Dirty Mindset in Medical Profession

This email contains two sections:

1. Posting: Good & Bad Doctors

2. Links

Jan 15, 2015

GOOD & BAD DOCTORS

Namaskar,

These days there are many good doctors, but also many ills within the medical profession - especially where extreme capitalism has taken hold. And the root cause behind these deficiencies is a faulty mind-set.

So long as doctors feel that they are doing business and need to make a profit, the medical profession will never be able to right itself. That outlook is what taints the field.

Shrii PR Sarkar has made this a major theme in His Prout teachings. And He has furthermore recounted His own personal interactions with doctors who tried to cheat their patients. All of that and more is told below - including the psychology that should drive medicine, not the profit motive but rather service psychology.

A LITTLE LONGER TO CURE THE PATIENT,

HENCE I SELL MORE MEDICINE

Here Shrii Sarkar recounts one incident of when He took one small boy to the doctor for treatment.

"Let me recount an incident that occurred several years ago. In 1940 I went to a homoeopathic pharmacy.With me was a boy of twelve or thirteen, the younger brother of an acquaintance. I had gone there for some medicine for the boy. The doctor took pains to examine the boy properly, then prescribed some medicine. He said, “Please return with his medical report on Saturday afternoon.” I replied, “Will Saturday morning not do? On Saturday afternoon I will be going out of town; I will be going home.” Further discussion revealed that we came from the same district and our homes came under the jurisdiction of adjacent police stations on opposite sides of a river. The doctor then asked me to return the medicine and said, “I am giving you another medicine.”

"When I asked why he said, “Both medicines are good, but I give the first medicine to people I do not know because it takes a little longer to cure the patient, hence I sell more medicine.”" (1)

By Shrii Sarkar's above first-hand account, it is quite apparent that some doctors employ various tricks to make a bigger profit.

Note: In His personal accounts that appear throughout this letter, Shrii Sarkar is describing medical practices in India during the 1940’s and 1950’s. But such issues are no doubt prevalent in various forms around the entire globe. Top of all, Shrii Sarkar is exposing the defective mentality that has become rampant in today’s for-profit, medical industry.

FOR PROFIT:

EXPENSIVE PROCEDURES ARE NEEDLESSLY PERFORMED

In places like the USA - where materialism is a distinct disease and doctors and the pharmaceutical companies view the field of medicine as a way to accumulate riches - the situation is a thousand times worse: Wrongful medicines are given; expensive procedures and costly treatments are needlessly performed; research is profit-driven; curable but uncommon diseases are overlooked; and, patients are seen as paying customers, not as fellow human beings who need care.

Plus there are so many other related problems that compromise the medical profession like the exorbitant cost of medical treatment. All such ills are in vogue now and will continue into the foreseeable future - so long as capitalism is the driving force behind the medical profession.

Prout philosophy states, "No matter what country you belong to, tell me honestly, how many doctors can you really trust and respect? Among the doctors you know, you may believe in one or two at the most, but those who have won your faith may or may not command your respect. In other words, the doctors whom you believe in, who can cure a patient, are not accessible because they cost too much." (2)

What is rampant in the USA is fast spreading to all points across the globe. So we should all be alert.

All familiar with the teachings of Prout know well that the answer lies in turning medicine into a service oriented profession. This is not a far off ideal, it is entirely feasible and that is the only way to undo the nightmare of today's medical practices.

SOCIAL SERVICE IS THE MAIN AIM

OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

In capitalism, society is driven by the profit-motive - period. Everyone works for their own selfish interests and by that way society moves. Everything is done out of the business motive.

But humans have the capacity for service. Animals primarily do only for their own stomach, i.e. self-interest. Humans though feel moved internally to help and serve others. A mother nurses her baby, people donate money to those in need, youths volunteer their time in destitute regions. Good people want to serve.

And this ideal should be encouraged and honoured more and more. People who have love for humanity should be goaded into service oriented professions like medicine. And they should be respected for their noble choice. In that way the medical profession can regain its integrity.

Prout philosophy states, "The medical profession as such has more to do with social service than with professionalism. Social service is the main aim of the medical profession. But then social workers cannot live on air, so they have to accept some money for their livelihood from the government, autonomous bodies, public institutions or ordinary people: in short, from those they serve. To be a doctor may appear to be a way of earning a living to an unemployed person, but it cannot be categorized as a business under any circumstances." (3)

Thus under no circumstances should doctors be in business for themselves. In that case they will compromise the health of the patient in order to make more money. Rather they should be guaranteed funding by the government and be given recourse to pursue their profession according to service psychology.

DOCTORS PRESCRIBE LAB TESTS

BECAUSE THEY GET A "KICKBACK"

Unfortunately, the situation is not like that today. See here how doctors cheat their patients to make more money.

Shrii Sarkar says, "Of all the doctors you have come across, how many are idealistic and dutiful? If you visit a doctor, he will prescribe strong medicines for a light illness. This will inevitably be the case if he owns his own dispensary." (4)

And indeed these days some surgeons perform open heart surgery just so that they can collect a big fee. Or some doctors prescribe lab tests because they get a "kickback" (i.e. payment) from the lab for each test ordered. Or there are so many scams going on. These are common occurrences in places like the USA. And in unregulated markets like Mexico, China, and India, other types of issues surface. All of this is rampant these days among certain doctors and it is only spreading more around the globe.

And the problem is further multiplied by the entire pharmaceutical profession - as vast subset of the today’s profit-oriented medical industry. These pharmaceutical companies have one bottom line: Maximum profit. That is their driving agenda and to increase profits they resort to numerous seedy and dishonest ways.

SOME DOCTORS EXPLOIT THEIR POSITION AND

TAKE TO UNDERHANDED BUSINESS MANEUVERS

The crux of the matter is that doctors hold a unique position in society. Nobody wants to get sick and certainly nobody wants to die, so they go to the doctor filled with hope, regard, and respect. They feel totally dependent and think of that doctor as a saviour or demi-god.

Prout philosophy states, "A helpless person, no matter how great his financial, social or intellectual capacity, considers a doctor to be a ray of light in the darkness or a lifeboat which can save him from drowning." (5)

In that case, doctors can easily exploit the situation in their favour. They have the upper hand. The patient needs help and the doctor promises a cure. In that case, the doctor can do anything he wants.

In a service oriented profession when the welfare of the patient is put at a premium, then all is well. But when big $$ profits are at stake, doctors often exploit their position and take to underhanded business maneuvers.

Here the point is that when given the power, selfish doctors fall prey to abusing and cheating their patients in all kinds of ways: Sexually, financially, medically etc. Tragically, capitalism initially rewards those greedy, selfish doctors by giving them huge stature in society. And if they break the law it can take years to unearth their wrongdoing and sentence the doctor to jail.

SPURIOUS DRUGS AND INJECTIONS

ARE ADMINISTERED TO PATIENTS

Here is the Proutistic overview of a few of the ills in today's medical industry in some countries.

Prout philosophy states, "Countless complaints can be made against doctors and the medical profession. Although it would take a lot of space to list them all, let me briefly mention a few: patients have to settle for adulterated medicines unless they bribe the pharmacist; sweepers, orderlies and nurses do not take proper care of a patient’s needs unless they are tipped; a patient writhing in pain may be rebuked instead of being given medicine; if one does not call the doctor at least once for a personal consultation so that that doctor can earn some extra money, one may be unable to secure a bed on one’s next visit to the hospital; a medicine that is supposedly out of stock in the hospital can be illegally purchased in a nearby shop at an exorbitant price; without bribing the doctor a sick patient will not be admitted to the hospital; during the compulsory medical examination for a new job, all the medical staff put out their hand for a bribe; the doctor in collusion with the optician fails many people in their eye tests so that they will have to buy glasses; hospital patients are served food which is cheaper and of poorer quality than what they are entitled to; milk and fruits reserved for patients are consumed by the hospital staff; spurious drugs and injections are administered to patients. Such grievances are endless. Some are extremely serious, involving accusations of such irresponsibility that it is difficult to believe that people actually have these experiences." (6)

All such incidents will wash away with a service oriented medical industry. The day is not far off.

