Date: 13 Feb 2012 22:09:48 -0000
From: "Manjit S Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Are You Reading Ananda Marga Books?
Baba
Note: The following is the first-hand account of Shrii Vrajvasi Lal from Bhopal (MP) whereby he recounts his PC with Baba.
Namaskar,
By Baba's grace I was initiated in 1963. A few years later in 1966, DMC was held in Nagpur. At the time, due to His devotional pull, I had a very strong desire to have Baba's personal contact.
Numerous margiis had told me that Baba knows everything but I wanted to have my own first-hand experience about this. So this is what I planned to do: I decided that when Baba asks me anything I will not answer, until He asks me the question in my mother tongue. That was my plan. And I did not tell anybody about this.
By that way I will be confirmed that Baba knows my thoughts and mother tongue.
As per the system, I waited in line for PC (personal contact). When my turn came, I entered Baba's room and immediately did sastaunga pranam. After a short while, I heard Baba say in a soft voice, "Get up, get up."
I got up and stood before Baba.
Baba asked me, "What is your name?"
I kept quiet because He spoke in English, not my mother tongue. That was my plan so I did not say anything. I just stood there.
Although I understood English, I was waiting for Baba to speak to me in my mother tongue. That is why I was not responding.
Then Baba asked me other questions - all in English. Still I did not respond. I continued to remain quiet.
Baba started smiling. Then in a very gracious and sweet way He began asking me those same questions in my mother tongue (Bundel Khandi). We talked together for a few minutes. I was so happy.
While in His presence, I was thinking, "Yes, Baba indeed knows everything. He spoke in my mother tongue which is not widely known; and, He understood my desire without my saying anything."
On that same occasion of PC, Baba pointed out many of my mistakes, i.e. times I failed to adhere to 16 Points.
In follow-up, Baba inquired, "Are you reading Ananda Marga books?"
I replied, "No, Baba."
Then Baba told, "It is very important to read our Ananda Marga books and study the discourses in order to practice those points on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise you will not know about those things, in which case how will you follow them in your practical life."
Previously, I was thinking just the opposite. I had heard from many sadhakas that devotion is everything. So I had formed a very negative opinion about jinana (knowledge) and thought that there was no need to review and study Ananda Marga books.
Because of this defective mentality, I had no idea about those conduct rules and teachings; thus Baba had to point out my mistakes.
Baba then explained, "It takes a lot of effort to bring these books in printed form. So much time and energy are invested, yet you are not reading them. That is why you do not even know the basic do's and don'ts of life."
At that point I realised that reading AM books is highly important and mentally I took the firm determination to study all of the Ananda Marga literature. Due to my lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals and conduct, I was not aware about right and wrong, virtue and vice, as described in 16 Points. I was not following those codes properly and thus committed sin and acquired negative samsakaras.
For the requital of my sins, Baba punished me, and I accepted. I felt completely light and blissful, by His grace.
Baba then asked me, "Who is your father?"
I replied accordingly.
Baba told me, "That is your laokik father. I am your Father - not only for this life but up to eternity."
Then Baba blessed me and I felt His sweet touch in every cell and pore of my existence.
Still today I cannot forget His proximity, guidance, and love. Even now when I think about this it gives me goosebumps. Since that time I became very regular in studying Baba's books so I could best adhere to and propagate the principles of Ananda Marga.
I also realised that those things which I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew. Indeed Baba knows everything and He loves me very much.
Note: That concludes Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji's first-hand account of his PC with Baba.
The above story recounted by Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji has three fundamental teachings:
1. The first teaching from the above story is that until one has complete faith one cannot surrender fully. It is just like if one is not sure that a plane can fly then that person is not going to put their life in danger by boarding that airplane. A person first wants confirmation or proof that the plane is safe and operable. Similarly, people do not like to put their life in Guru's hands unless they think that Guru is very powerful.
People develop faith in various ways. Some realise that Baba is Parama Purusa in their sadhana or dreams. With their inherent devotion, their past life penance, sincere sadhana, or the causeless grace of Parama Purusa, some realise in their heart without any effort that, "Baba is myGuru and He is all-powerful."
But not all fall in this category.
Thus other sadhakas try to test Baba in their own way in order erase their doubts, get proof of His greatness, and gain more faith. That is what Lalji did in the above story. He tested Baba to see if Baba could understand His desire and speak in his mother tongue. Seeing this, Lalji became fully convinced and could surrender to Guru.
Those who do not have full faith should test Him and Baba will surely respond. By this way they will develop full surrender. Remember this is between you and your Guru. If you have proper determination and a sincere desire then Guru must reply. That happens in 100% of the cases. By this way people develop faith and then surrender comes. This can happen in various ways.
