Forward Movement

Jan 18th 2015

SO MANY POSITIVE THINGS

Namaskar,

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

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

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

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

                               

POSITIVE ADVANCES MADE IN AMPS SINCE 1990

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

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

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

RISE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

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

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

THE BIRTH OF IDEOLOGICAL AWARENESS IN ANANDA MARGA

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

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

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

NO ROOM TO RUN AND HIDE

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

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

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

BECAUSE MARGIIS AND WTS ARE ALERT

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

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

UNDERSTANDING WHO IS WHO

THROUGH THE LENS OF ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

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

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

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

EVALUATE ANYONE IS BY SEEING THEIR CONDUCT

NOT BY THEIR POST OR DRESS

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

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

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

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

TREMENDOUS CHANGE SINCE 1990

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

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

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

GREAT PROGRESS IS GOING ON IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

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

VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT:

ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY HAS BEEN SAVED

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

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

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

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

NEW LEADERSHIP IS ON THE WAY

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

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

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

THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR - CONSTANTLY FIGHT AGAINST EVILS

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

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

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

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

OPTIMISM IS OUR WAY

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

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

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

Namaskar,

in Him,

Jyoti

Note 1: SINCERE MARGII INTEREST IN IDEOLOGY:

MARGIIS AND WTS SAFEGUARD HIS TEACHINGS

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

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

REFERENCES

1. A'nanda Va'nii #13

2. PNS-18, p.1

3. PNS-18, 'Your Mission'

4. PNS-21, 'Nuclear Revolution'

5. PNS-18, p.2

6. Caryacarya - 2, Miscellaneous, Point #6

7. AV-34

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

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

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

The Way One Must Start The Day

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:06:39 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Subhas Deva
Subject: The Way One Must Start The Day

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #1104;
(2) Posting: The Way One Must Start The Day;
(3) Trailer Quote: Why Some Sadhakas Can't Do Sadhana Properly

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).


**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

Intro to PS: In this following song, the loving Parama Purus'a, Tara'ka Brahma, is communicating directly with the devotee. Specifically, in a personal way, the divine Entity, Tara'ka Brahma, is asking the sadhaka various questions. In contrast, in most Prabhat Samgiita songs, the devotee is singing or expressing his own thoughts to Parama Purusa. But this entire song is different: It is expressed in the voice of Parama Purusa; He Himself is narrating the scene. That is the unique aspect of this song. Here the devotee is unaware that for whom he/she has yearning, that Parama Purusa is right there in front of them. This is the liila.

"Kende kende tava kavarii-bandha khuliya' giya'che ka'r tare..."  P.S. 1104

Purport:

O' devotee, for whom have been crying incessantly, such that the braids in your hair have become loose and undone; now your hair is just falling in an unkempt manner. Who is responsible for causing you so much pain. You can no longer hide the yearnings of your pain-filled eyes through tunes and melodies. Even then you are trying hard to conceal your grief-stricken & broken heart; but by seeing your pain-filled eyes, anyone can understand how sorrowful you are. Indeed, you are so upset that you cannot maintain the proper melody or tune of the song which you are singing. What is wrong – who has caused so much suffering and distress in your life.

Now look, the whole day has passed and it is reaching up towards evening time. The brightness of the day is gone and now evening is falling. The sun is going to set; that time has come. Why are you sitting here by yourself in this isolated forest. Tell me, whose memory is churning your heart; why are you so heart-broken. The whole day you have been sitting here alone – involved in contemplation – and now evening has come and still you are remaining here. Who is the cause behind all this, how has this happened – please tell me.

Always remember that the balaka bird flies off to far, far distant places. The flying goose flies far, far away, but again and again it returns back to its own nest. Similarly, if your Beloved has gone far away, then He too will return again and come back. So please do not cry.

O’ devotee, whose love has shaken your whole existence. He will surely return. Rest assured that He will come...

== THE WAY ONE MUST START THE DAY ==

Namaskar,
Every so often the point comes about the practice of Guru Sakash and two divergent opinions get expressed. One side some are telling that the full shloka-- "Pra'tah shirasi..."-- needs to be repeated when doing Guru Sakash. And others say that this is not at all necessary, rather Baba's name should be repeated.

This question is very interesting as Guru Sakash is highly significant. It is the way we begin the day. When done properly, the whole day feels quite different and infinitely more charming than when Guru Sakash is not properly done.

Here again is the question at hand:

Some believe that the shloka should be literally repeated while others give more credence to the idea that there is no need to repeat the shloka since in Guru Sakash one should just call out to Baba by repeating His name. Because that is what the shloka guides us to do.

