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All the letters on this blog are directly related with the teachings of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji Baba.To communicate with the editors of this forum or receive postings of this blog, email us at: anandamargauniversal@earthlink.net

Baba


Namaskar,


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Even Small Things Help in Sadhana

Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:06:43 -0000 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: Subject: Even Small Things Help in Sadhana Baba "Bha'loba'si toma'y a'mi, keno ta' ja'ni na'..." P.S. 2329 Purport: Baba, I love You but I do not know why I love You. You go on pulling my heart-- but what is the mystery behind this, that I do not understand. Baba, You are the divine effulgence of my dark heart. By Your grace I will never allow that effulgence to get extinguished. Baba, I will always keep Your love in my heart. All the love I have in the deep core of my heart, and all the hopes and longings I have in my mind, all my desires and aspirations are revolving around You. And they get expressed through Your songs, dance, melody, and rhythms. Baba, You are my everything. Where I am, where I will go, and from where I have come, all these types of useless questions never come in my mind, by Your grace. Baba, I do not even want to know these things. Just I am fully depending on You-- that You know everything and that everything is in Your control. Baba, You are always ever gracious on me. I love You; my whole existence is Yours...
== EVEN SMALL THINGS HELP IN SADHANA ==
Namaskar, In recent times I have been struggling-- more than usual-- in sadhana. I did not know which way to turn for help. Life was busy and it seemed like sadhana was getting away from me. Certainly there are so many high ideals to inspire us to move ahead, but those all seemed quite elusive to me at the time. After talking with one acarya, I thought I should try and work from the ground up. So I took renewed interest in my asana practice as way to get back into a proper sadhana flow. Here I do not mean asanas as in all those postures that are currently part of the new yoga craze. Rather I am referring to the three or four sadhana oriented asanas as given by Beloved Baba. By His grace, it has been these postures which have revived my sadhana practice. Of course there are many things that create a good sadhana flow including kiirtan, svadhyaya, satsaunga, second lesson, diet, intermittent dhyana etc. All these contribute significantly to our meditative state and success in sadhana. At the same time, we should also not forget how seemingly small(er) practices like asanas also play an important, if not invaluable, role.
WHAT ARE THOSE ASANAS
In a nutshell, we are talking about shashaungasana, viirasana, padmasana, and siddhasana, all of which are featured and described in Caryacaraya III as well as in the Acarya Diary. * Shashaunga'sana (Hare Pose): The real beauty and spiritual use of this asana is doing it before one's sadhana practice. It helps calm the mind and breath and awakens and stimulates the pineal gland. So doing 8 rounds of this asana just before starting one's sadhana practice is extremely useful. Personally, I found this asana to be quite beneficial in focusing the mind on my sadhana endeavour. Without that, I find that my mind runs hither and thither. * Viira'sana (Hero Pose): As we all know this is our 3rd lesson asana. In the past I always used to kneel on my knees without curling the toes underneath, because that was easier and more comfortable. But now I sit in the posture correctly. My acarya told me that without doing so, then 3rd lesson will not be strong. And without a pointed approach in 3rd lesson, then dhyana is basically a waste of time. So this viira'sana is essential for sadhana. In the beginning, curling my toes underneath caused me great pain. But in just a short amount of time, the position became quite comfortable for me and I can better understand how it enhances concentration. Now, by Baba's grace, when I am in this posture, my mind easily gets more focused and I feel strong energy swirl through my entire body. * Padma'sana (Lotus Posture): Baba has placed great emphasis on this posture, especially in our practice of first lesson. In particular, it is helpful for doing our shuddhis. Because the whole import of doing our bhutashuddhi, asanashuddhi, and cittashuddhi is to withdraw the mind from worldly things and situate our mental feeling at our Ista cakra. And padma'sana helps goad the mind away from the physical realm. By first placing the right foot on the left thigh and then bringing the left foot over onto the right thigh, then that enhances concentration. To complete the pose, we then place the right hand on top of the left. Plus the tongue should be rolled back towards the roof of the mouth. This we have all learned and know. Even then it is not easy. I was having trouble with this, and my entire sadhana program was falling to pieces. By Baba's grace, my acarya noticed that I was merely sitting in a lazy, cross-legged position in sadhana, so he gently guided me to take up the practice of sitting in padma'sana. In the beginning I could just barely get into the position, but I could not remain there long. Within five minutes, or even two minutes, I thought that my knees would explode. Over time, my endurance in this pose has increased such that now by Baba's grace I can complete my entire first lesson in padmas'ana. And yes, it has been helpful for controlling the mind and allowing me to go deeper into my sadhana & mantra japa. * Siddha'sana (Siddha posture): This asana looks relatively easy but is extremely difficult. Sometimes people refer to this as half-lotus so they think it is easier than padmasana. But in truth many find it much more difficult. As my acarya told me, siddha'sana is to be used primarily for dhyana. That is the specialty of this pose because the heels are pressed in towards the muladhara and svadishthana cakras, thereby controlling & even numbing those lower points and their associated vrttis. Once that area is suspended through this special process of siddhasana, then it is quite certain that at the very least the mind will not degrade, and with proper thought and psychic approach the mind will move from its home at ajina cakra and rise up to sahasrara cakra. Although a difficult pose, this one has also been extremely helpful for me in getting back into a better sadhana flow. Note: Due to the nature of this pose, it is not proper-- due to anatomical reasons-- for sisters to sit in this posture. Rather they should use a modified version thereof, or padmas'ana. Best will be to talk to their Didi about this.
ONE IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT DHYA'NA
One other interesting thing is this. My acarya told me that in trying to do dhyana many people in fact have their mind in ajina cakra-- not sahasrara cakra. Unbeknownst to them, some sadhakas do like this. My acarya says this becomes quite evident when he and other acaryas do lesson reviews-- both of Dadas and margiis. And in that case, one cannot do true dhyana. To help ensure the mind reaches up to the sahasrara cakra, one can lightly touch the very crown of the head as that will help goad the mind in that direction. Of course, without strong spiritual ideation and deep devotion, then the mind will not reach up to that pinnacled point. So touching alone will not suffice, but it can help if the other factors are alright.
TRY TO BECOME SIDDHA IN OUR SADHANA ASANA PRACTICE
Siddha means 'accomplished', 'practiced', 'comfortable', 'established' etc. We should become siddha in each of the four mentioned sadhana asanas. Of course we are not hatha yogis who practice thousands of asanas all day long. But these four above asanas are integral to a spiritually-vibrated sadhana practice. Specifically, siddha means being able to sit in postures like padmasana for 1, 2, or even 3 hours at a time without feeling any discomfort. Once the physical body is established in this pose, then the mental realm can truly delve deeper into the practice and sanctity of sadhana. So we should all try to achieve a state of 'siddha' in our spiritual asana practice.
MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO PROPER SADHANA
There are many factors that contribute to a vibrant sadhana practice. By Baba's grace, that is why He has given us Sixteen Points and countless other teachings and guidelines. All these enhance our sadhana practice. That said, when I was really struggling, then I found the aspect of our seated, meditative poses to be a helpful tool of rejuvenating my sadhana career. It may be a small piece to the puzzle, but maybe others will also find it helpful. That is why I decided to write this letter. Others should also write in with their thoughts and reflections.
BABA'S GRACE
Baba says, "The relation between the physical body and the mind is very close. Mental expression is brought about through the vrttis, and the predominance of the vrttis depends on different glands of the body. There are many glands in the body and from each there is a secretion of a particular hormone. If there is any defect in the secretion of hormones or any defect in a gland, certain vrttis become excited. For this reason, we find that in spite of having a sincere desire to follow the moral code, many persons cannot do so; they understand that they should do meditation, but they cannot concentrate their minds because their minds become extroverted due to the external excitement of this or that propensity. If a person wants to control the excitement of these propensities, he or she must rectify the defects of the glands. Ásanas help the sádhaka to a large extent in this task, so ásanas are an important part of sádhaná." (CC-3) Namaskar, Mukunda
Note 1: A'SANA PICTURES ARE NOT ALWAYS PROPER
Everyone should be careful when studying or learning any new asana. Because many of the drawings and displays of our asanas are not depicted properly or accurately in our AM Publications. This is something that will have to be fixed. Till then, always be sure to consult with an appropriate acarya or senior margii regarding the practice of asanas-- i.e. consult with someone who himself is strict and established in their asana practice.

Many Wts Confused Baba's Working Style

Baba

Prabhat Samgiita #324


PS intro: This below Prabhat Samgiita, song #324, is a neo-humanistic song given by Baba on 10 March 1983. Thereafter Baba expressed this same theme in His RU address and DMC discourse of 28 and 29 May, respectively. In both those discourses He has given the same type of idea but in greater detail. However, as the DMC speech has still not been translated into English, a portion of Baba's RU speech is cited below, after the purport of the song. In that RU address, Baba is specifically telling that everything is the expression of Parama Purusa: He is expressing Himself throughout this manifested universe. That is the central idea of His RU discourse and Prabhat Samgiita #324 is based on this same concept.

"Moder dhara' ru'pe peyeche toma'r ru'per sa'je..." (PS 324)

Purport:

O' Lord, this world has become beautiful because of Your infinite charm. That is why I behold You everywhere in all Your creations. When I look at any expression then I see that You are there. You are expressing Yourself in that form. O' Parama Purusa, You are expressing Your grandeur in the form of all these created entities - animate and inanimate. You Yourself are One but Your expressions are many. You express Yourself in innumerable shapes and forms. You are hiding within Your creation.

O' Divine Entity, You are present everywhere - in all the flows. Nothing is outside Your mental arena; everything is within the purview of Your mind. That is why nothing is ever lost. I am in Your mind and I do according to Your desires. This entire creation is in Your mind and I am one part of that. I am working according to Your exact wish. Because this entire creation is Your thought projection.

O' Supreme One, O' Baba, You are present in each and every thought. Whatever human beings think is known to You since You are the Witnessing Entity of that very thought process. Baba, You are very vast: Everything is in Your mind. Baba, You are very small: You are present in everyone's thoughts. Baba, You are smaller than the smallest and bigger than the biggest. Baba, even by mistake I do not think that besides You anything else exists. You are everything.

Baba, by Your grace I always think that You are the quintessence...


Note 1: Here is a portion of Baba's RU address of 28 May 1983 wherein He is expressing this same type of idea as has been expressed in the above song.

