Date: Mon 31 Dec 2012 20:26:57
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Kamalakanta_margii@u.pub....
Subject: What is Fearful and Fearless Love for Parama Purusa
Baba
Namaskar,
This letter addresses some key aspects of devotional life and dhyana, and how we can cultivate a deeper, more intimate relation with Parama Purusa.
In Baba's teachings, it is given that sadhana is the journey from fearful love for Parama Purusa to fearless love for Parama Purusa. To best understand and benefit from His divine guidelines, let's first investigate fearful and fearless love on the mundane level.
There are many examples how fearful and fearless love plays out in mundane life. We will also investigate exclusively fear-based relations. For instance:
(a) Suppose a child breaks something in the house and then runs away and does not go back home. That child is just hiding at the neighbor's house. Such a child is quite fearful. The child's mother is calling and calling for them to return home, but that child does not budge. After a while the neighbor cajoles, prods, and ultimately carries the child to its mother. The child went unhappily. Such types of kids do not have love for their parents; rather their relationship is based on fear.
(b) Let's say a child breaks a clay pot in their home, then they may run over to the neighbor's house to hide. Although they do not really want to stay at their neighbor's house, but nor do they wish to face their parents. They are scared to go back to their own house. But when mother starts calling the child then after a few rounds of calls, and after mother gives her assurance, the child returns home. That child has fearful love for their parents.
(c) Lastly, a child breaks something in the house and is overcome with sadness, but does not run away. That child is feeling repentant for their mistake, and when the mother calls the child immediately runs into her arms. In that case, we can say that the child has fearless love for her.
Finally in the case of ideal parents, we often see that kids have fearless love for their mother and fearful love for their father. This is not the rule per se, but perhaps a general trend.
Those pre-historic humans had only a fear-based relationship with God. That continued for thousands of years. It was only with the divine advent of Lord Krsna that a revolutionary shift occurred. Then bhaktas began having a loving relation with Parama Purusa. This is evidenced by the poetry and writings of Surdas, Meerabai, Caetanya Mahaprabhu, Vidyapti etc.
Still today some religion preach a fear-based relation with God, gradually though more seekers are being drawn to having a loving relation with Parama Purusa.
Here are a few examples that show the continuum from fear-based relations with God, to fearful love for Parama Purusa which gets transformed into fearless love for the Divine Entity.
(a) In some extreme cases of fear-based relations with Parama Purusa, followers think that, "God is ferocious and can curse and destroy me. I have done sin and He will leave me to burn in hellfire." Some dogmatic religions adhere to this extreme tenet. In that case there is only fear.
(b) Next, some sadhakas think they are unable to follow all the rules and codes of conduct and they will never be up to the mark. So they opt not to go close. Instead they prefer to do pranam from a distance. They have love for Parama Purusa, but do not want to go close and talk etc. They prefer to sit in the back for general darshan and DMC; and internally they vow to themselves never to go to any meeting or reporting. In that smaller venue, they may be punished and pointed out, so they prefer not to go themselves, but they like to hear about it. There were some margiis and wts who followed this pattern. They did not wish to go close but they had love for Baba so they came and stayed in Ananda Marga. Those who left Ananda Marga entirely and never came back, they had a fear-based relation with Parama Purusa.
(c) Then there are those sadhakas who have committed wrongs and they think, "How can I go close to Parama Purusa, He will be furious with me." Such persons also have fearful love for the Lord.
(d) Another section of devotees think that, "If I do wrong then Parama Purusa will be unhappy with me." Actually they have yet to engage in any wrongdoing, but the very thought of that is enough for them to think that the Lord will be displeased with them. They too harbour fearful love for Parama Purusa.
Here are a few examples of fearless love for Parama Purusa:
(a) When devotees experience strong sadhana and potent mantra japa by His grace, then their fear automatically dissipates. They think, "My Parama Purusa loves me and whatever mistakes I have made will not be cause for Him keeping me away, rather because He loves me He will take me on His lap, regardless of my past wrongs." Such a bhakta has fearless love for Parama Purusa. They request Parama Purusa, "Ok, I have committed many mistakes but it is Your duty to make me alright. It is up to You to cleanse me and give me strength." Such bhaktas do not have fear. Some even accuse Parama Purusa, "Why did You allow me to do wrong? Why did You not keep me clean." Some sadhakas really think like this, and it is not just some external show. They truly feel this way inside their heart. They do not brag about this or beat the drum. This is just their natural devotional expression.
