== SAMAITABHAVA ==
Namaskar,
As the global issues emerge in more serious ways, as technology
speeds up life, as so many things come to a head in this transitional
period, we have to be aware of Baba's guidelines for keeping mental balance.
GAINING SUCCESS IN LIFE
In this world we have so many duties and responsibilities, so many
things to do. Especially being Ananda Margiis our works are countless--
endless, or so it seems. Society needs help in all the directions, in
all the realms, and by Baba's grace He has given us the pathway how to
proceed. So there is much to be done.
But one thing for us all to remember is Baba's timeless teaching that to
successfully do anything in this life it demands having a free mind-- a
balanced mind. That is, the mind should be free from all complexes.
Baba says, "To attain complete success in life, the fourth principle is
samata'bha'va, that is, mental equipoise, mental balance. There must not
be any complex in the mind -- neither superiority complex nor
inferiority complex." (AV-30)
COMPLEXES ARE A PSYCHIC DISEASE
MENTAL EQUIPOISE IS A GREAT QUALITY
Here Baba further points out the negative nature of complexes and He
simultaneously directs us to keep samata'bha'va, mental balance.
Baba says, "Complex of any sort - superiority or inferiority - is a
psychic malady, a mental disease. You must maintain a psychic balance."
(Kolkata Dec 2 '79)
Thus mental balance is one central target in life. We should aim for
this in all circumstances. And once we have it, & by His grace can keep
it, then that is one of the best attributes a human being can have.
Baba says, "Maintaining a balanced mind is one of the greatest virtues.
There are no complexes in a balanced mind. One neither feels inferior
nor superior to others; one never fears anybody nor ever gets perturbed.
One maintains a mental balance." (AV-5)
So by striving for and achieving mental balance, then so many other plus
points come along with it. Then the mind will be complex-free, enabling
us to generate positive relations with one and all. Because when we do
not feel that we are better or worse than the next person, then it
becomes easy to establish a heart-felt connection. So that is one
distinct benefit.
In addition, Baba tell us that when one is in a state of samata'bha'va,
they will neither be fearful nor full of anxiety. They will remain in a
natural state of ease and contentment-- not burdened by any negative
tendencies of the mind.
All these positive outcomes are a tremendous boon for human existence.
LEADING A LIFE OF SEVA
Without question, one of the top-most results of having a balanced mind
is that then one will be able to maximally help and serve others.
Because when we can feel their joys and sorrows and understand their
problems then we can also present them with the solutions. In that case,
by Baba's grace, they can progress.
So with a balanced mind-- with samata'bha'va-- we can best lead a life
of seva, i.e. helping one and all to advance. And that is the dharma of
human beings: To make one's own self great and make others great also--
"...to lead others along the path of righteousness".
WHEN SAMATA'BHA'VA IS LOST
In contrast when due to lack of sadhana we are unable to attain a state
of equipoise or if we lose that stance of mental balance, then that
invites numerous problems for oneself and for others also.
In that case we are unable to weigh the pros and cons of life and end up
making poor decisions-- lowering our own position and misleading others
as well.
For example suppose Ram or Shyam prematurely forms an opinion about
others, a conclusion which is totally wrong or off-base. Then that
invariably leads to problems and harms others. In that case, in the
future nobody will want to listen to Ram or Shyam's words. Then that Ram
or Shyam will lose all their social prestige and respect. All these
pitfalls come from lack of mental balance.
That is why-- among other things-- Baba warns to stay balanced and not
proceed hastily.
Baba says, "Do not judge anyone to be good or bad hastily, nor express your
opinion." (CC-2, 'Society' chapter, pt #41)
As we can feel, Baba's specific guideline is that with a cool mind-- a
balanced mind-- we should view all the things in life, otherwise
countless problems will crop up.
BABA'S FINAL WORD
Considering all the angles, by Baba's grace it is clear that
samata'bha'va is one key point for human existence because with a
balanced mind we can help ourselves and help others. And that is the
greatest utilisation of this human life.
Hence as long as we are alive this should be our approach. Here
following is Baba's dharmic mandate.
Baba says, "You should remain in this world and do your duty with a
balanced mind." (SS-21, 'Jaeva Dharma & Bhagavata Dharma')
By Baba's grace may we all get success in this grand endeavour.
Namaskar,
Mahesh
Note 1: HOW TO OVERCOME SUPERIORITY COMPLEX
Here Baba supplies us with the special formula for keeping mental
balance and not succumbing to any type of superiority complex.
Baba says, "People must always bear in mind that 'Whatever I have
acquired is all by the grace of Parama Purus'a. If He decides that I
should not possess wealth [or any other quality etc], He will take it
away at any moment He wishes.' So no one should feel pride about
anything under any circumstances." (AV-16)
By seeing everything as Baba's fathomless grace then we will not get
puffed up with vanity and instead will be able to maintain mental
balance at all times.
Note 2: HOW TO OVERCOME INFERIORITY COMPLEX
In His below teaching Baba teaches us how to keep mental balance and not
fall into the depths of an inferiority complex.
Baba says, "What about the inferiority complex, that makes you think of
yourself as inferior to others? You must have noticed that the minds of
those who are less educated become a bit diffident: 'We don't have much
learning.' Again, those who are poor suffer from a similar diffidence.
'We are so poor, and have no one to turn to.' But what causes such
diffidence? [They forget that] everyone on this earth is a child of
Parama Purus'a; no one is big or small. All are related as brothers and
sisters.' (DKG)
By remembering we are all the beautiful expressions of that Divine
Entity Parama Purusa, then no inferiority complex can creep into the
mind. Then we will keep our mental balance.
Note 3: BABA'S STERN WARNING FOR ALL SADHAKAS
Baba says, "When samata'bha'va is lost, then one begins feeling that
there is a group of people far inferior to oneself. Such a pattern is to
be observed in the case of people who have come to the city from the
village. They say that they don't feel like returning to the village, as
the villagers are illiterate and under-developed. This feeling is very
dangerous. And if such feelings creep into the mind as a result of
having acquired a little intellectual knowledge, the chances of
developing this complex are much greater in the realm of spirituality,
when a sa'dhaka begins feeling somewhat elevated with the development of
some occult powers and the feeling of a little bliss. In the second
stage of spiritual practice every sa'dhaka faces this test. One must be
very, very cautious, so that vanity may not develop." ('Dialogue of
Shiva and Parvatii- 3')
Note 4: BALANCED MIND NEEDED TO TEACH AND TO LEARN
Baba says, "The third fundamental of education is that teachers and
students should have a balanced mind." (PNS-18, 'Talks On Education')
In His above teaching Baba guides us that mental balance is needed in
order to both guide and learn from others.
Note 5: A SPECIAL TIP FOR KEEPING A BALANCED MIND
Baba says, "In order to have a balanced mind and to progress
spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of
the food they eat. The idea that 'I will just do my sa'dhana' and eat
any food, proper or improper' will not do." (YP)
Note 6: BABA'S BLESSING
Baba says, "Your duty is to utilise totally and properly this physical
body and mind. By thinking always of Him and talking of Him psychic
elevation takes place. Go on moving towards Him. In Him alone lies Your
individual good and social good. You have come with human body, human
intellect. Your human life will become fruitful. By His grace you have a
human body and human mind and you should also bear in mind that by His
grace alone you have to move ahead in life. By His grace alone He is to
be attained. You will attain Him -- certainly you will attain Him." (AV-22)
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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 f 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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