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Stand of AM: Ending Life Prematurely

Date: Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:36:48 -0000 (GMT) From: Singh_Manindra Subject: Stand of AM: Ending Life Prematurely To: AM-GLOBAL Baba "Jamiin a'sama'n tumha'ra', tumha'ra' jaha'n sa'ra'..." (P.S. 4335) Purport: Baba, this earth & this vast blue sky belongs to You. Not only that, but this entire universe is Your property. You are the sole owner of everything. I am Yours; You are mine. I want to move according to Your direction. You are my everything. You are the source of all energy. Whatever strength the sun has, it is coming from You. Similarly whatever fragrance comes from the flower garden, that is Your fragrance. You are the divine Entity which decorates everyone's heart. Baba, You are always with everyone in sorrow as well as in happiness, equally. You are always residing in my heart; in Your longing my eyes are showering tears. Baba, You are the controller of everything. This entire created world belongs to You. You are mine and I am Yours...
== STAND OF AM: ENDING LIFE PREMATURELY ==
Namaskar, In our Ananda Marga, human life is regarded as something invaluable and highly treasured. The gift of human life is not easily gotten and once achieved it should be used to follow the path of bhagavata dharma. This we all know and are doing. So just as our Marga protects the rights of the baby and is against abortion, similarly we support the idea that one's life should not be curtailed prematurely-- without an ideal in mind. Because sometimes human life gets prematurely curtailed due to extreme circumstances. From time to time this happens and that is what is discussed here below.
SELF-IMMOLATION VS SUICIDE
It is not uncommon that people get confused between the terms: self-immolation and suicide. In AM though, self-immolation has a deeper meaning; self-immolation is not achieved just by lighting oneself on fire. That alone is not self-immolation according to our spiritual way of thinking. The reasoning behind this is very simple and clear. The act of self-immolation is intrinsically linked with one's ideation and outlook. If at the time when someone leaves their body they have true cosmic ideation, then that person becomes one with Brahma. And with that ideation only does it qualify as self-immolation. If however that cosmic ideation is not present at the time of leaving the body-- and instead one is following a narrow-minded or dogmatic approach, then that person will become the object of what they were thinking. Means they will convert themselves into crudeness. So if one kills themselves while in that distinctly lower state of mind, such a death is the sinful act of suicide-- not the higher ideal of self-immolation.
EXAMPLE FROM ANANDA MARGA
For example when our Dadas did self-immolation in the past during the 1970s, their mind was infused with Cosmic ideation. They did not have any group, party, national, or any sectarian religious interest. Rather they died exclusively for the great cause of Bhagavad Dharma. And because the ideation of the Great was dominating in their mind, then they became one with Parama Purusa. Whereas if the thought of some narrow party or nation is flooding one's thought waves at the time of one's demise, then that person will become transformed directly into matter etc. Their approach is suicide and they will become negative microvita. Because that action was devoid of ideation on Parama Purusa.
CLEAR-CUT DIFFERENCE
Thus there is no question of dilemma or misunderstanding about the difference between self-immolation and suicide. This point is crystal clear point. If one's ideation is supreme then the result is also supreme; and if one's way of thinking is narrow then the result is narrow, i.e. negative microvita. So it is quite clear that in the ongoing cases of self-destructive bombings in the name of Islam or Judaism etc, then those dogmatic persons committed suicide. And they became negative microvita. Here following are various teachings & explanations which Baba has give about this topic.
SUICIDE IS SAME AS HOMICIDE
First and foremost, according to Baba's guideline, suicide itself is condemnable. Because when Parama Purusa has given a human body, and because of any reason if someone purposefully kills themself, then they are inviting the same amount of sin as if they were killing another human being (homicide). The point is that when Parama Purusa has supplied this human body, nobody has the right to destroy it by demolishing themselves. If anybody kills oneself, it means in future they will not be graced by new human life. For example, if you give a pen a paper to one very small 6 month old infant, and then the baby tears up the paper and throws it away on the ground, and chews the pen and throws it outside the window. Then his loving parents will think that this baby is not yet ready for those things. Let it grow more, then I will provide these materials. Same way, Parama Purusa does not grant new human life to people after they commit suicide. Rather, the died person will have to wait a very, very long period. Even as long as millions of years. Because when someone has committed suicide, it may take millions of years to wander as negative microvita. So killing oneself is an abominable act.