This is a very important and interesting topic: Do we repeat the shloka literally or adhere to what the shloka directs us to do.

Here following are points about this very practice of Guru Sakash.

THE INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO DO GURU SAKASH

Here below is that special section of the discourse where Baba speaks specifically about Guru Sakash and how to ideate upon Him.

'"Pra'tah shirasi shuukle'abje dvinetram' dvibhujam' gurum'..."

"Early in the morning one should meditate on the Guru in Vara'bhaya Mudra with two hands and two eyes seated on a white lotus in Guru cakra, and address Him with your most loving and affectionate epithet..."

"In what state does the Guru, endowed with two eyes and two hands exist? In the Vara'bhaya Mudra (in the posture of holding out the boon of fearlessness) He is your well-wisher, and as a matter of fact, the doer of your good."

"The epithet with which you address the Guru or silently speak during your dhya'na or Gurudhya'na should also be used by you at the time of this Gurudhya'na. Always address the Guru at a stretch. This is Gurusaka'sha." (1)

ONLY BABA'S NAME SHOULD BE REPEATED;

THE SHLOKA IS THE INSTRUCTION, NOT THE MANTRA

So, in this shloka, 'pratah...', Baba has graciously given us instructions how to do Guru Sakash.

By reading the purport of the shloka, it is understood that this is just one direction outlining how to do Guru Sakash. These are the guidelines telling what to do. The shloka itself is akin to an instruction manual.

At the exact time of practicing Guru Sakash, we should not repeat that instruction manual, i.e. we should not recite the shloka.

At that time, Baba's name should be repeated - that is what is so blissful and meaningful. That is our practice: To lovingly call Him and see Him and feel His Presence in the mind, in Guru cakra. This is the special occasion early in the morning to call Baba. That is our devotional approach in Ananda Marga.

Thus during Guru Sakash we are to repeat His name, not these directions in the form of this shloka.

Repeating this shloka during Guru Sakash is the wrong thing to do. It is a misuse and abuse of the time - a waste of energy. And it goes against the entire spirit of Guru Sakash; because during Guru Sakash the mind should be fully focused on the form of Ista, exclusively repeating His name only - not the shloka or poem or song.

MIND IS ONE

As sadhakas we must remember that the mind is one. If during Guru sakash, a bhakta is repeating the shloka then they are not calling Him. Because the mind can only do one thing at one time. And the operative factor in Guru sakash is calling Him - repeating His name. Without that it is not Guru sakash.

So one must call Him while doing Guru sakash. Merely repeating the shloka diverts the mind from the actual practice of Guru sakash. In that case, critical time is lost and one is delayed in their early morning practice. Those precious few moments upon awakening are the key time to link with Him devotionally. Yet that special time will be wasted if one is just sitting there repeating the shloka and not calling Him. That is the critical loss involved.

Best is to plan ahead and be focused on calling Him in Guru sakash, as soon as one awakens. One should chant His name and visualise Him in Guru cakra. That is the ideal, nay only, way of practicing Guru sakash. Doing anything else is a sheer waste of time.

"BEFORE HAVING ANY OTHER THOUGHT"

“[One] should remember the Guru in the Guru cakra. This they should do sitting in siddhásana [perfect posture] or any other convenient ásana [posture], on the same blanket, skin, seat or bed as they had used for sleeping, immediately after waking up and before doing any other work or before having any other thought – even before performing their morning duties or any other task. This will be a high category of Gurusakásha. If it cannot always be done immediately after sleep, it is essential to remember the Guru early in the morning after overcoming sleepiness. If this is done, they will meet with success or illumination in each and every subtle and spiritual task that they perform in the course of the whole day." (2)

AN ANALOGY: HALF-BATH

Here is another important reason why we do not repeat the shloka during the practice of Guru sakash.

Repeating the "Pratah..." shloka during the practice of Guru sakash is like reading the instructions for half-bath when really one is supposed to be doing half-bath. But instead of doing half-bath, the sadhaka just reads the explanation of half-bath as it is written in Caryacarya. And he never goes close to the water nor applies it to his body. This is the entirely wrong approach. Rather one should do half-bath per those instructions.

Here is another example.

If instead of bathing, a person just starts reciting the bathing rules from Caryacarya: 'First pour water over the naval, then pour from the backside and then from the top of the head...' If anyone reads like this and then returns from the riverside or the bathroom without even touching the water, then that is ridiculous. Because just reading those instructions without actually taking a bath is useless - and the purpose will not be solved.