2. The second teaching from the above story is that one must read and study AM books otherwise one may fall into dogma. If an aspirant has devotion but not that very high amount of devotion to become realised, then there is the distinct possibility of falling into dogma.
We see this unfold in regular life. Due to a lack of proper knowledge, some naive Wts and margiis think that they can remain in one group and also follow neo-humanism, as if groupism and neo-humanism can co-exist. Or due to a lack of proper knowledge they think their group is not a group. A few simple, uninformed persons come in this category.
That is why Baba has given His teachings and included svadhyaya in 16 Points. Once one is aware about the dharmic teachings of AM ideology, one will not fall into dogma, but rather fight against it.
3. The third teaching from the above story is that there must be a close and intimate relation between a devotee and Parama Purusa, otherwise one cannot go close nor become one with Him. So having a relation is critical.
Although the Guru-disciple relation is one relation;that is not what I am talking about.
Baba has outlined 4 types of relations which bring feelings of closeness: Father-son, Friend, Master-servant, and Beloved. It depends upon one's own samskara - some prefer one and some prefer another.
But one thing is certain: A sadhaka can only have one relation at one particular moment. In life that relation may change and progress with sincere sadhana. But at one time one will only have one of the aforesaid relations. So one will select the one that is most suited to their feelings.
This third point then is that devotees must have an intimate relation with Parama Purusa in order to reach thenultimate goal of spirituality. In the above story the sadhaka has a Father-son relationship with Parama Purusa. That is what Baba is reminding.
These types of bhavas (relation) are needed for having His proximity. When one is not close then an aspirant cannot express their intimate feeling with Parama Purusa. There will be distance and that is very detrimental for one's spiritual progress. It is just like how you cannot express the deep inner feelings of your heart with a distant person. An intimate relation is needed.
Mundane relations are very temporary and cannot fulfill all the longings of the mind. That is why one's relationship with Parama Purusa is very meaningful. For those who lack such a relation with Parama Purusa, devotion is but a theoretical concept.
About all these bhavas and their importance in devotional life, Baba has written beautifully in Namami Krsnasundaram. If you want to know more please write.
Namaskar,
Manjit
Baba says, "Brahma, the author of this vast cosmic imagination moves everywhere within the universe, His vast Macropsychic arena, with His mental feet. He catches all the objects of this universe with His all-pervasive mental hands. He is the intellect, the intuition and the witnessing faculty of the innumerable created objects and hence we can say that He has His all-pervasive mental heads. Similarly, as the witness of all the macropsychic entities, He has innumerable mental eyes; and to hear their words, spoken or secret, and every loud or soft sound, He has His all-pervasive ears. He exists surrounding all objects with His own identity. You can keep nothing secret or private from Him - He knows more about you than you know about yourself. Behind all His pervasive faculties of knowing, understanding and hearing lies His Macropsychic stance." (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm)
From: "Manjit S Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Are You Reading Ananda Marga Books?
Baba
== BABA STORY: ARE YOU READING ANANDA MARGA
BOOKS? ==
Note: The following is the first-hand account of Shrii Vrajvasi Lal from Bhopal (MP) whereby he recounts his PC with Baba.
Namaskar,
By Baba's grace I was initiated in 1963. A few years later in 1966, DMC was held in Nagpur. At the time, due to His devotional pull, I had a very strong desire to have Baba's personal contact.
Numerous margiis had told me that Baba knows everything but I wanted to have my own first-hand experience about this. So this is what I planned to do: I decided that when Baba asks me anything I will not answer, until He asks me the question in my mother tongue. That was my plan. And I did not tell anybody about this.
By that way I will be confirmed that Baba knows my thoughts and mother tongue.
MY PC WITH BABA
As per the system, I waited in line for PC (personal contact). When my turn came, I entered Baba's room and immediately did sastaunga pranam. After a short while, I heard Baba say in a soft voice, "Get up, get up."
I got up and stood before Baba.
Baba asked me, "What is your name?"
I kept quiet because He spoke in English, not my mother tongue. That was my plan so I did not say anything. I just stood there.
Although I understood English, I was waiting for Baba to speak to me in my mother tongue. That is why I was not responding.
Then Baba asked me other questions - all in English. Still I did not respond. I continued to remain quiet.
Baba started smiling. Then in a very gracious and sweet way He began asking me those same questions in my mother tongue (Bundel Khandi). We talked together for a few minutes. I was so happy.
