* AM-GLOBAL *

Baba Story: Wrong & Negative Comparison

2012-02-10T19:55:00.000+05:30

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Wrong & Negative Comparison
Date: Fri 10 Feb 2012 19:57:25 +0530 (IST)
From: Madhusudan Deva

Baba

== BABA STORY: WRONG AND NEGATIVE COMPARISON ==

Note: The following is a first-hand account by Shrii Ramadhar ji, an important margii from Bihar.

Namaskar,
I had gone to Puri (Orissa) to attend a religious Hindu pilgrimage. While there I stayed at the Ramakrishna Mission ashram. I immediately noticed how neat and clean the ashram was - including the kitchen and dining areas. All the plates and utensils were absolutely spotless. I was very impressed by the cleanliness and how organised it was. I was praising them about their excellent hygiene; and whomever I came across I told how the Ramakrishna Mission keeps a very clean ashram.

MY EXPERIENCE IN TILJALA

Some months later (1989-90), I went to Tiljala for my designated duties and to attend some programs. Certainly, over the years, I had been to Tiljala many, many times, and on this occasion I was really bothered by how dirty it was. When I went to eat in the kitchen, all the plates and the utensils were sticky and oily. This was very unappealing to me and I immediately recalled how everything was pristine and proper at the Ramakrishna Mission ashram in Puri.

While moving around Tiljala that day I told a few people about how beautiful the accommodations were at the Ramakrishna ashram and that their kitchen was spotless. Yet here in Tiljala all the eating utensils and plates were grimy, greasy, and sticky. In this manner I spoke with some around the Tiljala compound.

IN BABA'S PRESENCE

Later that same day I had the opportunity to see Baba. Immediately upon entering and being called in front of Him, I noticed that He seemed quite displeased - I did not know why.

Baba looked at me and said, "You know those monks in the Ramakrishna mission use chewing tobacco (khaeni), plus they eat fish. Not only that, Vivekananda smoked and still today some smoke tobacco. They have many dirty habits. So you see, externally they may appear to be very clean, but internally they are not. Now see my sannyasis. They do fasting 4 times per month and do not eat any tamasik food. Their standard of code and conduct is far higher; there is no comparison. Dharma is measured by the conduct, not by superficial matters."

Baba then recited one shloka, "Acaranat dharma". [1]

REPENTANCE

Hearing Baba's words I immediately realised my mistake. I understood why He was displeased and why He telling me this now.

Mentally, I begged forgiveness and vowed to never praise the cleanliness of the Ramakrishna Mission ashram ever again. I understood the shallowness of my assessment and gained a deeper appreciation for our way of life in Ananda Marga. This positive feeling has remained with me ever since, by His grace.

Namaskar,
Ramadhar

REFLECTION

The above story recounted by Shrii Ramadhar contains many valuable teachings and some very pratical guidelines as well. One of which is to be keenly aware about comparing our Marga with other service organisations.

Some margiis, in the recent past, have unfortunately equated non-margiis as being sadvipras. And then of course there is Dada Maheshvarananda who has held communist and Marxist leaders like Chavez as being a sadvipra. Still others in our Marga think that Ana Hazare is better than Ananda Margiis. Not only that, they think Hazare is a great Proutist and sadvipra. Yet another margii expressed that we should become great like Swami Ramdevji. These are the types of comments that are circling around. When I hear such things I am appalled and again reflect on Baba's above teachings: The speciality of our Marga is our ideal and conduct, not any type of social status or mundane wealth etc. We should not fall prey to the fleeting fame and glamour of others and forget our ideal.

Unfortunately, some in AM just complain about the poor monetary standard of our Ananda Marga jagrtis, units, and schools, as well as the situation of our Wts. And they compare our projects less favourably with Christian institutions whose buildings are grand and fancy. But this is not a healthy outlook or approach. Rather we should adopt a distinctly positive and assertive stance.

PROPER APPROACH

For instance if a person sees the poor situation of one of our schools and jagrtis, and if in the course of addressing the problem they discuss some of the negative points with the aim of trying to improve the overall situation, then that is most welcome. That is a very positive, pro-active approach; i.e. constructive criticism.

That would be similar to a mother complaining to the doctor about her baby's poor health in order to cure her child and fix the problem. The mother's complaining to the doctor is not just done out of frustration, exasperation, or for the sake of complaining without any intent to resolve the situation. Rahter she is complaing out of love for the welfare of her baby.

Let us take another example: If someone criticises that sick human babe and in comparision praises a healthy pig saying it is better than the human babe, then the mother will not appreicate it. I think we all understand this analogy.

IMPROPER APPROACH

To complain about something just for criticism's sake with no practical intent to fix the problem is a very bad approach. If somone talks about the deficienicies of our AM projects with this atttitude, that is not at all appreciated. Why? Because there is no interest to make things better. It is similar to how the police complain to the courts about a person in question. The policeman's aim is to punish not rectify or purify.

Such a negative approach is especially bad with related with AM activities.

UNIQUENESS OF ANANDA MARGA

Why? Because our Ananda Marga has so many positive attributions in comparison to the dealings of other organisations and movements. Thus when something in the mundane sphere, like the cleanliness of the kitchen utensils, is not up to the mark then we cannot outrightly reject everything and label it as being low and useless, because we have so many other plus points that are not found elsewhere.

For example, our schools may not have palatial buildings with air-conditioning. We may even be holding classes underneath a tree. But when our schools are bastions of neo-humanism, then that is far better than a school with a great, big building that is filled with dogmatic preachings and teachings.

Likewise, our wts may have certain shortcomings but they are far superior to monks of other organisations who are paid a salary and indulge in all kinds of degrading and dogmatic behaviours. Other monks may have a good name and gain social recognition but that is not the basis upon which we should calculate who is great and who is not. Rather one must see the qualities of the human being: Whose life more strictly adheres to dharma, i.e. sixteen points.

STORY:

WHEN BABA VISITED ONE VILLAGE

I remember when Baba arrived in Chotijamin village in Bhagalpur. He sat in a small grass hut with a thatched roof that served as our AM jagrti, and He was praising how it was so beautiful to hold dharmacakra in our own jagrti. It was a very blissful occasion and He blessed everybody that day.

By this we can understand that Baba does not place any value on the size of the building or any other superficial quality, rather He appreciates the ideal and conduct.

FINAL REFLECTION

In the story recounted in the main portion of this email, Ramadharji was thinking about the lowly standard of AM jagrtis and how dirty they are; and he was furthermore aiming to criticise without offering any substantial avenues for fixing the situation. This was not his proper approach nor good intention, just criticism. That is why Baba was displeased with him and corrected his mind-set.

Ultimately, this type of defective mind-set should not be encouraged. AM ideology and our AMPS organisation are ours. Whatever shortcomings exist, we should try to fix and collectively address those matters in order to improve the situation, and not just indulge in criticism for criticism's sake.

Those who are good margiis will set their sight on fixing the situation. That is constructive criticism which is very positive as in their heart of hearts they are working to make things better.

Namaskar,
Madhusudan

[1] MORE ABOUT THE SHLOKA: ACARANAT DHARMAH:

In the above story Baba recites one shloka and here below is more about its meaning.

Baba says, "Ácárańát dharmah, that is, “Dharma is the assemblage of all your conduct” – the way you eat, the way you speak, the way you perform sádhaná. If your conduct is good, dharma is with you; if your conduct is not good, dharma is not with you." (Subhasita Samgraha-21, Niiti and Dharma)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Intro to PS: The below song is a chorus song where devotees reach to Baba to do pranam...

"Esechi sakale a'mara' dale dale pran'ati ja'na'te nite a'shiirva'd..." (PS #4942)

Purport:

Baba, we all have come to You to do sastaunga pranam and receive Your blessing. We do not want any wealth, prestige, or any boon. Only we want Your prasad. That is nectar for us; that will be everything.

Even before our asking, You have given us everything ahead of time. With my hand extended, I went on receiving all those things that You gave. And whatever my hand came in contact with, I felt those things turn into gold (sentient).

Baba, everything is saturated with Your divine grace. And You have made my whole existence move in the direction of shreya and paramartha.

Baba, You know me better than I know myself. Baba, we have come here collectively in front of You to surrender, to do sastaunga pranam...

****************************************
How Sadguru is Still Present

Baba says, "The entity by whose grace one comes into contact with Sat...that entity, or rather, that framework through which Parama Purusa is working or Ta'raka Brahma is functioning, is the Sadguru." (AV-3, p. 48)

Note 1: And here below Baba defines the meaning of 'Sat'.

Baba says, "Sat, the non-changeable Entity, the non-changeable stance, the non-changeable Nuclear Entity around which so many electrons move". (AV-3, p. 48)

Note 2: That Sadguru still exists and one can see Him through our various spiritual practices. In that way one can have His loving communication and grace-- everything. So the form upon which each and every sadhaka ideates upon Him in sadhana, that form is the Sadguru. And through the medium of that form every disciple gets His blessing. And that is why still today when an acarya initiates anyone they say that your Guru is Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

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

Example of Pig

2012-02-09T22:17:00.000+05:30

Date: 09 Feb 2012 21:48:26 -0000
From: "Sudhakar Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Example of Pig

Baba

== EXAMPLE OF PIG ==

Namaskar,
In countless discourses Baba stresses the importance of working collectively and remaining united. All margiis know that Baba emphasizes how this is the way great things can be accomplished.

Alone, one may be able to solve small individual problems, but doing great works on a grand scale is far beyond one's individual capacity. A strong collective effort is needed. That demands a methodical, organised approach and leadership. For this reason, the entire Mahabharata was planned.

Human beings have the intellectual capacity to proceed in this collective manner. And certainly Baba guides us to work unitedly and collectively.

His discourses on samgacchadhavam and so many related topics stress this point of collective movement. In addition, in 1990, Baba Himself took oaths from so many workers and margiis who pledged to Baba that they would work in a coordinated and cooperative manner with unity. Baba obviously sees this as a critical matter.

ONE SPECIAL DARSHAN IN DIIGHA'

In one general darshan on 09 Feb 1989 in Diigha', Baba makes a unique distinction.

In Bangla, Baba explains how pigs do not have the requisite intellect to work unitedly. When they move, they all run in separate directions. They just wander around on their own. They do not have the capacity to move together. They do not make a leader and follow in an organised way. Pigs never do like this. Instead they all run their own way. That is what happens when any farmer lets a bunch of pigs out of their barn.

Baba then goes on to say that human beings have the required intellect to work collectively in an organised fashion. That is part of being human. Baba then says that those in human framework who fail to work cooperatively and instead engage in acts that go against the collective movement are like pigs. Such people are like pigs, or even worse - i.e. even lower than that. That is the comparison that Baba makes in that unique discourse on 09 Feb 1989 in Diigha.

Baba further emphasizes that humans should never move like pigs, hither and thither.

Tragically, those involved in group oriented feuds, clannish battles, and factional struggles are by definition not working in a collective manner.

NOW IT IS FOR YOU TO DECIDE

Now it is for you the reader decide who is who. We have to take a hard look at those involved in groupist activities and those fighting for their group interest instead of universal well-being. We have to see if they are the cause for why things in AMPS are going against Baba's directive of unity and working together.

In samgacchadhvam, in His Ananda Vaniis, in Caryacarya, and in the 1990 oaths - as well as so many other occasions, Baba has highlighted that we must work together. That is ideal human activity.

By the various actions of groupists, we all have to evaluate if such persons are following human behavior or something else which Baba has described above.

You the reader must contemplate this on your own.

SANE PEOPLE CAN RECTIFY THEMSELVES

Some reading this may think that, "Oh my, I am involved in groupist and separatist activities and therefore I am a _ _ _, or worse."

However, it is never too late to change one's approach and embark on great endeavours.

So those who are sane will realise their mistakes, mend their ways and engage in collective works for the welfare of humanity from this very day forward.

None should think they are permanently tied up in the ways of factionalism. All have the capacity to change and do something which is beyond the narrow boundary of self and group interest. They can do for universal well-being.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, most margiis and field workers are deeply interested in working collectively for the upliftment of humanity. That is our human dharma. And by Baba's grace it will not be long before our Marga society is a perfect reflection of samgacchadhvam spirit.

Baba says, "You will have to carry the collectivity with you, because the collectivity is yours. The collectivity is not outside you – your future is inseparably connected with the collective fortune. You must take the entire collectivity with you and move towards the sweetest radiance of the new crimson dawn, beyond the veil of the darkest night." (PNS-8)

Namaskar,
Sudhakar

Note: HERE ARE SOME POSTINGS ABOUT UNITY

The first posting below is related with the sound file of the oath Baba was taking from various margiis and acaryas about working collectively.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/07/you-are-not-trustworthy.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/04/dont-dividekeep-unified.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/06/whatever-they-call-it-it-is-ignorance.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/11/baba-is-on-my-side.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Marmaviin'a'y eki sur a'chi ba'je diva'nishi mor virahii hiya'r ma'jhe..." (P.S. 480)

Purport:

Baba, day and night, only one tune is resonating in the viina of my melancholic heart. O' my dearmost Baba please come. In the deep core of my mind only one tune is swinging: O' Baba, You are not far away, You are not far, You are so close, You are with me.

Baba, when I see You in my karmayajina*, then I see You are remaining there also. Baba, You are with me in all the works. O' Baba, please come, O' Baba please come.

With the full longing of my heart, in whichever direction I look, there is nothing else that I can see except for Your divine form. O' my Lord of Formlessness, with the resonance of the ever-new song, dance, & form, please allow Yourself to be held in my heart.

O' Baba, please come, O' Baba please come...

*Karmayajina= The work done with cosmic ideation is known as karmayajina; that alone is proper action. Thus karmayajina is any action or service done with the sole motive to please Parama Purus'a. In contrast those things done devoid of cosmic feeling, such selfish activities are called kriya'-- and that leads to bondage. So only those works done with spiritual ideation come within the scope of karmayajina.

***************************************************
Motherly Status

Baba says, "We must pay due honour to women as mothers and help them to live long lives." (SC-20)

Note: Baba teaches us in His great ideology how He has given a very special status to females-- motherly status. But in European countries at present the large majority of females do not like to accept this motherly status because of pseudo-culture. In that sense, the situation is totally unlike other countries where motherly status is quite warmly embraced by the female population.

We all know that Baba used to give marriage blessings in three languages: English, Bengali, and Hindi. And when speaking in Hindi or Bengal, then in His marriage blessing Baba would say, 'O mother take this mala and keep this with you, this is your personal property'.

But when doing the same blessing in the English language then instead of addressing the bride as 'mother', Baba would use the term, 'little girl'.

Why Baba did not address them as mother? Because our females of English speaking communities would not have liked to be addressed as mother. That is why Baba did not use that term.

In other parts of the globe, those adherents of AM ideology are in a totally different situation. They enjoy having motherly status.
***************************************************

Animal Rights & Animal Pets

2012-02-08T17:28:00.000+05:30

Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:07:39 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL

From: J. Erikkson
Subject: Animal Rights & Animal Pets

Baba

                 == ANIMALS RIGHTS & ANIMAL PETS ==

Namaskar,
Right now on this planet we see so much suffering-- it is pervasive
throughout the globe and not limited to human beings. Animals also undergo
terrible suffering, unnecessarily. We can say that cruelty to animals is
rampant and, tragically, often openly accepted.

This mistreatment and undue harm to animals occurs everywhere: From Hong
Kong to Buenos Aires and from New York to Cape Town. That is well known.
But it also has to be admitted that the mistreatment of animals is much
more prevalent in the west, i.e. in those lands guided by the Semitic
religions.

As our Marga aims to eradicate the suffering of all beings, we should
clearly identify and carefully analyse the root cause behind such animal
suffering. By that way we can quickly bring about a healthy, universalistic
order that ensures the welfare of not only humans, but also plants and
animals.

                        PHILOSOPHY IS THE CAUSE

Wherever people live and whatever land they call their home, the common
inhabitants become coloured by the philosophy of that place. This happens
to just about everyone. And as we shall see this is the root cause of the
mistreatment of animals in our western nations.

Baba says, "In this universe there are people whose thoughts, character and
behaviour are similar...Characteristics inherent in a particular group get
mixed with the internal thoughts and ideas of other groups within a
society. This leads to the development of national characteristics. In this
way an entire national psychology - its external behaviour, its social
outlook, and its philosophy of life - is developed." (AFPS-6)

So each and every country has a particular way of living: A certain
mentality that projects a common mode of behaviour. This Baba terms as
prana dharma. And this shared outlook, or prana dharma, touches the very
core of the people of that land, region, or country.

                    ANIMAL (MIS)TREATMENT IN THE WEST:

         HOW IT WORKS WITH THE SEMITIC RELIGIONS ETC

So in the west, where the guiding philosophy or prana dharma is highly
affected by the Semitic religions-- Christian thought, Judaic beliefs, and
Muslim customs where animal cruelty is at its unnatural height & unholy peak.
Because the prevailing concept of all the these aforementioned religions is
that all the creatures exist on this planet solely for the exclusive
pleasure of human beings. In the name of their "God", they think like this.

So according to these dogmatic religions, animals are for human enjoyment
only, and animals have no rights of their own. This is the crusty, age-old
Semitic way of thinking.

And indeed this defective approach has affected the preaching of so many
western thinkers from St Thomas Aquinas to Descartes to Kant, and various
others in between and after. None of these so-called great philosophers
recognise the rights of animals-- not in the least.

In turn, the common people living in those nations get deluged by an
onslaught of religious and intellectual thought that teaches them: "Animals
are made for us"; "Animals are to be used for our human enjoyment". This is
their selfish outlook. So, with this defective mentality sitting in the
forefront of their mental plate, the people use and abuse animals,
senselessly.

This crude and defective approach has done untold harm in the past, as well
as led to the rise of horrific factory farms in this present era-- factory
farms that systematically and heartlessly bind & torture animals to keep up
with the ongoing demand of meats, poultry, mutton, and fish for human
consumption. This has been well-documented and anyone can view photos on
the web of the scandalous and cold-blooded treatment of the animals in such
factory farms. Even then that is not all.

Side by side, in those same western countries hunting laws are instituted
to ensure that there is 'enough game' so that humans can satisfy their
fancy and legally go out and shoot defenseless animals. And there are
numerous other examples and inhumane displays of animal mistreatment in the
western world that is fed and supported by the faulty Semitic views toward
animals.

All because, in the west, the common people have been flooded with the
religious propaganda that animals are merely a means to an end-- and that
'end' is human enjoyment. This crude mentality has shaped and molded the
minds of the people.

Verily, this is the mentality of the common populace including the kids.
That is why children-- without even thinking-- may pull the legs off of
various insects, or pour gasoline on beehives and burn them, or senselessly
kill squirrels, rodents, and even cats etc.

And the root cause behind it all is that selfish and dogmatic belief that
all these animals have been placed on this earth solely for the crude
pleasure & enjoyment of humans. So "we can do what we want to those
animals-- they are made for us". This is what their religious dogma preaches.

Whereas our neohumanism beautifully states that all beings are the divine
expression of Parama Purusa and we humans are to act as guardians and
ensure the right and proper treatment of all-- because all beings,
including animals, have their God-given rights and existential value. All
have the right to a healthy and happy life.

   DON'T GET BEFOOLED BY THE 'PET' PSYCHOLOGY OF THE WEST

Those new to the western world or visiting for the first time may naively
think that animals have a high place in western society. Because in places
like the US, dog owners spare no expense for their pets. There are animal
hospitals which primarily treat dogs, plus there are doggie saloons, doggie
spas, dog groomers, doggie retreats, doggie vacations, doggie massages, and
even doggie yoga classes where pet owners bring their dogs to class and do
asanas with their cherished pets. So there are thousands of ways to pamper
your pet-- and it all costs a pretty penny, i.e. lots of money.

Seeing all this one may think that dogs and all animals are revered and
given high-status in the west. But that is just a bunch of nonsense. The
prevailing 'pet' psychology in the west all falls in their selfish &
hypocritical perspective-- that is all.

Those pet owners derive selfish pleasure from their doggie pets and praise
themselves for the grand way in which they care for their dogs, yet every
night their dinner plate is filled with the remnants of slaughtered animals
that suffered in misery before being sentenced to some painful and
deceitful death. And those same pet owners sport leather shoes & mink coats
that only further testify to the fact that they feel they can do anything
and everything with animals-- because those "animals are made for us". So
says their Christian doctrine and so says their conscience. And their
selfish & hypocritical behaviour perfectly reflects this very idea.
It should also be included that those very same pet owners have started
innumerable capitalist ventures that exploit animals to the bone in order
to maximize profits.

Hence, by seeing the conditions of 'pets', no one should hastily conclude
that those in the US people are very kind and sweet to animals. It is not
at all like that.

       ECO-GROUPS & ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUPS HAVE THEIR AGENDA

Some might then say, 'Well what about all those animal rights groups and
eco-groups in the US-- doesn't that show that they care for animal welfare'.
And the quick and pointed reply is that many of those conservation groups
still subscribe to eating meat etc, and with regards to the eco-oriented
animals rights organisations, they also have their limited agendas such as
wanting to secure their home on this earth and for that they got involved
in environmental problems caused by a meat-based diet. Thereby those people
can continue to live on the planet and enjoy, whether it be rock-n-roll
music or other pseudo-culture trends. So theirs is not a wholly benevolent
or conscious approach. Rather it is inherently tainted with some other
motive-- whether they realise it or not.

And for those who few who may be internally sincere in their desire to help
animals, unfortunately they are not spiritually awakened enough to
understand that those animals are expressions of Parama Purusa and that we
are to serve Him by helping those animals.

So none of those groups are on par with AM and in 99% of the cases they
have a side-by agenda in mind. Yet they are all our brothers and sisters
and it is our bounden to guide them as best we can. And to guide them
properly, neither should we be in awe of their work nor should we despise
them as people. Rather ours should be a balanced approach where we
recognise their shortcomings so that we may best help them to advance.

Here the main idea is that the overall perspective of such advocacy
organisations is not one of seva. So although such groups may seemingly be
doing good work-- they are not "one" with our Marga. Because only our
neo-humanistic philosophy imbibes the belief that all are the expression of
Parama Purusa we have come to this world to serve others-- including plants
and animals-- and watch for their welfare.

No eco or animal rights group has this God-centered, neo-humanistic ideal
in mind.

                                  SHORT RECAP

So in the nutshell that is the picture of animal mistreatment in the west
and it is all fueled by the selfish, dogmatic outlook of the Semitic
religions which states, "Animals are made for us".

                THE SITUATION OF ANIMALS IN INDIA

The situation with regards to the treatment of animals in India is
comparatively better. No doubt there are some pitfalls, but at the same
time it has to be recognised that those early rishis of 15,000 years ago
preached the spiritual ideal that are all the expressions of Parama Purusa.
And this pure premise has filtered down to the Indian masses for generation
after generation.

Baba says, "The thoughts and ideals of India are quite different from the
other countries in the East. Since ancient times, India has been adhering
to her distinct pra'n'a dharma. Regarding life and the world, the Indian
people are certainly spiritually inclined. They look upon each and every
thought and deed as part of their spiritual practice." (AFPS-6)

And it is with this prana dharma firmly in mind that so many proper
practices have been implemented in life such as a purely sattvik diet as
well as a long standing belief that animals have a right to live on this
earth. They have this inherent right.

And when things went overboard and the Aryans came from outside and started
doing huge animals sacrifices and turning the rivers into pools of blood,
then great souls like Buddha and Mahaviira Jain echoed the words of those
rishis of old and came forward and opposed those cruel sacrifices.

Here the point is not that our Marga should emulate the Indian standard. We
have our neo-humanistic standard to follow and using that as a guideline it
has to be recognised that the moral and ethical treatment in India is far
higher than in those Semitic oriented countries like the US that are
dominated by the crude belief that "animals are made for us-- for human
enjoyment."

This wasteland of an idea was never present in the Indian mentality. And
one great proof of this is that one of the names of Lord Shiva is
'Pashupati'-- i.e. that Shiva is not just the God of humans but of animals
also. It is not just that Shiva taught sadhana to animalistic humans-- that
is not the only reason why He is called Pashupati; also He cared very
sweetly for animals and, being the Mahasambhuti, He preached this ideal as
well.

And since long in India it has been known that through the law of karma,
humans evolved out of animal life, which helps one recognise the value of
animal life. This is commonly understood within the Indian philosophical
tradition.

Here the point is not to glorify the Indian outlook. It has its defects and
has been certainly by infiltrated by the Aryans, Muslims, Britishers, and
Christians etc.

But at the same time we should recognise that those early Himalayan rishis
who preached Samgacchadhvam, the yoga ideal, and other great teachings were
also well aware that humans are to watch for the welfare of animals. And
this message filtered down to the masses.

And still today, the common people in India will readily say, 'What right
do I have to hurt those animals, they are the expression of God'. How far
they follow this cent per cent in their life may vary-- but this idea is
commonly in the mind. And that is a heck of a step higher than the typical
American mentality, where one thinks, "Animals are made for us-- for my
enjoyment".

So comparatively speaking, India's treatment and regard for animals is
higher than the west has ever known.

                       CONTEMPORARY TRENDS

But in this ever-changing world, it is quite apparent that now the
unfortunate turn of events is going on where India has begun rushing
headlong after crude western ways. More and more they are slipping into the
capitalistic trap whereby animals are nothing but a means to an end. On
the plus side, however, more and more westerners are trying to leave
materialism and are harbouring a strong desire to fashion their life after
age-old eastern truths. This switchover is going on.

However, the tables have not turned yet-- not completely anyway.
So comparatively speaking India's view towards animals more closely
resembles the gold-bar standard of AM neo-humanism.


                                  AM IS FAR ABOVE

In AM, our vision and perspective towards animals is pure and unblemished.
Baba has given all the ideal teachings and has pointed out the prevailing
dogmas.

Baba says, "Hindus worship cows as something holy, apparently because they
give us milk. But if cows are revered as mothers for giving us milk,
shouldn't buffaloes be given a similar status? Actually, buffaloes give
more milk than cows. Unfortunately, the blind religious followers refuse to
listed to logic as their religious sentiment for cows has taken root deep
in their minds. People are fed these ideas since childhood, so later on it
becomes impossible for them to discard them." (AFPS-2)

So our ideal is neither western, nor eastern-- neither American, nor
Indian. Our ideal is the neo-humanistic vision which Baba has given. That
alone can save the fate of animals on this earth.


                 ONLY SOLUTION: NEO-HUMANISM

With Baba's grand teaching of neo-humanism, then surely the future of
animals is bright and animal cruelty will be reduced, nay eradicated.

Baba says, "All molecules, atoms, electrons, protons, positrons and
neutrons are the veritable expressions of the same Supreme Consciousness.
Those who remember this reality, who keep this realization ever alive in
their hearts, are said to have attained perfection in life. They are the
real devotees, the real bhaktas. When the underlying spirit of humanism is
extended to everything, animate and inanimate, in this universe - I have
designated this as Neohumanism. This Neohumanism will elevate humanism to
universalism, the cult of love for all created beings of this universe."
(NH-LOI, Disc: 1)

So in Baba's divine teachings of neo-humanism, we are to immerse our mind
in His cosmic flow and realise the interconnectedness of all-- that all are
but expressions of Him. Fueled by the fire of this neo-humanistic ideal,
then naturally one will act as a benevolent guardian-- serving one and all
and watching for everyone's welfare, be they human, animal, plant, brick,
or stone.


                                      BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we will personify His teachings and spread the message of
animal welfare to all-- thereby eliminating, once and for all, the crude
Semitic belief that "Animals are made for us-- for human selfish enjoyment".

Baba says, "The human race must attain glory by giving due recognition and
justice to all." (HS-1)

Namaskar,
Jayanta

Note 1:                THE EFFECT OF THE MONKEY GOD

The religions have a big effect on the mentality of the people. And in the
traditional Indian outlook, various animals like Hanuman are highly
regarded as being deities or mounts to the attainment of Brahmahood. And
the obvious plus point of such religious beliefs is that they have helped
infuse a certain respect towards the animal kingdom among the followers of
that faith. Because the people thereby truly believed that animals are not
just lowly creatures for human consumption, but rather expressions of
divinity etc. Whereas in the crude Semitic faiths, this type of high regard
for animals never takes expression, rather it is totally absent.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Nijer katha' balate gele yug ye cale ya'y..."   (P.S. 2610)

Purport:

Baba, my whole life is getting wasted in propagating my own greatness.
Since ages I have been involved in this foolish endeavour. Baba, please
fill my mind with Your divine tales. By listening them my whole heart, nay
my whole being, will be satiated. In order to listen to Your divine gospel,
I have remained awake since many lives-- since ages. Baba, please grace me
with that very smile because by getting a flash of that my life will become
successful.
Baba today You have graced me and changed my heart; I will no longer
waste my time in self-glorification and bragging about my unit 'I', little
ego. Because now my mind is running constantly towards You. Baba, I wasted
my life in self-propaganda. Now by Your grace only I want to listen to Your
glory, Your sweet gospel...

            ***************************************
                        Cooking Tips

Baba says, "If the vegetables get a little burnt and [you think] that 'Oh,
people can't eat this.' [Then] Quick- pour a lot of water onto them, and
add fifteen or twenty betel leaves. That will reduce the burnt effect."
(NKS, '97 Edn, p. 105)
           ***************************************

Story: King of Lucknow Killing Time

2012-02-07T22:50:00.000+05:30

From: "Jorge Santana"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Story: King of Lucknow Killing Time
Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:39:54 +0100

Baba

== STORY: KING OF LUCKNOW KILLING TIME ==

Namaskar,
We all know that we have come on this earth for very short period. And that in that short period there are many things to be done. Indeed there are many great works to do. All margiis are aware about this fact.

Yet in various conversations sometimes you can hear people saying that to 'kill the time', or to pass the time, or so many things say day: To cure their boredom they search millions of miles of web pages-- just to pass the time. This is one type of person. Some margiis may or may not come in this category.

Then there is a second type of person that thinks that actually what they are doing is very important when really in their heart of hearts they secretly know that they are just wasting away their time. But to justify their actions they convince themselves that what they are doing is really important. For example there are some who watch junk TV shows for their crude enjoyment but they convince themselves that 'they are watching this junkie TV show to learn about the collective mind-set of society so that they can establish Prout'. This type of hypocrisy you may have seen now and again.

In any event in both the above cases time is not being properly utilised-- though for obvious reasons the second case is worse than the first as that wastage of time is intertwined with self-deception and hypocrisy. About maximizing our use of time we should refer to Baba's poignant guideline.

