From: "H.Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Keep Skull
Date: Tue 14 Feb 2012 22:46:23
Baba
Namaskar,
When Baba would arrive at any airport then there would be a grand reception by all local margiis and workers and part and parcel of that dramatic and exciting time was dancing tandava with a skull for Baba. That was the rule. Everyone in AM is well aware about this.
In AM, the skull symbolises the constant struggle of life and the fight against death. It is one of our dharmic tools.
Thus the skull has great value in the life of any tantrika and in this short posting we will examine why it is beneficial for every Ananda Margii to keep a skull.
Our time on this earth is temporary - yet most people totally remain oblivious of this fact. They think the qualities they have, i.e. their wealth, health, beauty, and power, will last forever. That defective outlook causes so many problems.
People falsely believe that their life and property are permanent and that leads them to become arrogant and hurtful towards others. They think that with their limited power they can do what they want and that their power will never wane. By this way they torture, cheat, abuse, and rule over others - all the while thinking that their position is indestructible and lasting.
When the fact is that human life is temporary and this world is transitory. Even as Ananda Margiis however, we can forget this fact. And in that way we may forget what is most important on this earth. Perhaps we will not cheat and exploit other like materialists are prone to do, yet we may get wrapped up in transitory gains instead of yearning for the Supreme.
To think of this world as a permanent abode is common amongst human beings - this is their illusionary outlook. Yet this mindset is not helpful for our growth and development.
Here is one suggestion; If we all keep a skull in our room or on our desk, then we will be constantly reminded by the transitory nature of this world. By that way, we will always be involved in proper deeds on this earth.
Just as when people think their power is permanent then they will abuse others day and night, similarly, when people think that their qualities are temporary, then they will adopt the right psychology and values in life. Then they will think that their life should be utlised for a benevolent cause. Then there is no time to get mixed up in wrongdoing.
Baba says, 'What is a devotee to do? “Tyaja durjana sam'sargam” – you should give up the company of durjanas. Who is a durjana? I will explain. A man whose company will deteriorate or deprave the standard of others is a durjana for those persons." (AV-12)
According to Baba, as bhaktas we are to surround ourselves with good people, and give up the company of bad people. The shloka goes on to say that we are to always remember that this world is temporary. That is the recipe for a proper life.
When we constantly remember that this world is temporary - and having a skull visible day in and day out can help - then we are bound to set our sights on that which is permanent. In that case we will vigilantly goad our lives unto Him. Only Parama Purusa is eternal (nitya).
Baba says, "Parama'tma' is nitya. The term nitya means that which is uninfluenced by the time factor i.e., beyond the periphery of past, present and future." (SS-18)
So when Paramatma is the only eternal Entity then that is the stance we should attain - not any worldly status. By keeping a skull by our bedside we will always remember that this world and this body do not last forever. What to speak of forever, they do not even last long. People get only get a few years when they are in the peak of their life.
When we realise that life is indeed temporary then we will fully utilise our existence in the proper way.
The situation can be likened to visiting a new city. If you are going to be there for only one or two days then in a quick hurry you will see all the sights and learn all there is to know about that city, whereas if one lives in that city then they will feel relaxed and they will no go anywhere or see anything. They will think they have loads of time to do that later.
We should think of our time on this earth like the sightseer who is visiting a city for just 1 or 2 days. Then we will be vigilant to live life for the right ideal - and not be lackadaisical or apathetic about doing good deeds.
We will think that now is the time to act and realise Him because we will not be here much longer. Anytime death can come - there is no guarantee at all. We have no time for silly material pursuits and gratification etc.
These two postings lead us in this direction. More posting along this theme are noted below.
ALL SHOULD HAVE A SKULL
2500 years ago when a young prince first left his kingdom and saw people getting sick and dying on the street then he was forced to consider the temporary nature of life and reevaluate what he should do on this earth. It was then that his true quest began and he later became the Buddha, or Enlightened One.
Keeping a skull by our side gives that same stark reminder that our life is temporary and that we should not get caught up in relative luxuries and satisfaction. We are to spend our time striving for the Great.
For this reason every Ananda Margii - regardless of whether one was initiated yesterday or 40 years ago - should keep a skull in their possession. Having a skull should be considered indispensable.
If getting an actual skull is too difficult or illegal then margiis should access Google images and print out a picture of a skull or find a good artist and get a skull printed or painted onto a piece of paper and hang that up on their wall.
That type of ongoing reminder is absolutely necessary otherwise one is bound to forget that we have not come onto this earth for a long time - rather a very short stay.
One other benefit of having a skull is that it is good for one's daily tandava practice.
By Baba's grace we have come here for a short time and must materialise great works. Keeping a skull reminds us of the fact that just as the skull was one day a breathing, walking human being, soon our head will be in that condition. One day we too will be like that skull - sooner, not later.
Our life is not long nor do we know when it will end. As sadhakas we should live in the present always thinking and doing to please Him and we should never get caught up in long-term plans - nor let the minutes pass away thinking that we will have time in the future.
Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' Dharma'caret
Baba says, "That is, during spiritual practice 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." (SS-11)
Namaskar,
Note 1: MORE POSTINGS ON THIS TOPIC
Human life is short and it must be well-utilised. These below letters are along this theme. We should all read and study them - and yes, keep a skull in our living room.
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Keep Skull
Date: Tue 14 Feb 2012 22:46:23
Baba
== KEEP SKULL ==
Namaskar,
When Baba would arrive at any airport then there would be a grand reception by all local margiis and workers and part and parcel of that dramatic and exciting time was dancing tandava with a skull for Baba. That was the rule. Everyone in AM is well aware about this.
In AM, the skull symbolises the constant struggle of life and the fight against death. It is one of our dharmic tools.
