For Optimal Health- II

Date: 31 Jan 2011 09:15:32 -0000
From: "Mahesh  Rastogi"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: For Optimal Health- II

Baba

                 == FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH, PART II ==

                     "A STEP-BY-STEP METHOD"

Namaskar,
As we know fasting is one special process for achieving and maintaining
optimum health. As Ananda Margiis, we have all realised, to some or more
degree, the various positive effects of fasting. And the initial mail on
this topic touched on some of these universal benefits such as ridding the
body of toxins, increased longevity, and enhanced quality of life etc.
Those points I collected from various family acaryas.

Certainly then fasting is a unique purification process and one most
significant aspect of this practice is the approach to breaking the fast.
So this mail will focus primarily on a gentle yet thorough system which was
told be senior sadhakas by which one can break the fast. Since we all have
experience in this, it will also be interesting to hear what others have to
say.


                 HOW THE BODY IS AT THE END OF THE FAST

Of course one important thing to be aware of is that by doing a 24-36 hour
dry fast-- i.e. without water-- then the body obviously becomes dehydrated.
Hence the body is in a very delicate and sensitive state. In that case, if
one breaks the fast in an abrasive or hasty manner then not only will they
be unable to derive the many benefits of the fast but it will create harm
to the body.


                                  THE NEED FOR WATER

So one key point to keep in mind is that after a dry fast sufficient water
is needed to properly restore the body and help it reach that pristine
state. As we all know water is an indispensable part of the functioning of
the body and since the human body itself is comprised mostly of water,
naturally then an adequate amount of water must be taken. And multiple
reasons are there behind this.     
              
First off, after fasting there remains undigested food & waste material
sitting in colon as well as in the large and small intestines. Often enough
this waste matter is collected on the linings of the intestine, thus
causing blockage. So on the one hand sufficient water is needed in order to
deliver a proper and thorough cleansing of the intestines-- as well as the
entire digestive track. This is one point.

It is similar to if your kitchen floor gets dirty or stained and if you try
to clean it with only a few drops of water, that will never suffice. In
that case it will not get clean. Whereas if sufficient water is applied
then that floor can be properly cleaned-- and it will regain its shine.
Now here is another point.

Additionally, it is well known that water is one of basic ingredients for
the functioning of all the organs. Thus after fasting a sufficient amount
must be taken to compensate for the deficit. Plus, as discussed, water is
needed in order to clean the waste from the body. So on both these
accounts, and for other reasons as well, the body needs an adequate amount
of water on the morning of breaking fast.


                    A FEW POINTS OF AWARENESS

Before getting into the specifics of breaking fast, it should be mentioned
that one, two, or even three glasses of water is not nearly enough for the
breaking process. In their ignorance, some people might drink 1-2 glasses
of water and then immediately start eating varieties of foods etc, but that
way of doing is totally off base and should never be done.

Rather on breaking fast morning first the digestive system should be
cleaned thoroughly-- from top to bottom-- with water. And when that has
been done completely, then solid food can be taken, but not beforehand.


             BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF-- A "HOW TO" PROCESS

1. First mix 1/4 piece of lemon or lime with some salt in a dry container--
preferably a plastic or ceramic container, but not metal.

2. Then add 1/2 litre to 1 litre of warm water and stir.

3. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste-- but
not overly salty.

4. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can
be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your
mixture by adding more warm water.

5. Then one should begin to drink this lemon salt water. Not in one gulp
per se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of
a few minutes, without bloating the stomach. But one should not take too
much time either.

6. After finishing that initial round of salty lemon water then one can
walk nearby for a minute or two-- either in the fresh air or indoors.

7. Plus you can gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the
inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by
bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the
cleansing process.

8. Then as soon as one feels ready to again drink, then the next round of
lemon salt water should be taken. Note: It is important not to wait too
long in between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should
again drink.

9. And like this multiple rounds should be done of drinking lemon salt
water and then walking slowly. This process should be repeated until one
feels the need to go to the toilet. And overall upwards of 2-3 litres of
lemon salt water can be ingested in this way. (Note: But under no
circumstances should solid food be taken yet. Rather this will wreak havoc
on the system as fresh food will be sitting on top of waste material. So no
food should be taken at all until the entire system gets clear.)

10. By this process of drinking round after around, a strong urge will come
to go to the toilet-- within 1/2 hour to one hour, depending. And initially
when in the toilet a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be
released. And thereafter progressively more and more liquids will be
released via the rectum. This will also be brown at the beginning. But one
should not worry that they have been stricken with a severe case of
diarrhea. It is not like that. Rather this is the initial stage of cleaning
out the digestive track.

11. Once one has begun the process of defecating & clearing the stomach and
bowels. Then you can switch over from drinking a salty mixture and instead
begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help
hydrate the body and will also aid in the cleansing process.

12. In this process of cleaning one might have to visit the toilet anywhere
between 3-5 times, or more. And one important thing to remember is that
never should the urge be suppressed and "held in". Rather as soon as the
impulse comes one should go straight to the toilet.

The waste material will go from brown and somewhat solid to being yellowish and
liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. And once completely clear
liquid comes then in this case one can feel assured that indeed the entire digestive
track has become clean-- including the intestines, colon, and stomach. Everything has
become perfectly clean.

14. And by this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy
feeling will consume the body. And one will fell very happy, fresh, and
energetic.

15. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. And
at that point one can eat 2-3 ripe bananas, depending on the size. But the
bananas should be soft and ripe-- not green and hard.

16. And then after taking a few bananas-- and do be careful not to overeat
and fill the stomach completely-- then after waiting 25 minutes it is
important to again drink some fresh water. This will help in digesting the
banana.

17. And thereafter when stronger hunger comes one should take some easily
digestible food-- like well-hydrated rice and vegetables, or whatever is
conveniently available in your area or locale. But neither strong food like
citrus fruit nor heavily spiced or oily food should be taken. These should
be avoided and instead more simple food should be eaten.

18. And throughout the day care should be taken to continue to drink fresh
water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help
ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body
hydrated.


                             TAKING PROPER CARE

One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly individualized
thing. And one should be gentle and listen to one's own body when
undergoing this entire process.

So altogether, this is one very important and a delicate subject; it needs
personal interest and proper care to see what is good and working well for
you.                              

                              BABA'S BLESSING

I can never forget how in one general darshan, Baba has given the guideline
that although animals know how to fast, only humans know how to break their
fast properly. And those who are not aware about this technique then they
should be taught at the earliest. In that way Baba spoke


                            ANOTHER BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "When you are in a mood of pleasure, you should distribute it
throughout the universe-- let all the hearts of the entire created universe
dance in ecstasy. This is the goal of the day: you are for all, you are for
the Neo-Humanistic progress of the entire universe."  (AFPS-5)

Namaskar,
Mahesh


Note 1:                A FEW MORE POINTS COMING

In a follow-up email some further points about this important topic of
fasting, healthy, and wellness will be sent. At the same time others should
also share their insights and experiences


Note 2:           FASTING ON PLANET EARTH AND BEYOND

We know that our AM system of fasting is based upon the cycle or phases of
the moon. Yet Baba also guides us that when human beings move to other
planets then accordingly the system of fasting will be based on that
planetary system etc.


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'loya bhara' toma'r dhara' saba'r tare, saba'r tare,
A'sa' hetha'y toma'r krpa'y, toma'ri ka'j kariba're..." (4767)

Purport:

 Baba, by Your grace, everyone comes on this earth to do Your work.
Everyone has come here to chant Your holy name. Baba, this earth, Your
land, is filled with Your divine effulgence. It is for everyone; it is for
everyone.   Baba, since eternity You have been my Dearmost. Baba whatever way You
want to keep me in Your shelter, I accept-- whether that be in tears or
smiles. Whatever You like, You give; that will be best for me. And from my
side, those things which I have lovingly prepared with my full heart to
offer (arghya*) at Your lotus feet, please accept them.
 Baba, You were mine and You will be mine up to eternity; I am also
Yours-- forever, trika'l*. Baba, in this universe we all dance around You
by Your grace. Baba, You are the focal point; in the end everyone will
finally merge into You.
 Baba, Your world is for all-- for all. Your shelter is for all...


ASTERISK NOTES (*)

*Trika'l=  The prefix 'tri' means 'three'; and the stem 'ka'l'  means
'time'. Hence trika'l refers to the three phases of time: Past, present,
and future.