Baba says, "I advise you not to waste your time any longer. Utilise your time in worthwhile pursuits...While you are executing your noble task do not waste your time. In this practical world, in this relative world, the most valuable relative factor is time. Once the time has passed and gone, it does not return again, so never misuse time." (AV-8, p. 45-6)

By this guideline it is quite clear that Baba directs us not to waste the time-- in any way, shape, or form.

So which sadhaka, which margii, has the time to mindlessly search the web from one corner of the universe to the other. Or who has time to pursue games like chess etc. Because by searching the web just as a means of entertainment and by playing chess, then those people forget everything-- and hours and days get blended together and time just passes. And indeed who has time to watch low-grade TV shows for sheer entertainment, simultaneously lying to oneself as well.

Surely such type of goal-less pursuits are not at all appreciated in our Marga. And Baba is very strict on this point as it makes the mind dull and soft and one loses their inner vision of life.

STORY: THE KING OF LUCKNOW

One story is there how one debauched King, King Wazid Ali Shah of Lucknow, was deeply involved in the game of chess-- indeed he was addicted to chess. And several weeks ahead of time, the King got the important report from his ministers that the British army was going to raid his kingdom.

But when the King got this information from his intelligence officers then the King's only answer was: 'How far they are?'

And then after that the King again joined his chess game.

From then on the King's military advisers were constantly giving him information about the progress of the British army. And the only thing the King continued to tell them was, 'Ok, the enemies are far off, let me continue my chess-- the enemies are far away'. Like this the King was responding.

And when the situation developed to such a degree that the British soldiers reached just nearby in the local area. Then the king's intelligence advisers were giving more and more warnings. And the King replied, 'It is okay, I can still play chess till they come closer'.

Then when the British Army actually reached to fort door, then after hearing this news all the other chess players quickly left the King's palace. In fear they escaped. And the King remained there alone.

The King was completely oblivious to the threatening situation at hand. And instead the King was just calling out to those chess players who left. The King was just yelling and abusing those who escaped, 'Why you left! Come here and play chess'.

Finally on that fateful moment when the Britishers reached into the compound itself and actually entered into the King's room, then the British Army personnel surprisingly exclaimed, 'Oh, King, you are alone here'. And the British commanders saw that next to the King just his chess board was there. And the King was still busily yelling into the void at those who had left the chess game.

So this way the British Army officials got introduced to that King. And the King said, 'There were many persons here but they escaped'.

Then the senior British officer asked, 'What are you doing here alone?'

Then the King replied, 'I am waiting for them return in order to resume our chess match'.

In the last the British arrested the King and took him away to the jail. And they told to the King, 'Finish your chess game here; indeed here you will get a lot of opportunity to play chess'. And so accordingly the King passed the whole rest of his life locked up there in the jail.

RESULTANT

So this is how addiction happens. So the whole cause here was this useless psychic pursuit. Chess brought the negative situation where the King lost his senses and he could not retaliate even.

Unfortunately these days one or two people are commonly involved in useless activities such as searching the web, joining clubs, or participating in recreational or intellectual endeaours with no goal in mind etc, where they just waste away their precious time-- time just gets utterly wasted.

Baba says, "Now, everywhere, in cent-per-cent of the cases, there is wastage of human psychic potentiality. The psychic potentialities of human beings are immense, but people do not utilise them because most of their valuable time is wasted in undesirable thoughts, in psychic extravaganza." (YP, p. 134)

So Baba is adamant that we must not waste our time in useless pursuits such as chess, uselessly reading thousands of websites just to pass the day, or mindlessly watching junk TV. The tragedy here is that even sadhakas do such things yet convince themselves that what they are doing is really important. We must not fall into such an unfortunate circumstance. Rather cent-per-cent honesty is needed.

Indeed Baba guides us that direct intervention is need to stop this degenerating free-fall into crudity.

Baba says, "This psychic extravaganza should be checked either by physical approach, or psychic approach, or by spirituo-psychic approach. (YP)

So Baba strongly commands us not to ware our psychic faculty because if anyone fails to stop such type of mental extravaganza, then ultimately they cannot follow the path of sadhana-- they will become totally lost.

Here again, Baba guides that we should always cleanse the mind of needless thoughts and mental engagements.

Baba says, "From the psychic sphere also, unnecessary waves are to be removed. This will remove many burdens from the mind. 'I must not bother about petty things, because that will waste my time' -- people should remember this. This removal or rather withdrawal of unnecessary and undesirable thoughts emanated from the mind, will help you in rationalising the major portion of your mental faculty, and so this must also be practised." (YP)

HOW DEVOTEES USE THE TIME

Baba guides us how when good sadhakas gather for satsaunga then they never like to waste the time in useless activities like chess or needlessly roaming the web, rather they prefer to goad their minds toward that Supreme Hub, the Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "Whenever the devotees of Hari assemble together they do not like to gossip, but prefer to do Hari Kirtana, and nothing else." (AV-7, p.96)

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba has graciously blessed us with all the psycho-spiritual tools to become 100% successful in life. Toward this endeavour His varabhaya mudra remains eternally with us by His grace.

Baba says, "Inner channelisation and one-pointed conversion into psycho-spiritual pabulum brings about radical changes in individual and collective life. The psycho-spiritual approach makes a person deeply introversial, one-directional, strong and dynamic." (Baba)

Namaskar,
Jagadiish

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Kon shala'ka'y pradiip jvele enecho tumi a'ji..." (PS 1200)

Purport:

O' Lord, today You have brought an effulgent lamp after lighting it with one divine match stick. Baba, by Your grace You have come and lit the devotional fire by giving initiation, Ista mantra, and Your varabhaya mudra. O' my dearmost, the divine lamp is illuminated and it has been decorated with a countless number of wicks. The lamp is glowing with its
innumerable flames.

Baba, the divine lamp which You have brought has made all the seven lokas effulgent. All the darkness has vanished from the mind. All the dogma and staticity has disappeared because the light of devotion has brought purity and cleanliness. All the lokas have been lit; the animalistic tendencies have been eliminated. Now by Your grace everyone is immersed in the flow of life divine. Baba, with Your divine compassion You have lit the lamp of devotion and made everyone's personality more pure, more sentient, and more devotional-- their heart is satiated.

Baba, after the long penance of the jiivas, in the blink of an eye You have lit the lamp of devotion by Your grace. With that effulgent torch, in the end, You have completed all Your work and spread divinity throughout this entire universe and removed all the afflictions. Baba, it is nothing but Your mercy.

Baba, You have come to us with Your divine lamp-- with Your causeless grace...

Note 1: ABOUT PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1200

Baba has also expressed the central idea of the above Prabhat Samgiita in this below A'nanda Va'nii. As we know Prabhat Samgiita is a poetic and distilled expression of His entire Ananda Marga ideology. So the condensed ideas found in His divine songs-- Prabhat Samgiita-- are also described in greater detail in His discourses like this below Va'nii.

Baba says, "The flame of a lamp lights up countless lamps. The touch of a great personality wakes up innumerable sleeping hearts. In the same way, the eternal glow of the boundless élan vital of Cosmic Consciousness has been illuminating the life-lamp of universal humanism since time immemorial, is illuminating it, and in future will do so even more intensely. That is why I say, the future of the human race is not dark, rather it is strikingly resplendent. So proceed on, ignoring the frowns of darkness." (A'nanda Va'nii, #49)

**************************************
Only Remedy

Baba says, "It is the duty of all human beings and especially those who are devotees, it is their mandatory duty to always think that, 'I am a machine and the controller is Parama Purusa. He is the machine man and I have to work according to His desire. I have to fulfill His desire. This body of mine is a machine and it belongs to Him. This is His machine and this machine has to do His work.' If one constantly thinks in this way then the vanity of action will never sprout. This is the only path to save oneself from vanity. One has to think 'I am just one machine; I am a tool and according to His desire I have to work'." (SS-16 (H), p. 81, DMC Agra 19 Feb 84)
**************************************

Handling of DMC Discourses

2012-02-06T17:56:00.000+05:30

Date: 06 Feb 2012 22:05:57 -0000
From: "Indrajit Rai"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Handling of DMC Discourses

Baba

== HANDLING OF BABA'S DMC DISCOURSES ==

Note: This topic is so critically important as it is related with AM scripture, preserving Baba's teachings, and keeping our adarsha in tact, both now and in the future. Your input is most needed.

Namaskar,
As we all know in DMC Baba would often speak in three languages. Nearly all the DMC discourses are like that. For accurate depiction of these historic and dharmic discourses, then various steps can be taken. And about this very matter various acaryas and margiis have gathered and the following are a couple of the top suggestions and recommendations which they have given.

SOME POINTS ABOUT TRANSCRIBING HIS DISCOURSES

1. When transcribing or printing Baba's DMC discourses then each and every word must get printed. But not only that, it should be indicated throughout the printed discourse in which language Baba is speaking. Because we know it was Baba's normal manner that in DMC discourses He would rotate from Hindi to Bangla to English, though not necessarily in that order.
   So just as in the general darshans when Baba is mostly using only one of the languages then the discourse is marked as being from that particular language, such as English or Hindi etc. Likewise when Baba is delivering His DMC discourses then all along our transcription should be marked in italics or in some other distinguishing manner in which language Baba is speaking for each particular section.
   By this way it will provide one excellent historical and linguistic record of exactly what way Baba has spoken. And it will also allow the transcriptions to be more accurate and ethically honest renditions of Baba's discourse-- as it will print each and every word. Thus if the book is in English then the entire printed version of that DMC discourse will be in English, but step by step it will indicate which of the languages Baba was speaking in.
   So that way the reader will know which is Baba's actual word and which is a translation from one of the other languages. And no matter which languages the book is written in-- whether it be German, Bengali, Chinese, Tegalo etc-- all the while it will indicate what language Baba was using throughout His discourse. And by this way we will have one accurate and highly indicative version of Baba's discourse.
   Of course thus far this has not been done. Rather there is no way for the reader to know which is which and what is what when reading Baba's DMC discourses. And not only that but in their present way of dealing much of the content of Baba's talk is left our altogether-- i.e. it is not included at all. And the only way to know what was the original language of a particular section of the discourse is to have the audio cassette itself. Otherwise there is no way to know.

NOT MERE REPETITION FROM ONE LANGUAGE TO THE NEXT

2. Another reason for printing the whole, entire transcription of Baba's discourse is because during His speech Baba did not merely repeat Himself when switching over from one language to the next. That means those same ideas were not rot translations from one language to another and then spoken by Baba. That was not His approach. Rather in newer and newer ways Baba was unfolding the subject matter according to the knowledge, cultural understanding and spiritual feeling of the devotees of that particular linguistic background, as well as according to the strengths and limitations of each language.
So in that way Baba's explanation is more colourful, interesting, and lucid for the audience. And thus even though many people attending those DMCs knew all three languages-- Hindi, Bangla, & English-- they never got bored by listening to Baba's talk. Because Baba's style of expression, use of examples, and way of talking and introducing the topic would vary considerably from one language to another. Of course the topic and the theme were consistent throughout, but according to the aforementioned variables, Baba's style of speaking and way of expression was unique and would vary widely throughout His entire discourse. Hence there is much to be gained by printing the entire transcription of Baba's DMC discourses.
But up till now this is not at all being done. Rather only small sections are being taken from each and mixed together or only 1 language was taken, i.e. Bengali, and everything that Baba spoke in Hindi and English was discarded entirely, when in fact what Baba told in those languages was not mere repetition of the Bengali section.

Yet when we know that Guru's word is mantra then everything should be included. Strict attention should be given to perfectly transcribe each and every syllable.

ONE STORY REGARDING OUR SCRIPTURE

(b) With regards to the discourse titled "Macrocosmic Conation And Microcosmic Urge" from the Ananda Purnima 1985 DMC, there is one story to tell.

Not long back I was searching that discourse for many reasons-- one being that I personally attended that DMC discourse in May '85-- and finally I found the contents of the discourse in one of our Subhasita Samgraha books. But there was no date or place marked along with it. Those key points were missing. Some of the contents of that discourse were printed in that SS-24 book. But by seeing it there nobody can identify what it is. Because the publisher did not print that this belongs to that DMC of May 1985. Means the date and place and all specifics about the discourse are missing from the SS-24 publication.

However by Baba's grace from my diary I confirmed that this is indeed the discourse from that DMC of 26 May 1985 when Baba delivered His discourse, "Macrocosmic Conation And Microcosmic Urge".

But there is one other serious point. Namely that what actually got printed in the SS-24 book is just one very small fraction of the discourse. Most of the discourse is missing, entirely gone. Because in actuality, Baba Himself took about 35 minutes to deliver that very discourse on that very day of 26 May 1985. Thus He spoke for more than half-an-hour. But what is printed in the book SS-24 is the material of maximum 5-7 minutes worth of talk-- or even less than that. So most of Baba's discourse from that 1985 Ananda Purnima DMC is missing from the Subhasita Samgraha book. So that is the situation about this.

Overall then a few critical points are there. One is that the discourse is not properly brought into printed form-- it is just a fraction of the discourse. And second, the place and date are not mentioned. Nor is it mentioned whether this is a DMC discourse or not. All these important matters are gone regarding Baba's historic annual DMC discourse of May 1985.

Apparently, this is not an isolated instances but rather a serial occurrence and therefore demands our maximum attention. This is absolutely critical.

NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE

Guru's things are important. If Ananda Marga scripture is left like in this state that is a very delicate and sensitive affair-- the door will be wide open for adulteration. So we have to be vigilant. Please write your opinion.

BABA'S BLESSING

Here following is Baba's blessing for making one human society.

Baba says, "You will have to build a society in which no one is forced to weep, where everyone smiles joyfully all the time and gets ample scope for laughter. Seeing such mirth and merriment, Parama Purusa will feel immensely pleased. By giving joy to Parama Purusa you will feel even more joyful and will feel His close proximity. This is the actual social code...You should all move along this path - you are sure to meet with success." (AV-4)

Namaskar,
Indrajit

Note 1: ABOUT THOSE IN CHARGE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Baba says, "The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless. And the pioneering personality must be a strict and benevolent guardian with unyielding conviction." (NSS p.200, Edn 1995)

Here above, by pioneering personality Baba is referring to all those margiis and Wts who have the feeling in the core of their heart to watch over and safeguard Baba's timeless words.

Note 2: WHERE ARE THOSE DMC DISCOURSES

And as we know usually all the DMC discourses are collected and printed in the Subhasita Samgraha series. So if anyone is fluent in Hindi, Bangla, and English then they can see that "all" the DMC discourses from 1955-90 have been published in the Subhasita Samgraha series. Some of the DMC discourses prior to 1970 may be exceptions to the rule in this regard. But for the post 1970 period, in some way, shape, or form those DMS discourses are printed in Subhasita Samgraha books.

Note 3: RECOLLECTION ABOUT ATTENDING DMC

Of course for we Ananda Margiis, DMC is one very significant thing where Baba gives Varabhaya Mudra. And Margiis go to attend and get His blessing. In addition, most of the time people like to write down the discourse name which they can later refer to and type. Because recording the discourse on audio tape was not permitted those days.

Note 4: WHAT ABOUT HIS GENERAL DARSHANS

When there is this type of negligence has occurred with Baba's historic DMC discourses then you can imagine what is the condition of Baba's other DMC discourses, what to speak of all those General Darshan discourses that Baba has delivered.

Note 5: ALL ARE NOT IN ONE LANGUAGE

Subhasita Samgraha parts 1-24 are not available in any single language. Some are in Hindi, and some are in Bangla, and some are only in English print. But between the Hindi and English editions, that is enough to cover all the parts of the Subhasita Samgraha series. But some parts are only available in one language. Just like parts 21 and 24 of the Subhasita Samgraha Series are not available in the other two languages, only English.

Note 6: CURRENT SCENE

With regards to this whole issue of scripture, on the top margiis do not have access to the cassettes of all the discourses and the second thing is that margiis are not being provided the books. And in the midst of all this now those at the helm are involved in group and clan clashes like primitive people. So this whole chaotic situation is occurring because of lack of awareness of the grand ideology which has been given by Baba.

Note 7: ALL HIS DISCOURSES MUST BE PRINTED

So it is our request that bringing out Baba's discourses in printed form should be given utmost importance.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Kato je d'eke gechi toma're, shon'o ni, tumi a'sa ni..." (Prabhata Samgiita #2207)

Purport:

Baba, I have so much longing for You. With that feeling I go on calling You. But neither do You listen to my call, nor do You come close.They say that You listen to the feeling of the mind, and that You hear all the thought waves which sprout in the mind, because You are sitting right there in the mind. Although they say like that, to me it seems like You are not residing in the mind. You are not there. That's why You do not understand the feeling of longing which I have for You.

Baba, I do not know if You do not have the capacity to listen to my feeling, or whether You listen to my feeling of the mind but knowingly You do not respond. This is Your divine play. But this divine play of Yours is very painful for me. You are giving me pain by not caring about my longing. It may be possible that my cry reaches Your ears, but it does not touch Your mind or heart. That's why You do not give any response.

Baba, please tell me, except You who is mine? You know nobody is mine, that's why I open my heart to You. Many tales which up till now I did not tell You, those feelings of my heart I will tell You. Baba, I have so much longing and yearning for You. Why are You not listening. Baba, please pay heed to my call and come close...

*************************************************
Far Reaching Effect

Baba says, "In the world today a handful of people who do no physical work, but live by their wits, have appropriated to themselves most of the wealth of humanity, so they are able to buy comparatively expensive foods, and use them to satisfy their taste buds. As result, they, on the one hand, swell their unnecessary fat, while, on the other hand, those people doing hard manual labour are forced to live in poverty and deprived of the ghee, butter and sweets they need to maintain their bodies; they have nothing to compensate properly the energy they expend, and they become weak, emaciated and broken in health. On account of malnutrition and excessive hard labour, they fall victim to tuberculosis." (YT, p. 82-83)
*************************************************

Example of Profane Baba Story

2012-02-05T21:07:00.000+05:30

From: "Vinay.Deva"

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Example of Profane Baba Story
Date: Sun 05 Feb 2012 21:55:05 +1000

Baba

"A'mi toma'y ja'ni, e katha' vilate pa'ribo na', na', na', na'..." (P.S. 609)

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace You are mine. Even though I am aware about Your divine Self, how I can I say for sure that I know You. No, no, no I cannot say. Baba, in spite of my intimate closeness with You, You remain mostly unknown to me. Baba, You are playing an unnamed tune on my mental viina calling me - sitting in my heart constantly.

Baba, in the beautiful dawn hour, when the effulgence of the moon fades away and the petals of the lotus blossom in the pond, I awaken. By Your grace, in that early hour all my lethargy and sleepiness vanishes completely. At that very auspicious moment how can I forget Your heavenly sweetness which permeates all around. Baba, You are so gracious and charming.

Baba, although You are always hiding and trying to keep Yourself out of sight each and every moment, even then by Your grace I know You are everything. In spite of Your on-going, eternal, divine liila of hide and seek, I understand You are the essence behind each and every expression. Baba, You play Your divine flute - all the while trying to remain hidden. Baba, by Your grace I know that You are that singular Divine Entity, yet in Your magical way You express Yourself in innumerable names, forms, and rhythms.

Baba, by Your causeless grace this much I know: You are mine and mine alone...

== EXAMPLE OF PROFANE BABA STORY ==

Namaskar,
The crude expression I came across today while reviewing one book is literally unspeakable - far beyond what I thought someone would include in a publication about Baba. That is why I refuse to even cite the actual word here in this letter.

Suffice to say that the writer allowed his lewd imagination to run wild when describing Baba's own mother just prior to her giving birth. That is the tragedy involved.
The writer used such an unseemly and ungainly term that it just makes one question what kind of debased mind-set he really has.

WHERE DID SUCH DESCRIPTION COME FROM

After all, those days in the small town of Jamalpur there was no medical report documenting the details of the birth. Such a medical log did not exist.

So then how did the writer come up with this crude way of describing Baba's mother?

Tragically, the writer just dug into his dirt-stained mind - his own imagination. That is how he wrote this sensual account; he described it totally on his own. The result of which is a crude, beastly description. Really this is too much that such a so-called writer would publicly narrate the scene of Baba's own mother giving birth in this way.

OUR WAY IS THE SENTIENT WAY

In our AM ideology, Baba Himself has written about many female diseases in Yogic Treatments and never did He employ such a term. Rather Baba always spoke in respectful, sentient language. And it is His blessed example that we are to follow. In fact, nowhere in our AM literature has such term been put in print - nowhere.

So the writer of the book in question totally failed in this regard. Rather than adhering to Guru's standard, he deviated and chose his own vile word to describe Baba's own mother during childbirth. And he put that term in a bound book that he is trying desperately to sell in all sectors of the world and on the internet, for all to see.

It is truly unthinkable that in this publication, he resorted to crude, sensual, slang terminology that has absolutely no place on those pages, i.e, in a story about Baba. Let me again reiterate that such a word is not present in any true AM book, yet it was used in this publication.

BABA CONDEMNS SUCH WRITERS OF TODAY

Here following are Baba's words where He strongly condemns the crude ways of such present-day writers.

Baba says, "It is a matter of great regret that a class of modern artists, in the realms of poetry, novels, cinema, drama, etc., employ all their artistic talents for the sole purpose of kindling people’s crude sensuality, instead of portraying human propensities with the idealistic outlook of a true artist – what to speak of portraying their subtle human feelings. Without supporting conservatism, I would say that this class of artists is truly a blot on society." (Prout Nutshell - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature)

As we know, ours in AM is the way of sentient, civilised expression. It is a great tragedy then that the said book (noted below) fails in this regard.

Namaskar,
Vinay

Note 1: THIS IS THE BOOK THAT CONTAINS

THE PROFANE BABA STORY

As has been reported by many, the book, "Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years" written by Devashish (Donald Acosta), is filled with countless mistakes. Nearly each and every page is tainted by factual errors, debased expression, and other problems. And that is the book I am referring to above.

Specifically, the profane story that describes Baba's mother in a dirty manner just before she gives birth appears on the middle of page 2. If you do not have the book let us know and we will try and help.

Note 2: PRIOR LETTERS ABOUT THIS BOOK

Here are prior letters posted on this network about Devashish's book, "Anandamurti: The Jamalpur Years".

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/12/devashish-book-half-truth.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/12/devashish-book-misinformation-ii.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-falsehood-become-truth.html

*********************************************
Crow and Cuckoo

Baba says, "It is said that there is a particular species of the cuckoo bird that is incapable of nesting and raising its own offspring. So to protect and save her babies, the mother cukoo gently places her own eggs in the crow's nest, even though the crow is her dreaded enemy. But since the eggs of both the birds looks the same, the crow carefully cares for those cuckoo eggs which were placed in her nest-- thinking them to be her own. At the time of birth, the newborn birds of both species are black; so seeing the baby cuckoos, the mother crow does not initially realise that the baby cuckoos are not her own offspring. It is only when the baby birds become a little bigger and start to call out and cry, that the crow realises those are not her babies. Then and there the mother crow becomes very angry, suddenly understanding that it has gotten duped. But because of having given long-term care and developed sincere love for the baby cuckoo, the mother crow gives up the idea of attacking and killing the cuckoo. And instead the mother crow raises the baby cuckoo as one of her own." (SC-10)
*********************************************

Our Divyacara Sadhana

2012-02-04T21:25:00.000+05:30

Date: 04 Feb 2012 22:09:51 -0000
From: "Acintya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Our Divyacara Sadhana

Baba

"Toma're satata nandita kari..." (1279)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace by giving You pleasure I move forward on Your divine path-- towards You. Other than Your ideation and Your consciousness, I do not have any other fuel for moving ahead on the path. Baba, by Your grace I always remain devotionally intoxicated in Your name and song. In my dhyana I ask for just a wee-bit of Your grace. In my shravan, manan, and nididhyasana You have blessed me with the realisation that except You there is nothing. In dance, song, and bliss; in grief, pain and joy; from the desert heat to the mountain's chill, by Your grace in each and every circumstance I receive You. Baba, You are so gracious; I get You in all...

== OUR DIVYACARA SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
In one historic discourse Baba has graciously proclaimed Himself as the Guru of the common people. And as proof, He has given His highest lessons of yoga-- Sahaja Yoga (our six lessons)-- for all to practice.

However one common belief circulating around is that avadhuta sadhana is great sadhana. Such that some of our Avadhuta WTs, Dadas, & Didis whom I know personally, unfortunately think that just by getting avadhuta diiksa & initiation into kapalik sadhana then they became great. And in this way these workers develop false vanity and a terrbile superiority complex.

So we should all - family margiis and Wts - have a crystal-clear undertanding of all this.

OPEN COMMUNICATION ON SPIRITUAL TOPICS

First off there is one thing I would like to make clear. That my intention is not to pull down the status of kapalik diiksa. Just on philosophical grounds, all have the right to talk about the various kinds of sadhana which Baba has given us. Such as the jurisdiction of each type of sadhana, and how that sadhana works in the life of sadhakas.

For example we are all free to discuss how pashvacara sadhana works, how viiracara sadhana system functions, as well as where divyacara meditation starts and what is its culminating point.

When Baba has given this system of meditation, by this way He is encouraging us to talk and explore these ideas. And we can share the ideas on the basis of His teachings from different General Darshan or DMC discourses. Means these things Baba has given publicly in His discourses.

It gives also the feeling and supports the logic that Baba Himself encourages this type of healthy discussion. Where we talk about the various methods of spiritual practices and what way they affect the human mind. This is one practical science, the science of metaphysics. And finally it comes in the scope of higher aspects of psychology.

While talking in 1990 DMC Baba has told clearly that methodical knowledge of sadhana is highly needed. If aspirants do not know the proper system of sadhana then their result of sadhana may be futile, or not up to the mark. Or if sadhana is done incorrectly then there may be a negative outcome. So talking and discussing about the various methods of sadhana is very
important.

Plus if we review in pointed way, then we can say this is the theoretical aspect of the practical sadhana which we practice.

So on this point we have full right to talk about the qualities of pashvacara, viiracara, or divyacara-- as well as which one is very practical for all. And which one brings up to ultimate salvation.

NO COMPLEX OR PRIDE

As well all know one basic spiritual guideline is that vanity should not be encouraged. But because of inherent samskaras and due to crude motivation or crude interest, then generally people fall prey to this vanity. And once this vanity takes root then in any direction it can go. Here is some example.

Surely those who do kapalik sadhana or viiracara sadhana have the opportunity to get benefited by this type of sadhana. Because, if done properly, then the mind will be elevated-- there is no question of superiority or inferiority complex. But, unfortunately, as I told above many workers only fall into a superiority complex of kapalik-sadhana. So by analyzing the situation it gives the feeling that somewhere along the line there is a defect. Here I do not think any defect in the system of sadhana, but in the person there is something.

SAHAJA YOGA IS THE TOP-MOST

Here we should all remember that viiracara or kapalik sadhana is lower than divyacara or sahaja yoga sadhana. This is not my personal opinion, rather Baba Himself says this.

Baba says, "The first style, from animality to humanity, is known as pashva'ca'ra. The second stage, or the second style, is viira'ca'ra...the final stage, divya'ca'ra is for all who want to elevate themselves to the supreme excellence of Parama Purusa." (AV-14)

So those who have kapalik sadhana are not allowed to give up the practice of sahaja yoga. But those not practicing or who are not initiated into kapalik sadhana, for them there is no question or need of doing kapalik sadhana. Means they need not worry because already they have the highest stage, divyacara sadhana, i.e. the six lessons. And that is higher than kapalik sadhana which comes under the banner of viira'ca'ra sadhana, i.e the second level.

So the sense is that those who are doing kapalik sadhana cannot live without divyacara or sahaja yoga sadhana. But those who are doing sahaja yoga sadhana are practicing the complete system of meditation, and that sadhana alone is enough to carry them to the stage of complete salvation (moksa).

Surely kapalik-sadhana does not have that type of capacity or quality to lead to the highest Goal. If that was the case, then Baba would not have ordered kapalik sadhakas to continue practicing sahaja yoga sadhana. This logic is enough to prove that the periphery, quality, reach and standard of kapalika is less than divyacara sadhana.

Conclusion: Divyacarara or Sahaja is very high in comparison to the other two sadhanas:
(1) Pashvacara and (2) Viiracara / Kapalik.

EVERYONE GETS BENEFITED

Some readers may wonder what is the need to compare all these. The answer is to help all sadhakas.

(a) Those who learned kapalik sadhana and are feeling superiority complex, by the encouragement of that complex they are widening the path of their degeneration. So if they will analyze that viiracara is not as great as they are thinking, then their ego will be controlled and they will be benefited.

(b) Those suffering from inferiority complex and mentally they think that they tried to learn kapalik sadhana but in the present atmosphere of politics they could not get teaching. And in consequence they started feeling inferiority complex of their lowly standard on the basis of dogmatic belief. And this type of wrong belief is nothing-- just simple belief that viiracara sadhana is great. So those suffering inferiority complex due to this dogma, their complex will get cured. And their mind will become balanced. That means spiritual flow will come and the pathway of their progress will be widened.

c) And those who do not have such type of complexes with regard to kapalik sadhana-- here is a reminder that they can help others in curing their problems.

WHO DOES PARAMA PURUSA FAVOUR?

In the last part of my letter I want to say that whatever our Guru has given is enough for attaining our ultimate Goal. The only need is to sincerely practice those things.

Here in AM the condition of Guru is like one benevolent most loving mother. Such a mother loves the child most which is most dependent on her. But at the same time the mother does not like to show the eldest sons and daughters that she has less love for them in comparison to her youngest child.

The problem reaches to the predicament where the elder son or daughter of 18 years asks the mother, 'who do you love more?' Then the mother just smiles and says 'you'. But internally mother is loving the younger most dependent child the most.

In the same way the divine truth is that Parama Purusa favours those who long for HIM, those who depend on HIM.

Baba says, "Parama'tma' only considers the inner thoughts and devotional sentiments of people. The intense desire to know Him, the deep urge to attain Him, the intense longing for Him--these are the qualities which Parama Purus'a values." (APH, p. 295)

So it is clear that Baba loves according to the standard of devotion. But at the same time on the organisational aspect BABA likes that those doing dexterous work should feel they are the most significant ones. Because with this feeling they will do more social service. In this manner Baba has given various posts, power and positions to such people etc.

If you see on the point of devotion then you can understand this point very well. That Baba gives most significant things to devotees. That is why in innumerable places Baba says that 'just nama mantra is enough to reach to Parama Purusa'.

Once Baba told that vishesh yogis will be sitting there again and again while devotees with the help of nama mantra will reach the Supreme goal.

We know that the best thing or best sadhana system Baba wants to give to devotees. That is why HE has made divyacara sadhana/sahaja yoga sadhana, for one and all.

