Baba Taught only 1 Thing

Date: 31 May 2011 16:26:43 -0000
From: "Chandramohan Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba Taught only 1 Thing

Baba

   == BABA TAUGHT ONLY 1 THING IN COUNTLESS WAYS ==

Namaskar,
The top-most ideal in the life of any sadhaka is to realise that,
'Parama Purusa is always with me'. To live with this feeling firmly
established in the mind is to be a true spiritualist. That is Baba's
teaching.

As we know, devotion is everything for an aspirant; and devotion means
always feeling that 'Parama Purusa is with me'.

Baba says, "When devotion is there, Parama Purus'a is there." (SS-20
'Astitva and Shivatva')

So cultivating devotion and feeling His loving internal presence is the
central theme of our life. That is what we are to strive for.


               BABA'S MAIN TEACHING ON THIS EARTH

If we take a moment to review Baba's physical presence on this earth, we
can easily see that this is also one of the main things He wanted to
teach us-- that He is always with us.

Behind His reporting sessions, behind His scoldings, behind His pointing
out, behind His Dharma Samiiksa, and behind His so many demonstrations
was the inherent idea that, 'I (Baba) am always with you'. That was what
He was showing us.

Because in all those circumstances, Baba was practically teaching us
that even when He was not physically next to us, even then He was aware
of our each and every thought, word, and deed.

How many times would a margii arrive from Brazil or Hong Kong, or how
often would a WT come from their posting in Bombay etc, and in step-wise fashion
Baba would recount all the details of their long and arduous journey, or
some other event in their life.

This was Baba's unique way of saying, 'I am not just this physical body,
always I reside in your heart & mind. I am always with you-- caring for
you'.

This idea Baba has repeated in hundreds of discourses. And in His
practical life, in countless ways Baba has taught this ideal: That He
remains with us-- wherever we go, in whatever circumstance we are in.

Baba says, "Pure shete yah sah purus'ah, that is, 'The witness-ship that
lies quiescent in every entity is the purus'a'." (AS, 1-1)


                     SOME REALISE & SOME NOT

Those who, by His grace, realise this ideal, to some or more degree,
feel Baba's presence in sadhana and understand that His physical
presence was just an external manifestation, and not the whole of who
Baba is.

Naturally then when they sit for sadhana then they feel internally
linked with Baba, by His grace.

Unfortunately, today there are some who claim, directly or indirectly,
that Baba is gone. This is a result of their thinking that Baba was just
a physical person on this earth, like so many others; and since 1990
Baba is gone, just like every other person who left this earth.

But we must not in any way, shape, or form support or encourage this
false notion that Baba is gone, as that undermines Baba's magnanimous
presence and is detrimental to our own spiritual progress.


                        NOT JUST PHYSICAL

While Baba's physical advent on this earth was so historic and
meaningful, it was never meant that we should take His physical body as
the totality of His personality. That is why from the very beginning,
sadhana was a mandatory practice. Baba's ongoing guidance was that we
should seek Him and serve Him within.

For that reason He has given kiirtan, dhyana, first lesson, madhuvidya
and so many other teachings and practices. To realise His presence inside.

Plus in Prabhat Samgiita Baba has described the sheer futility of trying
to find Parama Purusa in the external world.

            Vane upavane khu’nijiya’ khu’nijiya’
            Kona kha’ne tava dekha’ na’ pa’i...
            A'ja bujila'ma manete rayecho...
            Ba'hira vishve khunjiya' khunjiya'
            Ka’chera du’re pa't'ha'te ca'i (PS #1082)

      O' Baba I am searching for You in the forest and in the gardens
                  I could not see you anywhere
        Today I understand that You are remaining in my mind
              Those searching You in the external world
               Want to send You from close to far

So even when in physical form, Baba was describing that the only way to
truly get Him was to seek Him within.

Furthermore, He put forth the warning those seeking Him externally would
not only not find Him, but would push Him far, far away.

Baba says, "Du'r'a't sudure: if people think that Parama Purus'a is far
from them, then He is very, very far. Du'ra means far and sudu'ra means
so far that the human mind cannot even imagine it." (SS-11, p. 65)


               NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE 1990

Hence for those involved in sadhana, then nothing has changed since
1990, because the way to get Him has remained the same. He remains
eternally in our hearts and mind. In AM, by His grace, we understand
that it was just His liila that He physically manifested Himself on this
earth. But always He is with us-- in our minds and heart.

That is why in AM there is not a new Guru. On most paths a successor is
named to be the new guru. But in AM when Parama Purusa Himself is the
Guru, and when He is always with us, then there is no question of there
being any second or third Guru.

Thus the same inner link that was present before 1990 is the same as
today and will be tomorrow. And it is this link-- the devotional reality
that He is always with us-- that we should cultivate each and every
breath, each and every moment we are alive. That is how we are to find Him.

Across so many discourses, reporting sessions, songs, and PC's, there is
one main thing that Baba wants to teach us: That He is always with us
and the path of devotion means to realise Him and live with the
awareness that He resides eternally in our mind and heart.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Father, is always with you and
you are never alone." (AV-12)

Namaskar,
Chandramohan Deva


                     OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

Baba says, "At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do not
have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the ácárya/á. The word deva should
be suffixed to the name...the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it
is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings." (Caryacarya-1)

                  PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Jakhani bha'vi kichu cini bujhi, dekhi a'mi kichu ja'ni na'..." (PS 3225)

Purport:

 When my little ego dominates then I think that I know and understand
everything. It is only later that I realize that I do not know
anything-- I know not. When I try to move on the path with my own
strength, then it is difficult for me to decide what I want to do and
what is my goal. From the origin of which unknown source am I floating
and floating, from far to the farthest place, in the search of that
unknown divine Entity. Day and night I am searching and wandering; why I
wander around I do not understand.
 O' karunamaya, what type of divine play do You do with me. What type of
liila do You go on playing with this unit entity. How can this divine
play between unit and cosmic continue without Your grace. Baba, You are
everything, only by Your grace is anything possible...


           ***************************************
                     Health Guideline

Baba says, "In order to digest starches and carbohydrates, the saliva of
the mouth must help at the preliminary stage. Chewing food brings an
adequate quantity of saliva into the mouth. No sooner does the food
mixed with saliva enter the stomach than the liver and the pancreas are
enabled to start secreting their bile and digestive fluids. So unless
food is chewed well, the liver can never function properly." (YT, p.1)

Note: In the fast-paced life of this 21st century, people no longer give
themselves proper time to attend to their basic life duties, such as
eating food. Instead people just rush off from one appointment to
another and "grab a bite to eat" along the way at any number of
drive-thru, fast-food places. In their hectic pace, instead of chewing
their food they just inhale their meal, nearly swallowing it whole. But
this way of "eating" is terribly hazardous to the health and invites
many diseases. As Ananda Margiis we should spread Baba's above teaching
to the members of the general society so that they may be benefited.
           ***************************************

Proof of Intellectual Extravaganza

From: "Mahendra Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Proof of Intellectual Extravaganza
Date: Mon, 30 May 2011 17:05:18 +0000

Baba

== PROOF OF INTELLECTUAL EXTRAVAGANZA ==

Namaskar,
Here is a practical example of how intellectual extravaganza works. As we all know, intellectual extravaganza is nothing but false philosophizing or some type of garbage philosophy.

Recently one margii began his "Thought of the Day" email ritual wherein he himself offers his own "thoughts" and then signs it. See for yourself how this is nothing but his own intellectual extravaganza.

"THOUGHT OF THE DAY"

Here is one such recent entry:

"God listens to those who listen to God." - Hamrahi

Let's analyse this piece of intellectual extravaganza point by point.

PEOPLE IMPOSE THEIR OWN SELFISHNESS ON GOD

1) Generally speaking, people project their own selfishness unto God. That is the way it goes. For instance, one who eats meat will offer meat to God, thinking that, "Since I like meat certainly God must also like meat."  And a person who likes wine will offer wine to God because, "Just as I like wine God must also like wine." This type of thinking is the common trend.

Similarly, a self-centered person who will only listen to those who listen to him, will also project that small-minded notion unto God. Such a person will proclaim, "God listens to those who listen to God."

Such a speaker may think he has just delivered a universal truth, but all rational people will understand that this selfish fellow has merely attributed his own shortcomings unto God. This person thinks that, "Since I am not going to care about you if you do not care about me, then surely God is not going to care about you if you do not care about God." Such is his measly perspective.

But projecting this type of small-minded and defective outlook unto God is totally wrong and holds not even an iota of truth.

BABA LOVES AND CARES FOR ALL

2) Here are some of Baba's teachings which clearly show that Parama Purusa cares for and listens to all:

(A) Baba says, "The fact is that He attracts all and loves all without discrimination." (Namami Krsnasundaram, Discourse: 22)

(B) Baba says, "He constantly showers His grace without reservation even on those persons who make no effort for salvation and who gradually degrade themselves. Even though you calumniate Brahma and deny His existence, yet He will not be displeased with you. He will not thrust you on the path of destruction. His imposing countenance of forgiveness will for ever remain, and He will forever go on directing you to the ways of salvation." (Subhasita Samgraha - part 1, Brahma Krpáhi Kevalam)

(C) Baba says, '“Utámrttvasyesháno”. Parama Puruśa is bound to stay with those who live in hell. Similarly, those who have reached the zenith point of existence and attained infinite bliss, are bound to have Parama Puruśa with them...He stays with all, be they the virtuous or the sinners." (Ananda Vacanamrtam- part 7, The Divine Drama)

By Baba's above teachings - and there are countless more like these in His numerous discourses - it is quite clear that Baba loves everyone. He does not discriminate in any way. He has concern for all; He listens to the worries and cries of all. There is no one whom He overlooks - not in any manner. All come within the scope of His watchful and loving eye.

