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All the letters on this blog are directly related with the teachings of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji Baba.To communicate with the editors of this forum or receive postings of this blog, email us at: anandamargauniversal@earthlink.net

Baba


Namaskar,


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In Him,

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Story: Baba's Divine Reception

Date: 30 Sep 2012 20:41:32 -0000
From: "Sudhakar Deva  Rao"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Story: Baba's Divine Reception

Baba

== STORY: BABA'S DIVINE RECEPTION ==

Namaskar,
Here is a story about the inherent beauty of Prabhat Samgiita and how Baba created the scene whereby Prabhat Samgiita was used for His divine reception.

Specifically, in my memory, I recall when Baba was living in Lake Gardens and Prabhat Samgiita was regularly sung to celebrate His arrival. Indeed, in those days, many times I went to see Baba in Lake Gardens. I remember that a few minutes before Baba was to come from His room, without delay the the singing of Prabhat Samgiita would start. We would all be outside, standing around His car, singing - waiting for Him. When finally Baba would exit the house to go on fieldwalk, all the Dadas and margiis were encircling that area to see Baba, singing Prabhat Samgiita. This was the usual routine.

Then Baba would graciously accept the mala and bless various margiis. Sometimes also He used to talk for a few minutes and give some guidelines. Of course all these customs He would do in a very charming manner. This was the normal scene when He was in the process to go out for His fieldwalk. Finally He would get into the car and take His seat, and the car would leave.

And after 15, 20, or sometimes 30 minutes later, Baba would to return back - after His fieldwalk was completed.

Then at that time, all the margiis and WTs who were busy in their work, sitting in the hall, or doing other duties, would immediately stop what they were doing as soon as they would hear the sound of Baba's car returning. They would rush up along the driveway - waiting for the car to pull in to greet Baba. And the greeting used to be done with the singing of Prabhat Samgiita. Of course, sometimes, we all were ready five minutes ahead of time.

Those unforgettable memories still I keep alive in my heart. Sometimes those same visions and feelings come in my dhyana also. How Baba is coming, and greeting one and all, and blessing everyone with His folded hands. Then He was graciously accepting the mala, in a charming mood and with a smiling face. All the while everybody was singing Prabhat Samgiita for His divine reception. Baba was present with His folded hands and smiling face. Sometimes He used to talk or say something.

It was His causeless grace that He would create such a blissful atmosphere and allow me to be present and participate in His divine play.

Sometimes also I saw that in the evening after Baba used to return from His fieldwalk, then He would sit for a few minutes on the chair in the driveway, next to His car garage. And there all the devotees sang Prabhat Samgiita. The Lake Gardens Baba's Quarter Madhuma'lainca was very crowded those days. Maximum people were attending. But the space next to the garage was perhaps a 100 square feet or so-- no more than that, as I remember. Plus all around there were flower pots and so many plants. So in true sense, there was hardly any space. Even then Baba used to sit there and listen to Prabhat Samgiita. What a blissful scene.


EVERYONE WAS INSPIRED TO LEARN AND SING PRABHAT SAMGIITA

In this way, His liila was going on: Every day more and more new songs were being given by Baba. Baba would listen to those songs being sung by various margiis - as margiis were being called upon to sing those new songs. This gave the distinct feeling that Baba wants that the maximum number of sadhakas should learn Prabhat Samgiita and sing. Because He made Prabhat Samgiita for everyone. He did not like that just a few trained musicians should sing in a professional way and that everybody should just keep quiet. Baba did not like this type of approach.

That's why every day, when in Baba's presence, more and more margiis, from different corners & far distant places, were inspired to learn new songs. Then they would sing in front of Him. Or we can say, they were leading the song and others were following. This type of training was going on. The trend started in 1982 and it continued on up to '90 itself.


THE SCENE BEFORE 1982:

RAISING THE JAI SLOGAN

Before 1982, when Baba would come from His room, the system was to raise the slogan: "Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai, Parama Pita Baba Ki-- Jai, Parama Pita Baba Ki-- Jai, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji Ki-- Jai, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji-- Ki Jai, Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji Ki-- Jai, Ananda Marga Amar Hai, Ananda Marga Amar Hai, Ananda Marga Amar Hai, Parama Pita Baba Ki-- Jai! etc". This type of chanting and raising slogan was done those days.

Hearing the the slogans, margiis would rush from a distance to have a glance at Baba. It was like one signal for many of us. When the slogan would start, it meant Baba has come out or He is going in. That time margiis used to run and to have a glance of Baba. That was so beautiful and blissful.

Hence, since the very beginning, since the birth of AM, the system was in place to receive Baba by raising those slogans. And then the style changed in 1982 when Prabhat Samgiita came into being. (See Note 1.)



RECEIVING HIM WITH PRABHAT SAMGIITA IS SWEETER

And indeed the arrival of Prabhat Samgiita was something very charming. The singing of Prabhat Samgiita was done regularly for the reception of Baba. So Baba used to be received with the singing of Prabhat Samgiita. This was the very devotional way of reception for Guru.

Of course both the systems were charming and had their own unique appeal. But overall, receiving Him with the singing Prabhat Samgiita was more heart touching, soft, and sweetly vibrating. Whereas the previous system of raising the slogan of  "Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!" had a certain strength and boldness. Naturally because of Baba's charming presence, that was also sweet.

But receiving Baba with the collective singing of Prabhat Samgiita was more sweet and beautiful. At least that was my experience. What a devotional reception!


RECEIVING BABA IN MADHUMALAINCA

As I recounted above, Baba used to come sometimes in the evening after fieldwalk, and sit next to His garage in Madhumalainca. There, devotees used to sing a few Prabhat Samgiita. Due to the lack of space, most of the time the place was so crowded that margiis were finding it difficult to find a place to sit, often sitting on one anothers' lap. The air was charged with His magnificent Presence. Sometimes Baba used to listen to one song, and sometimes two or three songs. But always He used to sit quietly in very a gracious, charming mood and listen to Prabhat Samgiita.


"DO YOU ALL APPROVE THIS SONG"

I still feel the scene was as if heaven descended upon this earth. So blissful and charming, His presence was. Sometimes He would open His eyes and look around and then close His eyes and listen quietly.

When one song finished, if the song was new, then playing His divine liila Baba used to ask one and all: "Do you margiis all approve this song? Should I include it in Prabhat Samgiita?".

Then Margiis used to respond, "Yes Baba, it must be included! It is very good!".

Then, in smiling way, Baba used to say, "You are my guardians. If you don't accept, then I will tear it apart and throw it away."

Listening this, everyone used to smile. And Baba used to say, "Ok when you have approved this song, then it will be included in Prabhat Samgiita."

He used to do this type of liila, divine play, regularly. I think He did this with each and every song. So gracious was His expression.



EVERYONE MUST SING

One day when a Prabhat Samgiita finished being sung, then Baba asked, "Who was not singing?".

Hearing this, everybody became alert. When the next song started, everybody was very careful and VSS were watching. That very day I felt that Baba pointedly telling us that everybody should sing Prabhat Samgiita and nobody should think that Prabhat Samgiita is for Bengalis only or for a few professional musicians etc.

By this way, by encouraging and attracting us all to step forward and sing, Baba used to come and bless us. And we used to sing Prabhat Samgiita. Those memories are unforgettable. This whole entire scene of His coming out and His reception with Prabhat Samgiita was so blissful. In my heart also I feel that Prabhat Samgiita is a special devotional gift of Baba - which has no comparison.


SUMMARY

So this was the glorious scene those days as I remember - and how Prabhat Samgiita was the way by which we would receive Baba.

The conclusive idea then is that the reception of Baba is the greatest event. In the life of the devotee, the most cherished occasion, and most fortunate moment, is when they receive Parama Purusa. So when Baba Himself has transformed the process and specially designated Prabhat Samgiita as the chosen medium whereby devotees will receive Him, then that means Prabhat Samgiita itself has a special value. It has a sanctified role and unique stance.

So it is our duty to recognize this truth and uphold the sacred standard of Prabhat Samgiita - and not allow others to taint this holy & divine treasure.