And to please workers, and those who are post holders HE has given something which, if you say in strong language, is a sadhana that has less importance. The sense is Baba gas given those sadhana on the basis of post-power etc to impress them and make them happy to do greater social service.

SURRENDER TO BABA

Excuse me this is very critical and pointed subject. Those who do not have pointed understanding or devotion, this is not easy to understand. Because all together it is His divine liila the way He expresses.

In the end I conclude my letter with this mantra of Guru Puja:

'Tava dravyam jagatguru tubhyameva samarpaye.'

Oh my dearest Baba, my everything which is in true sense Yours, I surrender and offer at Your lotus feet.

"O Lord, Thy will be done. I am but a machine. Utilize this machine in any way You like. I am nothing but a mere tool in Your hands." (NKS pg 31)

Namaskar,
Acintya

Note 1: GURU DHYAN IS THE HIGHEST LESSON

Viracara or kapalik sadhana is not the highest one. No it is not. The sahaja yoga, especially dhyana is the highest lesson. So those who are practicing sahaja yoga, why they should not go to cemetery for sadhana? There is no question of this.

Because Kapalik sadhana is viiracara, so it is below sahaja yoga / the six lessons. It is the second grade of sadhana in this system of Pashvacara, Viiracara, and Divyacara. While Divyacara is the final or highest. So dhyana is the highest lesson. Nobody should have inferior or superior complex on this matter of spiritual practices.'

BABA says, "The first style, from animality to humanity, is known as pashva'ca'ra. The second stage, or the second style, is viira'ca'ra...the final stage, divya'ca'ra is for all who want to elevate themselves to the supreme excellence of Parama Purusa." (AV-14)

So ultimately, dhyana, which is the last lesson of sahaja yoga sadhana, is the highest lesson. Because by practicing dhyan one attains salvation and becomes one with the Supreme Entity.

Note 2: GROUP POLITICS RULING KAPALIK

Nowadays in this extreme atmosphere of groupism, getting kapalik sadhana is almost nothing more than a political maneuver. Because without politics one cannot get. Whereas before 1990 when Baba was controlling everything this was not the case. He was doing according to His own desire. And it was perfect. So to whom Baba taught the things that was fine-- and everyone accepted the matter. But now the situation has become politicized. So no one should pray into the hands of group politics and get exploited.

Note 3: DEVOTION IS THE BE-ALL & END-ALL

The goal of each and every sadhana is to reach to Parama Purusa. That is the hidden point or secret behind any sadhana. That is the way by which to see which is great. So all are great. Means all are claiming be the road to Parama Purusa. But above all, according to Baba devotion is the main thing.

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Link Between English and Sanskrit

Baba says, "Sanskrit is a language about 15,000 years old and it is no longer a spoken language. Furthermore in Sanskrit each and every word is created from a root verb." (AV-14)

Baba furthermore explains, "The word jina'na (knowledge) is derived from the Sanskrit root verb jina' (to know).... The verb jina' was changed into keno in old Latin language. In Sanskrit the pronunciation is jina', in Bengali jina, in the Rgvedic language jina, in Old Latin keno, and in Modern English "know"-- as the original spelling of the word was "kenow", we still spell the word with a "k" at the beginning without actually pronouncing it." (YP)
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Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #9

2012-02-03T19:18:00.000+05:30

Date: 03 Feb 2012 20:06:48 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #9

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #9 ==

~ PS #1158 ~

Namaskar,

Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1158 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Line Meaning

(C) End Notes

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS #1158

Ga'ne ga'ne eso manera ahmka'ra gunr'iye diye
Pra'n'e pra'n'e mesho ks'udratvera siima'na' sariye diye

Kii a'che ka'ha'ro mane, bha've kare gopane
Sabai tumi samabha've ja'no, calo saba'ike mane niye
Tumi calo saba'ike mane niye

Toma'r ba'hire kichu je na'i, sukhe duhkhe saba'r tumi je t'h'ai
Saba'ra kotha' samabha've bha'vo, calo saba'r pa'ne ta'kiye
Tumi calo saba'r pa'ne ta'kiye

LINE MEANING OF PS #1158

Baba, please come in endless songs [1], pulverizing the ego of my mind. Please merge in my heart and remove the boundary of my smallness [2]. [3]

Baba, whatever one has in their mind, whatever they may be thinking or secretly doing, [4] You know everyone equally [5]. You move ahead keeping everyone in Your mind. O' Lord, You move on keeping everyone in Your mind.

Baba, there is nothing beyond You. In joy and sorrow, You are everyone's shelter. You think about everyone equally. Baba, You go on looking after all. O' my Lord, You go on looking after all.

Baba, You are my Saviour, I surrender at Your lotus feet. Please shower Your causeless grace...

END NOTES FOR PS #1158

[1] Please Come in Songs: Through the chanting of songs You come; when I sing I feel Your proximity and You, in your role of Darpa Harii, pulverize my ego.

Baba says, "Parama Puruśa is called Darpahárii, which means “Pride-snatcher”. One thing He will not tolerate is ego. He is uni-purposive and multilateral: He is doing everything at once. He is running the whole universe, so He is multilateral. But He is uni-purposive because He has only one purpose: to bring all His creatures back to Him, to merge in Him again." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-31, Surrender at the Altar of the Supreme)

[2] Smallness: Here, smallness refers to the feeling of the jiiva or unit self: "I am a human being; I am alone; I have so many limitations; I have this or that." All these are feelings of the unit "I". And the request of that unit being is: "Make little "I" one with the Supreme "I".

Note: When reciting the mantra with each and every respiration in sadhana, the unit merges into cosmic. That is the idea expressed here. In result, the unit becomes cosmic; the microcosm becomes macrocosm. With the help of the mantra, the waves of the unit "I" become one with the Cosmic "I". (For more about this read the chapter, Mantra Caetanya.)

[3] Meaning of First Stanza: When I sing the song, O Lord, please come in my close proximity and remove my ego so I can surrender at Your lotus feet. In my sadhana, please merge Your Divine Self in my heart, and make my unit I-feeling one with the Cosmic-"I". O' Lord, please remove my smallness and make me one with You.

[4] Parama Purusa Knows Everything: O' Parama Purusa, You know everything about everyone. There is nothing outside of You. Whatever a person is thinking or longing for, You are fully aware. In this vast cosmos, it is impossible to keep a secret from You. All knowledge resides within You. You witness every movement and thought. You are aware about one and all, always. The entire creation is Your thought projection. That is why everything is known to You. Nothing is less or more; You know everything completely, i.e. all the ins and outs.

[5] You Know Everyone Equally: Baba, You know everything about everybody. It is not that about some You know more, and about others You know less. It is not that some people You treat in a special way and others in a distant way. All are Your progeny and part of Your creation.

Baba says, "A microcosm, a unit being, may think, “I am an insignificant person, I am not educated, I have neither intellect nor erudition nor wealth. Does Parama Puruśa think of me also? – Me, a very small insignificant microcosm?” They should remember that Parama Puruśa not only does think of them, He is bound to think of them by force of circumstances. Parama Puruśa cannot think, “These are just very ordinary human beings merely managing to make both ends meet – I can’t think of them!” He cannot think like this, because by providential decree the Macrocosm is bound to think of His created objects – He cannot forget them."

"And does He think only of a human being, or only of a white ant? No, He thinks of all."

Sama pluśińá sáma mashakena
Sama nágena sama ebhistribhih lakaeh.

"He looks upon a tiny white ant with as much love and affection as on a mosquito. Nor does He think of a large mammoth more than other entities, for a mammoth has a mind just as an ant has. So He thinks equally of all: He thinks of a white ant or a mosquito with the same seriousness as of a mammoth or an elephant, and He attaches same importance to each individual creature as to all the three worlds. So you understand that you are not at all insignificant: your existential value is very great." (Subhasita Samgraha-18, Macropsychic Conation and Micropsychic Longings)

Note: Here it should be understood that devotees feel His close proximity whereas others do not. That is why non-devotees blame Parama Purusa for not caring about them. But their accusation is baseless as He witnessnes everything, everyone

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Defining Greatness...

2012-02-02T20:45:00.000+05:30

Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:38:19 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: J.Young
Subject: Defining Greatness...

Baba

"Loke bale tumi dekha' da'o na', tave ele kii kare..."    (PS 1893)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, people are telling that You are not visible. When people say like that then how is it that You have come here in front of me and I am seeing You.

O' Parama Purusa, people are telling that You do not care about logic and reasoning. That there is no explaining how You manage Your affairs and that Your liila is beyond logic. Then how is it that You have graced one and all & You are showering everyone with Your divine nectar. How has this started happening.

Baba, whenever I see You then I always request You to make me Yours. And when I say like this, then I see with my own eyes and I hear with my own ears how You come close and shower me incessantly with Your infinite grace.

Baba, I am so meagre; You are so vast. I am bound up by my own limitations. Even then You love me. Baba, by Your sweet touch all the negativity and impurities get removed; and everything becomes pure. By Your grace, the fragrant flowers blossom in each and every nook and corner of my mind.

Baba, people are telling that You are invisible and that You cannot be seen; but by Your grace You have come to me. O' my dearmost Baba, this is all due to Your cosmic grace and infinite compassion...

== DEFINING GREATNESS IN HUMAN LIFE ==

Namaskar,
In each and every sphere of life Baba has set the gold-bar standard. In all the realms He has beautifully defined what is the top-rung of achievement, as well as how one gets there. Included in this is Baba's special explanation about greatness: What makes someone great.

No doubt in the mundane society-- whether it be in the field of politics, business, sports, or education etc-- people have their own small-minded views about who & what is great. But in Baba's own revolutionary approach, He has given His unique and dharmic teaching on greatness. And, needless to say, His grand definition of 'greatness' stands on a plane all its own-- far, far above.

THE SUTRA & SPIRIT BEHIND IT ALL

Here following is Baba's special guideline about vastness & greatness, the link between the two, as well as what it means to be great.

Baba says, "This Supreme One is called brhat. The word brhat literally means 'One who is very vast, who is beyond the scope of all limitations, who is immeasurable and unfathomable'...Brahma literally means the Entity who is Himself very vast, and whose ideation makes others vast like Him."

Brhattva'd Brahma Brm'hanatva'd Brahma

"Brm'hanatva'd means making others vast. He himself is very great, and hence He is called Brahma; but this is not enough. Besides that He has the capacity to make others equally great like Him." (SS-11)

As Baba explains in His above teaching, one of the qualities of Parama Purusa is that He Himself is vast (brhat). And not only that but He has the capacity to make others vast. So, according to Baba's revolutionary view, being vast does not mean just being some big or large entity; in addition, one must possess that special ability to make others equally vast. That is the unique requisite which Baba outlines in the above shloka.

And-- per Baba's guideline-- same is the case with greatness...

As He directs us, vastness or greatness does not come all by itself; nor does it exist in a vacuum. To become 'great', one must have that special talent of being able to make others great. This is the exceptional quality of those who are really great. Thus only those who have this unique ability to raise the standard of others to the level of greatness can truly be called great. This is Baba's teaching.

HUMANS CAN ALSO DO

So while Brahma is unquestionably the Greatest of the great, in their own way humans can also achieve a certain level of greatness. Because those who follow a God-centered philosophy are drenched in spiritual thought and service-mindedness. And when others come in their contact then those common people naturally feel inspired and get uplifted. Because by seeing the ways and conduct of a true sadhaka, then others will also grow. And not only that, those selfless sadhakas are ever-ready to help others advance. In that way God-centered aspirants can bring lay people up to their high level. And, according to Baba, those who do like this are indeed great.

NOT LIKE A BANYAN TREE

Thus becoming vast or great does not mean becoming big like one huge banyan tree. Because although a banyan tree is enormous, it gets that way by sucking up all the air, sunlight, water, and nutrients for itself. That banyan tree does not allow even single a blade of grass to grow underneath it. So this type of crude expression of bigness is not something admirable-- not something great.

HOW IT GOES IN THE GENERAL SOCIETY

Unfortunately in today's materialistic society, there are so-called great people all around. They are adorned on the cover of various magazines, propped up on stages, applauded at sporting events, and praised by the size of their wallet. Means in this present era there are so many who are called as great-- for one reason or another; yet none reach up to Baba's standard of the term, not even close.

As we see all around, whether in the field of business, entertainment, or law etc, in cent-per-cent of the cases those materially-minded people only become "great" by sucking the blood of others. Only by stepping on the heads of others and by clawing and scratching for each and every inch did they get "to the top". And such 'greats' retain this regal status of theirs by throwing dirt in the eyes of others. And they certainly do not help to elevate the standard of others. Rather the opposite.

So these so-called greats in the crude society have nothing to do with helping others to grow or expand. Rather they achieved their measly status by hoarding money, grabbing a high post, & garnering a lot of prestige, etc. So their greatness is only standing on fleeting worldly credentials. And they enhance their "greatness" by attempting to collect more of those worldly prizes than anyone else. So their approach is totally selfish-- where the key point is making oneself look better than others.

CONTRARY TO BABA'S DHARMIC DEFINITION

That is why what is usually called 'great' in this materialistic, vaeshyan era is completely opposite to Baba's spiritual, neo-humanistic approach. In capitalism 'greatness' is achieved by pushing oneself above others, and in our dharmic spiritual approach greatness means raising others up to a standard of excellence.

Hence in the true sense, those selfish persons who pose as being "great" are not really great-- not at all. Because their 'greatness' comes from sucking the blood of others. They are unable to make others great, just they prop themselves up by stepping on the heads of others and reaping the fruits of their existence. So simple and innocent citizens get exploited and suppressed when they come in contact with such so-called great persons. That is why we can never call any selfish, materialistic person as 'great'. Because they are unable to lift others up to a higher standard-- rather they push those people down into the depths of degradation.

SAME THING HAPPENING IN AMPS NOWADAYS

Unfortunately nowadays a similar trend exists in our AMPS. Because if we look around then we can see that those so-called great Dadas suppress lower-posted workers and / or margiis. Means top-dog Dadas reach the height of their glory by pushing down on the shoulders of general members. They force margiis to remain in a subservient position and do not allow margiis to grow. This is evidenced by the curtailment and eradication of bhukti pradhan rights, the strangulation of margii rights, the manipulation of the ACB etc. In all spheres those great Dadas - no need to mention names - just impose restrictions on the margiis to satisfy their selfish greed for power and post. And within their own ranks they just create 'yes-men' all around them. Any Dada with a brain got pushed aside and anyone who they keep as their close must become a 'yes-man'-- a no-brainer. This is the unfortunate formula these days.

So to attain their greatness, such top Dadas suck the blood of junior wts and general margiis and exploit them up to the bone. That is the be-all and end-all of their greatness. Meanwhile in this dark era, those who are really great are temporarily hidden somewhere-- remaining unknown.

So in the materialistic era of the general society and in this groupist era in our AMPS, those who are deemed as "great" function in a way that is totally opposite to Baba's divine equation of greatness. Thus all around so-called great people are nothing but exploiter-types, with not an ounce of benevolent motive in their blood.

Whereas Baba' divine recipe for greatness means working for the welfare of others and making them great. That is how to see who is really great.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's divine grace, soon the humanity will be led by truly great personalities. By Baba's grace that day is fast approaching. Then greatness really will mean making others great.

Baba says, "We are proceeding from darkness towards effulgence, from imperfection along the golden steps to perfection. No obstacle on the way will be able to stop our advancement. Pushing aside and smashing all obstacles and impediments we will move along our destined path...The chant of our forward movement will be our vocal expression, the very pulsation of our life." (A'nanda Va'nii, #72)

Namaskar,
Jagatmitra

Note 1: WHO IS CONTROLLING WHOM

Nowadays those with post are looked upon as great persons. Presidents and Prime Ministers get huge respect and royal treatment wherever they go. Side by side in this extreme vaeshyan era, those with any sense understand well that from behind, these presidents are controlled by top-moneyed persons.

Some may think that Presidents are merely moderately influenced by those corporation heads; but in reality those deep pocketed vaeshyas are selecting and deciding who will be president. This is the well known fact nowadays. But for the shudra-dominated public they are not aware about all this so they just give full respect to the President and they think the President is controlling everything. When the reality is that politics is controlled by money. This is how the general society is moving. But amongst the common people, post is everything and the capitalists recognise this that is why they are purchasing & controlling those postholders. If postholders were meaningless positions then those with money would not bother about that.

In AMPS, post is given a similar amount of respect. So groupist Dadas work behind the scenes and totally manipulate and control those sitting in the chairs of the PP post and GS post. This is the on-going reality since '90.

Note 2: MORE ABOUT BABA'S TEACHING OF GREATNESS

Becoming vast or great is not measured by accumulating huge money or high prestige or some other material thing etc, the vastness which Baba is referring to in His famous shloka is about helping others to improve and become great. And on that basis alone is what makes someone really great.

Note 3: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VAESHYAN ERA & GOD-CENTERED APPROACH

In crude vaeshyan era people think that those with money are great and in other eras they have their own mundane parameters-- such as physical might or intellectual cunning etc. But in our God-centered approach the ones who are great are those who make others great.

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About the Wealthy

Baba says, "It must always be remembered that the value of money lies in its proper use. If more money is accumulated than what is necessary, it becomes valueless for want of use. To the extent that you keep idle and valueless money with you, to that extent you become responsible for the injustices done to the hungry and the naked. Your valueless hoard will have to be made valuable by providing opportunities for use by others. Those who do not know the right use of money on the basis of the exchange of mundane resources are in fact the enemies of society." (HS-1, p.41)
*********************************************

Key of Unity

2012-02-01T22:42:00.000+05:30

Date: Wed 01 Feb 2012 22:06:36 -0000
From: "Liiladhar Karn"
To: AM-GLOBAL

Subject: Key of Unity

Baba

"Toma'r bha'laba'sa' bu'jhe nijeke khunje peyechi..." (P.S. 4504)

Purport:

Baba You are so gracious. By enabling me to understand Your love I could search for my true self. Earlier I was confused about who I am and I was always feeling sad and pessimistic about my future. But now, by Your grace, in my heart I feel Your love-- I feel that I am under Your shelter at Your lotus feet. Baba, now, by Your grace, I understand where I am; my life has become meaningful.

Baba, You are the polestar of my life. By Your arrival, my whole existence is just moving towards You. It is so blissful. Baba, when I get fatigued & tired by involving in the work, and when negative thoughts ruin my peace and tranquility, and when the clouds of hopelessness come-- in that dark hour I take shelter in Your divine love.

Baba, my mental sky, my air, my breath, my entire existence, my everything is dancing according to Your sweet melody. My hopes get fulfilled by Your samvit (force of awakening). From the divine land, one unknown angel is beckoning me; O' my dearmost Parama Purusa, You are that very apsera' (angel). I have understood this truth in my meditation by Your grace.

Baba, by Your grace, I am completely ensconced in Your love and now I understand that I am completely sheltered in Your lap...

== KEY OF UNITY ==

Namaskar,
By looking around it is clear that this is the transitional period-- a time of serious change and struggle in our Marga society. And for all of us-- Margiis and many Wts-- it is not easy to decide what to do and what not to do. Because nowadays various Wt groups & sub-groups are raising their ugly head: Declaring new PP's, making claims to power, putting forth their groupist plan etc. And in response some confused margiis/Wts are thinking that they will work independently outside the organisational structure etc, etc. So in various ways groupism and the rush for power are creating a multi-fold, ripple effect.

The answer of course is singular: Creating unity. That is the distinct challenge we face now. That is what we must achieve.

SIMILAR TO A TIME IN THE PAST

But what we may or may not realise is that this condition is similar to the post-Mahabharata period when all kinds of internal disputes and infighting was going on. And in the end they could hardly do anything concrete for serving humanity. Rather the Yadava dynasty destroyed itself after Lord Krsna left the planet.

UNITY IS THE KEY WORD

As we all know, without unity and the development of one human society, nothing will be achieved. At least we can learn from those capitalists & how they have bonded together-- albeit superficially--to fulfill their negative agenda.

On the other side of the spectrum in a positive spirit Baba has given that our social movement based on coordinated cooperation and that we should unite. So all around unity is needed to progress.

So now samghe shakti, unity is needed. And the best way is to follow Baba.

Following Baba, means forming unity; whereas groupism is the opposite. And of course the Marga which is unified will have more strength & vigour.

Baba says, "Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another. So to avoid this there should not be any scope for exploitation [groupism] in society." ('Talks on Prout')

THEN AND NOW

Now because of inner clash we have crippled ourselves such that even the wicked exploiters in society are not feeling threatened by us. Earlier, in those pre-1990 days, they were thinking that AM is one fireball and negative persons were very fearful about us. But not now; now they think that AM is doomed to destroy itself. All due to our present-day disintegration because of groupism. And such disintegration leads to more disintegration, splintering and division. That is why the exploiters in the mainline society are not worried about us any longer.

And regarding the point of disintegration, by seeing the history it is clear that this has happened to so many organisations and religions in the past-- where they become one with the dust. This is one negative phase going on. So in our Marga this is the transitional period.

Because all around there is confusion, attachment, and misinformation. Right & wrong news and so many things are floating around; it is hard to know what is correct and what is incorrect. In this condition some people are feeling angry, depressed, frustrated & confused.

And again, the answer lies in unity by adhering to His ideological principles.

BABA STORY: A SIMILAR THING DURING THE 70'S

BABA'S GRAND ADVICE

Similar was the case in the past in the 1970's when Baba went to jail. That time the conditions were also chaotic. Our Marga was in a complete dilemma about what to do and what not to do.

And then Baba graciously gave margiis the opportunity to visit Him and He guided us about how to proceed. The story goes like this:

When Baba was in jail, in Patna. Then one margii went to see Baba inside the jail. And Baba asked, 'How is it going on?'

The simple margii replied innocently, 'Baba, there is so much negative propaganda. Nobody is listening these days to our call. So pracar is not going on. It is very difficult.'

Then Baba smiled and told the margii, 'Your only duty is to be strict in 16 Points. As much as you will be strict in 16 points, then you will get direct guideline and inner inspiration and strength to move ahead from Parama Purusa. If you are loose or lax in 16 points, then you will lose the inspiration to do pracar. even you will lose the inspiration to do anything, any type of social service. And you may even decide to leave AM.'

Baba continued, 'So the best thing is to be strict in 16 points. And do not think or allow any negativity to enter in your mind. Thinking about negative things, mind will only be more depressed. The duty of sadhakas is to keep the eyes fixed on the goal. The goal is Parama Purusa.'

So in this way Baba has steered everyone's vision toward the path of dharma--
toward the ultimate Goal. Indeed that is the way to remain unified.

HOW TO OVERCOME ONE'S DILEMMA OR CONFUSION

SIXTEEN POINTS BRINGS FORCE INTO THE MIND

Usually when there is a dilemma (dhvidha) or confusion (dhvandva) about what to do and what not to do, initially people get flustered and frustrated. And most of the time what they do goes in the wrong way.

Because the general tendency of the human mind is to run toward the external objects or crude ideas such as money, name & fame, or power etc. This is the natural temptation, because human beings have crossed thousands and thousands of animal lives in which they were only dominated by basic propensities-- animal instincts. So those natural values are animalistic type whereas higher values, in which case veracity and dharmic teachings usually do not reflect in the mind until the mental plate is cleaned. So only when Sixteen Points is practiced more and more, only then does dharma get strengthened and the mind becomes more pinnacled and pointed. Whatever human beings do in that condition is very meaningful and valuable-- or at the very least they will not harm anyone. Whereas if one is not following dharma then they will not only harm others but themselves also. So following Sixteen Points means following dharma and by that way all around benefit happens.

FOCUS ON PARAMA PURUSA

AND BE FIRM ON SIXTEEN POINTS

Also in Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Baba guides us that our eyes should be fixed on Parama Purusa. Inviting unnecessary thoughts and filling the mind in that manner is very detrimental. If anyone fails to keep their eyes on the Polestar, then on a dark night that person will certainly lose the path. So the eyes should be fixed on the Goal. And that goal is Parama Purusa-- none else.

BABA says: "Now to materialize any principle or ideology, one requires firmness, especially those who provide leadership to society, those who are the pioneers, the vanguard of a new movement. "We must keep the goal fixed before us, and keep moving towards the goal. We shall never deviate from our goal, whatever the obstacles or hindrances in the way. Once we start moving, we shall never stop or look back." (NSS, p.16)

So Parama Purusa is our Goal. And the only way to keep the eyes fixed on the Goal is by following 16 Points. That is the path of our forward movement. And that is way Baba directs us that we should proceed.

Baba says, "Be firm on sixteen points. Unite all the righteous forces. All the tall talks of the evil forces will be silenced." (Ananda Vanii #44)

So in this organisational crisis and transitional period which we are facing today, our duty is to keep unity by being more and more strict in 16 points. By that way, inner strength will develop. And according to His desire, Baba will guide us how to carry out His mission. Means Baba will make us the medium to execute His work. To materialize His desire and achieve the Goal.

PAUSE BRINGS SPEED IN THE FUTURE

OPTIMISM IS LIFE

So when our organisation is struggling and stuck during a period of pause, then we should see the situation more again carefully and grab hold of Baba's teachings.

Baba says, "Pause means the gathering of momentum for speed in the subsequent phase. If one closely watches the effect of speed on a particular community or the entire humanity, one sees that generally people eulogize the period of speed. However we cannot afford to ignore the state of pause, because by judging what the previous state of pause was like, we can discern the speed of the next phase." (PNS-7, p.67)

So this pause period does not mean frustration for one and all. Rather big training is going on and society is preparing to move forward in the proper direction.

Baba says, "There are some people who are pessimistic. They say that the society around us is very bleak, that it has no expression of vitality and that is seems that everyone is in deep slumber. Pessimists say this because they have never made any detailed study of human history, nor do they care to. Had they done so, they would certainly be optimistic, because if they had looked carefully at the symptoms of pause, they would have realise that significant preparations were being made for the subsequent phase of speed. So under no circumstances should human beings be pessimistic. That is why I am always an incorrigible optimist, because I know that optimism is life." (PNS-7, p.67)

BABA'S BLESSING

And about creating unity after such transitional periods Baba guides us in the following way:

Baba says, "In the present day also, you can see for yourself how the social movement is grinding to a halt. When social progress loses its velocity it is called 'yugasandhi' (transitional period) in Sam'skrta. You have all been born in such a transitional period and have assembled here today. In the future, the honest and virtuous people of the society will respond to Your call and will unite. The same polarization is taking place now as occurred in the past: the honest people are with you and will remain with you; the dishonest people will oppose you now and will continue their efforts to block your progress in future. Whenever there is a war between dharma and adharma, you are sure to be victorious. You are not alone-- dharma is with you, the benevolent intellect is with you, and I am also with you." (AV-7, p.63)

Namaskar,
Liiladhar

Why Part of Sixteen Points

2012-01-31T18:27:00.000+05:30

Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2011 22:18:09 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From:
Subject: Why Part of Sixteen Points

Baba

PS Intro: This following song is about the establishment of a neohumanistic society. It describes how sadvipra samaj gets formed and what it will look like. Overall this song paints a picture of the upcoming dharma ra'j.

"Jay jay jay toma'ri huk jaya..." (P.S. 4764)

Purport:

O' Divine Entity, O' Cinmay, O' Consciousness Personified who has graced me by coming in this brilliant, golden, effulgent dawn: Victory, victory, victory; victory unto You. Baba, You are everything.

On this earth, we all are witnessing the magic that has happened; by Your divine grace our dream has come true today. Behold, this earth has been filled with sweetness, charm, and beauty. By Your grace there is no longer any dukha (sorrow) or santa'p (misery and suffering) on this earth. There is only the incessant flow of a'nanda (bliss); it is flowing on and on continuously. Baba, with an upsurge of devotion, the new blood & vigour has awakened; the paranoia, threat, and terror of exploitation is now completely gone. By Your grace, a new era of sentient peace has arrived.

Baba, in the past we planned that we will create a new heaven. And now that day has come. It is Your grace. According to Your direction we will go on doing Your work - all the while singing Your song to please You. Our hands will do Your work and our heart will sing Your glory. In that way we will move. Baba, by Your grace we will pour abundant love on each and every unit being - on all our brothers and sisters, on all the flaura and fauna. Baba, You have showered Your grace. That splendid day which we were dreaming about has arrived; all the cimmerian darkness has been dispelled. Now, by Your grace, the eastern horizon is filled with Your brilliant, divine effulgence. Baba, we will move on in the chorus of samgacchadhvam spirit - keeping You in our heart and singing about Your glory...

== WHY IS MOTHER TONGUE PART OF 16 POINTS ==

Namaskar,
In our AM ideology and in our 16 Points, Baba has given importance to and placed emphasis on all that is needed for the well-being and development of humanity. As we all know, one of the four tenets of C.S.D.K. (Pt #16 of 16 Pts) is 'seminar'; and one of the sub-points of 'seminar' is knowledge of one's mother tongue. Obviously then, knowing & using one's mother tongue is an integral element for building a proper society. The only question then is what is the logic and reasoning behind this.

LANGUAGES OF THE WORLD

Before getting started, we should recognise that in today's world there are more than 7000 living languages in use on this earth. And they all carry certain unique qualities, traditions, and specialties; yet, at present-- with the rapid-fire process of globalisation and all its mono-culture leanings-- many of these languages are threatened for their very survival.

Thus we should take a proper look at what the grand, variety of languages bring to the humanity as well as why Baba places such a great significance on knowing and using one's mother tongue.

METHOD OF EXPLOITATION

One of the main reasons that certain mother tongue's are taken 'out of circulation' is because one so-called higher culture wants to dominate another so-called lower culture. And one of the best ways to break down another culture is to render their mother tongue as valueless or rogue etc. Because then those innocent persons are forced to give up or
abandon their mother tongue and instead learn the language of that exploitive group. This invariably creates a huge inferiority complex in the minds of those who have lost their mother tongue. Because-- out of nowhere-- they now have to learn a new language and function with that new linguistic tool-- ie. the language of the exploiters, which is not at all comfortable for them.

Those in this present era who grew-up speaking English have not an iota idea of what it means to have to live in a society where one's mother tongue is not respected or accepted. It creates a huge shock to one's psyche and places one at an extreme disadvantage in every social setting imaginable from one's work opportunities to one's schooling ventures. And by that way one can be easily put down, manipulated, and ultimately exploited.

That is what happened to the black slaves that were brought to the US; that is what happened to many of the North Africans that relocated to southern Europe; that is what happened to the Eskimos in Alaska as well as the native people in so many lands from Australia to Indonesia. Plus this was also the case with the aborigines of Central America. In all these instances a certain group lost their local language due to the pressures placed on them by a more dominant group. And by that way, the weaker group just got exploited, pushed to the fringe, and used as a menial labor force in that society. This is what commonly happens to those who lose their mother tongue.