BABA IS AGAINST SUICIDE
In His discourses Baba has clearly warned for people not to commit suicide. Specifically in the book Microvita in a Nutshell, Baba addresses the topic of disembodied souls. And there he has given a graphic explanation about the negativity of suicide: Baba says, "People who commit suicide due to humiliation, psychic distortion, frustration or the overpowering influence of excessive attachment, anger, greed, vanity, jealousy, etc. get the status of kabandha yoni after death. Wherever these entities happen to see other human beings under the spell of psychic derangement, they incite them to commit suicide." (MVNS p.100) So this Kabandha is one type of negative microvita. According Baba's teaching, such unholy acts like the miner's suicide in Bolivia was done under the spell of those ghastly microvita. Even then some ignorant persons think that by destroying their existence they will become historical or eternally famous. But I think this is one type of psychic disease. Nothing more. And it is well known all around the globe. In general as well as in Ananda Marg society. That, committing suicide is not some type of glorified action. Rather it is a negative, psychic disease. It is done by very weak, disturbed, tense, fragile persons. Those who have strong mind, they never invite such negative thoughts. Anyhow, because of any reason if any person commits suicide then surely they do not get human life again easily. By the story which Baba narrated in Shabda Cayanika part 2, this picture is very clear. Where Baba is describing that the British official officer "Sahib" killed himself. And so many years passed, and his unembodied soul was living in that government bungalow. And when Baba in his tour visited that bungalow, then because of His divine compassion Baba blessed the Sahib. Otherwise the Sahib would have been still under punishment. Even though he was feeling deep repentance of the crime of suicide which he did.
STORY FROM SHABDA CAYANIKA
Here is that excerpt from Shabda Cayanika where the Sahib who committed suicide is describing his terrible fate. "Today I realize what a horrendous mistake I made. ...This path of suicide that I have taken to save my honour has crudified me so much that even after such a long time I cannot find any deliverance. These days I am utterly helpless. ...Oh, what a painful bondage! Is there no path left open to me to attain peace! Is there no ointment I can apply which will soothe the burning of my bondage!" (SC-2 p.66) Thus it is only Baba's causeless grace that He granted him (the Sahib) a better life.
SUICIDE IS TOTALLY NEGATIVE
So all these above Baba's teachings clearly demonstrates that in a weak moment, nobody should invite their own disaster by committing suicide. Not only that, it is our duty as a true devotee of Baba to guide others when they are feeling depressed or devastated or unsure of themselves. Thus we hould be prepared and warn them that committing suicide invites long-term rreparable damage. And that 'long-term' means thousands and thousands of years of punishment. Because the life span of negative microvita is not limited to ten, twenty, or one hundred years. But far longer than that. So the entire act of committing suicide is meek and cowardly. Look in this way. Nowadays all around, in general society, serious negativity is going on. Their food habits, dogma, and communal rights, and innumerable problems. And they do not have any proper ideology to move on in the right direction. So in this situation, our duty is to guide them and bring on the proper path.
LEAD OTHERS ONTO THE PATH OF LIFE (DHARMA)
So when we are seeing the very low standard of general society where so many people are mentally imbalanced, then we must never encourage this type of cowardice mentality. Rather with a full voice of courage and compassion we should guide them in the proper direction. Because the duty of sadvipras is to recognise and undergo the problem and then gain victory. Because, in Ananda Sutram, Baba says "Badha'...laksye". Means obstacles are the helping force to reach to the Goal. So suicide is one sinful act that goes against the essence of humanity and it should never be confused with the higher ideal of self-immolation. (See Note 3 and Note 4) Of course since we have all adopted the sanctified path of AM, then our success in all the spheres of life is guaranteed. Baba says, "Ananda Marga is that path of progress, and that is why Ananda Marga is the only alternative for the preservation of human existence and civilization." (PNS-6, p. 62) Namaskar, Manindra
Note 1: FOLLOWING STANDARD OF AM
In AM we have our own unique understanding of particular words. And the surrounding society may have a different way of explaining the same term. In this way a word can take on multiple definitions and usages. But we should never indulge in those other interpretations. For example, general society members may tell that self-immolation is any form of self-induced death. But in our Marga we will never agree to such a statement because our understanding of self-immolation is related with our spiritual outlook. And like this there are many such examples where words or phrases in the general society take on a vastly different meaning than how we use the term in AM. For instance: yajina. In Hindu society yajina means throwing rice into the sacrificial fire whereas in AM yajina is a complete system of serving the entire society-- from plants to the great rishis. Here is another example. Take the case of dharma. In AM dharma has the special meaning of bhagavad dharma, related with vistara, rasa, seva and tadsthiti. But the surrounding sectors of society have a different understanding where all day long they are talking about Hindu dharma, or Musselman dharma, or Christian dharma. So when we say dharma we are talking about a universalistic approach based on spiritual values whereas the general society in India uses dharma in accompaniment with any of the dogmatic religions. And like this the same type of differences can be pointed out for so many terms such as shraddha, dharmacakra, puja, and so many others. So in AM we have our understanding based on the sublime teachings of Taraka Brahma and in the outside society they use the term according to local social habits etc. The conclusive point is that when we use any term then always it is based on the standard of AM. And in this letter that we are following with respect to the term self-immolation.