(b) Any sadhaka who has experienced deeper and more intimate relations with Him in dhyana will naturally have fearless love for Him.
Baba furthermore states in the last chapter of Subhasita Samgraha - 25, "Iishvar Prem Tatha' Usake Sa'th Bhay", that it is okay and natural for sadhakas to begin their spiritual journey having fearful love for Parama Purusa. By this way they will be careful to follow all the do's and don'ts. Then, slowly over time, or depending upon their approach in sadhana, they become more mature and focused and strictly abide by all those codes of conduct. Their devotional link with Him deepens and their fear fades away as they progress along this continuum. It is Baba's grace.
In this posting, and for all bhaktas, the transition is from fearful love to fearless love for Parama Purusa. Please read Baba's following guidelines.
In many places Baba guides us that that dhya'na is our highest practice which has no comparison.
Baba says, "Dhyana is the unbroken flow of the mind-stuff, or citta, in one continuous stream, like the flow of oil, where all the propensities of the mind are fixed on the Goal." (Ananda Marga Caryacarya - 1, Sadhana, pt #7)
Our scripture says, "Dhya'na yoga which elevates human beings through constant self-analysis, obliterates the very existence of the non-spiritual, and expedites one's elevation into the supreme spiritual stance." (Microvita in a Nutshell, p. 92-3)
By these sadhana teachings it is clear that dhya'na is that distinct practice which leads us unto Him.
In this passage Baba vividly tells us that sadhana - dhya'na - is the process of yojana't, whereby we move from the stage of fearful love to fearless love for Him.
Sadguru says, "Yojana means unicity with Him. The final goal of a sa'dhaka is to become one with Him....The spirit of sa'dhana' is to get oneself unified with the hub of this universal wheel, not united but unified."
"Now this sa'dhana' which is sa'dhana' for complete merger, for unification, starts with fearful love. Love must be there. Unless and until there is love, there can not be unification. So love must be there but it starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love : and the space between fearful love and fearless love is the space of sa'dhana'. What is sa'dhana'? Sadhana' is transformation of fearful love into fearless love."
"When this attraction is for any non-integral entity, or for any small entity this is called ka'ma. When that attraction is for that integral entity, and the integral entity is only one and that one is Parama Purus'a -- it is called Prema."
"Yojana't starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love and the process of transformation of fearful love into fearless love is called sa'dhana' (Intuitional Practice)."
"Sa'dhana' starts with fearful love:..One name of God is bhiis'an'a because everybody is afraid of Him. Everybody starts their sa'dhana' with fearful love but that sa'dhana' ends in fearless love - because unless and until one becomes fearless one cannot become one with Him." (Subhasita Samgraha - 18; Salem, Madras, D.M.C. 9-12-64)
Furthermore, here is Baba's special sadhana guideline for enhancing one's pratice of dhyana.
In His discourse, 'Chariot and the Charioteer', Baba explains about pra'na wherein He specifically guides us that pranayama and dhyana should be done in sequence - i.e. when the mind is very calm then one can do pranayama, and, directly thereafter, one should do dhyana. That's to say, pranayama should always be followed by dhyana.
Pranayama and dhyana are very important and closely linked as Baba Himself has written the significant aspects of the practical process
in His books.
Here is the one of the special and unique ways in which pranayama and dhyana are related. Here Baba guides us that pranayama is a necessary complement for proper dhya'na.
Baba says, "Pra'n'a'yama is the scientific process to control the respiration and hence the mind, as a result of which sadhana is especially facilitated. The practice of dhya'na becomes a time consuming affair if pra'n'a'yama is not adequately practised." (Caryacarya, Sadhana, pt #4)
By the above teaching it is clear that pranayama plays an important role in the practice of dhya'na. And through sustained effort in dhyana the sadhaka develops fearless love for Him and ultimately becomes one with Him, by His grace.