*Arghya= The term arghya means 'offering' though more specifically it
refers to that offering which is purely psychic or mental in nature-- the
offerings of the mind. In contrast to offer those things which are physical
in nature is nirma'ly. Hence in the above song since the term arghya is
used, the sadhaka is offering all his mental colours and longings at the
lotus feet of Guru. The sadhaka is offering all the love of his heart to
his Lord. Thus the devotee's offering is purely psychic or psycho-spiritual
in nature. Whereas the offering done to various gods and goddesses in the
dogmatic religions is called nirma'ly since on those occasions those
followers are offering physical objects like food, incense, animals etc.
Baba has outlined this distinct difference between arghya and nirma'ly in a
few different discourses.


        *********************************************
                       Present Day Music

Baba says, "The world of music today is like a person without a proper guru
or proper training. People want to show they can play without having paid
their dues. They are selling themselves for gold without realizing that the
real value of music is being lost thereby. Gold is becoming even cheaper
than glass. Whenever a ra'gin'ii is a little difficult they only show that
they can play the notes without going deep into the music. There is no way
of doing this with sindhubhaeravii, the same with mu'lta'nii vasanta (not
vasantaba'ha'r), so you no longer hear either one of them." (SC-2, p.129)
        *********************************************

"New" Definition of Divine Love

Date: 29 Jan 2011 12:39:38 -0000
From: "Gaurishankar  Agrawal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: "New" Definition of Divine Love

BABA


             == NEW DEFINITION OF DIVINE LOVE ==

Namaskar,
One time on my holidays I started reading one Dada's book with interest,
thinking that I will find some inspiring Baba stories. But instead I
came across one "special" interpretation of "divine" love. Here is the
story of that occasion.


                          WHAT IS IN THE BOOK

Specifically, in the book there is a story of one disciple named Khushru
who was doing idol worship of his dogmatic Muslim guru Nezamudin Aoulia.

And this book - by one of our own Dadas - puts for the notion that this type
of dogmatic belief is divine love and that is highest devotion. Because this
poem itself is used as an example in the chapter titled, "Divine Love..."

See here the dogmatic Muslim poem which appears in the chapter titled,
"Divine Love..." of respected Dada's book:

"I am a non-believer, lost in love
I am intoxicated from head to foot
With the love of my master,
Nezamudin Aoulia
I don't have anything to do with Islam.
Every vein of my body is intoxicated
With divine love for God
Therefore I do not need the sacred thread either
Worldly people call me an idolater
What reply I can give? I have only this to say,
'Yes, yes I am an idolater'
What do these worldly people
Know of my idolatry" (p. 86)

So what is been written above is just a collection of misguided
ideas - not a poem exemplifying divine love.

Firstly, the dogmatic disciple is himself explaining, "With the
love of my Master, Nezamudin Aoulia, ... every vein of my body is
intoxicated."

Hence the misguided disciple Khushru has wrongly taken his "master
guru" to be the embodiment of the divine.

Then the dogmatic Muslim poet who is disciple of his own dogmatic guru Aoulia,
further writes: "Worldly people call me as idolater...Yes, yes I am an
idolater."

So in the above lines, he gives credence to idolatry.

In a nutshell, these are but a few of the critical examples of misguided
devotional expression put forth in this sequence. And more about this
is written below.


             ONLY BRAHMA IS THE GURU

Before commenting further on the above Muslim poem, here we should all
remember Baba's divine teaching that-- Brahma alone is Guru and none other,
no one else.

That is why Baba says in Ananda Sutram:

     3-9 'Brahmaeva gururekha na'parah'
     Only Brahma is the Guru, no one else

And in another devotional discourse Baba says:

"Nobody else is the guru. Ta'raka Brahma is the only Guru." (Ananda
vacanamrtam, part 2, p.4)

Plus in Caryacarya II, Baba guides us:

"The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme
Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings-That
alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed
Brahmavidya' (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and
form of Anandamurtiji. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty".
(Carayacarya. part II, p.1)

So in all these above teachings in clear-cut unambiguous language Baba is
directing us that only that Cosmic Entity can be Guru not x, y, z, a, b, c, & d
etc.


                  WRONG CLAIM IN THE BOOK

But in Dada's book, Baba's above teachings are not represented.
Instead the notion is given that Nezamudin Aoulia is the master guru.

So that is one falsehood or dogma. If that appeared in some non-margii
book we can ignore it, but when one of our esteemed senior acaryas puts
such a thing in print, then that demands our critical attention.

Let's continue on in our analysis.

By seeing those above quotations about this Muslim poem from the book,
any Margii can clearly understand that the way in which the dogmatic
disciple Khushru is worshiping his so-called guru Nezamudin Aoulia is
just a gross dogma and it has nothing to do with divine love.

Because, Nezamudin Aoulia was not divine. So how you can say that loving
Nezamudin Aoulia is divine love? Maybe we can call it attachment, or blind
dogma, or as you like you can name. But surely it cannot be divine love
because there is not an iota of divinity present there. We all know that Muslim
dogma and idol worship have nothing to do with divinity.

Baba says, "Those who in the name of the beginningless, endless, formless Brahma
worship idols, are indulging in deliberate slander. You must not give indulgence
to this type of Mahapápa (great sin)." (Caryacarya, part 2, Sadhana, point #18)

Baba says, "As, in principle, you do not support the philosophy of those who,
in the name of worship of God, indulge in idolatry." (Caryacarya, part 2, Society
point #35)

There is no need to give any long explanation here. Baba's teachings are
crystal clear and all Ananda Margiis understand the grand difference between
the dharma sadhana on Brahma and the ritualistic worship of Nezamudin Aoulia.


              BY EXAMPLE IT IS EVEN MORE CLEAR

For example, by showing one dirty crow, you cannot claim that this is a
pristine  swan--the essence of purity. The idea is that you cannot say it
is one beautiful divine entity when reality is it is one crude entity.

Or, by showing the dirty sewage water you cannot claim that this is fresh,
clean, mountain spring water.

Similarly, Divine love is far, far higher than these pseudogurus' dogmatic
beliefs. One is complete dark; another is effulgent.

It is a peculiar affair that our Dada seems to have so much affinity with
Islam? I don't understand why such a misguided approach was taken here,
because every conscious person on this globe understands that the
problematic Islam religion is full of dogma.

Indeed, persons from all corners of the globe, various types of race,
nationality, country and language, all came to AM to became one with the
Supreme Entity. But Islam / Muslim people have traditionally kept
themselves at a far distance from AM. They like to live in the dark.


              JUST A CASE OF SEVERE MISUNDERSTANDING

It is just like how as illiterate village man was not aware about the tomato
fruit. But he was quite aware about the meat. Because in his Kali temple,
goats were sacrificed. So when he heard that a tomato is red, then he
mentally calculated that " a tomato is nothing but red meat". Because in his
knowledge, the only red edible thing he knows is meat. So
he ended up with final conclusion that meat and tomatoes are the same thing,
just two names of the same thing. In other words, the new name of meat, is tomato.

Excuse me but same way, Dada's book could not conceive the idea about
the divine love. And instead it propagates about some dogmatic faith where
crude disciples are involved in various types of rituals with full
attention. And then the book concludes by saying that it is divine love.
But those who are rational-minded margiis, they understand that this type of
preaching is completely dogmatic.

Indeed no margii can appreciate that worshiping one Muslim guru Nezamudin
Aoulia, is divine love. But this is the claim made in this book by one Dada.

Unfortunately this is not the only Dadas' book which falls into such problem.
Many Dadas books are like this which are full of dogma.

Please write your own experience about any Dadas' book which is written as
a Baba's story and instead is spreading dogma. By this way we will be aware
and keep distance. And not only that, Dadaji's reputation can be saved as he
can go back and edit his publication. That way in the future people will not
form the wrong opinion about Dada.


                               BABA'S BLESSING

Overall in my life I have experienced that Baba's books are the only treasure
and they alone are worthwhile to read.

Baba says, "The books in Ananda Marga philosophy are all absolute knowledge.
The proper mark of identity of absolute knowledge is that it must be universal,
rational and psychological." (Prout Nutshell, pt 18, Prápta Vákya and Ápta Vákya)

Respectfully,
In Him,
Gaurishankar



Note 1:              WHICH DADA AND WHICH BOOK

The book referred to in the above letter is "Glimpses of Mystery" by Dada
Bhaskarananda ji. It was that book in the chapter entitled "Divine Love" that
the dogmatic poem was used - as if that exemplified divine love.

All in all it is unfortunate that this was written in the book as I personally
do not believe that this reflects that totality of Dadaji's thinking on
Ananda Marga.

Best will be if the book is corrected or taken out of circulation. That will be
the best thing for Dadaji's career and for readers as well. I personally feel
Dada Bhaskarananda has many wonderful contributions to make and he should not
be defined on this book alone.

