Baba
This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Misleading Baba Story;
(2) Trailer Quote: Human-Shaped Animals;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #4502;
Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).
***************
Namaskar,
In his Baba story book, one dada has put forth the following teaching. We should examine this "guideline" and determine if it is effective or not.
Here is the teaching that one dada has given in his Baba story book.
"Baba had once said, “If I tell you something to do, you may or may not do it; but if I tell you not to do something, never do it”." (101 Baba stories, Story #8)
Basically dadaji is citing Baba and telling us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
That was the essence of his Baba story.
As disciples of Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, we have to critically examine this message according to the touchstone of Ananda Marga ideology.
One of the chief messages from dada's story which he attributes to Baba is that we need not do what Baba tells us to do.
That means if Baba tells us to do sadhana, then we may or may not do sadhana. And if Baba tells us to eat sentient food, then we may or may not follow a sentient diet. And when Baba tells avadhutas to look upon every female as mother, they may or may not follow that guideline. It is optional. That is the essence of dadaji's teaching from his story.
Yet we know that Baba Himself is the dharma Guru; what He says should be done. Hence not doing what should be done - i.e. not following what He says to do - is a sin of omission or pratyavaya.
"Pratyaváya means “not to do what should be done”. For instance, parents should educate their children. If they do not, they are said to have committed pratyaváya." (Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 18)
Similarly, if Baba tells us to do something - i.e. do sadhana, or follow a sentient diet, or do fasting - then by not following that teaching we are committing pratyavaya, or a sin of omission. Because we did not do what Baba told us to do.
Baba furthermore warns us that pratyavaya is worse then pa'pa [sin].
"Pratyaváya [sin of omission] is worse than pápa [sin of commission]." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Purpose Behind the Advent)
But in his story, dadaji is telling us that it is fine to do pratyavaya; that is dadaji's overall message.
However, in Baba's divine teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, He strictly warns us that committing pratyavaya is very bad; it is worse than any wrongdoing.
Clearly then, based on this point of pratyavaya alone, dadaji's Baba story is antithetical to our ideology.
Now let's further examine this story from other angles.
In his Baba story, dadaji tells us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
For the sake of clarity, we should put forth some practical examples.
For instance, if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then according dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to eat tamasik food, then we must follow His guideline and avoid eating meat etc.
In essence, the directive is the same (i.e. follow a sentient diet) but the outcome is radically different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to eat sentient food, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we can eat meat etc; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must avoid meat entirely.
Next consider this. Baba tells us to follow satya (benevolent truthfulness), but according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to indulge in falsehood, then we must follow His guideline and be very strict in satya.
In essence, the directive is the same (i.e. follow satya) but the outcome is completely different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to follow satya, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we can indulge in telling lies and doing slander etc; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to indulge in falsehood, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must entirely avoid telling lies.
Then there is this example. Baba tells us to keep good character, but according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to do any characterless behaviours, then we must strictly follow His guideline and avoid all kinds of lowly dealings etc.
In essence, in both instances, the message is the same (i.e. be of good character) but the outcome is radically different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to keep good character, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we may exhibit unsavory behaviour; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must strictly avoid characterless types of conduct.
This type of faulty reasoning given in dadaji's story makes Baba's teachings and the entire platform of Ananda Marga ideology look flimsy and hypocritical. Yet we all know that Baba's teachings are pointed and clear.
"In the realm of dharma, the only true guide and controller, motivating force and protector of the people, is an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut and bold directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s personal daily routine, to one’s social activities and collective motivation, to the spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and closer to God. A scripture which does not fulfil these conditions is not worthy of being called a scripture at all." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)
In the Supreme Command, Baba pointedly tells us to follow yama and niyama, and to do sadhana twice daily, and to do pracara etc. Baba directs us that we must do these things.
But now, according to dadaji's story, those directives from Baba enlisted in the Supreme Command are optional - we may or may not follow them. Whatever we do, that is fine.
Similarly, Baba has given us so many dharmic teachings in Sixteen Points. Baba guides us to do half-bath, do fasting, be strict in Ista, do attend dharmacakra, do follow conduct rules etc. Baba tells us to do so many things. Furthermore in His Ananda Vanii, Baba puts forth the dharmic reminder to follow Sixteen Points.
"Be firm on sixteen points..." (Ananda Vanii #44)
Yet here again, according to dadaji's Baba story, we may not sincerely follow those points - all of Sixteen Points has suddenly become optional.