No one can rightly proclaim that, "God listens to those who listen to God." As if, God only listens to such persons and disregards everyone else. That is just a preposterous and ludicrous statement. That is just an example of someone spewing their own extravaganza.

JUST A COPY OF MUSLIM DOGMA

(3) The so-called author of such extravaganza has merely dragged Muslim dogma into our Marga. The followers of Islam say things like, "Only if you do namaz (dogmatic worship) then He will hear and answer your prayers." This is their defective Islamic mentality and dogma. And now one person is dragging this same Islamic rubbish into our holy Marga.

POISONING OTHERS' MINDS

(4) This e-mailer is just infusing a diseased outlook into the minds of others.

Baba says, "People formulated many such theories in the past and are still doing so even today. Such hypocrites want to misguide the people by their tall talks alone..."

“Loka Vyámoha Káraka.”

"That is, “They create disease in the minds of the people.” Their aim is not to solve society’s problems. Rather, they are the chief cause for the downfall, retardation and sad plight of human society." (Prout Nutshell, part 6, Theory and Practice)

Indeed with his so-called "Thought of the Day", this person is merely misguiding young, new, and impressionable margiis. That is the unfortunate outcome.

Certainly no seasoned margii will be fooled or swayed by this type of extravaganza. But new people may be misled.

HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

(5) Tragically the "author" of the "Thought of the Day" is heading in the wrong direction. There was a time when he would propagate Guru's teachings and send out Guru's quotes, but now - governed by his own penchant for extravaganza - he is sending out his own dogmatic quotes. So it is sad that in his late age he is going in the opposite direction. Now he is only sharing his own useless and selfish things.

NOTHING BUT HIS PSYCHIC EXTRAVAGANZA

The only rational conclusion is that this emailer is just involved in his own extravaganza: Just useless statements that have no sense and misguide others.

Baba says, "You should remember that in most cases human intellect and intuition are wasted in extravaganza, in useless pursuits; they are not at all utilized for constructive or worthwhile endeavours." (Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order)

Tragically, Shyam Sundar Goenka's efforts in his "Thought of the Day" campaign is nothing but a mirror image of the above warning issued by Guru about extravaganza.

Everyone should help Goenkaji (aka Hamrahi) give-up this bad habit by emailing him (sgoenka.amps2@gmail.com) & politely requesting him to stop this type of madness.

Namaskar,
Mahendra

                                   

Bin Laden and Prout

Date: 29 May 2011 16:37:11 -0000
From: "Priyanath C  Mittra"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Bin Laden and Prout

Baba

== BIN LADEN AND PROUT ==

Namaskar,
What do the pirate ships and Bin Laden have in common? How does Prout fit into the equation? Baba's teachings neatly answers these questions and more.

THREE DEFECTIVE METHODS

In His teachings from Social Justice in Human Society part 1, Baba explains that whenever any society is exploited by vested interests like capitalists then in response the common people adopt one of three main avenues:
1. Appealing to human sentiment like Gandhism;
2. Applying brute force like communism;
3. Stealing and pillaging from the rich like Robin Hoods.

#1 GANDHISM

Those appealing to Gandhism do not get success because those greedy capitalists are notoriously callous and remain unmoved by those humanistic appeals.

For instance:
(a) When those adherents of Gandhism plead, "Do not collect huge wealth which you cannot use", then those ruling capitalists simply pay a deaf ear.
(b) Whose those Gandhi enthusiasts proclaim, "Share your wealth and feed the poor", then those top capitalists merely look the other way.
(c) When those proponents of Gandhism say, "Build housing for the homeless", then big corporate executives nod their head and then continue counting their net worth.
(d) When the followers of Gandhi demand, "After all are cared for then and only then can you think about your personal luxuries", then the leading capitalists remain unmoved and sail away on their fancy personal yachts.

In short, capitalists simply ignore the humanistic appeals made by Gandhian activists. Such vaeshyas do not mend their ways. 

Baba says, "No matter how much importance was given to the benevolence of the human mind by the Gandhian and Bhudan movements, or how saintly their propounders may have been, selfish and mean-minded people [capitalists] will never accept their principles." (HS-1)

The Gandhian theory can only be effective in some far-off dreamland, not in the hard realities of the world. Gandhism died while Gandhi was still alive; now only hypocrisy remains.

Poverty and slums are spreading fast across this earth as capitalists exponentially grow their wealth. There are more billionaires now than ever before, yet side by side large populations of people are homeless or living in the slums and shanty towns.

The slums of Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Manila, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Buenos Aires, and Cairo are filled with hoards of people lacking the basic necessities like running water, yet in those very same cities a select slice of the population is living like kings and queens in ritzy apartments with grand luxuries. But it is not even countries like Brazil, China, Philippines, South Africa, India, Argentina & Egypt that suffer from this vast disparity of wealth.

The homeless problem in New York City and through the US is notorious; plus the homeless population is burgeoning throughout western Europe and especially in Paris.

Thus in places where capitalism is thriving (China, India etc) as well as in places where capitalism has long been established (USA & Europe), there are serious issues with the disparity of wealth. And in all such areas Gandhian appeals do not even begin to address the problems. Rather, capitalists disregard the issue altogether.

So the ways of Gandhism do not work. The capitalists never give in to such demands.

#2 COMMUNISM

Those resorting to the brute force of communism do not get success with those capitalists because they are unable to root out the seed of capitalism - they are unable to goad the mind in a proper moral or spiritual manner. Theirs is also a materialistic approach and the result is either the greed of individual or state capitalism.

Baba says, "Those who aspire to establish communistic systems either through legal methods or at bayonet point without changing the hearts of the people, without implementing development programmes and without introducing moral and ideological education to reform people’s bad habits, are also bound to fail." (HS-1)

The communist leaders themselves are very wealthy. Actually there is not much difference - from an economic perspective - between communism and capitalism.

Baba says, "Capitalism and communism are fruits of the same variety." (Prout Nutshell-16, Decentralized Economy – 2)

Communism is merely state capitalism where the government hoards all the money & the people are very poor; and capitalism means private ownership that creates a huge disparity of wealth between the economically elite and the common people. Thus, both harbor the safe defective mind-set.

Nowadays, we see that communism has basically failed. So the former communist nations are are aggressively pursuing capitalism. Some of the top capitalist countries are India, China and Russia. In such places there is no safety net. There are no governmental programs to help the poor. Those without jobs, food, housing and medical care are basically left to struggle on their own or die. Yet in those same places the number of billionaires is increasing everyday.

In places like the US and Europe there is a bit of a safety net. The laborers fight capitalists and in turn there are governmental services and subsidies for the poor etc. But in China and India where the common people have no such unity or power; capitalism is swallowing all. About this more detail can be given in the next letter.

Suffice to say here that communism failed to change the psychic pablum of the people and leaders. Instead of fighting or correcting capitalism, they became capitalists.

#3 ROBIN HOODS

This bring us to the third and final defective methodology outlined in this letter: Robin Hoods. For those those not aware - in a phrase - Robin Hood is one who loots from the rich and gives to the poor.

Baba says, "Those that used to think it pious to loot the rich and distribute the spoils among the poor. The Robin Hoods of that era thought that their methods alone could do away with the social disparity." (HS-1, '87 Edn, p.45)

Such Robin Hoods think that by looting and pillaging they can bring social equality.

Baba says, "We have seen the advent of such Robin Hoods more or less in every country of the world. But this does not lead to the solution of the problem...Capitalism cannot be destroyed merely by pillaging the capitalists, for robbery and plunder may deflate the bloated capital of the capitalists, but it cannot kill the potential of the seed of capitalism." (HS-1)

So these Robin Hoods too fall short of the mark. Capitalists are not swayed or changed by such looting. Rather such capitalists come up with greater ways of protecting their wealth - i.e. increased security.

Some examples of Robin Hoods that we've seen in the recent and distant past include:

(A) Inner city riots such as the outbreak in LA in 1992 where the poorer blacks scorched, burned and looted the city in the wake of the Rodney King decision. In that case the judge exonerated the white policeman for beating a black man, Rodney King. In turn, the people destroyed the city. Yet still capitalism thrives in LA.

(B) In centuries past and even as recent as this year, pirate ships around the world would loot passing vessels, especially the boats of the ultra wealthy.

(C) The street warfare of Paris in 2010 featured youths looting and destroying the property of the establishment.

(D) In the late 1880's in the US, horsemen would derail and loot luxury trains as they crossed the vast open spaces of the western US.

(D) And if you investigate, you will come across numerous examples of looters around the world.

With their subterfuge ways such Robin Hoods try hard to knock off the capitalists but in the end they are met with defeat - even death.