The whole idea is that when any Dada or margii writes books, then those
publications are successful when they reflect Baba's divine teachings,
otherwise we run into misconceptions as happened above.


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi sudha'taraunge khelicho raunge saba'r saunge niyato..." (PS 700)

Purport:

  Baba, You have been playing Your divine game since eternity. It is
filled with the vibration of colour and nectar. You are playing with one
and all. You never get tired; You never stop; You go on working day and
night. Your liila is eternal. 
   Even when there was no creation, no planets, stars or galaxies, and also
there was no existence of the vast sky, that time there was nothing. In
that great void since eternity You were ever-present, remaining alone. Even
before and prior to the beginning of the creation You were there, emanating
with Your divine vibration. 
   Baba Your liila cannot be expressed in words and language. Since
eternity You have been present and You will remain forever. You are the
Nucleus of this whole cosmic cycle...


         ********************************************
                 They are not Asset but Liability

Baba says, "Now it is the duty of all living beings, not only of human beings, to
accelerate the speed of movement, accelerate the natural flow of life the
natural flow is unto the Cosmic hub, unto the Parama Purusa. And this
process of acceleration is the spiritual march, is the spiritual practice.
You'll see many people in this world who are bachelor but they are neither
monks nor they have got the sacrificing spirit to serve the society. Such
people are actually, they are liabilities, not assets to the society."
(1/1/84)
         ********************************************

For Optimal Health

Date: 28 Jan 2011 10:04:29 -0000
From: "Mahesh  Rastogi"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: For Optimal Health

Baba

"Toma'r raune raun mishiye cale, yete ca'i sumukhe..."  (P.S. 2368)

Purport:

 Baba, by surrendering all the colours of my mind-- all the attractions and
attachments of my mind-- by surrendering everything to You, I want to move
on and on, by Your grace. Baba, I want to offer all my colours, desires,
and longings at Your alter. My only desire is to move on the path, dancing
according to Your rhythm, Your melody. But somehow always I am losing its
tune.
 Baba, by Your grace, I am holding Your flag in my hand. You have given
me the desire, energy, and duty to follow and spread Your ideology, Your
teachings. You have instilled the feeling within me that even if no one
else is coming along, still I will go on marching ahead on Your path. Baba
Your grace is ever-showering on my entire existence. Baba, You are always
along with me. And You are always giving me strength in my heart to march
forward. By Your grace, You have filled my heart with Your inspiration and
grace. For this reason, obstacles and hindrances are meaningless-- they
never obstruct my forward movement.
 Baba, I was never alone in the past nor will I be alone in the future.
By Your grace You are always along with me. And when You are along with me,
then there is no question of fear. Baba, by doing Your work and singing
Your song, I will go on moving on Your path of effulgence-- keeping You in
my heart. Baba You are always with me, You are eternally sweet and
gracious...


                      == FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH ==

Namaskar,
As we all know, fasting, or upava'sa, is one of the significant and
important gifts which Baba has graciously bestowed upon us for maintaining
human health and leading a spiritual life. This entire letter discusses
numerous aspects of the practice of fasting-- including the all-important
point & practical method of how to break fast.

Here following are many of the topics contained in this entire subject:

Universal and Natural Law ~ Animal Existence vs Human Life ~ Nature's
Perfect Remedy: Fasting ~ Animals follow Natural Law, Human Eat Mostly out
of Greed ~ Fasting for Health: A Purifcation Process ~ AM's Approach to
Fasting ~ Fasting and Longevity ~ Humans Know How to Break ~ System of
Breaking ~ Wrong Breaking Invites Harm ~ Water Needed for Digestion & Whole
Body System ~ Work of the Small and Large Intestine ~ Proper Cleaning
Necessary ~ Use of Lemon Water ~ 'Rounds' for Breaking ~ Individual Needs ~
Gentle Process ~ Maintain Prama when Breaking ~ Warning and Guidelines ~
Stages of Cleaning ~ What and When to Eat ~ Taking Banana ~ Baba's Special
Blessing ~ Baba's Complete System ~ Proper Interest and Care Needed ~
Optimal Health ~ Suggestions from Others ~ Healthy and Happy in All the
Realms.


                  A WELL-ORDERED UNIVERSE

Parama Purusa has created this world in a well-balanced way. And within
this creation there is both animal existence and human life, with a unique
difference separating the two.

Animals are fully bound by natural law. They have no option but to strictly
adhere to the rules of prakrti; whereas human beings have been given
freedom or dominion to make choices and exercise their will, within a
certain degree.

Yet nature itself has been made in such a perfect way that animals always
advance and benefit from following natural law. In that sense animals are
comparatively more fit and healthy than common human beings because animals
are forced to follow nature's ways, while humans have some scope to go
against natural law, should they desire. And this whole equation, with
regards to animal life and human life, is especially true with regards to
food and fasting.


                   FASTING: A NATURAL LAW

For example, when an animal gets sick, then in their natural way they
refrain from taking food until they regain their health. And this
refraining from ingesting food-- or fasting-- is the very tool by which
animals heal themselves and recover from their sickness. So animals do not
eat food for taste per se, but as a means of survival and recovery
according to the dictates or laws of nature.

So Parama Purusa has created this beautiful universe in such a way that
everything goes on according to natural law. And within all this one system
is there that if the body is not functioning properly then to cure oneself
one special method is there known as fasting.


         HOW HUMANS DO-- IMPROPER AS WELL AS PROPER

However humans are not bound by natural law, and in this materialistic era
especially, common persons eat food excessively out of greed. When they see
food, they like to eat it-- whether it suits them or not.

But those human beings who are sensitive and following the codes of yogic
life then they develop an inner sense of when to take food and when not. So
when the body is sick then they do not like to eat food. And that is the
natural system to cleanse the body, enhance its functioning and make it
perfect and pure. And for thousands of years yogis have been following this
approach.

So by fasting, toxins and waste are removed; and the body is given
opportunity to recover and ultimately reach to a higher state of
functioning and wellness.


                 FASTING IN OUR MARGA

Hence in our AM yogic style of living, Baba has given the system of fasting
whereby He directs us to observe ekadashii fasting. And some also fast on
purnima and amavasya as well. And in both cases, whether 2 or 4 times per
month, fasting creates a beneficial effect on the entire body.

And by following this system of regular fasting the body gets conditioned
to it. And then just before the next ekadashii arrives one can internally
feel that another fasting is needed.

But those who do not do fasting are deprived of the unique health benefits
and instead their health breaks down and diseases crop up and their
health problems get multiplied.

So in the end they have no choice but to submit themselves to a local
doctor and begin the process of taking medicine on a regular basis.
So Baba has given fasting as part of Sixteen Points and Baba has also said
that by following 16 Points one will increase the length-- and quality-- of
their life. So there is a big difference between those who follow Sixteen
Points and those who do not. Those strictly following points like fasting
will get an extra 15, 20, or even 30 years of quality living. Thus, for
optimal health fasting is needed.


                   ONE FINAL DIFFERENCE

So in their own ways, both animals and proper human beings do fasting. But
one vast difference exists between the two on this topic. And that is that
animals do not know how to properly break their fast whereas humans have
been given the technique.

And it is by breaking fast properly that the body is able to maximize the
benefits of the fast. Unfortunately some are not aware how to break fast.
Here the letter is getting long and the hour is late so this topic of how
to break fast shall be taken up and emphasized in the very near future.
Along with that these other points will also be raised:

~ System of Breaking ~ Wrong Breaking Invites Harm ~ Water Needed for
Digestion & Whole Body System ~ Work of the Small and Large Intestine ~
Proper Cleaning Necessary ~ Use of Lemon Water ~ 'Rounds' for Breaking ~
Individual Needs ~ Gentle Process ~ Maintain Prama when Breaking ~ Warning
and Guidelines ~ Stages of Cleaning ~ What and When to Eat ~ Taking Banana
~ Baba's Special Blessing ~ Baba's Complete System ~ Proper Interest and
Care Needed ~  Optimal Health ~ Suggestions from Others ~ Healthy and Happy
in All the Realms.


               GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING

Baba has included fasting as its own exclusive point in Sixteen Points.

     Baba says, "Observe fast as prescribed." (Point no. 8 of 16 Points)

And in His supreme 'Secrets for a Long Life', Baba lists fasting as its own
entry.

    Baba says, "Fasting at Intervals." (Point no. 5, 'Secrets Long Life')

And furthermore in Yogic Treatment pointedly remarks how fasting helps
restore the body to it balanced and natural condition.