Namaskar,
Sudhakar


Note 1: MORE ABOUT RECEIVING HIM ONCE PRABHAT SAMGIITA WAS GIVEN

AND WHAT WAS DONE AT THOSE LARGE DMC's

So at all the gatherings whether big or small prior to 1982 then Baba was received with the strong force of the slogan, "Parama Pita Baba Ki-- Jai!".

After September of 1982 when Prabhat Samgiita was introduced, Baba was always received by the more devotional singing of Prabhat Samgiita.

Of course at the large annual DMC programs when thousands and thousands were attending, then surely all were raising the 'Parama Pita Baba Ki- Jai!' slogan in one thunderous voice when Baba arrived in the pandal. So at the global DMC's that was the scene, even up to 1990.

But it should be remembered that at all such grand occasions, when leaving His room at the BQ (Baba Quarters) then those present were receiving Him with Prabhat Samgiita and then when He would arrive at the pandal for DMC, all the bhaktas would raise the Jai slogan. So both were being done. This was the case during His 1984 tour across India when He performed 16 DMC's, as well as in 1987 for the Bhagalpur DMC. Plus this was the normal way when He was in Ranchi, or Ananda Shiila, or Diigha etc. At all these places where DMC was held after 1982, Baba was greeted and received with Prabhat Samgiita when He emerged from the BQ, and then the resounding Jai slogan was raised when He reached the pandal. That is how it was for DMC.

On all other countless occasions, whether coming or going from His house, or for general darshan, or field walk etc, in all those blissful moments of His divine arrival, then Baba was always received with the tender sweetness of Prabhat Samgiita. This was the standard approach after 1982.


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi a'ma'r a'tma' maner a'dha'r priyo sarva'dha'r..."   P.S. 4588

Purport:

Baba, You are my soul; You are the base of my mind. O' my Dearmost, You are the foundation of everything. Everything is depending upon You; everything is revolving around You. In life, in death, in both, You are existing all the time. In my life You are everything, and after my death also You are everything.

Baba, You are the sun of the day, and the moon of the night. Baba You are the stars, nebulae, & galaxies - You are everything. Days and nights come and go by Your order. Baba, You are the controller of everything.
 
The first time I experienced Your divine effulgence in my life, I lost myself completely. Baba, with Your divine effulgence, please remove all my samskaras, all my negativity, and make my life successful. Baba You are my Soul of souls, Heart of hearts - You are my everything. I surrender myself completely unto You...


Re: About That Famous Bogus Quote #6

Date: 29 Sep 2012 21:32:18 -0000
From: "Chandra Shekhar"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: About That Famous Bogus Quote #6

Baba

== RE: ABOUT THAT FAMOUS BOGUS QUOTE ==

~ Part 6 ~

(Note: This is the 6th letter of this series. Link to the prior 5 letters are noted below. - Eds)

Namaskar.
First off, I wish to recognise brother Pandji's excellent contribution to this discussion. A significant part of his letter has been reprinted below in note 1.

Here then is my reply to this bogus quote:

"I am not this physical body, this physical body is not me. If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission."

I applaud what others have already brought to the table regarding the afore-cited quote.

This quote is nothing but the brainchild of Ac Sarvatmanandji - after he manipulated what was printed in the unofficial book, Supreme Expression I. In either case, Baba never spoke such words, rather Sarvatmananda Dada hijacked this statement to accumulate as much power as possible and bring everyone under his control.

Another thing: Some say that in the above quote mission refers to organisation and some say it refers to ideology. Regardless, the quote is fake in either case.


SUPPOSE IT MEANS ORGANISATION

Parama Purusa is infinite and the mission as an organisation has a worldly structure and shape and boundary. So how could it be that an infinite Entity has merged into a small finite structure. Furthermore, now that organisation has been divided into three or parts, those who invented this quote do not like to use it anymore as it goes against their interest. Such is the hypocrisy.

Suffice to say that if mission is used to refer to an organisation - which was Sarvatmanandji's intention - all along then the above is the reply.


SUPPOSE IT MEANS MISSION

And if mission is used for ideology then the below is the reply.

Ideology is not bigger than Ista - Ista is bigger. Ista does not merge into the ideology. You will not see this supported in any discourse.


IN EITHER CASE IT IS WRONG

So whether mission refers to organisation or ideology, it is wrong, misleading, and illogical.

The main thing is that this is a totally fake quote.

Namaskar,
Chandrashekhar


Note 1: CITATION FROM PANDAJI'S LETTER:

AC SARVATMANANDJI'S ROLE IN FABRICATING THIS BOGUS QUOTE

Dada Sarvatmanandji himself introduced / re-introduced this quote in October 1990 because at that time he was the organisation. He ruled over everything and he thought that by this quote everyone will be convinced fully to blindly follow and execute his order. This fake quote suited his needs well. Other Dadas who helped him in this regard included: Bhaveshanandji, Tadbhavanandji, Vratishvaranandji, Vijayanandji, Mantreshvaranandji, among others.

Some naive people may justify that the terms "mission" and "organisation" are two different things; but, practically speaking, they are not. In Bengal, mission means organisation such as the Ramakrishna Mission. And not just Bengal, the world over people talk about the Christian Missions. In these cases, they are talking about the Ramakrishna organisaton comprised of people and projects and the Christian mission comprised of people and projects. In common parlance mission means organisation.


And indeed if you read the propagandised quote it carries the same meaning - that mission is an organisation where people gather and work:


"If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission."


So it was in that spirit, whereby mission means organisation, that Sarvatmanandji created this fake quote. His intent was: Baba has merged in the mission (i.e. organisation) and the way to please Him is to work for the organisation and follow your higher authority. This was Sarvatmanandji's plan for keeping all power concentrated in his hands. Remember, back in late October 1990, the whole of AMPS was very different - it was a monolithic structure under the dictatorship of one person. It was not fractured; there was one person the top seat. And indeed the plan worked; nobody opposed Dada Sarvatmananda.


Here is the proof: Just a few days later Central Committee unanimously declared the Mahaprayan Divas observance as an annual pilgrimmage to Tiljala - thereby making Kolkata the focal point. The mandate was for all to come to Tiljala to observe so-called Mahaprayan; it was not allowed to observe this anywhere else - only Tiljala (Kolkata.)


Hence, just as those Hindu priests fabricated one tale that Mahaprabhu merged into the Jagannath idol in order to appease and control all his disciples, similarly Sarvatmanandji concocted that false merge in mission quote and attributed it to Baba to eyewash legions of margiis and wts. Sarvatmanandji's plan was that they should follow his every word because he (Dada Sarvatmananda) was the organisational head and Baba had merged Himself into the mission / organisation.


And we can see that Sarvatmanandji got success.


In the next few short years, he carried out so many dastardly deeds by his mere order: Mahaprayan dogma, Fake Ananda Vaniis, Expulsion as a weapon and so much more. Sarvatmanandji did so many things because he had harnessed the obedience of workers and margiis by concocting this single quote: "If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission." For this reason, so many listened to his every word and followed his command.


What then is the difference between Dada Sarvatmananda's approach and that of those dogmatic priests of the Puri temple. Both fabricated outrageous tales in order to bring scores of followers under their control.


I think now the point is clear.


Namaskar,

N. Panda


Note 2: LINKS TO ALL PRIOR LETTERS ON THIS THREAD


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ye pathe rath ca'liye chilo, se path a'ma'y dekhiye da'o..." (PS 4444)

Purport:

Baba, O' Gracious One, please show me that very path which You Yourself have prepared and moved on. Baba, I want to follow that very path
which You have made for us. The path which You have graciously decorated for our forward movement, and filled with sweet fragrance and flowers. That very path I want to know. Baba, please grace me and show me that very path. I request that You to please bestow upon me Ista nista [1] - reverence towards Ista. Baba, please grace me with ragatmika [2] devotion and bring me close to You. Shower my whole existence with the intensity and deep love of ragatmika bhakti. By that way I can serve You with an intense proximity. Baba please grace me and show me Your path...


END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4444:

[1] Ista Nista: This is one very blessed and devotional state.

