The Brahmana

From: "Ramlal Sharma" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: The Brahmana Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:32:28 Baba "A'lo jhariye madhu ks'ariye a'ndha'r sa'riye tumi esecho..." (P.S. 1233) Purport: Baba, You have come and by Your divine advent You are showering effulgence, exuding nectar, and wiping away all darkness. Baba, You have come-- making the flowers blossom & graciously spreading happiness and bliss to one and all. Baba, by Your august arrival everyone's hopes and longings have been fulfilled. Baba, living beings were awakened by the deep yearning and pain of longing in their heart. And with this feeling, in the anticipation & hope of Your coming, they were awake, watching for Your arrival-- constantly looking towards Your path. Baba, this pain and longing of devotees resonated in Your heart and You could no longer remain distant. Baba, You have come and You are graciously pouring the basket of love-- satisfying everyone's heart. The sleeping humanity has gotten new life by Your grace. Baba-- that river which dried up and evaporated, and that song which was lost in the oblivion-- the current of that very river and the tune of those songs You have graciously brought along with You.* Baba due to Your august advent You have inundated each and every heart with the nectar of devotion. This is Your causeless grace... * The inner idea is that when Parama Purusa comes and He saturates the heart with deep devotion, then all those feelings of love and which had dried up start to blossom. In the above song, the river signifies the flow of devotion and the song and melody refers to that subtler expression of devotional feeling.

== THE BRAHAMANA ==

Namaskar, Here is one story which contains one important teaching for all sadhakas.

STORY: VILLAGER IN SEARCH OF HIS HORSE

One sunny day a man left his house in search of his horse. His mind was totally filled and burdened with thoughts about his missing horse. In his long & arduous effort the man searched far and wide as he crossed many villages, hills, rivers, streams and valleys-- all in search of his horse. Along the way there were countless wonderful and fascinating sights, yet in his mind's eye all he could see was his horse-- nothing else. His mind was consumed with that notion. When the man finally returned home from his tiring journey his close friends were amazed by how far he had traveled; and they asked him numerous questions about what he saw on his fabled and remarkable journey. They wanted to hear his observations about the vastness of the earth and the beauty of the sky, as well as all the various other sights he saw along the way. Yet the man could not comment on any of that; all he could reply was, 'I could not find my horse'.

MORAL OF THE STORY

As, we can all see, the man in the story got caught up in his own little burdens. His mind became totally fused with thoughts about his horse to such an extent that he could not even begin to conceive of anything else. His whole reality was sunk in that. Being sadhakas, we must never allow such things to happen to us.

MISSING THE BOAT

In life so many things happen so if one is not careful then the mind will just get caught up in that whirlpool of those events. Indeed it is the common malady that step by step people burden themselves and allow theirs minds to get preoccupied with family problems, job issues, financial matters, health concerns etc. But in that troubled state of mind one cannot move ahead. The mind will just get burdened and one will be walking around carrying a heavy load of thoughts or concerns. In which case-- just like in the above story-- one will not be able to function. The real charm and beauty of life will pass one by.

NO BURDEN OF THE PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE

That is why Baba guides us that we should make it our strict policy to keep our mind free from any burdens. We must not carry any burden of the past, nor any burden of the future, nor any burden of the present. Our minds must be totally free from these three burdens. That is Baba's directive.

Yassa pure ca paccha ca majjhe ca natthi kincanam'; Akincanam' ana'da'nam' tamaham' vru'mi Bra'hman'am'.

Baba says, "I will call that person a Brahman whose mind does not run after any colour, who is neither obsessed by colour-laden thoughts of the past nor influenced by such thoughts of the present...One must free the mind from the influence of all colours." (NKS, Disc #24) In His above teaching Baba directs us to keep the mind cleansed of all past, present, and future problems. That is the first half of his teaching and the culminating idea of the shloka is that one must only focus on the Goal-- on Him. Then one will be able to do great things. This is Baba's eternal guideline.