Baba says, "Violence only invites violence. So these blood sucking [capitalist] cannibals take recourse to yet bigger conspiracy in time to come and the half-witted robbers ultimately meet their destruction at the hands of such capitalists." (HS-1)

Here again Baba reveals how such Robin Hoods get beat by the ruling capitalists.

Baba says, "The amount of punishment meted out to the [capitalist] bloodsuckers by the robbers falls far short of the mark when compared to what they themselves [the looters] got at the hands of these [capitalist] blood-suckers." (HS-1, p. 45)

Thus in all such cases, the looters invariably meet their demise at the hands of such capitalists.

#3 ROBIN HOODS (Cont):

ENTER BIN LADEN

Now we come to the point of Bin Laden.

Although, the late Bin Laden and his Al-Qaeda cells are commonly thought of as terrorists that want to destroy everything, but we have to think in this way.

Al Qaeda wants to attack the nucleus of the capitalist stronghold and destroy them in order to retrieve the wealth and re-distribute it amongst all Muslims. That is their philosophy.

They see that the Middle East is swimming in petroleum profits and the the kings of those Arab nations maintain close ties with the US. In return the US gives those Arab royal families power, prestige, respect, as well as weapons to suppress the public.

Those close to the royal familes are extremely rich while the common people and youths in those Arab nations are very poor - in spite of the huge petroleum wealth. Such terroriests like Bin Laden want to capture the power by killing the enemies (i.e. capitalists), introducing Muslim social law, and redistributing the wealth among all. This is their endeavour.

As a whole then, as per Baba's definition, they are also a type of Robin Hood. Such Robin Hoods try to destroy captialists. And in this particular case the capitalists refer to both (a) the Arab royal families and (b) the US leaders and entrepreneurs. Indeed the Arab royalty controls huge wealth and that contravenes Islamic law which states that the wealthy are wretched.

The idea of using violence and force, destroying the capitalists to capture their wealth, and redistributing those riches among Muslims is the strategy of groups like Al-Qaeda..

How far Al Qaeda could get success is yet to be seen, but that is their approach. And as Baba points out, ultimately the firepower of those capitalist forces is more than Al Qaeda can handle.

Baba says, "Violence only invites violence. So these blood sucking [capitalist] cannibals take recourse to yet bigger conspiracy in time to come and the half-witted robbers ultimately meet their destruction at the hands of such capitalists." (HS-1)

Such terrorist cells meet their defeat at the hands of those capitalists, just as happens with all the other kinds of Robin Hoods. And indeed, just recently we all witnessed the assassination of Bin Laden.

So we can see that this Robins Hood technique also fails to end capitalist exploitation.

THE ANSWER IS PROUT

When Gandhism, communism, and the ways of those Robin Hoods all fail, then what is the proper approach to root out capitalism.

Baba says, "Those who lack a constructive ideology will never be capable of destroying capitalism, even if they speak sweet words, use threats, or create circumstantial pressure." (Problems of the Day, Point #3)

The only way to win the war against capitalists is to educate the common people about the ills of capitalist economic exploitation. This brings a collective rise in consciousness where people stand up to such capitalist exploiters. Thus we see the rise of vikśubdha shúdras, or the awakened masses, who are ready to bring revolution forward.

But again, these masses are fortified with the teachings of Prout. They are not merely looting, or putting forth human appeals, or any other defective approach.

In Prout our aim is to bring about the all-round welfare of humanity where through circumstantial pressure people adopt the path of psychic expansion and spirituality. Then all their crude energy will not be spent on the selfish tactic of accumulating more and more physical wealth.

Baba says, "Our approach should be to adopt a constructive ideal, and we should wage a ceaseless and pactless struggle against all anti-human and antisocial factors. We are to fight capitalism and not the capitalists. We are to wipe out this ism from human society because this ism is paralysing humanity. The capitalists are suffering from a sort of mental ailment, and it is our foremost duty to radically cure them by diverting their physical thirst towards psychic and spiritual pursuits." (Discourses on Prout)

Thus only, Baba's Proutistic teachings are the way for eliminating capitalism and bring forth a new human society.

Namaskar,
Priyanath
\

Note 1: MORE WHY HUMAN APPEALS DO NOT WORK

Here below Baba explains very clearly and in more detail why those adopting Gandhian measures can never gain success in fighting the capitalists.

Baba says, "Nothing would be better, if it were possible, than the eradication of capitalism by friendly persuasion and humanistic appeals. In that case the peace of the greater human family would not be much disturbed. But can it be guaranteed that everyone will respond to this approach? Some people may say that a day will come when, as a result of repeatedly listening to such appeals and gradually imbibing them over a long time, as well as through proper mental and spiritual education, good sense will prevail among the exploiters. This argument is very pleasant to hear. Such attempts are not reprehensible. But is it practicable to wait indefinitely for good sense to prevail among the exploiters? By then the exploited mass will have given up the ghost! Though the humanistic approach works in some cases, in most instances it does not produce any result; and even where it does work, it takes a very long time. So, wherever necessary, capitalism must be forced to abandon its ferocious hunger by taking strong measures." (Problems of the Day, Point #2)

Note 2: ONLY PROUT IS THE SOLUTION

Baba says, "Both capitalism and communism have failed to provide the proper ideological inspiration and desideratum to human beings. In the interests of the welfare of humanity, these systems should be replaced. PROUT is against the exploitation by capitalism and the false dogma of communism as both are detrimental to the all-round progress of human beings." (Prout Nutshell - 15, The Existential Value of Ideology)

Baba says, "PROUT is the panacea for the integrated progress of human society. It aims to bring about equilibrium and equipoise in all aspects of socio-economic life through totally restructuring economics. Without PROUT, socio-economic emancipation will remain a utopian dream. Only PROUT can save the world." (AFPS-9, Economic Dynamics)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ka'lo jalidhar, belate base, pal gun'e ja'i prabhu..." (PS 3204)

Purport:

O' Prabhu, O' Baba, by Your grace I am only only thinking about You,
ideating on You; by Your divine grace I am sitting on the shore of this
vast ocean of time counting the moments go by-- remembering only You. It is
Your grace. Baba, all these opportune and inopportune moments of my life
are vanishing into the oblivion one by one. Even then by Your grace I fill
my heart only with Your sweetness. Baba, only for You, only for You I fill
my heart with nectar.
Baba, in Your longing the flower pollen of my heart, the devotional
feeling of my heart, flies far across the vast, distant, unknown blue sky--
towards that divine land. My heart knows no bounds; it crosses over all
difficulties and feels no tiredness, fatigue, or frustration. By Your grace
it goes on and on in search of You.    
   Baba, I do not know why and when have You sent me into this mortal
world; I do not know anything. Baba, whose love and happiness has pulled me
here-- that also I do not know. O' Prabhu, please tell me what You want,
gently whisper in my ears.
   Baba, my only request is that You please make me Yours...

***************************************
Old Habits

Baba says, "The ancestors of all human beings were monkeys...But some of
the old habits still continue. Humans today fight among themselves in the
same manner as monkeys do. While fighting a person cries, 'Um, um' - this
is a monkeys' habit. Sometimes people not only cry like this but bite with
their teeth. This is also an old habit of monkeys."  (AV-5, p. 79)
 ***************************************

What is the News?

Date: Sat, 28 May 2011 19:22:58 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Deva.Virendra@bharata.net...
Subject: What is the News?

Baba

                    == WHAT IS THE NEWS ==

Namaskar,
Generally people live in this world without any definite plan or
program. Most are unaware about the greater meaning and aim of life.
They proceed onwards in a whimsical fashion. This is the common way of
human beings.

It was like this in the past and it is like this today also.

Certainly, people have short term material goals such as getting a job,
finding a spouse, buying a house, producing children, and purchasing a
car etc, but rarely do they think about getting old, and least of all
about death. These latter aspects people do not consider. Rather they
naively think they will remain on this earth forever. They think of this
place as their permanent abode.

Hence they remain basically oblivious of the reality: Just as one day we
have come onto this earth, one day we will also go. This fact no one
likes to consider. No one plans in this way - it is extremely rare.


              BABA EMPHASIZES THE AIM OF HUMAN LIFE

Baba, being the Sadguru, has come to enlighten human beings and show us
the right path. And indeed in countless discourses, stories, and
analogies, Baba reminds us - time and again - about "What is the right
path."

This idea He has given on so many occasions.

Why? Because it is the nature of human beings to get caught up in avidya
maya and take this world as their permanent residence and the entire
reality - when in fact it is just a relative truth. We've come here only
for a short while and nothing in this world is lasting. But people
forget about this fact. That is why Baba brings this point - i.e. that
human life is short - to the fore again and again.

He has given this teaching in Caryacarya (CC-II, 'Sadhana', point #8),
philosophical discourses, stories, shlokas, analogies, and in all kinds
of ways. Because we human beings constantly forget that this world is
not our permanent reality. People live as if they are going to remain on
this earth forever.

In contrast, Baba does not talk about the theory of gravity in dozens
and dozens of discourses. Why? Because already as a people we are aware
that gravity exists and we do not forget this fact. So there is no need
for Baba to remind us of this.

But about the greater meaning and temporary nature of life, people
regularly forget about this. Always we slip back into ignorance. Hence
Baba brings the point again and again.

Here following is one such unique teaching.


                       WHAT IS THE NEWS?