"Neohumanism includes within its scope not only human beings and animate creatures, such as plants and animals, but all inanimate entities as well, for the scope of Neohumanism extends down to the smallest particles of sub-atomic matter... Why should the love and affection of developed human minds be restricted to human beings only? Why should it not include all living beings, including plant life? This is the new explanation of humanism - neohumanism - for within neohumanism the entire animate world is included...And that golden day is sure to come when that perfect stage of structure, that is, unit existence in the intra-atomic world, will be reached, when human intuition will realize that the essence in the sub-atomic world is pure Consciousness." (Neo-Humanism in a Nutshell - 1)

Note 2: Materialists think that everything comes from matter while Baba's Ananda Marga philosophy states that everything comes from Brahma. This then is the fundamental difference between the static world view of materialism and our spiritual outlook. Needless to say, our spiritual perspective changes the whole view of this universe as well as our relation with it. Materialists think that the world is for their self-satisfaction only whereas in Ananda Marga we think that we have come to this world to serve others since all are the expression of Parama Purusa.


BABA'S WORKING STYLE:

SOME STILL CONFUSED

Part 1

Namaskar,
As we all now know, from the very outset, Baba had a grand plan for the humanity. And He presented it step by step in a very smooth and practical manner - over the course of time.

On day 1 in 1955, He did not call everyone together for a seminar and tell them to write down a list of His each and every plan for the entire humanity. Nor did He do so in 1970 or 1978.

For example, He did not give Prabhat Samgiita, or Gurukul or neo-humanism in those early days. If He had done so, people would not have been ready. However, that does not mean that Baba did not have the idea or plan to put forth those projects - everything was in His cosmic mind - but people were not ready for those teachings.

At that time, no one would have been able to learn that way - nor would they have remembered because of the great extent of His teachings. Already Parama Purusa Baba was presenting so many new programs. And to remember and learn anything new and revolutionary, human beings must engage in that enterprise and repeat it again and again - practically with their own hands. Then that experience gives a deep impression in the mind. That way the mind gets saturated with that idea.

Hence, Baba took a divine approach, which we now may call His working or teaching style in the pre-1990 period. As we all saw, those days - step by step - Baba would present a new plan and program.


EVERYTHING DONE IN PHASES TO TEACH US

That means in one work phase, Baba might emphasize the need for a school - i.e. that each village must have a primary school. To teach this point, all workers and margiis got involved in securing funds to start a school. There was huge momentum in that moment to focus on the establishment of Ananda Marga primary schools. That was the main program Baba would ask about in reporting.

In turn, some units created comparatively successful schools while many did not - but everyone learned that a primary school was needed in order to propagate the ideas of Ananda Marga. That teaching everyone got. In each and every reporting session, Baba would ask, praise, scold, & guide about this point of creating schools until He was satisfied that everyone understood that a school was needed in every small or big town and village throughout the entire globe. By that way, from their very childhood, children will learn Ananda Marga ideals.

In some places, expensive buildings were purchased for schools but only got used a few times, or maybe not at all. The main thing was that everyone got the psychic understanding about the need for a school. That was Baba's aim all along.


HOW TRANSFERS WERE DONE

When this program was built up and some of the schools were going strong, Baba might transfer the lead Dada from that project and post a fresh new Dada from Training Center to that school who had little skill or language knowledge of that area. The school would inevitably suffer and ultimately close, but that new Dada got the needed training and the prior Dada was freed up to learn a new aspect of Baba's vast program like Prout or dharma pracara or VSS work. That was the way things went.

Baba told Wts to create Lfts who can run the school and inform margiis that they should oversee the operations of the school. Then the school would be sustainable. But in many cases, margiis may not have been active or were already too busy and there were no LFTs, in which case a very reputable Ananda Marga school eventually closed.

In such a situation some naive margiis started thinking to request Baba not to transfer the Wt of that unit in hopes of saving the school. But Baba did not listen to such pleas. And other workers tried to convince margiis about this in their own way.


HOW DADAS JUSTIFIED BABA'S WORKING STYLE

After a Dada was transferred from a particular unit and the projects and programs in that area were disrupted and disturbed, then local margiis would ask their SS Dada, "Why is Baba doing like this?"

Some Wts had no clue how to respond. So they came up with the bogus answer that Baba is like the Tibetan Guru Marpa and we should think of ourselves as Milarepa. This especially happened in NY sector when in one era all were moving with the Milarepa story in one hand. But that was an outrageous response and it was a terrible blunder to talk like this. See note 1.

The proper answer would have been, "I don't know." That would have been better; but, unfortunately, that was not done. In turn, margiis got more confused. And sadly still that confusion remains in many cases.


BABA'S SPECIAL COSMIC PLAN

Actually, it would have been impractical to keep one committed Dada assigned to a single school for years and years. Baba was putting forth His new and newer plan for the humanity and training wts.

Plus when workers were transferred to new posts and jobs, they developed greater experience and learned new languages, psychologies, and problem solving skills etc. All along Baba was creating new and newer programs in further succession. If those Dadas had been kept in those old programs then who would have been available to learn the new programs.

In Him,
Kevalam


Note 1: MISUNDERSTANDING OF SOME DADAS:

JUST LIKE THE STORY OF MILAREPA

They were telling that Baba is like the Tibetan Buddhist guru Marpa who was giving the order to his disciple(s) to make and break buildings - make and break, and make and break.

In legend, it is well-documented that Marpa was a Buddhist guru in Tibet and before giving any spiritual training to his perspective disciples he would allot difficult tasks. They were forced to meaninglessly and uselessly construct buildings through years and years of bone breaking labor. These buildings were made by individual muscle power alone. And as soon as they were constructed then Marpa would order his followers to dismantle it stone by stone. This was not some social service project for the welfare of humanity. This was just the order of one lunatic.

So it is unfortunate that some confused Wts propagated and equated Baba in this way. It is so disgraceful. First thing is that in Ananda Marga, initiation is accessible to all - bar none. There are no stipulations. Those interested will get diiksa. In stark contrast, the pseudo-guru Marpa harassed his new recruits like Milarepa for decades and decades and never gave them any true training or guidance. How can one sane person link such dealings with Baba. It is unfortunate that sill some are believing this myth. The only redeeming aspect is that such misunderstanding is primarily contained to NY sector.


Note 2: START PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

Here below Baba reveals His strategy to start primary schools throughout the world.

(Note: Baba is adamantly against the build-up of any high school until we have our Ananda Marga primary schools in each and every village of this earth. On this very point, Baba has given the logic and reasoning. By Ananda Marga primary schools, Ananda Marga bhagavad dharma will established little by little. I don't know anyone who does not understand this point - i.e. all understand.)

“We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world.” (Discourses on Neohumanist Education: Prama-4)



From: Kevalam235@quantum....
To: ananda-marga-universal-forum-1@yogasamsthanam.net
Date: Sat 05 Apr 2014 13:08:49 -0000
Subject: Baba's Working Style: Some Still Confused #2


BABA'S WORKING STYLE:

SOME STILL CONFUSED

PART 2

Namaskar,
This is the second part of the ongoing series about Baba's working style. The first letter examined how Sadguru Baba introduced His various plans and program in a phase-wise approach. By this method, He practically demonstrated the wide array of projects that must be properly implemented. Thus, He posted and reposted Wts to best teach them about the various types of works that needed to be done. More about this is discussed below as well as how Baba mapped out an entire blueprint for serving humanity.

"when workers were transferred to new posts and jobs, they developed greater experience and learned new languages, psychologies, and problem solving skills etc. All along Baba was creating new and newer programs in further succession. If those Dadas had been kept in those old programs then who would have been available to learn the new programs."



TWO IMPORTANT POINTS

Baba's phase-wise working style aimed to achieve two distinct goals. First, the already existing programs which He gave to serve society for thousands of years should continue running operated by Lfts and margiis. Second, those new programs, which were also for the humanity, had to be started by Wts.


WHY THE NEED FOR NEW PROGRAMS

Imagine if Baba did not give new programs. Then Ananda Marga would not have been complete, and after '90, margiis would never have thought that such programs should be done. For example, in various religions, social service programs are not as vast and comprehensive as those in Ananda Marga. Our programs serve each and every arena of individual and collective life of the entire society.

For instance, the Hindu religion does not have any social service programs (see note 1). And Christianity does not have a logical spiritual philosophy let alone a socio-economic plan. And Buddhists do not have any real approach for social service programs (see note 2. But Ananda Marga has all that and so much more.

Furthermore, if Baba kept one Wt as a teacher for decades and decades at one school then who would have learned the new programs He was putting forth. If the school could not be maintained by margiis and Lfts, then Baba would lovingly scold everyone for the closure o)f the school - but He would not stop His divine plan of presenting dynamic new programs. His aim was to give a blueprint for what to do and how to proceed.

When Baba got a report that a school did close, then He lovingly scolded everyone from top to bottom. He told Wts that it is the duty of Lfts to run the school and that Wts should ensure that the school was operating well. Whole-timers were to oversee those Lfts and get needed work done by margiis. That was the system. This was all part of Baba's blueprint for serving humanity.


MORE ABOUT THE NEED FOR TRANSFERS

One thing to understand is that those days Wts were getting transferred frequently because the number of Wts was not very high. We did not have a lot of workers and Baba wanted to unveils an increasing number of programs to wts and margiis. So when margiis and wts had learned that primary schools are an important service project, then Baba added that a school must have a children's home also. And if some unit had many children in their home then Baba might post a Wt for the home as well. That was the home superintendent post. And when the home started running properly and was respected, after some time the Wt got transferred and it was the duty of the Lfts and margiis to run that home. But when this did not happen, that children's home would also collapse. This happened year after year. Schools and childrens' homes closed and opened while new programs were always getting introduced. And certainly some of those schools and projects of old are still running to this very day. But the main thing is that Baba was presenting us with His blueprint for serving humanity.

Plus, more areas had to be covered around the globe and Wts were needed to go to other districts, regions and countries where pracara was newly started. And Baba also created so many new organisations - such as Prout, PBI (Proutist Block of India), VSS, SDM, and countless more - and He needed workers to staff those organisations.

By this way, people knew that Baba made all those organisations, whereas if He had not posted workers to those organisations, we would not know that such organisations existed or were needed. We would not know that we were to manage those organisations in the due course. So Baba did all this to make a crystal-clear blueprint for serving humanity.


BABA'S GRAND BLUEPRINT

So Baba was creating a blueprint of future organisational activities. It is just like if you want to build a big mansion, then you may or may not have money, but you must have building plans and / or a blueprint.

All along it was quite obvious that margiis and lfts were needed to help with all new programs. So they were assigned to many projects but it was not always possible for them to properly attend to them all.