So here the point is that to give every human being the proper right of passage and due respect, it is highly important that all languages be honored. That means in their family life people should not be looked down upon for what language they speak. And every person should have the opportunity to do their primary schooling in their mother tongue as well as get the opportunity to learn the vishva bha'sa (world language) of the day.

Without that there will always be one or more segments of the population that are exploited.

THE SOURCE OF SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE

One other crucial aspect of keeping all the languages of the world 'alive' is that a language serves as the abode of knowledge of a particular people or community. What people learn about the world and human understanding gets incorporated into their language. That is why each and every language-- everyone's mother tongue-- carries with it unique knowledge of the world.

Just as the Inuit (Eskimo) language has all the perfect phrases for describing snow, so many languages carry unique insights about the world. Because the thing is, much of what people know is not written down-- especially in those cultures versed in the oral tradition-- in which case their language is literally an encyclopedia of knowledge. It
may contain important facts about what leaves are medicinal in value or what the role of certain bugs is or how the moon moves across the sky in the summer season. So much information and knowledge is contained in the various languages of the world.

For example, imagine how much knowledge would be lost about yoga, devotion, and spirituality if the Sanskrit language were to die. And indeed every language has its own special arena of knowledge.

So keeping languages alive is one very important manner of protecting humanity's wealth of knowledge.

HOW BABA PRACTICALLY KEEPS ALL LANGUAGES LIVING

In His ideological teachings of Prout and cardinal human values, Baba always stresses the importance of one's mother tongue. Yet as we know, AM is not just a theoretical endeavour. Side by side Baba implements the practical programs to keep languages alive.

One way He did this was by having the Ananda Vaniis read in all the languages. This was one of His special ways of respecting and honouring all languages.

And another special measure He adopted was to always ensure all Wts remembered and gave value to their mother tongue. This is a unique point. Because, Wts were basically supposed to forget everything about their former worldly life from their parents to their habits etc, but on the point of their mother tongue Baba was very keen that even Wts must remember their mother tongue.

MOTHER TONGUE: LANGUAGE OF THE HEART

One of the reasons for this is that each and every person's mother tongue is the language of their heart. It is by this way that people express their finer sentiments and feelings in the form of oral history, poetry, songs, drama, etc.

Thus one's mother tongue is a key point of human expression.

SUMMARY

So for financial gain or economic power, one community must not be allowed to exploit another by rendering their mother tongue as irrelevant. This is commonly done in this present era: Sideline their language, infuse inferiority complex, and force them to live as second class citizens etc. But this should not be allowed to continue as it robs people of their human rights and dignity and it stands as the death-bed for so much human knowledge and erudition.

All in all this is a vast topic and what is written here is a mere sprinkling. So others should also come forward and relay their practical experiences and understanding about this most important issue of one's mother tongue.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, our AM will bring justice in all realms of life including the preservation of everyone's mother tongue.
That is why Baba has included 'mother tongue' as one of the aspects of Sixteen Points.

Baba says, "The best means of communicating human expressions is through one’s mother tongue, as this is most natural. If people’s natural expression through their mother tongue is suppressed, inferiority complexes will grow in their minds, encouraging a defeatist mentality and ultimately leading to psycho-economic exploitation. Thus, no mother tongue should be suppressed." (PNS-15)

Namaskar,
Mukunda

Note 1: FALSE DISCOVERIES OF RESEARCHERS

Nowadays, many researchers in so-called first-world nations claim to have discovered new knowledge or invented new ideas etc, when in reality these things have been known for centuries by various native peoples. This is the case with so many herbs and remedies in India, China, and Philippines etc. And indeed all over the world the native populations have deep insights into the natural world and often times scientists are merely re-discovering or outrightly stealing knowledge that has been known for a long time by certain native peoples. And that knowledge was keep in tact by their language.

Note 2: NOT GIVE WAY TO CULTURAL IMPERIALISM

By preserving and protecting all the languages of the world and keeping everyone's mother tongue alive, it prevents hegemony of one group over another. This is perhaps the most important element of this issue.

Baba says, "All languages must be encouraged, but this does not mean opposing the languages spoken by others. In this context, language in itself is of secondary importance. Of primary importance is the negative cultural and socio-economic consequences of linguistic imperialism." (PE)

***************************************************
Misutilisation of Science

Baba says, "The crises faced by society today indicates that humanity is not encouraging the maximum utilization and rational distribution of the mundane, supramundane and spiritual potentialities of the world. Science is being used to develop more deadly weapons for war rather than being channelised for benevolent and constructive purposes." (PNS-13, p.47)
***************************************************

RE: Can we call it Dharmashastra

2012-01-30T21:57:00.000+05:30

Subject: RE: Can we call it Dharmashastra
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:03:11 -0800
From: Paul Taylor
To: 'AM-GLOBAL'

Baba

== Re: CAN WE CALL IT DHARMASHASTRA ==

Namaskar dear reader(s)

It’s enlightening to read that the impressions left here (Vancouver Region) by several Dadas are not isolated cases. The travel stories seemed okay at first, the thought/hope being that such would lead quickly to something.. an example of Dharma, or a set of circumstances mirroring something in AM Ideology, or…

After 20 minutes or more of self-congratulatory rhetoric, Margiis in attendance would begin to interrupt the a’carya with questions about Central, about the organisational disarray (about almost anything to get the Dada to talk about what we were hoping to hear – about Baba and the Ideology and His Mission).

The trailing emotion after several of such ‘a’carya-present’ Dharmacakras was disappointment; inherent respect for A’caryas in general would usually produce self-deprecation or rationalisation – we’re an ‘isolated’ unit, the dada’s work/focus is with more dynamic units/trades/regions etc.

Disappointment degenerated into disillusion when a senior a’carya (an avadhuta) arrived from Suva Sector, very intense on raising money to aid in the defense of wts and margiis at a Master Unit somewhere in Delhi Sector. He’d said nothing about his travels but a coincidental communication between a sister here and one in Suva Sector revealed that the senior wt had been “thrown out” of the previous sector by its Sectorial Secretary, for allegedly misrepresenting what he was fundraising for.

This was revealed at the DC following the one the wt had attended, before carrying on (with a substantial donation from a brother known to many wholetimers as a ready source of cash). While he had been here and during the collective meal following DC, he’d been asked what his particular sub-section of ERAWS did. His self-introduction as a “global worker for _____” was meant to impress but no one had heard of the acronym he’d used. When asked to enlighten us on the work of his grouping there was a one-word response: “Service.” The question was posed 3 different ways but ‘service’ was the whole reply each time. The Dada had such little respect for us that his status as an avadhuta was supposed to be quite enough to mandate each margii giving him money.

After a couple of days he’d only gotten enough to continue travelling (I think). The sour taste of his arrogance was another matter. It had three or four of the regular attendees at DC recalling, remarking, rubbing together that instance with other instances of getting little but travel stories, ‘news’ of the current organisational situation and pleas for as much money as possible from visiting wts. Actually hearing Dharmashastra and conversing about same became the exception, rather than the rule. Attendance at regular DC dropped off after a spate of different wts travelling through and three in a row matching the behaviour of those on the ‘low road’.

It did and does help firm up ideation, with everything from Parama Purusa and our need to practice discrimination between the darkness and the light.

Respectfully submitted,

Pra’n’ava

Note: ORIGINAL LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/01/can-we-call-it-dharmashastra.html

Baba Story: I Don't Know How to Surrender

2012-01-30T13:08:00.000+05:30

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:12:23 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL

From: "Jawaharlal Deva"
Subject: Baba Story: I Don't Know How to Surrender

Baba

== BABA STORY: I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SURRENDER ==

Note: The following story has been recounted by our margii brother, Shrii Nishikant Laghate.

Namaskar,
When I came in contact with Baba in 1966, I went to Jamalpur and He graced me by giving me personal contact (PC). In that personal encounter, Baba pointed out my mistakes and punished me.

Then He ordered me to surrender.

But I had no idea how to surrender. I was totally unaware about what to do.

Mentally I was asking Baba, "How do I surrender? What should I do?"

I was in a quandary as to what to do, i.e. how to surrender. Mentally I was pleading with Him to show me the way.

Then Baba said, "Just become like a very small infant."

Hearing this I understood what to do and I fell at His lotus feet, giving everything of myself, by His grace, and losing myself in Him.

And Baba blessed me.

REFLECTION

Shrii Nishikant Laghate's above story brings an important point to light...

Many people think that simply lying in sastaunga pranam is surrender or mentally thinking, "I surrendered" is actually surrendering to Guru. But that does not work; that is not the operative factor. Because when one keeps something for oneself, one's ego or I-feeling is still active, and that type of "surrender" is meaningless.

Then there are still others who think that surrendering is like a military or police arrest where you just surrender physically, and hold onto your ego, pride, vanity and other mental baggage. This also is a point of confusion. In spirituality there must be cent per cent surrender in the psycho-spiritual realm.

So Baba's teaching of being like an infant is ideal.

One must think that, "I have nothing - nothing belongs to me - everything is of Parama Purusa." Then the true feeling of surrender comes.

The infant does not have anything of its own. A small baby does not fall prey to ego, vanity, intellect, or fortune etc, whereas grown-ups often think that they have something (career, house, car, name, fame etc) and then after doing some type of show or drama of surrender, they cannot get success. It does not work.

In the case of an infant, that baby literally has nothing - it surrenders unconditionally to mother, whereby the mother is forced to come to the baby's rescue. When a sadhaka surrenders with that same psychology (i.e. unconditionally) then Guru is sure to accept.

BABA'S BLESSING

So that is what a sadhak must emulate in their spiritual life when surrendering to Guru. A sadhaka must give everything of themselves, without holding back anything. Then that will be surrender in the real sense of the term.

Baba says, "Prańipáta means complete surrender to the Eternal Entity, Parama Puruśa. The mental attitude that “whatever is, is from Parama Puruśa and nothing is mine” is prańipáta. One who has ego, one who thinks that one’s intellect, wealth and other things are one’s own, is the greatest fool. A person boasts of learning, intellect and fortune. But nothing is eternal. Therefore one who boasts of anything of this world is a fool. The worst psychic knot is the false vanity of intellect. Whatever is, is of Parama Puruśa; nothing is yours. Hence there should be complete surrender to Parama Puruśa. This is the first indispensable factor for mental development. If you really want to serve the world, complete surrender at the feet of Parama Puruśa is a must." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-1, The Three Factors for Spiritual Elevation)

Baba says, 'If you want to attain the bliss of Brahma, you must offer your own self. If you want to have the Great “I”, you must give away your own little “I”. You have to give the full sixteen annas, (the full rupee). Giving fifteen annas and holding back one anna will not do. You must completely surrender." (Subhasita Samgraha-3, Vibration, Form and Colour)

Baba says, "If human beings cannot surrender themselves at the altar of Parama Puruśa they can never attain spiritual progress in life. Without total surrender, Macrocosmic grace is not attained, and without Macrocosmic grace nothing is attained. Besides this there is no other way, (Nányah Panthá Vidyateyanáya)." (Tattva Kaomudi -3, Bhakti and Krpá)

Namaskar,
Jawaharlal

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #8

2012-01-29T14:54:00.000+05:30

Date: 29 Jan 2012 11:27:53 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #8

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #8 ==

~ PS #1157 ~

Namaskar,

Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1157 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Line Meaning

(C) End Notes

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS #1157

Ke go ele sudha'-jhara'
Sakal a'ndha'r sariye diye karale a'lo basundhara'

Toma'r saunge mora paricaya kato yugera ke ja'ne ta'y
Notuna a'lora jhilike a'ja baha'le jharn'adha'ra'

Eso pra'n'e eso mane mohan rupe saungopane
A'sh met'a'te man bhara'te madhura tumi madhubhara'

LINE MEANING OF PS #1157

Who are You who has come showering nectar, O' Sudha' Jhara' [1]. Removing all the darkness, You have made this earth effulgent.

Baba, by Your grace, I came to know You [2] ages and ages ago - who knows when [3]. In that closeness, with flashes [4] of a new light, today, You released the flow of endless fountain streams. [5]

O Divine Entity, come into my life, come into my mind - secretly, in Your attractive, charming form. O' Madhura [6], You are the embodiment of sweetness. Please satisfy my hope and satiate my heart.

Baba, I surrender at Your lotus feet...

END NOTES FOR PS #1157

[1] Sudha' Jhara': This is one of the names of Parama Purusa which describes one of His infinite attributions: The Entity that showers nectar.

[2] I came to know You: Some confused persons have translated this line as "our relation began long ago" as if the sadhaka and Parama Purusa met each other at the same time. But it is not like that: Parama Purusa is omniscient and knows everything across time and space; so it is just the sadhaka who came to know Him at that time. Already, Parama Purusa knew the sadhaka. But those who are unaware translate this line as: "Through countless ages, our acquaintance has evolved." So this is incorrect. Parama Purusa's feeling or understanding of a particular relation does not evolve - His stance is permanent. Only the sadhaka's feelings toward Him change as one enters onto and advances along the path of spirituality.

[3] Second Stanza, First Line: Here the exact date, hour, minute, and second of the introduction is not known to the sadhaka. Only the he knows that it was a long time ago that he first came in contact with that Divine Entity. Yet all along the Divine Entity was aware about him.

[4] Flashes (jhilike): To progress along the path of spirituality, the grace of Parama Purusa is needed, but not need a full load or large amount if grace, just a a wee-bit of grace is enough. If He graces fully then human beings will become over-loaded, i.e. flooded. It is just like if your crops are very dry and needs water, then just a small amount is enough; if those crops become flooded in 2ft or 10ft of water, they will not be able to survive. Similarly, in human life, just a wee-bit of grace is sufficient. Human beings cannot tolerate more.

[5] Second Stanza, Second line: This line depicts how the sadhaka's relation with Parama Purusa has deepened to a new degree of closeness and intimacy. Earlier the relation was normal and today it became extremely powerful and devotional. Parama Purusa showered enormous spiritual waves (jharn'adha'ra') of intimacy and strong devotional yearning.

[6] O' Madhura': Here the bhakta is addressing Parama Purusa as: O' most loving One. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and this name for Him depicts His quality of overflowing with sweetness and love.

To understand more deeply about the meanings of madhura and madhura', one should be familiar with madhura bhva, i.e. that intimate relation between devotee and the Lord. This is an extremely close and intimate loving relation, just like the great bhaktas Miira and Radha had with Lord Krsna. All this Baba has explained beautifully in His book, Namami Krsnasundaram. This type of very intimate relation is called madhura bhava. The Entity who is most loving is addressed as Madhura and is also madhu bhara, i.e. filled with sweetness and charm. That is why He is most loving.

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Onset of Disease & Human Health

2012-01-28T22:20:00.000+05:30

Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:34:23 -0600
To: AM-GLOBAL

From: "Punya'tman Deva"
Subject: Onset of Disease & Human Health

Baba

== ON-SET OF DISEASE AND HUMAN HEALTH ==

Namaskar,
We know that to build one human society and create a healthy humanity, all the problems-- physical, psychic, and spiritual-- must be properly identified and neatly solved. This is our human endeavour; this is part and parcel of the aim of Ananda Marga..

THE WEST CLASSIFIES ALL MENTAL PROBLEMS AS BRAIN DISEASES

In this present, ultra-modern 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. So this situation needs to be addressed and solved, properly.

But around the globe, and especially in the west, 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 such mental disorders as brain diseases, using traditional allopathic medicines. This is their standard approach.

BABA: BRAIN DISEASE & PSYCHIC DISEASE ARE DIFFERENT

In AM, however our approach is different. Baba clearly guides us that within the realm of mental disorders there are both (1) brain diseases and (2) psychic diseases. And furthermore these two problems are worlds apart. According to Baba, brain diseases and psychic diseases are not at all of the same nature.

Baba says, "Psychic disease and brain disease are not the same thing; they are quite different." ('Faculty of Knowledge-3')

So in His above teaching Baba is clearly differentiating between brain disease and psychic disease. And here below Baba explains how they are different.

Baba says, "Brain disease occurs due to some disorder in a part of the brain, or due to a congenital defect, or perhaps due to hereditary causes which hamper the proper formation of the brain. Mental disease is different. It arises due to a disorder in the objectivated mind." ('Faculty of Knowledge-3')

BRAIN DISEASE VS. PSYCHIC DISEASE

Thus per Baba's aforementioned teaching, brain disease means a physical disorder or biological defect in the brain such that the brain is unable to function properly. Some examples of brain disease are strokes, Alzyheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain cancer, metabolic brain diseases, autism, brain tumors, etc. These all come within the scope of brain diseases.

In contrast psychic diseases stem from a "disorder in the objectivated mind", such as depression, mania, phobia, inferiority complex, hallucination, being 'possessed' by certain deities, superiority complex, fear complex, melancholia, schizophrenia, maha'many'ta' (superiority complex) etc.

So by these above examples we can see that brain diseases and psychic diseases are two clearly different categories-- according to Baba. Already it is been explained that brain diseases result from a structural defect or biological problem in the brain organ. Here below we will discuss how psychic diseases develop.

WHAT IS THE "OBJECTIVATED MIND" AND HOW DOES IT WORK

As we know, everyone has an objectivated mind: It is that chamber or part of the mind which contains one's object of ideation. So the first step is to look at how the objectivated mind works.

For example, if someone is thinking about the post office then the post office is in their objectivated mind. And if a frog is thinking about a mosquito then a mosquito is in its objectivated mind. So anyone's object of ideation is what comprises their objectivated mind.

Furthermore, this objectivated mind can function in two ways: With the eyes open & with the eyes closed. A person can physically see a post office with their eyes and have the idea of that post office enter into their objectivated mind. Or they can mentally imagine a post office and put the idea of that post office in their objectivated mind, without actually physically seeing that post office. So it can work in two ways: Using one's physical eyes or one's mental imagination

The same can happen with the frog and mosquito example. The frog can physically see that mosquito or mentally imagine a mosquito. In both circumstances that mosquito enters into the frog's objectivated mind.

PSYCHIC DISEASES: HOW THEY GROW IN THE OBJECTIVATED MIND

So then how do psychic disease enter into the picture? Often times people can harbor 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 going to die tomorrow; people can think that they are better than everyone else; or people can be afraid of the dark. 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.

Baba says, "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." ('Faculty of Knowledge-3')

And here below Baba describes another type of psychic disease.

Baba says, "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." ('Faculty of Knowledge-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 totally 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 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, and on and on the list goes. Unfortunately now in the west, 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 will 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, western science addresses psychic diseases as brain diseases. This confusion is common in the west. That is why western doctors prescribe sleeping pills 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 in the west is growing exponentially due to the fast-paced, imbalanced way of life. Everyone is feeling tension and stress and harboring 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 in the west 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 of course the main treatment for psychic diseases is sadhana. That is beyond the area 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.

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." ('Faculty of Knowledge-3')

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.

No doubt psychic disease are far more prevalent in the west but as 'modern materialistic living' consumes the east then those same psychic diseases will take root in our eastern nations also.

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.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has blessed us with a human framework-- such that we can perfect ourselves through sadhana.

Baba says, "The entire universe has the grace of Brahma, but human beings enjoy greater grace. They are endowed with the privilege of practising sa'dhana'." (SS-1)

Namaskar,
Punya'tman

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. In which case many studies will be conducted.

Note 2: DO CRIMINALS SUFFER FROM

PSYCHIC DISEASE OR BRAIN DISEASE

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

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

Baba says, "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." (HS-1)

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.

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.

Baba says, "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." (HS-1, '87 Edn, p.80)

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.

Baba says, "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." (AMIWL-6)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma'y keno bha'laba'sile..." (P.S. 2283)

Puport:

Baba, You are so loving and so gracious; why do You love me so much. I do not have any quality, nor do I have any knowledge or learning. What then did You see in me that made You shower Your grace on me.

Baba, You have saturated my heart with a strong feeling of devotion for You. You have bestowed upon me an intellect to serve the society. Knowing that I am shelterless, You have granted me everything. You have given me all sorts of things which were needed. It is Your causeless grace.

Baba, You brought me on this earth by providing me with a human body. And You filled my mind with devotion. And top of all You infused a strong longing for Paramartha for You. Even then such is my miserable condition: I always remain forgetful about You and Your grace. Baba, why do You love me so much...

********************************************
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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Can we call it Dharmashastra

2012-01-27T21:26:00.000+05:30

Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:33:27 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From:
Subject: Can we call it Dharmashastra

Baba

== CAN WE CALL IT DHARMASHASTRA ==

ANSWER: NO WE CANNOT

Namaskar,
Throughout the course of history, in various religions, dogma has been injected by selfish people. In most cases those selfish people were senior priests of that very religion. Take the case of Buddhism: After Buddha passed away senior Buddhist priests injected various dogmas into Buddhism. And now it is full of dogma.

In their own way Catholic Priests, Muslim Maolbis (priest), and Hindu Pandits (Hindu priests) did the same thing. In order to establish their own supremacy they manipulated the teachings according to their own view. And for hundreds of years, religious followers practiced those dogmas.

Indeed even the teachings of Lord Krsna were gradually adulterated by the priests. And the resulting degeneration that came and was not small, but rather huge. So many false things got propagated; and various dogmas took root.

The sense is that dogma most often gets started from within that religion itself-- by those very people, i.e. priests, who are in charge of preaching that religion. So that is the tragic irony.

MUST BE VIGILANT

Thus in our Marga we have to be extra-cautious & vigilant on this point. Because Baba has given countless divine teachings that cover all the spectrums of life. And it is our duty to carry those things in untainted manner to all the four corners.

But unfortunately what to speak of spreading Baba's gospel of neo-humanism and wiping out the existing religious dogmas, some Dadas have infused their own dogma(s) in order put themselves on top and reserve some special status for themselves. That has happened in the so many ways including the way in which they manipulated Baba's sacred concept of dharmashastra.

Some have done this knowingly and some very innocently.

IMPORTANCE OF DHARMASHASTRA

Most understand that dharmashastra is something very important and should be followed. Indeed Baba Himself has told this.

Baba says: "Dharmashastra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation; it must be practical, rational, infallible, and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truth. It must be aptavakya. A scripture is a guiding entity. The Subhasita Samgraha series of books are the scripture of Ananda Marga ideology." (APH-4, 'Our Spiritual Treatise')

Thus dharmashastra is comprised of Baba's divine teachings, edicts and guidelines. Only Guru can give dharmashastra, not anyone else.

OPPORTUNISTS

But to capitalise on the situation some Dadas have misguided a few innocent overseas margiis into thinking that their own words are dharmashastra and therefore should be followed. In that way some Dadas are getting their own talk accepted as being dharmashastra and unsuspecting margiis are believing that and following those things. In my sector and in our other overseas sectors this negative practice is going. Specifically some are labeling the talks they give at dharmacakra to be dharmashastra. That is the wrong that is happening.

MORE ABOUT DHARMASHASTRA

To clarify this matter we should again reference Baba's guideline about dharmashastra. Certainly most senior Margiis have read the book Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell part 4, Chapter 10, "Our Spiritual Treatise". In that chapter, in first paragraph Baba has beautifully described the meaning of dharmashastra.

Baba says: "Dharmashastra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation; it must be practical, rational, infallible, and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truth. It must be aptavakya. A scripture is a guiding entity. The Subhasita Samgraha series of books are the scripture of Ananda Marga ideology." (APH-4, 'Our Spiritual Treatise')

Hence, according to Baba, dharmashastra means aptavakya, eternal truth-- His direct discourses. In particular Baba expresses that our dharmashastra is His Subhasita Samgraha series of books etc which contain His DMC discourses. So the English equivalent term of "dharmashastra" is spiritual scripture.

By this it is clear that dharmashastra is one very high thing of deep import that is sacred and should be followed. And top of all dharmashastra is purely related with Guru's teachings only. It is not the direction, talk, or gossip of any a,b,c,x,y,z human.

WHAT THEY ARE CALLING DHARMASHASTRA

But what way certain Dadas have falsely instituted the word 'dharmashastra' in our day to day life is completely dogma. Because in overseas sectors the term dharmashastra means a Dadas' lectures or stories etc. Such as a particular Dada's travel story which he speaks after dharmacakra, that story session may be 10 minutes, 20 minutes 30 minutes or one hour, where in our overseas areas this entire session is called as "dharma sha'stra".

Indeed it is the common practice that just after dharmacakra, usually a Dada comes forward and tells his travel stories /journey, or some simple or crafty gossip he will do. In this way some Dadas created the false aura that this is dharmashastra. So this is their thing. And by this way they infuse all sorts of false tales and reassert their dominance over margiis.

Again, some do this knowingly and some innocently.

CLARIFICATION

Whatever may be, multiple inaccuracies are going on. The first thing is that dharmashastra is not just the regular gossip or travel story of one or two Dadas. The real meaning of dharmashastra is spiritual scripture, which Baba has given in 'Our Spiritual Treatise' chapter-- and many other discourses also. So dharmashastra means Baba's perfect scripture, not just the gossip of a certain Dada.

And the next thing is that in our weekly dharmacakra Baba's books must be read-- otherwise that dharmacakra is treated as incomplete. And the talk or discussion about Baba's words is to be known as svadhyaya, not dharmashastra. Only Guru gives dharmashastra and our review of His divine teachings is the practice of svadhyaya.

WHAT THEY DO INSTEAD

In place of reading Baba's books though, a few or one Dada's gossip and travel stories will not do. Rather with all due respect those Dadas should tell their tales during some leisure time not during one of our dharma gatherings. But a couple of Dadas are are doing things in inopportune time-- As if Baba's dharmic words can be left aside and the vacuum can be filled with any...

Not only that but in the holy name of dharmashastra a few Dadas use that as a platform to gather funds for their groupist agenda. That recently happened at our local retreat. So this cannot be tolerated.

The idea being that the dharmashastra term itself carries a sanctified meaning. As that is the word of Guru. So the misuse of the term dharmashastra and telling travel tale gossip is not appreciable. It is just like if one person starts selling alcohol and calling it as 'Avadhuta' brand liquour. That is just degrading the term: Avadhuta. Similar is the case of dharmashatra when in the name of that they just tell their mundane travel tales. Or if in the name of using the term 'turban', instead we say pajama. But we cannot then justify by saying that Dada has pajamas on his head. This cannot be supported.

BABA'S BLESSING

So step by step these various dogmas have taken root in the name of dharmashastra. And in this way some Dadas try to infuse their voice as being the same as Baba's grand teachings. But this is just their hypocrisy. So those few Dadas who are doing like this, their lectures should not be treated and followed as a dharmashastra. Because what they are giving is something from the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Indeed the worst part is that some few Dadas use this as a way to place themselves on the same scale as Baba. And in that way gain supremacy over the margiis and get their own selfish agenda implemented, just like those dogmatic religious priests of old.

But if we all become alert and vigilant about this then surely this dogma can be smashed because nothing should be permitted to stand in the way of Guru's sacred and blemishless teachings.

In this regard we should pay heed to Baba's following mandate.

Baba says, "We should also remember that in the realm of dharma there must be clear-cut injunctions in the form of dharma sha'stra [scriptural treatises] and simultaneously there must be strict guardians who during their lifetime guide themselves as well as others according to those scriptural injunctions." (NSS, 95 Edn, p.200)

Namaskar,
Mukunda

Note 1: IT MEANS SCRIPTURE

In our book Caryacarya, Baba has explained that dharma sha'stra means 'scripture'. And scripture means Subhasita Samgraha etc. That means, Baba's discourses on a dharmic stand. Only dharmic discourses of Baba will be called as "Dharma Sha'stra". So, naming certain Dadas' travel tales or their own dreams as "Dharma Sha'stra" is not good, rather blasphemous. But some of those Dadas who are conducting dharmacakra don't like to give up their negative dogma.

That is to say, this dogma of using the wrong term is going on since decades. And a few Dadas are thinking that, "Let it be like that, in this way I can keep the top chair in the eyes of margiis. And what I say they will follow."

So overall this wrong use of dharmashastra is not good, rather damaging and unholy. Because Baba's divine & dharmic discourses are incomparable. And those doing trickery in the name of that are doing...

Unfortunately this is going on in overseas countries where dharma sha'stra means Dadas' travel stories or whatever else they may tell in that time.

And in that way they push their own agenda and place themselves on the same pedestal as Baba.

Note 2: SPIRITUAL TOPICS

This term "dharma sha'stra" refers to Baba's spiritual scriptures only.

Because in our Marg, there are three types of Sha'stra: (A) Dharma Sha'stra/Spiritual Treatise (B) Darshan Sha'stra /
Philosophical Treatise (C) Samaj Sha'stra/Social Treatise.'

So Dharmshastra refers to those spiritual, dharmic discourses only. And the reading out and discussion of those discourses after dharmacakra comes within the practice of svadhyaya.

Note 3: WHEN TO TELL THE TRAVEL STORY

If any Dada wishes to tell about their travel experiences then that is highly appreciated. After all we are all family members and hearing about each others exciting and humorous experiences is part and parcel of human life. This type of sharing is good. The main problem is that it should not be done directly after sadhana during our dharmacakra program. Means it should not be done in the name of dharmashastra-- nor in the name of svadhyaya. Such story telling can be done during or after the collective meal or perhaps during other times of leisure. Because after collective meditation a few paragraphs or minimum 1 paragraph from Baba's books should read aloud to everyone present. This is the minimum system, and this reading and the explanation thereafter is known as svadhyaya.

Note 4: BABA'S SUPREME GUIDELINE

Baba says, "In the realm of dharma the only true guide and controller and protector of the people is an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut, and bold directions." (NSS, '95 Edn, Shivapodesha-4)

Note 5: UNIVERSAL FAMILY

Baba's following lines are infused with a feeling of upliftment and cosmic fraternity.

Baba says, "No entity in this universe exists individually. Ours is a universal family. Each and every entity -- living and non-living, moving and non-moving -- helps others in maintaining not only their equilibrium, but also the equipoise of the entire universe, not only of this small planet Earth. We are to move together with all." (SS-18, p. 40)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Saba'r priya tumi saba'r a'pan..." (P.S. 4723)

Purport:

Baba, You are everyone's most loving and closest One - everyone feels that You are their own. Baba, because You are, I am; And because of You this whole universe also exists.

Baba, from the peak of the snow-covered, sky-kissing mountain to the deep, serene ocean, from the sun of the crimson dawn to the colourful evening sunset - everything in this universe is Your divine creation. The flowers, fruits, shrubs, forest, and garden - all are Your expressions. Baba, You are the divine Lord of everything and everyone.