Baba says, "When people are established in devotion, they attain a state called 'is't'a nis't'a' - devotion for one's goal. In that stage there is but one dominant thought : 'Whatever I do, be it social, political or socio-economic service, the motivating thought in my mind will be to please Parama Purus'a'." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8)


[2] Ragatmika: Here Baba describes that deeply devotional approach of ragatmika bhakti.

Baba says, "Here the devotee says, 'I serve Him, I worship Him, because I want Him to get bliss from my devotion or service or worship. I don't want
anything for myself. I want Him to enjoy the bliss.' This type of devotion is called ra'ga'tmika' bhakti." (Subhasita Samgraha - 14)

GMO's & Concern of Ananda Margiis

Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:21:10
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: GMO's & Concern of Ananda Margiis
From:

Baba

== GMO'S & CONCERN OF ANANDA MARGIIS ==


Namaskar,
One of the most dangerous and disturbing elements in today’s food chain is the presence of GMO’s, or genetically modified organisms.

"Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best known example of this is the use of Bt genes in corn and other crops. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. Bt crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer." (Dept of Plant and Soil Sciences, OSU)

Why are companies so interested in using genes in this way? Because by this process, they can make those crops resistant to herbicides and pesticides – and hence easily increase profits.


HOW THIS AFFECTS ANANDA MARGIIS

What does the presence of GMO’s in food mean for Ananda Margiis? It means that certain foods we consider to be “sentient” may in fact be tamasik.

Here are more concerns in bulleted format:

* This GMO approach is still quite new and has not been well-researched nor critically tested. There remains many unknowns along with the possibility of public health issues.

* Vegetarian foods made from transferring the genes of one plant to a separate plant's gene pool should be avoided because those products may be a health hazard (carcinogenic etc) for the short and long term, and they may be tamasik.

* Foods and GMO crops made from a plant gene pool that contains threads from an animal gene pool(s) are outrightly tamasik, plus they may have other health hazards.

* For meat-eating communities all this may not be concern; for Ananda Margiis, this is a huge issue: If vegetable or grain crops have been formed from animal genes. So every margii should know about this.


THIS IS AN ALL-PERVASIVE ISSUE

Irrespective of which part of the globe you live, you must be critically aware about this hot issue. If the food you buy does not specifically say “Non-GMO”, or if you are not 100% sure about the origin of your grain and vegetable seeds, then it is possible that your food has been genetically affected. This is especially true with name-brand, “natural”, company food products. One of the below articles offers critical information about this.


BABA’S GUIDELINE:

SCIENCE AND CIVILISATION

Here is a clear-cut warning from Baba.

Baba says, “Where scientific progress supersedes civilization, there civilization meets its Waterloo.” (A Few Problems Solved Part 6, Civilization, Science and Spiritual Progress)

Today, with the use of GMO’s, we see the terrible misuse of science in our fruit, vegetable and grain food supply. Genetically modified crops are spreading around the globe in order to heighten corporate profits. Big food companies are eager to keep this fact hidden. They want to use science at the cost of human health and our overall well-being. We should all be aware and help force companies and the agro-business industry to openly state if they use GMO’s or not.

Now please see the below three articles about GMO’s.

Namaskar,
Shiva Kumar


Note 1: WHAT IS GMO?

AGRICULTURAL CROPS THAT HAVE A RISK OF BEING GMO
(From the Non-GMO Project website; link below)

For consumers, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date on food ingredients that are at-risk of being genetically modified, as the list of at-risk agricultural ingredients is frequently changing. As part of the Non-GMO Project’s commitment to informed consumer choice, we work diligently to maintain an accurate list of risk ingredients.

Agricultural products are segmented into two groups: (1) those that are high-risk of being GMO because they are currently in commercial production, and (2) those that have a monitored risk because suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred and/or the crops have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination (and consequently contamination) is possible. For more information on the Non-GMO Project’s testing and verification of risk ingredients and processed foods, please see the Non-GMO Project Standard.

High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):

    Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
    Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
    Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
    Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
    Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
    Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

ALSO high-risk: animal products (milk, meat, eggs, honey, etc.) because of contamination in feed.

Monitored Crops (those for which suspected or known incidents of contamination have occurred, and those crops which have genetically modified relatives in commercial production with which cross-pollination is possible; we test regularly to assess risk, and move to “High-Risk” category for ongoing testing if we see contamination):

    Beta vulgaris (e.g., chard, table beets)
    Brassica napa (e.g., rutabaga, Siberian kale)
    Brassica rapa (e.g., bok choy, mizuna, Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, tatsoi)
    Curcubita (acorn squash, delicata squash, patty pan)
    Flax
    Rice

Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products.

You may also be wondering about…

    Tomatoes: In 1994, genetically modified Flavr Savr tomatoes became the first commercially produced GMOs. They were brought out of production just a few years later, in 1997, due to problems with flavor and ability to hold up in shipping. There are no genetically engineered tomatoes in commercial production, and tomatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
    Potatoes: Genetically modified NewLeaf potatoes were introduced by Monsanto in 1996. Due to consumer rejection  several fast-food chains and chip makers, the product was never successful and was discontinued in the spring of 2001. There are no genetically engineered potatoes in commercial production, and potatoes are considered “low-risk” by the Non-GMO Project Standard.
    Wheat: There is not currently, nor has there ever been, any genetically engineered wheat on the market. Of all “low-risk” crops, this is the one most commonly (and incorrectly) assumed to be GMO. It is a key commodity crop, and the biotech industry is pushing hard to bring GMO varieties to market. The Non-GMO Project closely watches all development on this front.
    Salmon: A company called AquaBounty is currently petitioning the FDA to approve its genetically engineered variety of salmon, which has met with fierce consumer resistance. Find out more here.
    Pigs: A genetically engineered variety of pig, called Enviropig was developed by scientists at the University of Guelph, with research starting in 1995 and government approval sought beginning in 2009. In 2012 the University announced an end to the Enviropig program, and the pigs themselves were euthanized in June 2012.

http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/what-is-gmo/


Note 2: PUTTING ANIMAL GENES IN PLANT FOODS

The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. For example, plant geneticists can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and insert that gene into a different plant. The new genetically-modified plant will gain drought tolerance as well. Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used. The best known example of this is the use of Bt genes in corn and other crops. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. Bt crystal protein genes have been transferred into corn, enabling the corn to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the European corn borer.



Note 3: HEALTH FOOD COMPANIES AND PROP #37

Boycott These Natural and Organic Food Companies

Published on August 24, 2012 by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND   

Right now, a debate is happening in California concerning Prop. 37, an initiative to be on the ballot in November 2012. Prop. 37 is an effort to mandate that foods containing genetically engineered ingredients are labeled as such. This is already required in Europe and, quite frankly, should be a no-brainer. The citizens of California, and, really, the entire country, should have the right to know exactly what they’re purchasing and subsequently putting into their bodies. You, personally, should have that right. Knowing what your food contains should not be a mystery.


There Should Be No Debate

Preliminary polls suggest that California voters agree, an overwhelming 70%+ are in favor of GE labeling. Who isn’t in favor? You guessed it, certain, unsavory, food industry corporations.

It probably goes without saying that if a company is producing “food” that essentially was derived from a lab experiment and is void of nutrition, they probably would prefer the sedated masses just continue to unknowingly and quietly consume their toxic wares. It’s not morally right, but is justified by the effect a warning label may have to the bottom line. Unfortunately, many large corporations will never be accused of doing what’s best for their customers.

Mainstream food industry corporations are fighting this initiative tooth and nail, well over $20 million has already been contributed by the food industry to defeat Prop. 37. That proverbial barrel of slime known as Monsanto is the largest contributor, over $4 million. It’s disappointing but it’s honestly not very surprising. What you might be surprised to learn though is that several brands whose images are “trusted,” “natural,” and “organic” are also trying to squash Prop. 37.


Disappointing Impostors

Who hasn’t seen the feel-good commercials from Kashi or seen their literally, and metaphorically, crunchy cereal product in the supermarket? They claim it’s great quality and their marketing and advertising looks very responsible, surely it must be, right? Wrong. Kashi cereals contain GMOs and the company is owned by Kellogg, who contributed $612,000 to defeat Prop. 37. Kellogg also owns the brands Gardenburger, Bear Naked and Morning Star.