KEEP THE MIND LIGHT

So as sadhakas, our duty is to keep the mind light-- to keep our mind focused on Parama Purusa. Baba says, "When you are to move fast, your mind should be light; if the mind is heavy it will not be able to move fast." (AV-31) So Baba's guideline is to keep the mind free, empty, and light. And the only way to do that is to remember Parama Purusa. Baba says, "You must always think of the goal. Always look to your ideal." (AV-1)

TRAINING THE MIND

Thus in our day to day practical life one must take up the task to keep the mind fixed on Him-- and not entertain the three burdens of the past, present, and future. Baba guides us that if one is careful in this endeavour then little by little the mind will always wipe away any burdens and move towards Him. With practice this will become one's habit until finally it becomes one nature. But if one does not take proper care then things will go in the opposite direction and the mind will always be burdened. So in our busy lives whenever we can, during each and every moment, we should clean the mind. That means we must not get drowned by past, present, or future events but rather must ensconce oneself in the Goal-- in the thought of the Great. And, amazingly enough, the more we attempt this grand endeavour the easier it becomes until finally it is just automatic, and always we feel His divine presence. By such training and practice, our minds will always be clean, empty, and free-- i.e. fully absorbed in His thought, in His ideation.

ASSETS OF SOCIETY

So Baba's grace and by our careful approach our mind will be unburdened and free. And in that state one will surely become a tremendous asset of the society-- one will do something great. Hence, as sadhakas, we should make it our regular habit to routinely check and cleanse the mind by thinking exclusively about Him. May we make this our regular endeavour as this is the inner secret for becoming great. Baba says, "People who command reverence from society...admit: 'We know nothing. We only think upon Parama Purus'a and work by His grace'." (NKS, Disc #23) Namaskar, Parashram

Note 1: MUST NOT HAVE TOO MANY PROGRAMS OPEN

Keeping the burdens of the past, present, and future in one's mind causes their entire existence to malfunction. One loses one's own abilities because of being overrun by too many useless thoughts and worries. It is just like when too many programs on a computer are open then the computer can no longer function at even a basic level. The computer just gets totally stuck and cross-wired by all those electrical impulses running in different directions. Similarly we should never allow such things to happen to us. Always may we remain focused on the Goal. That is the quality of a real sadhaka.

**************************************** Not Easy To Bring Into Practice

Baba says, "While helping the poor people your vanity may increase. You may think: 'I have done this, I have done that. I am not an ordinary man.' This is a psychic disease. Actually, vanity is a psychic disease, a psychic ailment. But if, while helping a man, a poor man, or a diseased person, you ascribe Godhood to him, that is, if you think, 'I am not helping a man, I am helping God in human structure,' then vanity will not be encouraged. What will be the reaction within the person? 'This body, this mind, this wealth has been given to me by Parama Purus'a, and Parama Purus'a has come before me, God has come before me, as a suffering person, and I am paying back that thing to Him. That is, the actual owner of this body, the actual owner of this mind is He, and His wealth I am paying back to Him.' So there will be no vanity." (DKG, p.197-98) Note: Despite that fact that we are all aware about Baba's above teaching, nonetheless it is the common human weakness that we forget about this point. Yet we all know His above guideline has great and eternal benefits. For that reason we need to be reminded about this divine guideline again and again. Adherence to this principle helps establish one in the stance of divinity & immortality.

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Naive People Create Problems for Themselves

From: "Shantatma Kerketta" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Naive People Create Problems for Themselves Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:10:35 +0530 Baba "Toma'ya a'mi bhla'loba'si, a'mi toma'ra a'jina'ka'ri..." P.S. 4589 Purport: Baba, I love You. I feel fortunate when obeying or carrying out Your order. By Your grace, I pass my whole days always involved in shravan, manan, and nidhidhyasana. I am always engaged in Your ideation. In true sense I do not know whether I love You or not. I do not even want to know whether I am loving You or not. Please be gracious and compassionate. And bless me with devotion. This is my only thing I want-- to remain at Your lotus feet. With my whole existence-- my body, my heart, & my mind, I do sastaunga pranam at Your lotus feet. Baba, please grant me devotion...

