== LUNATIC ==
Namaskar,
With the recent passing cycle of the recent new moon, we should
once again reflect on the importance of our fasting system.
Baba has given all the practices of Ananda Marga for the health and
well-being of all. So what Baba has given is good for every human being.
One reason for this is that our AM practices abide by the laws of nature.
Everything we do is consonant with the natural world.
And this applies to our fasting system as well-- it is done according to
the phases of the moon. By this way we are able to grow healthy and strong
and avoid disturbances to our body and mind caused by the pull of the moon.
EFFECT OF THE MOON ON THE BODY
It is commonly know that the gravitional pull of the moon affects the human
body. And in particular during the periods of the new and full moon, it
adversely affects the human structure.
Baba says, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe
that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and
chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling." (CC-3)
In essence, Baba guides us above that the moon pulls the liquid portion--
or the water of the body-- upwards and that creates undue pressure on the
"head and chest".
So just as it is scientifically proven that the tides of the ocean are
dictated by the phases of the moon, similarly the liquid factor in the
human body is also affected by the phases of the moon.
And during the period of the new and full moon, the pull of the moon
impairs the functioning of the human body by pulling the gas and liquid
upwards.
That is our well founded idea in Ananda Marga. That is Baba's explicit
teaching.
AS GOES THE BODY, SO GOES THE MIND
In our yoga we also know that the mind and body are highly linked. Thoughts
affect the health of the body, and the condition of the body affects the
mind, postively or negatively.
So when the body is adversely affected by the moon-- due to uneasy pressure
etc-- then the mind is also affected. This is the common theorem. Because
if there is a problem in the body then the mind will be drawn to that pain
or that discomfort, in which case the mind will be not functiong in its
normal manner.
This we all know and we have seen often in the case of people who suffer
from most any physical disease or syndrome. General citizens suffer
tremendously in the psychic sphere due to physical illness. This always
happens-- unless one is properly or even highly developed in the spiritual
realm etc.
LUNACY AND LUNATICS
So now we come to the point of the full moon, our fasting, and crazy
behaviour. Because when it is sure that the moon affects the body, and the
body affects the mind, then it stands to reason that the full moon and
imbalanced behaviour go hand in hand. Let's take a closer look.
The latin word for moon is 'luna'. And not coincidentally, that 'luna' is
the root of the words 'lunacy' and 'lunatic'.
Reason being that it has long been noticed, that people's crazy behaviour--
or lunacy-- increases at the time of the full moon.
More extreme types of crimes are seen in this time; there are more visits
to counselors & social workers; hospital visits are increased; and various
types of unusual behaviour is more noticeable during times of the full
moon. This is the commonly held belief.
And the yogic response to this is that since the body is negatively
affected by the full moon then the mind also gets negatively affected.
That is why Baba recommends we fast during the periods of the full and new
moon as that will counteract the harmful effect of the new and full moon.
Baba says, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe
that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and
chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, if a person does not
take food at these times, these factors will be drawn down from the higher
portions of the body to the lower portions, thereby alleviating the
uncomfortable feeling." (CC-3)
NOT JUST MYTH
The western scientific machine has mixed views on this point. They
mockingly write off the effect of the moon on the human mind and body-- or
at the very least they say it is unproven that the full moon leads to
irregular behaviour and crazier antics by human beings.
Such scientists write off the luna and lunatic theory as being: An old,
unfounded belief by indigenous cultures; a cognitive bias; a general
misconception; and, a result of the indulgence of the mass media.
Thus various, so-called upstanding scientists claim that there is no real
link between the moon and human behaviour, between 'luna' and 'lunacy'.
They mosty write it off as myth for the reasons mentioned above.
However, this is the same scientific guild that does not recognise the
importance of fasting, the benefits of vegetarianism, the presence of
microvita, the existence of mind, and so many other well known truths of
yoga.
Because their body of knowledge is limited to empirical, scientific
proofs-- that are often tainted by who funds the study-- and not based on
intuition or practical experience, nor the teachings of Taraka Brahma.
For that reason, the traditional western scientific world will always be a
few steps behind the ways of yoga. At least until AM ideals are fully
embraced by science-- but that may take a while.
OUR AM PRACTICE
Suffice to say here that the moon certainly affects both the mind and body.
And in our AM, the proof is that for this very reason Baba directs us to
fast during the periods of the new and full moon.
And by following Baba's directive to fast during those lunar periods, we
are rescued and saved from the harmful effects of the moon-- both in the
physical and psychic spheres.
And one thing is also sure, when the physical body is adversely affected,
such as during the time of the new and full moon, then sadhana is
difficult. Because of undue pressure in the higher cakras etc.
But when we fast, that alleviates the problem cent-per-cent. Because there
is no excess water that can be pulled higher up which creates an
uncomfortable feeling in the chest and head. Hence, sadhana can easily be
done.
So in the three realms, our AM practice of fasting during the full and new
moon periods, either 2 times monthly or 4 times montly, keeps us physically
healthy, mentally balanced, and spiritually inclinded.
And fasting also protects us from the ill effects of the moon such as
indigestion, headaches, and, yes, lunacy.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace, by following the guidelines of 16 Points, such as fasting
etc, we can move smoothly and swiftly ahead towards our cherished Goal.
Baba says, "In order to march ahead on the road of human welfare, we will
have to strengthen ourselves in all the arena of life. The complete seeds
of welfare in all the spheres – physical, mental, moral, social and
spiritual – are embedded in the sixteen points. Hence be firm on the
sixteen points." (Ananda Vanii #45)
Namaskar,
Divyajyoti
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Relations with Others
Baba says, "Bear in mind that you have a duty towards-- indeed, you owe a
debt to-- every creature of this Universe, but towards you, no one has any
duty; from others, nothing is due." (CC-II, 'Sadhana Section, pt #3)
Note: In the dogmatic religions this idea is taught God has created this
whole universe solely for the enjoyment of human beings. That is why they
kill animals and exploit downtrodden people up to the bone without any
qualms.
Motivated by this dogmatic teaching, selfish people's mind works in that
way. Such lowly people think that, 'Others have the duty to take care of my
situation and their own situation as well. And they should not bother me
about their own problems'. This is the way such selfish persons think.
And if due to some reason that same lowly person helps others then that
selfish person thinks that in the near future they want full return plus
interest of their so-called service. Thus there is no question of duty and
service; these ideals have no place in their mind.
Because of all this present day society's condition is unfavourable--
bleak. All around the west these things are quite common as well as in the
big metropolitan cities of the east. The same problem is there also.
But Baba's teaching leads in a different direction. In His above mandate
from Caryacarya, Baba is very beautifully guiding that our duty is to serve
everybody-- without any expectation from anyone in return.
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