Have you ever eaten a Larabar or bought from Cascadian Farms Organic? Unfortunately, what leaves a putrid taste in my mouth is the fact that their parent company, General Mills, contributed $520,000 to defeat Prop 37.

They aren’t the only ones to blame. Smuckers, which owns Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen, kicked in $387,000.

Dean Foods, owners of Silk Soymilk and Horizon Organics, coughed up $253,000 to squash Prop. 37.

Pepsico which owns IZZE and Naked brands donated $1,716,300 to stop Prop. 37.

Coca Cola, who owns Odwalla and Honest Tea brands donated $1,164,400 to kill Prop. 37.

It is difficult for smaller, honest collectives, and certainly for the honest individual, to compete with a war chest like that. Just as the politician who spends the most during an election will often get elected, corporations that pump a pile of money into defeating measures like Prop. 37 are also able to purchase the outcome they prefer. Right now, GE labeling proponents have only raised about $3 million. Admittedly, this is quite small in comparison. Well, guess what, the fight isn’t over.


YOU Can Take Action

It’s time to fight back and tell these corporate clowns that we’ve had enough, that YOU have had enough, and we’re not going to sit back while nutritional labels are manipulated and corporate conglomerates view American citizens as walking cash registers. You need to speak up and join the fight, nobody is going to do it for you. Let these companies know you don’t appreciate what they’re doing. Let them know you’re officially boycotting their wares until they stop the dishonest behavior. We teach five year olds it’s wrong to lie; that foundation should not evaporate simply because someone grows up to become a corporate fat cat who explains away their bad behavior with flow charts and investment reports.

“Hiding the truth about our food is pervasive, unethical, and only done for money,” says Michael Potter, CEO of Eden Foods, an organic food manufacturer that financially contributed to support Proposition 37. I could not agree more. If you’re with us, get on board. Please make your voice heard and tell the corporate players opposing your right to know what’s in your food that if they want your business, they can’t sell-out organic values.

You can sign the petition here:
http://www.cornucopia.org/prop37-petition/

You can donate money to the cause here:
http://organicconsumersfund.org/donate/

Thank independent organic business that have put their money where their mouth is. Ask large organic brands and companies that are missing in action to pony up. Talk is cheap.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM


 
PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi a'ndha're esecho, alora enecho va'n..."    P.S. 2669

Purport:

Baba, You have taken advent in the darkness. Because of Your arrival, the darkness has vanished and now a flood of effulgence has illumined this entire world. Nobody knew, understood, or imagined that this was going to happen - that You are going to take advent and make everything positive.  

In their dark state of body, mind, and heart, human beings were sleeping in that cimmerian darkness. You have graciously showered the divine effulgence on everyone's face, and awakened them from their deep sleep - their slumber of attachment. By Your grace, from the state of negativity, they became positive.  

Baba, You have come with Your sweet, attractive, and charming appearance. You have vibrated everyone's mind and heart with Your divine grace. Baba, You Yourself have come, shown the path, and given the permanent solution of all the problems - physical, psychic, and spiritual.

Baba, You have graced all with Your divine advent...

“Prabhat Samgiita has been written with the ink of the heart.” - Baba

Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:34:46
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: kalyan_deva@areana....
Subject: “Prabhat Samgiita has been written with the ink of the heart.” - Baba

Baba

== "PRABHAT SAMGIITA HAS BEEN WRITTEN WITH THE INK OF THE HEART" - BABA ==

~ Part 5 ~

(Note: This is the fifth letter of this series, but all five letters have different titles. The names and links to the prior four postings are appended below. - Eds)

Namaskar,
Those were wonderfully, devotional occasions when Baba was graciously explaining and elaborating upon the purports of Prabhat Samgiita. Many understood that this was a most unique and unusual time as Baba was openly speaking about the sweet relation between bhaktas and Parama Purusa.

Before then, everything was in discourse form. So it was more technical and philosophical in nature and did not address how and what devotees should say to Parama Purusa.

With Prabhat Samgiita, Baba lovingly guides us how we should express our inner-heart feelings towards Him. That is the special quality of Prabhat Samgiita, and that is what makes those compositions uniquely different from His divine discourses.

Below Baba Himself contrasts this difference by highlighting the beauty of Prabhat Samgiita.

Here then is the very sweet and devotional scene that took place at morning general darshan on 02 January 1983. At the time, Baba had just completed reviewing the purports of Prabhat Samgiita #42 – #45.

In one of those purports, the following meaning was expressed: “O’ my Dearmost Parama Purusa, You are with me in my pain, pleasure, and misery; You never leave me. By Your exquisite grace, I have gotten You close with love and affection. In my sweet dreams, You are always with me.”

Then Baba asked, “Do you like this description of Prabhat Samgiita?”

The margiis replied, “Yes, Baba.”

Baba said, “Intellectuals write philosophical books in very difficult and literary language. Is Prabhat Samgiita not sweeter than those philosophical books?”

“Yes, Baba, this is far sweeter”, was the reply from the margiis present.

Baba said, “Those who are intellectuals write those philosophical books, but Prabhat Samgiita is the feeling of the heart, and the expression of the heart, and it has been written with the ink of the heart.”

After this, Baba was smiling and looking at everyone.

Then those bhaktas present started laughing.

Then Baba spoke, “Why are My boys and girls laughing? Are they laughing because they like this idea?”

All the margiis responded, “Yes, Baba.”

Then Baba Himself started laughing.

Baba continued, “Let this whole year pass in laughter and enjoyment.”

Note: That day Baba was explaining Prabhat Samgiita purports in all three languages: Hindi, Bengali, and English. However, the above exchange between Baba and those sadhakas occurred exclusively in Hindi.

Namaskar,
Kalyan


Note 1: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS

#1: Why Prabhat Samgiita Started in 1982, posted 9/13/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-prabhat-samgiita-started-in-1982.html

#2: Difference Between Kiirtan and Prabhat Samgiita, posted 9/16/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/difference-between-kiirtan-and-prabhat.html

#3: To Enhance Devotion: Personal Communication with Him, posted 9/22/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-enhance-devotion-personal.html

#4: To Enhance Devotion: Complex-Free Relation #4

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-enhance-devotion-complex-free.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA
 
"Toma'r ka'che ca'i na' kono ma'n..." (P.S. 825)

Purport:

Baba, I am not asking for any name, fame, or prestige from You. Those types of desires I do not have. I do not want to plunge myself into the vanity of all those worldly things. By Your grace, I want to keep my mind exclusively focused upon Your lotus feet. This devotional longing I have. It is exclusively Your grace.
 
Baba, since the crimson rays of the early dawn, You have colored my days with rainbow colours. You have decorated everything - You are so gracious. When evening falls, then I feel Your proximity and Your divine dance. I see Your liila in the form of countless stars shining in the sky. Baba, all the time You are with me - in all the spheres of my life. You make everything charming and colourful.  

Baba, O' my Dearmost, all that You have graciously done for me is more than I could ever ask for. You have granted me everything. By hearing the chirping of the birds, I listen to Your songs. In this way, I feel Your blissful presence. And when the sky is covered with clouds, then with the dance of the peacock You create beauty in my life.     

Baba, everywhere I feel Your sweet touch - Your eternal presence in this divine liila. You are behind each and every expression of this universe. You are in every form. Everywhere I feel Your presence. I am never alone. In my good days and bad times, always You are with me. In this way everything becomes meaningful and joyful. Baba, it is Your grace...