One day a yaks'a approached the great king Yudhisthira.

The yaks'a asked: "What is the news?"

(Note: The sense of his question was what is the real situation of this
material world.)

In reply king Yudhithira told: "The material world is like a frying pan.
The sun is the fire; the day and nights are the fuel. The passing
seasons are the stirring ladle and time is cook. All living entities are
being thus fried in this pan. This is the real news of what is happening
in the material world which is a miserable place full of ignorance."

Such was Yudhisthira's colourful and insightful reply and this is yet
one more way that Baba has brought this critical matter that we have
only come onto this earth for a short time. (Reference: AV(H)-29 chapter
14)

And certainly in so many ways Baba has discussed this point including
during one famous discourse in Mumbai.


                       WHY THIS IS NEWS

The interesting thing about the Yudhithira's above analogy is that the
yaks'a is asking "what is the news". The yaks'a is not asking about
philosophy, ethics, nature of life or anything esoteric like that.

The yaks'a is asking the news, yet such was Yudhisthira's reply.

Why? Because that really is the news. Whenever people are told something
that they do not know then it is news.

Due to avidya maya people commonly forget that they are moving towards
their death. They do not remember the transient nature of life on earth.
People take money, prestige, beauty, attraction and all their worldly
attachments to be of a permanent nature. All their plans and programs
are based on this idea.

They see new-borns come onto this earth, but they never think that one
day they will go.

So Yudhisthira's reply that human beings are in a frying pan proceeding
towards death is indeed news.

It is just like if a coup happened years ago but just today more
revelations about the coup were reported then that would be news. Or
when archaeologists find new fossils. This is also news because human
beings were not aware about these events.

Thus the fact that slowly, slowly we are going towards death - that is
also news.

People think this place is their permanent abode. With that as their
reference point, their behavior, values, logic and reasoning becomes
skewed, even polluted. All of their priorities are based on the false
notion that they will remain here forever and ever. And indeed most live
their life in this way.

They collect cars, chase after the opposite sex, seek out fame and
fortune. They talk all these fleeting things to be the essence of life.

If they thought otherwise, people would keep away from useless
activities like harassing others, fighting, looting, and material
pursuits etc. And they would do more sadhana and help others. But this
is not the case. Just look around and see for yourself.

Thus, Yudhisthira's teaching of thousands of years ago is as relevant
today as it was then. That is why this is the news.


                  HOW WE SHOULD LIVE OUR LIFE

Baba's divine guideline is that we are to complete all important works
(sadhana and service) very soon. There is no guarantee how long we will
survive on this earth. That is why Baba says do all good works
immediately because human life is short. No one decides when they will
come and no one decides when they will go.

Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' dharma'caret

Baba says, "That is, during dharma'caran, i.e. dharmic pursuits [following yama and niyama, service, svadhyaya etc] one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one’s hair – that one’s death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (Subhasita Samgraha, part 11)
Thus we have not a moment to spare. None should get caught up in the
whirlpool of maya and think this world as permanent. None should chase
after frivolous things.

All should bear in mind that we have come here for a limited period and
we have a great many works to do. This is the main outlook of any sadhaka.

One should think: My life is for spiritual practice and serving others,
not carnal pleasures. All Baba's teachings are my food for moving on the
path divine. I must not get swayed by the glitz and glamour of avidya
maya. I am to remember that I am being cooked in one frying pan and
moving towards my death. I utilise my energies for sadhana, not mundane
allurements, then I will achieve eternal life, by His grace.


                        BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He reminds us again and again that our human life is a
unique opportunity given to us by Parama Purusa. As human beings we are
to take advantage of our free will and do something great - attain Him.
That is what Baba is telling us in Yudhisthira's analogy.

Most of the scriptures of old are filled with thousands of pages of
dogmatic teachings and one has to swift through all those things in
order to find an ounce of truth. Ananda Marga is not like that.

Baba has given us only the most pertinent guidelines to get success:
Remembering the Goal of life is one such guideline. May we always
following His teachings and never get caught up in the whirlpool of
maya, thinking this world to be our permanent abode and chasing after
fleeting fancies.

If we remember the news of the day, we are bound to move on the right
path, by His grace.

Baba says, "If you are asked by God, “What do you want?”, what should
you say?"

"You must say, “O Lord, I want your blessings so that my intellect may
move along the right path.” You know that the intellect is the cause of
your downfall or evolution. So when your mind gets proper direction,
what else would you require?" (AV-21)

Namaskar,
Virendra


Note:          FURTHER READING ON THIS IMPORTANT TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/08/slowly-towards-cremation.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/06/noose.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/12/keep-skull.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/08/beauty-of-old-age-benefits-of-disease.html

                                         PRABHATA SAMGIITA

"A'ka'shabhara' a'jake ta'ra'..." (P.S. 2523)

Purport:

Baba, the sky of this amavasya night is filled with the stars. The
sweet, nectar-like breeze is blowing mildly. The mind is floating in
divine ecstasy from the known to the unknown world-- towards its final
destination. Baba, ensconced in Your ideation, my mind is getting lost
in Your divine bliss. Baba, the lily flower is constantly looking
towards the sky; the aroma of flowers is emanating all around. They have
forgotten themselves and lost their awareness about their own unit
existence. They restlessly move in the attraction of one call. Baba in
Your longing I am sitting alone, counting the stars. I understand that
by Your grace I have lost myself in this beautiful atmosphere and the
attraction of Your love. Baba, You are ever-gracious and You are always
remaining by my side and guiding me. Baba, on this amavasya night my
heart is yearning and longing for You. Please grace me by coming closer
and still more close...

Re: Not Commonly Known Dangers of Sports

Date: Sat, 28 May 2011 13:32:32 -0400
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Dharmendra Deva
Subject: Re: Not Commonly Known Dangers of Sports

Baba

== RE: NOT COMMONLY KNOWN DANGERS OF SPORTS ==

Namaskar,
Yes, I have also seen how dangerous competitive sports can be; I know of many who have suffered life-long injuries. There are so many tragedies in today's sports industry. So I appreciate the initial message of this email thread. (See link appended below)

Also I would like to add points for others to consider, as well as reflect on Baba's way of including fitness into our AM way of life.

PHYSICAL FITNESS IS KEY

As we all know, physical exercise is a necessary component for leading a healthy life. Then one can utilise their body and mind to serve Parama Purusa and His creation.

Accordingly, Baba has designated asanas, kaoshikii and tandava as the main practices for exercising the physical body. In various discourses, Baba has clearly stated that the asanas and dances prescribed in Ananda Marga exercise the glands thereby keeping both body and mind full of vital energy and positive spirit.

IMPORTANCE OF DAILY WALK

Plus, as we all know, Baba advocates taking a brisk walk everyday.

Baba says, "Walk in the fresh air...If the body does not work up a sufficient sweat, then you should know that you have not taken the air properly." (Yogic Treatments, Appendix E)

SPORTS AND GAMES ALSO ENCOURAGED

In addition, games and sports are also encouraged in Ananda Marga.

Baba says, "They will be able to devote ample time to such activities as sports, literary pursuits and spiritual practices." (Problems of the Day, pt #9)

By His above teaching it is clear and very evident that Baba places great value on sports. And the way Baba values sports is radically different from the way sports is valued in the present era.

Baba places value on maximum participation in games and sports so that all may get the benefit. In contrast, the commercialization of sports is based on highlighting elite athletes who play the game while the rest of the society watches. Baba does not approve of this later method.

During general darshan and DMC, Baba would select and allow all kinds of people to do tandava and kaoshikii. He would not select only the same people again and again. It is not that only the best dancers would be put on display. Baba wants that everyone should participate in their personal daily routine; and during general darshan and DMC, Baba would welcome anyone's participation. In fact He would rotate new people into the cycle. Because Baba's clear directive is that kaoshikii and tandava are for all - not just for the elite few. His aim is to encourage all the participate.

In contrast, to participate in sports in today's competitive society, such as for a school team - let alone semi-pro or even pro sports - one must train day-long to be good enough to play. In that way, only a small percentage compete in sports while most of the so-called modern world has turned into a society of spectators or "couch potatoes". They become awed watching highly-trained athletes compete and they think their job is to sit, watch, and spend lots of money on tickets and memorabilia. In that way the theme and essence of sports becomes lost. Sports has become an industry or capitalist venture.

Whereas Baba distinctly advises that sports and games are for cent-per-cent participation by all. Plus Baba wants that we practice asanas, mudras, and bandhas. In individual live everyone must do these regularly, i.e. twice daily.

At the same time, on the collective level, Baba does appreciate healthy competition with respect to sports and games. That is why there are kaoshikii and tandava competitions where Baba would even distribute prizes at DMC. Plus at SSAC camps, games and sports were organized in the form of tournaments and competitions.

Yet all along, the main message Baba has given is that everyone should exercise and keep their physical body in good condition while still striving for psychic and psycho-spiritual development.

Baba says, "Be physically fit, mentally developed and spiritually elevated." (Prout Nutshell, part 21, Nuclear Revolution)

So Baba's message is that everyone should exercise regularly and keep their physical body healthy and disease-free. Games and sports are for all - not just elite athletes as has happened with the commercialization of sports in this capitalist era.