Baba has given the instructions so people can follow and do those guidelines accordingly - not just read those things from Caryacarya and do nothing. The ideal way is to read and study the instructions ahead of time, and then follow this instructions during the time of practice.

Thus one should study the guidelines about Guru Sakash in the afternoon or the evening before, and then in the early morning when it is time to do Guru Sakash, one should do as per those guidelines.

If one reads those instructions and follows them at the same time, then that is also a waste. For example if while taking bath one reads or listens to the bathing instructions, then that is a waste of time as it is better to sing kiirtan while bathing. What is the need to repeat the rules about the bath system while taking a bath.

Same is the case with Guru Sakash. There is no need to repeat those instructions while doing Guru Sakash - rather it is a waste of time - one should repeat His name. Verily that is what He guides us to do. So we should abide by and follow what the shloka guides us to do - i.e. call and ideate on Baba in Guru Cakra - and not recite the shloka per se.

CONCLUSION

The Ananda Marga guideline is for His name to be repeated during Guru Sakash - not the shloka itself.

"Address Him with your most loving and affectionate epithet...The epithet with which you address the Guru or silently speak during your dhya'na or Gurudhya'na should also be used by you at the time of this Gurudhya'na...This is Gurusaka'sha." (3)

FURTHER EXPLANATION

And one acarya further presented and elaborated about Baba's divine teaching of Guru Sakash.

When you awaken, then immediately sit on your bed in an upright position. Then place your finger on top of your head. And then you will have some touching sensation there on the crown / top of your head. And then try to visualize BABA there. Although Guru cakra is a little below. But when the mind will start going from the lower cakras to the upper cakras, then at least the mind will reach a little closer to Guru Cakra or at the Guru Cakra itself.

Otherwise it is not easy. And if for a few seconds your mind reaches to the Guru Cakra and there you will visualize Baba, then you will feel tremendous bliss. And if the same Baba's image you are seeing somewhere else in another lower cakra, i.e. not in Guru Cakra, then you will not realize such bliss. So by that way you can feel that if you felt extreme bliss on certain point then you should consider that was Guru Cakra.

RELATED TEACHINGS

"Gurusakásha: gur + un + sa + kash + ghain."

"Gurusakásha means “near the Guru”, “under the Guru's umbrella”, “under the Guru's wings”, “under the Guru's shelter”. The word Gurusakásha has two other yoga-related meanings: one of them is Guru dhyána [meditation on the Guru] in Guru cakra, the other is a particular kind of Gurusmarańa [Guru's remembrance] or Gurusharańa [Guru's shelter] after sleep." (Yoga Psychology, Under the Shelter of the Guru)

"The recognized cakras for japa [repetition of mantra] are the anáhata cakra, vishuddha cakra and ájiṋá cakra and a few other cakras and upacakras of the upper region. The Guru cakra is the highest cakra. The Guru cakra is used as the place of dhyána." (4)

GURU CAKRA: THE ASPIRANT MEDITATES

   "Now, there is a regulating point or práńakendra for each of the innumerable nerve cells in the brain. Over and above these many práńakendras or regulating points of the brain, there is one regulating point which controls the many práńakendras. This point resembles, to some extent, the tip of a blade of kusha [a type of grass]. In this point is the Guru cakra. From this point human beings receive a thousand and one kinds of inspiration and propulsion. The humanity of human beings and the animality of lesser creatures all depend on this point. In this point is ensconced the Guru, Parama Guru, Parápara Guru, Paramesti Guru. It is the loftiest point for the purposes of meditation and contemplation. It is at this point that the meditation on Guru has to be undertaken. That which I call the sahasrára cakra is an ideational point – without any realistic existence based on the nerve cells – but this is not the case with the Guru cakra. So human beings must take recourse to the Guru Cakra – they must take shelter under it: Nányapanthá vidyate-ayanáyá [“There is no other way than this”]."
   "In this Guru cakra, the aspirant meditates on the Guru – on that ennobling Entity – channelizing his or her mundane bondages into the non-mundane realm, and elevating his or her non-mundane psychic bondages to the realm of the supramental entity, the source of supra-cognitive power. Hence, dhyána yoga [meditational Yoga] is the best yoga for sádhaná. Dhyána yoga is acknowledged by hat́ha yoga, Rája Yoga and Rájádhirája Yoga; it is also acknowledged by Buddhist Tantra and Jain Tantra, and by Bhágavata dharma. Well, Guru dhyána in the Guru cakra is called Gurusakásha." (5)