To Enhance Devotion: Complex-Free Relation #4

Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:18:54
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: "Manoranjain Deva" manoranjain.here@servers....
Subject:  To Enhance Devotion: Complex-Free Relation

Baba

== TO ENHANCE DEVOTION: COMPLEX-FREE RELATION ==

~ Part 4 ~

(Note: This is the fourth letter of this series, but all four letters have different titles. The names and links to all the postings are appended below. - Eds)

Namaskar,            

"The human mind is filled with various devotional feelings and sentiments. Naturally then, the sadhaka likes to express themselves - their inner feeling. And it is only in Prabhat Samgiita that such feelings have been put into words. That is why in each and every devotee's life Prabhat Samgiita has a special place...In the realm of devotion, Prabhat Samgiita helps cultivate that very close link between the sadhaka and Parama Purusa. When one selects a such song that beautifully portrays their inner-heart feeling with Him, then best is to sing that song in a lonely, quiet place."
(From: To Enhance Devotion: Personal Communication with Him #3, posted 9/22/12)

So in Prabhat Samgiita, Baba guides us that there should not be any barriers between devotees and Parama Purusa. Such barriers - like fear, shyness, or feelings of inferiority - are not good as they only create mahimnabodh, difference of duality, and feelings of high and low. In that case, it is impossible to go close to Him.

With His divine compositions of Prabhat Samgiita, Baba has blessed us a whole new way of thinking about and relating with Parama Purusa. With Parama Purusa we have a unique relation: He is our most close and intimate One.


HOW TANTRA DIFFERS FROM SOME RELIGIONS

In some religions it is sinful or next to impossible to harbour close, loving feelings towards God because they believe God lives high up in the sky. In that case how can the seeker have His proximity and hold Him. They cannot - always there is separation.

In tantra, since the time of Lord Krsna, this sweet & loving relation with Parama Purusa been practiced, among select sadhakas. With the introduction of Prabhat Samgiita, Baba has graciously made this loving approach more common. Across all lands, by Baba's grace, devotees from far and wide are developing a more intimate and loving relation with the Lord.

But in some religions, there is no such a feeling of love. Rather people are afraid and fearful - otherwise God will be displeased. In such an environment, those followers cannot go close to their Lord. God is up in the sky so one cannot hug Him, as He is too distant.

Such is the contrast between Baba's devotional teachings and the outlook of those religions.


HAVING LOVING RELATION WITH HIM

So, amongst bhaktas, this loving feeling towards Parama Purusa was introduced 3500 years ago and now it has matured. Now each and every Ananda Margii can appreciate this loving relation with Parama Purusa, to some or more degree. That is why in all the discourses Baba says that one should love Parama Purusa. Because that love is the ultimate way towards attaining Him - and that love is devotion. Through Prabhat Samgiita, sadhakas can cultivate a deeper devotional connection with Parama Purusa.

So Ananda Marga is the devotional path, the loving path, and this is the  practical way He has given. By theory alone how much can one understand. By theory alone, the heart cannot become satiated nor satisfied.

Only when the devotional link touches the heart does one feel that bliss. This is the first step how one can make Parama Purusa their own and establish a personal relationship with Him. That is the beauty of Prabhat Samgiita - it opens up this devotional landscape, i.e. more closeness and more closeness develops. Through lessons of sadhana those feelings mature even more. But when this basic devotional link of Prabhag Samgiita is missing then everything is dry.

Just like when you sow a seed, if there is no water then that seed will never grow. Similarly Prabhat Samgiita shows the sadhaka how to develop that heart-felt, personal connection with Parama Purusa. Prabhat Samgiita inspires feelings of sweetness and feelings of closeness for Him. In that ideal circumstance, devotion can grow.

So Prabhat Samgiita is the missing link and with sadhana one's feelings towards Him will grow. But there needs to be that link. One must feel: Parama Purusa is mine, and I can communicate with Him and I can open my heart to Him. And this is exactly what Baba openly guides us to do in His various compositions of Prabhat Samgiita.


EACH COMPOSITION IS UNIQUE

Each and every devotional song expresses a unique way for the bhakta to make a more intimate connection with Him. That is the special quality of the intimate songs of Prabhat Samgiia.

Those not familiar with Prabhat Samgiita may think that all the songs are the same, but it is not like that.

Just like some people think all cows or horses are the same - in this simplistic manner some think all songs of Prabhat Samgiita are the same. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.

Each and every song has its own way of expression, its own beauty, and its own charm. So Prabhat Samgiita is a unique gift of Parama Purusa and that day started in 1982.


DONE AT THE RIGHT TIME

With His divine compassion, Baba Himself has been preparing the sadhakas' minds for a long time. When Baba thought it the opportune moment then He graciously introduced Prabhat Samgiita. By that way bhaktas could get that link to go closer and be more intimate with Him. It is His grace.

Everything which Baba has done is perfectly on time. So in 1982 when finally the time came, sadhakas were ready to understand those highly devotional songs. That was His perfect planning and execution. And these divine songs will continue to guide devotees and the entire humanity from now up to eternity.

Namaskar,
Manoranjain


Note 1: WHEN BABA FIRST DISCUSSED ABOUT VARIOUS BHAVAS

Baba first explained in great detail about mysticism and the various types of relations (bhavas) a devotee has with the Lord in the appendix of Namami Krsna Sundaram. And then He started teaching Prabhat Samgiita.


Note 2: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS

#1: Why Prabhat Samgiita Started in 1982, posted 9/13/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-prabhat-samgiita-started-in-1982.html

#2: Difference Between Kiirtan and Prabhat Samgiita, posted 9/16/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/difference-between-kiirtan-and-prabhat.html

#3: To Enhance Devotion: Personal Communication with Him, posted 9/22/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-enhance-devotion-personal.html


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi bhule gechi sei dine ks'an' yabe toma're dekechi anupam..." (PS 1147)

Purport:

O' my most Dear, O' my beloved One, You are anupam - You are the Incomparable One. I have forgotten the time and day when I first saw You, but the sweet memory and the vibration of Your love is still resonating in my mind. Even now when I think about You, that nectar of love is ever-present. Indeed that very loving vibration and sound is emanating from and floating in the vast, blue sky. That divine love permeates my whole existence and overpowers my entire being.

Baba, the love which You showered on the beings of this dusty earth, that love and sweet aroma resides eternally in the mind. And the song of Prabhat Samgiita which You have taught to the world, that tune devotees have started to sing about You. And in that way, You have come within the realm of the gunas. Baba, Your greatness, Your beauty, Your sweetness can be expressed through those songs because You have revealed Yourself through the world of Prabhat Samgiita. And by that way You became asuci, O' my most pure Eternal Entity.

Baba, O' my Beloved, I forgot that very special moment when You blessed me with Your sweet love. But when I think about You that love becomes alive
and my whole being gets vibrated; it saturates my heart. Baba You are so gracious-- Your love is unforgettable... 
 

Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them #4

Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:37:02 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Ram Deva
Subject: Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them #4

Baba

== RE: TO BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO FEEL BABA LEFT THEM ==

~ Part 4 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series;  a link to the first letter is appended below. - Eds)

Namaskar,
"In their naivete, many dogmatic idol worshipers wholeheartedly express, "What is wrong with idol worship, for me this is my god." This is the manner of so many idol worshipers.

By this way, they become more and more emotionally and sentimentally attached with their form of worship and innocently; and, mistakenly, believe they will achieve salvation. This is their unfortunate circumstance hope.


The reality, however, is that such dogmatic worshippers degrade themselves. That is the sad reality of their approach.


Unfortunately in our AM family, some few emotional sadhakas express a similar idea: "What is wrong with mahaprayan, for me this is my feeling with god."


This is the response of those few people who innocently adhere to the dogmatic MPD programme. In their simplicity, and also because of their group interest, they convince themselves and get emotionally and sentimentally bound to the function of so-called mahaprayan.
"

Agreed. Those dogmatic proponents of so-called mahaprayan unfortunately justify their emotional ties to the MPD programme just like idol worshippers justify their reason for engaging in idol worship. So the mentality of so-called mahaprayan attendees is similar to that of idol worshippers. Both use their logic and emotional attachment to justify their dogmatic stance. And both invite an unenviable end.


OUTCOME OF IDOL WORSHIP AND MPD IS SAME

Here is Baba's stern warning:

Baba says, "Why is idol worship faulty?"

"Ans.: An idol is nothing but the imaginative creation of the human mind, with a finite beginning and end. On the other hand Brahma is beginningless
and endless. This we can deduce through reason. This idol, this finite creation of the human imagination cannot, therefore, be the cause of emancipation of the living entities."