== NAIVE PEOPLE CREATE PROBLEMS FOR THEMSELVES ==

Namaskar, There is a myth in our AM society that jinana is useless and there is no need to read Baba's books. This letter addresses the issue. We all have to consider the matter: If really reading Baba's books is not needed, then what was the reason for Him to deliver thousands and thousands of discourses and emphasize the seminar system, svadhyaya, and study etc.

WE MUST REFLECT: DO WE REVIEW HIS TEACHINGS?

In AM, we have our distinct path. Baba has given all the necessary guidelines: When we follow them, life flows properly; when we disregard them, difficulties arise. This happens both in personal and in collective life. At present, we all know that groupism has reared its head in our Marga society. But it did not come out of nowhere. There are some tell-tale signs and reasons behind it. We should all be more aware about AM philosophy, Baba's articles / books, and reflect and honestly ask ourselves: "Am I part of the problem - even in the smallest way? How often do I read Baba's guidelines and discourses and ensure I am following His tenets." Kindly consider the following analysis and share your thoughts.

DEVOTION DOES NOT MEAN A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

In our Marga, all want to be devotees. In countless discourses, Baba has clearly defined bhakti as being the best path, far better than the other paths, i.e. karma and jinana. Jinana or knowledge is the worst. So all are eager to become devotees. Unfortunately, some have (mis)understood this to mean that one need not read AM discourses or study Baba's guidelines. They think that is the lowly path of jinana. Indeed there is a prevailing myth in our AM family that knowledge is not needed. But Baba's main intention behind His criticism of jinana lies in having vanity of knowledge whereby people just read books and overlook sadhana. In contrast, knowledge of Baba's books is needed. In AM, some people mix this up. That is their misconception. So all should be cent-per-cent clear that reading Baba's discourses and doing sadhana comes under that path of devotion. One must read the books, do sadhana and follow accordingly, otherwise they will go in the wrong direction. We must know Baba's teachings. That is our compass of life. Just as the explorers of old used celestial navigation or a compass to plot their course, Baba's teachings are our compass to stay on the right path. Thus we must study and know His guidelines. Baba says, "To liberate society from this unbearable situation, consciousness will have to be aroused among the people; their eyes will have to be opened by knowledge. Let them understand the what’s, the why’s and the where’s. Thus study is essential, very essential." (NH-LOI, Disc: 7) If His teachings were not needed, then He would have just sat up on the dais and given varabhaya mudra for 2 hours straight. But He did not do that. Most certainly He blessed us, but in addition He gave us distinct guidelines to abide by so that we may (a) progress, (b) know what to do and not to do, and (c) reach the Goal. If one does not read the books they will not know the do's and don'ts and they will follow the wrong path and go in the wrong direction. That is what we see happening now. If due to our naiveté or ignorance, we are not aware of Baba's guidelines, then problems will arise. That is how groupism came about and finds support still today from good, well-intentioned margiis. Why because they lack the requisite knowledge. Confirmed group leaders are aware what they are doing - they are deliberate sinners. But countless other wts and margiis wish to serve the best interest of the Marga but innocently get caught up in the whirlpool of groupism. Because some are not fully aware of Baba's teachings and instead rely on certain Dadas for advice and guidance. When in reality, we should only rely on Baba. He is our Supreme Guide. So we should all be critically aware about His divine guidelines and let those teachings determine the course of our lives. Let's consider the matter further.

