome, it is needed in one's practical, day-to-day life to adhere to dharma in all regards, on all the points-- including all the simple things. In each and every sphere dharma should be upheld. Only then will the proper guideline always get reflected in the mind, in which case one will not go astray. Otherwise this time is very delicate; this is the crucial time when a lot of problems are coming on this globe. Various types of natural calamities, severe types of economic problems, political problems-- all these things are coming.

SIXTEEN POINTS IS THE ANSWER

So whom to support, what to do, what not to do, all these decisions & answers do not come until one does not follow dharma strictly-- in their everyday practical life. And that means following 16 Points. And when one does that, then the direct guidelines of dharma will come from within. And the right answer will always be found. This is Baba's expressed guideline. By Baba's grace those who are following dharma, they never get misled or defeated. That is the key point. Thus in one's practical life one should follow dharma. And then the grace of Parma Purusa, the grace of Baba will be there. And one will always be victorious in each and every step of life. All this Baba has told in numerous discourses.

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Marching ahead is Jiivan Dharma (the characteristic wont of life). And to march ahead, carrying all, viewing the world humanity as an integral entity, is the principal aspect of Jiivan Dharma. Resolve courageously to observe this Jiivan Dharma. Remember:

'Yato Dharmah tato istah, yato istah tato jayah.'

"Where there is Dharma, there is Ista (Baba) and where there is Ista, there is Victory." (AV #43) Namaskar, Phanindra

NOTE: MORE OF BABA'S ETERNAL TEACHINGS ON DHARMA

Here following are a few more of Baba's divine guidelines about dharma: (A) Baba says, "Only dharma accompanies you even after death. None but dharma is suhrd (Eternal Friend)."

'Eka eva suhrd dharma nidhane api anuyati yah' "Dharma alone is suhrd and remains with one till the end." (AV-5)

(B) Baba says, "Dharma raks'ati raks'itah-- one who protects dharma is protected by dharma. Dharma saves the dha'rmika, the upholder of dharma, in the material sphere, in the subtle sphere and in the casual sphere. When dharma saves people in the material sphere, they experience it before their very eyes, they hear it with their ears, they feel it with the tenderness of touch. When dharma helps them in the causal sphere, they experience it by loving Parama Purusa with all the sweetness of their hearts. This feeling has no external expression. When dharma saves people in the subtle sphere, they experience it through deep reflection." (Shivokti 11) (C) Here Baba reveals how dharma works secretly. Baba says, "With the increasing development of the power of reflection, dharmik people realize that dharma is always with them in a very subtle way. They further realize that their dharma and their beloved Parama Purusa are one and inseparable."

'Dharmasya su'ks' ma' gatih' Meaning: "The ways of dharma are very subtle." (NSS, '95 Edn, p.156)

(D) Here Baba guides us that dharma is the essence of life.

'Dhriyate dharma itya'huh sa eva paramam' prabhu' Meaning: "Dharma is that which sustains."

Baba says, "The seed of humanity cannot sprout and flourish unless it is planted in the soil of dharma. To diverge from the path of dharma means to rush headlong towards total annihilation. In all one's actions one should keep Parama Purus'a as the goal, and be well established in dharma." (APH-8)

****************************************** MAMMALS AND LOVE

Baba says, "There are fishes who carry something like a sack inside their bodies and they carry their children in those sacks. There are some snakes who also take their children with them. Not only have they inborn instinct, but they have something more, that is, they have love and affection for their children. This is also true of some species of snakes, but love and affection for their children is more prominent in mammals. Mammals are more developed than non-mammals because in the case of mammals mothers feed the children with their breast-milk and certainly they have got affection for their children -- that is why they do so." (YP '98, Edn, p.83) Note: Mothers of financially poorer countries keep their babies along with them and breast-feed their infants. But the case is different with so-called advanced mothers from around the globe-- especially in the so-called developed nations. In those so-called developed places, neither do those mothers want to breast-feed their infants nor do they want to keep their infants along with them. So in comparison to those animals we have to see how far the whole situation is working. Because those mammals and animals do love and care for their offspring; accordingly, then humans are more advanced so they should express more love. And mothers of poor countries do like that. But the strange thing is that mothers from the so-called advanced countries... With the scale of Baba's above teaching, we have to judge whether such mothers are really developed or moving in the opposite direction.

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