Baba, with Your compassion You are looking after one and all; You never hate anyone. Baba, You reside in the mind & You are in the heart. Even then I do not see You, but I feel You. Baba, You are so great: I am always asking for Your forgiveness and for Your grace. By Your divine krpa, with full surrender I always do sastaunga pranam to You - each & every moment.

Baba, You are the most loving One, the most dear Entity of one and all. Baba, You have created this entire vast universe. Baba, You are so gracious, Baba I love You...

******************************************
Most Noble Work

Baba says, "Soon after Alarka became king, his kingdom was attacked by a neigboring king. Alarka was defeated in battle and forced to leave his kingdom...Alarka decided to give up everything and go out in search of eternal truth...When Alarka's reputation as a great yogi had spread far and wide, the conquering king requested him to take back his kingdom...'Alarka, come and take back your throne,' said the king. 'No', replied Alarka, 'I'm too busy now as I have to propagate dharma in the world. I am bound to serve the society and thus have no time to look after the affairs of the
royal administration'." (AV-7, p.47-8)

Note: After '90, some power hungry monks of our AM went astray from Baba's above noble teaching. And instead they made the attainment of power and post as the be-all and end-all of life. That is why various serious crises have come; because those hovering around the helm forgot Baba's above golden guideline and just began chasing after power and post. When in fact Baba's timeless teaching is that propagating dharma is the greatest and most noble pursuit in life and the best way for building up a vibrant, healthy society.

Note 2: We can also see by His practical example that when Mahasambhuti takes advent on this earth then He propagates dharma and also goads others in this same endeavour. Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, and Sadguru Baba have given all the dharmic teachings and their each and every moment on this earth was used in the propagation and teachings of dharma.
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Known & Unknown Love

2012-01-26T22:34:00.000+05:30

From: "Karma Rasa Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Known & Unknown Love
Date: Thu 26 Jan 2012 21:33:47 +0000

Baba

== KNOWN AND UNKNOWN LOVE ==

Namaskar,
Some people may think that only tried and true bhaktas have love for Parama Purusa - but it is not like that. According to Baba, everyone has love for Parama Purusa - only some realise it and some not.

Those who realise their longing for the Divine chase after Him; those who don't realise it chase after mundane allurements in hopes of satisfying their unknown urge for the Divine.

IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW

For our own knowledge and awareness as well as for AM pracara activities, we should actively understand the difference - as well as the relationship - between a'sakti (mundane attraction) and bhakti (divine love).

By this way, we can help others steer their course towards the Supreme, by His grace. Because ultimately, all are seeking Him.

A'SAKTI VS. BHAKTI

In clear language, Baba lays down the difference between a'sakti and bhakti.

Baba says, "In philosophical terms the attraction for finite objects is called a'sakti and the attraction for the infinite is bhakti." (SS-1)

Baba says, "Your attraction to the Supreme is called devotion [bhakti], whereas attraction to any finite objectivity is called a'sakti. Attraction to friends is a'sakti, attraction to God is bhakti. In the case of a'sakti the object is limited, in the case of bhakti it is unlimited." (SS-24)

Running after the mundane or limited is a'sakti and running after the Divine is bhakti.

But even then there is a link between the two as Baba Himself says that a'sakti is nothing but misplaced or misdirected devotion. Please continue reading.

THOSE ON THE PATH OF A'SAKTI

ARE CHASING AFTER THE DIVINE

Here Baba points out how all have love for Him - all long for Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "Knowingly or unknowingly everyone is moving around Him. Everyone is bound to move, otherwise they will lose their permanent shelter, they will dissociate from their permanent nucleus. This movement is a natural propensity born out of love for Parama Purus'a. Love for the Supreme is a natural propensity." (NKS)

So even those on the path of a'sakti, i.e. those running after mundane allurements, have an inner hidden urge for Him.

Some may have trouble believing how this is so - but by the following analogy it will all become quite clear.

BABY EXAMPLE: EATING PENS AND PAPER

We all know that babies are prone to putting all kinds of things in their mouth: dirt, stones, pens, plastic, etc. Whatever they can get their hands on, they will stick in their mouth. Is it because they like that object? No. It is because they are in search of something. They are in search of food. And the proof is that when the baby chews on that paper it will cry, spit out the paper, and throw it away. Only when it gets food will it be satisfied.

Naive people may think the the baby likes to eat pens and shoelaces etc, as again it will reach for one of those things, but that is of course not true. When that baby does get some proper food, then it will not grab after all those other things - then it will not try and put plastic and paper into its mouth.

Here the whole point is that the baby wants food but due to its own unawareness it puts so many other things in its mouth.

Similarly, human desires are infinite; that is the desire humans are trying to quench. So when attracted towards worldly things (money, material, name, fame) people think their desire will be satisfied by this approach. Just as a baby thinks that by putting plastic in their mouth they will satisfy their hunger. But soon they realise that is not the case. And adults too realise that mundane things (money, prestige) can satiate their eternal longing. They always want something more. It is like putting out a fire with petroleum; the desires escalate. People trying to satisfy their infinite desire with worldly lust but that lust only multiplies and life becomes more miserable. Just as the baby wants food but chews plastic, similarly human beings want Parama Purusa but because of their ignorance they run toward worldly things. In this case adults also behave like babies but they do not understand. When one comes on the path of sadhana or moves towards spirituality then one clearly realises this divine, eternal truth.

Thus we can say that all jiivas desire Parama Purusa. He is the desired Entity of everyone. But those who do not realise that they desire Him try to satisfy their longing with so many mundane things. They may chase after the opposite sex, or money, or name and fame, or so many things - all in hopes of satisfying their innate yet unknown longing for Parama Purusa.

Invariably, a person tires of those worldly things - or even suffers backlash from them. Their wife may beat them; their job may make them stressed out; liquor and drugs will make them sick. All kinds of adverse reactions will happen, sooner or later.

And in due course- either in this life or the next - they are bound to understand those mundane things cannot permanently satisfy their inner quench for the Supreme. Then they will come more directly onto the path of devotion.

Till that time, they will continue to struggle with a'sakti, wrongly thinking that this is where their happiness lies.

ALL DESIRE THE SUPREME

Here is another of Baba's divine teachings that guides us how everyone is in search of the Divine and it is only the Divine that can satisfy that the unlimited desires of the jiivatma.

2-5. Tasminnupalabdhe parama' trs'n'a'nivrttih.

Purport: There is in the living being a thirst for limitlessness. It is not possible for limited objects to quench one’s thirst. Brahma is the only limitless entity, and so establishment in Brahma’s bearing alone puts an end to all thirsts or cravings. (A'nanda Sutram)

Those on the path of a'sakti may get temporary pleasure from crude allurements like the opposite sex and shiny cars etc, but such mundane allurements cannot satisfy them for long. Soon again, they will be on the lookout for something else to satisfy them.

Until, by His grace, they come onto the path of bhakti and attain Him. Then their desire for the limitless will be satisfied.

All along however, it is their desire and love for the Supreme that keeps them in the hunt. If they really only wanted a sports car then that sports car would satisfy them forever and ever. But that never happens - one day they tire of that car, toss it aside, and look for a new car or something else to satisfy their longing.

But what human beings desire, of course, is unlimited bliss, or Divine Love.

Just people embark on the path of a'sakti in order to quench their desire, as they are unaware that their true longing is for Parama Purusa, not mundane things.

WHY WORLDLY THINGS ARE ALLURING

Why is then that even though everyone's innate desire is for the Divine, worldly attractions are quite alluring. The first reason is because those things are, after all, part of God's creation so they have some temporary charm. Secondly, chasing after mundane things is easy to do. And thirdly, in their ignorance, people think those things will satisfy them.

They think, "I will be happy once I get a Mercedes-Benz", or they think, "I will be satisfied when I get a bigger house or a higher post" etc. But none of those things can satisfy them for long.

They think it will give them bliss but all too often those things just give them heart-ache and pain. Because their real longing is for the Supreme - that is what is urging them on in their search.

UNKNOWN LOVE FOR THE DIVINE

STARTS IN ANIMAL LIFE

Even though many humans are on the path of a'sakti, it is their longing for the Divine that is the driving force in their hunt for happiness. And it is not just humans but developed animals also that have such an urge.

Monkeys, dogs, elephants and others also have an unknown urge for Parama Purusa. A dog's desire to please his master is the seed form of love for Parama Purusa. Same is true for a monkey's desire to please his trainer.

Such animals are just on the cusp of human life and certainly they will attain that in their next birth.

ONLY PARAMA PURUSA CAN QUENCH HUMAN LONGING

Because only the beginningless and endless Parama Brahma is infinite, only He can satisfy all human longing.

Baba says, "Brahma is the only limitless entity, and so establishment in Brahma’s bearing alone puts an end to all thirsts or cravings." (Ananda Sutram)

Once human beings understand that they are in love with Parama Purusa, then they will chase after Him. It is then that they realise that their travels on the path of a'sakti are fruitless and they have to properly direct their devotion for Parama Purusa.

SUMMARY

This shows that humans unknowingly want Parama Purusa; they have infinite desires and want intimate satiation. Just as a small child wants food and not that plastic or paper; similarly humans want to satiate their infinite desire in some way and they run toward material things but actually they want Parama Purusa. That means that unknowingly all love Parama Purusa and want Him. Due to lack of awareness they get caught up in material pursuits like a small child.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, all love Him. This fact must be made common to all then it will be easy to goad everyone toward that Divine Entity. We should help everyone realise that they have innate love for Parama Purusa.

This is a great service as it will spare those on the path of a'sakti so much trouble and torment. Because those worldly things can never satisfy their innate longing for the Divine.

As sadhakas, in our pracara, we must help everyone to maximally utilise their human life. The cycle of birth and death is endless. Only those who develop samvit (spiritual awakening) can truly set their course toward the Divine, and attain Him by His grace. We should do this in our own lives and guide others as well. That is Baba's order.

Baba says, "...It is the bounden duty to bring all to the path of bliss. Verily is this a part and parcel of sadhana - to lead others along the path of righteousness." (Supreme Command)

Namaskar,
Karma Rasa

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Vinati ja'i kare tava caran' dhare..." (P.S. 3687)

Purport:

Baba with folded hands & holding Your lotus feet, I am requesting You again and again: Please come to my home. Please grace me again and again by coming. Baba, You have countless abodes to visit and stay that may be according to Your liking; even then You should not forget that this little hut of mine is Your creation. Baba I always dance in Your rhythm and sing in Your melody, in Your tune. I feel that You are the tune, melody, and lyrics-- everything. I play Your viina.

Baba, I am Yours, and everyone is Yours. Your divine play is our world. The way You play Your liila is my entire existence. I am always ensconced in Your ideation, in Your dhyana. I always speak and sing of Your ideology, Your tales, Your teachings. Baba, I move accordingly by Your grace.

Baba, when You play Your divine flute, with that attraction You pull me close to You. That is my vital energy for forward movement. Baba You are the base of everything. You are the quintessence. Your glory is unfathomable which cannot be expressed. You are everyone's soul - everyone's heart. Baba with my folded hands I do sastaunga pranam at Your alter: Please come to my little hut. Please grace me by coming...

Are You Concerned About Beauty?

2012-01-26T14:21:00.000+05:30

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:00:36
From: "Hitendra Deva"
Subject: Are You Concerned About Beauty?

Baba

"Ba'dha' eseche bheunegeche toma'r...hoyeche..." (PS 2647)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace all those obstacles which have come on the path have been pulverized. They got completely destroyed. Whatever horrifying things were there - fog, dilemma, confusion - all disappeared into thin air. This happened only because of Your divine grace.

In a ghastly attempt, the bad days - the foggy weather - wanted to swallow everything. They tried to submerge everything into cimmerian darkness. However the demons' dances, and the days of hellish creatures and their kingdom of doom, are gone forever by Your grace, by Your karuna.

O' Parama Purusa, the Charioteer of the chariot of effulgence, You have come. All the confusion, illusion, and dilemmas have been wiped away from everyone's mind. It is Your grace.

Baba due to Your holy advent the bondage of ignorance and staticity, and the serpentine noose of maya have been destroyed. With the presence of Your august advent, Your arrival, all the sins have gotten destroyed. Now everything is saturated with divine effulgence. Baba, You are ever-gracious...

== ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR BEAUTY ==

Namaskar,
Beauty...

This is one big trend all around the globe these days - now more than ever. All want to become stunningly beautiful.

And there is nothing wrong with that...

...except that people are looking for beauty in all the wrong places - i.e. externally - and it is wrecking their lives. Their misguided search for beauty leads to anxiety, depression, divorce, trauma, frivolous expenses, financial debt and all kinds of psychic complexes and afflictions.

We may even find traces of this ill-conceived quest for beauty in our Marga, though in the general society it is much more rampant, exponentially so.

We should all be aware, lest we fall into a similar pattern. Also with awareness comes the ability to help others and convince them of the truth in a compassionate way through logic and reasoning.

TRENDS, TRENDS, TRENDS

The trends about what is beautiful vary from place to place, but now in this materialistic era, all parameters of beauty are based on the most superficial aspect of the human experience.

In the US and Europe, white-skinned people generally think that "having a tan" makes them more beautiful. Thus most everyone in those areas wants a tan, or brown skin. To get that, they may lie in the sun, lie on a tanning bed, or even have it sprayed on like paint.

In India, now it is more fashionable or beautiful to have light or white skin. For this reason ladies may not even go outside in the sun for fear that their skin will get too dark.

Yet these trends come and go like the wind. One day one wishes to look dark, and the next white. It can flip-flop anytime. Yet on these whimsical and fleeting styles, people form their crude judgments of a person and formulate their own look as well.

Baba says, "The notion of what is beautiful or ugly, or good or bad in human beings changes from age to age, and in different environments. Those who are black-complexioned will say, “How beautiful black is. Why is that man so white? Has he contracted leucoderma (white leprosy)? How repulsive, how utterly repulsive!” That is, human judgement is relative; it changes according to time, place and person." (AV-8)

And not just skin colour, but each and every aspect of the physical body has a trend, or look, or way that is deemed as beautiful. And people go bonkers trying to achieve that.

They may spike their hair, expand their lips, paint their face, tattoo their body, pluck their eyebrows, squeeze their feet into small shoes, whiten their teeth, grow their nails, paint their toes, and the list goes on and on.

We have all seen it.

They may even visit plastic surgeons to make their nose or other parts "absolutely ideal", i.e. beautiful. They may body pierce themselves all over thinking that this makes them attractive. Or they may get a liposuction or tummy tuck in order to make themselves look skinny.

In the past in India and other poor countries, being fat was a sign of wealth and prosperity - they all wanted to be fat. That was desired and beautiful. Now in those same places, all that has changed. Especially where the internet is big - like in the Indian cities - all want to be thin now, because that is the rage in the west.

No matter where one resides, to gain that look - of being beautiful - people are willing to do anything.

Even in these tough economic times - when cash is sparse - people are spending thousands and millions even billions of dollars on various cosmetic medical procedures or beauty supplies in order to enhance their look. It is a mega industry at present.

And the one who suffers most is the individual - they become a victim of the times. They ruin their peace and composure by indulging in this quest for beauty externally, which in truth is destined for failure.

POINTS TO NOTE

1. Although beauty varies from place to place and era to ear, people in the same place and in the same era chase after the same look. They all want to be thin, or have their hair in a particular way, and dress according to the day's fashion etc. In essence, they become mirror images of one another - when in truth diversity is the spice of life. Mother nature makes us all different, even if our parents are the same. By this way the gene pool of our human society gets stronger and more developed. To chase after the same look is to going against nature.

2. The beauty business corrupts people's mind into thinking that beauty only resides on the outside. They have so many tricks for brainwashing people, especially young women and teenagers. This is their big market and they spend huge money convincing them. In turn, the beauty industry takes in billions. The entire situation is most unfortunate.

3. People naively think that by becoming more beautiful then all their problems will be solved and everything will be alright - i.e. they will be happy and all will adore them. This is their day-dream fantasy as well as the reason why they chase relentlessly after external beauty.

4. Now more and more people are goaded toward external beauty at a younger age. This imposes a terrible inferiority complex that "I am not beautiful enough." Generally self-conscious feelings about one's looks occur when one is going through adolescence. But today, in countries like Brazil and India, girls of 3 or 4 years of age are being dressed up like
dolls and the children get the teaching early on that external beauty is everything. This is a terrible tragedy and brings about the demise of the human condition.

5. And there are more points, write us with your thoughts.

NO-WIN SITUATION FOR ANYONE

All in all, chasing after external beauty is a no-win situation for anyone, neither for materialists nor for spiritual aspirants.

Materialists, or common people, bank all their happiness on external beauty and allurements, which is itself fleeting. Most of the time people are too self-conscious to delight in what beauty they do have, and even if they do enjoy their "beauty" what they fail to realise is that their beauty will not last. It is impermanent, temporary. It will wane, wane, wane with the passage of tiem. Seeing this, people get distressed and depressed. They worry about thinner hair, flabby thighs, droopy skin, and so many other things. To make matters worse, people are living longer now than ever before so while their "beauty" may begin to decrease after the age of 30, 35, 40, or 45, they now live longer, up to 80, 90, or 100 and in that case they merely extend their days living in that depressed state. Such is the fate of materialists.

And spiritual-minded people also run into trouble by chasing after external beauty. They may have lived a most dharmic life and helped others but because of their lust for external beauty all their good efforts get wasted and instead of progressing on the path, at the time of death they get turned into bodyless microvita. Such a horrible fate.

Baba says, "Though siddhas are elevated human beings, those who have some aesthetic attraction for physical objects like money, ornaments, etc., become kinnaras after their demise. As spiritual aspirants they are elevated to some extent, and as human beings they are decent, but they prayed to Parama Purus'a for beauty instead of for Parama Purus'a Himself. Such people, after their demise, attain the status of kinnara devayonis." (MVNS)

So neither the common materialist nor the advanced sadhaka benefits by chasing after external beauty - yet so many engage in this way.

WHY THEY DO IT

The next - or obvious - question then is why do they do it. Why do people chase after external beauty?

The answer we all know.

When people do not seek peace within then their mind turns to the external sphere for happiness, acceptance, and approval. And one of the closest external qualities we have is our bodies. Thus people seek attention and respect based on their external looks, i.e. "beauty". Their figure, hair, shape, softness etc.

But this leads them nowhere other than their demise.

And tragically the trend is only growing. Now more than ever people are mentally imbalanced due to materialism, and in that precarious state they invariably look more and more for external beauty as their great value in life.

This then makes them more insecure and worried and ultimately sets them up for "the big fall" when their beauty invariably wanes as the body decays.

So it is a vicious cycle.

In contrast, if one is able to find peace within, then they are not so concerned about their superficial looks. Already they have found beauty and value in life. And that is the real beauty that will bring peace and happiness.

WHERE THE REAL BEAUTY LIES

Here Baba graciously guides us where our real beauty lies.

Baba says, "Perhaps you know that mental beauty exercises some degree of influence on the human body. A woman who is unattractive but is mentally elevated or has a loving nature will look beautiful to others. You must have heard that to a child, the most beautiful woman in the world is his or her mother." (MVNS)

Thus beauty - ie lasting beauty and attraction - lies in the benevolence and sentientness of mind.

As a person gets to know your mind, then they will find you to be more and more beautiful, so long as your mind is spiritually inclined. That is why people who come close to you and become your friend value you for your behaviour and conduct, not for your looks. So long as one's mind is vibrated, one's conduct will be proper, and others will be attracted to you. So the point of allurement is the mind not the body. That is where lasting beauty exists. That is Baba's guideline.

Proof of this is that these days so many marriages are made based on purely external beauty and sexual attraction. But then, as they get to know one another and see how the other thinks and behaves, then they develop distaste for one another until finally they fight, beat each other, and ultimately divorce. Countless high-profile, glamorous marriages have destructed in this way. And it happens to common people as well.

The point is that if you do not like the way a person thinks and behaves, then they will not be beautiful to you, irregardless of how physically attractive they are. And vice-versa.

Whereas, if one's behavior and dealing are benevolent and charming, then everyone will be attracted to you and find you to be beautiful.

That is Baba's magic formula.

Thus if one is concerned about beauty - they should ensure they are concerned about their psychic beauty, not the physical one. Only the beauty of the mind can bring about happiness and welfare to oneself and others. Only then can on be truly beautiful in the eyes of others.

BABA'S BLESSING

By His grace here again is His divine teaching. By adhering go 16 Points, doing sadhana, singing kiirtan, and being strict in yama and niyama, then one's beauty will increase more and more.

Baba says, "Perhaps you know that mental beauty exercises some degree of influence on the human body. A woman who is unattractive but is mentally elevated or has a loving nature will look beautiful to others. You must have heard that to a child, the most beautiful woman in the world is his or her mother." (MVNS)

Namaskar,
Hitendra

Note 1: BABA'S COLOURFUL DESCRIPTION:

HOW THE NOTION OF BEAUTY CHANGES

Baba says, " Just imagine the situation that will arise in the future as a result of humanity’s ever increasing thirst for knowledge. To meet these developments the nerve cells and nerve fibres will have to become more complex. Consequently, the human cranium will become larger and the size of the head will increase. The hands and feet will become weaker and weaker and human beings may even lose the ability to walk...Today we think that such people will look very strange, but in the future one may hear people commenting, “Oh, how handsome he looks with eyes as small as little peas and arms as thin as jute sticks. He can’t hear anything with his ears. In fact, he hasn’t got any ears at all! What an attractive man.” Although it seems slightly repulsive to us, this will become the standard of beauty in future. People will judge beauty according to the standards of the day, saying, “Oh, those stick-like arms of his make him look so handsome. The fellow can’t walk properly. How wonderful.” And if someone can walk, people will say, “How indecent that fellow looks hobbling around on two legs!” But if he crawls along the ground they will say, “How wonderful, how beautiful!” If we were to see this sort of scene today, however, we would say, “How unsightly. That fellow is uglier than an owl.”" (AV-8)

***************************************
Samaj is Based on Neo-Humanism, not Groupism

Parama Purusa BABA says, "If each samaj [socio-economic unit] is inspired by a comprehensive ideology and a universal outlook, human society will move ahead with accelerating speed towards a sublime ideal." (PNS-13, p. 23)

Note: Nowadays some group leaders are singing the song of samaj as they try to forge ahead with their narrow-minded agendas. But margiis can smell this from a mile away and are keeping distance from such talk. Means other than a select few, no one is falling into the trap that the spectacle of such and such WT group is part of samaj theory.
***************************************

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #7

2012-01-25T13:50:00.000+05:30

Date: 25 Jan 2012 13:36:49 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #7

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #7 ==

~ PS #1156 ~

Namaskar,

Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1156 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Introduction

(C) Line Meaning

(D) End Notes

(E) Special Note on Spelling
& Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1156

Ke go tumi ele maneri ma'jhe
A'ka'sh va'ta's toma'ri ra'ge
Spandit hoye meteche na'ce

Kichu ca'o na'ko, kichu bolo na'ko
Kichu dite gele nite ca'o na'ko
Tabu a'chi ja'gi kichu deva'r la'gi, karun'a'ghan a'nkhi bhuleo na' ja'ce

Kichu ca'o na'ko a'ma'r ka'ch_ theke
Bujhi va' ca'o tumi a'ma'r "a'mi"-ke
Bha'losba'siya'chi manete metechi saba dite man taerii a'cho

INTRODUCTION FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1156

This song expresses the mentality of a sadhaka when Parama Purusa comes in a new and more loving manner. When devotees do dhyana and Parama Purusa appears in the mind, sometimes bhaktas experience Him in a new and different way - in a closer more intimate relation. This song reflects the devotional feeling of a sadhaka when their relation with Parama Purusa becomes more intimate. For instance, suppose a sadhaka was in sakhya bhava, or friend relation. And then one day, in their dhyana they experienced the coming of Parama Purusa in a new way; their proximity with Him increased and their relation changed from sakhya bhava to dasya bhava (Master-servant relation) or madhura bhava (lover). That new and heightened devotional feeling is what is being expressed in this song.

LINE MEANING OF PS #1156

O' Divine Entity, who are You [1] who has appeared in my mind? In Your attraction and love, the sky and air are dancing in divine ecstasy. [2]

O' my Lord, You do not want anything, nor do You say anything. When I offer You something, You do not want to accept it. In spite of that, I remain awake, ever-ready to give You something. But, even by mistake, Your compassionate eyes never ask for anything.

Baba, You ask nothing of me. By Your grace, I understand that You are not satisfied with small things. You want my "I-feeling", my mind - everything. Baba, I have loved You. By Your grace, my mind is spiritually vibrated; it is now ready to surrender everything unto Your lotus feet.

O' Divine Entity, please accept my sastaunga pranam and unconditional surrender...

END NOTES FOR PS #1156

[1] Who are You (ke go tumi): A person asks "Who are you?" when they are not fully aware about someone. So they ask, "Who are you?", in order to get more information about that person. But this question can also be raised if you know the person but are not completely familiar with the way they are behaving or relating with you. That is the case in the above Prabhat Samgiita. The sadhaka knows that it is the Divine Entity Baba, but asks "Who are You?", because Baba is presenting Himself in a new and more intimate way.

[2] Last Word of the First Stanza: In the 1998 edition of the Bangla Prabhat Samgiita book, the final word of the last stanza is na'ce, meaning "dances". That seems to be the correct word. In past editions of the Bangla book, the last word of the first stanza was ta'ha'te and in the recorded version of this song, the word ta'ha'te is sung. Because most of those audio recordings were made prior to 1998; hence they sang the song according to the lyrics printed in the older books. Ultimately, I cannot definitively say that na'ce is absolutely, positively the correct term. This could be a typo in the 1998 edition of the Bangla book. But most probably, the 1998 book is the proper version. At the very beginning of the book, the publishers noted that many updates were made in this edition to correct past mistakes. That most likely explains why the word na'ce is used in this text.

SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Starting from today forward, when introducing new songs, we will post the full song using phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words "know" or "knowledge". Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as "Ka-now" or "Kay-Now" and "Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge",respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1156, the actual spelling of the word bolo (2nd stanza, 1st line, 5th word) is bala. But unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, bolo. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Another example is the last word of the second stanza: ja'ce. The actual spelling is ya'ce, but many will mispronounce it if it is spelled in that manner - hence the spelling ja'ce. Indeed there are many such examples.

Only native Bengali speakers - or those extremely fluent in Bangla and familiar with Prabhat Samgiita - will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence the decision to write it phonetically.

With regard to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Baba Story: Devotee Jumped From the Roof

2012-01-24T17:27:00.000+05:30

Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:14:52 +0100
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Omkaranath Deva
Subject: Baba Story: Devotee Jumped From the Roof

Baba

"Malay va'ta'se madhu nishva'se ke go ele mor phulavane..." P.S. 1801

Purport:

O the Divine Entity who are You who has come in my flower garden in the gentle breeze of this spring season with a sweet and charming smile. When I saw You for the first time I was surprised, as it was difficult to think that such an attractive Entity would be here. I wanted to look towards You more intimately but I could not; that time I was sitting in the flower garden unmindfully - unaware.

O' Supreme One, I couldn't even hear the footsteps of Your arrival, & You did not give any hint or clue before coming to this garden. So I could not receive You properly nor could I offer You a garland. You have graced me by coming here yet You have not cared about receiving an invitation. Please tell me, O' Divine Entity, who are You?

O' my Lord, understanding Your liila is impossible. Within a flash You can become extremely tough and then the next moment You are as tender as a flower - like a garland of love, so sweet and charming. O' divine Entity You cannot be understood. You are Infinite - without beginning or end. Through the practice of sadhana and dhyana I am surrendering myself at Your alter.

Baba, You have graced me by coming to my mental flower garden...

== BABA STORY: DEVOTEE JUMPED FROM THE ROOF ==

Note: The below story is a first-hand account by Sri Mangal Bihari ji, a very senior and well-known Ananda Margii. In this letter, he is giving his eye-witness account how one margii ensconced in a devotional bhava jumped from one building and was saved. That was an incredibly sight.

As many may know, Sri Mangal Bihari ji held key posts in both Rajasthan government as well as the Central Government of India. During Emergency he was lying low but after Emergency he was retired from his government post and extremely active in the Marga, just as during his pre-Emergency days.

Namaskar,
Those days in DMC Baba was showering His divine blessing on all. That created a very strong spiritual vibration. Everyone was drenched in His cosmic grace.

HUGE DEVOTIONAL ATTRACTION THOSE DAYS

All who attended DMC became immersed in Baba's love and spiritual ecstasy. No one remained unaffected. All were deeply ensconced in that Brahma bhava, i.e. devotional ideation.

Here I am not saying that those who came were elevated sadhakas or very high souls and that is why they were having such experiences. Rather I think that was exclusively Baba's grace. Indeed many who came those days also left the Marga entirely. So truly speaking, Baba was showering His divine grace during those DMC programs. Those who attended were inundated. What is described in AM literature about bhava and samadhi, we would see and feel regularly those days; whereas later on that such experiences in collective occasions became scarce.

Indeed those days, many were visibly crying, tears streaming down; while others were making the humkara sound. Verily all the signs of deep spiritual engagement and samadhi were in full force.

Baba says, "These occult feelings are basically of eight types: stambha (astounding), kampa (trembling), sveda (sweating), svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), ashru (tears), romáiṋca (horripilation), vaevarńa (change of colour) and pralaya (fainting fit). There are other feelings associated with these major feelings. For examples, nrtya (dancing), giita (singing), viluńt́hana (rolling), kroshana (weeping), huḿkára (roaring), lálásráva (salivating), jrmbhańa (yawning), lokápekśá tyága (indifference), at́t́ahásya (bursting into laughter), ghúrńana (whirling), hikká (hiccoughing), tanumot́ana (relaxation of the physical body) and diirghashvása (deep breathing)." (A Guide to Human Conduct, Iishvara Pranidhana)

In Baba's presence, all the above "pious expressions" were prevalent those days. The scene was unparalleled. Indeed, non-margiis observing these behaviours thought that these people (i.e. Ananda Margiis) were psychiatric patients.

But that was the way things were going on those days. Baba's was creating that deeply devotional and loving environment and so many were falling into samadhi and various bhavas.

Not only that, when it was time for Baba to depart, and take leave of the margiis and general workers etc, then He would increase the devotional pull and these symptoms would escalate. Baba would give more vibration and the whole environment would become devotionally super-charged. The vibration was palpable.

KOTA DMC

The DMC in Kota (28 Jul 1966) was exceptional in this regard. Everyday there was such a strong vibration. Around 50 - 60% of the margiis present were crying and dancing, totally enthralled with Baba's love and oblivious of the crude world around them. At this point our Baba Nam Kevalam kiitan had not yet been given, even then so many were dancing, purely inspired by bhava.