Baba says "A genuine spiritualist will have to establish a relation of love with Parama Purus'a. Those who remain oblivious to this truth become unsuccessful in their mission." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, 'The Path of Salvation')
Ananda Marga scripture says, "Tasmin haḿso bhrámyate brahmacakre. And what do the rest of the people do? They think that since Parama Puruśa is so vast and so learned, whereas they themselves are foolish and illiterate – insignificant creatures. Thus they increase their radii, their distance from the nucleus. This psychology that Parama Puruśa is too vast and great for the devotees to attain Him is called mahimnabodha, that which keeps them away from Parama Puruśa. Those who consider themselves to be wicked try to go far from Parama Puruśa, thinking that if they remove themselves from Him they will in this way be spared punishment. But the point is, if someone goes some distance from Parama Puruśa, can he or she avoid punishment in this way? No. So it is better to come close to Him and draw His sympathy and love, and thus become pure and holy."
"As long as human minds dwell on the duality that “I and my Lord are separate entities,” they keep on moving around the periphery of Parama Puruśa. Instead of this, people should think, “Parama Puruśa is my Father – He may be great and wise, but after all I am His child.” Now in the worldly sphere, if a father is learned and the son or daughter is illiterate, this does not at all undermine the sweet and loving relationship between the father and his child; rather instead of going away from Parama Puruśa, it is better to come close to Him so that the influence and wisdom of the Supreme can elevate His sons and daughters. And those who are wicked and sinful also need not be worried because they are also equally His children." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms)
Sadguru says, "There cannot be any complex in the spiritual level or existential sphere. In spirituality there is no complex because every person has contact with Parama Puruśa on a purely personal level. There is no third existence between them. There are only two – the spiritualist and the Parama Pitá [Cosmic Father]. Spiritualists move towards the Cosmic Father and sit on His lap. To do this is every one’s birthright. Nobody can be debarred from doing so on the pretext of inferior caste, colour, education or poverty. Since this is every one’s birthright there cannot be any complex in the arena of spirituality. The defective social order injects an inferiority complex in the mind which often persists even when people enter the spiritual field. They feel that as the Cosmic Father is so great, how can they, being of low caste or poor or uneducated, go to Him? This is called mahimnabodha in the shástras [scriptures]. But one should not forget that the relation of father and child exists. Even if the father is a great scholar, the uneducated child will go to him and ask for whatever he requires because he or she has affection for the father. Just now I said that in the field of spirituality there cannot be any complex, but there are complexes due to social defects. It is our spiritual duty to rectify the social order. If we fail, there may not be good spiritualists. Even those who have the potentiality to become good spiritualists may not progress. They may be like a flower that dies before it blossoms." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Social Order and Superiority and Inferiority Complexes)
Baba says, "The real spiritual unification is defined as Saḿyoga yoga ityuktah jiivátamá Paramátmanah: when the unit consciousness and the Supreme Consciousness are fused into one, that is the real yoga. When does this take place? When the spiritual aspirants establish a relationship of sweet love with Parama Puruśa. In the absence of this sweet and loving relationship, human beings are bound to maintain a distance from Parama Puruśa out of fear. This is called mahimnabodha in the scriptures. “While Parama Puruśa is such a vast and exalted Entity and I am such an insignificant creature, how can I go near Him?” This sort of inferiority complex on the part of a spiritual aspirant is immensely harmful, and spiritual aspirants must be aware of this. I may be a very small creature, and indeed a drop of water is very insignificant in comparison to the vast ocean of water; but although small, that tiny drop of water is inseparably associated with the ocean itself. That drop never thinks that because it is a mere drop, how can it be associated with the great sea. In the same way, the arduous yogic practice of spiritual aspirants becomes meaningless if they fail to establish a sweet relation with Parama Puruśa." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Path of Salvation)
Baba says, "Kevalá bhakti: When one is identified with the goal there remains only one entity. This is called kevalá bhakti. This category of devotion is not attainable by one’s individual effort. One can attain it by the grace of great personalities or Parama Puruśa. This is the highest stage of devotion. In this devotion the sádhaka remains oblivious of the differences and distinctions. This is called mahimna jiṋána. As long as the sense of differentiation will exist, the sádhaka will hesitate to be one with Brahma." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Bhakti and Krpa)
Taraka Brahma says, "Try, O sa'dhaka, to know only Him, in Whom are held the sky, the world and the void, in whom are ensconced the mind, the five vital forces and the sensory and motor organs. Shun all other pointless considerations except your efforts to know Him. You are mortal, subject to death. Your desire of establishing yourself in deathlessness has been with you from eternity. And that very Brahma is the bridge leading to that state of deathlessness. So you will reap the real good, if you can only know Him." (Subhasita Samgraha - 2, p.30)
Ananda Marga ideology says, "The Entity whom you are trying to attain – Parama Purus'a – is your own innermost self. Your relation with Him is not external, to be defined by courts, laws, or society. It is a family relationship. The desire in your mind to meet God is only born when He is inclined towards you. It is the result of His desire to meet you. Your meeting with God is not a unilateral affair, it is a mutual thing. You walk one step towards Him and He will come twenty towards you."