MOST RARE DISEASES GO UNTREATED

Another common malady in today's medical profession is the lack of research in less common diseases.

At present, so many companies invest money into researching new hypertension (high blood pressure) medicine because they can gain enormous profits. When the better option is to guide the patient how to cure hypertension through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, meditation etc). But this they do not do because selling high blood pressure medicine is a gold-mine these days. People will take that medicine for the rest of their life: What a sale - daily consumption by tens of millions of people.

Yet at the same time, there are so many diseases classified as "rare" where no medical research is underway due to lack of funding. So from the outset the tendency is not to research and make medicines for rare diseases. And if a medicine is made then the cost is astronomical - and may take years or a lifetime for the common citizen pay. Yer there are around 30 million people in the US alone suffering from these "rare" diseases, and there is almost no hope in sight for them. The same tragedy plays out in other countries as well.

Some common "rare" diseases include: Vitiligo (white patches on the skin), testicular cancer, gastric lymphoma etc. Many suffer from countless conditions and numerous syndromes.

Basically, if less than 200,000 people suffer from a disease in the US it is labeled as "rare" or "orphan" in most cases drug companies do not want to touch it as it is too costly for them, i.e. too difficult to make a big profit. Hence those patients are just left to suffer while medical research aims towards bigger financial catches.

It is for this reason that Shrii Sarkar tells the following story in His Ananda Vacanamrtam series.He recounts how nobody wants to go to Kishanganj because the incidence of malaria is very high there. Only doctors like to go there because they will have a huge number of patients. Such doctors even pray that let people get sick so I may earn a good living.

For this reason and more, people commonly view many doctors as being greedy businessmen, nothing more.

Prout philosophy states, "We hear many people say, “The medical profession is a business like any other. Can such a business prosper without doing anything wrong? It is impossible to run a business if one is totally honest.”" (7)

When this selfish mentality is rampant, then how can the medical profession ever truly help society.

PROUT'S SOLUTION:

MOTHER DOES NOT THINK TO CHEAT HER SICK CHILD

Shrii Sarkar's answer to the failing medical profession is quite simple.

Prout philosophy states, "The welfare of the patient should be the main aim of the medical profession." (8)

In order for the patient's welfare to come first, doctors and pharmaceutical companies must be more interested in providing a service to society than fattening their own wallet. Unfortunately, in capitalism the profit motive is running rampant in the field of medicine, but it need not always be like this.

In past societies and in the future when Prout is in vogue, so many good-hearted people will venture into professions with the sole motivation of helping others. Youths who are broad-minded should be encouraged in this way.

We must remember that a service psychology is not an unheard of phenomenon. When a child is sick, the mother does not think that now is the time to cheat her child, rather she thinks she must sacrifice and do all she can to cure her baby. This is service psychology - when one's heart is moved to help someone, setting aside all personal interest. Many people do such selfless acts everyday and it is time that this come in vogue in today's medical industry.

Let us also remember that the 5 minimum requirements must be guaranteed to all - including proper medical care. So there is no option but to resurrect and right the current medical model, otherwise society will never move ahead.

Here again Shrii Sarkar is giving a personal account of what happens when doctors are driven by greed and profits.

Prout philosophy states, "Once I heard about a doctor, standing by the bed of a poor, distressed patient, who said in an authoritarian way, “You must pay my fees at once. I won’t listen to any excuses.” A poor relative of the patient left the house in despair, borrowed money by giving an IOU, and paid the doctor’s bill. I doubt whether a country can be considered civilized if the strictest reform measures are not taken against such human demons." (9)

CONVENIENCE OF THE PATIENT

MUST BE GIVEN MAIN CONSIDERATION

All have the inherent desire to serve. If this quality is cultivated and nurtured, all the many ills infesting today's medical profession will vanish. To doctors, here is this final guideline.

Prout philosophy states, "The convenience of the patient must be given more consideration than your own." (10)

Then and only then will they be rid of their dirty mind-set.

People who have inherent love for humanity should be goaded into service oriented professions like medicine. And they should be respected for their noble choice. In that way the medical profession can regain its integrity.

CONCLUSION

The general human tendency is towards service mentality. So that should be encouraged. Those driven by a business mentality should not become doctors. While those with a service mentality should be given a stipend to complete their education. Then there will be a sufficient number of doctors to serve the society.

Remember, according to Prout, the medical profession should not be not an industry per se. It should not be a business venture or individual enterprise. Rather, this must be run on a cooperative basis - no profit, no loss, guided by a service mentality. By society will be far better off. Many illnesses will be wholly eliminated, the overall health of society will improve, and those who do get sick will receive proper care.

Namaskar,

in Him,

Moksa Deva

Note 1: THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE DRUGS

When people talk about expensive drugs, they usually are referring to drugs like Lipitor for high cholesterol ($1,500 a year), Zyprexa for schizophrenia ($7,000 a year) or Avastin for cancer ($50,000 a year). But none of these medicines come close to making Forbes’ exclusive survey of the most expensive medicines on the planet.

The nine drugs on our list all cost more than $200,000 a year for the average patient who takes them. Most of them treat rare genetic diseases that afflict fewer than 10,000 patients. For these diseases, there are few if any other treatments. So biotech companies can charge pretty much whatever they want.

Alexion Pharmaceutical’s Soliris, at $409,500 a year, is the world’s single most expensive drug. (Courtesy of Forbes.com)

Note 2: HIGH COST OF CANCER DRUGS FORCES 

MANY TO STOP TREATMENT STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Astronomical prices for breakthrough new cancer drugs are pushing up treatment costs for patients as well as insurers, making it tougher for patients to complete lengthy therapy at a time when it's increasingly effective.

Global spending on cancer medicines hit $91 billion last year, up from $71 billion in 2008 and $37 billion a decade ago, according to a report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. That's despite factors that have slowed the average annual increase in cancer drug spending to 5.4 percent over the past five years, down from 14.2 percent increases each year from 2003 to 2008.

"We'll cross (the $100 billion) threshold in the next year or so," predicted Murray Aitken, the institute's executive director. That amount would be about 10 percent of worldwide spending on all prescription drugs.

In the U.S., a month's supply of a brand-name cancer drug is now about $10,000, double what it was a decade ago, according to the report. The most expensive drug, at $117,648 for a course of treatment. (Courtesy of IMSHealth.com)

Note 3: EXAMPLE OF BAD DOCTOR

Recently, two pediatricians in the state of Ohio were sentenced to long jail terms for sexually abusing their patients, i.e. young boys. Their criminal behaviour went on for years and years before they were finally caught and sentenced.

A gynecologist in the US was recently sentenced to 45 years in jail for sexually abusing his patients.

Sadly, there are some doctors who resort to such degrading acts - though this is not the norm.