While in His presence, I was thinking, "Yes, Baba indeed knows everything. He spoke in my mother tongue which is not widely known; and, He understood my desire without my saying anything."
BABA POINTS OUT MY DEFECTS
AND ASKS, "ARE YOU READING AM BOOKS?"
AND ASKS, "ARE YOU READING AM BOOKS?"
On that same occasion of PC, Baba pointed out many of my mistakes, i.e. times I failed to adhere to 16 Points.
In follow-up, Baba inquired, "Are you reading Ananda Marga books?"
I replied, "No, Baba."
Then Baba told, "It is very important to read our Ananda Marga books and study the discourses in order to practice those points on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise you will not know about those things, in which case how will you follow them in your practical life."
Previously, I was thinking just the opposite. I had heard from many sadhakas that devotion is everything. So I had formed a very negative opinion about jinana (knowledge) and thought that there was no need to review and study Ananda Marga books.
Because of this defective mentality, I had no idea about those conduct rules and teachings; thus Baba had to point out my mistakes.
Baba then explained, "It takes a lot of effort to bring these books in printed form. So much time and energy are invested, yet you are not reading them. That is why you do not even know the basic do's and don'ts of life."
At that point I realised that reading AM books is highly important and mentally I took the firm determination to study all of the Ananda Marga literature. Due to my lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals and conduct, I was not aware about right and wrong, virtue and vice, as described in 16 Points. I was not following those codes properly and thus committed sin and acquired negative samsakaras.
For the requital of my sins, Baba punished me, and I accepted. I felt completely light and blissful, by His grace.
BABA: "I AM YOUR FATHER"
Baba then asked me, "Who is your father?"
I replied accordingly.
Baba told me, "That is your laokik father. I am your Father - not only for this life but up to eternity."
Then Baba blessed me and I felt His sweet touch in every cell and pore of my existence.
Still today I cannot forget His proximity, guidance, and love. Even now when I think about this it gives me goosebumps. Since that time I became very regular in studying Baba's books so I could best adhere to and propagate the principles of Ananda Marga.
I also realised that those things which I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew. Indeed Baba knows everything and He loves me very much.
Note: That concludes Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji's first-hand account of his PC with Baba.
REFLECTION
The above story recounted by Shrii Vrajvasi Lalji has three fundamental teachings:
1. The first teaching from the above story is that until one has complete faith one cannot surrender fully. It is just like if one is not sure that a plane can fly then that person is not going to put their life in danger by boarding that airplane. A person first wants confirmation or proof that the plane is safe and operable. Similarly, people do not like to put their life in Guru's hands unless they think that Guru is very powerful.
People develop faith in various ways. Some realise that Baba is Parama Purusa in their sadhana or dreams. With their inherent devotion, their past life penance, sincere sadhana, or the causeless grace of Parama Purusa, some realise in their heart without any effort that, "Baba is myGuru and He is all-powerful."
But not all fall in this category.
Thus other sadhakas try to test Baba in their own way in order erase their doubts, get proof of His greatness, and gain more faith. That is what Lalji did in the above story. He tested Baba to see if Baba could understand His desire and speak in his mother tongue. Seeing this, Lalji became fully convinced and could surrender to Guru.
Those who do not have full faith should test Him and Baba will surely respond. By this way they will develop full surrender. Remember this is between you and your Guru. If you have proper determination and a sincere desire then Guru must reply. That happens in 100% of the cases. By this way people develop faith and then surrender comes. This can happen in various ways.
2. The second teaching from the above story is that one must read and study AM books otherwise one may fall into dogma. If an aspirant has devotion but not that very high amount of devotion to become realised, then there is the distinct possibility of falling into dogma.
We see this unfold in regular life. Due to a lack of proper knowledge, some naive Wts and margiis think that they can remain in one group and also follow neo-humanism, as if groupism and neo-humanism can co-exist. Or due to a lack of proper knowledge they think their group is not a group. A few simple, uninformed persons come in this category.
That is why Baba has given His teachings and included svadhyaya in 16 Points. Once one is aware about the dharmic teachings of AM ideology, one will not fall into dogma, but rather fight against it.
3. The third teaching from the above story is that there must be a close and intimate relation between a devotee and Parama Purusa, otherwise one cannot go close nor become one with Him. So having a relation is critical.
Although the Guru-disciple relation is one relation;that is not what I am talking about.
Baba has outlined 4 types of relations which bring feelings of closeness: Father-son, Friend, Master-servant, and Beloved. It depends upon one's own samskara - some prefer one and some prefer another.