On the top, Baba wanted to have personal communication with each and every margii and wt that is why He would call them in reporting sessions and give His divine blessing. By having His darshan everyone become stronger devotionally. So each month, time passed in this way, by His grace.

In other words, Baba had so many different programs to show us. That is why, ultimately in a short span, Baba would add a new project. Baba never stopped any project but told that it was the duty of Wts, Lfts and margiis to manage old as well new works. It was His grace - His liila.


ANALOGY OF TECHNICAL COLLEGE:

MAKING AND BREAKING

Think of it this way. Just as a technical institute has a workshop so their students learn can and practice what to do by making and breaking various projects, a similar method was going on in Ananda Marga before 1990.

In the case of trainees in the technical college, they are under the tutelage of their teachers. By making and breaking, they gain the requisite skills and understanding for how to work on their own. And finally when their training is complete and they have earned their degree, they are ready to work professionally in a factory etc. Before that, they were just trainees - just making and breaking for learning purposes. So there is a distinct difference between their training time in the workshop and the professional work that occurs in the factory.

Before 1990 in Ananda Marga, the situation was akin to a workshop where huge training was going on. People were making and breaking schools and various other works. This was the time of their apprenticeship. By this way, they were being taught so they could carry out Guru's plans and programs in the future. The main thing was that Baba was giving a blueprint and creating a workshop environment to prepare everyone for their future works and assignments.

The phase before 1990 phase was for learning - i.e. making and breaking - and it was not meant to go on forever. But unfortunately many could not understand. Now, this is becoming more clear to everyone.

In Him,
Kevalam


Note 1: WORLD IS ILLUSION - NO NEED TO SERVE

Everyone knows that in Shrii Shankaracarya's non-dualistic philosophy there is only Brahma - nothing else. There is no importance of the external world; world is seen as an illusion. So there is no need of social service when the world itself is an illusion. That was his teaching. But nowadays, the Hindus are copying Christianity and they have begun doing some social service. But that social service was not born out of any Hindu doctrine.


Note 2: BUDDHA DID NOT GIVE A SOCIAL CODE

Lord Buddha did not give any social scripture - rather, his nihilism philosophy neglected the world. Thus Buddhism is devoid of any social code. So those disciples of Buddhism just continued those same social trends that they were doing earlier in their Hindu heritage.

Ananda Marga Functions & Pseudo-Culture Expose

Date: 29 Sep 2010 22:58:06 -0000 From: "Manoj" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Ananda Marga Functions & Pseudo-Culture Expose Baba "Sandhya' bela'y ba'luka' bela'y bose bose bha'vi tava katha'..." (PS 2671) Purport: O' my dearmost Baba, You Yourself are that infinite, Supreme One. By Your grace, in the evening time on the sandy shore, I was sitting contemplating Your grandeur and glory. O' my Lord, what an amazing image You have made by manifesting this panoramic universe. By Your grace all this was coming in my mind during my sadhana. Baba, by Your grace, everything is residing within Your mind; You are the Creator of everything. In this vast universe, You have manifested so many shooting stars that are racing across the sky, as well as so many mountains that are crumbling to the ground. Every single expression is part and parcel of Your grand creation. Baba, by Your grace there are innumerable galaxies that are floating in space all by themselves-- singing the tales of Your glory. Baba, You are the Supreme Progenitor. Everything is happening within Your mental plate-- within Your Cosmic Citta. Baba, whatever happens in this material world is Your thought projection. What You imagine is reality for us. O' Baba, You are the Creator as well as that Witnessing Entity. Everything is residing within Your vast mind. Baba, by Your grace You think about one and all. You care for and nurture each and every entity of this infinite universe. No matter how big or small, large or tiny, You look upon all with equal love and affection. Everyone and everything is significant for You. You think about those huge, tremendous elephants which demonstrate their power by forcefully stomping through the wild jungles. Plus You listen to the little stories of the those tiny honey bees which gently hover and buzz around the delicate flowers. Baba, by Your grace, You look after each and everything being. For You, all have equal importance and equal significance. Baba, by Your causeless compassion You look after one and all. You are that Benevolent Witnessing Entity and everything is happening within Your mind. Baba, by Your grace, in my dhya'na when I see You then I feel so close and loving. And sometimes I go on thinking about Your magnanimity and vastness, as Controller of this entire vast universe... Note 1: Entire Universe is His Thought-Projection Baba says, "We may say that universe is the manifestation of the Cosmic Citta, born out of psychic vibrations. All the tanma'tras of sound, touch, form, taste and smell that are composed of different kinds of vibrational currents resulting from the gradually crudifying expressions of the Cosmic Consciousness under the influence of the static principle of Prakrti. They are the analytic expressions of those universal rhythms or vibrations. Thus the visible world is created through the gradual crudifications of His thought-projection. The thought-waves, metamorphosing from subtle to the crude manifestations and then, on their way back to their nuclear origin from the crude to the subtle, assuming the mentally developed human form, are indeed guiding the thought-wave cycles towards their ultimate fulfillment. Since the world is His thought-projection, it may be said that this visible world is only His act of thinking and abides only in His imagination. Due to the vibration of Cosmic Citta these variegated forms have blossomed forth through newer and newer thoughts, forms and waves, following one another in succession." (SS-3, p.40)
Note 2: Supreme Witnessing Entity
Baba says, "He is witnessing everyone and everything. Whatever is being created is a different stage of creation. He is the subject and all other entities are His objects. He is the Witnessing Entity because He is the Supreme controller." (AMIWL-10)
Note 3: Equal Love and Affection for All
Sama plus'in'a' sa'ma mashakena Sama na'gena sama ebhistribhih lakaeh.
Baba says, "He looks upon a tiny white ant with as much love and affection as on a mosquito. Nor does He think of a large mammoth more than other entities, for a mammoth has a mind just as an ant has. So He thinks equally of all: He thinks of a white ant or a mosquito with the same seriousness as of a mammoth or an elephant, and He attaches same importance to each individual creature as to all the three worlds." (SS-18, p.22)
== ANANDA MARGA FUNCTIONS & PSEUDO-CULTURE EXPOSE ==
Namaskar, As Ananda Margiis, we are aware that during some grand function like VSS camp, ETC camp, DMS, retreats and other big occasions, cultural programs are always held. Of late, these presentations have been called cultural programs but we have to examine if really they are cultural programs or something else.
BABA'S STATED GUIDELINE
On this point - before calculating things with our own brain - let's see what our Guru says. "RAWA by its sentient vibration will create a taste for spirituality in the society. RAWA persons can function in their units." Baba's guideline is that when dance or music goads the mind to a devotional outlook and the mind starts thinking about Parama Purusa, His divine love, and parabhakti, then that type of dance and song is called a cultural program. If any dance, music or song does not goad the mind toward divinity and instead goads the mind towards the lower cakras, i.e. carnal and worldly attractions or animal propensities, then that is not at all a cultural program. We must always keep this standard in mind.
WE MUST CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE SCENE MUST NOT BE LIKE IDOL WORSHIPERS
In various occasions, we Ananda Margiis must arrange proper cultural programs. So we must think critically whether such dance and music programs are up to the mark. Or are we merely befooling ourselves - just as idol worshipers befool themselves and degenerate, ultimately turning to stone. They think they are worshiping God but because they are concentrating on a piece of stone their mind gets degenerated. In their heart of hearts no idol worshiper wants to become stone, but ultimately it happens. Similarly no Ananda Margii wants to degenerate themselves by participating in some "cultural program". But something like that is happening. How? Please keep reading and you will know what I mean.
CULTURAL PROGRAMS MUST BE FOR PLEASING BABA MUST MAINTAIN A STRICT STANDARD
In many parts of the world, devotees sacrifice animals in front of their chosen idol / deity and think that Parama Purusa is pleased by their action. But the opposite is true; Parama Purusa is not pleased by such heinous acts. Similarly, we must evaluate how far today's "cultural programs" are pleasing to Baba. In Baba's time cultural programs were going on but that does not mean that we should therefore continue them irregardless of their quality. It is not the case that automatically He will be pleased by presenting any type of degrading display as a cultural program. That type of simplistic is outlook is not enough. We have to critically evaluate whether our cultural programs are according to His strict standard. We must recall that in Baba's time the girls dancing in cultural programs were below puberty. That was one very dramatic point to keep in mind. There was not the slightest bit of provocative display. Plus the style of music was always sentient. That is why those days the mind was not directed towards the lower cakras. So today, certain organisers of cultural programs,who are giving the logic that the programs these days are in accordance with the standard in Baba's time, are not being truthful with themselves. Because it is quite apparent what is going on these days. Top of all, a cultural program means goading mind towards divinity otherwise it is nothing but an expose of pseudo culture.
YOUR HONESTY AND SUPPORT IS NEEDED
Think about a recent cultural program in AM. Undoubtedly you have seen or heard about a program at DMS wherein 14 - 25 year old girls and boys dance together. Then honestly ask yourself if seeing that dance - you can ask yourself, no need to tell anybody - goaded your mind towards Parama Purusa or somewhere else. If it was going somewhere else, then do not attend or support such programs. Otherwise you are merely befooling yourself. Not only that, even if your mind was ensconced in Parama Purusa by His grace, then even then you should come forward and join those who oppose such so-called cultural programs. Because right now many are complaining about thses so-called cultural programs and how they do not goad the mind towards divinity but rather push the mind in the other direction. Many people are not elevated like you, so you should be sympathetic and support their cause. In Baba's presence cultural programs were done regularly. But then the girls were below 8 years of age and all aspects of the program were very sentient. So the programs achieved the goal: The mind was led in proper direction, not a negative one. So we should be honest with ourselves. We go to DMS not for carnal satiation or to satisfy our lower propensities, nor for all kinds of TV channel delights or Holly / Bollywood movie scenes. Going to a dharmic ceremony should entail strict adherence to a code of discipline and not any negative encouragement of the mind.
MUST NOT DEGENERATE THE MIND
Girls below puberty should dance for a co-ed audience whereas those girls above puberty can dance to an all female audience. When any drama or dance occurs that requires boys and girls to dance together, then similar aged girls should play the role of boys. And they too should be below puberty. Even then small girls should not wear revealing or Hollywood type of dress. And the music must be sentient. The music itself also carries a vibration, positive or negative microvita. Baba says, "If someone makes a sound like 'ra, ra, ra -- cha, cha, cha' or if someone sings, 'Follow my song! Let us sing and dance our way to hell', these are sound inferences, but they carry a very crude idea." (MVNS, p. 94) We should not let such scenes unfold in our own Ananda Marga cultural programs.
KEY FACTOR
One thing we should never forget is that the purpose of such cultural programs is to elevate the mind of the entire audience toward the thought of the Supreme and drench the mind in devotion. If any such program fails to do so it is not worth being called a cultural program; rather it should be called a pseudo-culture expose. We should be honest with ourselves. Baba is our greatest Self. He is our greater "I". We should not try and hide behind any hypocrisy. We should goad the mind toward our inner "I". And He knows if that is happening or not. He knows the truth. If you watch something that is degrading to the mind - and you know it is wrong - but you have a stake or personal interest in the program and you do not want to admit it is wrong, then you should be honest and not lie to yourself. Otherwise Baba will know as He is your Inner true self.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace we are to ensure that all our cultural programs are done with the right idea in mind and goad the mind unto His Divine stance. Baba says, "One must not forget this fact – that the Supreme Entity is with you, and loves you like anything. And the only goal of one’s propensities must be Him. That is, all the propensities of the human mind should be goaded unto the Supreme Existence." (AV-12) Namaskar, Manoj
Note 1: GIVING A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
This letter is not based on a single ETC or DMS or ERAWS or other such cultural programs. This is a general trend and this comment is related with all recent cultural programs. It is wide-spread issue related with all cultural programs. I have personally talked with so many margiis and wts and I am writing with their voice in mind. Because they are not in direct control of the program so they do not have a voice per se. So this is their voice - I am speaking on their behalf. That is why when such programs being held many sadhakas of the Marga do not like to participate. They wish to keep their mind pure.
Note 2: THE MORE CULTURAL PROGRAMS THE BETTER
RAWA programs and cultural programs can be held for all kinds of venues not just huge occasions. They are also appropriate for any local or unit gatherings, functions or festivals etc.
**************************************** Revolutionary Angle of Vision
Baba says, "The people who have committed some misdeeds driven by want (be that want of food or clothes or of physical or mental gratification) make society responsible for it. They want to convey to us that their want was created due to flaws in the social system, which is, however, substantially true." (HS-1, '87, p.77) Note: Here following are some observations about Baba's above teaching. 1. This tragic scene which Baba is describing is happening throughout the globe. In "third-world" countries and in so-called advanced nations, often the common mass is denied getting their basic necessities-- in which case, with no other option, they are pressured into committing crimes. 2. And then, in turn, the "powers-that-be" wrongly blame that individual as label them as a thief or criminal. 3. However, in His dharmic & revolutionary approach, Baba views the situation completely differently. He holds that the society is at fault for putting its own citizens in such a dire position wherein they cannot even get their minimum requirements. 4. We should pay heed to Baba's guideline and also make it known that the real culprits are those who are hoarding all the material wealth and not allowing general society members to get their basic needs met. 5. Parama Purusa has given an enormous amount of wealth for maintaining the human society, but due terribly improper distribution drastic inequalities have emerged and so many problems have erupted around the globe. 6. Everyone should remember Prout's unique approach that 100% of the wealth belongs to Parama Purusa. He is the owner. All can and have the right to utilise this wealth in a rational way, but He is the Creator and the Owner.
****************************************