REFERENCES

1. Human Society - 1

2. Human Society - 1

3. Human Society - 1

4. Human Society - 1

5. Human Society - 1

6. Human Society - 1

7. Human Society - 1

8. Human Society - 1

9. Human Society - 1

10. Caryacarya - 2

====
From: "Marc Pele" To: am-global@earthlink.net Subject: Dirty Mindset in Medical Profession Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:52:58 +0000 Baba "Kenoi va' ele, dola' diye gele, na' bale gele cale, phele a'ma'y..." (PS 1995) Purport: Baba, You have been gone so long, why did You come and stir my heart only to then go away without saying a word-- thereby leaving me all alone. Baba, neither do You have any love for me nor do You understand the aching pain of my heart. Baba, after coming and reciting one fairy tale, where did You go. Baba, I want You to remain here with me. Baba, amongst all the dear ones, You are my dearmost. Why then do You not reside eternally in my heart. Baba, You are my dearmost and innermost, then how can You justify going so far away from me. Is it proper to leave me isolated and all alone. Please tell me. Baba, You are so dear to me, no matter what I will never forget You; Baba, I will never leave You. Not at any cost will I ever wipe You away from my mental plate-- from the memories of my mind. That I will never do. Baba, even if You do not desire to remain with me-- even if You want to hide-- I shall always keep You in the golden casket of my heart. Baba, You are eternally mine; my everything is surrendered at Your lotus feet...

==

Baba

*********************************************** Deserts Needed

Baba says, "Ecologists claim that some deserts are essential for keeping the global ecology in a balanced state. The high day temperatures and the cold night temperatures that occur in desert regions create a useful effect. The hot, dry desert air rises and creates a vacuum which sucks in cool air, generating a chain reaction. Moist air is sucked in from the sea and formed into clouds which then rain on the land. If deserts vanish entirely, the overall rainfall will be reduced." (PNS-16, p.37)

***********************************************

== Section 2 ==

Links

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2015/01/three-kinds-of-devotees-and-tests-2-more.html

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2015/01/longevity-of-ananda-marga-threatened.html

UNDERSTANDING GHOSTS #2

UNDERSTANDING GHOSTS #2

(Note: This is part 2 of this series, a link to part 1 has been appended below.)

Namaskar,
In this present era, we are step by step witnessing the spread of various mental disorders etc. This outbreak is happening most drastically in those so-called first-world nations.

Around the globe, and especially in the materialistic communities, many medical professionals and psychologists are under the impression that all such mental disorders fall within the realm of brain diseases. Thus whether one has brain cancer or clinical depression, western medical specialists are treating all mental disorders as brain diseases, using traditional allopathic medicines. This is their standard approach.  (1)

But brain diseases and psyschic diseases are not the same. In the first letter of this series, this topic has been discussed at length and here following are further thoughts on this distinction between brain diseases and psychic diseases.

PSYCHIC DISEASES:

HOW THEY GROW IN HUMAN MIND

So then how do psychic diseases occur? Often times people harbour thoughts which are figments of their imagination or which are untrue ideas. People can think that there is a ghost in their house; people can think that everyone hates them; people can think that they are better than everyone else; or, people can be afraid of the dark etc. And when any of these types of ideas dominate one's thinking and flood the objectivated mind, then that results in a psychic disease.

Here Baba explains further how such psychic diseases like superiority complexes and inferiority complexes develop.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A defect in the objectivated mind may also cause inferiority complex or superiority complex. When the objectivated mind becomes large enough to pamper one's ego, one develops a superiority complex. One starts considering oneself to be superior to others in points of knowledge, the capacity to act, organizational calibre and other qualities of leadership, and unnecessarily slights others. Such a person expects preferential treatment, VIP status, and unquestioning obedience. If by accident their ego is hurt even slightly, they become violently angry. This is another kind of mania." (2)

And here below Baba describes another type of psychic disease.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Moreover, because of problems in the objectivated mind, people suffer from various psychic complexes. For example, there are those who are inclined to think that no one, neither their friends and relatives nor even their domestic animals, cares to think of them. They unnecessarily think that everyone deliberately avoids them, dislikes them, or ignores them, and therefore they become disappointed, dejected, and dispirited. Life loses all its charm and attraction for them, and they may even commit suicide. This type of mania is called melancholia." (3)

So whenever anyone's mental plate gets polluted and deformed due to such type of faulty ideas then we say there is a defect in their objectivated mind. And when those ideas enter the objectivated mind in an uncontrolled manner & people become obsessed with that idea, then we say it is a psychic disease.

So a psychic disease occurs when one is fully consumed by a particular defective thought process such as 'everybody hates them', or 'there is a ghost in the house'.

IF JUST ONCE THEN NOT A PSYCHIC DISEASE

Once again all psychic diseases stem from a defect in the objectivated mind. And through constant thinking about those faulty ideas, day after day, then a particular psychic disease develops.

But if it happens just once then we cannot call it a psychic disease. For example, if after playing a good game of cricket Shyam then thinks that he is 'king of the world' for an hour or two but then he returns to his normal state, then we cannot say that Shyam was suffering from a psychic disease.

Only when those defective thoughts happen on a continual basis can we say it is a psychic disease. When those fabricated ideas pollute the objectivated mind ceaselessly then that is the stage when it becomes a psychic disease.

HOW PSYCHIC DISEASES ARE BEING TREATED IN THE WEST

As mentioned above, there are various kinds of psychic diseases such as inferiority complex, superiority complex, phobias, manias, depression, etc. Unfortunately now according to material science, everything is treated as a brain disease and they do not recognise the existence of psychic diseases.

For that reason if someone is suffering from depression western doctors & psychologists prescribe some type of strong allopathic medicine for that patient. Because those doctors think the patient is suffering from a defect in the brain, when in fact that patient is suffering from a defect in their thinking - not a defect in the biological structure of their brain. So that patient does not actually need allopathic medicine or drugs per se. Rather what they need is a change in their thought process. That is the proper treatment.

Unfortunately though, in countless cases, material science addresses psychic diseases as brain diseases. That is why some doctors prescribe medications to a grieving widow or they will prescribe other medicines to a child who is afraid of dying. But this is not the proper way because such persons do not have an organic problem in the brain - just they suffer from defects in their objectivated mind., i.e. in their way of thinking.

PSYCHIC DISEASES SPREADING IN THE WEST

At present, the manifestation of psychic diseases is growing exponentially due to the fast-paced, imbalanced way of life. Everyone is feeling tension and stress and harbouring defective ideas in the mind like 'I am shelterless', 'nobody loves me', 'I am inferior', 'nobody cares about me', 'everyone hates me', 'I am ugly', 'I am alone' etc. This type of defective thinking creates depression and other types of psychic diseases.

By this way psychic disease has become rampant t yet all such patients are all being treated as if they have brain disease. And they are given various steroids or drugs in order to treat the problem. But that only makes the situation worse.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?

SADHANA IS THE SOLUTION TO PSYCHIC DISEASES

So for the situation to be remedied, allopathic medical science has to accept the existence of mind and then treat ailments related with the objectivated mind as psychic diseases - not brain diseases. And the main treatment for psychic diseases is sadhana. That is beyond the arena of present day medical science. They think that belongs to theology. But Baba guides us that sadhana is alone is the proper treatment for psychic diseases.

Sadguru Baba says, "Most psychic diseases, if not all, grow out of the defective control over the objectivated mind. If one is alert, any trouble can be avoided. Those who regularly practise Iishvara pran'idha'na or dhya'na (meditation) can remain free from these diseases, as their minds will remain in a balanced state. One of the numerous benefits of sa'dhana' is that it keeps the mind free from psychic disease and encourages the natural growth of the mind." (4)

The culminating idea is that we should be clear on the difference between brain disease and psychic disease and such ailments should be treated accordingly. And as Baba describes above, psychic diseases are best treated through sadhana and spiritual practice.

So it is our dharmic duty to propagate sadhana to save this situation because with the development of science, psychic diseases are spreading more and more, especially amongst our younger generations. With them it is becoming rampant.

Psychic diseases are far more prevalent in areas dominated 'modern materialistic living’.

So as Ananda Margiis we should be vigilant and remember that sadhana alone is the remedy: We must propagate sadhana in order to build up a healthy humanity.