    Baba says, "During fasting the body's organs get a good rest,
     and the healing process is more rapid." (YT, p.95)


Namaskar,
Mahesh


          ***************************************
                    Value of Nation

Baba says, "Preach the theory of one spiritual inheritance-- that every
living being is the child of the Supreme Entity and that all the people of
the world belong to the same family. This will have to be explained to
all-- that there will be a clash between different nations so long as the
feeing of nationalism exists." (PNS-4, p. 45)
          ***************************************

Baba Story: Reporting Sessions

From: "Girish Chandra Mitra"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Reporting Sessions
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:00:01 +0530

Baba

                == BABA STORY: REPORTING SESSIONS ==

Namaskar,
Many may recall that in 1978, after the Jail Period, then by His fathomless
grace Baba used to check the Sixteen Points of various workers and Lft's
while taking report. Actually, this became His regular approach during all
reporting sessions. Because while this 'corrective style' transformed into
His grand program of Dharma Samiiksa ('79-80), even then this way of
reporting continued right up through 1990-- where He was regularly checking
how workers etc were following 16 Points, & especially the point of sadhana.


                              BABA'S DIVINE DECREE:

               "ALL LESSONS OF SADHANA MUST BE DONE"

Once on one particular day while taking report from a supervisory worker
Baba suddenly became quite serious and demanded that a specific worker be
brought before Him. Right away that worker came forward and did sastaunga
pranam to Baba. Then GS Dada told the worker to give report. And as this
Dada began giving his report then Baba started pointing out and punishing
this worker for not properly following various aspects of 16 Points.
Specifically, Baba was telling that this worker is not practicing all the
lessons of sadhana.

That time many in attendance were feeling surprised that Baba was only
pointing out this Dada. Because those days a number of workers were not
properly doing all their lessons of sadhana. Due to their extreme busyness,
many were falling in this category. Yet here on this occasion in front of
all Baba was only pointing out and scolding just this one Dada. No one else
was getting punishment for this-- that day. Naturally, everyone was
wondering why this was going on in this fashion.


               BABA'S PUNISHMENT IS HIS SPECIAL BLESSING

Thereafter it was found out that the worker being punished was previously
suffering from a serious disease and that since receiving punishment from
Baba, all signs and symptoms of that disease had completely disappeared.
This was the amazing development. By that way everyone understood that
Baba's punishment was in reality nothing but His special blessing on that
particular sadhaka. Because by that way the worker was permanently cured of
his ailment.

And, of course, side by side, everyone got the clear-cut message that it
was mandatory and very much needed to practice all the lessons of sadhana--
in each and every sitting. This was Baba's universal teaching that day. And
veritably speaking this was a regular theme in countless sessions of
reporting with Baba: That all sadhana lessons are to be done properly.


                           BABA'S LIILA

In this magical and unique way those reporting sessions were going on.
Where, by punishing workers, Baba was showering His divine grace yet
simultaneously He was giving an eternal teaching for all to follow. And
ultimately all we can really say is that Baba's way of giving punishment to
sadhakas is His divine liila since Baba is Parama Purusa and as human
beings we cannot perfectly explain how or why He was doing everything.


                 BABA'S PROVEN AND STANDARD APPROACH

But one thing is sure, that this was Baba's standard approach to take
report from workers and if their social service activities or sadhana was
not up to the proper standard, then Baba would reveal how that particular
wt was not following 16 points properly. And very commonly it was the case
that Baba would tell that the wt was not doing all the lessons of sadhana.
And that was the reason why the person could not get the necessary
inspiration or sufficient energy to fulfill his social service
responsibilities.

Because Baba was telling again and again that by doing all the lessons of
sadhana-- especially dhyana-- then one will always receive the requisite
strength and inspiration to fulfill all their duties in life and serve the
society.

This much we all understood from Baba's reporting style those days.


                     PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES

So today when we see our organisation in a crisis situation it can be
easily concluded that a major factor behind this downfall is that people,
and especially workers, are not properly following 16 points. Most notably
certain top Dadas are not correctly doing their sadhana-- either skipping
lessons entirely or doing them in a faulty or haphazard manner. Otherwise
what can be the cause of all this disarray and chaos in the upper echelons
of our organisation.

Consequently, when the standard of sadhana is down then everything goes in
he wrong direction-- both in individual and collective life. This is the
clear cut outcome and today we can see the poor results.


                         BABA'S BLESSING:

           SIXTEEN POINTS BRINGS WELFARE IN ALL THE SPHERES

At the same time if Sixteen Points and sadhana again becomes a dominant
factor in anyone's life then automatically everything will become better
and better in each and every sphere of one's existence. In all regards, in
all circumstances, that sadhaka will be met with success-- on all the
levels from their personal careers to their dharma pracara activities etc.
Then their whole existence will grow and shine in a positive and sparkling
way. This is Baba's grand blessing and ultimate guarantee.

Baba says, "...In order to march ahead on the road of human welfare, we
will have to strengthen ourselves in all the arena of life. The complete
seeds of welfare in all the spheres-- physical, mental, moral, social and
spiritual-- are embedded in the sixteen points. Hence be firm on the
sixteen points." (A'nanda Va'nii, #45)

Namaskar,
Girish


Note 1:             SIXTEEN POINTS IS RIGHT EXERCISE

Here again Baba demonstrates that by doing sadhana properly and adhering to
His tenants of 16 Points, then by His grace one will gather the necessary
strength to do His work and become a perfect medium for carrying out His
divine mission.

Baba says, "What is the best way to strengthen the mind? The best and
proper way is to strictly observe the 16 Points. The more rigidly you
follow the 16 Points, the more your mental strength will increase. It will
increase so much that it will be more powerful than the collective mental
strength of 100,000 people. In a psychic clash they will have to concede
victory to you... So you must endeavour to develop your psychic strength -
this is your bounden duty. The more rigidly you follow the 16 Points, the
more psychic strength you will acquire. It will not take you long." (AV-7,
p.80)


                                 PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: This is a neo-humanistic song as it expresses love and affection
for those shelterless, homeless, and downtrodden people. We know that Baba
has made songs which reflect all aspects of AM ideology. This song
expresses empathy and compassion towards the suffering humanity and
propagates neo-humanistic ideals. This is the unique quality of this song.

"A'siya'che sedin ogo a'shrayahiin..." (PS 1222)

Purport:

 The golden era has come; sadavrata [1] has started. Now everywhere the
divine flow is spreading all around. In this human family, no one will be
downtrodden; no one will suffer. Those who are without shelter, I am
calling you. The day has come when His door has opened for you. By Baba's
causeless grace, He has come to save the suffering humanity-- to turn your
tears into smiles. It is His infinite compassion.  For those who have
neither food, nor clothing, nor shelter, everyone will be served. Now no
one need suffer from any want in this world.

 In this golden, new era, no one in our human family needs to go under
the tree in search of shelter. Everyone will have their own hearth and
home-- their own abode. Nobody will be homeless. We are all kith and kin;
we are all one family; Parama Purusa is our Divine Father. Not a single
human being shall remain as an orphan or distressed any longer. Those dark
days are gone by His grace. All will equally receive His love and
affection. Everyone will get His sweet touch; everyone will feel His divine
blessing and infinite love.

 By Baba's grace there will be plenty for one and all; no one need
undergo the pangs of hunger and thirst. The loud lamentations of the
suffering humanity will be gone forever. Everyone will have the opportunity
to live life in a new way; all will feel content in their heart and mind
and move towards Parama Purusa, the Goal. The cimmerian darkness of avidya'
maya will vanish forever. Now, by His grace, divinity has awakened in the
minds of human beings.
  The golden dawn has descended on this earth. It is His grace; it is His
grace...


NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1222:

[1] Sada'vrata: 'Sada' literally means 'always' as in to do every day;
'vrat' literally  means 'vow' as in to always remain committed to helping
others. So sada'vrata means always ready to serve whenever the opportunity
comes. It is not that if one did sadavrata on Monday then one need not to
do it on Tuesday. Always one is to be ready and willing to serve others.
Whatever those people need, then one must help them fulfill that need.
Hence helping poor and seeing them as expressions of Parama Purusa is
called sada'vrata. As we all know, our AM social service endeavours include
sada'vrata-- the mass distribution of food, clothing, medicine, and all
sorts of requirements and amenities.

Here in His below guideline Baba describes how sada'vrata is related with
our sadhana practice.