Fake Mahaprayan Issue: Don't Lump Together

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:57:09 -0000 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: "Bhavanath Rajpal" Subject: Fake Mahaprayan Issue: Don't Lump Together Baba
== FAKE MAHAPRAYAN ISSUE: DON'T LUMP TOGETHER ==
Namaskar These days many in AM understand that mahaprayan is one dogma. However in criticizing the dogma of MPD, we must not abuse our Ananda Marga practice of kiirtan. Rather we are to point out the hypocrisy of mahaprayan. 1. In order to sell cigarettes, advertisers in some countries picture healthy soldiers and famous athletes, as if by smoking such soldiers and athletes became victors and champions in their field. While the message and approach of that advertising campaign is faulty, it does not mean that soldiers and athletes should be abused. Rather those tobacco companies should be lambasted for their hypocrisy and deceitfulness. 2. Similarly, Hitler used the swastika to promote his nefarious misdeeds and still today some use this symbol for their harmful agenda. We are to oppose their ways, methods and outlook - not the swastika itself. 3. As we all know, Baba's form and photo is very important. We meditate on His image and if someone is abusing that sentiment to legitimize their dogma then we should not discard or abuse Baba's form and image/photo. Rather we are to address that dogma. Our duty is to unmask that dogma and abuse those culprits who are trying to legitimize their false agenda and befool innocent people. 4. When criticizing idol worship we do not abuse or blame God Himself, we attack those priests who invented that dogma of idol worship. We do not abuse and break those idols nor do we blame God Himself. The dogma of idol worship and God are two different things. They should not be lumped together. It is not hard to differentiate between these two facets. Every devotee can understand such matters. Similearly, we criticize the dogmatic tiirthas of various religions but we never criticize the God that is related with that dogmatic tiirtha. We abuse those who invented and propagandize about that tiirtha dogma. 5. In addressing the dogma of Mahaprayan, we should not abuse our kiirtan mantra or practice. We should only describe how dogmatic people want to legitimize their belief and dogma by attracting others with kiirtan. We should criticize their approach but not the kiirtan itself. 6. This following example brings greater clarity to the issue. In a pro-gay parade if they start chanting kiirtan to attract margiis to join, we should not abuse kiirtan but rather the strategy by gay people. Likewise, if to attract margiis certain bars play kiirtan to lure us to drink alchol, then should margiis rush to that place. The bar should be criticized, but not the kiirtan itself. 7. Fake MPD is like that. Certain powerful, greedy avadhutas created this kiirtan programme to allure innocent and naive margiis to their invented dogma of mahaprayan. It is just like how people put sweet glue to attract flies and kill them. Or how carnivorous plants emit a sweet arome attract bugs and eat them. 8. Here some naive margiis get attracted by kiirtan and get caught in dogma of MPD and then they become permanent recruits of that dogma. In that case, kiirtan should not be blamed, rather the crafty priests. 9. Furthermore, to promote their dogma of MPD, they have made a tomb and collected Baba's personal belongings in hopes of generating money by showing Baba's collection of walking sticks etc that are part of the museum. We must not abuse Baba & HIs belongings for the misguided actions or some opportunistic Dadas, rather we are to point out those introducing such dogmas. Those belongings have their historical importance in the museum. But we do not think that Baba is tied up in that place or limited to the walking cane or tomb itself. All these materials things are important for history. We must have respectful feelings for those items but we cannot think that those physical belongings represent Baba as a whole Personality. 10. It is similar to your grandfather's photo. You have respect for picture so if someone spits on it you will feel hurt because you have feeling for your grandfather but at the same tim you know that the photo is not your grandfather himself. Similarly margiis have respect for those walking canes etc but it does not mean that we think that those walking canes are Baba or that He is bound to that material thing. 11. Baba is omnipresent yet certain conniving groupists try to convince others through their rituals that Baba is there in Tilajla. In such a case, in our response those rituals should be abused not Taraka Brahma Baba, nor His articles which are in the museum. Baba knew beforehand what would happen that is why in various discourses He already gave the answer. And that is that Parama Purusa is not bound to any place or material article; He is everywhere, especially in the hearts of devotees. He has repeated this idea in countless discourses. 12. We should not drown ourselves in atma samaj tattva - principle of selfishness. We should not glue ourselves to the things which match the self-interest of a group, clan, geographical area, community, or financial program etc. No one should get stuck in this way and overlook what Baba wants. That is selfishness. As sadhakas, we should aim for sama samaj tattva - the principle of social equality - and follow Baba's guidelines and ideal that He presides in hearts of devotees - not in a particular city or groupist headquarters etc. We must not tie Him to a particular place. Namaskar, Bhavanath
Note: SIDE EFFECTS OF FAKE MPD
Firstly, in order to legitimize their hypocrisy, some crooked people are trying to use kiirtan on that very occasion of the death fo their father & deceased relatives etc. They arrange similar programs on the anniversary of those yearly shraddha ceremony of their deceased relatives. They know well that shraddha is not an annual ceremony so they mask their anniversary shraddha ceremony under the guise of kiirtan. And they invite people on the point of kiirtan not for anniversary of the death. Secondly, some dogmatic wts wanted to make Baba Quarters around the world as tiirtha sites. In that way they started various rituals as if Baba exists there itself. So here we should be careful to oppose that dogma yet we should not oppose Baba Himself and / or the materials and belongings which He used. We should not confuse those materials as being Baba. They are two different things. The shoe which He used is not Baba Himself.

Blind Attachment & Controlling...

