Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:33:49
"Tumi manera katha' shune tha'ko..." (PS 4488)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa Baba, O' my most intimate One, You always listen to my tales. My feeling and my sentiment, everything You know. You are always filling my heart with Your most attractive form of madhura bhava. In the dark negative days, in the new moon night, You are the brightest effulgence which removes the blackness. In the burning desert, You are the cool water. In the rainy, cloudy night when people have lost the path, at that time You are the Savior Who shows the proper path towards the Goal. Baba, I am desperately searching You, but You are hiding Yourself with the covering of maya. In the spring season You are the most charming fragrance flower. In the pain and agonies You provide that sweet loving touch. Baba, my only desire is that You eternally remain along with me showering Your love, affection, and infinite grace - without caring about my imperfection and shortcomings. Baba, You are ever-gracious, O' my Dearmost...
From: Pradiip Deva
Subject: Why Some Do Not Feel Graced
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Baba
Namaskar,
As sadhakas, one of the main things in life – or the main thing in life – is to cultivate a sweet and intimate relation with Parama Purusa.
Because only He is our eternal Friend who remains along with us forever and ever; only He is that all-powerful Entity of this grand universe who can save us from all kinds of troubles and difficulties; only He is that Bliss Personified Entity who can fill our hearts with unending love and compassion.
So when Parama Purusa alone is that Divine One, naturally then it is most advantageous and very intelligent to nurture an intimate relation with Him.
In Baba’s below mentioned guideline, He uniquely shows us how in our day to day existence we can establish such a devotional and intimate link with Parama Purusa – one that will grow and flourish more and more by His grace.
To do anything in this universe takes energy, and that energy comes from Him.
All of us are aware and it is indeed well known that the devotional scriptures of A’nanda Ma’rga proclaim that everything happens due to the supreme grace of Parama Purusa. There is not a single event or day to day occurrence that transpires in this vast expressed universe that is not the direct result of His divine grace – His krpa’.
Baba says, “This alone is the supreme truth. This is the be-all and end-all of life.” (A Few Problems Solved - 8)
Hence it is a universal truth and well accepted fact that Baba’s grace is everything. All good things in life and all positive results are all due to His causeless grace.
Even then, due to their vanity, in their heart of hearts various jinanis have their own separate perspective.
The bhakta feels in his heart that Parama Purusa is gracious and doing everything whereas jinanis feel that they themselves are doing everything. And that is the big different in mind-set between the two.
Bhaktas give credit to Parama Purusa and that brings more feelings of devotion, while the jinanis give credit to themselves and that creates the feeling of vanity, i.e. the umbrella of vanity. That is why some do not feel graced.
Let's analyse who should be given credit when any work is done.
Suppose you performed an action. Someone fell down on the railroad tracks and you picked them up and saved their life and the next day it was reported in the newspaper. By reading the article, you become very happy and proud of your good deed. Others are appreciating you and you are pleased with yourself. From the viewpoint of the general society, this is all quite normal.
According to the dharmic dictates of Ananda Marga, we should see things completely differently. Because we have to see where the energy came from to do such an action.
The common people think that you did this work with your own energy, but when we think in spiritual way, then we can easily understand that you did not pull that person from the tracks with your own energy. You derived your energy from the air, sunlight, water, food, and from life itself. You are not your own source of energy. It is coming from somewhere else - from all these elements.
If we examine the issue more deeply, we can understand that the ultimate source of all energy and all vitality is Parama Purusa. So then who should get the credit? The Owner and Source of all energy, or should you get the credit. Certainly Parama Purusa. Not to understand this simple truth is foolishness. Those who live off other's energy and strength yet are proud about their own accomplishments thinking they they have done this with their own energy are veritable fools.
Here is another way of thinking of things.
Suppose one master gave $30 to his servant to purchase medicine for a needy person. Thereafter, the servant feels proud that he himself contributed that money. And he starts boasting about his great act of giving. Naturally, everyone around thinks that servant is crazy. Because, in truth, all he did was spend the master's money yet he (the servant) is bragging as if he gave the money for helping the needy.