AUTO-SUGGESTION DURING THE TIME OF SLEEP

"If a person constantly chants his or her japa mantra or meditates ceaselessly, then the rhythm of this japa, the rhythm that adores the Guru during dhyána, will act as auto-suggestion during the time of sleep, although the person will not remember it. After waking up, the person may wonder what the state of his or her mind was while he or she was asleep. He or she will feel that the state of sleep is the lack of any idea or thing – a sense of vacuum." (6)

DHYÁNA AND JAPA EVEN IN SLEEP

"The pulsation that is caused by the action of japa or dhyána links the jiiva [unit being] with the higher realms, and establishes it in the cognitive properties for the time being. The pulsation that is caused by some physical condition is an unreal dream and connected with the mundane realm, and has no value. So when, through the symphony of meditation and japa, the rhythm of life persists, it is called dharmamegha samádhi. Moreover, if the symphony of meditation or japa persists for some time, and if in the natural course of events the jiiva does not forsake the meditation or japa, then loss of memory does not occur. This state is called dhruvásmrti, or “infallible, eternal memory”. A sádhaka with this capacity continues his or her dhyána and japa even in sleep. This kind of japa is called ajapá japa – which is to say, without one actually performing japa, japa is going on – or adhyáná dhyána – which is to say, without one actually meditating, meditation is going on." (7)

"BEFORE HAVING ANY OTHER THOUGHT"

"[One] should remember the Guru in the Guru cakra. This they should do sitting in siddhásana [perfect posture] or any other convenient ásana [posture], on the same blanket, skin, seat or bed as they had used for sleeping, immediately after waking up and before doing any other work or before having any other thought – even before performing their morning duties or any other task. This will be a high category of Gurusakásha. If it cannot always be done immediately after sleep, it is essential to remember the Guru early in the morning after overcoming sleepiness. If this is done, they will meet with success or illumination in each and every subtle and spiritual task that they perform in the course of the whole day. It is said:"

Prátah shirasi shukle'bje dvinetraḿ dvibhujaḿ gurum;
Varábhayakrtahastaḿ smarettaḿ námapúrvakam.

[Early in the morning one should meditate on the Guru in varábhaya mudrá with two hands and two eyes seated on a white lotus in Guru cakra, and remember Him by chanting His holy name (through a mantra).]

"Prátah means “in the morning”. Understand that prátah is indeclinable. So the first, second, fourth, fifth and all other case endings are not needed – there is no inflection or declension. Prátah, prátam, prátena, prátáya, prátát, prátasya and similar forms of declension will be out of place, since with an indeclinable word no suffix is added. Shirasi means “at the topmost point” – that is to say, in the Guru cakra. Shukle means “in a white”; abje means “in the lotus”; shuklébje means “in or on a white lotus”. And you have to meditate on the Guru who is dvinetra [endowed with two eyes] and dvibhuja [endowed with two hands]. In what posture is this Guru endowed with two eyes and two hands? In varábhaya mudrá [the gesture imparting fearlessness and bestowing grace]. He is your well-wisher and your benefactor."

"Whatever words you use mentally to address the Guru at the time of dhyána or Guru dhyána, should also be used at the time of this Guru dhyána. You should always address the Guru for an extended period. This is Gurusakásha." (8)

Namaskar,
In Him
Subhash Deva


REFERENCES
1-8: Yoga Psychology, Under the Shelter of the Guru

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

***************************************
Why Some Sadhakas Can't Do Sadhana Properly

"A Parrot says so many things, without understanding the meaning, without understanding the spirit of what is meant. Japa kriyá becomes as meaningless as the talk of a parrot for those who do it without love or emotion. It even loses the value of internal suggestion, intro-psychic suggestion...Where the Supreme Cognition is not loved, where the Supreme Cognition has not been accepted as the only object of adoration, withdrawing one's propensities becomes meaningless, because they are not guided unto Him."

"Where there is no love, the mind will not run after Him. So dhyána also becomes meaningless...So, if people practice all these things without having love for the Supreme, they won't be able to get anything. But, if there is an iota of love, if there is a wee bit of love, they gain everything." (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, Who Is Gopa?)


When a sadhakha does sadhana and repeats their mantra, then it happens that the mind goes somewhere else. When the sadhaka realises that their mind has run far away, then they bring it back and again start repeating their mantra. Then again, the mind runs away. In this way, the mind runs away unknowingly - again and again - and time passes. This is a very bad situation, yet not uncommon.