PERFECT ONESELF THROUGH SADHANA

Baba has graciously blessed us with a human framework - such that one can perfect themselves through sadhana.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The entire universe has the grace of Brahma, but human beings enjoy greater grace. They are endowed with the privilege of practising sa'dhana'." (5)

Namaskar,
in his service
Shriideva

Note 1: TANDAVA IS A GREAT EXERCISE FOR THE BRAIN

We should also remember that tandava is the only exercise for the brain and this will help in both curing and preventing the onset of brain disease. About this, the medical community should conduct research. And soon this is going to happen because already the medical community is pouring money to investigate how yoga asanas help prevent and cure diseases. So the day is not far when it will become known that tandava is a great exercise for the brain.

Note 2: DO CRIMINALS SUFFER FROM

PSYCHIC DISEASE OR BRAIN DISEASE

Baba describes how criminals may suffer from either (a) a mix between brain disease and psychic disease or (b) exclusively from a psychic disease.

[A] Here below Baba guides us how in-born criminals suffer from both because brain disease and psychic disease.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Psychologists cannot treat the mental diseases which inflict born criminals all alone; the cooperation of physicians and sociologists is essential. Psychologists will diagnose the mental disease and explain its origins, and they will also play a role in helping cure it as far as possible. Doctors will be responsible for curing the disease through medicine or surgery, insofar as it is caused by physiological abnormalities. Then sociologists will have to arrange for the social rehabilitation of the criminal after he or she has recovered." (6)

With inborn criminals, the problem is two fold. They have defects in their objectivated mind which makes it a psychic disease. Plus there is often a faulty development in the formation of the brain organ, which makes it a brain disease as well.

[B] And here below in this next example Baba discusses how some criminals - i.e. criminal by snap volition - suffer from kleptomania which is exclusively a psychic disease.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Another type of crime occurs occasionally. This is a temporary criminal urge, a special type of mental disease which suddenly appears in a certain type of environment and again subsides after a short time. Kleptomania is an example of this kind of mental disease. After committing a crime kleptomaniacs feel ashamed and are anxious to return the property that they have stolen to the owner. They have sudden fantasies about stealing, abducting people, becoming drunk or indulging in decadent activities. But analysis shows that they do not in fact have the slightest personal interest in such things." (7)

Note 3: BECOME DISEASE-FREE; TAKE SHELTER IN HIM

By Baba's grace, by ideating on Him we can overcome all defects and become pure and pristine - physically, psychically, and spiritually.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "In Brahma, the Entity who liberates one from all mundane ailments and the cycle of rebirth, lies the total cessation of all afflictions, the freedom from all ailments. He is the only dependable panacea for microcosmic distortions and imperfections; there is none other than Him - Na'nyah pantha' vidyate ayana'ya." (8)


REFERENCES
1. Excerpt from part 1
2. 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
3. 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
4. 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 1
6. Human Society - 1
7. Human Society - 1, '87 Edn, p.80
8. Ananda Marga Ideology in a Nutshell - 6

******************************************** Speciality of the Rg Veda

Baba says, "Although the Rgveda is mainly concerned with hymns, it also contains various tales and anecdotes. While not all of these stories and tales carry equal spiritual value, they are representative of the cultural heritage of those ancient humans. They paint a portrait of the gradual advancement of human thinking and the structure of society. When considered from this point of view, the language, literature and expression of the Rgveda is of special value to the world." (SC-2, 96-7)

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http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/understanding-ghosts-1-who-should-be.html

Forward Movement

Jan 18th 2015

SO MANY POSITIVE THINGS

Namaskar,

Our AMPS was built to do great things in this world - in this universe; and by Baba's divine grace today our organisation is rapidly advancing along the path of progress.

Certainly looking around and seeing the group-oriented conflicts etc, some may just think that our AMPS is riddled by chaos, factionalism, and lawlessness - and that there are no positive developments.

However, upon closer examination and more careful assessment, we can easily see that our Marga is actually a budding flower - getting ready to bloom into greatness.

By these below practical indicators and verifiable evidences, it becomes  apparent that our AMPS has made tremendous strides since 1990 - and that things are only getting better and better, day by day.

                               

POSITIVE ADVANCES MADE IN AMPS SINCE 1990

Before 1990, under Baba's direct physical guidance, our AMPS was one shining light bringing welfare to all.

Then for a few months & years our organisation fell into a bit of a quagmire: The main problem being that everyone passively presumed that those in the helm will guide us straight to glory. Living under that false assumption - and just depending on those top posted workers - a thick stagnancy settled into our AMPS.

Now, however, as we look around, that stagnancy is quickly dissipating and our AMPS is moving through a period of great revitalisation. Here is the proof.

RISE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

First off, everyone's awareness is on the rise and there is a stream of ideological consciousness amongst margiis and wts that was not present earlier. Currently there is active and on-going talk about key ideological issues: margii rights, the need to follow Baba's teachings such as Sixteen Points and Caryacarya, authenticity of published discourses, and about so many other burning and vital issues.

This has all brought about a heightened understanding of Ananda Marga ideology - a new level of awareness.

THE BIRTH OF IDEOLOGICAL AWARENESS IN ANANDA MARGA

Religions are essentially based on dogma where people are ordered to follow certain codes and rituals. They are indoctrinated into the tenet, “Don't use your brain.” That is the way religion works. Their followers blindly adhere to their edicts. Yet those same religious followers use their brains in other fields: Business, technology, science, schooling and colleges, competitions etc; but not in religion. Yet religion is full of dogma that chokes human progress and that is why it is very dangerous and deadly.

Ananda Marga is not a religion. Before 90 Baba was controlling everything. After all, Baba is Baba Parama Purusa; so whatever He was directing and telling was perfect. And when margiis and wts followed those orders then the outcome was very good. But after 1990 AM shifted gears and adopted the mode of a religion. Whatever the priests, rabbis, mullahs, or popes of Anada Marga told, then that was treated as the word of God. There was no need to consult Ananda Marga philosophy. Within a short period though, margiis started understanding they should not blindly follow their preachings. That is when the ideological renaissance started in Ananda Marga and there was more inquisitiveness about AM teachings. The strong desire to know what Baba told - what is right and wrong - came into the mind of sincere margiis and Wts. Since then tremendous progress began in Ananda Marga. This mode was not present earlier.

This change is not just an ordinary affair but an extraordinary development. It is by thinking and discussing about Ananda Marga ideology, and assimilating those ideas into our individual and collective consciousness, that the ideology ultimately gets implemented.

NO ROOM TO RUN AND HIDE

Between 1990 and 1995, the “mullahs” of Ananda Marga were thinking that, “We are everything - what we do everyone must follow.” Those top Dadas did much harm. They were committing sins in the field of publications and trying to befool margiis with their conniving tactics as if nothing was wrong and that they were following Baba’s order. They went to extremes to prove that regardless of any discourse Baba wants that it should be written as original Bengali. That era was so under-developed and primitive that even the vast majority of margiis believed those falsehoods that were propagated by Publications etc were okay and perfect.

But after some time the hypocrisy of Publications was unmasked. So a lot of progress happened. In Ananda Marga, in the field of Publications regarding the dogma that everything should be translated from the original Bengali, a sea of change happened. Margiis speak these day or not, but 75% of the margiis know that Baba’s books are not proper and should be made proper. The hypocrisy of Publications has been exposed. They have no room to run and hide. A big change has happened - a veritable revolution.

Those who were distorting Guru’s teachings are now scared to do so because margiis are alert. If anyone purposely alters Guru’s discourses then they are shamed. So those wrongdoers know they know they can no longer distort His guidelines and get away with it. Rather they will be caught and taken to task in full view of all margiis.

