== WHAT EVERY NEW SADHAKA SHOULD KNOW ==
Namsakar,
This letter, the first in a series, focuses on an array of important
points for new sadhakas to know. After all. AM pracar is one of our
first and foremost duties.
Baba says, "...It is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margiis to
endeavour to bring all to the path of bliss..." (Supreme Command)
To this end, a few senior margiis gathered and came up with a few points
- intellectual and devotional - that will be helpful for us to propagate
to new people as they come onto the path. These points will be presented
in an ongoing series of letters.
Please do share your experiences and thoughts as well - because we all
have taken the duty and responsibility under Guru to do pracar and
everyone has their own particular talents, skills and knowledge in this
important arena.
"AS YOU THINK, SO YOU BECOME"
Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii
Baba says, "As you think, so you become." (AV-12)
Baba has given this seemingly simple guideline in a number of
discourses. Some new people may have heard or read this and think they
understand. Other new people may not have yet come across it.
We should ensure that every new sadhaka understands the full import of
this teaching because this is one of the very revolutionary aspects of
Ananda Marga.
These days, with the great popularity of yoga, most yoga groups solely
focus on the physical, or they may include their own interpretation of
pranayama as well.
Only AM offers the full system for transforming one's person into
godhood. And the above guideline, "as you think so you become", is
instrumental to our approach.
HOW IT WORKS: Part 1
When Baba says, "as you think so you become", He is telling us that we
must have some control or restraint in our thinking.
If one thinks of something mundane or crude they will transform into
that object - step by step. That is one part of the equation.
Baba says, "It is the natural wont of the mind to take the shape of its
object of meditation. If the object of worship is crude, say money or
any crude thing, the mind takes the shape of that crude thing in the
course of time." (Baba in Fiesch)
And not just money, in this materialistic era people's minds are riddled
by all kinds of thoughts: name, fame, jealousy, stress, anger, sex,
fear, enemies, disease and so much more. And by thinking in this way,
part, or even all of their mind, gets consumed in that thing. By that
way, the problem festers and grows.
Wild or uncontrolled thinking is one of the main causes of both psychic
and physical diseases in materialistic societies.
Those new to the path of sadhana - and even those not yet on the path -
should be informed of the adverse effects of this equation, "As you
think so you become."
HOW IT WORKS: Part 2
Then there is the other side of the equation: If we refine our thoughts
to focus in a spiritual manner we will move towards the Supreme.
This also we should preach and teach to every new sadhaka. By this way
they can not only free the mind of so many fetters and distractions, but
one can truly move ahead on the spiritual path.
In AM, that is exactly what our system of sadhana is - a methodical
manner of thinking wherein the mind focuses on the Ista.
Baba says, "Concentrated thinking is called “meditation”... In spiritual
parlance, when the mental flow is directed towards the goal, that is,
the Supreme Entity, it is called “concentration”, but in metaphysical
terms, it is a concept of dharma. Concentrated thinking leads to the
development of positive ideas...in the process of constant mental flow
towards the goal. In the process of meditation the following things are
involved – brain cells, apexed or pinnacled psychology, concentrated
thinking, Guru cakra and ultimate devotion." (YP)
Thus concentrated thinking is a integral part of our approach. By this
way one can transform their entire existence. Even those who are
terribly depressed and anxiety ridden can become stellar sadhakas
through this method. And this is unique to AM. No one else other than
Baba highlights the sublime importance of thinking.
So those new to AM should understand that they will not get this
teaching nor this practice on other paths and they should clearly
understand and experience the dynamism of this practice.
Our mantra japa in first lesson or sixth lesson is the culminating
practice of, "as you think so you become." By bringing the mind back
again and again to the idea of the mantra and training the mind to
maintain that flow, then one's entire physical, psychic and spiritual
existence gets transformed. Then one veritably becomes divine. Then one
becomes Parama Purusa. That is Baba's teaching for every sadhaka to
realise - new or old.
BABA'S MANDATE
Because this principle - as you think so you become - is such an
important guideline Baba reminds us of this again and again.
Baba says, "I told you, or I have been telling you, that a man takes the
form of his psychic object; that is, your very existence will be
converted into your psychic object. You should select your psychic
object very carefully." (AV-12)
Really then, we should share the import of this concept with all new
sadhakas. By this way we too may become more aware of the use of our
mantra, either during and / or after sadhana.
As pracarakas, this equation - as you think so you become - is one
important point of our approach. So many in the world nowadays are
looking for something new. And our Marga has all the practices they need
to transform their life.
So those being introduced to na'ma mantra meditation or first lesson or
even just kiirtan, should be made aware of the profound effects of this
subtle science.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace He has blessed us with the practical method of how to
ideate on Him. We should share this technique with one and all. We
should never allow others to settle for any lesser approach. It is
everyone's birthright to get Him - by their thoughts alone, one can
attain His eternal shelter, by His grace.
Baba says, 'It is also stated in Tantra that if a person wants only to
attain limited progress, one may practise on certain limited ideas. But
those who are genuine seekers of Brahma will never agree to worship any
finite idea. Those who want the Supreme Entity will have to ideate on
Parama Purus'a alone. People may attain limited achievement in terms of
occult power through the grace of the gods and goddesses, but they will
remain far away from the attainment of the Supreme Entity." (DT-1)
Namaskar,
Chandramohan
Note 1: IDOL WORSHIP IS THE WORST
Here Baba points out the very negative effect of dogmatic idol worship.
But none should think this adverse reaction is limited to idol worship.
Any persistent engagement in crude thoughts (sex, money, greed,
jealousy, etc) will turn one into negative microvita.
Baba says, "“If idols made of wood, clay, iron or any other metal are
accepted as objects of meditation, then what will be the result?” It is
said, Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii [“As you think,
so you become”]. The aspirants’ own entitative existence will be turned
into clay, metal or wood – a state which in the scriptures is called
Prakrtiliina [negative microvita]. It is a dreadful state." (SS-11)
Note 2: SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Please write in with your thoughts regarding what you feel is very
important to impart to new people on the path.
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