Baba says, "In the third stage of sa'dhana' sa'dhakas accepts the cognitive
faculty as their goal. They wish to advance along the spiritual path while
simultaneously serving the subtler expressions of Parama Purus'a. This is
the true dharma of human beings. The sada'vrata (mass feeding & clothing
distribution etc) which you organize comes within the scope of this
practice. While performing sa'dhana' in this stage the human mind attains a
greater proximity to Parama Purus'a and sees the entire universe as a
divine expression of Parama Purus'a. Through this realization one enjoys
pure unblemished bliss. When people served good food during sadavrata smile
happily, you feel inner joy." (APH-6)


[2] TRANSLATIONS OF PRABHA'T SAMGIITA #1222:

Here are the first two Bengali Bengali lines of this Prabhat Samgiita:

 A'siyeche sedin ogo a'shrayahiin
 Tave tare ta'r dva'r khule geche, khuleche

And here below is a basic translation & fundamental idea of those lines:

 O' my brothers and sisters, those who are without shelter, 
 the day has come when His door has opened for you.

So in the above stanza the bhakta is telling the humanity that no one will
be shelterless any longer. Parama Purusa is bringing all unto Him and
everyone will be served.

Now look how these very same lines were translated on one of our sanctioned
Prabha't Samgiita websites:

 O' Lord, the one needing no shelter, the day has come when   for you their doors have opened.

Please excuse me, but by reading the above anyone can see how this latter
translation has gone a bit astray.

Here the entire point is that Prabhat Samgiita is Baba's divine gift to the
humanity, so we should be careful and diligent in its presentation.
Otherwise, we can see how it may get translated.


          ***************************************
           Treatment For Hunch-Back and Stiffness

Baba says:
"When calcium builds up and gets deposited in the back it becomes hard.
That is why when people are very young then their backbone is quite
flexible but due to an accumulation of calcium over just a few years then
by the time they are teen-agers already their spinal column has become
stiff and rigid." (SC-8)

"Doing noakasana, utkata paschimottanasana, and shalabasana etc eliminates
the possibility of developing a hunched back. So those doing hard manual
labor that demands bending the back for extended periods of time should do
these aforementioned asanas on a regular basis. That will prevent them from
suffering from hunch-back in the future." (SC-8)
          ***************************************

A Little Courage Needed

From: "Marc Pele"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: A Little Courage Needed
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2010 12:11:36 +0000

BABA

                == A LITTLE COURAGE NEEDED ==

Note: The divine and auspicious advent of Taraka Brahma onto the planet is
one holy and magnificent event. In the entire world population, only Ananda
Margiis are aware about His great arrival. As His disciples, we are then
responsible for referring to Baba in the proper way-- using the proper name
according to our AM system. And by this way the entire globe will learn
correctly what to do. This below letter revolves around this key point
regarding reverence to Guru.


Namaskar,
When anybody opens the book of our Prout series, then we see Baba's photo
there. And if one looks carefully at that photo, they will notice Baba's
signature is in the Bangla language. And it is clearly written, -- "Shrii
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar". This is Baba's pristine example. By this way anyone
can understand that Baba is the writer, and His full name is Shrii Prabhat
Ranjan Sarkar. Not just 'P.R. Sarkar'.

However, those who are totally ignorant may not know these things. Their
undesirable position is somewhat understandable-- since in their blind
ignorance they do not know what to write.

Whereas those who suffer do not have adoration or reverence for Guru, or
those don't care about Guru's teaching, their despicable condition far, far,
worse-- intolerable. Because they know the proper way but to follow their
own dogmatic beliefs and mundane styles, they fail to follow Baba's prescribed
system.

On and off again a few "top" AM writers fall into this negative and dirty category.


  SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTIJI IS BHAGAWAN & TARAKA BRAHMA

As we know our Baba - Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji - is not only Bhagawan,
but furthermore He is Taraka Brahma.

While explaining the term Bhagawan, Baba has told that the Personality who has
bhaga is called Bhagawan. And the term Bhaga means the collection of six
attributes. These attributes are: (1) Aeshvara, (2) Viryam, (3) Yasa, (4) Shrii,
(5) Jinanam, and (6) Vairagya. In 'Jaeva Dharma and Bhagavata Dharma' reveals this fact.

Baba says, "The meaning of the word Bhaga is 'Aeshvarayamca samagram
viiryamca yashasah shriyah Jinana-vaergyamca sanaam bhagaiti smrta'. Bhaga is
the collection of six attributes." (SS part 21)

We can see then that bhaga is just the collection of six attributes or qualities.
And one of the qualities is 'Shrii'. Indeed, 'Shrii' is the 4th attribution of
the Lord. And the meaning of Shrii is "attraction" or "charm".

That is why we have always seen that Baba uses the term 'Shrii' before His name.
Two times. While writing His name He writes Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, not
just Anandamurtiji or Shrii Anandamurtiji. He prefers Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
Or double 'Shrii' before His name.

And it is our duty as disciples to follow His guideline-- to follow Baba's example.

Thus we must emulate His given system and use the preface Baba's names with 'Shrii":
Such as Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji or Shrii PR Sarkar, whichever is needed.


                    USING SHRII IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES

Plus we all should put at least one Shrii before our own name.

Baba says, "Those, who want to make themselves the attraction or the ideal of the world,
add a "Shrii" before their names." (SS part 19)

Certainly, in so-called modern society, it may be uncommon to use 'Shrii' before the
name, but because this is AM culture that is why we should use it.


              NOT PRAISEWORTHY TO USE NON-SANSKRIT NAMES

As we have seen in the past that when Sanskrit names were introduced into
our AM society, then in the beginning many were feeling uncomfortable or
reluctant to use their Sanskrit names in public. And some still today in
their day to day worldly dealings do not like to use their Sanskrit name.
I think all this happened because of a weakness of the mind and lack of
proper moral strength. In Subhasita Samgraha part 3, Baba explains that
those who suffer from such a weakness of mind due to materialism or other
negative philosophies get such psychic complexes.

Baba says, "Those who are reared in the cradle of materialistic ideologies,
feel shy or ashamed at first to sit in meditation in the presence of others."
(SS pt 3, p.86)

Likewise, those who do not like to use their own Sanskrit name are not
doing something great or praiseworthy etc. Rather their faulty manner is
the expression of a weak mind. It is clear by Baba's above guideline.

Pseudo-culture is such a prevalent thing, and using non-Sanskrit name
is a "gift" of pseudo-culture. In current times pseudo-culture permeates
nearly every aspect of life, so sometimes it is hard to recognize easily.


                 BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING / WARNING

 HOW PSEUDO-CULTURE GETS SPREAD; HOW DOGMAS TAKE ROOT

In His 'Exploitation and Pseudo-Culture' chapter of Neo-Humanism, Baba
explains that via the medium of theatre & cinema, rich people impose
their low and degraded styles of art and dance on other societies. And
because of their inferiority complex, innocent people start copying that
and fall into pseudo-culture. Unfortunately they adopt it quickly. And
even worse is that they feel honored. It is such a pity that they leave
their beautiful customs and culture and adopt pseudo-culture and feel
glorified by that. This problem is rampant these days.

This very stage is very detrimental. Those whose backbone is broken by
the heavy weight of pseudo-culture are a burden and cannot do anything.

Baba says, "If their cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles
will end in nothing--like offering clarified butter to a sacrificial fire
which has been reduced to ashes. If one's spine is shattered, it is
impossible to hold one's head erect. Can those whose necks and backs are
crushed under the weight of pseudoculture, be expected to hold their
heads high in any sphere of life?" (NH-LOI)

Unfortunately some in our AM have fallen into this position.

Here we should remember that Baba has taught us that in our AM culture
we are to use 'Shrii' before the name. This is the given system.

Unfortunately, some of are obsessed with various dogma and with that psychic
disease they don't want to leave that dirty, negative path or tradition
which is going on in outdated local social ethics. Because of this, in our
European countries, usually a few people don't understand the value of
the term "Shrii" writing before the name.


             SIMILAR PROBLEM ALL AROUND THE GLOBE

Similarly, in India religious dogmatic people are attached with the dogma of
'Holy Land'. And in which environment people are reared, they are negatively
affected by those local dogmatic beliefs of their areas. And that becomes
their ingrained habit. And they don't like to leave those outdated ideas and
mend their path. That is why the India population is swayed toward crude
dogmatic tiirthas etc.

But true Ananda Margiis are not like that.

Likewise, respect and reverence to Guru is not very common in present crude
society. That's why certain imbalanced margiis, they don't like to give reverence
to Guru in their writing. They fail to preface Baba's name with Shrii etc. Just
in casual way, they refer to Baba as "P.R. Sarkar". That is highly disrespectful.