BECAUSE MARGIIS AND WTS ARE ALERT

Like this in Ananda Marga, on many fronts, there have been a plethora of positive changes and those will be discussed in further emails etc. Some are here enlisted here. So many other false things like dogmatic tiirthas, so-called mahaprayan, and Fake Ananda Vaniis etc are disappearing in the light of Ananda Marga ideology. As ideological awareness rises, those dogmas wane and ultimately become extinct.

So this dual approach of a rise of ideological consciousness and the obliteration of dogma is the first  benefit.

UNDERSTANDING WHO IS WHO

THROUGH THE LENS OF ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

The second dramatic change is that now in our AMPS people are understanding 'who is who'. In 1991, it was thought that those in the helm were divine and could do no wrong. With that misconception so much cheating, distortion, and exploitation was going on.

Now margiis and field workers are no longer blinded by the colour of the dress or by stature of the post etc. These relative factors hold no water on their own. Now everyone can see who is who through the lens of Ananda Marga ideology.

That means those in Centre are being measured by their conduct, not their dress or post. And when group and factional interest is at a premium in the upper echelons of the organisation, margiis and general workers can understand the extent of the problem - and take steps to fix things.

EVALUATE ANYONE IS BY SEEING THEIR CONDUCT

NOT BY THEIR POST OR DRESS

Because now there is no longer an idle dependence on "a few high posted dadas". Instead, sadhakas are taking Baba's name and being led by His divine teachings. They no longer have blind faith in group leaders. And by this way the pathway to following Baba's divine ideology has been cleared. That is one great development. Now everyone realises that the way to evaluate anyone is by seeing their conduct - not by their post or dress.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Your ideal is represented by your conduct..." (1)

Any by that way - by understanding who is who and ensuring people follow the proper code of conduct, the ideology will get implemented.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Human beings cannot propagate a great ideology by their knowledge, intellect, or social status...they can only do it through their conduct." (2)

TREMENDOUS CHANGE SINCE 1990

Thus from the innermost seed vessel in the mind to our outer expression, there has been a monumental shift and significant changes in our AMPS. Now people realise that this is the time to follow ideology and not get misled by dogma.

Baba says, "When clouds collect around the pole-star and cover it, your duty will be to remove the clouds and follow the pole-star without caring to see where the clouds have gone." (3)

And by Baba's grace that is happening - everyone in AM is getting their vision fixed on the pole-star, on Baba.

GREAT PROGRESS IS GOING ON IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

Thus a key element why Baba's teachings are getting properly protected and instilled within the consciousness of Ananda Marga is because of sincere interest by margiis and wts to safeguard His teachings. And certainly the best way to safeguard such teachings is to follow them in individual life and implement them in the society. And this great process is going on in our Ananda Marga.

VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT:

ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY HAS BEEN SAVED

Thus even though there are still group clash and infighting is going on, behind the scene something much, much deeper is happening. Everyone is learning Ananda Marga ideals, by His grace. Sadhakas are now putting philosophical understanding into working knowledge.

So, all in all, everything in our AMPS is moving in a remarkably positive direction and it is only a matter of time till all groupism and selfishness is gone from our Ananda Marga.

The main thing is that our AM ideology has been saved; it is well protected; and there is a growing awareness about Guru's true teachings. By that way it is sure that everything will be okay both in our organisation and in the society at large. Because the presence of ideology creates a positive flow in the mind and a stir in the society.

In contrast, those selfish parties that hold power and seem strong - either in the organisation or in the general society - will be pulled apart and rooted out since they lack a universal outlook

NEW LEADERSHIP IS ON THE WAY

Thus day by day things are moving ahead in a positive direction in our AMPS; so none should fall in the depths of frustration. Awareness is growing fast in our Ananda Marga and it will not be long till that positive development is reflected in all the facets of Ananda Marga life - including in a bright new leadership as well.

Now everyone realises that no group or subfaction is fit to rule. So many good people in our Marga are coming forward and one day theyw will dharmically lead our Marga. The era of groupism is fas coming to a close and new life is getting pumped into our Marga from the ground up. That will be reflected in our leadership as well. That day is soon to arrive.

Baba says, "Leadership is not imposed from above, rather it establishes itself through dedication, sincerity, ideological zeal, fighting spirit and all-round capacity. Leaders gradually acquire such capabilities -- step by step." (4)

THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR - CONSTANTLY FIGHT AGAINST EVILS

By Baba's grace we are building up that healthy AM society and will spread His divine teachings to all the four corners-- to every place in this universe.

Baba says, "Remember -- you have to serve humanity. You have to dedicate yourself to the cause of humanity as a whole. Your life is valuable; your time is all the more valuable. You should not waste a single moment. The task is glorious. The task is novel. Lead the life of a warrior and constantly fight against evils. You will be victorious. So march ahead!" (5)

We have to do many ideological teachings to propagate - until each and every person accepts Ananda Marga ideology our work is not finished.

“Remember, until every person in the universe accepts the Ananda Marga ideology, you have no opportunity to rest.” (6)

OPTIMISM IS OUR WAY

The great tide of ideology is coming forth in our Ananda Marga and with that rising tide the era of staticity is crumbling to dust. By His grace those who have assembled in His Marga and are upholding His divine teachings will spread the great ideology and bring welfare to every nook & corner of this universe. This is His guarantee. So our future is bright - assured.

Baba says, "Crisis is quite natural for something moving. Wherever there is movement, there is struggle...But you know, I am not a pessimist. I am always an optimist. And I want all my sons and daughters to be optimists. And I want them to struggle against this death signal of humanity, and come out successful."

"And I am sure that you boys and you girls must be optimists; and it is your duty to save humanity. And I hope you will be able to save humanity, because, just like me, you are also optimistic. You should know that great, or good, people are few in number, they are not many. They do not come within the scope of millions or billions. They are always few in number. And these few, they are the torchbearers of human society, they are the pioneers, they are the vanguards of human society. So it is your duty to save humanity. And those who are unable to shoulder their own bags and baggages -- their responsibilities are to be shouldered by you. You should remember that the life of a spiritual aspirant is a mission. One's entire life is a mission, one's entire existence is a mission. And your mission is -- what? To save humanity from this crisis. I hope you will be successful. And I not only hope, I am sure that you will be successful." (7)

Namaskar,

in Him,

Jyoti

Note 1: SINCERE MARGII INTEREST IN IDEOLOGY:

MARGIIS AND WTS SAFEGUARD HIS TEACHINGS

Here is one more proof about the uniquely positive scene these days.

All are certainly aware that in the past when any Taraka Brahma took advent on this earth then those teachings could not be protected. Lord Shiva's and Lord Krsna’s teachings were mostly lost or forgotten and replaced by dogmas. Thus society could not get full benefit of their auspicious advent. Because their divine guidelines could not be saved and propagated age after age. But this time around, His teachings are mostly in tact due to alertness and awareness of margiis and a lot of pracara work is going on about this.

REFERENCES

1. A'nanda Va'nii #13

2. PNS-18, p.1

3. PNS-18, 'Your Mission'

4. PNS-21, 'Nuclear Revolution'

5. PNS-18, p.2

6. Caryacarya - 2, Miscellaneous, Point #6

7. AV-34

*************************************** Futility of Materialism

Baba says, "Materialism is the sign of shallow knowledge. Due to lack of proper understanding and ignorance people become materialists. Human beings should study more and acquire sufficient knowledge. Then they will understand that in materialism there is nothing." (DMC 84 Delhi, SS-16 (H))

***************************************

PUJA: WHY ONLY ONE, WHY NOT MANY

Baba

This email contains two sections:
1. Posting: Why Only One, Why Not Many
2. Links

PUJA': WHY ONLY ONE, WHY NOT MANY

Namaskar, 
India - and in particular the Hindu religion - has a long history of worshipping multiple gods and goddesses. Within Hinduism, there is a dizzying myriad of gods and goddesses whose number keeps on growing. This approach is wholly antithetical to our standard in Ananda Marga. Sadguru Baba guides on the necessity of pointed devotion for a singular Divine Entity. Unfortunately, some who grew up in this environment of a plethora of deities and entered into Ananda Marga could never adjust with the notion of one supreme Entity, one single name, one object of ideation, one ista mantra, one-pointed devotion, and calling Parama Purusa with one name.