To: AM-GLOBAL From: "Phoenix Chapman" Date: Sat, 25 Sep 2010 21:43:06 -0700 Subject: Blind Attachment & Controlling... Baba "Keu a'lokei mishe ja'y, keu ha'ra'y va' a'ndha're..." (1278) Purport: Baba, Your divine creation is very colorful. All kinds of people are there. Some get human life, do sadhana, and ultimately become one with divinity. And some people do various misdeeds and move along the path of negative pratisaincara until finally they get lost in oblivion-- cimmerian darkness. Some want only You; while others do not want You, instead they want some boon or some gift from You. So this world is colorful. Baba, some are rushing towards the allurements of glittering objects, shining stars, or superficial worldly attractions. And some are absorbed in crying over their old outdated memories, deserted flower gardens, and skeletons of the past. In that way they waste their time. While those who are great devotees have accepted You as the Supreme quintessence and they want only You. Some are busy in intellectualizing about Your karuna and grace-- and they never get the real sweetness. Just they are jinanis involved in their own extravaganza. And some are dancing in the joy and happiness. Such devotees cannot be satiated by anything except You. You are everything for them. Those who surrendered at Your lotus feet they are the ones who pass their whole life dancing in the ecstasy of Your divine love. Baba, Your entire creation has so many types of people and various colours. Only the life of the devotee is filled with happiness and bliss...
== BLIND ATTACHMENT & CONTROLLING MOHA VRTTI ==
Namaskar, A modern man of this scientific age travels across the world to attend a mela in Varanasi in hopes of getting salvation. A young mother drowns her two children in order to entice her lover. Some of our esteemed Dadas murder one of their fellow avadhutas. A young professional sleeps with his best-friend's wife. A multi-millionaire is unwilling to help his elderly mother purchase a simple lamp to place by her bed. An AM sannyasi does all sorts of shenanigans to gain the post of SS. A teen-age boy kills his own father for taking away his computer. A Bhukti Pradhan forbids certain innocent margiis from attending dharmacakra and calls the police on them. A schoolteacher molests one of her young, tender students. A retired, university-educated man laments how the world has gone to hell and that things were better in his day when women and blacks were not allowed to vote. All these things & more happen each and every day around the world-- both inside and outside of our AM.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE?
Why do such things occur? As Baba tells us, a person's sense of right and wrong gets tainted, clouded, or becomes totally lost due to their blind attachment for a particular (a) land, (b) era, (c) person, or (d) idea. So many aches and pains, so many tears and sorrows, so many heartaches and fights result from these types of blind attachment. As we know, this tendency of mind, this mental vrtti, this blind attachment is termed 'moha' in Sanskrit. And Baba says, of all the bondages and fetters, this 'moha' vrtii is the worst type of attachment. Baba says, "Of all bonds, the bond of duty is the strongest, and the bond of moha [blind attachment or infatuation] is the worst. Humanity will have to break the bonds of moha and increase the bonds of duty willingly and consciously. This is the law." (NKS: Disc 13)
MOHA VRTTI SPOILS HUMAN INTELLECT
As human beings, one of our greatest gifts-- one of our most precious treasures-- is our rational mind, our sense of vivek, our logic and reasoning. For it is this aspect of our intellect that enables us to decipher what to do and what not to do in this world. If nothing else, our aim should be to always keep the mind in a balanced state-- not swayed in any direction-- so that our sense of rationality remains pristine and pure. Then and only then will we be truly able to serve humanity and follow Baba. Unfortunately, day in and day out, this 'moha' vrtii affects our judgment and we act in ways that are unbecoming of a human being, of an Ananda Margii. To some or more degree it happens to everyone, because this moha vrtti is extremely difficult to control. Some vrttis are easier to manage, but the 'moha' vrtti is quite tough.
MOHA VRTTI EXPRESSES IN FOUR WAYS
As already noted above, according to Baba, the 'moha' vrtti, or blind attachment, takes hold of us in one of four ways.
(1) BLIND ATTACHMENT TO PLACE / DESHAGATA MOHA:
A person becomes attached to a particular place or land and this leads them to declare that place as holy, or bar others from entering their land, or so many things can happen. Each and every day blood spills in the Middle East due to this type of blind attachment. And in our Marga, also due to this deshagat moha vrtti, some have declared the dogmatic program of mahaprayan to be something sacred-- all because they want to glorify Kolkata. Thus due to their blind attachment for a particular land, i.e. deshagata moha, people lose their sense of rationality and do all kinds of senseless things. If they were to see others doing these same things they would condemn that person. But when they themselves do such actions it is justified in their own minds. That is what happens when one suffers from any type of blind attachment.
(2) BLIND ATTACHMENT TO TIME / KA'LAGATA MOHA:
Many people become attached to a particular span of time or a specific era. When thinking about that period they lose their sense of logic and reasoning and they just glorify each and every aspect of that era. For example, one might say that, 'During the days of the British empire, everyone always had a full plate to eat every evening', or one might say, 'Back when I was in high school, everyone scored 100% on all the tests'. These are examples of illogical and false statements that people make because they are infatuated with a particular span of time. For that reason they totally lose their sense of rationality and vivek. When evaluating another span of time they may have all their cognitive faculties in tact, but if they are attached to the era of the British raj or their own high school career, then when speaking about those eras, their entire sense of discrimination is gone. For example, someone in a particular group might declare that in the days when Sarvatmananda was in power, then everything in our Marga was perfect and no one was expelled and no AM book was distorted. Certain people may speak in this ridiculous & false manner. All because they are blindly attached to that particular time when their favoured group was at the helm.
(3) BLIND ATTACHMENT TO PERSON
The blind attachment for a particular person is quite common all around the globe. Most often it presents itself as lustful desires. For example, when anyone is infatuated with a member of the opposite sex, then they may think that even that person's crude mannerisms are sweet and joyful. Or one might even excuse being beaten or cheated by that person because they are so sexually allured with that individual. This happens both in and out of AM. Due to sexual lust, people lose their rationality. For crude sex, various AM sannyasis have blatantly gone against their oath to Baba. Then of course, this vrtti can express in other ways also. Army soldiers may commit heinous crimes because of their attachment to their commander who has given them the crude order. Basically, this aspect of moha vrtti results whenever someone loses their sense of judgment due to their blind attachment for a particular person. It is a common occurrence.
(4) BLIND ATTACHMENT TO IDEA / A'DHA'RAGATA MOHA
The attachment to idea is broader in scope. A Dada may be attached to the idea of holding a particular post; a schoolboy may be attached to the idea of having an internet connection in his room; a businessman may be attached to the idea that he should be the wealthiest landowner in the area; a woman may be attached to the idea that all men must be attracted to her etc. Then in order to satisfy that blind attachment: A Dada will knowingly go against the tenets of neo-humanism to get that post at any cost; or a schoolboy might steal money out of his mother's purse to install an internet connection in his room; or a businessman might strong-arm poor families in order to capture their property; or a woman may walk around town half-naked in order to get all the men to stare at her. In sum, whatever idea one may blindly harbor-- whatever a'dha'ragata moha one may suffer from-- then one will do all kinds of crude or mean-minded acts in order to fulfill their desire. And verily Baba outlines all of the above quite clearly in one of His discourses-- and the relevant section of that very discourse has been appended below in the note following the signature.
BABA'S SOLUTION
Now that we know and can easily recognise how this moha vrtti freezes our human intellect and causes people to act in irrational ways on a daily basis, then it becomes all the more urgent to overcome this negative tendency of mind-- to free oneself from any and all blind attachments. Here let us go directly to Baba's words for the answer. Baba says, "The only way to free oneself from the clutches of infatuation is to superimpose the ideation of indifference and divert one’s mental thoughts towards Parama Purus'a. It may be possible to control this propensity of wild fascination temporarily by intimidation or by enacting laws, but only temporarily. Those who believe in the equal distribution of the world’s wealth, naively underestimate the power of moha vrtti. The human mind can be sublimated only by spiritual ideation, not by any high-sounding philosophy. This utopian idea has proved ineffective in the past and in the present and will continue to prove so in the future." (APH-8) Thus as Baba guides us, the only way to overcome the moha vrtti is to be very sincere in sadhana and spiritual practices. Because only when the mind is pointed on Parama Purusa will one forget about their blind attachments. So sadhana alone is the answer. Unfortunately, in the name of sadhana, sometimes people just succumb to thinking about their blind attachments when sitting for meditation. When practicing their so-called shuddhis, they may be thinking about the girl they want to marry, or the job they want to get, or the money they want to accumulate, or whatever their blind attachment may be. In that case, their blind attachment only binds them further. That is why Baba warns us so severely about moha. Because it is the toughest vrtti to overcome as it takes over one's entire mental plate and robs a person of their vivek & rational thinking. Sometimes, as Baba points out, people try to overcome moha through mandates, laws, and regulations. One camp may declare, 'That no group should fight over the post', or 'No innocent margii should be expelled , or 'BP rights should be upheld' etc, but all such declarations just blow away in the wind. Because rules alone cannot help one to overcome their own blind attachment for power and control. As Baba rightly says, only ideation on Parama Purusa is the answer. That is the only cure from freeing oneself from any blind attachment.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace we will get success in life and not fall prey to any blind attachment. As prevalent and as strong as the moha vrtti may be, due to His cosmic pull, we will not get trapped or blinded by any crude desire, and instead we will march bravely and benevolently towards Him. Baba says, "The very wont of the microcosms is to attain liberation by snapping all their fetters. The only way to do that is to come within the shelter of Parama Purus'a. There is no other way – Na'nya pantha' vidyate yana'ya." (AMIWL-11) Namaskar, Phanindra
Note: BABA'S DISCOURSE ON MOHA VRTII
Here below is Baba's original passage about blind attachment, or moha vrtti. The below is an excerpt from His discourse, 'The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet'. Baba says, "Na is the acoustic root of moha vrtti [blind attachment or infatuation]. This propensity of blind attachment is usually divided into the four categories of time, space, idea and individuality. When one loses one’s rationality out of blind attachment for one’s country, it is called deshagata moha, “geo-sentiment”. People who live in a country where not even a blade of grass grows, where people die of starvation, and which imports huge quantities of food grains from other countries, become so infatuated with their country that they say it has an abundance of water, has a bountiful fruit harvest, and is a net exporter of food to other countries." "Ka'lagata moha is blind attachment for a particular period of time. One becomes so attached to a certain period of time that one is unable to discern its positive or negative aspects. Some people complain that the behaviour of the present generation of children is disappointing. They say that when they were young they could easily digest iron pans, but the present generation has trouble digesting even water! They lament the great misfortune that has befallen the present age." "When a particular idea has a strong impact on mind, the mind rushes towards it again and again. Thieves, in the shock of the moment, always make a quick getaway from the scene of the crime. Later, however, they brood repeatedly about the place, and often return, straight into the hands of the police! A person who uses an object for a long time develops a fascination for that object. This is called a'dha'ragata moha [fascination for an object]. There are many rich people who have a strange weakness for some old, battered object such as a rickety chair with one arm broken off. I know a story about how a pretty pot made of bell-metal was the cause of a bitter quarrel among the daughters-in-law of a certain family, so bitter that it led to the eventual break-up of the family. Na is the acoustic root of moha vrtti." "The only way to free oneself from the clutches of infatuation is to superimpose the ideation of indifference and divert one’s mental thoughts towards Parama Purus'a. It may be possible to control this propensity of wild fascination temporarily by intimidation or by enacting laws, but only temporarily. Those who believe in the equal distribution of the world’s wealth, naively underestimate the power of moha vrtti. The human mind can be sublimated only by spiritual ideation, not by any high-sounding philosophy. This utopian idea has proved ineffective in the past and in the present and will continue to prove so in the future." (APH-8)