The point is easy to understand. When all one's energy comes from Parama Purusa naturally credit should be given to Him. That is what bhaktas do. Those who do not understand this think that they themselves are the doer. Such persons are are called jinanis - according to in AM philosophy. These jinanis do not just reside in the "underworld" or in "heaven" - they are among us. We should ask ourselves: "Am I a jinani? Do I give appreciation and credit to Parama Purusa? Or do I only appreciate myself, not Him.
That Divine Entity should be given all of the credit. Giving credit to Him is devotion.
Baba says, "The duty of human beings is only to continue their efforts to please Parama Purusa. Thus when any work is done, the concerning sadhaka is not to be given any credit; the credit should be given to Parama Purus'a." (Subhasita Samgraha - 18, The Path unto the Abode of Beatitude)
Once upon a time there were two disciples of the Supreme Guru.
One of the disciples was very simple in nature and he readily accepted the fact that all the favourable developments in his life and all the successes in his life were due to Guru’s Grace - the grace of Parama Purusa. This was his regular way of thinking. And the more his mind thought like this, the closer he felt with Parama Purusa.
By that way each and every moment he would say, “O’ Lord You are the Great Doer behind my each and every action. You conceive of the work, You execute the work, and You are the One who makes that work successful. Everything sweet in my life - everything accomplished in my life – is a direct outcome of Your divine grace. That is why I always repeat Your divine name.”
So in that way, all day and all night long that simple disciple was forever involved in singing Kiirtan and repeating his Ista mantra and Guru mantra. And naturally that same disciple felt closer and closer to Parama Purusa – day by day.
The above disciple is a bhakta as he gives all credit to Parama Purusa and realises that Parama Purusa is gracious.
In stark contrast, the other disciple had a more jinani bent of mind. He was very proud of his own knowledge and capabilities, and accordingly he felt that whatever good things he had achieved in this life were a direct result of his own talents and his own efforts. This jinani was thinking that he himself was doing all the hard labour and that Parama Purusa is just keeping still – not doing anything.
This mentality is the notorious umbrella of vanity. When any simple or hard work is accomplished then that work can be viewed in two distinctly different ways. One may think that it is His grace or one may think that ‘I did this work’. By this way one either goes closer to or farther from Parama Purusa. If one thinks that ‘I did this work’ then that is the umbrella of vanity and that pushes the person away from Parama Purusa. So this umbrella of vanity brings degeneration.
Let us always remember that Parama Purusa is equally gracious on everyone – whether one understands this or not.
So when it came time to explain his own achievement, then this jinani always harboured the idea that it was all due to his own hard work and perseverance. This was his inner feeling. That was how he explained his own successes in life. And he felt that nobody worked as hard as he did.
But when he saw anyone else getting any type of success in life, then out of extreme jealously and with his skewed intellectual understanding, that jinani would proclaim:
‘This person has no talent or ability, he cannot do anything, so it stands to reason that his success is only due to the grace of Parama Purusa. But in my life it is not like that; in my life I have worked hard to achieve everything I have gotten’.
This was the extreme type of vanity that clouded the jinani’s mind.
In that case how was it possible for the jinani to develop a sweet feeling towards Parama Purusa. Unfortunately it was not. This very crude outlook – this type of umbrella of vanity – totally hindered his own ability to cultivate an intimate and devotional relation with Parama Purusa.
That is why this jinani would often proclaim, ‘I do not feel the grace of Parama Purusa – where is it, I do not feel it’. And when any problem would appear in his life then he would automatically start blaming Parama Purusa for placing this obstacle on his pathway. This was the unfortunate and low-minded perspective of that jinani.
Whereas the more simple devotee’s outlook was the exact opposite. This simple sadhaka attributed all good tidings as being a direct result of the fathomless grace of Parama Purusa. And he felt that if any problem ever came in his life then surely Parama Purusa is there to solve it. This was the natural feeling in his mind. And by thinking like this and by realising this divine and universal truth that Parama Purusa is always gracing and saving him, this simple devotee naturally began to feel a closer and more sentimental link with Parama Purusa.
At this point, still a few may be wondering how it is possible to develop a more intimate relation with Parama Purusa merely by thinking that everything is due to His grace. Some may be wondering how this works. Perhaps we can look at it this way.