WHY NOT WORSHIP MULTIPLE GODS AND GODDESSES

According to Ananda Marga ideology, Ista is one - not many. This ethic leads to the cultivation of pointed devotion and spiritual attainment. That is why in Ananda Marga we only sing those Prabhat Samgiita compositions that are for Baba. Those songs that are for Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna contravene our cult of devotion. That is why those songs are for devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. Those are not songs that sincere Ananda Margis should sing for their devotional practice such as in paincajanya etc. We are to learn those songs only for the sake of teaching others - to serve those devotees and show them that Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji has blessed them with devotional treasures as well. 

MIND IS BIFURCATED AND SADHANA IS RUINED

In various discourses Baba has taught us that the mind is one and if an aspirant uses multiple names to call that Divine Entity then the mind will become bifurcated and sadhana will be ruined. That is why Baba's strict warning for the all-round development in sadhana is that there should only be one ista - not many. Those calling that Supreme Entity using various names like Krsna, Shiva, Radha, Rama, Sita, and countless other ways are confused and wasting their time. By using various names, the mind will become bifurcated and unable to concentrate. 

In Ananda Marga, Baba has given 16 points - one of which is the point of Ista. Ananda Margiis must be strict in Ista. In the practical realm that means: Although there are countless names of Parama Purusa, but for devotees and disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Ista is Baba, not Lord Krsna, not Lord Shiva, not goddess Durga, not Gaunga nor various other deities. There is none other important entity besides Baba.

So when singing bhajans / devotional songs one should not call, O' Lord Krsna be gracious, or O' Lord Shiva be gracious. Why not? Because that will bifurcate or balkanise the mind. If one's Guru is Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji and one is requesting His grace, then they should not call out to Lord Krsna, or Lord Shiva, or Goddess Gurga asking for grace. 

In the below quote, one dogmatic devotee is doing puja and in his puja he is calling out the names of countless gods and goddesses, and Baba is mocking that scene because that type of chant is not only useless - but harmful and a waste of time. 

Here following Baba is recalling one incident when one dogmatic devotee is doing puja, singing the glory of Parama Purusa, and saluting Parama Purusa by calling out so many names. That completely undermines his approach. 

Baba says, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone's name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.”

Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (1)

O' LORD RAMA PLEASE BE GRACIOUS

By the above teaching it is very clear that Ananda Margiis should not say, “O' Goddess Parvati please be gracious, O' Lord Rama please be gracious, O' Lord Vishnu please be gracious, O' Lord Ganesh please be gracious, O' Lord Krsna please be gracious, O' Lord Shiva please be gracious. 

If one repeats so many names then the mind will balkanised and sadhana will be ruined. That person cannot progress in the spiritual field. That is what Baba's above teachings guides us.

Then what should we do? Ananda Margiis must only say. O' Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji please be gracious.

OUT OF FEAR WORSHIP COUNTLESS DEITIES

In the below scene, two dogmatic devotees are doing their puja worship. They are seated in typical type of puja room (place of worship) common to Indian Hindu households. In Ananda Marga, we would equate this as being their sadhana room. On display, they have more than 50 gods and goddesses on the wall. In the front there are some small idols as well. And everyday these Hindu devotees recite various devotional songs or shlokas, to please all those deities - one by one. The fear complex has been injected in the mind that if they only worship one diety and not all the others, then they will be in trouble. Those other deities will be frustrated and bring about their ruination and curse them. So out of fear those Hindus worship countless gods and goddesses. They are dominated by the dogma that there are countless gods and each one controls various aspects of life. Ananda Marga ideology condemns this dogmatic approach type of dogma. 

TYPICAL HINDU PUJA ROOM

Here then below are those two Hindu devotees doing their ritual worship of countless gods and goddesses. They do this on a daily basis. 

​

Shown above are those two Hindu devotees doing their daily, ritualistic worship of countless gods and goddesses.

In case you missed it, here again is the description of the above scene: These two dogmatic devotees are doing their puja worship. They are seated in typical type of puja room (place of worship) common to Indian Hindu households. In Ananda Marga, we would equate this as being their sadhana room. On display, they have more than 50 gods and goddesses on the wall. In the front there are some small idols as well. And everyday these Hindu devotees recite various devotional songs or shlokas, to please all those deities - one by one. The fear complex has been injected in the mind that if they only worship one deity and not all the others, then they will be in trouble. Those other deities will be frustrated and bring about their ruination and curse them. So out of  fear those Hindus worship countless gods and goddesses. They are dominated by the dogma that there are countless gods and each one controls various aspects of life. Ananda Marga ideology condemns this dogmatic approach type of dogma. 

VERY DIFFICULT FOR SOME MARGIIS

COMING FROM HINDU BACKGROUNDS

Those raised in Hindu families who came into Ananda Marga often still carry this old dogma with them. That is why in their puja room they keep photos of numerous deities like, Lord Krsna, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the elephant god Ganesh, the monkey god Hanuman, and so many gods and goddesses including Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda etc. And when they do their Ananda Marga sadhana they chant those names along with their ista mantra. And when the opportunity comes they prefer to sing those Prabhat Samgiita related with Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. All because of their dogmatic old mindset: It is very hard to give up the Hindu dogma of multiple deity worship. 

Such psuedo-margiis have many istas Lord Krsna, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the elephant god Ganesh, the monkey god Hanuman, and so many gods and goddesses including Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda etc 

Whereas, those who are strict margiis only have one ista Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. So those strong, sincere margiis are strict in 16 Points and do not have multiple Istas. They have one-pointed devotion for Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.This is often very easy for overseas margiis, but for some dogmatic Indian margiis this point is extremely difficult. Even after reading the teaching from Baba - which appears in numerous discourses - how the mythological, ideal devotee Hanuman only worshipped one Ista (see note 2 below), still those dogmatic Indian margiis are confused: They cannot give up their Hindu dogma as they continue to worship Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna.  

in Him,
Ragatmika'

Note 1: मेरे लिए सब कुछ कौन हैं ? सब कुछ हैं बाबा |

हनुमान जी से एक बार कहा गया था कि---"देखो हनुमान, तुम 'राम-राम, राम-राम' करते हो | 'राम' भी जो हैं, 'नारायण' भी तो वे ही हैं; तो, तुम नारायण का नाम क्यों नहीं लेते हो ? एक ही तो वस्तु, राम भी जो नारायण भी वही हैं |

समझ रहे हो न ?