Note 2: VARIES FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY
In various countries suicide is viewed differently. In Japan committing suicide is not treated as a crime. But in India, it is a crime. Although if the person has died, then that is over. But in Britain, if the person is alive or dead then the person is responsible and it is a punishable offense. But the overriding idea is that whatever the laws and social viewpoints may be, according to cardinal human values suicide is sin.
Note 3: MICROVITA
There are seven types of microvita. Some are positive, some are negative. But those who are very crude, negative, demonic type of people, those who are engaged in harming others in their whole life, after their demise they will become pretayoni. Very negative, nefarious type of microvita. They inspire others to do very negative and dirty things. So this pretayoni is one of the lowest categories of very negative microvita, which does not come in even the ordinary negative type of microvita...Pretayoni means "most detrimental one". Kabandha is one of them, which inspires others to commit suicide in their weak moment. For more information, please read the whole article "Disembodied Souls and Microvita".
******************************************** Think On This
Baba says, "Human Society is one and indivisible, don't try to divide it. Each and every individual should be looked upon as the manifestation of the Cosmic Entity." (Ananda Vanii, #21)
********************************************

Check Your Log Book

To: am-global@earthlink.net From: wellsley29@markwebmail.... Subject: Check Your Log Book Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:55:06 -0700 (PDT) Baba "Tumi na' bale esechile, a'j na' bale cale gele..." (P.S. 1327) Purport: Baba, without saying anything You came and appeared in my dhya'na, and now today without telling You just left-- disappeared. Baba, I was lying in the dust on the path, but You just lifted me up and put me on Your lap. It is Your grace, O' Parama Purus'a. Baba, my dwelling was old and tattered-- broken down. And not only that, I was also without intellect and conscience. Indeed, my condition was so pitiful that I did not have even one morsel to put into my mouth. But, by Your grace, You bestowed everything upon me and You taught me all the things. Baba, I was not understanding the dharma of human life-- what human beings should do, what are the do's and don'ts-- about all these things I was not at all aware. To get You I did not do any sadhana. But even then by Your grace You have taught me sadhana and You have blessed me with perfection to move ahead on the path. O' my dearmost Baba, previously in my life I was not even getting the status of a human being. All the teachings I had been given were full of dogma. Baba, by Your grace You have poured the sweetness and given me a voice and lifted me onto Your Divine lap. Baba, You have done everything. Secretly You came and secretly You left-- even then You have arranged everything for me. Baba, Your grace is unforgettable...
== CHECK YOUR LOG BOOK ==
Namaskar, When a cab driver wants to know how his day went, he checks his log book. Then he is able to review and see where he drove. When a company needs to calculate their output, they view their log book so they can understand their position. In that way, each and every person or institution consults their log book (electronic or otherwise) to find out their true status. As sadhakas, our approach should not be any different. We too should have our "log book" - be it a diary, journal, or psychic memory - so we can understand our course in life. Here below Baba guides us how to do it.
FROM BUGS TO BIRDS TO DOGS TO HUMANS
There are so many beings in this cosmological order and each has their own manner of operation. Small bugs, beetles, worms, crabs, and lizards just function by their own instinct. They have no higher faculty of mind by which to direct their life. Such beings just walk or slide along engrossed by their own inborn desires. Baba says, "In certain undeveloped creatures, instinct means only inborn instincts, and in such creatures the psychic waves cannot move beyond the arena of corporality." (YP) Then there are some higher animals like dogs, monkeys, cows, and horses etc. They are guided by instinct as well as by psychic urge and emotion. Such animals can be tamed and trained & by that way they develop bonding relationships with their masters. Instinct does not totally dominate their life, they also have higher functioning minds that allow them to act according to their psychic or sentimental feeling. For instance, your dog may not defend your neighbor from an intruder but certainly if you are attacked then your dog will defend you with all its might. That is because your dog is emotionally attached with you - it has that psychic connection. Likewise your horse or cattle will not respond to others but it will obey your direction. All higher animals have that capacity or psychic urge. They are not exclusively guided by instinct. They are a bit more developed. Baba says, "Animals who have developed themselves to some extent, mentally, spiritually, just like monkeys, just like dogs, have got some intellect. Although they are also guided by instinct, [but] because of close association with human beings that intellect has been a bit developed. A dog can carry a hurricane lantern like this, can carry a stick like this. It can feel the pains and pleasures of its master." (AV-14) So there is a world of difference between undeveloped and developed creatures. Finally we come to human beings. We have instinct, psychic urge (sentiment and emotion) and ideology. However, we are only to be guided by ideology, not by instinct or emotion. That is Baba's strict directive. Baba says, "Human life, unlike animal life, is an ideological flow. Where there is no ideological flow, in that case, even if the physical structure is just like a man, he is not a man, but is an animal. So each and every human being must try his best to maintain the special status of humans. It is our first duty. It is our fundamental duty. This ideological flow must be maintained at any cost."