But one thing is certain: A sadhaka can only have one relation at one particular moment. In life that relation may change and progress with sincere sadhana. But at one time one will only have one of the aforesaid relations. So one will select the one that is most suited to their feelings.
This third point then is that devotees must have an intimate relation with Parama Purusa in order to reach thenultimate goal of spirituality. In the above story the sadhaka has a Father-son relationship with Parama Purusa. That is what Baba is reminding.
These types of bhavas (relation) are needed for having His proximity. When one is not close then an aspirant cannot express their intimate feeling with Parama Purusa. There will be distance and that is very detrimental for one's spiritual progress. It is just like how you cannot express the deep inner feelings of your heart with a distant person. An intimate relation is needed.
Mundane relations are very temporary and cannot fulfill all the longings of the mind. That is why one's relationship with Parama Purusa is very meaningful. For those who lack such a relation with Parama Purusa, devotion is but a theoretical concept.
About all these bhavas and their importance in devotional life, Baba has written beautifully in Namami Krsnasundaram. If you want to know more please write.
Namaskar,
Manjit
Note: BABA IS STILL PRESENT
A few people think that Baba is the subject of
history and believe they lost their opportunity to communicate
with Him directly or personally. They think that the opportunity
to be with Baba has passed. Indeed such persons feel that the
privilege is gone and Baba is no longer accessible. They think
that they cannot have His proximity and can only talk about His
greatness. Thinking thus they feel sad. Those who think in such
a manner are completely ignorant about Baba.
Baba is Parama Purusa - His existence is beyond time. Now even in this very moment you can have His grace and serve Him. You can do anything that devotees have done in the past.
So one should not feel and say with a deep sigh that, "Those days are gone and it is now impossible to have His close proximity." Instead you are to remember that Baba is always with you - now, in the future, always.
Devotees realise this divine truth and others do not. If you want to say something to Him then say it mentally - there is no need even for vocal chords. If you say or ask mentally, He listens. His ears are ready to listen. If you want to offer something, His hand is ready to receive. If you want to do pranam - go ahead. He will receive your pranam.
In all the ways, Baba is present with you. Because Baba is that eternal Divine Entity, Parama Purusa.
Baba is Parama Purusa - His existence is beyond time. Now even in this very moment you can have His grace and serve Him. You can do anything that devotees have done in the past.
So one should not feel and say with a deep sigh that, "Those days are gone and it is now impossible to have His close proximity." Instead you are to remember that Baba is always with you - now, in the future, always.
Devotees realise this divine truth and others do not. If you want to say something to Him then say it mentally - there is no need even for vocal chords. If you say or ask mentally, He listens. His ears are ready to listen. If you want to offer something, His hand is ready to receive. If you want to do pranam - go ahead. He will receive your pranam.
In all the ways, Baba is present with you. Because Baba is that eternal Divine Entity, Parama Purusa.
Baba says, "Brahma, the author of this vast cosmic imagination moves everywhere within the universe, His vast Macropsychic arena, with His mental feet. He catches all the objects of this universe with His all-pervasive mental hands. He is the intellect, the intuition and the witnessing faculty of the innumerable created objects and hence we can say that He has His all-pervasive mental heads. Similarly, as the witness of all the macropsychic entities, He has innumerable mental eyes; and to hear their words, spoken or secret, and every loud or soft sound, He has His all-pervasive ears. He exists surrounding all objects with His own identity. You can keep nothing secret or private from Him - He knows more about you than you know about yourself. Behind all His pervasive faculties of knowing, understanding and hearing lies His Macropsychic stance." (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm)
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"(Tumi) a'lo jhalmal u's'a'y ele, a'ndha'rer ja'l chinrile..." (PS #3983)
Purport:
Baba, You have come in my heart while the blissful dawn was glittering in effulgence. By Your grace, You have wiped away the net of staticity and crude darkness from my mind. In a flash You have also removed the dogma which had accumulated since ages. Baba, You are so beautiful.
O' my Dearmost, You know how to make such a divine magical display. By Your grace You have created a heavenly panorama - complete with the beauty and grandeur of colour, by Your divine play. Baba, in the blink of the eye, You bring lowly and depraved persons close to Your bosom, without making any differentiation or disparity about who is virtuous and who is sinful.
Baba, You are my beginning as well as my end, my Goal, my everything. Baba, my whereabouts, my name, my place, my address - everything has become one with You, by Your grace. Baba I offer You my heartfelt surrender and sastaunga pranam thousands, millions, crores, & an infinite number of times - again & again.
Baba, by Your divine grace You have come in my heart and showered me in Your supreme effulgence. You are my own; You are my everything...