तो, तुम राम नाम लेते हो, नारायण का नाम क्यों नहीं लेते हो ?" तो, हनुमान जी का उत्तर था, उत्तर बहुत सुन्दर | कि---

श्रीनाथे जानकीनाथे चाभेद परमात्मनि |
तथापि मम सर्वस्वः रामः कमललोचन ||

"मैं जानता हूँ कि पारमार्थिक विचार के अनुसार, दार्शनिक विचार के अनुसार श्रीनाथ, श्रीनाथ माने ? नारायण | श्री माने "लक्ष्मी" | तो, श्रीनाथ माने "लक्ष्मीपति", अर्थात्‌ "नारायण" | "श्रीनाथे" |
​ ​
और "जानकीनाथे"---जानकीनाथ माने "राम" | दार्शनिक विचार के अनुसार, "च अभेद |" दोनों अभेद हैं, दोनों में पार्थक्य नहीं है, एक वस्तु हैं |

"तथापि मम सर्वस्वः |" तो भी मेरे लिए सब कुछ कौन हैं ? न, "राम कमललोचन"---"मैं नारायण को नहीं जानता हूँ; मैं राम जानता हूँ |" अर्थात्‌ याद रखोगे, परमात्मा का हर नाम अच्छा है | किन्तु, तुम्हारे लिए एक मात्र नाम क्या है, परमात्मा का ? न, तुम्हारा जो इष्ट मन्त्र | समझे ? Spirit समझ गए तुम लोग ? देखो, उसी को लेकर तुम्हें आगे बढ़ना है | तुम्हारे लिए वही मूल्यवान; और नाम मूल्यवान नहीं है | As a साधक, ऐसे ही चलना है | ​(2)

Note 2: HANUMAN STORY OF ONE ISTA

Here is a very significant story about the mythological bhakta - Hanuman.

"When Hanuman was asked why he was so insistent on taking the name of Ráma and never taking the name Náráyańa, he promptly replied:

Shriináthe jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani

Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocana.

“I know by philosophical analysis that there is no difference between Náráyańa and Rama, and yet I will channelize my mind towards One Entity and not many. For me there is no Náráyańa, there is only Ráma.”

"Likewise for the genuine spiritual aspirants there is only One Entity, and they rush only towards that Supreme One. Their minds move only in one direction, not in a thousand directions." (3)

In that discourse, Baba's pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka's devotional feeling must be linked with one Ista - for Ananda Margiis that Ista is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For others it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.

Note 3: SPECIAL EXTRA WORSHIP

Although on regular daily basis - morning and evening - such dogmatic Hindus do their regular multiple deity worship, but then a extra puja comes on a special occasion for a particular deity. Every week or every month is allocated to pay homage to a different deity. Today is the puja of the monkey god and tomorrow or next week is reserved for the worship of Sarasvati (goddess of knowledge) or Durga puja etc.

REFERENCES

1. 11 April 1979, Kolkata

2. GD 6 January 1967 Srinagar

3. Ananda Marga Way of Life - 11

=========

From: "Manoranjan Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: 03 Jan 2013 19:13:56 -0000
Subject: So Important, But Still Some Oblivious

Baba

== SO IMPORTANT, BUT STILL SOME OBLIVIOUS ==

Namaskar,
Here we are talking about Prabhat Samgiita and which songs are best for Ananda Margiis to sing - from a purely devotional perspective.

Nowadays, in their innocence, a few are singing songs which go against the devotional feeling of Ananda Marga. We should therefore take a deeper look at the matter.

ALL HAVE DEVOTION

As we know, Baba has explained that every human being in this cosmos has devotion; not only that, but even developed animals have devotion. Undeveloped animals have devotion too, but it is in latent form. So even developed animals have their animal devotion and desire to be great. When they see something or someone bigger and stronger than they are, then they stop and look with awe at that entity. That means they accept that entity as greater than themselves. Reverence towards someone great is their devotion. You can visibly see this in all kinds of tamed animals. That is the main reason why intelligent animals have accepted human beings as their masters and have taken shelter under human care and direction. For them, their master is everything. They have devotion toward their master - just as intelligent human beings have devotion for Parama Purusa.

Actually, those animals do not know that there is someone greater than their human master - they do not know there is Parama Purusa. The moment they know about Parama Purusa they will salute Him and develop loyalty and surrender to the Divine Entity.

Similarly, every human being also has devotion and an innate longing to become great. Plus, everyone has the very sincere desire to satisfy that longing. Unfortunately, along the way, some get caught up in undesirable activities.

For instance, take the case of Hindus sacrificing goats to the gods. They do this as a sincere expression of their devotion. Though we know that this is just a dogmatic ritual that will not get them any closer to God. Rather, their harmful ways lead them in the opposite direction. Even then, these worshipers think that their practice of sacrificing goats is good and will allow them to reach God. So they are sincere, but misguided.

Such static rituals and traditional forms of worship are present in all the dogmatic religions.

Thus, even though all have devotion, vivek, and knowledge are needed to express that devotion in a proper way.

RELATING THIS WITH ANANDA MARGA AND PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Now let's see how these above ideas relate with our devotional life and Prabhat Samgiita.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA IS FOR ALL

First off, we have to remember that Baba has given His teachings not just for Ananda Margiis, but for the entire humanity. For instance: Soon the whole world will be following the ways of Prout, whether they be margii or not. Likewise, Baba's remedies in Yogic Treatments are for everyone; and, His various grammar books are to be studied in all schools around the globe. In the same way, Baba has graciously given His Prabhat Samgiita collection for the whole humanity - not just to the relatively small number of people who are Ananda Margiis.

Here then comes the crux of the matter.

Those Prabhat Samgiita composition that state, "O' Lord Krsna, please come in my heart." Then that song is for those bhaktas whose Ista is Lord Krsna.

And those songs which say, "O' Prabhu, please come in my heart, come in my mind", then that song is for Ananda Margiis. Why? Because here Prabhu means Lord and that can easily be goaded to Ista (i.e. nearest and dearest One), Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Side by side, those followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna can also use this song in their own way.

So Baba has graciously given His Prabhat Samgiita collection for all kinds of devotees - His divine compositions are for all. As Ananda Margiis, we should sing only those songs which goad the mind toward Baba, not any other divine entity. In our devotional life, we should only sing those songs that address Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, i.e. Baba.

Certainly we may learn the songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna; by that way we can best introduce non-margiis to those compositions. But we will not use those songs in our own devotional practices and programs.

THE POINT OF ISTA

Here the critical point is Ista. For Ananda Margiis, the Ista is not Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Although Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, and Baba are all the same, in theory. The same Divine Entity came three different times, in three different forms, with three different names. But for Ananda Margiis, Ista is not three, but rather one. Only Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is the Ista. So we must not chant, "O Lord Krsna, please come in my heart." That is not beneficial - that is against point #10 of Sixteen Points: Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista.

Even then, some may naively wonder, "What is wrong if I sing those songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. I call out to all three Taraka Brahmas because if one fails to respond then at least one of the other two will do something and solve my problem." But unfortunately that method does not work. About this dilemma, please read the story about the sick father in note 1 after the signature.

SINCERITY ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

Those who worship idols do not know that they will one day become idols; they will not become one with Parama Purusa. So although they are involved in worship, but that style of worship is the wrong approach and they are going to be crudified. They will not be benefitted, rather degraded.

Baba says, "The mind is extroverted by idol worship and is attracted towards finite objects. If the mental force is directed towards finite and crude objects, then the person is ultimately converted into crudeness."  (Subhasita Samgraha - 1)

So here the key point is that sincerity alone is not enough. Those idol worshipers are very sincere in their devotion to their chosen deity. But the outcome of their practice is not good; they will degenerate and become one with the stone, bronze, copper, clay, wood etc, whatever their chosen idol is made of. So no practitioner can stand on sincerity alone; the path must also be proper.

Similarly, in Ananda Marga, Baba has given 16 points; and as noted above, one point is Ista. Ananda Margiis must be strict in Ista. In the practical realm that means: Although there are countless names of Parama Purusa, but for devotees and disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Ista is Baba, not Lord Krsna, not Lord Shiva, not goddess Durga, not Gaunga nor various other deities. There is none other important entity besides Baba.

Here is Baba's key and colorful teaching on this matter.