"When an infant starts walking, the parent first asks it and goads it to walk a little. It tries to walk, but falls. Then the parent advances and lifts it up onto his or her lap. God does the same. Make the slightest effort, and He will pick you up and place you on His lap."
"Your relation with God is personal. No one can sever this relationship. It is part of your being, your birthright." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23)
Although it is a sensitive matter, everyone should be very clear that only those acaryas who are strict and sincere in all lessons of sadhana can teach meditation to others. Failing that, their instuctions for dhya'na will be hazy and confusing. Those who do not practice dhya'na in their practical life cannot guide others.
Baba furthermore tells us in different discourses that "A'caran'a't Pa't'hyet Yah Sah A'ca'ryah".
Only those who teach by their conduct are acaryas. If their conduct is not good, then they cannot be treated as acarya. So acarya does not mean the title of acarya or wearing a certain colour of clothing. The critical meaning of acarya is those whose conduct is exemplary. (Reference Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23 'Silent Action', and Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of Acarya.)
Baba says, "Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas."
"Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya. Just as it is the duty of a father to educate his children properly by his good conduct, an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words."
"In every period of history, some people are heard saying: “Today’s society is ruined, the people degenerated. Life was better in the old days.” The same view is expressed in every era. Have human beings really lost their humanity? Don’t they hold the highest position in the evolution of living things?"
"All the psychological diseases of humanity are the result of not having bhúmadrśt́i (Cosmic outlook) in life. The diseased persons do not consider others, but think only about themselves. They are busy thinking about their own families, employers, etc., and they forget everyone else. This is a terrible malady. But it is a mere expression and symptom of narrow-mindedness, the real root and reason for psychological disease. The cure is to reverse the trend of behaviour to rid the fallen human beings of narrow-mindedness. The medicine is one and only one: Brahmabháva [ideation on Supreme Consciousness]. But just adopting the supreme goal does not immediately establish one in that. It is the work of the ácárya to recognize if a person is on the right or wrong path and course of action. The ácárya should give direction and guidance in every work, big or small. When he or she is to impart any duty to anyone, he should be strict, strong and exact, like a diamond. He or she should never consider social position, wealth, rank, etc. Only those who are established in Yama and Niyama [moral code] and practise sádhaná can be given any responsibility." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of Acarya)
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Kamalakanta
"Timira'vrt ama'ra'trir a'ndha'r bhediya' esecho..." (P.S. 1329)
Purport:
O' Baba, on this pitch-black amavasya night which is enveloped by the cimmerian darkness, on this very night by piercing through the cimmerian
darkness You have taken advent.
O' my dearmost Baba, You have saturated my entire existence with Your divine effulgence and You have situated Yourself in the depths of my heart.
Baba, I go on ideating on You - ensconcing my mind in Your ideation. O' my Dearmost, You are mine and mine alone. I do not have fear of anyone or anything, because when I know in my heart that everything is situated within You, then why should I have any fear.
O' Parama Purus'a, I will not harbour any feelings of hatred towards anyone on any occasion. Because when everyone is within You, then how can I have hatred towards anyone. I cannot.
O' Parama Purusa with Your thunderous voice You are revealing this eternal Supreme truth: That You are the Supreme Controller of this great
universe.
Baba, You have graced me by coming after piercing through the cimmerian darkness. Your glory cannot be written - it is indescribable...
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Kamalakanta_margii@u.pub....
Subject: What is Fearful and Fearless Love for Parama Purusa
Baba
== WHAT IS FEARFUL & FEARLESS LOVE FOR PARAMA PURUSA ==
Namaskar,
This letter addresses some key aspects of devotional life and dhyana, and how we can cultivate a deeper, more intimate relation with Parama Purusa.