Quickest Approach to Gain Virtue & Moksa

From: "Girish Chandra Mitra" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Quickest Approach to Gain Virtue & Moksa Date: Fri 24 Sep 2010 22:05:14 +0530 Baba "Maner kon'e samgopane ke go tumi base ekela'..." (P.S. 3529) Purport: O' divine Entity, by secretly sitting alone in the remote corner of my mind, You are vibrating my mind and heart-- my whole existence-- in divine ecstasy. Please tell me who are You. Neither do You share the feelings of Your heart with me so I do not know what is Your desire. And when I ask You what You want, then You tell that You do not want anything. Just with Your charming smile You are showering sweet nectar like a garland of pearls. O' Supreme Personality, please tell me, are You alone? Have You no companion? Are You searching for someone? Is that the reason why You are always wandering around this entire universe in all the ten directions-- because You are searching for some companionship. Is that why You are busy enjoying Your divine liila in this bottomless and endless, mobile and immobile world-- i.e. in Your entire creation. O' Divine Entity, of all the bhavas You are Mahabhava. You are the quintessence of all thoughts and ideations-- the ultimate Goal of all the samadhis. O' Supreme One You are complete unto Yourself and infinite. You do not have any shortage or dearth of anything; You have everything. You control the unit as well as the vast-- everything. You go on creating Your liila in hundreds of ways and flows. Your grandeur is infinite & endless. O' divine One, who is most charming and attractive, please grace me by revealing Your identity. You have captivated me by Your causeless grace and by the infinite bond of Your divine love...
== QUICKEST APPROACH TO GAIN VIRTUE & MOKSA ==
Namaskar, Adhering to 16 Points is very difficult; but there is no need to pay heed to them to get moksa. If you have money, then each year for Baba's birthday you should purchase a huge quantity of firecrackers - that will bring you to your cherished Goal. And if you do not have sufficient funds then collect money from others and purchase fireworks. Thus on Ananda Purnima, you can create a huge noise and pollute the whole area. If any margii does not want to give you money then demoralise them. Tell them that they do not have love for Baba and that they are non-margiis or secret agents. Utterly disregard whatever is written in Caryacarya part 1 regarding Ananda Purnima such as feeding the poor, hosting a medical camp, helping patients, or serving the needy. One need not do those things. Those are all outdated ideas. Plus, if anybody is trying to do those things then discourage them. Inspire all that shooting off fireworks is the easiest, quickest and smartest way to gain access to Baba's grace and virtue. Regarding the purchase of such firecrackers, do not worry about how much you spend- spend as much as you can and take loan if necessary. Let there be a competition between dadas, margiis avadhutas and acaryas about who can put on the the biggest fireworks show. Inspire everyone to purchase at least $50,000 for their unit. Any other social service project like a children's home, school or relief, is totally secondary. The fireworks show will be the top project - that will get top billing. And if anybody does not cooperate, then punish them. It is not a joke - this is exactly what is going on in so many units - especially in Ranchi HQ and other places. According to Baba's teachings, our AM slogan stands for: Liberation of self and service to humanity. Liberation of self means doing sadhana and following 16 Pts; and service to humanity means rendering selfless service. But unfortunately that is not the priority these days. Group leaders are instead copying the dogmatic religions. Shooting off fireworks is a mirror image of Islamic namaz. While performing namaz they create as much noise as they can. Hindu priests also make huge noise in their puja. Ranchi leaders and others have made the system that on Baba's upcoming birthday on 90th birthday that is coming one has to shoot off firecrackers - and with each passing year, the number of fireworks and noise increases. Just add one more every year or more. Some now purchase firecrackers in large groups - by this way it will grow and grow and grow. After 2000 years, margiis will be forced to explode 2000 firecrackers or more. And when millions will be Ananda Margiis then you can imagine the situation on this planet. Everywhere there will be firecrackers and the pollution (air and land) they make. In the future, some radical margiis will explode bombs in order to make a huge sound and gain quick grace and moksa. As a result, unfortunately many will lose their hearing, be exposed to fires & even undergo death. Indeed at the last Ananda Purnima celebration in Ranchi, the pandal caught fire. The whole area was so polluted it was hard to breath. During the last Ananda Purnima celebration, one big firecracker cost 4000RS which is the amount one laborer while working full-time for six months. DPS Dada did not do social service rather he spent all the money on firecracker. That is why the food prepared in daytime was eaten in the evening as well, because no money for fresh food in evening due to the high cost of the fireworks. And this is in the summer season where the food gets stale very quickly.
THE CURRENT SITUATION - RESOLUTION NEEDED
At present, the whole society is suffering from air pollution and on the other side the vanguards of humanity are polluting and encouraging others to pollute by their grandiose fireworks displays on Ananda Purnima. There is a veritable competition between one group and the next, one jagrti and the next, one wt and the next etc. In place of this type of dogmatic and stupid competition, there should be competition for following 16 Points, serving society and doing sadhana. That is how to celebrate Ananda Purnima. Now we have to think how we can solve this problem. Namaskar, Girish
****************************************** Health Guideline: Sleeping Related "Do not sleep on a soft bed." (CC-3, Chap 6, Pt #4)
Note: This above point that Baba is describing has deep meaning. Some ignorant people however who are unaware about health and hygiene get swayed by pseudo-culture and they use a spring-loaded bed with thick mattresses. But that is very detrimental for the various joints, muscles, & organs of the body and it creates an ill-effect on the body systems such as digestive disorders & diseases. Mostly because of hunchback syndrome and because the stomach is pressed. Keeping this view, including many more benefits, Baba has graciously introduced this above rule. Everyone should follow this and then they will realise the deeper aspect of its value. Amongst conscious people it is commonly known that soft beds lead to the onset of many diseases including incurable backaches and joint pain. So one should be aware. One should not fall in the trap of momentary pleasure and invite more dangerous diseases. Note 2: Revealing the spiritual significance of this point, Baba guides us that those who are using a hard bed in day to day life, their body becomes more and more capable for intense psycho-spiritual practice. Such sincere sadhakas keep away from using a pillow also.
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Obvious Truth, But Hard to Comprehend...

Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:48:42 -0000 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: Subject: Obvious Truth, But Hard to Comprehend... Baba
== OBVIOUS TRUTH, BUT HARD TO COMPREHEND BY SOME PEOPLE ==
Note: This entire letter is related with one new promotion in AM. Namaskar, Many companies offer promotions in order to exploit the common people. To attract customers, they make tempting offers. For instance, cigarette companies will give free samples and beer distributors will offer free alcohol etc. The reason is not to give away their products per se, but to exploit and even harm people for their whole life by making them into lifelong customers. The motive is to make money, but there are some fools who cannot understand this truth and hence they get trapped. These days the various religions also operate as one company or business. They just start a faction - no investment is needed - and attract people by certain allurements and promises. For instance, they will promise victory in your court case, or a beautiful wife, or a good job, or high prestige, or fame and fortune, or heaven, and so many things etc. This is the way they attract new followers. The central motive of such religious exploiters is to increase the money in their own pocket by emptying the pockets of others. With that same motive and same trick, B group is also making a new promotional giveaway in order to allure participants to Tiljala for their annual (dogmatic) Mahaprayan programme. Because when anyone reaches Mahaprayan - for any reason - then those groupist hosts squeeze attendees for money and work hard to bring them into their group fold so they can continue to call upon them for money. That is their main interest in bringing people to Tiljala: For money. And that is why they use promotions. Why then are they introducing a new promotion? Well their first promotion of a 7- day kiirtan program was once an allurement to draw attendees. But now everyone has understood their ploy. Margiis understand that Mahaprayan (MPD) is total dogma. So they will not attend - regardless of the said kiirtan programme. Earlier from all around the globe people were rushing to Tiljala for MPD like ants to sugar & vultures to the dead body. In those times people were not thinking; naive margiis were not considering or questioning Mahaprayan as a dogma. Now that hypocrisy has been unmasked; people understand that Mahaprayan is just one dogma and should not be supported in any way, shape or form. So that promotion of 7-day kiirtan is no longer enough to draw people to Tiljala. That promotion lost its efficacy. That is why recently, one new promotion has been introduced: Tiljala advertises that margiis will only gain access to Baba's museum if they come for Mahaprayan. The rest of the year the museum will be inaccessible. With this enticement they are trying hard to bring margiis to MPD. Let's see how many (if any) are going to be attracted by this new promotion.
BABA'S BLESSING
By His grace, margiis have understood that Baba lives in their heart so there is no need to rush outside in the external world to find Him. Doing that means annoying Baba. This fact all understand that is why people do not like to go to any pilgrimage, like Tiljala for Mahaprayan etc, in search of Baba. Quite frankly these type of tiirthas were started by Muslims, Christians, Hindus etc. But it is not working in Ananda Marga because the followers of AM are not as dogmatic as those religious followers. By Baba's grace, we know He resides in our hearts - one need not go anywhere to get Him, nor should we get duped by any promotion for attending Mahaprayan. Let's see if anybody goes... Namaskar, Mahesh