                  JUST A LITTLE COURAGE IS NEEDED

Also, 40-50 years ago in European countries, meditation or yoga asanas were
looked upon as something very negative, like witchcraft. The general people
were scared to practice-- or at the very least embarrassed. But with the efforts
of courageous people it became common and now Yoga is well respected-- indeed it
is the latest rage; everyone is doing it. And all capitalist companies show people
doing meditation in their advertisements. Similarly if we start using 'Shrii'
before the name, then without any delay, it will become common and well-respected.

Just like we are follow many Sanskrit terms in our general talking style,
and we are using those as we have become habituated to them. Such as the term
jagrti, we do not call it a temple, mosque or church. Likewise we use the
term Dharmacakra; we do not call it prayer or namaj or yajina.

And, we do not call AM a religion, rather we use the word dharma. Also we use
'namaskar' and not "Hi" or "hello" or namaste or Salaam Vale Kum. Or Ram Ram.
Rather we use namaskar as our salutation--with folded hands not shaking hands.

All these dharmic approaches have been incorporated into AM life.


                   NOT FALL PREY TO PSEUDO-CULTURE

Similarly it is our duty as Ananda Margiis to not fall prey to pseudo-culture.
The whole society is waiting for our guideline. Baba has given everything. Our
 duty is to first practice in our life, and then help to guide others and
bring them in the proper path. Due to a lack of proper guidelines and due to
faulty theories the whole society is moving in a confused state, misguided
direction. We should not allow this to continue-- nor introduce any negative ways.


                     BACK TO THE ORIGINAL POINT

Back to the original point about using the word 'Shrii'. A few AM "writers"
should remove the inferiority complex from their mind. And they should throw
away their affinity towards pseudo-culture and instead follow Baba's guideline --
and use the word 'Shrii' before Baba's name. That will be very helpful for
them and the entire society.

It is Baba's system that He prefers that His name should prefixed with Shrii.
That's why He signs in this way. So what way He prefers, we should address
Him like that.


                         BABA'S BLESSING

Here below Baba is guiding us that all sadhakas of the Marga ensconced in
Supreme Benevolence are sure to build up that pristine, unified human society.

Baba says, "Moving together with the people they will continue to sing their
marching song-- they will go on filling the human mind with the sweet nectar of
eternal life." (Prout-10, p. 5)

Namaskar,
Mahendra


Note 1:              THE PHOTO IN THE PROUT BOOKS

In this photo in our Prout PNS series Baba is young looking. Although the photo
has been placed there in the Prout series in 1987, but Baba's photo is from the
50's. The reason is, that revolutionary cadres like to see their preceptors or
nucleus leader to be young looking. So that's why this photo of Baba has been
kept in the social philosophy book in Prout in a Nutshell.


Note 2:                   DON'T DISPLEASE BABA

Casual and crude way of referring to Sadguru is not only objectionable but absolutely
abominable. Nobody should do such sin. In the scripture it is said, "Shive rusto..."
The meaning is that if Guru is displeased, then nobody can save that person.
Reverence and pleasing Guru is very important. To do this, Baba taught us many
things including how to address Parama Purusa, Mahasambhuti, Taraka Brahma.

To teach us Baba has given very clear example while writing the books about
Shiva and Krsna. The names of these two books themselves are very honorable
and respectful.

For example Lord Shiva's book is "Namah Shivaya Shantaya". And the meaning is,
"Salutations to Lord Shiva who is the Ever-Tranquil Divine Entity." And similar
way about Lord Krsna Baba has titled the book as "Namami Krsna Sundaram". That
is, "Salutations to Lord Krsna Who is the Ever Beautiful and Charming Divine Entity".

By this way Baba has given one glorious example. And the motive was only to
teach us, how we should address Guru. He does not address Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna
in a casual manner.

So when we refer to Baba it should be done in the most reverential and respectful terms.


Note 3:              SMALL MISTAKES DO A LOT OF DAMAGE

                        MUST USE "SHRII" OR "SHRII SHRII"

The mention of PR Sarkar without putting "Shrii" in front is most disrespect to our
Guru Baba, who is Taraka Brahma.

Even then due to their extreme naiveté or foolishness, some persons may be imagining in
their brains that this is just a "small thing".  So for those who may be thinking in
this misguided fashion, please consider these following examples:

Suppose, for instance, if one is walking in a dry, dirty area, and gets covered with
dust. That may not be bothersome to the person. But if one tiny grain of dust gets
in the eye. Then it will be a big problem. So something small may create chaos.
Depending upon how critical it is.

Suppose someone puts their shoes on their head instead of on their feet. It may seem
like a small mistake, but it will create a big problem.

Suppose a person tries to walk upside down, with their head on the ground. This may seem
like a simple thing, but it will create huge difficulties.

Or suppose if someone cuts off their nose. The nose may be something small, but cutting
off the nose will derange their entire face.

So by these above examples it becomes clear that "small things" can create huge
errors and much harm. And as such one can hardly call those things as small,
inconsequential errors. Rather they become serious problems which need to be
addressed and corrected.

Because on the top, we all are aware about Lord Shiva's teachings on the
'Secrets of Success'. And two of those secrets are:

       (1) Shraddha' (deep reverence for the Goal (Ista); and                  
       (2) Guru Puja, (respectful offering and surrender to the Guru).

So these are two of the Secrets of Success which Baba Himself highlights in so
many discourses. So see then how essential it is to have deep respect for the Guru.
And to express that properly. And in AM that is our way-- to give maximum respect to
BABA, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Granter of salvation.

So consider that something supposedly small like putting "Shrii" before Baba's
name, it has tremendous importance. And not doing so creates huge negativity by
its being most extremely disrespectful to that divine Entity.

                              
Note 4:           NEGATIVE HABIT OF OUR SOME AM "WRITERS"

Unfortunately some of our most "prolific" writers in AM nowadays ahve fallen into
the extremely negative habit of just writing 'PR Sarkar'-- and in some cases
they just write 'Sarkar'. By quickly surveying the books, articles, and emails
of "writers" then we can see this unfortunate form of expression.

And overall this has a negative effect across the entire society.

Because then non-margii writers adopt this same ungainly approach and they just
write 'PR Sarkar'. Whereas if such mundane writers were aware that our "top"
writers and margiis always respectfully refer to Revered Baba as 'Shrii
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar' or 'Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji' then they would get
a good teaching and follow our example.

It is just like how mundane or non-British reporters always refer to 'Prince
Charles' using the reference of 'Prince'. Never do they just write 'Charles'
or 'Charlie'. And if they did then the public would object. Because everyone has
become taught and trained that 'Prince Charles' is the proper way.

Although we are not trying to emulate the British monarchy etc, but this
particular point is meaningful. The idea being that if we ourselves are
perfectly consistent in always giving proper reference to Baba as 'Shrii
PR Sarkar' or 'Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji' then people of the general
society will also follow suit. It will become natural for them. And that
will be the proper way to introduce non-sadhakas to Baba as well as the
proper way for Ananda Margiis to refer to the social  and spiritual names--
Shrii PR Sarkar & Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, respectively-- of our Revered Guru.


                                    PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi pather hadish pa'i ni, ta'i toma'r pa'ne cali ni..."    (PS 1338)

Purport:

   Baba, in the past I did not get the direction of the proper path. Because of
that I could not come close to You. Your and my relation was hidden in dark.
I was not aware about You. In that past I could not get Your introduction.
And I could not link up in our close intimate relation which, in reality,
has been going on since a very long time.   
   In my misunderstanding, I was thinking that nobody is mine, and that to feel
love and affection is not my fate.  I was thinking that my life does not have
any value. That I will not get respect in my life, just it will be filled
with disrespect and neglect.
   Baba, today You have blessed me and changed everything. Now I feel that
my life has become meaningful, because You are mine. My heart is filled with
Your love. Baba, by Your grace I surrender at Your lotus feet, O' Baba...


       ******************************************
                      Sadhana?

Baba says, "Whatever a man is to do in his spiritual life he is to do--
why? Because he is in love with the Supreme Entity. Love is the first word,
love is the starting point, and love is the last point." (AV-12, p. 13)

Note: Baba's above guideline is very beneficial for sadhana. However these
days some innocent or simple people just do meditation for "mental peace".
And ever worse some wts do sadhana for show-- to pose themselves as someone
great. Such workers do hardly an ounce of sadhana when they are alone; but
when they go to margiis' houses then in Hollywood style they sit in meditation
for a long time. All done in order to put themselves on display and create
one show that they are highly elevated sadhakas. Certain margiis do a similar
thing when they attend retreats. But by looking at the on-going conduct of
such margiis one can understand how far they are really doing sadhana or not.
It is just like if you are approaching one animal at night. At first you may
think that it is a tiger or a lion, but when that animal makes its weird
'Huan, Huan' sound, then you know that it is just a jackal. Same is the case
when being around those types of few margiis and wts who put on a show of
sadhana. By their conduct and dealing they just expose themselves etc.
       ******************************************

Re: DMS News #3: Holding Hands Women & Men Danced

Date: 24 Jan 2011 23:04:46 -0000
From: "Pramod  Dev"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Re: DMS News #3: Holding Hands Women & Men Danced

Baba

      == RE: DMS NEWS #3: HOLDING HANDS WOMEN & MEN DANCED ==

Namaskar,
Yes, I read this posting about the cultural program at the January DMS and what was written is accurate. Not only that, but we should ask that Dada (mentioned below) to share the video with us. Dadaji captured the program on video as he apparently likes romantic events.