Baba says, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone's name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (11 April 1979, Kolkata)

So although Baba has given 5,018 Prabhat Samgiita songs, one must have the required viveka to use the songs in the right way. We are only to sing those songs in our devotional practices that focus on Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

ONE-POINTED DEVOTION

If one oblivious margii is singing this song - Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara (Prabhat Samgiita #2526) - it means you are paying homage to Lord Shiva, requesting Him to "please come in my meditation and come in my dhyana." But then when you conclude the song and start your actual meditation practice, you are pointing the mind towards your Guru, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. So that bifurcated approach is not at all good; it will not be helpful.

Why? Because you are addressing both Lord Shiva and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji; the mind is not at all pointed, rather bifurcated. Yet sadhana can only be done with a pointed mind.

Sadguru says, "According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Liberation of the Devotee)

MUST LINK WITH ONE DIVINE ENTITY - NOT MANY 

Think in this way: One small child calls its mother with the name "mom". With that appellation, with that word, the mother and child are linked. When the child calls out "mom", then that mother comes rushing and helps the child.

Now let's say the mother's legal or professional name is Radhika Devii, or Betty Thompson, or Maria Theresa Garcia. Then if that same child starts calling Radhika, Radhika, Radhika, or Betty, Betty, Betty, or Maria, Maria, Maria, then neither the child nor the mother will feel linked. Neither one will appreciate this.

This simple analogy anyone can understand. Try it in your own life with your own mother, close family member, intimate friend, or companion. Experiment with not using that special appellation or nickname that you have for them and address them by their public, legal name. You will find that the effect and vibration is vastly different as it adversely affects the intimacy and closeness of the relation.

The relationship with Ista works in the same way. Devotees and the Lord have a special relation and connection with one name not many. Devotees and God have a very intimate relation - there is only one name by which to address the Lord. Ista is one not two, and not many.

For Ananda Margiis, the Ista (i.e. nearest and dearest One) is Baba. So one must not focus on Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna during devotional practices. That will bifurcate the mind and dilute the devotional approach. In numerous discourses, Baba Himself says the name of Ista is one, not multiple. In Ananda Marga, Baba alone is the Ista. It is His glory one should sing and His name and form should be meditated upon.

STORY OF GREAT DEVOTEE HANUMAN

Here is a very significant story about the mythological bhakta - Hanuman.

"When Hanuman was asked why he was so insistent on taking the name of Ráma and never taking the name Náráyańa, he promptly replied:

Shriináthe jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani
Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocana.

“I know by philosophical analysis that there is no difference between Náráyańa and Rama, and yet I will channelize my mind towards One Entity and not many. For me there is no Náráyańa, there is only Ráma.”

"Likewise for the genuine spiritual aspirants there is only One Entity, and they rush only towards that Supreme One. Their minds move only in one direction, not in a thousand directions." (Ananda Marga Way of Life - 11)

In that discourse, Baba's pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka's devotional feeling must be linked with one Ista - for Ananda Margiis that Ista is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For others it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.

Without this idea firmly set in the mind, one cannot reach the Goal. Ananda Margiis should not say, "O Lord Krsna come and grace me" - that will not help, rather hinder. The mind will be bifurcated or trifurcated. Some part of the mind will go to Lord Krsna, and another part to Lord Shiva, and some portion to Baba. That mind is broken, retarded - it will go nowhere. There is one ista - that is our Guru's teaching.

An Ananda Margiis should only sing those devotional compositions that point the mind towards Baba; whereas those Prabhat Samgiita compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are for the general public. In devotional life, a sadhaka of Ananda Marga is to choose from the many hundreds of songs about Baba and sing only those songs, and not sing or use compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva. That does not mean we should discard those songs about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva, rather we are to learn them so we can teach others. But, in one's own personal practice and devotional life, a bhakta of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Baba) is to only sing songs about Him. That is the key point - and the pointed mandate to follow.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINE

Remember, this is a very important spiritual guideline. If you follow this you get everything and if you do not follow it you will not get anything in the realm of spirituality.

Namaskar,
In Him alone,
Manoranjan

Note 1: SICK FATHER AND MEDICINE STORY

Once there was a father who was suffering from a sickness. He called out to his sons, "O' Tom, Dick, Harry, I need medicine. Please go to the store and bring my medicine." All three sons listened very sincerely to their father's request. The eldest son, Tom, immediately thought that the youngest (Harry) will get it. And Harry thought Tom would get it. And Dick thought one of his brothers would get the medicine. Later, in the middle of the night, the father called out to his sons, "O Tom, Dick, Harry, now is the time I need my medicine." All three sons looked at each other and realised that no one had gotten the medicine. Now all the shops were closed and father's condition was not good. In short, disaster had struck. And there was nothing to be done in that late hour.

If the father had specifically asked one of his sons to get the medicine, then that son would have done it. Then the problem would have been averted. Asking all three sons at the same time was a mistake. The father learned his lesson.

This same theory holds true in the realm of devotion as well. Worshiping multiple deities is not going to bring the proper outcome. How is one going to be graced with it is divided in multiple directions. The mind must be pointed in one direction. In the field of devotion, the sadhaka must be singular in approach.

In their day-to-day practical manner, the Semitic religions worship not one god but many. Those followers ask boons and grace from numerous godheads. In theory, they may try to deny this and give their own justification; but in their practical life that is what they do. It is quite evident.

Nowadays, most Christians and Muslims are in so-called 3rd world countries. And those believers follow multiple religions plus local gods and goddesses. They are involved in numerous belief systems. One single person might worship Allah, a Christian God, and their own local or native gods / goddesses and ritualistic deities. This is prevalent all around Africa and the Asian nations.

Next the is Buddhism which has adopted multiples deities. And the worst is Hinduism where there are countless gods and goddesses.

Those who come into Ananda Marga from such backgrounds often have a hard time understanding that Ista must be one, i.e. singular. Those who come into Ananda Marga at a young age easily understand. Age aside, those with adequate devotion absolutely understand.

Every bhakta in Ananda Marga must be singularly pointed on Ista, and only ideate on Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. There is no other way.

PRABHATA SAMGIITA

"Tumi utta'l sindhute na'co, utta'l sindhute na'co..."  (1182)

Purport:

Baba, You are expressing Yourself as the dance of the high tide of the roaring ocean. You have taken the form of the ocean waves. O' my dearmost
Baba, in this condition it is impossible to hold You. It is very difficult to get close to You. Baba, now everybody wants You; but You are not easy to get. People run quickly towards You with the desire to get You. But, shaken with the fear, they return back because Your vibration is ferocious and rough like the high tide of the turbulent ocean. Baba, only when You really want to be held can it be done - otherwise not.
 
O' my Lord, when I was searching You externally in this material world then I was studying the shastras, and I was listening to discourses given by various scholars, and I was running from one holy land to another. Any place where people claimed You were, there I went - externally searching for You. But by all these methods I could not get You in my heart; I could not realise You as my own, as my very close.  

Baba, in the end, You have graciously made me understand that You are hiding in the inner recesses of my heart - in a very sweet and intimate way. O' Divine Entity, You have taught me that only by searching You within could I make You my own. In this way, You have blessed me. O' my dearmost Parama Purusa Baba, You are ever-gracious...


END NOTE FOR PRABHATA SAMGIITA 1182:

In the above song, through the symbolism of the 'high tide', Baba is expressing that at the time of Dharma Samiiksa, or Personal Contact, or in reporting, then many people - margiis and Wts - wanted to go close to Him. But at the same time they thought that it is too dangerous because Baba is scolding and abusing everyone too much. Baba is Love Personified and He does everything for your welfare, even then some were scared. With that fear and anxiety many persons did not want to be in His close physical proximity. So that is one sense of the meaning of 'high tide'. And of course now every Ananda Margii understands that the only way to have Baba in a close and intimate way is through meditation, in one's dhya'na.