EXAMPLES OF FEARFUL AND FEARLESS LOVE IN MUNDANE LIFE
In Baba's teachings, it is given that sadhana is the journey from fearful love for Parama Purusa to fearless love for Parama Purusa. To best understand and benefit from His divine guidelines, let's first investigate fearful and fearless love on the mundane level.
There are many examples how fearful and fearless love plays out in mundane life. We will also investigate exclusively fear-based relations. For instance:
(a) Suppose a child breaks something in the house and then runs away and does not go back home. That child is just hiding at the neighbor's house. Such a child is quite fearful. The child's mother is calling and calling for them to return home, but that child does not budge. After a while the neighbor cajoles, prods, and ultimately carries the child to its mother. The child went unhappily. Such types of kids do not have love for their parents; rather their relationship is based on fear.
(b) Let's say a child breaks a clay pot in their home, then they may run over to the neighbor's house to hide. Although they do not really want to stay at their neighbor's house, but nor do they wish to face their parents. They are scared to go back to their own house. But when mother starts calling the child then after a few rounds of calls, and after mother gives her assurance, the child returns home. That child has fearful love for their parents.
(c) Lastly, a child breaks something in the house and is overcome with sadness, but does not run away. That child is feeling repentant for their mistake, and when the mother calls the child immediately runs into her arms. In that case, we can say that the child has fearless love for her.
Finally in the case of ideal parents, we often see that kids have fearless love for their mother and fearful love for their father. This is not the rule per se, but perhaps a general trend.
EXAMPLES OF FEARFUL AND FEARLESS LOVE IN SPIRITUAL LIFE
Those pre-historic humans had only a fear-based relationship with God. That continued for thousands of years. It was only with the divine advent of Lord Krsna that a revolutionary shift occurred. Then bhaktas began having a loving relation with Parama Purusa. This is evidenced by the poetry and writings of Surdas, Meerabai, Caetanya Mahaprabhu, Vidyapti etc.
Still today some religion preach a fear-based relation with God, gradually though more seekers are being drawn to having a loving relation with Parama Purusa.
Here are a few examples that show the continuum from fear-based relations with God, to fearful love for Parama Purusa which gets transformed into fearless love for the Divine Entity.
(a) In some extreme cases of fear-based relations with Parama Purusa, followers think that, "God is ferocious and can curse and destroy me. I have done sin and He will leave me to burn in hellfire." Some dogmatic religions adhere to this extreme tenet. In that case there is only fear.
(b) Next, some sadhakas think they are unable to follow all the rules and codes of conduct and they will never be up to the mark. So they opt not to go close. Instead they prefer to do pranam from a distance. They have love for Parama Purusa, but do not want to go close and talk etc. They prefer to sit in the back for general darshan and DMC; and internally they vow to themselves never to go to any meeting or reporting. In that smaller venue, they may be punished and pointed out, so they prefer not to go themselves, but they like to hear about it. There were some margiis and wts who followed this pattern. They did not wish to go close but they had love for Baba so they came and stayed in Ananda Marga. Those who left Ananda Marga entirely and never came back, they had a fear-based relation with Parama Purusa.
(c) Then there are those sadhakas who have committed wrongs and they think, "How can I go close to Parama Purusa, He will be furious with me." Such persons also have fearful love for the Lord.
(d) Another section of devotees think that, "If I do wrong then Parama Purusa will be unhappy with me." Actually they have yet to engage in any wrongdoing, but the very thought of that is enough for them to think that the Lord will be displeased with them. They too harbour fearful love for Parama Purusa.
Here are a few examples of fearless love for Parama Purusa:
(a) When devotees experience strong sadhana and potent mantra japa by His grace, then their fear automatically dissipates. They think, "My Parama Purusa loves me and whatever mistakes I have made will not be cause for Him keeping me away, rather because He loves me He will take me on His lap, regardless of my past wrongs." Such a bhakta has fearless love for Parama Purusa. They request Parama Purusa, "Ok, I have committed many mistakes but it is Your duty to make me alright. It is up to You to cleanse me and give me strength." Such bhaktas do not have fear. Some even accuse Parama Purusa, "Why did You allow me to do wrong? Why did You not keep me clean." Some sadhakas really think like this, and it is not just some external show. They truly feel this way inside their heart. They do not brag about this or beat the drum. This is just their natural devotional expression.