The crucial point is that when there is love for Parama Purusa the bhakta's mind naturally runs in that direction - i.e. towards Him - and one's mantra japa flows smoothly. Otherwise, without love for Parama Purusa, one's mind runs hither and thither. In that case, the sadhaka's mantra japa is like a parrot's talk. The parrot does not have any feeling for what it says. It just repeats those words meaninglessly, and when a problem comes that parrot cries out. Such is the situation of a sadhaka whose mind wanders in sadhana. The key point for keeping the mind focused is love for Parama Purusa.

That love or devotion can be cultivated if one tries to engage in more and more spiritual endeavours. Then the mind will become accustomed in that way.

For example, initially on the first day when parents attempt to send their child to school, the child does not want to go. After much pain and effort the child goes. And once the child is habituated to going to school, then it likes school more than staying at home.

The same is the case with sadhakas. When the mind is crude then it does not like to do sadhana. Rather the mind just runs away. Yet as the mind engages more and more in spiritual endeavours, it is more attracted in that manner and likes to do sadhana. It is just like the child who gets accustomed to being in school. Likewise, the mind becomes accustomed to being in a spiritual flow.

That liking or attraction towards Parama Purusa is devotion. While the allurement towards worldly things is asakti.

If, when not doing sadhana, one tries to do some sadhana-related engagements like svadhyaya, kiirtan, sadhanaunga, japa, and thinks about Him off and on throughout the day, then the mind will develop a greater and greater proclivity towards spiritual life. Then more attraction towards Parama Purusa will develop. That is love or bhakti.

When that happens, the mind will not run away unknowingly and uncontrollably during sadhana and engage elsewhere. Rather it will stay fixed towards that spiritual endeavor. That is the key ingredient and solution. Then this disease of absent-mindedness in sadhana will be resolved. That is the stage when the mind will not run away in sadhana but rather become fixed to Parama Purusa.

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

Current Affairs: AMPS - Group Fighting - Causes & Solutions #1

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:47:33 -0000
From: "Manoj"
Subject: Current Affairs: AMPS - Group Fighting - Causes & Solutions #1
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== CURRENT AFFAIRS: AMPS - GROUP FIGHTING - CAUSES AND SOLUTION ==

~ Part 1 ~

Namaskar,
When Parama Purusa comes in the form of Mahasambhuti, all His engagements in that form come within the scope of "Naraliila of Parama Purusa". Many things He does people don't understand - they do not know the reason. That's why those types of events are called "liila". The reasons of which are known to Him only. So Parama Purusa is infinite and His liila is also infinite.

This is also one of His liilas: On one side in the scriptures He has written that He lives with devotees. That is true. But there is another side to the story as well.

HISTORY OF MAHASAMBHUTI

Lord Shiva came and then Lord Krsna came. In each of these circumstances, Mahasambhuti engaged with various types of people. Some were very good; some were normal. One common theme was that those working with Him thought that they had higher realization of and greater proximity with the Lord.

The same thing happened in Baba's time as well.

Such persons working around Mahasambhuti thought that they are most close to Him. Why did they think like this? Because they were in close physical proximity to Parama Purusa. For this reason, they thought they were psycho-spiritually close as well.

WAYS HE GIVES HINT OF HIS LIILA

In His divine liila, Baba reveals His teachings in various ways: Through stories, humor, Prabhat Samgiita, and discourses etc. Through these media, He reveals His inner thoughts in various ways.

THOSE PHYSICALLY CLOSE MAY BE SPIRITUALLY FAR

Baba has also given this following Prabhat Samgiita which demonstrates that those physically close may not have been very close in other realms.

"Keu ka'che peyeo cinate na're, dure thekeo cene..." (Prabhata Samgiita 3286)

By getting physically close they do not recognize Him, whereas some from even distance recognize His magnanimity. And some by getting His sweet touch even, they drown in staticity. And some without knowing, they unknowingly believe fully in His greatness. O' my Lord, You are doing so many things for me. You are filling my heart with the nectar. I am so unfortunate that after all this grace I do not recognize You and remain oblivious.  - PS #3286

Clearly this song - "Keu ka'che peyeo" - gives this message that living physically close to Parama Purusa is not the defining quality of one's devotional stature or closeness with Parama Purusa. Living in His physical proximity does not mean one is psycho-spiritually close. Many lived physically close to Mahasambhuti, yet they remain far from Him. In contrast, many live physically far, but keep Him in their hearts.

Innumerable examples of this can be given. We can determine one's true relation with Mahasambuti by examining a person's conduct. This formula applies to those who were living physically close to Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna or Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. By examining their conduct, we can undertand their real proximity to Parama Purusa.

THE YADAVA DYNASTY

We know the history of those in the lineage of Lord Krsna, His family the Jadu (Yadava) dynasty. They killed themselves with their blindness. They were all proud, to belong to the same lineage and part of Lord Krsna's family, but by their actions we can understand that they were not truly close with Lord Krsna. They were not close psycho-spiritually.