Suppose one beggar arrives at the door of one householder. Upon seeing this ravenous beggar, the householder graciously feeds the beggar a variety of tasty and sumptuous dishes on and on until finally the hungry beggar has eaten up to his heart’s content.
Thereafter if the beggar has a sense of gratitude and thinks that he was fed due to the kindness and generosity of that particular householder, then naturally the beggar will develop a sweet feeling in his heart for that householder. And he will walk around town telling to one and all how that householder lovingly prepared so many tasty dishes to satisfy his hunger until finally he felt totally satiated. In this way that beggar will sing the good deeds of that householder. And he will automatically feel a close connection with that gracious householder.
In contrast, if the beggar feels that he got that tasty food only because he walked many miles to the householder’s residence. And if the beggar thinks that he got the meal only due to his own efforts, then he will not feel an iota of gratitude toward the householder. Rather he will contemptuously tell that the householder did not provide me with the food that I really wanted. And the beggar will complain that for dessert the householder only gave me 1 KG of rasagolla and I wanted 2 KG. In this way the beggar will remain totally dissatisfied and completely furious with that householder.
In reality, the householder gave the very food that he himself was going to eat and he gave the sweets that he usually reserves for special guests. But if in the street one tells that beggar that the householder feed you well, the beggar will be dissatisfied thinking that I should have gotten more.
In that case in the beggar’s mind there will not be any sweet feeling towards the householder – rather in that circumstance the relation between them will seem cold and distant. The beggar will even feel angry and inimical towards that kind householder.
Likewise with Parama Purusa, each and every sadhaka should think & cultivate the idea in his mind that all the joys and all the smiles in his life are due to His supreme grace.
And this is not just the world of make believe, this is the grand reality of this divine universe. Because Parama Purusa really does do everything. Everything is due to His grace and He is in controller of everything going on in this vast universe.
So believing everything to be a result of His cosmic grace is not just one’s own mental fabrication or one’s own imagination, this is indeed the grand truth of this created universe: He is the one doing everything. All credit and glory goes to Him.
By realising this truth, automatically that sadhaka will feel more love and affection for Parama Purusa. One will feel a deep sense of eternal gratitude towards Him. In that ideal psychic environment, a close and intimate relation with surely blossom between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. Then one will feel His grace, always.
But if out of one’s own silly vanity any jinani fails to recognise this divine truth, then in their own mental laboratory they will build up their own superiority complex and think that all good things are due to their own greatness. Because of this vain and self-centered approach, mentally such jinanis remain far away from Parama Purusa and they cannot make that sweet relation with Him. And step by step this feeling of isolation permeates each and every aspect of their life until finally their whole existence is sunk in woe and frustration. Such persons never feel His grace.
Ultimately human beings want someone who is very close - someone who will be their grand companion each and every moment in life. Human beings want that type of intimate relation and eternal Friend. And such a companion, such a relation, such a Friend, can only be Parama Purusa – not any human being.
So if in their life anyone has been blessed to have that type of close link with Parama Purusa then in their life there will always be a sweet flow of love and devotion and they will always feel happy, content, and internally satisfied. Because their life is drenched in His divine love and they feel His grace working each and every moment.
But if due to their own unit ego and vanity anyone is unable to cultivate a sweet feeling with that most loving and divine Entity, then that type of jinani will always feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Their life will always feel empty. And the root cause behind it all is that unfortunate umbrella of vanity - not realising that He is the real Doer.
Here below Baba describes this situation.
Baba says, “He has got equal love for each and every creature of this universe, for all animate and inanimate objects. His krpa’ and His compassion is being equally showered upon each and every individual, upon each and every object. He bestows His compassion equally on each and every object. Equally on pa’piis [sinners] and pun’yava’nas [the virtuous].”
“But common people do not feel it, they do not feel that they are getting His krpa’. Why do they not feel it? That krpa’, that water of compassion, is being showered on each and every creature equally, but ordinary people do not feel that they are being drenched by those sacred waters. Why? Because they are holding the umbrella of vanity over their heads, that’s why they are not being drenched.”