(b) Any sadhaka who has experienced deeper and more intimate relations with Him in dhyana will naturally have fearless love for Him.
Baba furthermore states in the last chapter of Subhasita Samgraha - 25, "Iishvar Prem Tatha' Usake Sa'th Bhay", that it is okay and natural for sadhakas to begin their spiritual journey having fearful love for Parama Purusa. By this way they will be careful to follow all the do's and don'ts. Then, slowly over time, or depending upon their approach in sadhana, they become more mature and focused and strictly abide by all those codes of conduct. Their devotional link with Him deepens and their fear fades away as they progress along this continuum. It is Baba's grace.
In this posting, and for all bhaktas, the transition is from fearful love to fearless love for Parama Purusa. Please read Baba's following guidelines.
BABA'S TEACHING ON DHYANA
In many places Baba guides us that that dhya'na is our highest practice which has no comparison.
Baba says, "Dhyana is the unbroken flow of the mind-stuff, or citta, in one continuous stream, like the flow of oil, where all the propensities of the mind are fixed on the Goal." (Ananda Marga Caryacarya - 1, Sadhana, pt #7)
Our scripture says, "Dhya'na yoga which elevates human beings through constant self-analysis, obliterates the very existence of the non-spiritual, and expedites one's elevation into the supreme spiritual stance." (Microvita in a Nutshell, p. 92-3)
By these sadhana teachings it is clear that dhya'na is that distinct practice which leads us unto Him.
FEARFUL LOVE TO FEARLESS LOVE
In this passage Baba vividly tells us that sadhana - dhya'na - is the process of yojana't, whereby we move from the stage of fearful love to fearless love for Him.
Sadguru says, "Yojana means unicity with Him. The final goal of a sa'dhaka is to become one with Him....The spirit of sa'dhana' is to get oneself unified with the hub of this universal wheel, not united but unified."
"Now this sa'dhana' which is sa'dhana' for complete merger, for unification, starts with fearful love. Love must be there. Unless and until there is love, there can not be unification. So love must be there but it starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love : and the space between fearful love and fearless love is the space of sa'dhana'. What is sa'dhana'? Sadhana' is transformation of fearful love into fearless love."
"When this attraction is for any non-integral entity, or for any small entity this is called ka'ma. When that attraction is for that integral entity, and the integral entity is only one and that one is Parama Purus'a -- it is called Prema."
"Yojana't starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love and the process of transformation of fearful love into fearless love is called sa'dhana' (Intuitional Practice)."
"Sa'dhana' starts with fearful love:..One name of God is bhiis'an'a because everybody is afraid of Him. Everybody starts their sa'dhana' with fearful love but that sa'dhana' ends in fearless love - because unless and until one becomes fearless one cannot become one with Him." (Subhasita Samgraha - 18; Salem, Madras, D.M.C. 9-12-64)
SPECIAL GUIDELINE FOR ENHANCING DHYANA:
UNIQUE TEACHING FROM BABA
UNIQUE TEACHING FROM BABA
Furthermore, here is Baba's special sadhana guideline for enhancing one's pratice of dhyana.
In His discourse, 'Chariot and the Charioteer', Baba explains about pra'na wherein He specifically guides us that pranayama and dhyana should be done in sequence - i.e. when the mind is very calm then one can do pranayama, and, directly thereafter, one should do dhyana. That's to say, pranayama should always be followed by dhyana.
Pranayama and dhyana are very important and closely linked as Baba Himself has written the significant aspects of the practical process
in His books.
Here is the one of the special and unique ways in which pranayama and dhyana are related. Here Baba guides us that pranayama is a necessary complement for proper dhya'na.
Baba says, "Pra'n'a'yama is the scientific process to control the respiration and hence the mind, as a result of which sadhana is especially facilitated. The practice of dhya'na becomes a time consuming affair if pra'n'a'yama is not adequately practised." (Caryacarya, Sadhana, pt #4)
By the above teaching it is clear that pranayama plays an important role in the practice of dhya'na. And through sustained effort in dhyana the sadhaka develops fearless love for Him and ultimately becomes one with Him, by His grace.