"Moreover, the external idols of clay, stone and wood are composed of the five fundamental factors. Ideation on such crude objects lead human beings towards Non-qualified Consciousness; rather it will lead them towards degeneration." (Ananda Marga Philosophy - 3)

Similarly, those who worship Mahaprayan trick themselves into believing that Baba is gone in which case their negative sadhana will hurl them into the depths of degeneration. How can they get salvation, when they do that which Baba warns not to do - they are doing the exact opposite of Guru's wish. How then can they get salvation when they are treading the path of bondage.


OUR DUTY

Our bounden duty then is to help.

All are our brothers and sisters - so there is no question of outcasting anyone. Only we are to strive to bring the highest devotional expression in our Ananda Marga - that way all can get the benefit.

So we are to follow all those divine teachings which Baba has given: Madhuvidya (2nd lesson), Guru Puja, Guru Sakash, dhyana etc. All such practices enable us to realise and feel His close proximity in our heart. That is our approach - not any contrary ritual or manner.


BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, we realise in our hearts that Baba is always along with us. That is why the day is not far when this dogmatic MPD programme will be totally abandoned & finished. Because the sentient feeling of Ananda Marga is that Baba is always with us - in that case where is the scope to worship so-called mahaprayan.

 "Vrnda'vanam parityajya pa'damekam na gaccha'mi..."

"I am always eternally present in Vrindavan, in the hearts of devotees. That is Guru cakra. I do not go even a little away from that. I am eternally present along with the devotees." (Purport of PS #4425)

Namaskar,
Ram Deva


 
 
PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Phuler ma'la'y ei avela'y dhu'la'y jharite dio na'..."  - PS 3270

Purport:

Baba, with deep longing and heart-felt love, I have threaded this flower garland [1] especially for You. Yet it just remains lying there untouched. Baba, please accept [2] this flower garland. Baba, so much time has passed; at least now in these late hours please accept it. Do not let it fall down in the dust and wither away.

Baba, by Your grace, the feeling of love which I have in my heart for You is incomparable - it far surpasses the love and beauty which I have felt for You in my life up till now. With this new and heightened love, I have prepared this garland for You. Baba, please do not forget to accept it. O' my Dearmost, I have searched for You in all the nooks and corners of my mental garden and collected the sweetest flowers. With deep longing and much care, I have threaded this garland for You. Baba, please grace me by accepting it; do not let it go in vain.

Baba, being the Parama Purusa You are the divine Controller of this vast universe. Your abode is filled with gems and jewels [3]. Each and everything lies within You. I know that this garland is comparatively quite meagre. Please understand that my longing is completely saturated in this flower garland. Won't You please accept it.  

Baba I am surrendering myself at Your alter, please accept my everything....


END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3270:

[1] Flower Garland (Ma'la'): Here the ma'la' symbolically represents the sadhaka's mind involved in satisfying Him by various spiritual pursuits and lessons. By that process the feeling of surrender comes. So it is the sadhaka's mind that is being offered.

[2]  'Accept the Garland': In more personal devotional language, this phrase means: O' Parama Purusa, please grace me by coming in my close proximity.

[3] Your abode is filled with gems and jewels: Parama Purusa does not need anything; only He is hungry for love from His devotees. All the worldly things He already has in abundance. He is the Creator and Controller so by externally offering and giving Him worldly things nobody can satisfy Him. This shows that external ritualistic worship is improper. 


Re: About That Famous Bogus Quote #5

Subject: Re: About That Famous Bogus Quote #5
Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:49:50 +0800 (SGT)
From: narayan panda
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba
 
== RE: ABOUT THAT FAMOUS BOGUS QUOTE ==

~ Part 5 ~

(Note: This is the 5th letter of this series. Link to the prior 4 letters are noted below. - Eds)

Namaska'ram.

"I have merged myself with my mission." [Both versions of the fake quote wrongly attributed to Baba contain this phrase.]

"About the above bogus quote - pages and pages can be written - but really I think no need. The reasoning is perfectly clear. That Divine Entity which is the Cosmic Nucleus and the shelter of all does not merge into any lesser entity like mission. That just does not happen. The Supreme Shelter does not Himself take shelter in anything else. No way - no how."
(About That Famous Bogus Quote, posted 9/6/12)

I support your view. Till now I was thinking it was Ba'ba's written statement. Now, however, I understand that it simply cannot be Baba's statment because it is illogical and contrary to the spiritual teachings of Ananda Marga.

Here I wish to raise two distinct matters.


#1: BABA'S TEACHING FROM NEO-HUMANISM

After reading your article, I remembered Baba's teaching from His book "Neo-Humanism - The Liberation of Intellect". In one section, Ba'ba' explains that devotion shouldn't be accepted as a cult but rather as the highest mission in life. Baba Himself is the highest mission in life. So it is illogical to say that He has merged Himself with mission. He Himself is the mission. So then how could He have merged into some separate entity called mission. It is impossible.

This quote - "If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission" - is totally misleading, illogical & bogus.


#2: JUST LIKE DOGMATIC PRIESTS OF SHANKARACARYA

Next I want to recount one incident from history and parallel that with the situation in Ananda Marga.

500 years ago, the dogmatic followers of Shankaracarya (priests of the famous Puri temple) were totally against Caetanya Mahaprabhu because Caetanya was not adhering to their caste and untouchability sentiment. Plus Caetanya had many disciples who were Muslim - this also was a point of contention for those Hindu priests of the Puri temple. So they were furious with Caetanya Mahaprabhu and vowed to make amends.

Here is what they did.

Those dogmatic followers of Shankaracarya invited the great Mahaprabhu to the Puri temple, and in a dark moment they murdered him in cold blood. To hide their sinful deed, and placate and appease the disciples of Caetanya Mahaprabhu, those Hindu priests told those disciples that the great Mahaprabhu's physical body actually entered into wooden idol of Lord Jagannath. Those conniving priests claimed the body disappeared totally inside the wooden idol and did not return. And indeed the body was never found.

Hearing this, most of the disciples felt gloried, awed, and proud that their guru Caetanya Mahaprabhu had become one with Lord Jagannath. Or, in a phrase, you can say that they were totally duped by the chicanery of those sinful Hindu priests.

Here we have to remember that it is not at all uncommon for the masses of India to believe such mythical tales. This is the land where they firmly believe that Hanuman jumped 30 miles across the sea to Sri Lanka, and that Hanuman ate the sun thinking it be a piece of fruit etc. There is no shortage of outrageous stories that are embraced as truth by such followers.

So when those faithful disciples heard that their revered Caetanya merged into the idol of Jagannath, they believed it wholeheartedly and felt that really he is great. Little did they suspect Caetanya Mahaprabhu had been murdered by those dogmatic Hindu priests. Only a few disciplies harbored such sucpicions and they were in the extreme minority.

By this way the Puri temple priests achieved three things: (1) They effectively eliminated their enemy; (2) they effectively appeased and satisfied Caetanya's disciples; and (3) they effectively set the stage to further guide and lead Caetanya's disciples in the future - those disciples would respect and follow their word. Such was the tactical victory made by those sinful Puri priests.

Similarly, this so-called quote - "If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission" - has been propagandised with a similar agenda as what those crooked priests of the famed Puri temple (Orissa) propagandised after they murdered Caetanya Mahaprabhu.


HOW THE PURI TEMPLE STORY RELATES WITH SO-CALLED MERGE IN MISSION QUOTE

In the case of Ananda Marga, Dada Sarvatmanandji himself introduced / re-introduced this quote in October 1990 because at that time he was the organisation. He ruled over everything and he thought that by this quote everyone will be convinced fully to blindly follow and execute his order. This fake quote suited his needs well. Other Dadas who helped him in this regard included: Bhaveshanandji, Tadbhavanandji, Vratishvaranandji, Vijayanandji, Mantreshvaranandji, among others.

Some naive people may justify that the terms "mission" and "organisation" are two different things; but, practically speaking, they are not. In Bengal, mission means organisation such as the Ramakrishna Mission. And not just Bengal, the world over people talk about the Christian Missions. In these cases, they are talking about the Ramakrishna organisaton comprised of people and projects and the Christian mission comprised of people and projects. In common parlance mission means organisation.