The history is that after the Maha'bharat was over, the Yadavas - family members and disciples of Krsna - had nothing to do other than to drink wine and enjoy materially. And one day under the spell of wine they started attacking and killing each other. A group conflict erupted and everyone was killed.

Here below Baba describes how the Yadavas killed each other.

"In the Jadu dynasty during the time of the Mahabharata ... Balaram was the elder brother of Krs'n'a and the king of the Jadu dynasty... Balaram was also an alcoholic. [And when Balaram and the Jadu family drank at one gathering]. The resulting drunkenness caused people to quarrel amongst themselves. Eventually they killed each other at Prabhash Tiirtha and the Jadu dynasty was destroyed." (Prout in a Nutshell - 15, p. 62)

"When at last the Yaduvamshii [Jadu Dynasty] were destroyed in Prabhasa Tiirtha, Krśńa did not help them; rather He said that they were immoral and He could not support them." (Discourses on the Mahabharata, Lord Krśńa's Unique Approach)

EARLY DAYS OF ANANDA MARGA

Please look into this following example about those who were working along with Baba as a WT, or in any type of working relation. They were thinking they are most close. To remove their illusion, one day Baba told about the "Ringing Bell" story. (If you do not know this story then speak with senior margiis or acaryas.)

We have seen downfall of those who were in close physical proximity to Baba. And we will go on seeing. Because, ego is the worst enemy.

One can cite the name of Pranay Kumar Chatterjee, the first GS of Ananda Marga. And then Vishokananda, the first PA. Then Madhavananda, and so many such persons. These type of events are not new. Earlier in the Jamalpur days, many persons had this type of vanity - that they were close. Later on their glory became one with the dust.

Baba says, "Aham'ka'rah patanasya mu'lam" ["Pride goeth before a fall"]. (Namah Shivaya Shantaya)

SAME THING - OR WORSE - HAPPENING NOWADAYS

So at the time of Lord Krsna, the Yadavas drank, became intoxicated, and destroyed themselves.

Now in Ananda Marga we are seeing a similar scene: Those at the top are drunk with power. Groups have been formed and lines have been drawn. Both the sides are full of vanity. With whatever power and position they have, they are trying to root out others. They are on the attack for more power. They can do anything and everything for their own agenda, and wholly overlook ideological guidelines which Baba has given. Looking back at the history of what happened to the Jadu dynasty, then we have to consider the outcome. In the same are these group leaders going to meet a similar fate?

"They killed each other at Prabhash Tiirtha and the Jadu dynasty was destroyed. People who follow a path which is devoid of ideology are bound to meet the same fate. Eventually they will destroy themselves by their infighting... Consequently different groups are formed. We see this situation today." (Prout in a Nutshell - 15, p.62)

BABA'S BLESSING

I recognize that some difficult challenges may be on the horizon. But by the following Baba's blessing, I never feel pessimistic. I know that the future is bright.

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 it seems that everyone is in a 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 realized 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." (Prout in a Nutshell - 7, p.67)

Baba says, "We shall no longer remain divided into various gotras, and erect artificial walls of separation among ourselves. Smashing all these barriers, we shall all sit and eat and drink together in the same compound, bound by the ties of one human family." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 2)

CAUSE OF DISUNITY, INFIGHTING IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

BABA SAYS IN ORDER TO HAVE UNITY THE FORMULA IS...

    "Unity among the members of any society or social structure is absolutely necessary, otherwise the structure will start disintegrating. Lack of unity among the members of society because of too much self-interest in the individual members, the formation of groups for economic or social advantage, and the lack of understanding of others, act not only to bring about the downfall of society, but also can wipe it out completely from the face of the earth. Instances of many groups and empires disappearing altogether are not rare in the little-known history of this world."
   "The problem, therefore, is the preservation of unity in society. Unity in society will be ensured if it is possible to enthuse the members of society with the following: a common ideal, a casteless society, collective social functions, and no capital punishment." (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

 BABA SAYS IN ORDER TO HAVE UNITY FORMULA:

A COMMON IDEAL

   "A common ideal: It is often heard that a particular country was never so united as during war. This is partly due to love of one's motherland, but more importantly, it is due to all the individuals having a common ideal: facing the perils of war. This common ideal is, however, a very temporary phenomenon and disappears when the dangers of war diminish."
   "In Ananda Marga the seed of a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a child's life. At the age of five, when the child has acquired only a preliminary understanding of his or her surroundings, he or she is given the idea of Brahma [the Supreme Entity]. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal or goal – Brahma. This foundation will never be lost like the dangers of war. Such an ideal will not disappear like the common ideal of facing the dangers of war; so the unity in a society founded on the ideal of Brahma will be everlasting." (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

APPLYING THAT TO AMPS

In above His discourse "Social Psychology", Baba explains that four essential factors are needed to create unity.