THE INTANGIBLES OF SPORTS

One other clear-cut benefit of sports is what is often termed as the "intangibles", i.e. the non-physical benefits of sports. These qualities include teamwork, leadership, spiritedness, perseverance, friendship, and so much more. These qualities are not found in the rule book nor can they be tangibly measured, but these also stand as an important aspect and indeed benefit of sports. Any coach, manager or announcer will tell you that.

And for this reason also Baba fully encourages everyone - especially youths - to participate in both individual and team sports and games.

MAIN PROBLEM WITH SPORTS TODAY

As neatly detailed in the initial letter on this topic, the tragedy is that in today's overly-competitive, commercial market, sports has become an avenue primarily for the elite where so many are fallen, injured and killed. Training is intense and big corporate sponsorships are more concerned with profit than with the health and well-being of the athletes. Unfortunately, this defective mentality has even invaded our high school level sports. So in today's environment, sports has often become a hazard. Yet, this is not what is usually reported in the newspapers and on-line; rather all the headlines glorify the top stars and overlook all those who suffered injury, illness, disability and even death.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has prescribed the perfect system for living a healthy, balanced life. Baba guides us that our human personality is three fold: Physical, psychic, and spiritual. We must not neglect any sphere; we must not neglect physical exercise. If we follow Baba's system and do asanas, kaoshikii and tandava, and keep attuned to His other guidelines like walking etc, then we will best be able to serve Him and propagate AM ideals. Then our bodies will not become crippled and incapacitated at an early or even late age.

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." (Ananda Vanii #45)

Namaskar,
Dharmendra

Note: ORIGINAL LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

Here is the original letter on this topic...

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/05/not-commonly-known-dangers-of-sports.html

...Direct Way to Heaven

Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 17:54:49
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: V.J.K. Deva
Subject: ...Direct Way to Heaven

Baba

== CREMATE IN ANANDA NAGAR: DIRECT WAY TO HEAVEN ==

Namaskar,
Most are certainly aware that Dada Nigamanandji's body was brought from Delhi to Ananda Nagar for his burial and cremation etc. That cremation ceremony was scheduled to happen today. 

This following letter details many of the events and plannings surrounding Nigamananda's cremation. Please read below for all that news.

Here first, we begin one of Baba's famous stories from Shabda Cayanika as it is highly related with this entire topic.

BABA STORY FROM SHABDA CAYANIKA:

WHY TOMB IS UNJUST FOR DECEASED PERSON

In His story from Shabda Cayanika, Baba asks the caretaker of the land about a white stone in the back of the guesthouse. The caretaker replies, "That white thing is the tomb of those three dead people." (Shabda Cayanika, Part 1, Disc: 3)

In that same story Baba directs an inquiry towards Brother Niilainjana, i.e. one of those three deceased persons who was buried in that spot and who now has just a luminous body.

Baba says, 'Then I (Baba) asked: “In your opinion, are your sister Mainjulá and her friend Vásavii Vasu also bound here [like you are] by the same attachment to the place?” He smiled a little and replied: “Exactly as you say“." (Shabda Cayanika, Part 1, Disc: 3)

Here the whole point is that when a tomb is made for a deceased person then that soul is not free. Their mind gets seriously attached to that particular place. It is a big problem.

If a tomb is constructed for a deceased person then they will not get moksa - rather that soul will be bound to that place. That is their unfortunate fate which Baba Himself reveals in His story from Shabda Cayanika.

That is why in Ananda Marga, there is no system for making a tomb for deceased persons. That is not our way as it hinders their progress and obstructs their pathway.  They will not get moksa. This is evidenced by the predicament of those three deceased students (Niilainjana, Mainjulá & Vásavii Vasu) in the aforementioned story from Shabda Cayanika. They became totally bound to that land as microvita for decades and centuries - unable to progress or get moksa.

So it is a tragedy. This entire cycle of creation is spinning on and on and countless unit souls are progressing and getting moksa by His grace, yet those with a tomb get stuck and bound to that spot. They do not get moksa.

No doubt some religions are totally unaware about this fact; that is why they partake in this tomb dogma. But as Ananda Margiis why should we also fall into this trap? Why should we construct tombs for our deceased brothers and sisters and thereby block their pathway for getting moksa. That is not good.

Rather we should follow Baba's noted system for the disposal of the dead body (reference Caryacarya Part 1). There Baba makes no mention of the construction of any tomb etc.

The whole problem is that when a tomb is made that person will not get moksa - regardless of whether they are buried or burned to ashes. So long as a tomb is constructed for that person, that unit being gets bound to that place. Their future is not at all bright. We should not impose this grim fate on anyone.

TOMB DOGMA NOWADAYS IN AM:

WHAT HAS HAPPENED WITH NIGAMANANDA & OTHERS

Now let's take a look at what has happened with Nigamananda and other respected Dadas.

(A) As you probably know, on 25/ 26 May, Nigamananda's body was transferred by ambulance from Delhi to Ananda Nagar. The distance is 1500 kilometers at minimum. It took huge resources (money, fuel, time, energy) for this to be done. So we have to think what motivated and inspired them to do like this - especially when this is not Baba's designated system.

(B) When we look at the recent history we can get a glimpse of why this tomb dogma  is going on. For example, there is  the case of Dada Sadhaneshvara'nandajii's mahaprayan in A'nanda Shiila. After Dadaji expired then what happened? Parmeshvara'nanda made one "sama'dhi sthal" (i.e. tomb) with marble on the place where Dada Sa'dhaneshvara'nandajii was cremated at the A'nanda Shiila MU.

Many say now that Paremeshvarananda made that tomb of Sa'dhaneshvara'nandajii so that one day someone would make a similar tomb for him. After all, our Dadas see how big-time politicians are revered and respected and get "blessed" with a huge, fancy tomb upon their death. So our big Dadas like Parmeshvarananda want a tomb when they die. But it would be unbecoming if Parmeshvarananda made or constructed his own tomb ahead of time. Being a sannyasi that would not look very good. So instead he made a tomb for another Dada in the great hope that one day someone would grace him (i.e. Parmeshvarananda) with his own tomb. This is the way things are working.

Another thing people say is that because Sa'dhaneshvara'nandajii was very popular, it was relatively easy for Parmeshvarananda to collect money in Dada's name. Thus he was able to gather huge funds - of which some was used for a tomb. Otherwise what could be the reason why Parmeshvarananda erected a tomb when doing so is explicitly against Baba's system.

No doubt, Dada Sa'dhaneshvara'nandajii was a very good devotee, laborious, and dedicated. But making a tomb is not the way to pay homage to him. Dada's memory is not in that marble tomb. Rather his memory is in Ba'ba's mission & organisation for whom Dadajii lived his life. His memory is his dharmic way of living at Ananda Shiila where he worked as CTS and where he constructed buildings to help build the Marga.

This above case gives the picture of how some are attracted to burying the bodies of our deceased Dadas on master units so that in due course a tomb can be erected. It seems they suffer from the dogma that this is a direct route to heaven or at the very least a way to garner great respect.

Yet Baba Himself guides us that faulty manner of making a tomb only binds a person to that land - they cannot get salvation. 

(C) Here is another case that leads in this same direction. At the time of oShraddha'nandajii's (former PP Dada) passing in October 2008 at a hospital in Ranchi, his body was taken to Ananda Shiila for cremation. And now today at the place where his cremation was done, it is surrounded by bamboo and a wood wall. Why? To reserve that spot so that that they can make a tomb in the future. Otherwise what was the need to demarcate that spot and not use it for some practical project etc.

(D) Here is yet another example: Artesha'nanda's cremation ceremony and mahaprayan was in Gadaipur Ba'ba' Quarter Delhi. Centre cremated his body in that Ba'ba' Quarter campus. To this day, such persons still associate Dadaji with that place - as if that is where he will reside forever. Still that spot where he was cremated has not been used for any other project. They have reserved that spot with every intention of constructing a tomb one day. Otherwise, they would have and could have used that space for other service projects etc.

Note: If the purpose of burying the body inside the compound in Delhi was to make cemetery / smashan for night sadhana etc, then that can be accepted. Some Dadas might make that claim as it is not easy to find places for night sadhana in big cities like Delhi. But whatever they say, there is no rational justification for erecting a tomb on that spot or designating that spot for a tomb in the future. That should not be done. Nor should that body be transported a long distance such as from Delhi to Ananda Nagar. That also has no rational justification.

(E) By all this we can critically see that this tomb issue is an ongoing and growing dogma in our Marga.

(F) So now Nigama'nandajii's mahaprayan (death) happened in Delhi and they have brought the body to Ananda Nagar. Question: What is the need to bring body to AN? Why was the cremation not done in Delhi itself? After all, Nigama'nandajii was a worker of our universal organization; his life was for the organization and humanity. Then what was the need to spend huge money from our poor organization to bring Dada's body to AN? What was problem in cremating the body in Delhi?

Here we can only assume that the intention of some is to make a tomb for Dadaji in Ananda Nagar. Perhaps they think that by this way Dada will get a direct transport to heaven and / or that someone will make a tomb for them in the future. When in fact the truth is that Nigamananda will be bound to that land and he will not get moksa nor get any progress at all. Rather he will be stuck and bound to that place. That is Baba's explicit warning in Shabda Cayanika.