Our Marga is Colourful

Date: Thu 23 Sep 2010 21:46:38 -0000 To: AM-GLOBAL From: "Jawaharlal Thakur" Subject: Our Marga is Colourful Baba "(Tumi) a'lo jhalmal u's'a'y ele, a'ndha'rer ja'l chinrile..." (PS 3983) Purport: Baba, You have come in my heart when the blissful dawn was glittering in effulgence. By Your grace, You have wiped away the net of staticity and crude darkness from my mind. In a flash You have also removed the dogma which had accumulated since ages. Baba, You are so beautiful. O' my dearmost, You know how to make such a divine magical display. By Your grace You have created a heavenly panorama-- complete with the beauty and grandeur of colour, by Your divine play. Baba, in the blink of the eye, You bring lowly and depraved persons close to Your bosom, without making any differentiation or disparity about who is virtuous and who is sinful. Baba, You are my beginning as well as my end, my Goal, my everything. Baba, my whereabouts, my name, my place, my address-- everything has become one with You, by Your grace. Baba I offer You my heartfelt surrender and sastaunga pranam thousands, millions, crores, & an infinite number of times-- again & again. Baba, by Your divine grace You have taken advent in my heart and showered me in Your supreme effulgence. You are my own; You are my everything...
== OUR MARGA IS COLOURFUL ==
Namaskar, Our Ananda Marga is colourful. People have entered into AM with all kinds of mentalities, with all types of psychic tendencies, and with a diverse range of mental constitutions. To accommodate all, Baba has graciously given something for everyone. In turn, we have the opportunity to choose which approach suits us best. Some are oriented toward the path of jinana and some towards bhakti. Some prefer intellectual explanations whereas other tend towards devotional understanding. Some like to sing kiirtan thinking, 'I am overcoming all internal and external obstacles', while others may prefer simply to ideate only on Baba. Different minds prefer different thought ideations-- and that makes the world colourful. None should therefore think that any particular approach is the be-all, end-all. Because Baba has given and approved them all: From sadhana to microvita theory, from kiirtan to kaoshikii, from Prabhat Samgiita to sristi cakra, Baba has provided diverse explanations to appeal to the wide array of people & mentalities in AM. Hence, no one should feel pressured to adopt or limit oneself to a particular style, explanation, or reasoning. Because Ananda Margiis come in all shapes and sizes.
A FEW PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Below are some clear-cut examples of how various AM practices can be pursued in different ways. (A) DHYANA: In dhyana, Baba has given various bhavas: Madhura bhava (lover relation), dasya bhava (Master-slave relation), vatsalya bhava (Parama Purusa a as child), sakhya bhava (friend relation), and Father-son relation etc. These are all approved methods, given by Baba, for doing dhyana. However that does not mean that every devotee must follow all of the above. Those involved in sakhya bhava may not have an iota of interest in vatsalya bhava, and vice versa. Thus every sadhaks has the power of choice: To experiment and see which one is most appropriate for their mental make-up, for their link with Parama Purusa. (B) PRABHAT SAMGIITA: With regards to Prabhat Samgiita, some prefer to analyse and study the style of music such as the type of raga or ragini, yet side by side Baba has also said that, 'Prabhat Samgiita is written with the ink of the love of the heart of the devotees to make link or communicate with Parama Purusa'. So it is not just music only. So these are two vastly different ways of relating with Prabhat Samgiita. And it will depend upon one's mental characteristics as to which they prefer. Some opt for a more jinani approach whereas others prefer the more personal and intimate manner. Everyone can choose for themselves. (C) MICROVITA: About microvita, Baba has given vast and complex theories about this smallest energy form-- the ultimate building block of this universe. Chapters and chapters can be read and studied about this scientific phenomenon. And many jinanis may spend years immersed in that approach. At the same time, in His RU discourse, 'Microvitum and Its Effect on Human Body and Human Mind', Baba says, 'After all microvita is nothing but Cosmic grace, I just use the term microvita to make you laugh'. This He has said in Hindi part of His discourse, which was not printed. But if anyone listens to the cassette of His RU discourse, they will hear Baba say like this. So again, based on one's mentality, there are a variety of ways of thinking about microvita. (D) CREATION THEORY (Srsti Cakra): Similarly, one can think of creation theory using terms like jadasphota, pratisaincara, various tattvas, and other technical terminology, or one can simply think that, 'He was all alone, all by Himself, so He created this vast universe'. Thus depending on one's mental framework, there are varieties of ways of interacting with our AM practices and philosophy.
KAOSHIKII AND AVARTA KIIRTAN ALSO
And the same can be said with regards to kaoshikii and avarta kiirtan also. There is a very technical explanation of kaoshikii where one takes on a different ideation for each direction, and side by side one can simply think of pleasing Baba while doing their kaoshikii dance. In avarta kiirtan also there are two diverse approaches. In a more jinani style, the aspirant can adopt different ideations for each direction. And these ideations generally focus on oneself, 'I am cleansing myself with fire, I am controlling this universe, I am unstoppable', etc etc, or one can simply think of Baba and ideate on loving and pleasing Him. Some sadhakas may like a more technical & analytical explanation and some prefer the more simple approach of pleasing Him. Personally I prefer the latter way. I do not like to engage in all kinds of sophisticated or lengthy descriptions when dancing avarta kiirtan. Rather I prefer Baba's simple method of bringing the mind to sahasrara cakra and thinking of Him. But if others prefer to think, 'I am cleaning this entire universe etc' then that is also fine. We should always keep in mind that Baba has given something for everyone in Ananda Marga. And we should be accepting and tolerant of all the different styles and at the same time choose a way that is most appropriate for us.
PEOPLE HAVE COME INTO AM FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
After all, we have to remember that people have entered into AM for a vast array of reasons. Some have come because they wanted to travel overseas, some have come because they could not get a job in the private sector, some have come to escape their jail sentences, some have come to find a wife or husband, some have come to get away from their wife or husband, some have come to do karma yoga, some have come to get a high post, some have come to be regarded as a high yogi, some have come to fulfill His mission (A'tma moks'a'rtham' jagaddhita'ya ca), and some have come to please Him. Regardless, all are our brothers and sisters, we should embrace all, and help everyone become successful in their human life. There are various grades and we appreciate everyone. Some like to sing kiirtan thinking that they are becoming clean and becoming a force in this universe, and some like to sing for the sole reason of loving and pleasing Parama Purusa. Some bhaktas do not feel comfortable relying on their own unit ego. They do not like to think that 'I am doing everything', because they know that unit beings cannot do anything, Parama Purusa does everything. It all depends on one's quality of mind as Baba has created something for everyone.
IN THE NOTES BELOW
Below, in the notes, are the technical descriptions of Avarta Kiirtan & Kaoshikii. And if one wishes to pursue their practice in that way they can. At the same time, no sadhaka should feel burdened that they must do their kiirtan and kaoshikii like that. Remember that Baba has explained His AM practices and philosophies in various ways to appeal to various grades of people, various standards of mind. Some are jinan oriented and some are bhakti oriented. Everyone should do what feels most comfortable for them. Baba has approved multiple ways for this very purpose: To appeal to one and all.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace He has designed this Ananda Marga for everyone-- and verily all must come under the banner of AM. For this reason Baba has given diverse ways of explaining AM practices and AM ideology. Because everyone belongs in AM. Baba says, "Remember, until every person in the universe accepts the Ananda Marga ideology, you have no opportunity to rest." (CC-2) Baba says, "Now, these created beings, they being the progeny of the same father, are members of the same Universal Family. We must not forget this supreme fact." (AV-14) Namaskar, Jawaharlal
Note 1: PEOPLE DO SADHANA FOR VARIOUS REASONS
As there are various grades of sadhakas in AM, people do sadhana for various reasons. Some do sadhana to impress others, some do sadhana as one requirement so that they can take their meal, some only do sadhana in public, some fake their entire sadhana program, some do sadhana for mental peace, some do sadhana for self-realisation, some do sadhana to serve and please Him. So there are various grades of sadhakas in our Marga.
Note 2: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF AVARTA KIIRTAN & KAOSHIKII
Here are two technical descriptions of our avarta kiirtan and kaoshikii practices. These may appeal to some whereas others may not like to be bothered by these more intricate approaches. In that case they may adopt a more simple, devotional outlook. Then there is also the notion that as these two below descriptions are not printed in any book, then they may not be entirely accurate. If anyone has the original cassette(s) where Baba discusses these below approaches then they are requested to write this network immediately.
AVARTA KIIRTAN
1. I am the embodiment of sincerity. 2. I have the innate love for Paramapurusa. 3. I have purify my mind with the fire of devotion. 4. I am overcoming all internal and external obstacles. 5. O lord, take me onto your lap. 6. I surrender my everything to you.
KAOSHIKII
VERTICAL --I am now trying to establish a link with Paramapurusa. RIGHT-- I know the right way of making request to you, Paramapurus'a. LEFT--- I know how to carry out your command FRONT-- I know how to surrender completely to you. BACK-- I am ready to undergo discomfort when trouble comes. STEPS---Oh, lord, I am now imitating your rhythm, brining your subtle Consciouness into manifestation, into pratical forms. OVERALL IDEATION:- I, the microcosm, am establishing a link with my lord, the Nucleus of the Macrocosm.
Note 3: SIMPLE DEVOTIONAL APPROACH
Some bhaktas may just prefer to sing kiirtan and dance kaoshikii with their mind immersed in Him-- to serve, please, and love Him. Trying to follow all the above technical operations may verily take the mind away from being with Baba. So adopting a purely devotional stance is also alright if that is what you prefer. That freedom everyone has.