“And what is sa’dhana’? You will have to remove that umbrella from above your head and get yourself drenched by the sacred water. You will have to remove that umbrella of vanity…and get yourself drenched by that water; and then you will feel that you are being graced by Him. This is what is called krpa’. Krpa’ is there, but you will have to come to feel it by your sa’dhana’. And when you will remove that umbrella, you will get proper direction, and then you will be guided by hla’dinii shakti, by Ra’dhika’ shakti. Here you will come in contact with His nu’pura dhvani [Divine Sound].” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 33, ‘Brahmacakra’)
Thus as Baba guides us in His above teaching, the devotional cult of sadhana enables one to feel the sweet presence of His divine grace. Because when one does sadhana then naturally the mind becomes soft, serene, and peaceful. And in that way, the sadhaka instinctively feels that everything is due to the divine grace of Parama Purusa.
However, without that, without the practice of sadhana, such jinanis just develop a gross superiority complex and in their mind vanity is the dominant factor. In which case they go on harbouring the idea that they themselves are the only doer in this universe. And they give all credit unto themselves.
And giving credit to oneself instead of Parama Purusa is the umbrella of vanity.
When one recognises that Parama Purusa is doing then that is devotion.
By holding such an unfortunate umbrella of vanity over their head, these jinanis remain far, far away from the charming and loving presence of Parama Purusa - they do not feel the continuous flow of His sweet grace. This is their unfortunate state – all because of the umbrella of vanity.
If you do not feel graced then look in the depths of your heart. Think: In your life do you feel that everything is done by Parama Purusa, or do you feel that you are doing everything and people should appreciate your efforts. Therein lies the answer. This is an internal topic - as one thinks that is how the mind works. And that is why one will feel His grace, or not.
By His infinite mercy and compassion may we all develop that intimate link with Parama Purusa and thereby swim in the devotional waters of His sweet grace.
Baba says, “When you are enjoying the Grace, what will happen? The radius will be shortened, and in this very life you will become one with your Goal, your Nucleus. This Nucleus knows no artificial barrier, nor isms, countries or philosophies. This Nucleus knows that the moving entities are My children – they want to come and sit on My lap.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12, ‘The Only Cult’)
Namskar,
Pradiip
Here Baba describes how vanity affects people.
Baba says, “‘I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department’ – this is how people become mad for their little ‘I’.” (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life-11)
Thus when people suffer from this type of vanity it is impossible to develop an intimate and sweet relation with Parama Purusa. Because when they get any success then they proudly think that they are doing everything and that Parama Purusa is not doing anything. And when anything bad occurs then those same jinanis vehemently blame Parama Purusa for causing such a disaster. By this type of demented outlook, ultimately such jinanis create an inimical relation with Parama Purusa. By this way any balanced person can see how vanity is a huge hindrance on the path of spirituality.
Here Baba explains more how due to their vanity jinanis feel that only others get His divine grace – but not themselves.
Baba says, “Now, you can say, ‘This gentleman has got the grace of the Supreme and I do not get the grace. What am I to do?’ No, He is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving. His grace is for all without any exception. But because of your individual vanity, you do not realize it.”
“Suppose there is a heavy rain of His grace. If you hold an umbrella of vanity over your head, you will not get drenched with the rain. So, if you remove the umbrella of vanity from your head, you will be drenched with His grace.” (17 August 1979 DMC, Taipei)
The only solution for such jinanis is to remove their unfortunate umbrella then only will they get relief and mental peace – otherwise their life will pass in frustration.
Baba says, “He constantly showers His grace without reservation even on those persons who make no effort for salvation and who gradually degrade themselves. Even though you calumniate Brahma and deny His existence, yet He will not be displeased with you. He will not thrust you on the path of destruction. His imposing countenance of forgiveness will for ever remain, and He will forever go on directing you to the ways of salvation. Who else is your genuine friend and compassionate companion?” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1, ‘Brahma Krpa Hi Kevalam’)
Subject: Why Some Do Not Feel Graced
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Baba
== WHY SOME DO NOT FEEL GRACED ==
Namaskar,
As sadhakas, one of the main things in life – or the main thing in life – is to cultivate a sweet and intimate relation with Parama Purusa.
Because only He is our eternal Friend who remains along with us forever and ever; only He is that all-powerful Entity of this grand universe who can save us from all kinds of troubles and difficulties; only He is that Bliss Personified Entity who can fill our hearts with unending love and compassion.