(G) Now we can practically see that the cremation of senior Dadas is becoming a new dogma in our organization. It looks like the authorities are impressed by the cremation ceremonies of big political leaders and want to emulate those events. We have to remember that Ananda Nagar is our global headquarters for the organization. It is not our global cremation ground, i.e. global smashan. Baba has given our AM master units and Baba Quarters for designation dharmic purposes. Our MU's and BQ's are not to be turned into smashan bhumi or cremation ground with all kinds of tombs etc.

TOMBS NOT DONE FOR ALL - JUST BIG DADAS

One important point to note is that Centre does not bring all the bodies to Ananda Nagar etc. Nor do they make a tomb for every worker.

In the last decade or longer, so many simple and sincere Wts have passed, yet their mahaprayan occurred without the erection of a tomb. Rather local margiis and workers cremated the body per Baba's system. No big Dada came to drag that body to Ananda Nagar. Indeed even with the then President of AMPS - Ac Raghunathji - they did not bring his body to AN nor did they make a tomb for him. And verily in the last 50 years so many of our respected workers and margiis passed as dadhicii's, yet no tomb was made in their honour.

Then why is this being done today - why are tombs being prepared and planned - for the more famous workers, i.e. those with clout? That is what we must ask ourselves.

It seems that Centre is awed and jealous of those big political leaders who have huge tombs erected in their honour. In general politics, the bodies of such leaders will be brought to certain place and they will have a grand tomb erected. And people will come and visit that spot and pay honour for generations and generation. That is what we see happening. In the same way, Centre is now trying to do the same thing for select top Dadas.

Also big leaders think that if they will make the tomb of their friends then after their death their samadhi will be also made.

Ultimately, this manner of bringing the dead body to certain place for cremation and erecting a tomb is a big dogma which should be stopped.

WHY PERFORM THE DEATH CEREMONY

AND BURY THE BODY IN BABA'S QUARTER

Here is one related dogma with all of this: It has become a distinct pattern for them to always put the dead body in the Ba'ba' quarter. For instance: Krtvidya'nandajii, Abhiprema'nandajii, and now Nigama'nandajii, and many others. They are reside in the BQ land.

Their bodies were put in Ba'ba' quarter to give Shraddha'njalii. But this ceremony should be done in some other hall - not in the Ba'ba' quarter.

If the purpose of the ceremony is to do the last darshan and to pay homage to the deceased and put flowers on the body, then that can be done in any other hall.

But the organisers do not see it in the aforementioned dharmic way.

Rather their purpose is to put that deceased body in the Ba'ba' Quarter because in their mind they wrongly think that Ba'ba' is there in that BQ and not in any other place. That is why they use the Baba Quarters in this way. Such is their dogmatic outlook.

Otherwise what could be the reason why they are doing this again and again and again.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE

As we know our workers and avadhutas have come for the service of all. They have given up everything of individual life for collective welfare - all done in the loving service to Guru. For our workers, the entire brahmanda (universe) is their homeland.

So there is absolutely no need to take their body to a certain place or location. Wherever that worker died is where his cremation should be done.

Then that ceremony will properly reflect our AM ideology and pay honour to the great cause for which that Wt dedicated their life.

And of course, wherever a Wt is buried, there should not be any tomb nor should the spot be marked in any way to erect a tomb in the future. Just let those deceased souls be free and at peace. That is Baba's system.

Namaskar,
Vidyasagar

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: This is one special type of song where Parama Purusa explains to the devotees what He does-- how He carries out His liila.

"A'gun jva'la'te a'si niko a'mi, diipa'valii jva'li man ma'jhe..."  (P.S. 421)

Purport:

  I, Baba, do not come to light a burning fire in the heart. I come to light the lamp of devotion in the heart - for that reason I come. I fill the mind with divine effulgence, with devotion, not fire*.  Even on the rough & jagged path I pour divine sweetness - I make even the dry heart full of devotion. Even in those trees where flowers do not come, those places also I decorate with flowers. I change the crude personality into a divine one. I decorate them with the beauty of devotion. To the dry heart I bring the warmth of love and devotion. And I give them inspiration to move towards divinity. This way I bless everyone.  
   Through the melody and rhythm of song and dance, silently I fill the remote corner of the heart with love. Indeed I fill the entire universe with devotion with the medium of song, dance and music - Prabhat Samgiita. I do not come to ignite the heart with some other yearning; rather I fill the heart with devotion.  
   To those hearts which are frustrated, sunken, and lost, I give them the strength for their forward movement. I fill their heart with the bliss so they can forget their pain and misery and get ensconced in divinity.   
   I remain with everyone through My ota and prota yoga. I make everyone aware of this by my actions. I tell this truth again and again so that human beings can realise that Parama Purus'a is with them always.  
   I advent of this earth to fill up the heart with devotion...

*Fire= Here fire means that devotees always lovingly accuse Parama Purusa that 'I am crying for You yet You just set my heart on fire, with no relief in sight'. But Parama Purus'a explains that it is not like that; rather He comes with the explicit motive to fill the mind with devotion.


         ********************************************
                                 - Some Secret -

Baba says, "Man can do nothing. Living beings cannot do anything without His support: that is, when a human's desire and His desire coincide, then only does the human desire become fruitful, otherwise it is a sure failure. When the jiiva's desire coincides with the desire of Parama Purusa, then it is successful, otherwise not." (10 September '78)
         ********************************************

Unpublished Discourse About Weapons

Subject: Unpublished Discourse About Weapons
Date: Thu, 26 May 2011 22:24:58
From: "Gaurishankar Agrawal"
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

"Toma'ke ceyechi a'mi jiivaner prati pale..." (P.S. 2106)

Purport:

Baba, I want You in each and every sphere of my life-- all the time, every moment. Baba, please come in every honey-filled seed vessel of my hundred petal mental lotus. Baba, whatever beautiful things I have, whatever good things I have-- I am offering everything unto You. Baba, please grace me by coming with Your most attractive form.

O' my dearmost, Your everything is so very beautiful. You are that most resplendent divine Entity-- perfectly effulgent. Just as the shining moon does not have any black spots; similarly, O' Parama Purusa, You are resplendent and blemishless-- perfectly pristine & pure. Baba, please shower Your causeless grace on me; please remove my fear and shyness from my unit mind. Please take away all those impurities that are accumulated in my mental plate. Baba, please grace me with the eternal gift of devotion.

Baba, I do not have any worldly desire-- just I want Your closeness. That is why I go on searching You while doing all kinds of works, O' my Lord of Lords. Baba, in each and every moment of my life, in all my deeds and in all my thoughts I want Your Presence-- I want Your grace...

== UNPUBLISHED DISCOURSE ABOUT WEAPONS ==

Note: This posting is based on an unpublished Hindi discourse from Bombay where Baba talks about who should have weapons.

Namaskar,
Nuclear weapons, proliferation, and disarmament are hot topics these days. The recent nuclear security summit in Washington addressed these issues and more.

Certain leading imperialistic nations are eager to put a halt to nuclear proliferation, especially the US. However, these power-hungry, materialistic nations are not for universal welfare or global peace. They just want to keep nuclear weaponry exclusively for themselves. That is their interest.

As Ananda Margiis, we should clearly understand Baba's guidelines and policies with regards to weapons and disarmament. Baba furthermore reveals the hidden agenda of those nations.

Let us also remember that there are all kinds of weapons such as chemical warfare, cyber-weapons, and more. So Baba's stated policy is for the weapons of today and tomorrow.

Finally, weapons are not only for external battles but also for internal ones. Thus every individual must be armed with all kinds of sentient weaponry (yama and niyama, Prout, kiirtan, sadhana etc) so they can overcome degrading tendencies of mind and reach to Parama Purusa.

BABA'S MANDATE IN BRIEF

As a brief overview, Baba's guideline is that moralists should have weapons in order to protect the people and deter anti-social elements, whereas terrorists and rogue parties should be condemned and their might and power should be snatched away.

Unfortunately, today the opposite is true. Moralists are not united and immoralists have banded together and gained access to all kinds of weapons for their various schemes. Thus bad people have weapons and good people do not. Needless to say this situation needs to be reversed.

In this complex, battle-torn world, we should arm ourselves with Baba's divine teachings. We should know His stand on weapons.

THE ESSENCE OF THAT UNPUBLISHED DISCOURSE

Here is a summary of Baba's discourse about weapons delivered in the 1960's in Bombay.

Baba talks about how at the very beginning of human history, individuals would quarrel and physically fight by hitting, scratching, grinning, grunting, grimacing, biting and clawing. That was the socially acceptable manner to settle disputes. Everybody fought using these same basic techniques.

Then one day, one party got an idea. This alpha party discovered that they could attack their chosen target from afar by throwing fist-sized mounds of dirt, or dirt bombs. With this discovery, immediately the alpha party had a distinct advantage over his enemies, i.e the beta party. The alpha party could easily vanquish their foes.

In response the beta party became outraged, fearing that so many would get hurt and destroyed by these flying dirt bombs. The beta party exclaimed, "Come out and fight in a civilized way and meet me face to face - claw and punch. Do not resort to this dangerous method of throwing dirt bombs from your hidden position. Everyone will get killed."