Baba says, "Unity in society will be ensured if it is possible to enthuse the members of society with the following: a common ideal, a casteless society, collective social functions, and no capital punishment." (A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology)

Here we shall address the first aspect: A common ideal.

Prior to 1990, there was a common ideal. Everyone rallied around Parama Purusa - that was the unifying factor. There was a tangible do-or-die spirit for Guru. Armed with this common ideal, our Ananda Marga organisation stood as one monolithic structure.

After 1990, also, for the first few years there was a common ideal. All in Ananda Marga looked upon the communists as an enemy. In rallying against the communists, there was the presence of a common ideal. To the degree that this was present,the  there was unity.

But that common ideal soon faded.

Thus, due to lack of a shared enemy and a lack of accepting Parama Purusa as a common ideal, (i.e. common patrimony or one family where Parama Purusa is the Father), the seeds of division crept in and two distinct groups were formed - each with their own agenda. The fracturing has continued ever since.

Essentially, the group in power is prone to splitting whereas the non-dominant group holds together because they are have shared ideal - i.e. rallying against the dominant side. And that is what we have seen in AMPS. The Ranchi camp is the dominant group but they have divided into various sub-factions: Rudrananda camp, Nigamananda sub-faction, and Ananda Giita group and others. B group has stayed as one body when they accepted H group as an enemy. When that ideal faded, their cohesiveness was lost.

This has led to the rise of infighting.

When Brahma is not the common ideal of all members of society, then there is no chance for unity. Without that common ideal, unity cannot last. A group may maintain unity temporarily based on having a common enemy. But when there is no common enemy then disunity occurs. For lasting unity there must be a common ideal.

Those who cannot understand this notion of a common ideal should think in this way. So long as Iran says that the US is an enemy, they keep unity. Similarly, Pakistan says India is the enemy and by that way they keep unity. And now, every country has this type of temporary unity and the world gets disunited. In the US, the various political parties united after 911 and then they disunited when they no longer had an enemy as a  common ideal.

Margiis could be united easily by embracing Parama Purusa as Father. Nowadays unity is maintained in a particular group by embracing an enemy as a common ideal - but that is temporary as best. Further requisite points for achieving unity will be addressed in forthcoming letters.

"The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal or goal – Brahma. This foundation will never be lost like the dangers of war. Such an ideal will not disappear like the common ideal of facing the dangers of war; so the unity in a society founded on the ideal of Brahma will be everlasting." (A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology)

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Manoj

Do You Know Why AM is Special

To: AM-GLOBAL
Date: Wed, 25 May 2011 13:55:02 -0000
From: NJK Majumdar
Subject: Do You Know Why AM is Special

Baba

== DO YOU KNOW WHY AM IS SPECIAL ==

Namaskar,
We all know that in our A'nanda Ma'rga Baba places tremendous emphasis
on the dual approach of spiritual sadhana and social service. Both have
a huge role to play. For that reason some may be thinking that our
spiritual life and our social life are therefore equal in all regards.

Without going too deeply into the matter, this might be a logical
conclusion one would make: Estimating that both are 50-50-- the same
size & of equal value etc. It is easy to surmise how someone might
conclude in that fashion.

However, Baba's divine teaching is something else. As important as our
social life is, Baba here unveils and expresses the vastness &
unparalleled nature of our spiritual approach in A'nanda Ma'rga.

Baba says, "Our spiritual life is not a part of our social life; our
social life is a part of our spiritual life." (Poona DMC, 26-11-79)

Thus, Baba's above teaching establishes the supremacy of spirituality as
He tells that everything falls within the scope of our spiritual life.
That is, our spiritual life is not a subset of our social life; but our
social life is a part of our spiritual life.

With this is mind, that means that our entire social dealing comes under
that great umbrella of spirituality. Or, another way of saying it is
that nothing comes outside of our spiritual approach. Everything is part
and parcel of that. Hence in Ananda Marga we say that spirituality is
the top-most thing-- the summum bonum of life.

Baba says, "Spirituality is the summum bonum of life in all its
aspects." (Idea & Idealogy, p.77)

Here are more points which lead in this same direction-- which highlight
the greatness of spiritual life in Ananda Marga. All brothers and
sisters should also write in with their perceptions and thoughts also.

