== GUT FEELING ON BABA'S TEACHING ==
Namaskar,
This whole letter is related with maintaining the integrity and
presentation of AM teachings, and in particular the meaning of our Baba
Nam Kevalam mantra.
Apparently there are some who feel that Baba's teachings need to be
reinterpreted and/or modified in order to appease and attract the common
public. Such people like to give their own gut feeling.
We should seriously consider how far this approach is viable.
Because when Baba Himself has given clear-cut, perfect guidelines, then
where is there scope for us to interject our own interpretation. Rather
we are to understand and project His idea.
HOW THE DOGMATIC RELIGIONS OPERATE
The question then is, where did some in AM get the idea that Baba's
teachings should be softened or changed in order to enhance their
appeal? Probably from the dogmatic religions.
Actually, all the religions are in a real quagmire-- a really sticky and
unenviable situation.
All the so-called holy books of every religion are littered with
dogmatic ideas and outrageous sounding statements. Those statements
cannot stand up to the heightened rationality and scientific
achievements of today's modern world. People will literally think those
holy books are hogwash or useless.
For example, both the Koran and the Bible condone slavery. There are
many passages that literally state, 'One should take proper care of
their slaves', etc. The Torah of Judaism also support slavery. Then, on
the point of women, the Bible outrightly states that 'women brought sin
into this world'.
Indeed there is no end to the dogma and irrational ideas professed in
these holy books.
To escape from this, religious preachers make a living off of
reinterpreting what the Bible or Koran or the Torah says in order to
suit the mentality of today's people. Because no rational person will
accept that 'one should keep slaves' or that 'women are the cause of sin'.
So opportunistic religious preachers use 'the tricks of the trade' and
say, 'Oh no, that is not what the Bible means to say, do not take it so
literally, the real meaning is this...'.
And then they go on to tell something that will appease the mind of
today's people. And in this manner, month after month, year after year,
the dogmatic phrases of those so-called holy books get presented to the
public in a more digestible manner.
For their very survival the religions must do like this-- they have no
other recourse because the dogmatic words of their holy works are not at
all palatable to any reasonable human being.
THIS IS NOT NEEDED IN AM
This type of fancy footwork is not at all needed in AM. Why? Because all
of the teachings in AM are rational and based on dharma, not dogma.
Hence there is no need for us to make interpretive suppositions, or
modified statements about the meaning of Baba's words. No Wt or margii
needs to give their own opinion; no one need say what their gut feeling
is about AM ideas. AM teachings are not open to interpretation. As human
beings, as disciples, we are to understand Baba's viewpoint.
Baba says, "In the realm of dharma, the only true guide and controller,
motivating force and protector of the people, is an excellent and
comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut and bold
directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s personal daily
routine, to one’s social activities and collective motivation, to the
spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and closer to God." (NSS)
Baba says, "We should also remember that in the realm of dharma there
must be clear-cut injunctions in the form of dharma sha'stra [scriptural
treatises], and simultaneously there must be strict guardians who during
their lifetimes guide themselves as well as others according to those
scriptural injunctions." (NSS)
Hence AM teachings are complete. They should remain "as is" both in word
and meaning. Baba's idea is singular in nature and is not open to thirty
different interpretations.
Thus when Baba Himself has given our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra and when He
has also given the meaning of that mantra, then it is not open to
interpretation. Our duty is to perfectly represent His ideal in our
thought, word, and speech. As disciples, that is our sole approach.
However in this era of the internet, everyone and their brother has
become their own publishing house and their writings are filled with
tales of how they think the world should be, including their own
watered-down version of the meaning of Baba Nam Kevalam.
But we should not fall prey to such things. Our duty is to ensure that
the letter and intention of Baba's teachings remain as is. When Himself
has given the meaning of Baba Nam Kevalam then that should be accepted
and propagated, not any other.
MEANING OF OUR KIIRTAN MANTRA
Here Baba is giving His clear-cut explanation about the meaning of our
kiirtan mantra.
Baba says, "And what is Kiirtana? You are teaching your mind, you are
teaching your ear, what you are saying with your vocal cord. What is
that? To take only His name, and not so many names – London, Liverpool,
Birmingham, Santiago... What is the meaning of Kiirtana? “Ba'ba' Na'ma
Kevalam”. “Ba'ba'” means “the Dearest One”. Only the name of the Dearest
One, only the name of Parama Purus'a, and not so many names – Helsinki
or London or Santiago or Georgetown. (AV-12)
Hence our kiirtan mantra refers to the 'Dearest One' or 'God', and the
mantra means "Only the name of Parama Purusa". That is Baba's exact
teaching.
And as He is omniscient, He knows better than us that this is the
meaning that will appeal to the people and draw them to the path of dharma.
Unfortunately, some cowardly type of people in our Marga repeat again
and again that our kiirtan mantra means, 'Love is all there is'. This is
what they tell new people etc. But this is one nonsense type of
approach. Because then non-sadhakas and new people have their own idea
of what love is and will relate our kiirtan with all sorts of crude
ideas and images. That is the problem with such interpretive explanations.
Our kiirtan is pointed in nature and refers to that singular Entity, the
Parama Purusa Baba, and not some vague notion like love etc.
Here again Baba pointedly explains our kiirtan mantra.