But the alpha party paid no mind to the pleas and logic of the beta team. And the alpha party continued to attack others using their dirt bomb technique. With no other recourse, the beta party decided that they too must use this dirt bomb approach. So they did research, study and practice and soon they were also using dirt bombs for their main way of fighting.

With dirt bombs flying in both directions, the alpha party became disturbed and thought that they had lost their advantage. So they looked around and found that rocks were harder and more potent than dirt bombs. The alpha team then began throwing rocks which easily bloodied and hurt other people.

Once again, the beta party became horrified by this increased level of intensity by the alpha team. The beta person demanded, "Do not throw rocks; they are too hard and dangerous. Too many people are getting hurt. This will destroy society. Only throw dirt bombs - that is our agreed upon fighting strategy. Give up this practice of throwing rocks. There should be disarmament or dis-rock-ament, i.e. no throwing rocks - no one should do this."

But beta's pleas fell on deaf ears. The alpha party was very satisfied with the effectiveness of rock throwing. In turn, the beta team began investigating and experimenting with throwing rocks and soon began employing that technique as well.

In this way the level of fighting increased. All this Baba relays in His unpublished discourse. But it does not stop there. Baba continues to explain the history of weaponry in human civilisation.

When the alpha party saw that team beta was also using rocks, then the alpha team looked around and came up with a new technique in order to gain an advantage. The alpha team began using big animals such as horses and elephants to attack their foes.

This was quite alarming for the beta party. They were rattled and complained bitterly that the alpha team would destroy all of humanity and kill everyone using this new method. The beta team pleaded that animals not be used for fighting as it was too dangerous and creating too many deaths.

Once again, the alpha party did not listen and they enjoyed their fighting supremacy. The beta party did their related research, trained animals and fighters, and also began using animals in their warfare. The two warring parties were again on equal ground.

Next, the alpha party invented spears and other sharp throwing devices. The beta team vigorously objected claiming that these spears were too dangerous - everyone will be killed and entire countries destroyed. The alpha party did not pay heed. With no other recourse, the beta team began developing their own spears and sharp fighting tools.

In this see-saw manner, the level of fighting increased.

The alpha team then invented the bow and arrow, and again the beta team exclaimed that this was too harmful and the alpha team should be civilised in their fighting. The alpha party ignored their plea so the beta party created their own bow and arrow.

Then around four hundred + years ago, explosive weapons came into vogue like guns and canons. The alpha team enjoyed unparalleled superiority and the beta team was aghast by the wreckage of such weapons, and petitioned that such weapons be banned. But instead the beta team was defeated and destroyed.

BABA TELLS A STORY

At this point in His Bombay discourse, Baba tells the real history of how King Babur invaded Delhi from the Middle East and at the battle of Panipat, King Babur used his advanced weaponry to defeat Abraham Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi. Actually Abraham Lodi had a much bigger army but because Babur's troops had canons, firearms, and other weapons they were victorious. Abraham Lodi did not have canons - he only had standard, conventional weapons of the day as well as lots of foot soliders and animals. But because he did not have firearms his party suffered big losses and he was defeated.

Then Baba tells that this is the way history works. Those who invent new weapons are victorious.

BABA'S QUESTION

Baba then asks this rhetorical question: Do you want to be in the alpha party or beta party?

The margiis responded: Alpha party.

Baba replied: Yes, never be in the beta party - always be in the alpha team.

Baba continues to explain that weapons should always be in hands of sadvipras and that such moralists should have the latest weapons. Indeed sadvipras should be ever vigilant to create more refined and powerful weapons in order to save the society. Side by side, never allow weapons to fall in the hands of the wrong people. Terrorists, imperialists, and other anti-social elements must not be armed with strong weapons.

Baba furthermore guides us that as society and civilisation develop, new types of problems come to the fore. For example, internet crime has now become an issue. In response, moralists must always have superior weapons to counteract and solve problems caused by rogue elements. Baba's mandate is that moralists must have ultra-modern weapons in the external and internal worlds.

Our external weapons include bombs, internet security, scanners and so much more. And our internal weapons include Prout, kiirtan, yama and niyama and sadhana.

WORLD SCENE

If we look at the world history over the course of the 20th century, it becomes quite clear how having newer weapons is so important.

For instance, during World War II, the US dropped the atom bomb on Japan because the US knew that Japan did not have that weapon. Thus Japan suffered terribly. In contrast, during the cold war, the US did not drop the atom bomb on the USSR because the US knew that the Russians also had the bomb. In the latter case there was no actual war - just the cold war.

In a similar fashion, India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947, but there has not been a war since each got nuclear weapons. The teaching from all this is that wars happen when one party feels they can crush their weaker opponent without suffering much damage.

More recently, we see how Iraq was attacked because there was no fear that they could retaliate with strong weapons, whereas the western powers did not attack North Korea because there was the very real threat that North Korea would use their nuclear arsenal.

In the more distant past, India was negligent in developing weapons which is why the Indian subcontinent was often overrun by invaders - either moguls or Britishers.

That is the history and the teaching we should all get is that the weak get destroyed and ransacked by belligerent parties. Having the latest weapons maintains the peace.

In AM, our main point is that the moralists should always have the latest weapons because good people should never suffer at the hands of those exploiters, imperialists or terrorists. We never advocate that terrorists should also have weapons. Rather top weapons should be in the hands of moralists alone.

In order to bring world peace, moralists must have the best weapons and terrorists and imperialists must not be allowed to have weapons at all. But now the opposite is the case. Good citizens do not haven weapons while and terrorists have huge weapon supplies.

With regards to the recent summit in Washington, it is not a new thing. Always those who have been in power and possessed top weapons petition to not allow others to get weapons. Because they want to maintain their dominance. Same is the case with the US today. And that is the psychology since the prehistoric era: Always those with might have been keen to not allow others to get weapons.

All in all it looks like the race for arms is a dangerous game, but the truth is that it is only dangerous if weapons are only in the hands of negative people. To establish peace then, all moralists must play this game of armament in order to save humanity - there is no other option. Then there will be peace and security.

SPIRITUAL IMPORT

Finally, armament does not just mean guns and other external weapons.

Enemies exist externally and internally (in the form of negative propensities), and in both cases ultra-modern weapons are needed. Those following religious dogmas or idol worship will not be able to free their mind from narrow-mindedness and the baser propensities.

Thus Baba's entire discourse serves as an analogy for spiritual growth and development. The aim is for every sadhaka to wage a war against all depraving tendencies of mind and reach to Parama Purusa. One must defeat all the internal enemies - i.e. kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), mada (vanity), moha (blind attachment), matsarya (envy), and all other crude propensities.

In that case, ritualistic worship is totally impotent, that is the equivalent of fighting one's inner battles with antiquated weapons like sticks and stones. Such weapons are impotent. Stronger weapons are needed, i.e. AM sadhana.

BABA'S BLESSING

Ananda Marga sadhana is the very logical and ultra-modern weapon that will lead one to His alter. Just as in the material plane, moralists must have the latest and greatest weapons in the form of bombs and lasers in order to maintain social order and keep the peace; similarly in the inner world, one must be armed with neo-humanism, Prout, kiirtan, sadhana, yama and niyama, and His ever-present grace. Then one is sure to get victory. That is what Baba is telling us in His unpublished discourse and a very similar idea is expressed in this following guideline.

Baba says, "In this fight against avidya shakti one must have sufficient weapons. You know, a soldier requires weapons, and sa'dhana' is a fight. In your internal sphere, that is, in your mind, you should have ten weapons. Those ten weapons are five yama and five niyama [moral principles]. And similarly, while fighting against evil forces in this crude physicality, you should have ultra-modern physical weapons also. Those who want disarmament and those who want to ban the atom bomb are not friends of human society. They do not want to accelerate the speed of human society. Rather they want to retard its progress. Weapons you must have, but you should have control over your body and mind. There must not be any abuse or misuse of your weapons. Now, in this progress, that is, in the realm of intuitionalism, you should have ten internal weapons – yama and niyama – [for] your progress in sa'dhana'." (AV-34)

Namaskar,
Gaurishankar

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Serious Matter

Baba says, "The system of education prevailing today was formulated or evolved long ago, mainly with a view to suit the needs of the capitalist class. For the last three to four thousand years, the same type of education is being imparted. The main purpose behind this sort of educational system is to create persons with a slavish mentality to fulfill need of those capitalist exploiters. This sort of education is fundamentally defective. It is certain that this type of education which serves the capitalists' interests is not at all suitable. This sort of education creates obstacles in the evolution of humanity. We have to thoroughly revamp the entire educational system. A new educational system must evolve to produce sadvipras." (11/29/70, transcribed from cassette)

Note: Those who are bragging about the standard of their education should know what type & what category of knowledge they have. In this regard, we should ponder Guru's above guideline.
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Do You Know Why AM is Special

To: AM-GLOBAL
Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 13:55:02 -0000
From: NJK Majumdar
Subject: Do You Know Why AM is Special

Baba

== DO YOU KNOW WHY AM IS SPECIAL ==

Namaskar,
We all know that in our A'nanda Ma'rga Baba places tremendous emphasis
on the dual approach of spiritual sadhana and social service. Both have
a huge role to play. For that reason some may be thinking that our
spiritual life and our social life are therefore equal in all regards.

Without going too deeply into the matter, this might be a logical
conclusion one would make: Estimating that both are 50-50-- the same
size & of equal value etc. It is easy to surmise how someone might
conclude in that fashion.