BECOMING ONE WITH HIM
Baba says "A genuine spiritualist will have to establish a relation of love with Parama Purus'a. Those who remain oblivious to this truth become unsuccessful in their mission." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, 'The Path of Salvation')
Ananda Marga scripture says, "Tasmin haḿso bhrámyate brahmacakre. And what do the rest of the people do? They think that since Parama Puruśa is so vast and so learned, whereas they themselves are foolish and illiterate – insignificant creatures. Thus they increase their radii, their distance from the nucleus. This psychology that Parama Puruśa is too vast and great for the devotees to attain Him is called mahimnabodha, that which keeps them away from Parama Puruśa. Those who consider themselves to be wicked try to go far from Parama Puruśa, thinking that if they remove themselves from Him they will in this way be spared punishment. But the point is, if someone goes some distance from Parama Puruśa, can he or she avoid punishment in this way? No. So it is better to come close to Him and draw His sympathy and love, and thus become pure and holy."
Prthagátmánaḿ preritáraḿca matvá.
"As long as human minds dwell on the duality that “I and my Lord are separate entities,” they keep on moving around the periphery of Parama Puruśa. Instead of this, people should think, “Parama Puruśa is my Father – He may be great and wise, but after all I am His child.” Now in the worldly sphere, if a father is learned and the son or daughter is illiterate, this does not at all undermine the sweet and loving relationship between the father and his child; rather instead of going away from Parama Puruśa, it is better to come close to Him so that the influence and wisdom of the Supreme can elevate His sons and daughters. And those who are wicked and sinful also need not be worried because they are also equally His children." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms)
Sadguru says, "There cannot be any complex in the spiritual level or existential sphere. In spirituality there is no complex because every person has contact with Parama Puruśa on a purely personal level. There is no third existence between them. There are only two – the spiritualist and the Parama Pitá [Cosmic Father]. Spiritualists move towards the Cosmic Father and sit on His lap. To do this is every one’s birthright. Nobody can be debarred from doing so on the pretext of inferior caste, colour, education or poverty. Since this is every one’s birthright there cannot be any complex in the arena of spirituality. The defective social order injects an inferiority complex in the mind which often persists even when people enter the spiritual field. They feel that as the Cosmic Father is so great, how can they, being of low caste or poor or uneducated, go to Him? This is called mahimnabodha in the shástras [scriptures]. But one should not forget that the relation of father and child exists. Even if the father is a great scholar, the uneducated child will go to him and ask for whatever he requires because he or she has affection for the father. Just now I said that in the field of spirituality there cannot be any complex, but there are complexes due to social defects. It is our spiritual duty to rectify the social order. If we fail, there may not be good spiritualists. Even those who have the potentiality to become good spiritualists may not progress. They may be like a flower that dies before it blossoms." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Social Order and Superiority and Inferiority Complexes)
Baba says, "The real spiritual unification is defined as Saḿyoga yoga ityuktah jiivátamá Paramátmanah: when the unit consciousness and the Supreme Consciousness are fused into one, that is the real yoga. When does this take place? When the spiritual aspirants establish a relationship of sweet love with Parama Puruśa. In the absence of this sweet and loving relationship, human beings are bound to maintain a distance from Parama Puruśa out of fear. This is called mahimnabodha in the scriptures. “While Parama Puruśa is such a vast and exalted Entity and I am such an insignificant creature, how can I go near Him?” This sort of inferiority complex on the part of a spiritual aspirant is immensely harmful, and spiritual aspirants must be aware of this. I may be a very small creature, and indeed a drop of water is very insignificant in comparison to the vast ocean of water; but although small, that tiny drop of water is inseparably associated with the ocean itself. That drop never thinks that because it is a mere drop, how can it be associated with the great sea. In the same way, the arduous yogic practice of spiritual aspirants becomes meaningless if they fail to establish a sweet relation with Parama Puruśa." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Path of Salvation)
Baba says, "Kevalá bhakti: When one is identified with the goal there remains only one entity. This is called kevalá bhakti. This category of devotion is not attainable by one’s individual effort. One can attain it by the grace of great personalities or Parama Puruśa. This is the highest stage of devotion. In this devotion the sádhaka remains oblivious of the differences and distinctions. This is called mahimna jiṋána. As long as the sense of differentiation will exist, the sádhaka will hesitate to be one with Brahma." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Bhakti and Krpa)
MORE OF BABA'S DIVINE TEACHINGS
Taraka Brahma says, "Try, O sa'dhaka, to know only Him, in Whom are held the sky, the world and the void, in whom are ensconced the mind, the five vital forces and the sensory and motor organs. Shun all other pointless considerations except your efforts to know Him. You are mortal, subject to death. Your desire of establishing yourself in deathlessness has been with you from eternity. And that very Brahma is the bridge leading to that state of deathlessness. So you will reap the real good, if you can only know Him." (Subhasita Samgraha - 2, p.30)
Ananda Marga ideology says, "The Entity whom you are trying to attain – Parama Purus'a – is your own innermost self. Your relation with Him is not external, to be defined by courts, laws, or society. It is a family relationship. The desire in your mind to meet God is only born when He is inclined towards you. It is the result of His desire to meet you. Your meeting with God is not a unilateral affair, it is a mutual thing. You walk one step towards Him and He will come twenty towards you."