As sadhakas of Ananda Marga and as disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, we clearly understand that we are to adhere to all of Sixteen Points, and we are to abide by the mandates of the Supreme Command.
Thus, we can easily understand that the so-called teachings put forth in dadaji's Baba story are off the mark and just plain wrong.
Throughout His entire, vast teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, there is neither a sentence nor a hint, that we should consider His guidelines to be optional. Baba never ever expressed that, "If I (Baba) tell you to positively do something, then you may or may not follow it. Just consider it optional - it is up to you." There is no single line or paragraph or page in Ananda Marga ideology that puts forth this notion.
Rather throughout His teachings Baba emphasizes that we should follow His every word and incorporate every teaching into our life practice. In so many reporting sessions, dharma samiiksa, countless guidelines and discourses, verily in all these situations, Baba guides us to incorporate every dharma principle into our daily routine. That is the way He wants us to live.
"It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice." (Ananda Vanii #20)
Thus what Baba tells us to do, we should do. There is no question of His guideline being optional etc. No right-minded sadhaka can think in this way, i.e. that we need not pay heed to Baba's order. Baba does not preach anything which is unnecessary or impractical.
In the various religions, their scriptures and stories are exaggerated up to the sky in the hope that if they tell the poeple to do tapasya (sacrifice) for 1 million years, then the people might do it for 10 minutes each day.
But Baba did not employ such tricks or strategies. Everything Baba has given and told is in complete concert and harmony with human psychology. Baba's teachings are exact and precise. They need not be changed, or shortened, or toned down as happened with the various religions. What Baba has given, that is what should be followed as His divine guidelines are the perfect recipe for success.
The main reason for writing this letter is that in the past the glorious teachings of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna were ruined and distorted and the common people just got caught up in dogma. And the main avenue for distorting those dharmic teachings were fallacious and misleading stories. Those with selfish agendas fabricated various stories in order to misguide and dupe the common people. By this way, dogma, not dharma, was propagated.
We must not let history repeat itself. Through the medium of such harmful stories slowly, slowly the divine teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji will also be destroyed if we are not careful. The duty of sincere Ananda Margiis is not to allow such bogus and harmful stories to enter into the arena. Such tales should not be circulated, rather they must be pointed out brought to the limelight.
When coming across any Baba story one must first look very carefully and assess its accuracy and veracity, otherwise people will get duped and misguided.
All in all, we can easily conclude that dadaji's Baba story and the teachings therein are harmful and disastrous. This story misleads people away from the teachings of Ananda Marga. Dadaji's story delivers the wrong message.
As we know we are to follow His dharmic injunctions cent-per-cent of the time. That is how we are to live on this earth.
"To follow Bhágavata Dharma, you are also to follow the shástra of Bhágavata Dharma. You are to follow Yama and Niyama, you are to follow the code of discipline, you are to attend Dharmacakra weekly. These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous. Atha yogánushásanam. “One must follow anushásanam. One must follow the code of discipline.” One may be a king or may be a very poor man, but the code of dharma is equally applicable to all. In this matter, nobody can claim any special concession or favour." (Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma)
But if we look at and follow what dadaji says in his book, then if means that if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then we may not follow that teaching - we can eat meat. And if Baba says to follow satya, then we may not follow His guideline and can instead indulge in cheating and deception. And if Baba says to do sadhana twice daily, then we may not follow and can instead skip our dharmic practices. Indeed by his bogus Baba story, dadaji paves the way for all kinds of deception and degradation. According to dadaji, we may not follow what Babas says - it is OK.
By all this, we can easily understand that the story told by Ac Shamitananda Avt - story #8 of his book "101 Baba Stories" - is completely false and misleading. Such a story only invites trouble for others. Rather this story should be corrected and republished. Till that time, an errata page should be issued for this book so no one is misguided.
Unfortunately, Dada Shamitananda's Baba's story strays far, far from the dharmic tenets of Ananda Marga ideology. There are 100 other stories in the book. And now they are all suspect because if Dadaji can publish a story that so blatantly goes against Baba's mandates, then every one of his stories may be wrong. If anyone picks up this book they should be very careful and read it with a critical eye, lest they invite all kinds of problems.
First and foremost one must ensure the Baba story is itself true. After carefully making this assessment, to write the story properly, one must have the (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.
Devotion allows a person to write with proper flow and prana. Ideology brings right direction and philosophical consistency. Literary skill brings artistic value and beauty.
Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes their story will not have philosophical support, and in some cases may even be dogmatic, and will certainly be devoid of proper expression because of lack of literary skill. If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly expressed. And if one only has literary prowess, yet lacks devotion and is missing philosophical understanding, then that story will be as follows. It will be like applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person - there will not be any charm. It will be useless and dogmatic. If a person is alive and healthy, then that make-up will be of use, i.e. if one has devotion then that literary skill is helpful to express that devotion and if one does not have devotion then that literary skill is meaningless. What they write will be low-minded and dogmatic. So first one must have devotion and understanding, then it can add beauty - otherwise not. Writing a story only with literary skill - without proper devotion and devoid of ideological value - is of no value whatsoever.
So if there is proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding, then one's literary skill will help make that story shine. While if one uses all their literary skill on a story that lacks devotional feeling and philosophical understanding, then that story will be a mess - i.e. useless and poisonous.
Unfortunately, nowadays there are some who fall in this last category. They have the writing skills, yet utterly lack proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding. In that case, the devotional component of the story will be ruined or left out entirely, or one will write something contrary to the ideological fundamentals of Ananda Marga.
Best is to cultivate or have all the qualities: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy and (c) literary skill. Then one can write a beautiful and loving account that will inspire so many readers across the ages. And again, the first and foremost point is to ensure that the original material - i.e. the Baba story itself - is true and accurate.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Diyam'shu
Those interested in reading the full, published version of Dada Shamitanandji's story should click here.
After you have read the story, kindly tell which point(s) are missing: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill. For more info about this please read the last section of this posting up above.
Finally, even if you choose not to read the full version of Dadajis' story, we highly welcome your thoughts on what you feel is missing from his letter: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.
"There are people, however, who have opposite feelings. They burn in envy to see someone happy, and make an all out effort to put them in danger. On seeing someone in distress, they think: “Rightly served. As you sow, so you reap. Let their troubles augment.” Such human-shaped animals are prowling about in many fields of life, including the field of politics."
"There are some people who, on seeing someone engaged in noble work, try to stop that person; for example, when someone belonging to the opposite camp is trying to help the neglected, downtrodden, people badly hit by famine or flood, they think that [through their philanthropic acts] their adversaries may become popular, and so they must be opposed. There are people who, on seeing someone engaged in harmful activity or malevolent endeavours, encourage them in crude, bestial activities so that they can directly exploit the opportunity for their own benefit." (Shabda Cayaniká Part 4, Disc: 27)
Prabhat Samgiita #4502
"Je ga'n a'ma'y shun'iyechile, ta' ki bhola' ja'y kono jiivane..." (4502)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa, You graciously made me listen to Your most divine and heart-rending song - how can I ever forget that in this life. That song was most beautiful and melodious. You have graced me. O' my Beloved You are my most dear. O' my Lord, You are present in each and every pulsation of my blood; You are my life-force.
O' Divine Entity Baba, all the time - in the rising and setting of the sun - always You are along with me and saturate the seven layers of my mind with Your divine bliss. Thus, I do sastaunga pranam to You with my body, mind, soul, & spirit - with my entire existence.
Baba, You are that eternal and most loving Entity. You were, You are, and You will remain in each and every molecule of this vast universe - throughout all the lokas including the divine world. In anudhya'n (1) with ra'ga'tmika'(2) devotion, everyone dances encircling You.
Baba, You have drenched my whole existence with Your infinite grace and bliss - how can I ever forget that. You are so gracious. You are karuna' personified; Baba, You are the embodiment of love...
NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4502:
(1) Anudhya'n= "When a sadhaka feels that the object of meditation is trying to escape, but as that Entity is the life and soul of the sadhaka he will not allow Him to escape. Thus the sadhaka runs after Him and tries to catch Him. This is called anudhyana." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5)
(2) Ra'ga'tmika'= "Ra'ga'tmika' bhakti is the highest stage of pure devotion. In this type of devotion the ideation is, 'I love Parama Purus'a because it makes Him happy. I meditate on Him thinking that my meditation will bring joy to Him. This is my sole intention.' This is ra'ga'tmika' bhakti." (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10)
This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Misleading Baba Story;
(2) Trailer Quote: Human-Shaped Animals;
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #4502;
Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).
***************
== MISLEADING BABA STORY ==
Namaskar,
In his Baba story book, one dada has put forth the following teaching. We should examine this "guideline" and determine if it is effective or not.
MAIN TEACHING FROM THE STORY IN QUESTION
Here is the teaching that one dada has given in his Baba story book.