And indeed if you read the propagandised quote it carries the same meaning - that mission is an organisation where people gather and work:

"If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission."

So it was in that spirit, whereby mission means organisation, that Sarvatmanandji created this fake quote. His intent was: Baba has merged in the mission (i.e. organisation) and the way to please Him is to work for the organisation and follow your higher authority. This was Sarvatmanandji's plan for keeping all power concentrated in his hands. Remember, back in late October 1990, the whole of AMPS was very different - it was a monolithic structure under the dictatorship of one person. It was not fractured; there was one person the top seat. And indeed the plan worked; nobody opposed Dada Sarvatmananda.

Here is the proof: Just a few days later Central Committee unanimously declared the Mahaprayan Divas observance as an annual pilgrimmage to Tiljala - thereby making Kolkata the focal point. The mandate was for all to come to Tiljala to observe so-called Mahaprayan; it was not allowed to observe this anywhere else - only Tiljala (Kolkata.)


HOW THE PURI TEMPLE STORY RELATES WITH SO-CALLED MERGE IN MISSION QUOTE (cont)

Hence, just as those Hindu priests fabricated one tale that Mahaprabhu merged into the Jagannath idol in order to appease and control all his disciples, similarly Sarvatmanandji concocted that false merge in mission quote and attributed it to Baba to eyewash legions of margiis and wts. Sarvatmanandji's plan was that they should follow his every word because he (Dada Sarvatmananda) was the organisational head and Baba had merged Himself into the mission / organisation.

And we can see that Sarvatmanandji got success.

In the next few short years, he carried out so many dastardly deeds by his mere order: Mahaprayan dogma, Fake Ananda Vaniis, Expulsion as a weapon and so much more. Sarvatmanandji did so many things because he had harnessed the obedience of workers and margiis by concocting this single quote: "If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission." For this reason, so many listened to his every word and followed his command.

What then is the difference between Dada Sarvatmananda's approach and that of those dogmatic priests of the Puri temple. Both fabricated outrageous tales in order to bring scores of followers under their control.

I think now the point is clear.

Namaskar,
N. Panda


Note 1: THE TWO VERSIONS OF THIS BOGUS QUOTE

(1) Here is the version of the bogus quote propagated by Ac. Sarvatmanandji and other Dadas starting in Oct 1990:

"I am not this physical body, this physical body is not me. If you want to know me, work for my mission, because I have merged myself with my mission."

(2) Here is the quote as it appears in the unofficial book - Supreme Expression I - which was published by an outside group / agency:

"If you want to see Me, do my Mission because I am merged with my Mission. I am not this physical body, this physical body is not me. I am in your hearts and you are in mine. Only devotion can demand my physical presence." (Supreme Expression I, p. 57 (1978)

"Supreme Expression I is not an approved or official publication of AMPS. Rather it was published by an outside group. And this they readily acknowledge on the title page. There they write: "For a complete list of original books, please contact Ananda Marga publications as indicated on the following page." This is the exact line from the title page of Supreme Expression I. So Supreme Expression is not an official book; rather it was published by an independent publishing house in the Netherlands. In that case, how could such a publication be relied on as the sole and trusted source of a supposed quote which is wholly against the ideological ethic of Ananda Marga." (Re: About That Famous Bogus Quote #2, posted 9/15/12)


Note 2: LINKS TO ALL PRIOR LETTERS ON THIS THREAD

 
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
 
"Jyoti-ujjval pra'n'occhal tumi priyo..." (P.S. 2229)

Purport:

Baba, O' Parama Purusa, You are the Divine Controller of this vast universe. You are the brilliant effulgence - full of vitality & saturated & with the love. Baba, You are my dearmost. By Your own glory You are glorified. O' Parama Purusa, You are ever-adorable.  

Baba, I do not have the strength to catch hold of You. With my little strength and with whatever means I have, I try to catch You - but it is impossible for me. Instead I remain engrossed in my own self - unit "I". This 'unit I' is preventing me from coming close to You. Baba, please transform my 'I-feeling', make it Yours.  

Baba, with my own strength I will not be able to get You. With the thread of the spider's web I will not be able to bind You and hold You. Please grace me, and allow Yourself to get held. This is my only request to You. Please keep this open for Your consideration.  

Baba, in my mind & in my heart, I have deep longing for You - to have You close. Please grant me this by Your causeless grace. Baba, please come in my shravan, manan, niddidhyasan, & dhyana and make me Yours...
 

Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them #3

Subject: Re: To Brothers and Sisters Who Feel Baba Left Them
Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2012 05:14:31 +0200
From: amrit.lalloo
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

== RE: TO BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO FEEL BABA LEFT THEM #3 ==

Namaskar,
The very idea of "mahaprayan diivasa"  defeats the very purpose of Baba's advent on this planet earth. Baba has come to destroy dogmas,
narrowness, groupism and to replace these with rationality, neo-humanism and devotion.

Every year, 21 - 26 Oct., adherents are invited to to do kiirtan around BABA'S MAHASAMADII. Is this not tantamount to tomb worship? 

Do the adherents truly believe that (like the  shrine in Ajmer) they will get special grace by bowing and dancing around the tomb of Baba. Is this what Baba has taught his devotees?  This is nothing short of a lunatic idea of a sick, depraved mind. They advocate that mahaprayan diivasa is a solemn (sad) occasion and yet they continue to blow conch shells.

When I google searched Mahaprayan, some very, very interesting things came up. The film- MAHAPRAYAN - the last journey Of Mahatma Gandhi-Can we equate this with Shrii Shrii Anandamurti jii ? Does Parama Purusa have a last journey?

Another pop up MAHAPRAYAN - Payment Ananda Dhiira. Very strange! Mahaprayan and fund raising. Indeed, this has become the main motive - to make money by exploiting sadhakas: Indoctrinate margiis into the mahaprayan dogma and get maximum donations and cash from them in the name of mahaprayan. That is the agenda of such organisers.

Please, fellow Margiis, read what Baba has said about tiirtha (places of pilgrimage) and Varanasii. Don't be fooled by fakes, clad in saffron, hell-bent on infusing dogmas, narrowness and false hopes in the minds of devotees.

Follow the dictates of true Dharma. Baba is Dharma Guru. Follow and practice only what has been sanctioned by Him who is eternal. Baba is not Dead!! He is with you !

One last point. Is Mahaprayan Diivasa held for Lord Krishna or Lord Shiva or for the mythylogical Rama?  Why then for Lord Anandamurtii? Devotees are wise. They don't ever ideate that my lord is dead. Wisely they construct mandirs and not tombs and memorials.

Tomb worship is a terrible sin -  see note 1 below...

In Him who is eternal,
Amrit


Note 1: TOMB AND IDOL WORSHIP ARE SINFUL

Baba says, "Not to call a thing what it is, but to call it something else, is known as slander. Therefore those who in the name of the beginningless, endless, formless Brahma worship idols, are indulging in deliberate slander. You must not give indulgence to this type of Mahapápa (great / terrible sin)." (Caryacarya -2, Sadhana, pt #18)

Those who follow dogma are also prone to indulging in contradictory notions. That is the case with the adherents of so-called mahaprayan as well. On the one side, they think that Baba is far, far away - gone; and, on the other side, they think that the tomb in Tiljala is a representation of Baba and that by going there and doing sastaunga pranam at the tomb and asking for boons, then He will satisfy your wishes and shower His blessings. This is their inherently dogmatic and contradictory approach.


 
 
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
 
"Prabhu, toma'r na'mer bharasa' niye aga'dh sa'gar pa'r'i dobo..."  (PS 2350)

Purport:

Baba, surrendering in You has immense force. Trusting in Your name,  I can do anything. Nothing is impossible in this universe. I can even cross the bottomless ocean by having faith on Your name, keeping You in my heart, and holding Your feet. Baba, I will go on singing Your name while pulverizing all the obstacles and hindrances of pebbles & stones which come on the pathway of my forward journey. Baba, with the stroke of my feet I will crush them and march ahead, by Your grace.