How to Prevent People from Leaving Their Sadhana

Date: 21 Sep 2010 22:47:29 -0000 From: "Anil Vijayan" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: How to Prevent People from Leaving Their Sadhana Baba "A'mi toma'y ja'ni, e katha' bolite pa'ribo na', na', na', na'..." - P.S. 609 Purport: Baba, this thing I cannot claim-- that I know You, that I recognise You. No, no, no, this I cannot say. Even when known, even then You always remain unknown. On the viina, You always play the unknown tune in my heart. You are always hidden, even then You are my everything. Baba, keeping Yourself secret, You go on attracting me with the melody of Your flute. In this vast creation You have expressed Yourself in different forms and colours. But You are only the One with infinite forms. Baba, You alone are Divine...
== HOW TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM LEAVING THEIR SADHANA ==
Namaskar, Our AM is the path of tantra where by Baba's unfathomable grace the sadhaka has the opportunity to attain liberation in this life itself. Indeed this is the guarantee. So really we are blessed. Because human desires are infinite and as this infinite desire gets channelised toward the spiritual realm, one will get tantric diiksa, exhaust all their samskaras, and reach unto Parama Purusa, At the same time, we should know about the underlying philosophy and science behind it all. By this way we can better anticipate and understand how and why our lives transform as we speedily move towards the Cosmic nucleus, towards Baba. And perhaps most importantly, by this way we will be able to support and guide new and old margiis on the path when they invariably undergo the accelerated ripening of samskaras in their movement towards the Goal.
STORIES TOLD IN OUR UNIT
The other day in our unit, a number of margiis were telling stories about their sweet journey since coming onto the path of sadhana. Some talked about their devotional experiences; and some shared the Baba dreams they had. There were many things told; but, certainly one theme common among all was the remarkable difficulties & great changes we all have faced when since embarking on the path of sadhana-- due to the ripening and burning of our samskaras. Here below is one such account.
THE BOILS ARE COMING
One brother recounted how when he first started doing sadhana then suddenly boils formed on his rear. In his life he had never had boils before, so this was a big surprise for him. They were so tender and sensitive that it was too painful to sit down and do sadhana. And when he told his acarya about this, his acarya directed him that no matter what he must continue with his sadhana. So that margii adjusted and began doing sadhana from a lying position. It was not long thereafter when boils began to form on the back of his legs and in the middle of his back as well. The margii was thinking that this was unbearable and again he went to his acarya and told that it was too difficult to forge ahead with meditation. But his acarya would not relent and instead told that, 'This is a good sign-- you are cleaning and purifying your body and burning samskaras. At any and all cost you must continue with your sadhana.' Not knowing what else to do, the margii started doing sadhana from a prone position, lying face down on his stomach. But then again trouble found him out as almost instantaneously boils began to appear on his belly, thighs, and torso. When he approached his acarya this time he was totally ready to give up his sadhana and quite entirely, but his acarya outrightly told him that, 'Great things are happening, you are getting purified to pursue the path of AM-- all those negative samskaras are oozing out. So keep going.' With renewed vigour, that margii continued his sadhana and by Baba's grace despite having painful boils all over his body, his sadhana improved and, amazingly, within a week all the boils totally disappeared-- leaving as quickly they came. And in the 25 years since, he has not had a single boil and to this day he remains a committed sadhaka and fully dedicated member of our Marga.
GETTING AM DIIKSA': WHAT THAT MEANS
So in the above account, the newly initiated margii was well-coached by his acarya, and by that way he courageously adhered to the path. Because the whole point here is that as soon as one takes initiation and gets diiksa', then the annihilation of samskaras begins in an accelerated fashion. And this continues throughout the course of one's life. Baba says, "When a spiritual aspirant moves from the most negative point towards the ultimate positivity, what happens? His accumulated sam'ska'ras start to become exhausted. That is, all his sam'ska'ras start to wane." (AV-25) So as soon as one starts sadhana up until the time they attain liberation, one will invariably undergo the speedy exhaustion of samskaras. And here below Baba specifically reveals how the term diiksa' into AM sadhana means the burning of their old samskaras. Baba says, "For this “waning of sins” the Sanskrit word is pa'pa'ks'ayam. The initial letter of ks'ayam [waning] is ks'a. So the dii of diipanii [which means ray of light that shows the path] together with the ks'a of ks'ayam becomes diiks'a. And with the addition of the feminine suffix t'a, the word becomes diiks'a'." (AV-25) Here it should also be noted that in the above term-- pa'pa'ks'ayam-- the prefix pa'pa does not mean sinful deeds, but rather it refers to the collection of both good and bad samskaras. Because any samskara-- either good or bad-- is a chain or form of bondage that will keep one from reaching the Goal. So our AM tantrika diiksa' means the imminent burning of all samskaras-- both good and bad ones-- so one can move quickly ahead and reach their cherished Goal, i.e. becoming one with Baba.
MANY REMAIN UNAWARE OF THIS FACT
Unfortunately, as we all know, so many come onto the path of AM and immediately their life undergoes radical change-- things start happening more quickly than they can seemingly manage. All sorts of things, which they did not expect to happen, start occurring at an accelerated rate. They may lose their job or have their car stolen or so many things might happen. And rather than think they are getting purified and progressing, they become worried or scared end up leaving their sadhana and the Marga, thinking that it has brought them too many difficulties. Certainly, we all know so many cases like this. Plus there are an equal number of cases where sadhakas undergo the burning of good samskaras and due to their success in the mundane world they lose sight of the real Goal and leave their sadhana. Infatuated with worldly riches or a Mercedes Benz or with professional successes, they mistakenly think that such wealth and prestige will give them lasting happiness and they fail to pursue the path of sadhana. So in both the cases it happens. In the case of good samskaras, people lose their sadhana due to their great happiness with their worldly life; and in the case of bad samskaras, people lose their sadhana due to their sorrows of living in this relative world.
NEW & OLD PEOPLE ALIKE MUST BE ADVISED: OBSTACLES ARE GOING TO COME
But it does not have to be like that. It does not have to be that we lose so many sadhakas from the path of AM. If we are vigilant and educate new and old margiis-- including our wts-- about the way of the path of sadhana, then our attrition rate will be much less. Then far fewer wts will leave and we will be able to retain more and more initiated margiis. This can all happen as we educate everyone about how samskaras are bound to be exhausted very quickly while on the path of sadhana and that through it all we must not be sidetracked-- either due to our worldly happiness or mundane sorrows. Just we have to ensure to keep our mind focused on the Goal. In that case everyone will be sure to maintain their sadhana-- regardless of what may be happening in their life, regardless of the way their samskaras get exhausted. So here the point is that we must be vigilant to coach new and senior margiis alike about all the inevitable and great changes that are going to occur while on the path of sadhana. Speedily they will get cleansed and purified and our job is to support and guide them through this process. By that way they will not lose sight of the Goal and not drift away from their sadhana.
THE BEAUTY OF SADHANA
Let us then take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we Ananda Margiis are to be on the path of sadhana-- because only sadhana can bring lasting peace. After all, every human being-- whether margii or non-margii-- has infinite desires; and only through satiating that infinite longing can one get true happiness. Hence mundane, finite things like worldly riches etc can never bring lasting happiness or peace. The chief difference is then that non-margiis remain oblivious of this truth and they go on chasing after crude allurements with the mistaken idea that this will bring them happiness; whereas, Ananda Margiis ensconce the mind in sadhana and exhaust all samskaras. By that way we are blessed to truly experience that infinite bliss that gives permanent satiation to our infinite desires and leads one to a stance of perfect peace. Baba says, "Fill your heart with love of the Infinite, and your soul will be transformed into the Supreme Soul. No worldly happiness is limitless. Dedicate yourself completely to the blissful ocean of the Supreme Soul. Then alone will you realize what happiness really is. This path to attain happiness, this sa'dhana' of self-surrender I call absolute devotion. Carry on performing your worldly duties with sincerity, and at the same time think about the pure self within you. Then alone will your sa'dhana' be justified. The constant thought of your pure inner Self will certainly one day establish you in your original source, and this is the ultimate aim of sa'dhana'. The Soul is by nature characteristically pure. The mind gets tied to sam'ska'ras (potential reactions) due to its actions, and that is why the unit becomes the slave of life and death. When all the sam'ska'ras are destroyed through spiritual sa'dhana' and mental purification, one goes beyond life and death to the eternal region of immortality, where there is no difference between the soul and His Supreme Soul." (SS-2) So the accelerated exhaustion of samskaras and progress in sadhana go hand in hand and by that way we are able to reach the Goal, by His grace alone. Thus none should fall by the wayside and become frustrated or intoxicated by the burning of their bad or good samskaras. These samskaras must find expression-- and very quickly-- because that is the only way to reach liberation in this very life. So our only duty, our only aim is to keep the mind fixed on Him by holding onto our sadhana. Only then we will experience infinite anandam or bliss.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace, our path of AM is complete. With Baba as our Tantric Guru, He has given us the best path to move ahead wherein when we get our AM diiksa, and by His grace we are given the light or lamp-- diipani-- to race ahead across the ocean of maya by exhausting all our samskaras and reach the Goal-- reach unto His divine lap, in this very life itself.
Diipajina'nam yato dadya't kurya't pa'paks'ayam' tatah; Tasma'tdiiks'eti sa' prokta' sarvatantrasya sammata
Baba says, "Now what is diipanii? Everything lies coverted within the self. The Supreme Entity is also within your “I” feeling. [He] is with you, but you do not know Him. That is, the Supreme Entity is with you, but You cannot see Him. You cannot realize Him. Why? Because you are covered by, you are surrounded by, ma'ya', the cimmerian darkness of ma'ya'. This diiks'a', Tantrikii diiks'a', is just like a torch. And by focusing the torch, you see your route through the darkness. That is why the first sub-phase is diipanii – diipanii means 'showing the torchlight'...Diiks'a' gives the aspirant the route, the way, or rather the path, of bliss. It shows the path of bliss. And to show the path of bliss, light is required; and that light is also supplied by diiks'a'. This light is diipanii." (AV-6) Namaskar, Anil
Note 1: THE VAST DIFFERENCE IN SPEED BETWEEN MARGIIS AND NON-MARGIIS
As soon as one gets tantric diiksa' and starts doing sadhana and leading our AM way of life, then their wheel starts moving quickly. Lifetimes of old samskaras become ripe and ultimately get exhausted. By that way one becomes free of so many fetters and they are able to advance ahead very, very rapidly. Then His grace becomes ever resplendent in their life and they able to reach their ultimate abode upon His divine lap. This is the sweet destiny of every Ananda Margii. Because in this lifetime every Ananda Margii will have to reach their Goal. That is why their speed is so great. And that is why in the life of margiis the cycle of happiness and sorrow rotates quickly, because only by exhausting all these good and bad samskaras can one reach their ultimate abode. So our movement is very fast by His grace. Because in this very life we are going to get Him. In contrast, the road for non-margiis is totally different. Rather than racing towards the Cosmic Nucleus in a straight line, they move slowly, slowly around the periphery. The ripening of their samskaras occurs in a very gradual way such that one can hardly see any movement in their life. What they are when they were born is not much different from how they are when they die. Their progress is negligible, if any at all. Because when one one does not have a Tantric Guru and when one does not have sadhana, then they have no path of movement to race ahead. So they live their life shackled by old samskaras and their rate of change is very minute. Hence, they will have to undergo life after life-- thousands and millions of lives. Their journey will be extremely slow and mostly uneventful. Whereas in our Marga, due to Baba's grace, we are racing ahead towards Him with great speed-- in which case all the fetters rapidly fall away as one after another samskara gets annihilated. Such is the great transformation that takes place within the life of every Ananda Margii. And that is why amidst the various obstacles and difficulties & joys and pleasures, those moving on the path of AM will reach their cherished goal in one life. One is sure to reach Baba's lap & get Him.
Note 2: HOW WE GET LIBERATION
Here below Baba beautifully explains how those on the path of sadhana reach unto the Supreme Goal of life and attain Him. Baba says, "Now how to get liberation from these bondages? It’s possible only when the reactive momenta get exhausted, and this is possible only through sa'dhana'. When one walks in the sphere of actional bondages one’s movement is from subtle to crude. The sa'dhana' for liberation from bondages is a movement from crude to subtle. The 'saincara' process is a movement from the supreme positivity to the supreme negativity, a flow from fundamental negativity to fundamental positivity. But, what is this movement for? This movement is for the exhaustion of actional bondages. It is movement from darkness to light and truth. One has to march towards truth."
Satyameva jayate na'nrtam satyenah pantha' vitato devaya'na.
"This is the sa'dhana' of liberation and this is not possible without Diiks'a'. If one walks in darkness one needs a torch otherwise one will fall down in a ditch. Similarly one walking on the path of sa'dhana' needs this torch, otherwise however strong one may be, downfall will be inevitable. The Sanskrit synonym for the word torch is diipaka or diipanii. The first letter of diipaka is dii and the first letter of the word ks'a'ya is ks'a. Thus comes the masculine word diiks'a. In feminine it is diiks'a'. Diiks'a' is essential for the exhaustion of actional momenta. This is the sa'dhana' of liberation. To learn is the sa'dhana' of knowledge. To walk on the path, i.e., to do regular practices is the sa'dhana' of action. Last but not the least is devotion – the culminating point of moks'a sa'dhana'. " (SS-19)
*************************************** 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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