"Baba had once said, “If I tell you something to do, you may or may not do it; but if I tell you not to do something, never do it”." (101 Baba stories, Story #8)
Basically dadaji is citing Baba and telling us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
That was the essence of his Baba story.
As disciples of Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, we have to critically examine this message according to the touchstone of Ananda Marga ideology.
#1: POINT OF PRATYAVAYA
One of the chief messages from dada's story which he attributes to Baba is that we need not do what Baba tells us to do.
That means if Baba tells us to do sadhana, then we may or may not do sadhana. And if Baba tells us to eat sentient food, then we may or may not follow a sentient diet. And when Baba tells avadhutas to look upon every female as mother, they may or may not follow that guideline. It is optional. That is the essence of dadaji's teaching from his story.
Yet we know that Baba Himself is the dharma Guru; what He says should be done. Hence not doing what should be done - i.e. not following what He says to do - is a sin of omission or pratyavaya.
"Pratyaváya means “not to do what should be done”. For instance, parents should educate their children. If they do not, they are said to have committed pratyaváya." (Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 18)
Similarly, if Baba tells us to do something - i.e. do sadhana, or follow a sentient diet, or do fasting - then by not following that teaching we are committing pratyavaya, or a sin of omission. Because we did not do what Baba told us to do.
Baba furthermore warns us that pratyavaya is worse then pa'pa [sin].
"Pratyaváya [sin of omission] is worse than pápa [sin of commission]." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Purpose Behind the Advent)
But in his story, dadaji is telling us that it is fine to do pratyavaya; that is dadaji's overall message.
However, in Baba's divine teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, He strictly warns us that committing pratyavaya is very bad; it is worse than any wrongdoing.
Clearly then, based on this point of pratyavaya alone, dadaji's Baba story is antithetical to our ideology.
Now let's further examine this story from other angles.
#2: INHERENTLY HYPOCRITICAL
In his Baba story, dadaji tells us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
For the sake of clarity, we should put forth some practical examples.
For instance, if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then according dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to eat tamasik food, then we must follow His guideline and avoid eating meat etc.
In essence, the directive is the same (i.e. follow a sentient diet) but the outcome is radically different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to eat sentient food, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we can eat meat etc; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must avoid meat entirely.
Next consider this. Baba tells us to follow satya (benevolent truthfulness), but according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to indulge in falsehood, then we must follow His guideline and be very strict in satya.
In essence, the directive is the same (i.e. follow satya) but the outcome is completely different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to follow satya, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we can indulge in telling lies and doing slander etc; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to indulge in falsehood, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must entirely avoid telling lies.
Then there is this example. Baba tells us to keep good character, but according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells us not to do any characterless behaviours, then we must strictly follow His guideline and avoid all kinds of lowly dealings etc.
In essence, in both instances, the message is the same (i.e. be of good character) but the outcome is radically different. In one instance where Baba positively tells us to keep good character, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we desire we may exhibit unsavory behaviour; and in the other instance where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we absolutely must follow His order and we must strictly avoid characterless types of conduct.
This type of faulty reasoning given in dadaji's story makes Baba's teachings and the entire platform of Ananda Marga ideology look flimsy and hypocritical. Yet we all know that Baba's teachings are pointed and clear.
"In the realm of dharma, the only true guide and controller, motivating force and protector of the people, is an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut and bold directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s personal daily routine, to one’s social activities and collective motivation, to the spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and closer to God. A scripture which does not fulfil these conditions is not worthy of being called a scripture at all." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)
#3: WHAT ABOUT SIXTEEN POINTS AND THE SUPREME COMMAND
In the Supreme Command, Baba pointedly tells us to follow yama and niyama, and to do sadhana twice daily, and to do pracara etc. Baba directs us that we must do these things.
But now, according to dadaji's story, those directives from Baba enlisted in the Supreme Command are optional - we may or may not follow them. Whatever we do, that is fine.
Similarly, Baba has given us so many dharmic teachings in Sixteen Points. Baba guides us to do half-bath, do fasting, be strict in Ista, do attend dharmacakra, do follow conduct rules etc. Baba tells us to do so many things. Furthermore in His Ananda Vanii, Baba puts forth the dharmic reminder to follow Sixteen Points.
"Be firm on sixteen points..." (Ananda Vanii #44)
Yet here again, according to dadaji's Baba story, we may not sincerely follow those points - all of Sixteen Points has suddenly become optional.
As sadhakas of Ananda Marga and as disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, we clearly understand that we are to adhere to all of Sixteen Points, and we are to abide by the mandates of the Supreme Command.