As described in the posting, the cultural programs at this January DMS 2011 at Ananda Nagar was "off-colour" and set a poor example. In those programs, young women were up on the stage dancing and shaking themselves according to the direction of Sri Mrinal Pathak of Ranchi. For more about this refer to DMS news posting #3 cited below.

But what is not commonly known is that Dadaji - i.e. Citsvarupananda - filmed those girls while they were dancing on stage during that cultural program. Many report that Dada has deep interest in watching those videos during his leisure period.

When I see one of our avadhutas doing like this I feel ashamed for what is going on in his mind.

Namaskar,
Pramod Dev


MODERATOR'S NOTE: If any reader is interested to know more about Citsvarupananda Dada's conduct, feel free to read these following postings.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/12/story-dadajis-lust-infatuation.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/04/ny-news-interesting-facts.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/11/various-points-of-sadhana-news.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-groupists-are-not-reliable.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/07/story-onion-garlic-purified-by-guru.html


On 01/14/2011 08:46 PM, AM-GLOBAL wrote:

To: AM-GLOBAL
From:
Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2010 23:48:11
Subject: DMS News #3: Holding Hands Women & Men Danced

Social Issue: Inherent Contradiction

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Arati
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2010 09:42:25 -0000
Subject: Social Issue: Inherent Contradiction

Baba

        == SOCIAL ISSUE: INHERENT CONTRADICTION ==

                              ~ ABORTION ~

Namaskar,
Our job as Ananda Margiis is to keep abreast of all the issues of the
day and formulate our stand based on dharma. Ours is not the voice of
any political party, of any church, of any group agenda, of any business
enterprise, or any lobbyist agency. Our stand is that of Lord Shrii
Shrii Anandamurti ji.

Thus on each and every current social trend and issue of debate, we are
to formulate our view based on His teaching. We are to overlook who is
saying what and instead delve into the very heart of the matter and
understand that issue for what it is-- and then give a response based on
the golden teachings of AM.

That is our duty and that is how the society will grow in a dharmic way,
by His grace.


                    OUR STAND ON ABORTION

By now the point is quite clear: Over the months and years, numerous
letters have clearly shown how abortion is totally against human dharma
and against Ananda Marga.

We respect the inherent and God-given rights of each and every being in
this universe. And when that unborn fetus is a living, breathing entity,
then naturally we are to respect its right to come into form and take
birth on this earth. That unborn soul also has its dharma to become
great. And as we all know, without a human body, a soul cannot progress
on the path of spirituality.  Even the devas must take birth in order to
advance and contribute something lasting.

Baba has expressed all of the above in His various discourses and
teachings, including Senior Acarya Diary.

So human birth is something sacred and not to be denied to anyone--
including that unborn fetus. That is Baba's divine stand that we should
honor and preach.


              INHERENT CONTRADICTION OF ABORTION

Those so-called pro-choicers, or proponents of the so-called right to an
abortion, make all sorts of lame claims.

They say that a woman's body is her own and she can do with it what she
likes, yet as we all know that is false as each and every thing in this
universe is the property of Parama Purusa and it must be treated
according to His will.

They say that an unborn fetus is not yet a human being-- it is not
developed and not alive. They say it only comes to be alive once it
emerges from the mother's womb. That is another of their false claims.
And that is what is going to be addressed here.

As we know, that living being in the form of the unborn fetus thinks,
eats, sleeps, and breathes while inside the mother's womb. It is totally
alive. And here is proof of the hypocrisy of abortion.

Medical science has proven that if a baby emerges from the womb
prematurely, say at 22 weeks or so, then doctors and medical
professionals are capable of keeping that human baby alive. Although
that premature babe only weighs one pound and is very small, when it is
put in an incubator and given life-support mechanisms in the form of
oxygen and nutrition, then that baby can not only survive but grow into
a healthy, fully-developed human being.

Yet side by side, in their full-blown hypocrisy, certain abortion
specialists are aborting babies at 24 weeks-- two weeks after premature
babies are being born and surviving. And those medical associates are
laying claim that since the baby is not born it is not alive and
therefore it can be aborted. This is the sheer hypocrisy about the issue
of abortion.

On the one side medical science is clearly showing that a 22-week old
baby can emerge from the womb as a living, breathing entity and grow
into a healthy human being, and on the other side medical staffers are
aborting unborn babies at 24 weeks and giving the false logic that the
baby is not yet alive as it has not been born.

In that case, who can believe or have any faith on those abortion
agencies-- whose only aim is to justify their faulty stand and make
money by taking the life away from unborn souls.

Of course, no baby at any stage should be aborted-- since as soon as the
egg is fertilised then human life starts, at that very instant. That is
Baba's clear-cut guideline.

But as clear proof of the hypocrisy of abortion, doctors are saving 22
week old new borns, and side by side aborting 24 week old fetuses.


                 WE MUST STAND FOR DHARMA

For society to grow, for humanity to awaken from its slumber, the word
of dharma must vibrate throughout our human culture. So long as it does
not, humanity will remain as a mere shadow of what it can be.

So on this issue of abortion our stand must be clear and it must be
heard, and we must not worry if our stand is similar to certain
right-wing church activists, nor should we be concerned if our stand is
opposed to so-called progressives. Our only aim is that our stand should
be consonant with dharma.

Hence on the issue of abortion our view is quite clear: Abortions are
anti-dharmic measures that rob a living, breathing unborn fetus of its
life.

So no matter the social circumstances, whether a teen becomes pregnant
or whether it happens to a nun, or whatever the case may be, in no way,
shape or form are we ever to condone the killing of that defenseless,
helpless human babe. It too has a God-given right to live.


                      BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Modern, educated people must be liberated from all sources
of dogma and petty isms. They should reject the worn out shackles of the
past and welcome the new, crimson dawn with an open mind. This will
prepare the way for all-round success in human life, and the attainment
of the highest fulfillment." (PNS-16)

Namaskar,
Arati

Note:         COLLECTION OF POSTINGS ON ABORTION

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/09/abortion-acarya-diary.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/02/beginning-of-life.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/01/baby-producing-factories.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/11/unknown-sins-in-our-life.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/02/stand-of-am-ending-life-prematurely.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/04/not-slab-of-meat.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/10/ananda-marga-stem-cell.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/01/unnecessarily-punishing-infant.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/03/babas-warning.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/10/bogus-logic.html

and there are more...simply search on our blog


                              PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma'r sakal dukher ma'jhe ele tumi dukhaharan'..." (PS 1421)

Purport:

 O' Baba, You are Dukhaharan'. I was surrounded by sorrows & suffering;
I was in big problem; my life was unbearable. I was completely
miserable. But now, by Your grace, to save me, You have come with Your
gazing eyes, silent footsteps, loving smile, and sweet face. Baba, by
Your divine advent You have blessed me and rescued me by wiping away all
my troubles and suffering.   Baba, completely depending upon You with
full surrender, in that very distressed and helpless condition, I was
calling You and looking towards You. Raising both my hands in surrender
I told, 'Baba, please save me; You are my only shelter. If You will not
save me then who will.' Then at that moment You rescued me by showering
Your grace.   Baba, when I look around I see that because of Your
gracious presence this entire universe has become vibrated & charged.
The whole sky is enveloped in Your divine effulgence and my mind and
heart is drenched in Your love. Baba, holding Your lotus feet, I sing
Your glory in my heart and surrender to You...