So when Parama Purusa alone is that Divine One, naturally then it is most advantageous and very intelligent to nurture an intimate relation with Him.
In Baba’s below mentioned guideline, He uniquely shows us how in our day to day existence we can establish such a devotional and intimate link with Parama Purusa – one that will grow and flourish more and more by His grace.
BABA’S GRACE IS EVERYTHING
To do anything in this universe takes energy, and that energy comes from Him.
All of us are aware and it is indeed well known that the devotional scriptures of A’nanda Ma’rga proclaim that everything happens due to the supreme grace of Parama Purusa. There is not a single event or day to day occurrence that transpires in this vast expressed universe that is not the direct result of His divine grace – His krpa’.
Gurukrpa’ hi kevalam
“The Guru’s grace is everything.”
“The Guru’s grace is everything.”
Baba says, “This alone is the supreme truth. This is the be-all and end-all of life.” (A Few Problems Solved - 8)
Hence it is a universal truth and well accepted fact that Baba’s grace is everything. All good things in life and all positive results are all due to His causeless grace.
Even then, due to their vanity, in their heart of hearts various jinanis have their own separate perspective.
The bhakta feels in his heart that Parama Purusa is gracious and doing everything whereas jinanis feel that they themselves are doing everything. And that is the big different in mind-set between the two.
Bhaktas give credit to Parama Purusa and that brings more feelings of devotion, while the jinanis give credit to themselves and that creates the feeling of vanity, i.e. the umbrella of vanity. That is why some do not feel graced.
WHO SHOULD BE GIVEN CREDIT
Let's analyse who should be given credit when any work is done.
Suppose you performed an action. Someone fell down on the railroad tracks and you picked them up and saved their life and the next day it was reported in the newspaper. By reading the article, you become very happy and proud of your good deed. Others are appreciating you and you are pleased with yourself. From the viewpoint of the general society, this is all quite normal.
According to the dharmic dictates of Ananda Marga, we should see things completely differently. Because we have to see where the energy came from to do such an action.
The common people think that you did this work with your own energy, but when we think in spiritual way, then we can easily understand that you did not pull that person from the tracks with your own energy. You derived your energy from the air, sunlight, water, food, and from life itself. You are not your own source of energy. It is coming from somewhere else - from all these elements.
If we examine the issue more deeply, we can understand that the ultimate source of all energy and all vitality is Parama Purusa. So then who should get the credit? The Owner and Source of all energy, or should you get the credit. Certainly Parama Purusa. Not to understand this simple truth is foolishness. Those who live off other's energy and strength yet are proud about their own accomplishments thinking they they have done this with their own energy are veritable fools.
Here is another way of thinking of things.
Suppose one master gave $30 to his servant to purchase medicine for a needy person. Thereafter, the servant feels proud that he himself contributed that money. And he starts boasting about his great act of giving. Naturally, everyone around thinks that servant is crazy. Because, in truth, all he did was spend the master's money yet he (the servant) is bragging as if he gave the money for helping the needy.
The point is easy to understand. When all one's energy comes from Parama Purusa naturally credit should be given to Him. That is what bhaktas do. Those who do not understand this think that they themselves are the doer. Such persons are are called jinanis - according to in AM philosophy. These jinanis do not just reside in the "underworld" or in "heaven" - they are among us. We should ask ourselves: "Am I a jinani? Do I give appreciation and credit to Parama Purusa? Or do I only appreciate myself, not Him.
That Divine Entity should be given all of the credit. Giving credit to Him is devotion.
Baba says, "The duty of human beings is only to continue their efforts to please Parama Purusa. Thus when any work is done, the concerning sadhaka is not to be given any credit; the credit should be given to Parama Purus'a." (Subhasita Samgraha - 18, The Path unto the Abode of Beatitude)
STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE
PERSPECTIVES
Once upon a time there were two disciples of the Supreme Guru.
One of the disciples was very simple in nature and he readily accepted the fact that all the favourable developments in his life and all the successes in his life were due to Guru’s Grace - the grace of Parama Purusa. This was his regular way of thinking. And the more his mind thought like this, the closer he felt with Parama Purusa.