"When an infant starts walking, the parent first asks it and goads it to walk a little. It tries to walk, but falls. Then the parent advances and lifts it up onto his or her lap. God does the same. Make the slightest effort, and He will pick you up and place you on His lap."
"Your relation with God is personal. No one can sever this relationship. It is part of your being, your birthright." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23)
IN ORDER TO TEACH, ONE MUST PRACTICE
Although it is a sensitive matter, everyone should be very clear that only those acaryas who are strict and sincere in all lessons of sadhana can teach meditation to others. Failing that, their instuctions for dhya'na will be hazy and confusing. Those who do not practice dhya'na in their practical life cannot guide others.
Baba furthermore tells us in different discourses that "A'caran'a't Pa't'hyet Yah Sah A'ca'ryah".
Only those who teach by their conduct are acaryas. If their conduct is not good, then they cannot be treated as acarya. So acarya does not mean the title of acarya or wearing a certain colour of clothing. The critical meaning of acarya is those whose conduct is exemplary. (Reference Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23 'Silent Action', and Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of Acarya.)
Baba says, "Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas."
"Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya. Just as it is the duty of a father to educate his children properly by his good conduct, an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words."
"In every period of history, some people are heard saying: “Today’s society is ruined, the people degenerated. Life was better in the old days.” The same view is expressed in every era. Have human beings really lost their humanity? Don’t they hold the highest position in the evolution of living things?"
"All the psychological diseases of humanity are the result of not having bhúmadrśt́i (Cosmic outlook) in life. The diseased persons do not consider others, but think only about themselves. They are busy thinking about their own families, employers, etc., and they forget everyone else. This is a terrible malady. But it is a mere expression and symptom of narrow-mindedness, the real root and reason for psychological disease. The cure is to reverse the trend of behaviour to rid the fallen human beings of narrow-mindedness. The medicine is one and only one: Brahmabháva [ideation on Supreme Consciousness]. But just adopting the supreme goal does not immediately establish one in that. It is the work of the ácárya to recognize if a person is on the right or wrong path and course of action. The ácárya should give direction and guidance in every work, big or small. When he or she is to impart any duty to anyone, he should be strict, strong and exact, like a diamond. He or she should never consider social position, wealth, rank, etc. Only those who are established in Yama and Niyama [moral code] and practise sádhaná can be given any responsibility." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of Acarya)
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Kamalakanta
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"Timira'vrt ama'ra'trir a'ndha'r bhediya' esecho..." (P.S. 1329)
Purport:
O' Baba, on this pitch-black amavasya night which is enveloped by the cimmerian darkness, on this very night by piercing through the cimmerian
darkness You have taken advent.
O' my dearmost Baba, You have saturated my entire existence with Your divine effulgence and You have situated Yourself in the depths of my heart.
Baba, I go on ideating on You - ensconcing my mind in Your ideation. O' my Dearmost, You are mine and mine alone. I do not have fear of anyone or anything, because when I know in my heart that everything is situated within You, then why should I have any fear.
O' Parama Purus'a, I will not harbour any feelings of hatred towards anyone on any occasion. Because when everyone is within You, then how can I have hatred towards anyone. I cannot.
O' Parama Purusa with Your thunderous voice You are revealing this eternal Supreme truth: That You are the Supreme Controller of this great
universe.
Baba, You have graced me by coming after piercing through the cimmerian darkness. Your glory cannot be written - it is indescribable...
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