Thus, we can easily understand that the so-called teachings put forth in dadaji's Baba story are off the mark and just plain wrong.
#4: BABA NEVER SAID THAT HIS GUIDELINES ARE OPTIONAL
Throughout His entire, vast teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, there is neither a sentence nor a hint, that we should consider His guidelines to be optional. Baba never ever expressed that, "If I (Baba) tell you to positively do something, then you may or may not follow it. Just consider it optional - it is up to you." There is no single line or paragraph or page in Ananda Marga ideology that puts forth this notion.
Rather throughout His teachings Baba emphasizes that we should follow His every word and incorporate every teaching into our life practice. In so many reporting sessions, dharma samiiksa, countless guidelines and discourses, verily in all these situations, Baba guides us to incorporate every dharma principle into our daily routine. That is the way He wants us to live.
"It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice." (Ananda Vanii #20)
Thus what Baba tells us to do, we should do. There is no question of His guideline being optional etc. No right-minded sadhaka can think in this way, i.e. that we need not pay heed to Baba's order. Baba does not preach anything which is unnecessary or impractical.
In the various religions, their scriptures and stories are exaggerated up to the sky in the hope that if they tell the poeple to do tapasya (sacrifice) for 1 million years, then the people might do it for 10 minutes each day.
But Baba did not employ such tricks or strategies. Everything Baba has given and told is in complete concert and harmony with human psychology. Baba's teachings are exact and precise. They need not be changed, or shortened, or toned down as happened with the various religions. What Baba has given, that is what should be followed as His divine guidelines are the perfect recipe for success.
MAIN REASON FOR WRITING THIS LETTER
The main reason for writing this letter is that in the past the glorious teachings of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna were ruined and distorted and the common people just got caught up in dogma. And the main avenue for distorting those dharmic teachings were fallacious and misleading stories. Those with selfish agendas fabricated various stories in order to misguide and dupe the common people. By this way, dogma, not dharma, was propagated.
We must not let history repeat itself. Through the medium of such harmful stories slowly, slowly the divine teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji will also be destroyed if we are not careful. The duty of sincere Ananda Margiis is not to allow such bogus and harmful stories to enter into the arena. Such tales should not be circulated, rather they must be pointed out brought to the limelight.
When coming across any Baba story one must first look very carefully and assess its accuracy and veracity, otherwise people will get duped and misguided.
CONCLUSION
All in all, we can easily conclude that dadaji's Baba story and the teachings therein are harmful and disastrous. This story misleads people away from the teachings of Ananda Marga. Dadaji's story delivers the wrong message.
As we know we are to follow His dharmic injunctions cent-per-cent of the time. That is how we are to live on this earth.
Tasmáddharmah sadákáryah.
Dharma must always be followed. (Ananda Sutram 2-7)
Dharma must always be followed. (Ananda Sutram 2-7)
"To follow Bhágavata Dharma, you are also to follow the shástra of Bhágavata Dharma. You are to follow Yama and Niyama, you are to follow the code of discipline, you are to attend Dharmacakra weekly. These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous. Atha yogánushásanam. “One must follow anushásanam. One must follow the code of discipline.” One may be a king or may be a very poor man, but the code of dharma is equally applicable to all. In this matter, nobody can claim any special concession or favour." (Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma)
But if we look at and follow what dadaji says in his book, then if means that if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then we may not follow that teaching - we can eat meat. And if Baba says to follow satya, then we may not follow His guideline and can instead indulge in cheating and deception. And if Baba says to do sadhana twice daily, then we may not follow and can instead skip our dharmic practices. Indeed by his bogus Baba story, dadaji paves the way for all kinds of deception and degradation. According to dadaji, we may not follow what Babas says - it is OK.
By all this, we can easily understand that the story told by Ac Shamitananda Avt - story #8 of his book "101 Baba Stories" - is completely false and misleading. Such a story only invites trouble for others. Rather this story should be corrected and republished. Till that time, an errata page should be issued for this book so no one is misguided.
Unfortunately, Dada Shamitananda's Baba's story strays far, far from the dharmic tenets of Ananda Marga ideology. There are 100 other stories in the book. And now they are all suspect because if Dadaji can publish a story that so blatantly goes against Baba's mandates, then every one of his stories may be wrong. If anyone picks up this book they should be very careful and read it with a critical eye, lest they invite all kinds of problems.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO WRITE A PROPER BABA STORY
First and foremost one must ensure the Baba story is itself true. After carefully making this assessment, to write the story properly, one must have the (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.