And at the end, it escalated even more. At the time of departure, the scene broke all barriers. The floodgates of devotion let loose. As per His custom, on the last day of His stay, Baba held general darshan and that was even more heart-wrenching than usual.

Baba was infusing a deep devotional pull and the sadhakas did not want Him to leave. They did not want to be away from Him. They were feeling such strong longing and so many were crying. That was the scene.

Indeed, thinking of Baba's departure was unbearable. It was just like if the one you love very much was going away then you feel like your heart is being separated. In that state people start crying uncontrollably. So this happens with mundane attraction and in extreme situations when someone dies or goes away.

With Baba, the pull towards Him was purely devotional.

AN UNBELIEVABLE THING THAT HAPPENED

In that devotionally-charged environment, one absolutely incredible event took place.

In Kota, the day after DMC, Baba was holding a farewell general darshan (described above) just prior to His departure. This gathering was being held on the roof of the first floor. All the margiis were crying, dancing, and jumping around.

One margii brother from Nepal, Bahadur, was crying uncontrollably. It seemed like he just lost total control of his body - jumping and bouncing here and there in longing to hold Baba. Then suddenly in one swift moment, he inexplicably jumped from the roof of the first floor to the roof of the ground floor.

Here it has to be understood that the roof is 100% cement - hard as stone. There was no padding whatsoever. Plus the vertical distance from the first floor roof to the ground floor roof was 14 feet. Yet in that highly-charged environment, Bahadur leaped down.

I was shocked to see this and thought he would die. Immediately so many margiis rushed towards him to see if he was ok. But in utter amazement he was fine. He did not injure himself in any way, whereas it would have been quite expected to have shattered his knees or had some other serious injury, even death. But Bahadur was totally unharmed. Not only that, he was still in that deeply devotional bhava, crying and shivering.

Seeing this incredible feat, I concluded that when one is in bhava stage then their body becomes light, otherwise how he could have done this without getting hurt. Whatever the reason, nothing happened to him. It was Baba's exclusive grace - totally unbelievable.

REFLECTION:

BABA CHANGED THE FLOW

The above story recounted by Sri Mangal Bihari ji is quite inspiring on many levels and leaves us with much to consider.

As incredibly moving and devotional as the scene was those days, it was seen how in that state of mind margiis could not think of anything other than Parama Purusa. It was impossible for them to manage normal, everyday life along with their worldly duties - what to say of doing any organisational work and social service to the greater society.

That is why Baba slowly, slowly withdrew that special devotional vibration during DMC and other collective gatherings. In collective life Baba became more work oriented and and such devotional experiences became more limited to going to His room for PC and receiving those bhavas and devotional experiences on an individual level.

After 1970-71 in DMC, there were not such strong vibrations as earlier. Baba stopped giving that type of spiritual wave in collective gatherings. Indeed, Baba Himself explicitly stated that if margiis remain in that state they will not be able to do any work.

That is why I think, Baba chose to give that bhava on an individual level, not collectively, according to His wish.

THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY CONFUSION

Some who do not know the entire history of Baba's spiritual grace think that before 1966 Baba was in the role of Vraj Krsna and He became Parthasarathi after 1966. But this is nothing but a short-sighted view.

Why?

Because Baba gave emphasis on work since the inception of AM. In Jamalpur, in the very beginning, those in AM were punished for not doing work - everyone was held accountable. Baba used to punish them, give work targets, reports, and make them take atonement for their misdeeds and sins. Even before the creation of wts, all this was going on. Family acaryas were the workers and reporting was in full force. That was all going on before 1966.

And His showering of devotion continued throughout, far after 1966. Up through 1990 itself, Baba was calling and attracting countless individual margiis on a personal level for devotional contact. And even those sitting in far distant lands feeling His sweet touch in sadhana. There are countless stories; and verily still today if one does proper sadhana they will feel that spiritual nectar and receive then highest devotional samadhi and realisation..

So there is no credence to the theory that Baba's existence was split like that of Vraja Krsna and Parthasarthi Krsna. Rather, from the very beginning, Baba was and is one singular Divine Personality.

BABA'S BLESSING

Here following is Baba's divine teaching how those who chase after Him - due to His causeless grace - cannot think of anything else and ultimately become one with Him.

Baba says, "All the created objects are revolving around Puruśottama. Some are rotating at a greater distance with a long radius, and some are moving at a shorter distance with a short radius. The nature of the ideation and inherent saḿskáras of entities varies from one to another, and accordingly the physical structures of individual entities also vary. And all the entities with their respective mass and wonts are revolving around the nucleus. This movement continues as long as they think, “I and my Lord, I and the Universal Father are separate entities.” As soon as they think, “No, I and my Lord are not separate entities – just as the ocean and its drops of water are not separate entities. The drops of water are part of the ocean”-then they are no longer misguided. They rush towards Puruśottama and merge in Him." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-31, Supramundane Heritage and Supramundane Desideratum)

Once again we should reflect upon what happens to those who come into that higher devotional bhava, by His grace.

Baba says, "When the mental flow of a spiritual aspirant moves along the introversial phase of Macrocosmic meditation, one’s animative force, having the potentiality of divinity itself, rises above all tendencies – all saḿskáras – and proceeds towards Eternal bliss. In this state the mind is vibrated with Cosmic feeling. The unexpressed divine qualities of the higher glands find expression and the resonance of the mind vibrates the nervous system. This gives rise to pious expressions in the physical body. In the case of those people whose occult feelings are not physically expressed due to causes associated with the nerves, the mental vibrations cause certain radical changes, in the various glands within the body. These occult feelings are basically of eight types: stambha (astounding), kampa (trembling), sveda (sweating), svarabheda (hoarseness of voice), ashru (tears), romáiṋca (horripilation), vaevarńa (change of colour) and pralaya (fainting fit). There are other feelings associated with these major feelings. For examples, nrtya (dancing), giita (singing), viluńt́hana (rolling), kroshana (weeping), huḿkára (roaring), lálásráva (salivating), jrmbhańa (yawning), lokápekśá tyága (indifference), at́t́ahásya (bursting into laughter), ghúrńana (whirling), hikká (hiccoughing), tanumot́ana (relaxation of the physical body) and diirghashvása (deep breathing)." (A Guide to Human Conduct, Iishvara Pranidhana)

Namaskar,
Omnkarnath

Note: MORE ABOUT BAHADUR

Margii brother Bahadur was the family assistant of LC Anand of Mumbai. Bahadur had gone to Jamalpur with his family. From Jamalpur, Bahadur traveled with SS Goenka ji to attend the Kota DMC. (Note: After that DMC, Bahadur returned to the home of LC Ananda in Mumbai to attend to his duties and work.)

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Slowly Moving Towards Cemetery

Baba says, "Human beings often attached less importance to the spiritual aspect of nitya karma and more importance to the physical aspect. This is detrimental because one should not forget that human life is short while act is long. From the very moment of birth one slowly and steadily advances towards death with every passing moment of time. This short period of time from birth to death is human life. Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of this short span of time will return to the land of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilised every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice." (APH-4, p. 251)
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...Karmic Reaction

2012-01-23T21:00:00.000+05:30

Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:58:43 -0400
To: AM-GLOBAL

From: Parama'tma.Devan
Subject: ...Karmic Reaction

Baba

"A'mi toma'y bhule kiser chale ka'l ka't'a'lum dhara'r buke..." (PS 2140)

Purport:

Baba, remaining forgetful about You, because of one excuse or another, I wasted my time on this earth. I became completely captivated by one magical display: maya. And because of that, I did not hear the call of my supreme well-wisher: Parama Purusa.

O' Baba, when those dark days descended in my life, then nobody was there to give me hope; I was shelterless. Baba, then I started asking You to please come and save me. In that very terrible situation, I started calling to You, 'Baba, please come, and save me! O' Prabhu, save me from this ghastly danger'.

Earlier, when the proper opportune moment was there, then I was intoxicated in the magical display of maya. In those days I was in a deep slumber; I was not able to understand. So I did not call You until the situation became disastrous. Baba, even then, now I know in my heart that, 'O Parama Purusa, You belong to everyone, You belong to me'. Baba, please attract me & make me Your own. Please remain with me always, in my pleasure and my pain-- all the time.

Baba, I wasted the long span of my life by indulging in negative deeds and remaining oblivious of You. Remaining distant, I wasted my life. But now in the end, You have lovingly lifted me from the dust and gently placed me on Your divine lap. Baba, You are so gracious. You are love Personified...

== MATERIALISM & ITS KARMIC REACTION ==

Namaskar,
Sometimes when looking at the present day world, the crude thought may come into the mind to have what those materialists have - and to do what they do. This type of desire can befall anyone, if they are not careful.

As Ananda Margiis though we should be vigilant not to fall into such a trap. Because these materialists have not a clue what type of serious harm & destruction they are inviting for themselves by running senselessly after material allurements. They do not understand how the ways of karma will strike them down. But such is their fate.

So no Ananda Margii should become spell-bound by the ways of materialism-- not even temporarily so.

LAW OF KARMA IN A NUTSHELL

Because we all know that there is a great law of cause & effect which governs this vast cosmological order, i.e. the law of karma: Where for every action (karma) there is a reaction (karmaphala). In this principle, good actions beget positive reactions and bad actions bring negative reactions. This is Baba's stated teaching and everyone in AM is well aware about this.

Baba says, "Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good results, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without any exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law." (AMEP)

BLIND WAYS OF MATERIALISM

But materialists are utterly clueless about this. They do not know or understand about the workings of karma; nor are they aware that good actions are those deeds which decrease the distance between oneself and Parama Purusa. This entire outlook totally escapes them.

Rather they think that material things are the be-all and end-all of life. Their life revolves around material attachment, sexual lust, and crude desires. This is what motivates them.

Hence all day long they are running after one or another mundane allurement. And internally they think that this is fine and acceptable. Even they will openly state that making money itself justifies a particular action, no matter what hell it creates in the lives of others. This is their selfish and harmful attitude. And such materialists think that it is all fine and well.

However, little do they know what their terrible fate will be.

BABA'S STERN WARNING

Because in countless discourses, Baba warns us that those who blindly chase after crude materials pleasures will become one with the dust. Their future is totally bleak. They will be converted into stone or iron or end up trapped as some kind of negative microvita like prakrtiliina for crores & crores of years.

Here following is Baba's very strict warning about what will befall those who rampantly chase after the lustful ways of materialism.

Baba says, "If a person continually gloats over crude material things, his entire existence will be converted into crude matter. In mythology the story goes that Ahalya' was converted into a stone due to his constant crude ideation. So people who accept matter as their goal, totally denying the existence of Parama Purus'a, tread the path of degeneration and become prakrtiliina devayonis after death." (APH-6, 'Ekendriya-1')

THERE IS NO ESCAPE

So those materialists have a very grim and dark future. They will not be able to escape the karmic reaction of their selfish and crude desires and their fate is sealed. They are sure to become seriously degenerated in the near future. This is Baba's warning, because no one can escape the cycle of karma.

Baba says, "Reactions of actions (karmaphala) have to be experienced. No one is spared from experiencing them; the reactions of all one's actions will have to be borne by oneself alone." (AMEP)

Therefore, in the case of materialists who greedily chase after crude allurements and harm others in that process, they will surely have to undergo piles and piles of negative reactions. Because their only so-called ethic is material gain, and they do not care one iota about the welfare of others. Thus each and every day they create mounds & mounds of negative samskaras by indulging in selfish misdeeds and those negative samskaras will certainly take shape in the form of unenviable & harsh reactions. Thus from top to bottom and inside and out the fate of such materialists is sealed.

OUR APPROACH: THE GOLDEN BALANCE

In AM, we follow the path of balance.

Baba guides us that neither are we to headlong rush after material objects nor are we to reject the world as mere illusion by adopting the ways of Shankaracarya. Neither of these approaches will bring welfare to oneself nor to the world around them. Rather it will just invite trouble.

That is why Baba has given us that pathway of perfect prama. In AM we recognise the existence of this material world yet goad all our mental longings toward Parama Purusa. So ours is the path of perfect balance. Because in AM we realise that we need the material sphere in order to maintain our physical existence and then we goad our psychic yearning toward the spiritual realm. By this way we can utilise this human life to reach up to God.

Such is the perfectness of our path of 'Subjective Approach & Objective Adjustment'. In thus dual formula, we keep our mental eye & vision focused toward Parama Purusa and utilise the physical world as a platform for meeting our existential needs or basic living requirements.

By this way we can create a healthy human society and ensure the spiritual emancipation of all, by Baba's grace.

BABA'S FINAL WARNING ON MATERIALISM

So none should get allured or attracted by the clutches of materialism. There is no redeeming factor in this crude pathway. Just it will lead one into the depths of despair and degeneration.

Here below is Baba's very severe warning about the ills of materialism.

Baba says, "This type of crude material knowledge concerned with the crude materialism has done much harm to human society during the last one century. It has misguided the entire human society, it has converted human beings into animals." (AV-2)

So those who base their lives solely on material objects will be reborn as pashus (animals) or even spend countless time trapped as negative microvita. In either case it is a hellish fate.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we should all remember our internal link with Baba and goad all our thoughts and actions unto Him. Then by living in this material world, our lives will be fruitful. Those who get allured by the ways of materialism will only experience pain and misery-- nothing more. By Baba's grace He was bestowed upon us all the ingredients for a happy and blissful life and a bright future.

Baba says, "You should always remember that you do not belong to an ordinary family, to an ordinary lineage. Those who are the sons and daughters of Parama Purus´a certainly cannot belong to an ordinary lineage. You have a personal relationship with Parama Purus´a, and because of that intimate relation you can say to Him, "Oh Parama Purus´a, you know me very well; so if You think it proper, You may bestow Your grace upon me. But it depends on You." Parama Purus´a certainly has great love and affection for His children; He will certainly want His sons and daughters to reach their ultimate goal. And whatever bliss human beings may attain by reaching that Supreme Stance, I know that in Parama Purus´a's mind the happiness will be even more. Victory to you all." (SS-18. 'Propensities and Prama')

Namaskar,
Parama'tma

Note 1: HORRIBLE FATE OF MATERIALISTS

Each and every day in the world around us or by looking in the newspaper we can practically see the karmic reactions that happen to some many people due to their constant involvement in materialistic ways of living. So many things happen: Either their misdeeds get exposed in front of all, or they lose their psychic balance and have to become hospitalized, or who knows what. Day in and day out everyday people and pop stars undergo such things. It happens to the neighbor next door as well as to so many pop-cultures icons. In any event, persons lead a miserable life and experience a terrible fate. All because they got sucked into the dark hole of materialism. This should not befall any Ananda Margii.

Note 2: THE PERFECT PATHWAY OF AM

Here Baba clearly outlines how we are to live in this world-- by maintining perfect balance or adjustment and ultimately reach up to Him. This is His divine formula.

Baba says, "Subjective approach through objective adjustment. Movement is towards Parama Purus´a, but at the same time maintaining objective adjustment. You have to move giving proper treatment to the objects of the external world. There must be subjective approach, but at the same time objective adjustment; that is, adjustment with the objective world is essential though one's movement is towards supreme subjectivity." (AV-30)

Note 3: PARADOX

The interesting thing is that in material societies there is a distinct dearth of material things. That is, most do not get what they need to survive due to extreme greed. This is the regular occurance.

That is why in places like the US there is a huge number of homeless people as well as tens of millions of people without access to proper health care. So it is not that in materialistic countries people get their physical needs met. It never works out this way and on the top the people are depressed and miserable and suffer from so many psychic afflictions.

In contrast in our Proutistic society, everyone will get exactly what they need through the magical formula of subjective approach and objective adjustment. All will have plenty of material goods to live comfortably on this earth and in addition all will get the opportunity to advance in the psycho-spiritual realms of life.

So our Proutistic approach is a win-win situation. There is no question of any loss. Whereas in the materialistic model, everyone loses always. There is no winner.

By Baba's grace may we create that Proutistic society at the earliest. Parama Pita Baba Ki-Jai!!

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WT Conduct Rule: Dealings

Baba says, "Supervisory workers will have to take proper care of each of their supervised staff in all respects." (Pt #2 of 'Six Additional Rules')

Note: This is a very significant rule but these days supervisory bosses are more focused on emptying the pockets of their subordinates. This is the only "care" they do. In future when standard of devotion in supervisory workers is higher, these rules are likely to be followed in which case the situation will be better.
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One Word Sutra

2012-01-22T20:07:00.000+05:30

To: AM-GLOBAL

From:
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:55:36 -0000
Subject: One Word Sutra

Baba

PS Intro: This following song is not a very common type of Prabhat Samgiita. In this song, the scene unfolds wherein Baba is sitting listlessly in the flower garden all by Himself, and the devotee is trying in many ways to attract His attention. So Parama Purusa is just playing His liila because although He knows everything, here He is pretending as if He is unaware that the devotee is close by. This type of liila is displayed in this following song.

"Toma're dekhechi jabe ca'npa'r vane takhano pa'pa'r'i d'ha'ka' madhu chilo..." (Prabhat Samgiita #531)

Purport:

Baba the day when I saw You in the campa flower garden, that time also the flower's honey vessels were covered by its petals. Underneath the flower petals, there was an accumulation of honey nectar. I looked toward You with my eyes full of great longing, expectation, and anticipation; but that was all in vain because You did not respond to me that time. Baba, one thing is beyond my understanding, why were You just sitting there listlessly in that flower garden--and You did not seem to notice me at all.

Baba, in various ways I tried to attract Your attention. I intentionally placed my foot on some dry, crunchy leaves hoping that at least by that sound You would hear me and wonder 'who has come, who is here'. Yet, alas, You did not pay any heed. But even though You were not looking towards me, still You were pulling my heart very strongly. Thus in spite of Your playful indifference, in my heart the lamp of hope was still glittering. I was keeping the feeling alive in my heart that Your liila will change and You will graciously look towards me.

So again I tried to attract Your attention. This time my heart was filled with fear and shyness; I could not gather the courage to go directly in front You. So I just continued moving from a distance with gentle steps looking towards with longing in my heart. Slowly, slowly - from time to time - I was staring at You with anxious and hopeful eyes, hoping that at least You will grace me by looking towards me and call me closer to You. Alas, all my hopes and dreams were in vain. That day I understood how Your liila generates blissful pain in my heart.
Baba, even then that day I continued on with the hope that this liila will end soon, and You will look towards me. That time the whole atmosphere was charged with the sweet aroma of all those flowers in the garden.

Baba, Your liila is unfathomable. Although You did not look towards me that time, but in my heart I felt that You are more close than ever. Baba, I felt that You graciously pulled my entire existence towards You with the invisible flow of devotion and tied me in the bond of Your love...

== ONE WORD SUTRA ==

Namaskar,
The special seed teaching, Bha-vi-sa-ca, which has been given by Baba bears great significance. Veritably, this unique point stands as the seed of 'Jiivan Veda', or 'A Guide to Human Conduct'. That is why we can say that bha-vi-sa-ca is intimately linked with human dharma. Even then, within some sections of our Marga, Baba's guideline of Bha-vi-sa-ca remains comparatively less known.

Since some senior members of our Marga recently gathered and explained this guideline; herein is a synopsis of their discussion.

For some this may be entirely new and for others it may be a review. In any event, examining & re-examining Baba's divine teachings, like Bha-vi-sa-ca, always sheds new light on this human journey toward life divine. Everyone should write in with their thoughts, insights, & opinions.

A FEW OF THE ESSENTIALS

Before outlining the exact meaning of Bha-vi-sa-ca, let's first go over some of the foundational aspects of this seed teaching.

Firstly, it was initially given in discourse form by Baba on 1 Oct 1971 in Kolkata. And this may be one of the only times this was reviewed in a discourse. However, on that day Baba specifically says that 'a long time back' He was telling others about the meaning & practice of Bha-vi-sa-ca. Since at that time in 1971 Baba was of 50 years of age, it may be that during His childhood, youth, or student days He was telling others about the importance of Bha-vi-sa-ca. Perhaps that is what Baba means when He says He was telling others about Bha-vi-sa-ca: 'A long time back'.

One other important aspect of Bha-vi-sa-ca is that Baba has given this as a formula for success since it goads aspirants along the path of dharma. Hence, it has long-term and universal benefits & application. Plus Bha-vi-sa-ca is a seed form of teaching that outlines human conduct.

Actually, in His 1/10/71 discourse, Baba emphasizes how human conduct is a vast topic that has many parts and angles. So Bha-vi-sa-ca was one way of introducing the topic of human conduct prior to His famed teachings and publications like: 'A Guide to Human Conduct', '16 Points', 'Fifteen Shiilas', and so many other conduct rules-- all of which came later.

Thus the seed-form teaching like Bha-vi-sa-ca is quite helpful as it encapsulates some of the key components of a dharmic life in short form. And there are numerous other aspects of this Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra that are important to bring into the realm of our knowledge. And those we will uncover step by step. Here then is the actual meaning and breakdown of the Bha-vi-sa-ca guideline.

BHA - VI - SA - CA

Actually, Baba's seed teaching or sutra, Bha-vi-sa-ca, is the short form, abbreviation, or boiled down representation of 4 distinct points:

(1) 'Bha' meaning 'Bhagavan' (God);
(2) 'Vi' meaning 'Vinay' (modesty);
(3) 'Sa' meaning 'Samyama' (self-restraint);
(4) 'Ca' meaning 'Caritra' (conduct).

And each of these above components or branches has their own special import. Here then is the explanation of Baba's universal sutra: Bha-vi-sa-ca.

BHA FOR BHAGAVAN (GOD)

'Bha' for 'Bhagavan': Ours is a God-centered approach to life: Baba is the nucleus and most charming Entity of this universe-- without His grace nothing can be done. And verily, by our second lesson-- i.e Guru Mantra, Madhuvidya, or Brahmacarya-- we are to think about Him before our each and every action.

So this first syllable or component of the Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra fits in neatly with our entire AM philosophy. As by this teaching, Baba is directing all sadhakas to think about Parama Purusa always. In all our daily works, big or small, we are to remember Him and seek His grace compassion. That is the essence of 'Bha' in Bha-vi-sa-ca. And by this way one's ideation is sure to be pure; one's conduct is sure to be proper; and the result will be one of success.

VI FOR VINAY (MODESTY)

'Vi' for 'vinay': In this world, we have many social service works to do. And for that, cooperation is needed-- that is, we have to work with others. For this reason modesty is a must. No one likes to work with or be around someone who is arrogant and boastful. That does not bring coordinated cooperation. Rather it repels and disgusts others. So modesty is needed. By this way others will be attracted to come forward and partake in our many social service projects. Hence vinay or modesty is one essential aspect of ideal human conduct.

SA FOR SAMYAMA (SELF-RSTRAINT)

'Sa' for 'samyama': As humans, we are mind-oriented beings and we should not be guided by our motor and sensory organs. For this reason Baba strongly emphasizes control or self-restraint over these 10 indriyas. And that is the meaning of samyama, self-restraint. One way of thinking about samyama is simply equating it with our 'Cakuna samvaro' shloka or His teaching of indriyanigraha. In such guidelines, Baba is directing us to have control or restraint over our eyes, nose, and indeed control over all the ten motor and sensory organs. By such self-restraint our conduct will be proper as it will be the expression of a calm mind.

CA FOR CARITRA (CONDUCT)

'Ca' for 'caritra': Traditionally in India, caritra means not falling into 'lustful' or 'sexual relations' etc. But in our Marga, caritra extends far beyond that as it deals with one's overall conduct. True enough, we are not to be goaded by the lower vrittis and sensual pleasures, and in addition Baba guides us that are to follow so many do's and don'ts such as sattvika food, no intoxicants, asanas, no groupism etc, etc. So caritra stands as one vast teaching that in all the realms our conduct should be proper-- i.e. along the lines of dharma.

Hence that is the basic essence of the seed-teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca. And by this way, Baba has given us some of the basic building blocks for proper conduct and a pure way of life.

MOST EVERYTHING IN LIFE HAS A SEED

Furthermore, in His aforementioned 1971 discourse, Baba guides us that in His Bha-vi-sa-ca teaching He has given the recipe for good conduct-- in seed form. That is part of the key. Because in a pointed, brief, or distilled manner He is outlining the whole of our AM conduct rules etc. To explain this, in that Baba discourse, Baba likens the bhavisaca' sutra to Ananda Sutram, ERAWS, and carrying a tree to a distant land.

Bha-vi-sa-ca is like A'nanda Sutram in that it encompasses the whole of our conduct rules just as Ananda Sutram encompasses the entire spiritual and social philosophy of Ananda Marga. In seed form it is all present in Ananda Sutram.

Then Baba says that bhavisaca' is like ERAWS in that ERAWS is an abbreviated way of telling: Education, Relief, and Welfare Section. Similarly, bha-vi-sa-ca is an abbreviated way of telling: Bhagavan - Vinay - Samyama - Caritra.

And Baba says that if one wants to bring an entire banyan tree to a distant land then the only option is to carry the seed. Uprooting and lugging a full-grown tree will not do. But by bringing the seed one can get the entire tree.

Same then is the case with the seed teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca. By following this seed guideline, one can incorporate the whole of our AM conduct system-- all the do's and don'ts.

THIS IS A SUTRA, NOT MANTRA

One final thought on this topic, is that Bha-vi-sa-ca is a sutra, not a mantra. That means it is an abbreviation or short form of an expansive teaching that is supposed to be followed, not repeated.

We derive benefit from Bha-vi-sa-ca by (a) thinking about God, (b) being modest in our dealing, (c) exercising self-restraint, and by (d) maintaining good conduct.

That is what bha-vi-sa-ca says to do; and if we do that we will be benefited. Hence bha-vi-sa-ca is a sutra or condensed teaching that is meant to be followed. It is not meant to be recited in and of itself like a mantra.

Repeating:

"Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca...
Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca..."

This will not bring about a good result-- just it will be a waste of energy and a waste of time.

Because sutras like bha-vi-sa-ca are to be followed in one's daily dealing. It is a teaching not a mantra. That is why we are to follow the directions contained in the sutra. That is its utility. Not repeating the sutra. In contrast, as we know a vibrated mantra like our Ista mantra, Baba Nam Kevalam mantra, or dhyana mantra will bring one's liberation when repeated with sincerity and devotion.

Baba says, "Manana't ta'rayet yastu sah mantrah parikiirttitah-- "The sanctified word that helps one in attaining salvation [is a mantra]." (SS-24, 'Incantation and Human Progress')

So by repeating their personal Ista mantra etc one will achieve liberation. That is the specialty of a mantra.

However a sutra like Bha-vi-sa-ca is totally different. It is a teaching to be followed and does NOT have the quality of being a mantra.

That is why merely repeating "Bha-vi-sa-ca...Bha-vi-sa-ca..." will never bear such fruit. That will not bring one's liberation. Because bha-vi-sa-ca is a seed teaching or sutra, not a mantra. One gets the benefit of bha-vi-sa-ca by following what the sutra says to do.

JUST LIKE WITH GURU SAKASH

Same can be said of the Guru Sakash shoka:

"Pra'tah shirasi shukle'bje".

Repeating that shloka or those specific words during the time of Guru Sakash will not yield any fruit. Rather one is to follow what the shloka says to do-- 'Meditate on the Guru in Varabhaya Mudra and chant His Name'. Unfortunately some in AM think they are supposed to repeat the shloka. But that is nothing but their mistaken idea and will not bring any yield, i.e. no bliss.

Rather repeating the mantra will bring bliss in the practice of Guru Sakash. That dhyana mantra will bring one close to Baba's lotus feet.

UTILITY OF OUR SUTRAS

So none should think that the Bha-vi-sa-ca sutra or the Guru Sakash sutra are meant to be repeated again and again. These are not mantras and repeating them over and over again will just be a waste of one's time and will never lead to liberation.

Rather we are to carry out the directive of the sutra. That is the beauty and benefit of the sutras like that of Guru Sakash and Bha-vi-sa-ca.

THE FORMULA OF BHA-VI-SA-CA BRINGS SUCCESS

So by following the four golden aspects (God, modesty, self-restraint, conduct) of the bha-va-as-ca sutra, one is sure to invite greatness and victory in life.

Unfortunately, at present, some leaders in our AMPS are not strict in Bha-vi-sa-ca, and in particular not strict in caritra. Their character and conduct is not at all good; instead it is poisonous. Due to this weakness, groupism and lust for the post has become rampant these days in our AM society. That is the horrible disease that has befallen our organisation. Only by tightening up our conduct can we escape from today's troubled waters of factionalism.

And indeed, those who do this-- those whose conduct is blemishless-- will be looked upon as heroes and vanguards for generations & generations to come. That much is sure.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, our individual and collective conduct in AM will improve more and more and we will progress by following His divine guidelines given in the bha-vi-sa-ca sutra & in our 16 Pts. Then our AM family will be free of so many problems and we will build that great human society, by His grace.

Baba says, "I advise each human being that as long as you are alive, you should try to build yourself in a nice way, in a complete way. But you should not only build yourselves, you should also build human society in the same way." (PNS-17)

Namaskar,
Parashram

Note 1: BABA ALWAYS BLESSES US WITH ALL THAT IS NEEDED

As we all know, Baba has always given us all the needed tools and teachings to gain success. No matter what the circumstance, no matter what the challenge, He has graciously provided the pathway for victory.

For example, just prior to the Emergency & enforcement of martial law in India, Baba graciously bestowed upon us His system of 16 Points. By this way, by following 16 Points, margiis and acaryas had the stamina, faith, and strength to persevere during the grueling Emergency period.

Earlier on, another recipe for success was given: Bha-vi-sa-ca. This was given by Baba 1 Oct 1971-- just a couple months prior to His arrest on 29 Dec 1971. And it is through His teaching of Bha-vi-sa-ca, in part, that Baba readied members of the Marga for the tumultuous period of His incarceration which was about to begin. And by that way our Marga not only survived, but thrived-- by Baba's grace.

So His seed teaching, Bha-vi-sa-ca, has great import and significance and we should all be aware of & practice its meaning and application.
AM

***************************************************
Remedy

Baba says, "On imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured." (PNS-8, p.19)
***************************************************

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #6

2012-01-22T14:34:00.000+05:30

Date: 22 Jan 2012 14:02:56 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #6

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #6 ==

~ PS #1155 ~

Song of Melancholy

Namaskar,
Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1155 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Line Meaning

(C) Special Note on Spelling
& Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1155

Jyotsna' nishiithe niirave nibhrte toma'r la'giya' rocechi ga'n
Shon'o mor katha', bojho mor vytha', a'kulata' karo avasa'n

Ekat'i katha'i kahiva'r a'che, bha'loba'si keno na'hi a'sa ka'che
Ei du'ratva nidrayatva, a'ji hok era avasa'n

Ekat'i vyatha'i bojha'ba'r a'che pran'oti karite na'hi pa'i ka'che
A'ma'r balite ja'ha' kichu, ca'i o caran'e karite da'n

LINE MEANING OF PS #1155

Baba, in Your longing, in the silence of the lonely moonlit night, I have composed songs for You. O' my Lord, listen to my feelings, understand my pain, and end - satisfy - my longing.

