== HOW TO IMPROVE SADHANA (PART 5) ==
Namaskar,
There are innumerable factors which affect the life and development of a
sadhaka. And by Baba's divine grace He has accounted for everything when He
formulated the Sixteen Points. From top to bottom all the points are
beautifully designed for maximum growth of the human being in all the
realms: physical, psycho-physical, psychic, mental, emotional,
psycho-spiritual, and spiritual.
POINT #3 OF SIXTEEN POINTS
As we are all well aware here below is the third point of 16 Points.
Baba says, "Never cut the hair of the joints of the body."
About this above point, there are multiple benefits including one special
aspect known as paincagni-- literally meaning 'the five fires'. And the
five fires means allowing the hair of the body to grow in 5 places - namely
(a) on the top of the head, (b) face, (c) chest, (d) armpits, and (e) pubic
region.
And the inner significance of these paincagni is that these five fires
kindle the spirit - or "fire" - of fearlessness, courage, valour, and
bravery. Because allowing the hair to grow in these five places gives one
the endurance in life to overcome all obstacles and defeat all enemies.
That is why they are known as paincagni-- the five fires.
At various times Baba has revealed this secret about paincagni and bravery.
When He first gave 16 Points, in various reporting sessions, as well as in
one special avadhuta meeting known as Kashi Avadhuta Sabha whereby Baba has
given a special blessing. So on all these occasions and more Baba has
verified the special import of paincagni.
LONG STANDING HISTORY ALSO
In addition, there is a well-documented history how various religious
communities and spiritual aspirants have made their mark because they knew
the theory and benefits of paincagni.
Most notably is the Sikh religion of India. Although they may be dogmatic
in various ways but early on they knew well about paincagni. Centuries ago
their leader-- guru Govinda Singh proclaimed that every single one of his
fighters could defeat 100 Muslim soldiers. And sure enough his Sikh
warriors pounded the Muslim army on numerous occasions and withstood their
invasions. So, despite their various dogmas, this spirit of fight is more
or less alive in Sikhs today as they hold many of the high posts in the
Indian military. Plus it is well known how the Allied forces took help from
the Sikhs in World War II. Thus, irregardless of whatever other defects
they may have, all along they have been strong adherents of paincagni.
In contrast, around the globe Buddhists are known as cowards - often
succumbing to even the weakest army or never even putting up any fight at
all. And from the very beginning they have never followed this point of
paincagni. Always preferring instead to cut or shave the hair of the body,
so they lost the spirit of paincagni. As a result Buddhists have taken a
strong beating by all sorts of invaders - thus inviting even further
disasters. And the root cause behind all of this negative outcome is their
blatant lack of courage.
SPIRIT OF FIGHT IS TOP IN OUR MARGA
Baba, being the Parama Purusa, is fully aware about the great benefits of
paincagni and has always encouraged its practice. That is why from the very
beginning Ananda Margiis have always displayed the great characteristic of
fight, determination, and bravery. And at the appropriate time this ancient
art of paincagni got formulated into our Sixteen Points as well. So indeed
the spirit of fight is infused in our Marga.
Who can forget that during the period of Emergency when so many political
prisoners were dragged into the jails of India, then always Ananda Margiis
maintained high spirits during those difficult days. Means in the jail
itself, Ananda Margiis were vigorously involved in all the aspects of Marga
life and maintaining a strong sense of courage and optimism while so many
other prisoners were totally sunk in depression and woe. Whereas we Ananda
Margiis were relentless in our pursuit of truth - always tearing down the
gates of injustice. That is why throughout India each and every person will
vouch that Ananda Margiis are spirited fighters and defenders of dharma.
VICTORY AND FIGHT ARE TOPS IN OUR MARGA (CONT)
Thus even the seemingly smallest aspects of Sixteen Points - such as point
#3 - are filled with the eternal qualities of victory. And in that spirit
every Ananda Margii is always ready to fearlessly uphold the path of
righteousness, i.e. the path of AM.
Baba says, "Fight for your ideology. Be one with your ideology. Live for
your ideology. Die for your ideology." (Ananda Vanii #14)
Baba says, "Suppose the enemy attacks and you begin squatting in groups and
start Ramdhuna - repeating the name of Rama. This sort of approach will not
do at all. Pick up your weapons, go and fight and say to yourselves
'Victory to the Lord' - this alone is the practical approach." (Disc MHB)
Baba says, "Peace is a result of fight. Peace-lovers of the universe must
not keep themselves away from fight." (Ananda Vanii #18)
Baba says, "You are all spiritual aspirants; you must remember that yours
is a never-ending fight against all sorts of meanness, all sorts of
crudeness, all sorts of depraving elements. You must not forget this fact."
(AV-5)
Baba says, "Thorns on the path cannot deter those who have assembled with
the determination to march in unison. They are blowing the trumpets of
victory..." (Ananda Vanii #3)
Namaskar,
Jawaharlal
Note: OTHER POSTINGS IN THIS SERIES
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/06/improving-sadhana.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-improve-sadhana-part-ii.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-improve-sadhana-part-ii-addendum.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-improve-sadhana-part-iii.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-improve-sadhana-part-iv.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-improve-sadhana-part-iv-addendum.html
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Mystery Unfolded About Acoustic Roots
Baba says, "What is a biija mantra (acoustic root)? Every action and
every existence are characterised by certain particular sounds. While you
sit in one place, you exist, and because of your existence various waves
get buffeted and altered. Light waves, for example, are either reflected or
refracted, after which they go back into the air. The existential acoustic
root is a prerequisite for all the functions of existence. Through
existence, through action, you are always engaged in some type of work."
"Every action has a sound of its own which may or may not be audible
to the human ear. Suppose someone is walking on tiptoe: the sound produced
is so soft that it is inaudible; but some sound is produced nevertheless.
Some people make a lot of noise when they walk. Some people smile silently,
whereas other people laugh loudly. In Sam'skrta, smiling silently is called
'smita', and laughing loudly is called 'ha'sya'. Though it seems that
smiling is a silent action, it does produce a sound. While smiling, one's
mouth and lips move slightly, causing a little stir in the air which
creates a very faint sound."
"Ether is the subtlest factor in this quinquelemental world. It, too,
having existence, produces a certain sound. Mental thoughts create a
vibration in your mind (a sound) which in turn vibrates the nerve cells and
nerve fibres."
"That minute sound of every action is called 'acoustic root' in
English and 'biija mantra' in Sam'skrta." (Jan 11, '79)
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