            ****************************************
            Health Guideline: Knowing the Root Cause

Baba says, "Due to weakness of the digestive fluids, the blood gets
contaminated by acids, or if one is suffering from constipation, then
different organs of the body also become weak. In such a condition, due
to weakness of the lungs, the nervous system controlling the lungs also
suffers from debility and finally the bronchial tubes as well become
weak. That is the time when asthma becomes fully manifest." (YT, p.62)

1. In the above quote Baba is revealing the fact that the root cause of
asthma is poor and improper digestion.

2. Unfortunately nowadays the only commonly available pathy is
allopathy. But allopathic knowledge is so shallow that such doctors do
not know about the real cause; hence they treat the patient in a very
superficial way. With asthma they only address it as it presents itself
on the bronchial tubes. By this way asthma never gets cured from the
root-- i.e. from the manipura cakra. 3. So health conscious people
should choose the pathy very carefully. We have to evaluate to what
degree allopathic science is trustworthy, suitable, and helpful.
           ****************************************

Beauty of Old Age & Benefits of Disease

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 08:09:27 -0500
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Beauty of Old Age & Benefits of Disease
From: CJ Phillips

Baba

        == BEAUTY OF OLD AGE AND BENEFITS OF DISEASE ==

Namaskar,
Sometimes humans may moan and groan and exclaim in frustration, 'Why did
such & such problem have to happen'.

Or in exasperation, one may cry out, 'Why must this world be riddled with
so many infections & diseases'.

These types of queries often plague the human mind.


                            THE QUESTION AT HAND

Through it all, the question stands: How to explain such events? Why is it
that old age must befall us? What is the need for disease? What should be
our outlook with regards to these inevitabilities.


                   ONE REPLY: SAMSKARA THEORY

Of course, there is our samskara theory which dictates that one must
undergo the reactions of their actions. This is part and parcel of our
yogic outlook. So that is one way-- a logician's way-- to explain the onset
of disease & difficulties in life etc.


                                     ANOTHER REPLY:

         DISEASE AWAKENS A LONGING TO SEEK THE DIVINE

Side by side there is another way to explain the hardships which make our
human existence seem so fragile.

We can say that such problems are Parama Purusa's way of reminding us that
our human life is for something great-- something divine. The onset of
old-age & disease forces us to seek a pathway out of this material world
which is otherwise riddled with trouble and torment. Failing that-- without
any longing or desire to find something better-- then one would be
satisfied to live forever and ever in this crude mundane world. But this is
not our way; this is not our human dharma.

So diseases and problems help, nay, force humans to seek something greater.
Because by seeing how this earth is wrought with innumerable difficulties
and tragedies, it awakens within human beings a thirst-- a longing-- to
find something better, something divine: Permanent peace at His lotus feet.

                                             
                      ALL WANT A BETTER LIFE

Actually all want a better life. Animals are not satisfied with their
animal existence. Some may think that animals are happy and perfectly
content, but this is not at all the case. Animal life is full of fear and
torment and they want something more.

In His 1969 DMC discourse, Baba describes how the bull attached to the
bullock cart longs to become a human being. Because all day & night that
bull is pulling human beings from place to place; so that bull internally
thinks that one fine afternoon it should escape its fate and become a human
being. Because that bull is not satisfied with its lowly existence as an
animal; it is not satisfied with its lot in life. It wants something better.
Because as was already stated, animal life is not 'a basket of roses'.
Proof being that in our very own Supreme Command, Baba warns us that animal
life is torturous and that humans must not plunge themselves into such
horrific suffering.

So animal life is not something blissful & wonderful; those animals do not
enjoy their condition. They desire something more.

In a similar manner, we humans also long for something higher. We are not
content with our human existence. All are looking for something better. But
even then, the human mind is somewhat fickle. It can be tricked into
thinking that what it has is the best.

For example, if one has a fancy car, a big house, a swimming pool, and a
lot of social prestige, then one may think that 'I need nothing more in
life-- I have all there is to get'. Some materialists may think like this,
especially here in the west. Some blind persons may think they are the king
of this mundane world and their desire is to remain here forever.

So when disease comes along-- or when old age invariably sneaks up on
them-- then such materially minded persons are forced to re-evaluate what
is important in life. Because those diseases and that old age factor
undermines their entire existential value. They think their material
existence is no longer something great. In which case, they again embark on
a search to improve their plight.

Thus disease and old age pressurises even complacent human beings into
looking beyond this material world for some type of higher existence. The
ups and downs of life invariably forces one to think that this world is not
their final destination.


              AWAKENING THE SEARCH FOR LIFE DIVINE
                       
By this entire picture we can realise that disease, difficulties, and old
age help human beings reach up to that sacred stance.

Members of the general public pray up to the heavens or to their favoured
god, 'Please relieve me of my earthly sufferings and allow me to drink from
the pot of divine nectar-- let me experience peace'. This is the way some
members of the general society may think when their life is overwrought
with the hard realities of this ephemeral world.

And with Ananda Margiis, our standard approach is to request Baba for His
divine blessing, 'Baba, do with me what You will in this life-- I do not
care for it, just please be gracious on me and bring me under Your divine
shelter at lotus feet'.

This type of plea is our way of requesting Baba to spare us from the
sufferings of this relative world. Because we understand that although we
have come here to establish His mission, this is not our final resting
grounds. This relative world is not the destination. Rather this mundane
world is just a train station for going to our final abode-- unto His
divine Lap.

And it is things like difficulties, disease, and old age which stand as a
constant reminder to us that this world is not our permanent domicile. This
is not our eternal home. This human life is limited and our dharma is to
find unlimited bliss in His divine shelter.


                 COMMONLY KNOWN IN SOME AREAS

And this entire point is well known in those spiritual societies of the
east. They know that old age brings wisdom and those elderly people have
their eyes fixed on the other world. That is why in places like Japan,
India, and various other lands, the elderly people of those societies
command huge respect.

In contrast in the US-- where materialism runs rampant-- then elderly and
diseased persons are pushed aside to the outskirts & fringe of society.
Tragically, wherever materialism spreads it has this same effect. Thus
today, even in parts of India and Japan where materalism is taking root,
in those pockets - little by little - the elderly are marginalised.

Because in the materialistic model, old age and disease have no value.

Whereas those societies that honor spiritual values, such communities place
tremendous import on age and greatly value the advice and teachings of
their seniors. Because those societies recognise the beauty of old age and
benefits of disease and what wisdom spiritual thirst they bring.

                                                     
                    BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, He has given us the teachings and pathway to reach unto
Him. We have gotten Him as the Sadguru and the sadhana of AM to lift us up
to that final abode-- by His grace. This is His great blessing upon all
Ananda Margiis. So none should think that this material world is their
final resting place.

Baba says, "The worship of Brahma should be done scrupulously, or else you
will later regret and bemoan the futility of your life with the last drop
of your tears at your last hour. You should make your life worthwhile
through your Sa´dhana´. How much can your worldly friends and relations do
for you? After your death your relatives may perhaps ask, "How much money
has he left behind?" Your friends may go to the crematorium and indulge in
flattering reminiscences about you. Your husband or wife may cry for you
for about ten or twelve days and then regain their normal composure. Your
lot will be only a profound sigh - a record of the futility and frustration
of your life. So do not waste your time lest you later have to repent."
(Subhasita Samgraha, part 3)

Namaskar,
Cinmay


Note 1:             PART LIFE

In numerous discourses Baba guides us how our human life is just a part
life. All the various births we take as we progress through the cycle of
Brahmacakra-- through saincara and pratisaincara-- are mere part lives.
Each and every birth is but a piece. And the culmination of our journey
arises when we reach unto Him. So none can think that this world is our
permanent residence. No Ananda Margii can think like that. And for those
who do think that this world is our permanent abode, then disease,
struggle, and strife will awaken their yearning to fine something more--
something divine. In that way-- one way or another-- all will come onto the
path of sadhana to seek that eternal connection with Him.


   ********************************************
             Special Formula of Tandava

Baba says, "Tandava: As long as a dancer remains above the ground, he
derives much benefit; when he touches the ground, then those benefits are
assimilated by the body. That is why in the tandava dance there is much
jumping, because jumping requires the practitioner to remain off the ground
for a fairly long period of time." (NSS, p. 23)
   ********************************************


"A'mi pather hadish pa'i ni, ta'i toma'r pa'ne cali ni..." (PS 1338)

Purport:

   Baba, in the past I could not get the direction of the proper path.
Because ofthat I could not come close to You. Your and my relation was hidden in
dark. I was not aware about You. In that past I could not get Your
introduction. And I could not link up in our close intimate relation which,
in reality, has been going on since a very long time. 
  In my misunderstanding, I was thinking that nobody is mine, and that
to feel love and affection is not my fate. I was thinking that my life does
not have any value. That I will not get respect in my life, just it will be
filled with disrespect and neglect.

   Baba, today You have blessed me and changed everything. Now I feel
that my life has become meaningful, because You are mine. My heart is
filled with Your love.

  Baba, by Your grace I surrender at Your lotus feet, O' Baba...