Baba says, "And that’s why it is said in your Kiirtana, “Ba'ba' Na'ma
Kevalam,” that is, only that target, that goal, is yours. In your life
there cannot be two goals, and when you are doing Kiirtana, ascribing
God-hood to all your internal and external objectives, slowly your very
structure, your very being, your very sense of existence will be
converted. That’s why it is said, “Kevalam”; “Kevalam” means it is the
way, it is the route, there is no alternative." (AV-12)
Thus, Baba's teaching is conclusive. In our kiirtan we are singing and
dancing for Baba the Parama Purusa. He is our Goal. The mind must not be
diverted in any other direction. There is no scope for any second or
third style of interpretation of our kiitan mantra. Baba has given the
meaning and Baba's teachings are clear and conclusive.
Baba says, "To understand my nature you must do meditation. I keep no
ambiguity, I am clear, concrete, conclusive. My philosophy is a complete
philosophy, a complete way of life. I am complete in myself, and I want
every person to be complete in themselves. I am like an arrow – clear,
pointed." (SE)
By His grace those who do sadhana have the requisite devotion and
courage to follow Baba's teachings both in letter and spirit. Only
certain people of a cowardly nature feel the internal need to change
Baba's teachings and interpret and explain our kiirtan mantra as, 'Love
is all there is'.
Proper Ananda Margiis know and preach the real meaning, 'Only the name
of the Lord Baba'.
WHO IS CAPABLE OF INTERPRETING AM SCRIPTURE
To spread the ideals of AM, as Ananda Margiis we will have to talk about
and explain Baba's teachings. But that explanation should reflect Baba's
intention and idea, not our own petty thoughts or interpretation.
To achieve this one must be familiar with whole of AM scripture because
all of Baba's discourses are part of a greater body of knowledge. Thus
to properly talk about AM, one must know the entire philosophy and not
just bits and pieces here and there. That is Baba's warning.
Baba says, "The scriptures should always be interpreted by qualified
scholars, competent philosophers, and penetrating thinkers. If one tries
to interpret a profound scripture with superficial knowledge, the
interpreter appears ridiculous and the audience is confused." (NSS)
Hence when people with loose understanding of AM ideology try to explain
His teachings, then most often they just end up embarrassing themselves.
That is what we say happening again and again. People like Didi Ananda
Mitra, Dada Bhaksarananda, Dada Shraddhananda, and Dada Samanvayananda
all wrote books on AM philosophy and their books are filled with
countless mistakes. All because such so-called writers had only partial
understanding of Baba's teachings. That is why those who are familiar
with Baba's teachings think that those Dadas' and Didis' books are a joke.
Same is true with those who interpret Baba Nam Kevalam as, 'Love is all
there is'. They are merely embarrassing themselves and exposing their
shallow understanding.
Baba says, "They alone are entitled to speak about prapattiva'da who
have developed complete surrender. Man should be clear, clean and
conclusive. There should be no ambiguity in any sphere of life." (AV-12)
Thus only those who have fully immersed themselves in the light of
Ananda Marga are in a position to properly explain Baba's teachings.
That is His divine guideline and warning.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace He has given all the proper teachings for this era and
beyond. Baba knows the public psyche and what should be taught. If we
follow the letter and spirit of His ideas, then the whole world will
come running. All want something great and that is exactly what AM
offers. None then should get caught up in their own watered-down,
gut-feeling on the meaning of our sacred kiirtan mantra and interpret it
as, 'Love is all there is'.
Baba says, "What is the meaning of Kiirtana? “Ba'ba' Na'ma Kevalam”.
“Ba'ba'” means “the Dearest One”. Only the name of the Dearest One, only
the name of Parama Purus'a." (AV-12)
Namaskar,
Arisudan
Note 1: MORE OF BABA'S TEACHINGS
Here are more of Baba's teachings on this important topic.
Baba says, "Now, what is sha'stra? That which teaches discipline to
human beings is called sha'stra. It usually deals with the dos and
don’ts, that is, with what should be followed and what should not be
followed, what should be practised and what should not be practised. The
book which makes people well aware of the dos and don’ts is called
sha'stra. Sha'sana't ta'rayet yastu sah sha'strah parikiirttitah – “That
which provides clear-cut guidelines and thereby paves the way for the
liberation of spiritual aspirants is called sha'stra.”" (NSS)
Baba says, "Then “sam'vadadhvam”. In Sam'skrta the verb “va” means “to
speak”. Everybody speaks, so what is the import of “sam'vadadhvam”?
“Sam'vadadhvam” means that you are to be guided by that supreme Spirit
that makes you speak in the same line, that is your language must not
have any ambiguity. It should be free from all ambiguities. It should be
clear, conclusive and decisive." (AV-3)
Note 2: STRUCTURAL DEFECTS MAY BE THE CAUSE
There are all kinds of reasons why people may succumb to dogma. It may
happen due to self-interest, cowardly nature, political gain etc. And
here Baba points out how it may be due to defects in their physical
structure. That may be why they cannot follow Baba.
Baba says, "If there is under-secretion of the hormones of the testes
glands, a youth will develop less kindness, and less hair will grow in
the armpits and pubic region. If you see a man with these physical
characteristics, then and there you can come to a conclusion about the
extent of his kindness. Moreover, such a person will most likely support
dogma. He will not have the moral strength to protest against dogma
(including scriptural dogma), and he will not support a new idea." (YP)
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Brave Persons
Baba says, "Do not remain worried about your individual problems at all.
Be prepared to carry your own burden and be prepared also to carry the
burdens of others. Then alone are you brave. Be dagdhabiija. Everyone
has their own individual problems. Do not try to pass them on to others.
On the contrary, bear the burdens of others. No one is your enemy. Be
ready to bear the burdens of others." (AV-30, p.4)
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