Baba. there is only one thing to tell You: I love You, but why do You not come close. This distance between us is unkind. Please put an end to this today.

Baba, I have only one pain to make You understand: I do not get You close enough to do sastaunga pranam. Baba, whatever I call my own, I wish to surrender at Your lotus feet...

SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Starting from today forward, when introducing new songs, we will post the full song using phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words "know" or "knowledge". Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as "Ka-now" or "Kay-Now" and "Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge",respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1155, the actual spelling of the second to last word is racechi, but unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, rocechi. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Indeed there are many such examples. For instance, in the second line there is a word that is repeated twice and its actual spelling is "mora", but the last "a" is silent, so it has just been written as "mor". Same is the case with the term avasa'na, which is last word of the 2nd and 4th lines. The last "a" is silent so it has not been written.

Only native Bengali speakers - or those extremely fluent in Bangla and familiar with Prabhat Samgiita - will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence the decision to write it phonetically.

With regard to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.

Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

Underlying Reasons Behind Mess At DMS

2012-01-21T20:03:00.000+05:30

To: AM-GLOBAL

Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:01:34 -0000
From: NJK Deva
Subject: Underlying Reasons Behind Mess At DMS

Baba

== UNDERLYING REASONS BEHIND MESS AT DMS ==

Namaskar,
In the wake of the recent goings-on in Ananda Nagar, some have been led to conclude that a single DMS was held. With a balanced mind we should determine how far this is accurate. We should also understand the forces at play behind the mess at this January 2012 DMS.

Please consider the following and share your thoughts.

THOUGHTS ABOUT NEW YEAR'S DMS 2012

1. Late in the game, i.e. at the end of 2011, the Tiljala Administration (a.k.a. B group) petitioned for a court injunction to hold their winter DMS in December - as opposed to having to wait until January. Tiljala got a favourable review by the courts and were granted the December time slot. By this way they were able to hold DMS on Dec 29, 30 & 31. And as we all know that is what happened.

MORE ABOUT THE COURT DRAMA

1a. Indeed this court drama started in one court, went to another court, and then returned back to the original court. During the December month itself of 2011, B group approached the District Administrative Court of Purulia, then Ranchi made a plea with the High court of Kolkata and finally the case was referred back to the District Administrative Court of Purulia. This was the see-saw battle going on in the courts during the month of December 2011. Ultimately B group got what they wanted, yet through it all the mass of margii were confused and in the dark over who was controlling what at Ananda Nagar and why.

VIEWS FROM THE TWO CAMPS

2. Prior to Dec 2011/12, the Tiljala Administration was generally holding their winter DMS in January. But they repeatedly complained that if they could hold DMS in late December then their attendance would be stellar.

3. So little by little B group made plans and appealed to gain access of the Ananda Nagar pandal for December.

4. Needless to say, the Ranchi side was not happy about this. For years they were the ones who held their winter DMS on Dec 30, 31 & Jan 1. But this winter they lost those dates and were forced to hold their DMS in January. And that is what they did.

5. Clearly then there were two DMS, no one can conclude that a single DMS was held. Furthermore, who can deny that the events leading up to DMS and DMS itself was pur chaos. And more proof is given below.

WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATING FACTOR BEHIND THIS MESS

6. The question is why this all this occur? And the reason is quite clear. Far more margiis attend Ranchi DMS programs than the Kolkata DMS programs. Year after year that has been the case. So Kolkata group planned that if they could somehow snatch away the Ranchi DMS dates - late in the year after margiis had already made their travel plans - then they (Kolkata) would be able to steer those margiis to their own DMS. That was their only and entire motivation.

7. More of this history is as follows. B group used to justify and complain that their winter DMS was exponentially smaller than the Ranchi DMS because Ranchi had their December dates into the new year. B group put forth the claim that if they had those dates than people naturally would appreciate and attend their DMS.

But, what they failed to examine was why the attendance at the Ranchi summer DMS far more than the B group summer DMS. After all, during summer the dates are not fixed - rather they are always changing. Yet in this program too, Tiljala camp had far less people at their DMS. This itself proves that dates alone do not determine the attendance at DMS. So B group's logic the dates were the main issue for their small winter DMS attendance does not hold water.

The truth is that mass of margiis of Delhi sector prefer the Ranchi group and their DMS program. People basically think that Ranchi is the main structure or the original organisation. Ranchi - not Kolkata - is viewed as the legal administration by the courts and govt. How far this last statement is logical or really true in this present condition is debatable. But what is clear is that Ranchi has consistently drawn higher numbers.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

8. By changing the dates for this recent DMS, the Kolkata camp had everything to gain, and virtually nothing to lose. Because in years past their typical numbers at DMS were paltry. They could not do any worse by changing the dates.

9. In stark contrast, the Ranchi side had everything to lose by this date change. They were consistently attracting large numbers to their DMS programs and people were habituated to arrive for their program on Dec 30. But now that date was no longer theirs. And indeed they lost big. That was the price they paid by not being more vigilant in handling this ordeal with the courts.

10. Ranchi's only option then was to adopt more forceful policies. So to prevent the loss of all their regular attendees, they tried hard to keep maximum margiis in the Prout Bhavan and the Kiirtan Mandap, since B group had rights to the Pandal on Dec 30 & 31. So Ranchi was busy in damage control, i.e. trying to lose the least number of margiis.

11. In stark contrast, B group had the pandal and was doing everything possible to increase their numbers and take full advantage of the situation. Since the mass of margiis sleep in the pandal, it was very convenient for those margiis to remain there for DMS. Secondly, B group discarded the system of needing a gate pass to attend. By this way they thought that the maximum people would come in their contact and they could take measures to keep them in their group camp.

THERE WAS NOT UNITY

12. This then is a snap-shot of the scene and anyone with a balanced mind will easily conclude that there were 2 DMS programs, not 1. All will understand that this DMS was a mess where unity was nowhere in sight.

After all unity does not come by collecting people in one state, one region or even one place. The 20 or 30 people at a bus stand also do not constitute unity, nor does a movie theatre filled with 500 or 700 attendees. In such cases, every person is there with their own plan and their own program. As we know unity stems from within, following the same spiritual goal and working in coordinated fashion to manifest Baba's teachings on this earth.

Baba says, "Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another." (PNS-15, Talks on Prout)

SUMMARY

In review here are some of the key points to know about the recent DMS scene at Ananda Nagar.

* On January 1, 2012, each of the three rival groups held their own separate Ananda Vanii readings. They each selected their own chosen Vanii and met with their own followers in separate locations. Does this look like the atmosphere of one DMS? Does this not seem like a mess.

* To deter people from attending the B group DMS, H group made it clear that B group attendeess would not be welcome at their January 1-3, 2012 program.

* During December 30/31, H group was vigilant in keeping margiis in their own campus under their own watch and care. They were busy keeping the margiis at the Prout bhavan and kiirttan mandap. Plus they were doing collective programs like bhajan, kiirttan, and organisational meetings wherever their group had control in the jagrti, or Ba'ba' quarter etc.

* Kinshuk's formal DMS speech and the Ranchi group kiirtan were going on simultaneously. With full exuberance Ranchi group used firecrackers and noise-makers to start their kiirtan. Those in the pandal at the B group DMS reported that it was thereby difficult to hear Kinshuk's speech.

* B group's entire aim by getting the December DMS dates was to get more attendees by encroaching on Ranchi's regular DMS dates.

* Ranchi knew they were in danger of losing masses of people to the B group DMS so they employed various techniques of damage control. They engaged margiis in their own areas during the B group DMS and the set down the law then those attending B group DMS would not be allowed to enter the Ranchi DMS.

HOW TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER

Instead of resorting to trickery, guile and deceit to maximize their DMS attendance. We should all allow margiis due freedom to attend the program they prefer.

This year people not aware about what was going on until they reached there and even then they have little ability to change or do anything since their travel plans and lodging were set.

Thus we will have to wait until next year to determine the situation. If really all margiis reach on 30 Dec for DMS and then remain for Dec 31 and Jan 1 and then leave, then we say it is one DMS. But if other DMS type programs are going on before or after that, then who can think there is unity.

The mess at the January 2012 DMS proves that it was not one. It may have looked like one for those with vision problems. Such people may also conluded that the khumbha mela is also one, when in fact it is divided up by countless priests.

Those thinking groupism is vanishing away are not aware of reality, rather at this DMS it was very poisonous. In India, they used to forcibly marry boys and girls, and that created lifelong problems for that married couple. We should not replicate such a thing in our Marga. AM cannot become united by the force of the courts. As humans we have a mind and a heat and must study Baba's teachings and unify around His ideology.

Namaskar,
Nagendra

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Marmaviin'a'y eki sur a'chi ba'je diva'nishi mor virahii hiya'r ma'jhe..." (P.S. 480)

Purport:

Baba, day and night, in the viina of my heart, only one tune is resonating in my melancholic heart. O' my dearmost Baba please come. In the deep core of my mind only one tune is swinging: O' Baba, You are not far away, You are not far, You are so close, You are with me.

Baba, when I see You in my karmayajina*, then I see You are remaining there also. Baba, You are with me in all the works. O' Baba, please come, O' Baba please come.

With the full longing of my heart, in whichever direction I look, there is nothing else that I can see except for Your divine form. O' my Lord of Formlessness, with the resonance of the ever-new song, dance, & form, please allow Yourself to be held in my heart.

O' Baba, please come, O' Baba please come...

*Karmayajina: The work done with cosmic ideation is known as karmayajina; that alone is proper action. Thus karmayajina is any action or service done with the sole motive to please Parama Purus'a. In contrast those things done devoid of cosmic feeling, such selfish activities are called kriya'-- and that leads to bondage. So only those works done with spiritual ideation come within the scope of karmayajina.

*****************************************
We Should Take Lesson

Baba says, "If one stays away from objects of attraction, one has no chance of using them and they may thus gradually lose their attraction; while if one is near them one may be attracted towards them more." (AMEP, 98 Edn, p.126)

Note: Reading negative articles, crude books & literature, filthy magazines, and watching crude movies invites degeneration.
*****************************************

Baba Story: Visiting Baba in Jail

2012-01-20T19:46:00.000+05:30

Date: 20 Jan 2012 12:43:36 -0000
From: "Mahesh Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Visiting Baba in Jail

Baba

== BABA STORY: VISITING BABA IN JAIL ==

Note: The following is a first-hand account from a senior margii, Ramshreya Prasad Srivastava of Narkatiya Ganj, West Champaron Dist (Bihar).

Namaskar,
It was the late 1970's, Baba was in jail, and up until that time in my life I had never seen or met Him. Now suddenly I was getting the opportunity to visit Baba in jail.

Those days, the main thing I was hearing from sadhakas again and again was that:
1. Baba cannot see because of being poisoned while in jail; and,
2. Baba knows everything.

MY PLAN FOR DETERMINING IF BABA KNOWS EVERYTHING

Since this was the very first time in my life that I was getting the opportunity to see Baba, I was thinking that if Baba really is all-knowing, then He will surely know everything about me. Without my telling anything, He will know who I am, where I am from, and my entire life story. So if He asks anything about me, I will avoid answering those questions and remain quiet. This was my plan. And by this way I will know for certain that what people are telling about Baba is true: He is all-knowing. This was the logic and reasoning going on in my mind those days.

MEETING BABA IN JAIL

We all arrived at the jail.

In my batch there were 15 sadhakas from different areas: Bengal, Delhi, South India, and me and Khublal ji from Bettiah.

After passing through the various bureaucratic hurdles, we finally reached to Baba's room in jail and did sastaunga pranam.

One by one, margiis from my group were called in front of Baba. And each time Baba would say, "Tell your name and from where have you come."

Finally my turn came...

To my great surprise, Baba did not ask me my name nor did He inquire where I was from.

Rather, Baba first asked me, "How many have come from Bettiah?"

Hearing this, I understood that Baba knows me. Otherwise, why would He ask me about Bettiah.

Then Baba asked, "Is the school in Bettiah running or not?", was well as several other questions about Bettiah.

Then Baba asked, "How many came from Bettiah along with you?"

After that, Baba looked at me, smiled, and said, "From where have you come?"

Hearing this, all the other margiis present started laughing. Why? Because Baba was asking so many questions about Bettiah, so it was obvious He knew I was from Bettiah. Then at the very He inquired, "From where have you come?", as if He did did not know I as from Bettiah. That was why they were laughing.

Only I knew the real reason why this exchange took place. It happened because I am taken the resolve that I was not going to tell Him where I was from. I was think that if Baba is that all-knowing Purusa then certainly He would already be aware about that.

At that moment I became totally convinced that Baba knows everything.

Then He called me close and blessed me. By His grace, I realised spiritual bliss.

Since that time, I have done pracara in my village and by His grace many persons have become margiis.

REFLECTION

It is very evident that Baba is the all-knowing Divine Entity. Whatever you think, He knows; whatever You do, He knows. He is the all-encompassing, Witnessing Entity that knows past, present and future about everyone and everything.

Baba says, "To know everything is His nature. That is why He is omniscient. Who is this Puruśa evedam sarvaḿ? He knows everything...Parama Puruśa, who is in every object and is in fact, the Causal Matrix, knows all things. By the application of ota and prota yoga He is with everything." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-5, The Omniscience of the Causal Matrix)

Baba says, "Now, everything that is known to the Macro-psychic Entity is within Its infinite structure, within Its infinite framework. Everything is within, nothing without. Everything is His internal mental projection, intra-psychic projection. That is why He knows everything and will always know everything." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-2, Omniscience of the Macro-Psychic Entity)

Baba says, "He is the Witness of all. The witness-ship of your existence, of all your actions, lies in Him. And when He witnesses you, He is witnessing an internal object...[He] is the Witness of Its own self and all other objects." (AMIWL-8, The Macrocosm and the Microcosm -1)

Namaskar,
Ramshreya

Note 1: ANOTHER BABA STORY

Here following is another Baba story by Shrii Ramshreya - Eds.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/12/baba-story-baba-saved-life-of-infant.html

I Should Remind Myself

2012-01-19T21:39:00.000+05:30

Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:47:11 -0000
Subject: I Should Remind Myself
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Satiish K Deva"

Baba

"Jeo na' ogo prabhu, anek katha' a'che ba'kii..." -P.S. #683

Purport:

Baba, oh Prabhu please do not go away. Please remain with me-- I have many a tale to tell You. Please come to my home. Please understand this unique opportunity: I am all alone in the house. Nobody is here, so please come.

Baba, in pleasure and pain, during both negative and positive situations, all the time I am calling You. And always I am remembering Your name. During all the 24 hours, whatever I do, my hands are always busy in work but my mind is at Your lotus feet. I remember You; it is Your grace. Even if I risk losing everything I want You to my heart's content.

Baba, You understand my entire situation but You never console me. I am surrounded by the darkness these days. I do not have any happiness. Baba I do not want anything from You, only this much I want: That You please come close and sit beside me. The doors & windows of my mind are always open in longing for You, waiting for Your arrival. Baba my Lord, please do not go away leaving me deserted. Always remain in my heart...

== I SHOULD REMIND MYSELF ==

Namaskar,
Spirituality is the most important thing in human life. Baba speaks to this ideal again and again. And here below, in excerpts from His discourse, 'Matter and Spirit', Baba emphasizes that the path and practice of sadhana is the main endeavour for any sadhaka. Here then is our own personal reminder-- for each and every one of us-- for how we are to move in this human life.

INTROVERSIAL FLOW OF MIND

Firstly, Baba tells us that we must goad the mind inwards and not fall prey to materialistic tendencies.

Baba says, "Those who are incapable of stopping the extroversive tendency of their organs are dull-witted, being constantly preoccupied with external activities. As their objective is physical, their whole mind cannot absorb itself in the supreme bliss of consciousness (Caetanya Sama'dhi). As a result they constantly bemoan the threefold causes of pleasure and pain, material, psychic and spiritual. So wise people must direct their minds towards the Cosmic Entity. They must withdraw their minds from objects that ensconce themselves in their own characteristic self after introverting all their vrttis or desires. To be ensconced in one’s characteristic self is the supreme attainment of a unit being."

Baba says, "Those good and honest people who wish to realize the A'tman, who wish to ensconce themselves in deathlessness, have to introvert their organs and merge them in the subtler entity. Instead of allowing the organs to be extroversive they have to be made introversive."

REALLY NATURAL?

Although easy to do, here Baba reveals how leading an extroverted life is not our natural way. With a little bit of effort, we can easily reverse this tendency towards a more subtle inner flow.

Baba says, "An object in the air comes hurtling down to earth and people think that this is its natural movement. But is this true? Actually, it is because of the earth’s gravitational pull that its movement is earthward. If it goes beyond the earth’s gravitational pull, then falling to the earth will not be its natural movement. Similarly, an organ’s movement towards an external object may be natural to some, for there exists in them both the psychic inspiration for enjoyment as well as the attraction of the object. But if the psychic inspiration does not indulge in yearning for the object, or if it views it with detachment, then the motion will be reversed, in spite of the object’s attraction. Of course in the initial efforts people have to struggle a little against the crude attraction of objects, at least until they are transformed by the force of their ideal. But eventually this reversal of movement becomes natural."

PSYCHIC MOMENTUM BRINGS VICTORY

By concentrating the mind in sadhana, we can refine our being & overcome the crude desire for material satisfaction and sensual desires.

Baba says, "Crude sensuous desires cannot identify themselves with internal subtlety as easily and quickly as they can with crude external objects; then too, the sams'ka'ras also to some extent stand in the way. Nevertheless, in spite of all these impediments, sa'dhana', one’s concentrated effort, finally wins the day, for practice and perseverance conquer all obstacles."

Baba says, "For example, a man with a strong addiction to wine must first force his mind against it in order to leave the habit. That is to say, he has to propel his psychic urge in a different direction, and free his sensuous desires from the attraction of his mental wine. But if, in spite of his strenuous efforts, he comes in contact with the real wine, then in most cases the attraction of the wine will overcome him, due to the importance of his internal inspiration. That is why in the initial state forceful efforts have to be made to change the previous outlook towards external objects; but thereafter things gradually become natural and normal. Those who steal can also say that stealing is their natural occupation. Their minds are naturally attracted towards theft and that is why they steal. The statement of the materialists that the movement of the organs is always towards external objects is the same type."

WE ARE MIND-ORIENTED BEINGS

We are mind oriented brings and that mind can only be satisfied if we channelise towards divinity. Following the all-too-familiar path of animality will not bring mental contentment.

Baba says, "Humans are mind-predominant beings; this is their greatest characteristic that distinguishes them from other mammals. If they are allowed to read, sleep and eat around the clock, or given the opportunity to read books, deliver speeches and indulge in song, dance and frolics according to their whims, they feel physically satiated but mentally unsatisfied. Their minds will wither prematurely like a worm-eaten bud."

Baba says, "Those who believe that merely by appeasing their physical hunger and providing the necessities for the preservation of their existence, that they have acquired all that belongs to the human mind, are very much mistaken."

Baba says, "Human beings have no experience of divinity, as in the past they were under the spell of animality. And so their sense propensities are from the very outset inclined towards familiar and well-known animality, and they run after external objects. But having realized the futility of animality through sa'dhana', the mind gradually moves towards Consciousness. When the consciousness of their animal identity leaves the mind, by the grace of Brahma, they then realize in the core of their hearts the futility of the goal of their past lives and become eager to reveal this to others."

Baba says, "The success of the sa'dhana' of human beings, who are a blending of animality and divinity, lies in the reduction of their animality and the unfolding of their divinity."

BABA'S WARNING

Here Baba issues a warning about what will happen to those who run & chase after materialistic desires.

Baba says, "Those who do the sa'dhana' of desire, who knowingly direct their propensities (vrttis) towards external objects become crude. Because they fail to utilize the rein of their mind to keep the organs under control, their minds gradually become crudified. Their condition is then degraded to the level not merely of animals, but of matter – of wood, stone, etc. Then with the last remnant of their subtle human mind gradually becoming crude, they can no longer claim to be the glorious humans. Thus the rs'i (sage) said that such people are truly torpid."

Baba says, "Actually, such snobbish, pedantic, materialist sa'dhakas are far inferior to animals like asses, etc. They repeatedly face rebirth and continually bind themselves to the chain of slavery; they can never attain the ultimate liberation. As a result of their crude thoughts, they take the form of animals or straw, trees, etc. Through the centripetal action of introversive prakrti, they regain human bodies, but they again become involved in crude activities and attain sub-human bodies. Thus they fall repeatedly into the eddies of life and death; repeatedly they are caught in the dreadful pit of death. They remain only half-alive, fearing death every moment of their existence. This becomes their destiny. Truly speaking, such beasts in human form are lower than animals."

Baba says, "Those beasts in human form neglect their inherent higher endowments and are thus lower than beasts, for those who abuse what they possess are even lower than those who do not even possess it."

PROPER USE OF PSYCHIC POTENTIALITY

Our only way then is that of sadhana-- to move towards that subtle realm of life.

Baba says, "Therefore human beings must clearly understand their true responsibilities and act accordingly. They must proceed towards perfection by making proper use of their mental endowments and resources."

Baba says, "In order to convey the call of the Great to one’s heart, one’s every physical and mental expression has to be directed slowly and gradually with all one’s sweetness and devotion, to one’s inner being."

Baba says, "Prior to your birth your affectionate mother belonged to an unseen world as far as you were concerned. Today you have come in contact with her, you have known her as your mother. What a sweet and affectionate relationship of reverence and devotion has developed between you two. Then again some day you may be deprived of this opportunity of moving together – either you will die or she will. In that event one will become a being of the unseen world."

Baba says, "Now, during this short period, will it be wise to regard anything as mine or to regard myself as belonging to something else? The unstable (adhruva) world is only meant for observing and for understanding, not for lasting enjoyment. That is why wise people do not waste their time on unstable things; they worship only the eternal – the dhruva."

Baba says, "Of course, the body does undergo some change due to the crudity or subtlety of mind. For example, the nerves of a person with a criminal bent of mind become strong and his or her hair becomes thick and stiff. As a result, neither the body nor the mind is greatly affected by the shocks and blows, the criminal will surely endure. The person inclined towards consciousness, however, becomes physically and mentally soft. As such a person’s skin and body are relatively thin and soft, the receptivity of the body and mind increases and the comprehension and sensitivity of the mind are considerably enhanced. These phenomena fall within the scope of physiology and psychology."

WORDS ALONE ARE NOT ENOUGH

PRACTICE & EFFORT ARE NEEDED

Baba says, "The Yama said, “Nacike'a', you are that Iisha'na.” But merely saying that you are Iisha'na is of no avail. If anyone calls you a millionaire, merely hearing this does not actually make you the owner of a million rupees. So simply uttering the word “millionaire” is not enough. You must be in a position to receive recognition as a millionaire. Merely boasting with an inflated chest that “I am Iisha'na'” or “I am Brahma” does not mean that one has attained the state of Brahma. You must have heard the story of the Vedantist jackal. Listening to the discourses of the panditas (erudite scholars), the jackal too started preaching in his own society that he was not a jackal but the living Brahma, to be adored and revered by all. The state of those who having read a few pages of a book, dream of salvation without doing any sa'dhana', is similar to that of the Vedantist jackal. Actually mere talk is of no avail; establishing oneself in consciousness is what is important. To think oneself an MA is useless. Only after striving hard and passing the MA exam does the sense of being an MA become established in the mind, and will the talk of being an MA be justified."

PARAMA PURUSA IS WITH YOU

By Baba's grace He is always with us-- calling us. We must then make that great effort and respond to His call and not waste our life in material pursuits.

Baba says, "He certainly abides in you, watching your every act. He is very near you. Just as the shadow remains attached to the sun’s ray, similarly He keeps Himself in closest contact with your entity. “Cha'yata pao brahmavido vadanti”, i.e., the knowers of Brahma say that He remains with the unit entities, just as the shadow remains with the sun’s ray. One who is carefully introspective by dint of sa'dhana' (intuitional practice) certainly attains Him, and attaining that eternal sea of bliss, enjoys everlasting happiness. Eating a rossogolla, a delicious sweet, you become happy; but no matter how great a stock of rossogollas you have, some day it will be exhausted, won’t it? To attain lasting happiness from rossogollas, you need an unlimited number of them, but this is not possible, for nothing in this evolved world is limitless. Only He is unlimited, so it is only by attaining Him that unlimited happiness can be attained. No matter how much you enjoy Him, He can never be exhausted. Those who crave for unit objects to attain happiness, can never attain unlimited happiness – never."

Baba says, "Shunning all inferiority complexes, move on the path of sa'dhana'. The only purpose of your being a human being is to do sa'dhana'. The life of one who does not do it passes in vain like a tree struck by lightning."

Krs'n'a bhajiba'r tare sam'sa're a'inu.
Miche ma'ya'-baddha haye vrks'a-sama haenu.

[To worship Krs'n'a to earth had I come
Overcome by Ma'ya', like a tree I become.]

Baba says, "That is why I say, Do not waste your time. Make proper use of your energy while there is still time. Know and understand your characteristic self, lest you should bewail"

Brtha' janma gouna'yalun hena Prabhu na' bhajalun' khoya'lun soha gun'anidhi;
Hama'r karama manda na' milala eka bunda premasindhu rasak avadhi.

"Let not your life go in vain. Make proper use of your intelligence and intellect. Transform yourself from human to divine, and offer that sa'dhana'-earned divinity as an oblation to the eternal bearing of the Supreme Purus'a."

Namaskar,
Satiish

Feeding From Distance

2012-01-18T22:39:00.000+05:30

From: "Manindra Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: 18 Jan 2012 22:53:06 -0000
Subject: Feeding From Distance

Baba

"Sukhe ele na'ko, shoke sa'ntvana' dite ele..." (PS 3091)

Purport:

Baba, when I was feeling happy and content that time You did not come. Those days I was so enamoured with myself and I was so involved in my own glory that I did not even think to call You. So You did not come. But when I lost all that happiness and when I become drowned in my sorrows of self pity and when I was suffering and overwhelmed by various problems, then by Your grace You immediately came and consoled me. Baba in that desperate moment You graciously relieved me of my grief. Baba, I did not ever feel that You are mine. In this life I was always suffering from the vanity and ego of my own I-feeling. Those days I was thinking that 'I am everything'. Due to my ego I did not accept You as the Supreme One-- as my Goal. I did not take You as that most loving One who can solve all my problems; I did not surrender at Your feet. Baba, even then by Your grace You advented deep inside my heart and became mine. And now I understand that You are ever helpful and that You remain with me always.

Baba, those days when I was overwhelmed by that severe suffering, I did not outrightly tell You about my problems. I did not openly say anything. I did not express my pain to You. But because You are ever-present in my heart and because You are my eternal shelter, with Your infinite compassion You fully understood the desperate state of my mind-- You understood my sorrow. And by Your grace You instantly poured Your eternal sweetness and love. By Your grace You filled my whole existence with Your divine bliss.

Baba, due to my ego and vanity I could not recognise you. You were showering huge grace on me but I could not recognize that. I thought that due to my own qualities everything was happening. In those happy times I could not recognise You. Only did I begin to recognise You in my sorrow.

Baba, in my state of terrible suffering, when the mountain of misery started falling on my head, then all my friends left me. I was all alone. When I was happy then they were along with me but when I became sunk in misery all those friends disappeared. Baba, You are the exact opposite. When I was sunk in woe then by Your grace You immediately came and removed all my pains and troubles. Baba You bathed me in Your infinite love. Filling my I-feeling with Your bliss, You surrounded me each and every second. Baba, You showered Your grace and saturated my heart.

Baba, You are so gracious. You are love Personified. You have done everything for me. Baba, I surrender at Your alter...

== FEEDING FROM DISTANCE ==

Namaskar,
In light of the ongoing muddle of groupism, many are turning towards their service projects as their main interaction with the organisation. This is true for both margiis and wts. Of course we all know that we must not ignore the rage of groupism and just resort to some goody-goody life. So the troubles of groupism must be tackled by one and all. At the same time as we engage in our service projects, here are a few things for us to think about.

We all know that service projects are an integral part of AM life. Yet how they are to be built up and how they are to be maintained is not always easy to know. Should the money come from afar or locally? Plus to what degree are financial donors responsible for ensuring their money reaches the mark. These are but a few of the many important questions and considerations. Here following then are Baba's important guidelines regarding how to build and maintain service projects.

INITIAL QUERY

How far is external monetary support helpful in any project where local people are not involved? Or what happens when a project is totally dependent upon donations from outsiders? We can gain insight into this by looking at the history of Ananda Marga and the general society also.

HUMAN BODY AND MEDICINE ANALOGY

In one discourse Baba says that no structure can survive only depending on external help. Baba gives the example that if anybody is sick and you go on medicating him by external medicine injection, and if the body does not have its own vitality to pick itself up, then that external medicine is not going to work. External medicine is only helpful when the body is responding.

Or in other words, to give strength to the internal system of the body, some external medicine is needed sometimes. And that medicine does not do anything on its own; it just helps the internal system to pick itself up. In the case of a dead body where the internal system is completely defunct, then external medicine cannot help. If you go on giving medicines to one dead body, it will be useless.

100% EXTERNAL SUPPORT WILL NOT WORK

It is well known in the Indian history that there was a very big university in Nalanda'. The name was - Nalanda' Vishvavidya'lay. It was situated in Bihar. As long as the area was ruled by Buddhists, then that university worked fine. Means, that university was completely dependent upon donation from outsiders and from the King. The local public was not involved. So when the kingdom changed rulers, then antisocial elements set the university on fire. And in the library, hundreds of thousands of books were there. Nobody cared about those things and the whole campus and buildings were burned one after another. It took several months to go on burning. Local people were apathetic. So this is one factual history.

So in India we can see hundreds of abandoned mosques and churches which are lying uncared for, since ages. They were running well when they were getting donations from the Mogul King, or Britishers. But when the kingdom changed and donations stopped, then the places became abandoned.

LOCAL SUPPORT NEEDED

And other side, those mosques and churches which were supported by the public, they are still running fine. Or even better is that the Ashram system did not get rooted out during the Moghul or British rule because all the while the public supported the ashram system. So the conclusive idea is that if any project is run by or dependent on external support, then their fate is dark.