By that way each and every moment he would say, “O’ Lord You are the Great Doer behind my each and every action. You conceive of the work, You execute the work, and You are the One who makes that work successful. Everything sweet in my life - everything accomplished in my life – is a direct outcome of Your divine grace. That is why I always repeat Your divine name.”
So in that way, all day and all night long that simple disciple was forever involved in singing Kiirtan and repeating his Ista mantra and Guru mantra. And naturally that same disciple felt closer and closer to Parama Purusa – day by day.
The above disciple is a bhakta as he gives all credit to Parama Purusa and realises that Parama Purusa is gracious.
STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE
PERSPECTIVES (Part II)
In stark contrast, the other disciple had a more jinani bent of mind. He was very proud of his own knowledge and capabilities, and accordingly he felt that whatever good things he had achieved in this life were a direct result of his own talents and his own efforts. This jinani was thinking that he himself was doing all the hard labour and that Parama Purusa is just keeping still – not doing anything.
This mentality is the notorious umbrella of vanity. When any simple or hard work is accomplished then that work can be viewed in two distinctly different ways. One may think that it is His grace or one may think that ‘I did this work’. By this way one either goes closer to or farther from Parama Purusa. If one thinks that ‘I did this work’ then that is the umbrella of vanity and that pushes the person away from Parama Purusa. So this umbrella of vanity brings degeneration.
Let us always remember that Parama Purusa is equally gracious on everyone – whether one understands this or not.
So when it came time to explain his own achievement, then this jinani always harboured the idea that it was all due to his own hard work and perseverance. This was his inner feeling. That was how he explained his own successes in life. And he felt that nobody worked as hard as he did.
But when he saw anyone else getting any type of success in life, then out of extreme jealously and with his skewed intellectual understanding, that jinani would proclaim:
‘This person has no talent or ability, he cannot do anything, so it stands to reason that his success is only due to the grace of Parama Purusa. But in my life it is not like that; in my life I have worked hard to achieve everything I have gotten’.
This was the extreme type of vanity that clouded the jinani’s mind.
STORY OF TWO DISCIPLES: TWO OPPOSITE
PERSPECTIVES (Part III)
In that case how was it possible for the jinani to develop a sweet feeling towards Parama Purusa. Unfortunately it was not. This very crude outlook – this type of umbrella of vanity – totally hindered his own ability to cultivate an intimate and devotional relation with Parama Purusa.
That is why this jinani would often proclaim, ‘I do not feel the grace of Parama Purusa – where is it, I do not feel it’. And when any problem would appear in his life then he would automatically start blaming Parama Purusa for placing this obstacle on his pathway. This was the unfortunate and low-minded perspective of that jinani.
Whereas the more simple devotee’s outlook was the exact opposite. This simple sadhaka attributed all good tidings as being a direct result of the fathomless grace of Parama Purusa. And he felt that if any problem ever came in his life then surely Parama Purusa is there to solve it. This was the natural feeling in his mind. And by thinking like this and by realising this divine and universal truth that Parama Purusa is always gracing and saving him, this simple devotee naturally began to feel a closer and more sentimental link with Parama Purusa.
BEGGAR EXAMPLE
At this point, still a few may be wondering how it is possible to develop a more intimate relation with Parama Purusa merely by thinking that everything is due to His grace. Some may be wondering how this works. Perhaps we can look at it this way.
Suppose one beggar arrives at the door of one householder. Upon seeing this ravenous beggar, the householder graciously feeds the beggar a variety of tasty and sumptuous dishes on and on until finally the hungry beggar has eaten up to his heart’s content.
Thereafter if the beggar has a sense of gratitude and thinks that he was fed due to the kindness and generosity of that particular householder, then naturally the beggar will develop a sweet feeling in his heart for that householder. And he will walk around town telling to one and all how that householder lovingly prepared so many tasty dishes to satisfy his hunger until finally he felt totally satiated. In this way that beggar will sing the good deeds of that householder. And he will automatically feel a close connection with that gracious householder.
In contrast, if the beggar feels that he got that tasty food only because he walked many miles to the householder’s residence. And if the beggar thinks that he got the meal only due to his own efforts, then he will not feel an iota of gratitude toward the householder. Rather he will contemptuously tell that the householder did not provide me with the food that I really wanted. And the beggar will complain that for dessert the householder only gave me 1 KG of rasagolla and I wanted 2 KG. In this way the beggar will remain totally dissatisfied and completely furious with that householder.