Baba, holding Your flag in my hand and singing Your name in my heart, I will go on marching forward with my head held high - it is Your grace. Baba, by Your ahetuki krpa', I will bring the neo-humanistic era onto this dusty earth. The victory mark will be on my forehead.

Baba, by keeping You in the heart, there will not be any dilemmas or doubts in anyone's mind. The mind will be pointed, straight-forward, and clear. Everyone's longing will be satiated - permanently. Baba, by Your grace, I will shower my love and win over everyone's heart by my selfless service and sacrifice. I will honor everyone's right to live.

Baba, by keeping Your feet in the heart, one can do anything. Nothing remains difficult or impossible. Baba, please reside in my heart eternally...


To Enhance Devotion: Personal Communication with Him

Date: 22 Sep 2012 21:44:58 -0000
From: "Mantreshwar"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: To Enhance Devotion: Personal Communication with Him

Baba

== TO ENHANCE DEVOTION: PERSONAL COMMUNICATION WITH HIM ==

~ Part 3 ~

(Note: This is the third letter of this series, but all three letters have different titles. The names of and links to all the postings are appended below. - Eds)

Namaskar,
"As we know, in devotional life a wide range of personal feelings come in the heart and mind of the bhakta and those need to be expressed and goaded towards Parama Purusa. Often it is difficult to express those sentimental feelings in a collective setting. Every sadhaka has their own way in which they wish to communicate their personal longing for Him. It depends upon a person's devotional standard and relation with Him. Some devotees have a special intimate relation with Parama Purusa and some practice another type of bhava with Parama Purusa. It varies from one sadhaka to the next. And the various Prabhat Samgiita compositions enable one to express these different types of feelings towards the Lord - towards Baba. That is why Prabhat Samgiita stands as an ideal personal practice for each sadhaka - where kiirtan is more applicable to a collective flow." (Difference Between Kiirtan and Prabhat Samgiita, posted 9/16/12)

That is very nicely stated...

Each and every song of Prabhat Samgiita has its own unique beauty. Another specialty is that the entire Ananda Marga philosophy is contained within these divine compositions. From devotional longing to neo-humanism to Prout, all aspects of Ananda Marga ideology exist - in seed form - in Prabhat Samgiita. The large majority of compositions, though, express the devotional link between bhakta and Parama Purusa.

In this way, each song carries a particular bhava, or personal manner in which the bhakta relates with Parama Purusa. The sadhaka may feel that Parama Purusa is their Father, Bandhu (intimate friend & close companion), Beloved, or Child. In this way every song is personalized.


INTIMATE SONGS ARE NOT SUNG COLLECTIVELY

In this devotional approach, Prabhat Samgiita is not meant to be sung collectively like kiirtan etc. The Prabhat Samgiita collection is comprised of personal songs that are completely intimate. They depict the inner sweet relation between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. These deeply devotional songs are not meant to be sung collectively.

There are, however, songs about social festivals, Prout, and general spiritual songs that are fine for collective programs. So it is not that Prabhat Samgiita should never be sung collectively. Here the central idea is that those very intimate songs are meant to be sung personally, not in a gathering with others around.

That is why Baba Himself has written songs such as #463 and #3189 which essentially say: O' Parama Purusa, those songs which I sing with others in public, those songs are not my favourite; they do not carry the inner feeling of my heart. Only when I sing to You in a private and secluded place, only then in an intimate way can I express the true feeling of my heart to You, O' my Dearmost. Only then can I sing my favourite and most intimate songs.

Those familiar with most of the Prabhat Samgiita compositions know that the large majority of songs are deeply intimate, devotional songs. So they are meant to be sung when one is all alone to express the very emotional, sentimental, and devotional longing of the sadhaka.

This type of inner talking and sharing of the heart with Parama Purusa is not present in kiirtan. So kiirtan is more suitable for collective programs.


SPECIAL IMPORTANCE OF PRABHAT SAMGIITA IN DEVOTIONAL LIFE

Yet the human mind is filled with various devotional feelings and sentiments. Naturally then, the sadhaka likes to express themselves - their inner feeling. And it is only in Prabhat Samgiita that such feelings have been put into words.

That is why in each and every devotee's life Prabhat Samgiita has a special place. Of course each and every teaching of Baba has a special place. Some in the realm of philosophy, some in social science etc.

In the realm of devotion, Prabhat Samgiita helps cultivate that very close link between the sadhaka and Parama Purusa. When one selects a such song that beautifully portrays their inner-heart feeling with Him, then best is to sing that song in a lonely, quiet place.


WHO CAN UNDERSTAND

All these ideas about the value and specialty of Prabhat Samgiita come in mind only if one understands the full meaning of the song. If one does not know the full meaning of these deeply devotional compositions, or if one only knows one or two songs like the song of Shiva, Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara, then one will not be able to understand the ideas expressed in this letter.


 MORE DEVOTIONAL POINTS

Here are some concluding points about the sweetness of Prabhat Samgiita:

(1) Baba has graciously given Prabhat Samgiita so sadhakas may express their personal feelings towards Parama Purusa. But every song is not for everyone per se; people have different emotional and devotional relations with Parama Purusa. Everyone will have their own favourite song. Not all songs will appeal to every sadhaka.

(2) By learning and ideating on His divine Prabhat Samgiita compositions, as well as doing more and more sadhana, one can develop a more intimate relation with Parama Purusa. So Prabhat Samgiita is Baba's special blessing upon every devotee. Those songs teach sadhakas how to get closer to Him.

(3) As we know devotion means serving Parama Purusa, yet one cannot serve by Him keeping distant. One must go close in order to serve Him. Through Prabhat Samgiita, one can cultivate more and more closeness - more and more emotional & devotional feelings for Him. As those feelings grow and become more intimate, sadhakas do not wish to express those thoughts in front of others. Rather they prefer to express those intimate feelings while alone.

(4) Those with a devotional heart surely understand all this; and those who do not have such feelings should try and cultivate a deeper devotional link with Parama Purusa. He will certainly be gracious.

(5) Without a strong devotional longing for Him, without the sharing of the heart and without Prabhat Samgiita, life is dry like the hot sand. Baba has specially graced us by giving this oasis of Prabhat Samgiita to soak our hearts with devotion.

Namaskar,
Mantreshvar


Note 1: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS ON THIS TOPIC

#1: Why Prabhat Samgiita Started in 1982, posted 9/13/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-prabhat-samgiita-started-in-1982.html

#2: Difference Between Kiirtan and Prabhat Samgiita, posted 9/16/12

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/09/difference-between-kiirtan-and-prabhat.html


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

This song offers a special type of devotional expression wherein the bhakta is communicating with Parama Purusa in a dramatic fashion - i.e. addressing Him in the third person yet lodging a loving complaint about Parama Purusa. So the beauty here is that the devotee is talking with Parama Purusa Baba, not with anyone else, yet addressing Him using indirect language.

"Tora' balo go tora' more balo, ja'r'ete keno na'hi phot'e kamal..." (PS 487)

Purport:

Please, tell me about this strange liila of Parama Purusa. He is doing many things in a peculiar and bizarre way. The lotus flower is very charming and full of fragrance, but with the arrival of winter season it withers; it does not bloom anymore. I am crying and crying in His love and longing; He is such a heartless One. He does not care and He does not like to come close to me. I do not know why He makes this type of strange liila. Why is it that for Whom I have love and cry in longing, and He does not care even a little about this.    

Please explain this strange liila of Parama Purusa. In the summer months when there is a great need of water in the pond, at that time the pond is empty - all the water is dried up. So when there is a serious need, then there is no water; and, in the rainy season when there is not so much of a need, then it is full of water. I am singing the songs and kiirtan and I call and go on calling Him with the hope that He will come. But remaining distant He just smiles and does not like to come close. Even then I know that He loves me. Why like this.
   
Please tell me why this happens. The palash tree is covered by orange flowers and becomes so beautiful. There are countless flowers on this tree yet it is so strange that it never bears any fruit. For whom my life is, for Whom I have come on this earth - and also I am doing all sorts of things for Him and He is so close to me - even then He prefers to make me cry in His love and longing by keeping Himself distant.

O my Dearmost, please grace me by coming close...

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