Thus on this very point, Baba's policy is not to take support from outside. Local people should be inspired to contribute and help the local projects. Otherwise they will not feel oneness with the project. And in most of the cases they will feel irritation. Or they will try to take away or root out the projects.'

WHEN THE PUBLIC IDENTIFIES WITH A PROJECT OR NOT

Another important example is that within Bihar there are thousands of schools situated in the small villages. And initially the government was granting money for the construction of their buildings. Thus with total help from the government, school buildings were made.

But villagers did not feel closeness with the project. They were thinking that "This is an outsider project", or that "this is a government building. This is not my building."

Keeping this view in their mind, they did not like to protect that building. Not only that, after some time it was found that those windows from the buildings disappeared. Some villagers had stolen them and were using in their house. After some time, the roof was also taken away, and used somewhere. This is not the tale of one or two places-- Hundreds of places are like that.

The overall theme being that when the local public thinks of something as a government building, then at first they don't feel closeness. They think it is others', not mine. And they misuse it or destroy it.

So this problem was going on for a long time. Then under pressure of circumstances the local government changed the plan. That, the building will be constructed by the villagers. And teachers will be supplied by the government. 50% share villagers should give. So when villagers with their own contribution made their house, then they protected that. And the program was successful.

BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING:

LOCAL DONATION IS A PLEDGE OF THE HEART

On the point of external vs local help for AM projects, once Baba was giving guideline to all WTs. He told that "You must collect donation from the local public for the jagriti. Whatever money they are giving, that does not have only monetary value. But something more they are giving. If some person gives you donation of one paisa/penny, then with that one paisa that very poor person gives the sympathy of his heart to you/to your project or jagriti, childrens home etc. And if antisocial elements will try to destroy that project or jagriti or school, those who have given their donation, they will protest. And if donation has come exclusively from outside, and if the jagriti is set on fire by antisocial elements, then the villagers will not be so much affected."

Baba further told, "But if the villagers' money is also involved as a donation in constructing that jagriti, then they will think in their heart that THEIR property is getting destroyed. And they will immediately come forward and protect the property of the jagriti and protest against the negative people."'

Thus the basic fact is that to erect some building or project, local support is highly essential. Otherwise the fate of that project is in dark in the future. Suppose if money has come from outside, and local people are not feeling oneness with the project, then in most of the cases, they will feel detached. They will not save the building. And in many special cases, they will destroy that building-- Or hut, or whatever it may be.

That's why we have seen, in the case of our jagriti or any such construction, where local people did not contribute and money came from outside, then that project could not flourish.'

WHEN TO TAKE HELP FROM OUTSIDE AREAS

The question can also be raised that is there any occasion when we should get or accept help from outside-- from other countries?

And Baba's guideline is that in the case of a big disaster like an earthquake, cyclone, flood etc, when a huge population is highly affected, that is a special case. That time external help is highly needed. But for making a local project or some jagriti building or a school, external help is not needed.

DO PRACARA AND SERVICE SIMULTANEOUSLY

Next scenario: If local people are not there, or if they are all non-margiis, then what should we do?

Baba says that first we should create margiis. And then immediately start the project. Side by side both the works will go. Without taking help from local people, if anyone does anything that will prove to be hopeless. One will not have any sentimental support from local people. Rather they will think that he is an outsider, or that he doesn't belong to them.

Because of all these reasons, Baba always emphasizes to do pracar among the local people. And one more related point is there. Doing pracar only among the outsider communities or migrant people, is not going to serve the purpose of Ananda Marga.

SERVE THE LOCAL PEOPLE

A critical case is that of Africa, where mostly Indian businessmen are occupying the money and political sources. And some WTs because of their ignorance or selfish interest, they focus on propagating AM among Indian businessmen who are living in Africa. But Baba was not happy in this situation. Baba used to emphasize and always take report about how many local people have been created.

One Dada was once telling in Africa at an Orange Farm, initially the project was made with external help, and it was a serious problem. Local people used to always come and take away/steal all the materials. And such example is not one or two. Hundreds of cases happened. We should take lesson.

THE SPECIAL CASE OF ANANDA NAGAR

External help was needed only, to build up Ananda Nagar. Because Ananda Nagar is our global headquarters. To make Baba's Quarter or road or rotunda, the local public is not going to help. Because they do not have direct interest in that. That's why Baba inspires one and all, all around the globe, to contribute for Ananda Nagar. That was the special case.

MUST GET LOCAL HELP

But in all the reportings which various workers attended since 1978 to '90, it became clear that Baba used to emphasize getting anything and everything done using the local help.-- Margiis and non-margiis are needed: Both. And then only, AM will flourish and school or any medical unit, projects, will be established. Permanently. Otherwise, feeding from the long distance is not going to help. We should take lesson from the past history.

WHAT SOME REVIEW

There are two points here. First thing, each and every sector has their own problems and according to Baba's system, it is the duty of the margiis that they should take care about the local unit and their own sector. And that is their foremost duty. Neglecting one's own unit and helping others for the sake of name and fame, this is not a good tradition. And the second point is that taking external help is not going to solve the problem permanently. For making a school building, local people must come forward.

A POINT FOR COMMON CONSIDERATION

Ananda Marga itself is a proof, at present we have several hundred Ananda Marga schools in India, and 99.9% of them have been made by local contribution. And there are also many examples of Bengal where a school building has been made by external donation. And common people destroyed it and set it on fire. But many places in Bengal are also there, where local people were inspired to help and they are donating and protecting those things. Surely it is the duty of we margiis that we should think carefully, how far their money can be utilized in a better way.

Baba says, "O human beings, frame the social structure considering the needs of humanity. Do not try to do anything for your petty personal and group interests..." (SS-1, Ch.1)

Namaskar,
Manindra

Note 1: WHAT WE SHOULD DO -- OUR RESPONSIBILITY

And another point is that if we are the ones donating to a far distant service project and if due to mishandling of funds our money does not reach there, then according to Baba's teaching about tapah we are also to blame-- not just the crooked thief who captured our money. We also will incur negative samskara. Of course this is just a hypothetical situation, yet the point remains that the responsibility also lies with the donor. That is why intelligent margiis give to local projects where they can ensure that everything is proper and the money is going in the right direction. Then of course by this way the common public will also get inspired to donate because everyone likes to be part of a winning project. At the same time we should demand that there be transparency of the financial books-- ie proper accounting. And like this there are numerous points regarding service projects and financial contributions etc. Please also share your ideas on this important topic.

***************************************
Solution

Baba says, "This has been our failing: that we neglected the spiritual faculties of human life, we neglected the cardinal spiritual points of life. If we are interested today in the welfare of this beautiful universe, we should try more and more to accelerate the speed of spiritual progress. If the acceleration of spiritual progress becomes tremendous, then not only in the human world, but also in the physical, psychic and spiritual spheres of the entire world -- and not only of the entire animate world, but of both the animate and inanimate worlds -- there will be tremendous progress. And this is what we want. Now we are anxiously waiting for that crimson dawn on the eastern horizon." (AFPS-5)

Note: Generally people do not realise this very thing which Baba has explained above. To understand this fully it needs agraya' buddhi (pointed intellect). Only those who are blessed sadhaka can understand that sadhana is the panacea.
***************************************

Dropping Snakes in Others' Houses

2012-01-17T18:34:00.000+05:30

Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:37:01 -0500
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Dropping Snakes in Others' Houses
From: CJ Deva

Baba

== DROPPING SNAKES IN OTHERS' HOUSE ==

Namaskar,
In this first portion of the 21st century, we are seeing the tremendous rise of pseudo-culture around the globe. In each and every country it is more apparent and more pervasive.

This is the urgent call of the hour to address this matter directly lest we allow this dark force to seep deeper into our communities.

From nude films to cigarettes, from junk food to internet porn, from liquor to cartoons, from toys to video games. All these types of pseudo-culture is whirling around the globe at an ultra-fast pace.

But, each country is not producing its own pseudo-culture. Rather the western capitalistic powers are creating the bulk of the pseudo-culture and spreading it all around the globe-- profiting from it the whole way through.

And it is the so-called third-world countries that suffer most.

Because already the west has been dealing with pseudo-culture for a while so they have learned to protect their citizens from it, to some degree. They issue sanctions, laws, rules, and inspection policies that limit the effect of pseudo-culture of its population, especially the children. For example, it is quite difficult for a 15 year-old to get alcohol in the USA as there are strict laws in place prohibiting this from happening.

Whereas in the the "third-world" nations, pseudo-culture is just one unrestricted fancy. One reason is that they think everything coming from the west is great, therefore they are soaking up western pseudo-culture as fast as they can-- and they are suffering all the more from it.

That is why many are saying that by exporting their pseudo-culture around the globe, the western nations like the US are placing snakes in others' houses.

At the same time it is not that no evils from the third-world touch the western nations. For example, hashish from Afghanistan, cocaine and poppy from Columbia, and sex tapes from Thailand, spill daily into the US etc. But still the large majority of pseudo-culture is sent from Hollywood, Miami, NY, and Seattle to all around the globe.

EXPORTING PSEUDO-CULTURE AROUND THE GLOBE

Here then is a bit of a closer look at how it is happening. Please also write in with your experiences of how this is occurring.

CRUDE INTERNET SITES

1. Internet: The west-invented internet is a great tool but we all know there is a huge amount of junk and garbage floating around on it. To protect themselves, there are a huge amount of laws and child-safety policies in the US regarding using the internet. There are so many parental features and controls for limiting their children's exposure to the internet, such as which sites they are allowed to visit or not. And it does not stop there. If a business executive visits a porn-site in the privacy of his own office then it may cost him his job. That is how strict the rules are in the US.

In contrast, in places like India, Internet cafes are the rage and young kids are basically free to see and do what they like. That is why if one enters an Internet cafe in Delhi, Bihar, Chennai, or Bombay, often there is a long list of porn sites that have been visited by the previous user. And not only that, but these cafes have private view rooms where teenagers often go in order to view x-rated sex sites with out being disturbed.

Here the point is not that countries like Thailand, India, Brazil, and South Africa do not protect their children at all. Just for various reasons, they have not been able to put in place all the many, many safety measures that the US and England may employ.

This is primarily because places like the US and western Europe have already suffered from the ill-effects of pseudo-culture whereas in places like the Philippines and China, it may be a newly found western fancy. And western capitalistic corporations are hungry to impose their pseudo-culture machinery o the unsuspecting masses of such "developing nations".

GLAMOROUS CIGARETTES

2. Perhaps the most clear-cut case in all of this is cigarettes. In the US, cigarettes are basically looked upon as an evil. At this point, there is no smoking on airplanes, in restaurants, at work, etc. Indeed, in nearly every public venue cigarette smoking has been banned. Some US cities have virtually outlawed it. So now the US cigarette manufacturers have just set their sights elsewhere such as the "third world" where cigarette smoking is allowed just about anywhere and where any under-aged kid can pick up a pack of smokes. And all the while in these third world nations, cigarettes are looked upon as something very 'American' and very glamorous.

TASTY JUNK FOOD

3. Here is another example: Junk Food. The US has been producing and selling junk food for decades. And certainly the US diet is not very good. But even then, now in school cafeterias they severely limit how much junk food is available to the kids. Soda pop, chips, and chocolate bars are being taken out of the schools and being replaced by fruits, yogurt, and juice. Plus adults are warned about cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cancer, obesity etc. How far the people listen is their own choice, but the US ships these items to the developing world without even one syllable of warning about the dangers of these foods. And in their desire to become 'American', the citizens of many 'developing nations' get totally duped and just gobble up all the US products.

FROM A TO Z

4. And the list goes on and on from nudity on television to toy safety and everything in between. In all such cases western nations like the US have strict guidelines about such items whereas in the numerous eastern nations-- due to capitalist propaganda-- all the pseudo-culture of the west is available to everyone 24/7.

EVEN THE FIELD OF MEDICINE

5. Then of course there is the case of medicine. All the various medicines that have been outdated or rejected in the US are then shipped all around the globe for use in 'developing nations'. And the masses of those places innocently think that all medicines from the US are panaceas, when in fact such medicines invite so many diseases and syndromes.

THE HYPOCRISY OF IT ALL

So in this era of rampant pseudo-culture, the US is the leader in exporting their junk to other nations in order to earn a huge profit; but on their own shores the US government and so many watch-dog groups are careful to monitor how such pseudo-culture is to be used within the US. That is the outrageous scene going on these days.

WARNINGS NEEDED

So for starters, as margiis-- as a global family-- we should be aware of this trend and not get drowned in the propaganda and use of American pseudo-culture, or any pseudo-culture. Because as bad as the US corporations may be in distributing pseudo-culture, today around the globe there are so many negative agents popping up everywhere. So at this point, where there is a dirty mind, there is the spread of crude pseudo-culture-- all done so someone can make a buck and at the expense and well-being of the general citizens. So as Ananda Margiis we must be aware about this and warn others as well.

And at the same time, rallies must be held and articles must be written to awaken the people and apply pressure on all governments so as not to let pseudo-culture go unchecked. This then is just a short introductory letter into what is a massive global issue. Everyone should write in with their thoughts and ideas.

Baba says, "This exploitation in the cultural sphere is accomplished by the propagation of pseudo-culture. Every honest, virtuous, rational person must fight against this pseudo-culture, and inspire others to do the same. If this is not done, the future of humanity will be sealed. It is proper for human beings to struggle for political freedom, for social emancipation; but if their cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles will end in nothing – like offering ghee into a fire that has died out."

"If one’s spine is shattered, it is impossible to hold one’s head erect. Can those whose necks and backs are crushed under the weight of pseudo-culture, be expected to hold their heads high in any sphere of life? Hence it is the bounden duty of every rational person to save innocent people from pseudo-culture." (NH-LOI, Disc:7)

So by all of the above it is clear we have to take action against this pseudo-culture because it is no different from dropping a snake in someone else's house.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, a new code of ethics based on AM ideals will lead the humanity out of the mire of degrading vices like pseudo-culture and enable that sentient human society to be built.

Baba says, "The application of Neo-ethics will lead to multi-lateral salvation of human society by removing economic exploitation, political suppression, religious indoctrination, cultural imposition and social subordination." (MVNS)

Namaskar,
Cinmay

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this following song, the devotee is indirectly referring to his own situation with the Lord.

"Hiya'r gahane ba'rek jadi ta'ka'o..." (P.S. 860)

Purport:

Baba, if You look deep towards Your heart, even once. Then You can see that one very little small heart is remaining there. Do You want to stay oblivious to that? Do You want to keep yourself forgetful? You don't want to see that heart is lying in the corner of Your mind, in the distance, in an uncared way?

Baba, thinking about Your tales, my days are passing. When I think about old memories, my heart longs for You in an unbounded, overflowing way. About that, if You want to forget, that little heart can bear that pain, also. By Your grace, that neglected heart is ready to bear the situation. Only to please You.

In the life of that very unit mind, all the six seasons come and go. Spring also bursts forth, full of flowers and fragrance. It covers the whole existence. But in spite of all these things, in the life of one, only sadness is there. He is floating in tears of melancholy in Your longing. All his smile, lost in the ocean of misery. Baba, if You have a fraction of time then please look into Your mind and see one neglected heart, is waiting for Your response...

***************************************
Request to Parama Purus'a

Baba says, "There is no need for devotees to request like this from Parama Purusa, 'O Lord grant me liberation, grant me salvation.' There is no need to make such a request. Let Parama Purusa decide. You need not to ask. Only this much you can say, 'O Parama Purusa in this world You are very busy and involved in various types of tiring work. How long will You be burdened and engaged alone in doing all these works. O' Parama Purusa, please keep me in this world to execute Your tasks. You are so much tired from doing these various types of projects, how long You will go on doing these works all by Yourself. Please give me some share so that I can participate along with You. Give me even a little something to do and I will do that. O' Parama Purusa please also give me strength. I am ready to fulfill Your desire and execute Your task'. This type of request devotees should make with Parama Purusa." (SS-16 (H), p. 84, DMC Agra 19 Feb 84)
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Are You Worried About Your Teenager

2012-01-16T22:52:00.000+05:30

From: "Virendra Mandal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Are You Worried About Your Teenager
Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:14:55 +0530

Baba

"Tiirthe tiirthe ghuriya' kla'nt haye esechi dva're..." (4112)

Purport:

Baba in search of You, after wandering around the globe in various holy lands, I am completely tired; and in that state now I have reached to Your alter. Baba, be gracious, please do not turn Your face away; and please do not become unhappy, angry, or furious on me. Please open the door and allow me to come inside.

Baba, look towards me; my whole body is completely tired and exhausted. My feet are full of dust. Wandering around in the sun my whole body is sweating. I am completely tired and exhausted.

By Your grace now I feel in my heart and repent how my whole life got wasted. I was tied up in the noose of dogma. Just I was performing various rituals, wandering in holy lands, moving from one tiirtha to another tiirtha, from one Baba's Quarter to another Baba's Quarter, in search of You. By Your grace now I understand that You are hiding sitting in myheart-- smiling.

Baba, I am surrendering to You. Please accept me as Yours. Do not leave me to wander to this and that dogma-- involved in one or another ritual. The path which I was crossing through, that path is dark & full of hopelessness. I wasted a lot of money, time, and energy but nothing was gained. And now I am too tired. I want Your divine direction.

In spite of moving on the negative path, by Your grace in the garden of my mind some flowers have bloomed for You. I want to offer those flowers at Your lotus feet. Now the creepers of hope are swinging and the feeling is coming that You will allow me.

By Your grace, Baba You have already given me the longing for You in my heart. So now please allow me to come close to You to touch Your feet. Baba, I am Yours and You are mine. I am surrendering everything to You. Please accept me...

== ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR TEENAGER ==

Namaskar,
In many sectors we see that the children of senior margiis are not very involved in our AM way of life. There are so many examples- especially with our teenagers. Yet Baba has given us a very great tool for reversing this negative trend so that we can successfully raise our children as margiis.

And in general, in this world, all want to get success. And even more than that, everyone wants their children to become successful.

Yet, it is not so easily done, especially in this day and age when there are countless challenges, struggles, distractions and obstacles.

This letter addresses the matter of success - both inside and outside of Ananda Marga - and how we can help our children attain it. In particular, the points raised apply to our youths and teenagers, i.e. kids aged 9 - 19.

BABA'S SPECIAL RECIPE

In a number of discourses, Baba has graciously given the specialguidelines for attaining success: Namely, the seven secrets of success.

In the past, various letters have discussed different aspects of theseven secrets. Here are a few for your review.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/03/bliss-comes-in-life-when.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/04/who-does-not-want.html

This letters focuses primarily on point #2: Dvitiiyam' shraddhaya'yuktam'. Specifically what does it mean to have "reverence for the goal"and how does it manifest in daily life.

NOT THE USUAL USE

Generally when we use the word goal, we mean it with a capital "G" and the Goal refers to Ista or Parama Purusa. That is the purely spiritual meaning.

But in one of His many discourses on the seven secrets of success, that is not Baba's central meaning with regards to the word "goal". He has a different intention. As we know Baba often explains the same shloka in different ways. With regards to, Dvitiiyam' shraddhaya' yuktam', He refers to it being a spiritual goal in some discourses and sometimes He talks about it in mundane ways. So this point is applicable in both manners: mundane and spiritual.

In one such discourse, Baba is using the word goal to refer to one's endeavors in life - whether they be work, school, research, sports, repair, or almost anything at all. In all these circumstances if one has reverence and regard for what they are doing then they will feel linked with their work - and that brings success.

APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE TO DAILY LIFE

Let's say a person is involved in their studies - perhaps mathematics or literature. If that student feels that this subject is silly and of no value, then no matter how long they study, they will not gain mastery of the topic. What to say mastery - they will hardly learn anything at all. Because they are unable to fully embrace the subject.

In contrast, if a student has great interest and regard for a particular topic and they have the strong feeling that, "This topic is of great importance and I must learn this", then it is certain that they will get success. They will become quite adept in that subject.

It follows then that if a father desperately wants his son to be doctor and the son is more interested in Sanskrit or mathematics, then the child will not succeed in the study of medicine no matter how much pressure the father places on his child. Because the child does not have the requisite reverence for that topic - he does not want to study to be a doctor.

Likewise if one only "learns" because of the pressure of an upcoming examination or because they will be punished if they don't study, then whatever they "learn" will be forgotten very quickly. That knowledge will not stick.

Shraddha', or the 2nd point of the seven secrets, relates to when one has great interest in the topic at hand.

This sense of shraddha', or deep reverence, for all endeavours in life is one special ingredient for achieving success. And it is especially useful for teenagers for a few reasons. First, they are in a great stage of development in life - they have to learn many things: School, friendship, summer jobs, and other responsibilities. Second, if they develop this sense of shraddha' now, they it will be a lifelong tool for them. Then they will always know what type of mind-set is needed to get success.

Shraddha' indicates that one feels that a particular action is the right and ideal thing to do. Such is their mental feeling. Thus it is not just respect or reverence in a general sort of way.

For these reasons and more, as margii parents we should all be keen to help our teens cultivate a strong sense of shraddha' for all pursuits in life.

Very importantly, it will also carry over into how our children approach Ananda Marga. We must logically convince our children of the value of AM teaching so they feel ready to embrace them.

Teenagers are in a very important phase of spiritual development - for the first time ever their glands and minds are duly awakened and they can easily conceive of higher aspirations and grand ideals.

Baba says, "The dream of the future first crystallizes in the mind of the adolescent. So adolescents should be taught, without indulging in narrow-mindedness, through the medium of idealism." (HS-1)

Naturally then, if that sense of shraddha' - deep link with their work - is instilled in the minds of any teenager, then their journey into our AM way of life will be fruitful.

HOW TO INCULCATE

The next critical matter is how to inculcate that sense of shraddha' or deep link and feeling for one's endeavour.

Firstly, as parents we must convince our children of the importance of a given task through logic and reasoning. Our children must know why it is important; then they will get convinced. Then they will embrace the point internally.

If our children thoroughly understand the benefits of a vegetarian diet then they will follow sincerely it and not be swayed when they see others, especially their classmates, eating meat. That is the way to instill the point of shraddha' - through logic and reasoning. Then the mind will be set in its endeavour. We should all do this with our children regarding all facets of AM ideology.

Unfortunately it can happen both in AM and certainly in the general society that parents just tell their kids what to do but do not convince and educate them on the importance of the point. Without that, the children feel forced to follow it but in their heart they are not convinced. In that case there is no shraddha' and they will not gain success. In that case such parents do a disservice to their children.

THE SITUATION IN AM VS THE VARIOUS RELIGIONS

Now comes the next step. Why is it so important for us to convince our margii children through logic and reasoning when so many of the various religions need not take this approach.

The answer lies in numbers and popularity.

So many of our margii children are not involved in AM, whereas so many Muslim and Christian children are involved in their religions.

Those Muslim and Christian children are growing up in areas where all their friends in school also follow that religion. In that case they believe their religion is is good simply because of the sheer popularity of it. They do need logic and reasoning to be convinced to follow those tenets. They just do it because everyone else is doing it.

Whereas in AM most margii kids are not around any other margii children. They are alone. Without any peer support, they need maximum logic and reasoning. They will have to be internally convinced that AM is the way to go. Because when none of their friends are following AM then they will be prone to think that our AM way of life is silly or stupid. Because none of their friends are involved in this way of life; AM is not popular. To overcome this, logic and reasoning is needed. If our children are taught the real value of AM ideals, then they will follow them - even if it is not popular in their school - even if their way of living is different from all their peers.

THE KEY POINT

The key point behind it all is that one must value what they are doing. If even one of our revered Wts is given work by his superior that he feels is useless, then he will not be able to do that work properly. And that project or job will just be half-baked. It can happen.

So regardless of one's stature in life, the point of shraddha' applies universally to all. It is a quality of mind and outlook and is not achieved by post, power, or social stature etc.

And that sense of shraddha' - of maximum respect and reverence for the task at hand - will generate tremendous mental force. It will give one the stamina to overcome obstacles and difficulties and achieve great things in life.

Thus inside or outside of AM - in the general society - in all kinds of communities and endeavors, regardless of the nature of one's goal (i.e. work or study etc), if one has shraddha' then they will get success in that activity.

That is Baba's distinct guideline.

Whereas the moment one thinks that "This work is stupid" or "This job is meaningless" then one's efforts are doomed. If one is a President or a street-sweeper, the moment they think in that defective manner then they will never get success.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has endowed us the way to get success in all our pursuits in life. We should share this great teaching with our children. The moment they understand the value and importance of an endeavour and cultivate deep regard for their work, then they will get success in every sphere of life - now and in the future also.

Namaskar,
Virendra

Note 1: IMPORTANT LETTER ON RAISING MARGII CHILDREN

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/12/do-you-want-your-child-to-be-non-margii.html

******************************************
Sadhana Point

Baba says, "Where there is no love, the mind will not run after Him. So dhya'na also becomes meaningless."

"Dhya'na is withdrawing the mental propensities from all extroversive entities, and then collecting those withdrawn mental forces, mental propensities, and urging them towards the Supreme Entity. If there is no love for the Supreme Entity, this movement cannot be done." (Patna, 31st August, 1978)
******************************************

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #5

2012-01-15T21:19:00.000+05:30

Date: 15 Jan 2012 20:49:22 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #5

Baba

== LOVING COMMUNICATION OF BHAKTA AND PARAMA PURUSA #5 ==

~ PS #1153 ~

Song of Melancholy

Namaskar,
Here is the next song in our series. The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1153 is comprised of four distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Line Meaning

(C) End Notes

(D) Purport

(E) Special Note on Spelling
& Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Please do send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1153

A'ji mor vasanta jhariya' ja'y avahela'y
Puspamadhu saha jhara' pa'ta' ha'ra'y
Mukul aka'le shuka'ya avahela'ya

Puspaka'nan theke malay sariya' geche
Spandita tanima' dhulijhar'e dh'eke geche
Tumi kotha'y e duhsamay

Nava rupe tumi eso, pra'n'a-bhara' ha'si heso
Dikbhra'ntere dik dekhete bojha'te eso
Tumi cha'ra' keuha na'hi ha'y ei avahela'ya

LINE MEANING OF PS #1153

Today my spring season [1] withers away due to Your utter neglect [2]. The fallen leaves along with the flower nectar are getting lost. The buds are withering away prematurely due to Your negligence.

The vernal breeze has left the flower garden. The sparkling, lush shrubs have been completely covered by the dust storm. In this dire moment, where are You, O' Lord. [3]

Come, Lord, in a new form, with Your heart-felt and loving smile. Come guide those who have lost their way. [4] O' Lord, in this odd time [5], there is no one except You.

END NOTES FOR PS #1153

[1] Spring season (vasanta): In this song, the end of the spring season means that the sadhaka has been anxiously waiting for Parama Purusa and now at the end of this spring season, still He has not come. It is utterly heart-breaking for the bhakta that still Parama Purusa remains away.

In the hope of His arrival, so many decorations and preparations have been made: flower blossoms, new leaves, a sweet breeze; indeed the whole atmosphere has been made beautiful by nature for His divine arrival. But alas, He has not come and now everything everything is withering away.

This entire episode portrays the deep melancholic longing of the sadhaka. That is the basis of this entire song.

The song can also be interpreted that because of not getting Him close, the spring of the sadhaka's life is gone - their good days are getting wasted. The sadhaka is thinking: My best days are passing by and You are not coming.

It is just like how the beautiful spring season, with its colourful flower blossoms and tender green leaves, gets overwrought by the hot summer when the burning wind dries everything up and the whole earth becomes brown.

So this song can be understood or interpreted on two levels. It can be taken on a more literal level wherein really the spring season has passed in waiting for Him. Or the song can serve as a metaphor for how one's good days (the spring of one's life) are gone and still He has not come close. The latter has a more universal and eternal meaning.

[2] Utter neglect: With a melancholic heart, the sadhaka is devotionally accusing Parama Purusa that, "You are not coming to my abode. " The meaning can also be, "You are not coming in my sadhana." Either of these two meanings are appropriate for this song.

[3] Second Stanza: Here the sadhaka is requesting Parama Purusa that, "In my bad days You should please come." Because, now the sadhaka is undergoing difficult times and has strong longing to have His close proximity.

[4] Come guide those who have lost their way: Here the sadhaka is indirectly talking about himself and requesting Parama Purusa's closeness and intimacy.

[5] Odd time (avahela'ya): Generally, people want to share their happiness with others. They want to receive people in their good days. But at this point in the sadhaka's life, the spring season (i.e. good days) has gone; the situation is different; now his life is in turmoil. So this is an odd time to receive Parama Purusa. Even then, the sadhaka is requesting, "I want Your close proximity."

PURPORT OF PS #1153

O' my Dearmost because of Your negligence, my spring season is getting ruined. The good times are passing me by. There was a time when sadhana was going well and You were appearing in dhyana. I used to receive Your grace. But today in my mental grove a hot wind is blowing; everything is getting dry. O my Dearmost where are You. O' Ever-New Lord, my most charming One, please come smiling in Your most attractive form in this odd hour. Please come and show the path and guide those bewildered people who have lost their way. Please bring this person on the right path. You are my everything. Without You, no one is mine. O my Dearmost, You are my everything. Without You my mind is restless, please come close...

SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Starting from today forward, when introducing new songs, we will post the full song using phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words "know" or "knowledge". Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as "Ka-now" or "Kay-Now" and "Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge",respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1153, the actual spelling of the fifth word is ya'ya, but unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, ja'y. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Indeed there are many such examples.

Only native Bengali speakers - or those extremely fluent in Bangla and familiar with Prabhat Samgiita - will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence the decision to write it phonetically.

With regard to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.

Namaskar,
Vara'bhaya Deva

*** AM-GLOBAL ***

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Example of Pig

Animal Rights & Animal Pets

Story: King of Lucknow Killing Time

Handling of DMC Discourses

Example of Profane Baba Story

Our Divyacara Sadhana

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #9

Defining Greatness...

Key of Unity

Why Part of Sixteen Points

RE: Can we call it Dharmashastra

Baba Story: I Don't Know How to Surrender

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #8

Onset of Disease & Human Health

Can we call it Dharmashastra

Known & Unknown Love

Are You Concerned About Beauty?

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #7

Baba Story: Devotee Jumped From the Roof

...Karmic Reaction

One Word Sutra

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #6

Underlying Reasons Behind Mess At DMS

Baba Story: Visiting Baba in Jail

I Should Remind Myself

Feeding From Distance

Dropping Snakes in Others' Houses

Are You Worried About Your Teenager

Loving Communication of Bhakta & Parama Purusa #5

* AM-GLOBAL *