Thus the skull has great value in the life of any tantrika and in this short posting we will examine why it is beneficial for every Ananda Margii to keep a skull.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 1)
Our time on this earth is temporary - yet most people totally remain oblivious of this fact. They think the qualities they have, i.e. their wealth, health, beauty, and power, will last forever. That defective outlook causes so many problems.
People falsely believe that their life and property are permanent and that leads them to become arrogant and hurtful towards others. They think that with their limited power they can do what they want and that their power will never wane. By this way they torture, cheat, abuse, and rule over others - all the while thinking that their position is indestructible and lasting.
When the fact is that human life is temporary and this world is transitory. Even as Ananda Margiis however, we can forget this fact. And in that way we may forget what is most important on this earth. Perhaps we will not cheat and exploit other like materialists are prone to do, yet we may get wrapped up in transitory gains instead of yearning for the Supreme.
To think of this world as a permanent abode is common amongst human beings - this is their illusionary outlook. Yet this mindset is not helpful for our growth and development.
Here is one suggestion; If we all keep a skull in our room or on our desk, then we will be constantly reminded by the transitory nature of this world. By that way, we will always be involved in proper deeds on this earth.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 2)
Just as when people think their power is permanent then they will abuse others day and night, similarly, when people think that their qualities are temporary, then they will adopt the right psychology and values in life. Then they will think that their life should be utlised for a benevolent cause. Then there is no time to get mixed up in wrongdoing.
Baba says, 'What is a devotee to do? “Tyaja durjana sam'sargam” – you should give up the company of durjanas. Who is a durjana? I will explain. A man whose company will deteriorate or deprave the standard of others is a durjana for those persons." (AV-12)
According to Baba, as bhaktas we are to surround ourselves with good people, and give up the company of bad people. The shloka goes on to say that we are to always remember that this world is temporary. That is the recipe for a proper life.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 3)
When we constantly remember that this world is temporary - and having a skull visible day in and day out can help - then we are bound to set our sights on that which is permanent. In that case we will vigilantly goad our lives unto Him. Only Parama Purusa is eternal (nitya).
Baba says, "Parama'tma' is nitya. The term nitya means that which is uninfluenced by the time factor i.e., beyond the periphery of past, present and future." (SS-18)
So when Paramatma is the only eternal Entity then that is the stance we should attain - not any worldly status. By keeping a skull by our bedside we will always remember that this world and this body do not last forever. What to speak of forever, they do not even last long. People get only get a few years when they are in the peak of their life.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 4)
When we realise that life is indeed temporary then we will fully utilise our existence in the proper way.
The situation can be likened to visiting a new city. If you are going to be there for only one or two days then in a quick hurry you will see all the sights and learn all there is to know about that city, whereas if one lives in that city then they will feel relaxed and they will no go anywhere or see anything. They will think they have loads of time to do that later.
We should think of our time on this earth like the sightseer who is visiting a city for just 1 or 2 days. Then we will be vigilant to live life for the right ideal - and not be lackadaisical or apathetic about doing good deeds.
We will think that now is the time to act and realise Him because we will not be here much longer. Anytime death can come - there is no guarantee at all. We have no time for silly material pursuits and gratification etc.
These two postings lead us in this direction. More posting along this theme are noted below.
ALL SHOULD HAVE A SKULL
2500 years ago when a young prince first left his kingdom and saw people getting sick and dying on the street then he was forced to consider the temporary nature of life and reevaluate what he should do on this earth. It was then that his true quest began and he later became the Buddha, or Enlightened One.
Keeping a skull by our side gives that same stark reminder that our life is temporary and that we should not get caught up in relative luxuries and satisfaction. We are to spend our time striving for the Great.
For this reason every Ananda Margii - regardless of whether one was initiated yesterday or 40 years ago - should keep a skull in their possession. Having a skull should be considered indispensable.
If getting an actual skull is too difficult or illegal then margiis should access Google images and print out a picture of a skull or find a good artist and get a skull printed or painted onto a piece of paper and hang that up on their wall.
That type of ongoing reminder is absolutely necessary otherwise one is bound to forget that we have not come onto this earth for a long time - rather a very short stay.
One other benefit of having a skull is that it is good for one's daily tandava practice.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace we have come here for a short time and must materialise great works. Keeping a skull reminds us of the fact that just as the skull was one day a breathing, walking human being, soon our head will be in that condition. One day we too will be like that skull - sooner, not later.
Our life is not long nor do we know when it will end. As sadhakas we should live in the present always thinking and doing to please Him and we should never get caught up in long-term plans - nor let the minutes pass away thinking that we will have time in the future.
Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' Dharma'caret
Baba says, "That is, during spiritual practice 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." (SS-11)
Namaskar,
Hariish
Note 1: MORE POSTINGS ON THIS TOPIC
Human life is short and it must be well-utilised. These below letters are along this theme. We should all read and study them - and yes, keep a skull in our living room.
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...
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Good Sadhaka
Good Sadhaka
Baba says, "The mind of the man whose consciousness or discriminating judgement is awakened-- whose power of judgment is intense, always remains wedded to the 'Buddhi'. That is to say, his rein (mind) remains constantly under the control of the charioteer (Buddhi or discriminating intellect), and so, quite naturally, his organs remain loyal to the Buddhi. Random rambles of the organ-like horses (organs) will cut no ice with him. But in a case like this if the horses (organs) be bad and untrained, i.e. the organs are faulty, it becomes impossible for the charioteer (discriminating intellect) to get the desired result. Hence for the right functioning of the chariot (body), well-trained horses (organs) are indispensable. A sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) also should train himself likewise. His mind, body, intellect, and organs should be directed towards the Blissful Spirit (Shreya)." (SS-4, p.9)
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