COMMON THEME

Many in AM think that, "Yes, I am following Baba in all respects". Who does not think like this - everyone does. We all think we are abiding by the ways of neo-humanism etc. All think that by their actions they are serving and pleasing Guru. However, upon closer examination, it is often found that many are unknowingly part of the problem. Unwittingly they are supporting groupism: Either by financial donations, reading Fake Ananda Vaniis, attending factional functions, accepting the Fake BP Manual, following Bangalisation or the Mahaprayan dogma, accepting scriptural distortions, the splitting of jagrtis, witnessing punishment postings and so many other ways. They do not mean to do it; it simply happens because some naive margiis / wts are not aware of Baba's teachings. See for yourself. We should all ask ourselves, "Did I review a discourse from neo-humanism this month? Have I read an entire discourse from Subhasita Samgraha this week? Do I regularly refer to Caryacarya?". This is the type of self-analysis that must be done. When one has Baba's ideas in mind, then one will not innocently become a puppet or supporter of groupist activities. That will save you from harsh consequences. Because those innocent people who unknowingly follow groupists agendas will have to face the facts and undergo the reactions. It is just like if one unknowingly touches fire, then that fire will not spare you. Similarly, going against bhagavad dharma is dangerous. On this point, no one can save you. One will have to face the consequences. Thus by not knowing Baba's guidelines and actively applying them in life, one is inviting all sorts of problems.

ASTRONAUT ANALOGY

Most margiis are quite intelligent and more aware than the general public, so many may think that they are not prone to falling away from Baba's teachings. But if one has a weak spot for a certain Dada or group, then it can easily happen. Just think, most astronauts are extremely well-trained in the sciences and all kinds of technical aspects of life, yet still they may prescribe to the dogma of heaven. They know about outer space but they stillthink they will go to heaven. Because of their kinship with a particular religion etc, they may not critically evaluate their beliefs whereas in other arenas of life they are quite sharp. Many read discourses yet because of their friendship with certain Dadas they support groupism unknowingly, and hence fall into dogma like the astronauts. So those inclined toward a particular group of Dadas may automatically conclude that those group leaders are grounded in neo-humanism. When in truth those wts may just be involved in forming one group and thus violating the facets of neo-humanism. But the margii cannot understand that because they have lost the capacity to see; they have no vivek due to their factional allegiances. That is how people naively get trapped in the net of groupism, despite their best intentions to follow Baba.

BABA'S BLESSING & SOLUTIONS

There is more to this topic and a follow-up letter should be written. We should all know that through study, satsaunga, sadhana, and introspection, we can bring Baba's teachings into our practical life and avoid the awful reactions that stem from a lack of basic knowledge of AM teachings. Remember, whatever one does - right or wrong - one has to face the consequences. If one goes against the fundamental teachings of AM, then prakti will not spare them. As margiis we should adhere to Baba's principles strictly, read His discourses on neo-humanism and engage in introspection. Baba says, "There is another meaning of the word ideology. It means a mirror. When we look at it, we can observe ourselves. Similarly is our ideology. Every human being should follow his ideology. Human life is an ideological flow. Those people who have no ideology in life are not human beings. One can recognize other men to the extent that he follows his ideology. The life of man devoid of ideology is like an animal life." (SS-20) Namaskar, Shantatma

**************************************** - Marriage Condition -

BABA says, "I have stated that at the time of marriage the bride and bridegroom should not have any direct relationship three generations above and three generations below. If this condition is not met, the marriage should not be solemnized." (AV-7, p.57) Note: Those not following this their moral standard is questionable. Top grade margiis are very strict about this Baba's teaching.

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Dhruvanandji

Date: 25 Jan 2010 13:17:19 -0000 From: To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Dhruvanandji Baba

== DHRUVANANDJI ==

Namaskar, All are aware that Dada Dhruvanandji has been ill for some time. That is why he has not been able to fulfill his duty as GS. However, in the recent days, things have taken a turn for the worse. He now no longer even leaves his bed for natural call. So the situation is indeed grave. Our best wishes with Dhruvanandji at this critical hour. Sincerely, Mahesh