Devotion allows a person to write with proper flow and prana. Ideology brings right direction and philosophical consistency. Literary skill brings artistic value and beauty.
Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes their story will not have philosophical support, and in some cases may even be dogmatic, and will certainly be devoid of proper expression because of lack of literary skill. If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly expressed. And if one only has literary prowess, yet lacks devotion and is missing philosophical understanding, then that story will be as follows. It will be like applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person - there will not be any charm. It will be useless and dogmatic. If a person is alive and healthy, then that make-up will be of use, i.e. if one has devotion then that literary skill is helpful to express that devotion and if one does not have devotion then that literary skill is meaningless. What they write will be low-minded and dogmatic. So first one must have devotion and understanding, then it can add beauty - otherwise not. Writing a story only with literary skill - without proper devotion and devoid of ideological value - is of no value whatsoever.
So if there is proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding, then one's literary skill will help make that story shine. While if one uses all their literary skill on a story that lacks devotional feeling and philosophical understanding, then that story will be a mess - i.e. useless and poisonous.
Unfortunately, nowadays there are some who fall in this last category. They have the writing skills, yet utterly lack proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding. In that case, the devotional component of the story will be ruined or left out entirely, or one will write something contrary to the ideological fundamentals of Ananda Marga.
Best is to cultivate or have all the qualities: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy and (c) literary skill. Then one can write a beautiful and loving account that will inspire so many readers across the ages. And again, the first and foremost point is to ensure that the original material - i.e. the Baba story itself - is true and accurate.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Diyam'shu
Note 1: TO READ THE FULL STORY - CLICK HERE
Those interested in reading the full, published version of Dada Shamitanandji's story should click here.
After you have read the story, kindly tell which point(s) are missing: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill. For more info about this please read the last section of this posting up above.
Finally, even if you choose not to read the full version of Dadajis' story, we highly welcome your thoughts on what you feel is missing from his letter: (a) requisite devotion, (b) understanding of Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.
The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
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Human-Shaped Animals
Human-Shaped Animals
"There are people, however, who have opposite feelings. They burn in envy to see someone happy, and make an all out effort to put them in danger. On seeing someone in distress, they think: “Rightly served. As you sow, so you reap. Let their troubles augment.” Such human-shaped animals are prowling about in many fields of life, including the field of politics."
"There are some people who, on seeing someone engaged in noble work, try to stop that person; for example, when someone belonging to the opposite camp is trying to help the neglected, downtrodden, people badly hit by famine or flood, they think that [through their philanthropic acts] their adversaries may become popular, and so they must be opposed. There are people who, on seeing someone engaged in harmful activity or malevolent endeavours, encourage them in crude, bestial activities so that they can directly exploit the opportunity for their own benefit." (Shabda Cayaniká Part 4, Disc: 27)
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Prabhat Samgiita #4502
"Je ga'n a'ma'y shun'iyechile, ta' ki bhola' ja'y kono jiivane..." (4502)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa, You graciously made me listen to Your most divine and heart-rending song - how can I ever forget that in this life. That song was most beautiful and melodious. You have graced me. O' my Beloved You are my most dear. O' my Lord, You are present in each and every pulsation of my blood; You are my life-force.
O' Divine Entity Baba, all the time - in the rising and setting of the sun - always You are along with me and saturate the seven layers of my mind with Your divine bliss. Thus, I do sastaunga pranam to You with my body, mind, soul, & spirit - with my entire existence.
Baba, You are that eternal and most loving Entity. You were, You are, and You will remain in each and every molecule of this vast universe - throughout all the lokas including the divine world. In anudhya'n (1) with ra'ga'tmika'(2) devotion, everyone dances encircling You.
Baba, You have drenched my whole existence with Your infinite grace and bliss - how can I ever forget that. You are so gracious. You are karuna' personified; Baba, You are the embodiment of love...
NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4502:
(1) Anudhya'n= "When a sadhaka feels that the object of meditation is trying to escape, but as that Entity is the life and soul of the sadhaka he will not allow Him to escape. Thus the sadhaka runs after Him and tries to catch Him. This is called anudhyana." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5)
(2) Ra'ga'tmika'= "Ra'ga'tmika' bhakti is the highest stage of pure devotion. In this type of devotion the ideation is, 'I love Parama Purus'a because it makes Him happy. I meditate on Him thinking that my meditation will bring joy to Him. This is my sole intention.' This is ra'ga'tmika' bhakti." (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10)