However, Baba's divine teaching is something else. As important as our
social life is, Baba here unveils and expresses the vastness &
unparalleled nature of our spiritual approach in A'nanda Ma'rga.

Baba says, "Our spiritual life is not a part of our social life; our
social life is a part of our spiritual life." (Poona DMC, 26-11-79)

Thus, Baba's above teaching establishes the supremacy of spirituality as
He tells that everything falls within the scope of our spiritual life.
That is, our spiritual life is not a subset of our social life; but our
social life is a part of our spiritual life.

With this is mind, that means that our entire social dealing comes under
that great umbrella of spirituality. Or, another way of saying it is
that nothing comes outside of our spiritual approach. Everything is part
and parcel of that. Hence in Ananda Marga we say that spirituality is
the top-most thing-- the summum bonum of life.

Baba says, "Spirituality is the summum bonum of life in all its
aspects." (Idea & Idealogy, p.77)

Here are more points which lead in this same direction-- which highlight
the greatness of spiritual life in Ananda Marga. All brothers and
sisters should also write in with their perceptions and thoughts also.

AM SPIRITUALITY IS THE VERY PULSE OF OUR LIFE

The path which Baba has shown us-- the path of Ananda Marga is totally
revolutionary since it is deeply ensconced in the nectar of
spirituality. From birth to death and from morning till night, the life
of an Ananda Margii is filled with spiritual practices and cosmic
ideation. When one emerges from the womb and enters this world then
immediately that infant is drenched in the singing Baba Nam Kevalam. And
it continues on from there. Hence in AM spirituality is our very heartbeat.

OUR DAYS AND NIGHT ARE FILLED WITH SPIRITUALITY

By Baba's grace in AM our spiritual approach continues through the whole
life. In the morning we greet and start the day with our practices of
Guru Sakash and paincajanya etc, and the whole day follows in that flow:
Doing sadhana, reciting our bath mantra, taking second lesson before our
each and every work, ideating as we say namaskar, singing kiirtan etc.
Each and every activity through the day is linked with the Cosmic Hub--
Baba.

And then after dark we go for night sadhana and ultimately take rest
with His name on our lips-- dreaming of Him.

About this holistic ideal, Baba has given one divine sloka:

'Kuru punyam ahora'tram'
Meaning: Do virtuous deeds day and night

In Ananda Marga we are ideating on Brahma during the day and performing
our various works and duties and then when sleeping we are repeating our
Ista mantra or dhyana mantra during the night. In that way each and
every second of the life is drenched in the sweet flow of spirituality.

A'NANDA SUTRAM:

AM PHILOSOPHY IS SPIRITUALLY BASED

As we know, in Ananda Sutram Baba has outlined the whole of AM
philosophy in seed form. In sum there are 85 Sutras in these five
chapters. Yet the first four chapters-- or the first 69 Sutras-- deal
exclusively with points of spirituality. There is no hint of mention of
social life in these sections.

Then in His revolutionary approach in the final chapter of A'nanda
Sutram Baba incorporates our social life and Prout-- all neatly woven
into the context of spirituality. Hence Prout is a sub-set of AM
spiritual ideology; Prout is a God-centered philosophy resting on the
dynamic force of AM spirituality.

By all this we can all easily understand that in AM spirituality is the
main thing. This is the divine flow of life in Ananda Marga.

A'NANDA MA'RGA IS A REVOLUTION

The path of Ananda Marga is the top as our Marga maintains its stance of
spirituality throughout all the realms of life. This is one of the
reasons why we say AM is a revolution-- and far above the rest.

In comparison, the dogmatic religions fall way short of the mark. In
their most basic and fundamental sense, at best the religions
theoretically aim to be spiritual institutions; but in actuality just a
tiny partition or a small segment of religious life is for Godly
pursuits. And even that small piece has gotten infested with dogma.

Hinduism started with some aspects of meditation and other spiritual
points of yoga and Bhagavata dharma, but even then it was just a small
part of the life. The proof being that the great Shankaracarya himself
declared that people could not dedicate themselves towards spirituality
until after 75 years of age. And not just that, but step by step,
Hinduism has totally fallen away from any pointed spiritual approach.
Such that now, the touch of true spirituality is all gone from their
religious dealings and their followers just indulge in idol worship in
the temples and other dogmatic rituals.

To their own degree, Christians may even be less in this regard. They
have no meditative practice to speak of and their prayer etc is done on
Sundays only. So their religious life is extremely limited and tucked
away into a little corner.

So in this way each and every religion has partitioned its prayer
practices to a small part of life which is hardly even visible and which
barely touches the seed of their existence. Rather they are totally
governed by materialistic policies

Only in the dharma of Ananda Marga do we see that living aspect of true
spirituality ensconced into each and every cell of one's existence.

WE MUST TAKE CARE

From top to bottom, spirituality is everything in AM. That is the be-all and
end-all of our existence.

Even then in this crude era of kali yuga, due to the enormous onslaughts
of materialism etc, from time to time we all get pulled and dragged into
mundane duties and worldly obligations. We all have huge quotas and lots
of pressures to attend to in this regard: Bills to pay, houses to
maintain, plus all the negative allurements of the general society to
combat. This is the harsh reality which we are facing nowadays.

Indeed, we can see that even our Dadas get caught up in this rush of
external living and mostly they just do sadhana so that they can eat.
Means sadhana is just a ticket to get into the dining hall-- nothing
more in many cases. I think we have all seen such things.

So we all know that spirituality is everything yet the practical reality
is that whether we like it or not on various occasions we are all
getting dragged head first into mundane life. No doubt we are all
following 16 Points to the best of our ability etc, but the general flow
of the world is pulling us strongly in its crude direction. In the face
of mundane pressures our sadhana time gets reduced, asanas get skipped,
and so many things unfold. No need to list them here as we are all well
aware about what happens.

Hence even though in Ananda Marga, spirituality is the most treasured
aspect of life and as much as we practice it during our days and nights,
still the reality is that the mind tends to become extroverted due to
the extreme amount of mundane pressures.

Taken altogether, we should be extremely careful and take whatever
measures necessary to reverse this trend. Baba's following teaching
leads in this same direction.

Baba says, "This element of devotion, the most precious treasure of
humanity, must be preserved most carefully. Because it is such a tender
inner asset, to preserve it from the onslaughts of materialism, one must
build a protective fence around it, just as people put up a guard-rail
around a small tender plant." (NH-LOI)

So Baba's divine direction is to safeguard this most precious thing:
Devotion, which is the seed of true spirituality.

In this regard we can take steps by singing more kiirtan, keeping strict
timing for our sadhana, encouraging ourselves and others to be vigilant
in 16 Points, and evaluating our lives every 15 minutes to see if we are
on the right path or not. On this aspect also, it will be highly
inspiring to hear everyone's suggestions and recommendations.

By this way, and with Baba's grace, we will be able to maintain and rise
above the challenges-- delving deeper and deeper into spiritual life.

SPIRITUALITY IS BEYOND ALL RELATIVE BOUNDARIES

Here Baba once again highlights the supreme nature of spiritual life.

Baba says, "That ultimate and absolute ideal is the Cosmic ideal - an
ideal beyond the scope of time, place and person. It is the Absolute,
without and beyond relativity. It stands with its own lustre for all
times and for every factor of the Cosmos." (I & I, p.76)

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's divine grace each and every margii will taste the supreme
sweetness of AM spirituality & reach unto Baba's divine lap in this very
life.

Baba says, "The human being's mission in life is movement towards
perfection-- towards God. This is one's dharma, or duty. In this
struggle, the forces of evil [materialism etc] are bound to be defeated.
That has been the case all along, and that will repeat itself." (AV-23,
p.81)

Namaskar,
Nagendra

Note 1: SPIRITUALITY IS UNPARALLELED

OUR SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY IS A PART OF THAT

Here Baba reveals the awesome nature of spirituality and that taking
this as their base Neo-Humanism and Prout has been formulated etc.

Baba says, "Spirituality provides a human being and humanity at large
with that subtle and tremendous power with which no other power can be
compared. Therefore, with spirituality as the base, a rational
philosophy should be evolved to deal with the physical, psychological
and socio-philosophical problems of the day." ('The Cosmic Brotherhood',
5 June 1959)

Keeping our spiritual ideal at the fore, Baba has given us the way to
identify, address, and solve each and every difficulty of our social
life. This is His great blessing on the humanity.

Note 2: SPIRITUALITY IS THAT UNIFYING FORCE

In His below teaching Baba pointedly guides us that it is the golden
thread of spirituality which will bring together all the various beings
of this universe.

Baba says, "The Cosmic ideal alone can be the unifying force which shall
strengthen humanity to smash the bondages and abolish all narrow
domestic walls of fissiparous tendencies." ('The Cosmic Brotherhood', 5
June 1959)

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Brave Persons

Baba says, "Do not remain worried about your individual problems at all.
Be prepared to carry your own burden and be prepared also to carry the
burdens of others. Then alone are you brave. Be dagdhabiija. Everyone
has their own individual problems. Do not try to pass them on to others.
On the contrary, bear the burdens of others. No one is your enemy. Be
ready to bear the burdens of others." (AV-30, p.4)
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