MUST CONSULT OUR LOG BOOK
Thus it is our bounden duty to check our log book daily. This human body is a machine. It was not designed for carnal pleasures or sentimental delights. Ours is the path of ideology. Our minds are to be trained in that way and our bodies are to be used for that course of movement - not any other. So we have to be vigilant and ensure that our every action is according to AM ideology. Failing that we will be involved in misusing our bodies and minds, in which case either in this life or the next, we will get a body that is only usable for more crude pursuits. We will become an animal or even worse. The situation is serious and the best way to keep abreast of the matter is to consult your log book and review your course of actions. With an unbiased mind, one is to critically analyse their modus operendi in life. We should ask ourselves: Was that action guided by ideology? If the answer is a "no" or partial no, then that is the degree to which we are going against our human dharma and becoming transformed into a beast. So multiple times through the course of every day we should consult our log book and see how we are doing. When with co-workers, when with our family, when making decisions, when at the dinner table, and throughout all our movements in life, we should readily consult our logbook and ensure we are heading in the right direction. Because if we are not, then our fate it not good - we will become a beast. That is the very serious matter at hand. That is one way to think of it.
CROSSING THE OCEAN TO PARAMA PURUSA
The other way to think of it is to view this life as an opportunity to reach Parama Purusa. In the former manner we are trying to refrain from being dragged into animality and in this outlook we clearly have our sights set on divinity. In this approach we are to wholeheartedly embrace ideology and cross the ocean of maya. We are most fortunate to have such an opportunity. That is the proper use of this human machine or human body. Baba says, "Then who can get Him? They say it is very, very easy. What to do? “O Lord, I am Your creation. I am Yours, I am at Your disposal. This body is a machine. Utilize it.”" (AV-14) By surrendering one's mind to Him and using this body to do His work, then one is sure to cross the ocean of maya and reach up to Him. That is what happens when one leads a life based on ideology, by His grace. That is the best use of this human life.
BABA'S MANILA DISCOURSE
Furthermore, in His discourse, "Utilize All Your Potentialities" (21 April 1969 morning, Manila) Baba clearly tells us that if we have a tractor and a big lot of land then we are foolish and ignorant if we do not use the tractor and just let the land become totally wild and unusable. Our job is to use the tractor to make the land arable - that is the proper use of the tractor. That is what that machine (i.e. tractor) is for. Similarly, this human body is a tool or a machine for attaining Him. Yet all too often people misuse their bodies for other crude pursuits. Some get diverted towards sex and others towards all kinds of emotional cum sentimental attachments. In that case not only are they going to degenerate, but they are losing out on a great opportunity to attain godhood and sit on the divine lap of Parama Purusa. So as sadhakas we should regularly review our code of conduct and ensure we are moving on the path of ideology. We should be swift to use our machine for attaining Him. Just sitting back and letting life go by is not enough. We are to utilise this life for reaching His divine lap, by His grace. And the way to do that is to check your log book. We are to see how far our intentions and actions are ideological or not. Are we doing what we should be doing or not. Then we can ensure our human machine is being used properly - then we will reach the Goal (Baba).
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace, He has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity. We should not waste it and degrade back into animal life wherein we are just goaded by crude instincts. Ours is a human life that is meant for the expression of ideology. By consulting out log books on regular basis we can keep ourselves on track. That is the best utilisation of this human life. Then we will cross the noose of maya and get Him. Baba says, "You have got a human body. Make the best utilization of it. Forget everything of the past from this very moment...Go on working in such a way that you give your proper worth to society, and you bring about the actual evolution of humanity. Be a devotee of humanity as well as a devotee of Parama Purus'a. Let victory be with you." (YP) Namaskar, Jiivendra
Note: READ THIS RELATED LETTER
This below letter is related with the topic discussed above.

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