In reality, the householder gave the very food that he himself was going to eat and he gave the sweets that he usually reserves for special guests. But if in the street one tells that beggar that the householder feed you well, the beggar will be dissatisfied thinking that I should have gotten more.
In that case in the beggar’s mind there will not be any sweet feeling towards the householder – rather in that circumstance the relation between them will seem cold and distant. The beggar will even feel angry and inimical towards that kind householder.
LIKEWISE WITH PARAMA PURUSA…
Likewise with Parama Purusa, each and every sadhaka should think & cultivate the idea in his mind that all the joys and all the smiles in his life are due to His supreme grace.
And this is not just the world of make believe, this is the grand reality of this divine universe. Because Parama Purusa really does do everything. Everything is due to His grace and He is in controller of everything going on in this vast universe.
So believing everything to be a result of His cosmic grace is not just one’s own mental fabrication or one’s own imagination, this is indeed the grand truth of this created universe: He is the one doing everything. All credit and glory goes to Him.
By realising this truth, automatically that sadhaka will feel more love and affection for Parama Purusa. One will feel a deep sense of eternal gratitude towards Him. In that ideal psychic environment, a close and intimate relation with surely blossom between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. Then one will feel His grace, always.
WHAT VAIN JINANIS DO
But if out of one’s own silly vanity any jinani fails to recognise this divine truth, then in their own mental laboratory they will build up their own superiority complex and think that all good things are due to their own greatness. Because of this vain and self-centered approach, mentally such jinanis remain far away from Parama Purusa and they cannot make that sweet relation with Him. And step by step this feeling of isolation permeates each and every aspect of their life until finally their whole existence is sunk in woe and frustration. Such persons never feel His grace.
HUMAN DESIRE AND LONGING
Ultimately human beings want someone who is very close - someone who will be their grand companion each and every moment in life. Human beings want that type of intimate relation and eternal Friend. And such a companion, such a relation, such a Friend, can only be Parama Purusa – not any human being.
So if in their life anyone has been blessed to have that type of close link with Parama Purusa then in their life there will always be a sweet flow of love and devotion and they will always feel happy, content, and internally satisfied. Because their life is drenched in His divine love and they feel His grace working each and every moment.
UNFORTUNATE UMBRELLA OF VANITY
But if due to their own unit ego and vanity anyone is unable to cultivate a sweet feeling with that most loving and divine Entity, then that type of jinani will always feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Their life will always feel empty. And the root cause behind it all is that unfortunate umbrella of vanity - not realising that He is the real Doer.
Here below Baba describes this situation.
Baba says, “He has got equal love for each and every creature of this universe, for all animate and inanimate objects. His krpa’ and His compassion is being equally showered upon each and every individual, upon each and every object. He bestows His compassion equally on each and every object. Equally on pa’piis [sinners] and pun’yava’nas [the virtuous].”
“But common people do not feel it, they do not feel that they are getting His krpa’. Why do they not feel it? That krpa’, that water of compassion, is being showered on each and every creature equally, but ordinary people do not feel that they are being drenched by those sacred waters. Why? Because they are holding the umbrella of vanity over their heads, that’s why they are not being drenched.”
“And what is sa’dhana’? You will have to remove that umbrella from above your head and get yourself drenched by the sacred water. You will have to remove that umbrella of vanity…and get yourself drenched by that water; and then you will feel that you are being graced by Him. This is what is called krpa’. Krpa’ is there, but you will have to come to feel it by your sa’dhana’. And when you will remove that umbrella, you will get proper direction, and then you will be guided by hla’dinii shakti, by Ra’dhika’ shakti. Here you will come in contact with His nu’pura dhvani [Divine Sound].” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 33, ‘Brahmacakra’)
SADHANA AND HIS GRACE REMOVES THE UMBRELLA,
OTHERWISE…
OTHERWISE…
Thus as Baba guides us in His above teaching, the devotional cult of sadhana enables one to feel the sweet presence of His divine grace. Because when one does sadhana then naturally the mind becomes soft, serene, and peaceful. And in that way, the sadhaka instinctively feels that everything is due to the divine grace of Parama Purusa.
However, without that, without the practice of sadhana, such jinanis just develop a gross superiority complex and in their mind vanity is the dominant factor. In which case they go on harbouring the idea that they themselves are the only doer in this universe. And they give all credit unto themselves.
And giving credit to oneself instead of Parama Purusa is the umbrella of vanity.
When one recognises that Parama Purusa is doing then that is devotion.
By holding such an unfortunate umbrella of vanity over their head, these jinanis remain far, far away from the charming and loving presence of Parama Purusa - they do not feel the continuous flow of His sweet grace. This is their unfortunate state – all because of the umbrella of vanity.
SELF-INQUIRY
If you do not feel graced then look in the depths of your heart. Think: In your life do you feel that everything is done by Parama Purusa, or do you feel that you are doing everything and people should appreciate your efforts. Therein lies the answer. This is an internal topic - as one thinks that is how the mind works. And that is why one will feel His grace, or not.
BABA’S BLESSING
By His infinite mercy and compassion may we all develop that intimate link with Parama Purusa and thereby swim in the devotional waters of His sweet grace.
Baba says, “When you are enjoying the Grace, what will happen? The radius will be shortened, and in this very life you will become one with your Goal, your Nucleus. This Nucleus knows no artificial barrier, nor isms, countries or philosophies. This Nucleus knows that the moving entities are My children – they want to come and sit on My lap.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12, ‘The Only Cult’)
Namskar,
Pradiip
Note 1: PROBLEM OF VANITY
Here Baba describes how vanity affects people.
Baba says, “‘I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department’ – this is how people become mad for their little ‘I’.” (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life-11)
Thus when people suffer from this type of vanity it is impossible to develop an intimate and sweet relation with Parama Purusa. Because when they get any success then they proudly think that they are doing everything and that Parama Purusa is not doing anything. And when anything bad occurs then those same jinanis vehemently blame Parama Purusa for causing such a disaster. By this type of demented outlook, ultimately such jinanis create an inimical relation with Parama Purusa. By this way any balanced person can see how vanity is a huge hindrance on the path of spirituality.
Note 2: MORE ABOUT THE UMBRELLA OF VANITY
Here Baba explains more how due to their vanity jinanis feel that only others get His divine grace – but not themselves.
Baba says, “Now, you can say, ‘This gentleman has got the grace of the Supreme and I do not get the grace. What am I to do?’ No, He is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving. His grace is for all without any exception. But because of your individual vanity, you do not realize it.”
“Suppose there is a heavy rain of His grace. If you hold an umbrella of vanity over your head, you will not get drenched with the rain. So, if you remove the umbrella of vanity from your head, you will be drenched with His grace.” (17 August 1979 DMC, Taipei)
The only solution for such jinanis is to remove their unfortunate umbrella then only will they get relief and mental peace – otherwise their life will pass in frustration.
Note 3: OUR ETERNAL FRIEND AND HIS
EVER-FLOWING GRACE
Baba says, “He constantly showers His grace without reservation even on those persons who make no effort for salvation and who gradually degrade themselves. Even though you calumniate Brahma and deny His existence, yet He will not be displeased with you. He will not thrust you on the path of destruction. His imposing countenance of forgiveness will for ever remain, and He will forever go on directing you to the ways of salvation. Who else is your genuine friend and compassionate companion?” (Subhasita Samgraha – 1, ‘Brahma Krpa Hi Kevalam’)
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"Tumi manera katha' shune tha'ko..." (PS 4488)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa Baba, O' my most intimate One, You always listen to my tales. My feeling and my sentiment, everything You know. You are always filling my heart with Your most attractive form of madhura bhava. In the dark negative days, in the new moon night, You are the brightest effulgence which removes the blackness. In the burning desert, You are the cool water. In the rainy, cloudy night when people have lost the path, at that time You are the Savior Who shows the proper path towards the Goal. Baba, I am desperately searching You, but You are hiding Yourself with the covering of maya. In the spring season You are the most charming fragrance flower. In the pain and agonies You provide that sweet loving touch. Baba, my only desire is that You eternally remain along with me showering Your love, affection, and infinite grace - without caring about my imperfection and shortcomings. Baba, You are ever-gracious, O' my Dearmost...
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