AM SPIRITUALITY IS THE VERY PULSE OF OUR LIFE

The path which Baba has shown us-- the path of Ananda Marga is totally
revolutionary since it is deeply ensconced in the nectar of
spirituality. From birth to death and from morning till night, the life
of an Ananda Margii is filled with spiritual practices and cosmic
ideation. When one emerges from the womb and enters this world then
immediately that infant is drenched in the singing Baba Nam Kevalam. And
it continues on from there. Hence in AM spirituality is our very heartbeat.

OUR DAYS AND NIGHT ARE FILLED WITH SPIRITUALITY

By Baba's grace in AM our spiritual approach continues through the whole
life. In the morning we greet and start the day with our practices of
Guru Sakash and paincajanya etc, and the whole day follows in that flow:
Doing sadhana, reciting our bath mantra, taking second lesson before our
each and every work, ideating as we say namaskar, singing kiirtan etc.
Each and every activity through the day is linked with the Cosmic Hub--
Baba.

And then after dark we go for night sadhana and ultimately take rest
with His name on our lips-- dreaming of Him.

About this holistic ideal, Baba has given one divine sloka:

'Kuru punyam ahora'tram'
Meaning: Do virtuous deeds day and night

In Ananda Marga we are ideating on Brahma during the day and performing
our various works and duties and then when sleeping we are repeating our
Ista mantra or dhyana mantra during the night. In that way each and
every second of the life is drenched in the sweet flow of spirituality.

A'NANDA SUTRAM:

AM PHILOSOPHY IS SPIRITUALLY BASED

As we know, in Ananda Sutram Baba has outlined the whole of AM
philosophy in seed form. In sum there are 85 Sutras in these five
chapters. Yet the first four chapters-- or the first 69 Sutras-- deal
exclusively with points of spirituality. There is no hint of mention of
social life in these sections.

Then in His revolutionary approach in the final chapter of A'nanda
Sutram Baba incorporates our social life and Prout-- all neatly woven
into the context of spirituality. Hence Prout is a sub-set of AM
spiritual ideology; Prout is a God-centered philosophy resting on the
dynamic force of AM spirituality.

By all this we can all easily understand that in AM spirituality is the
main thing. This is the divine flow of life in Ananda Marga.

A'NANDA MA'RGA IS A REVOLUTION

The path of Ananda Marga is the top as our Marga maintains its stance of
spirituality throughout all the realms of life. This is one of the
reasons why we say AM is a revolution-- and far above the rest.

In comparison, the dogmatic religions fall way short of the mark. In
their most basic and fundamental sense, at best the religions
theoretically aim to be spiritual institutions; but in actuality just a
tiny partition or a small segment of religious life is for Godly
pursuits. And even that small piece has gotten infested with dogma.

Hinduism started with some aspects of meditation and other spiritual
points of yoga and Bhagavata dharma, but even then it was just a small
part of the life. The proof being that the great Shankaracarya himself
declared that people could not dedicate themselves towards spirituality
until after 75 years of age. And not just that, but step by step,
Hinduism has totally fallen away from any pointed spiritual approach.
Such that now, the touch of true spirituality is all gone from their
religious dealings and their followers just indulge in idol worship in
the temples and other dogmatic rituals.

To their own degree, Christians may even be less in this regard. They
have no meditative practice to speak of and their prayer etc is done on
Sundays only. So their religious life is extremely limited and tucked
away into a little corner.

So in this way each and every religion has partitioned its prayer
practices to a small part of life which is hardly even visible and which
barely touches the seed of their existence. Rather they are totally
governed by materialistic policies

Only in the dharma of Ananda Marga do we see that living aspect of true
spirituality ensconced into each and every cell of one's existence.

WE MUST TAKE CARE

From top to bottom, spirituality is everything in AM. That is the be-all and
end-all of our existence.

Even then in this crude era of kali yuga, due to the enormous onslaughts
of materialism etc, from time to time we all get pulled and dragged into
mundane duties and worldly obligations. We all have huge quotas and lots
of pressures to attend to in this regard: Bills to pay, houses to
maintain, plus all the negative allurements of the general society to
combat. This is the harsh reality which we are facing nowadays.

Indeed, we can see that even our Dadas get caught up in this rush of
external living and mostly they just do sadhana so that they can eat.
Means sadhana is just a ticket to get into the dining hall-- nothing
more in many cases. I think we have all seen such things.

So we all know that spirituality is everything yet the practical reality
is that whether we like it or not on various occasions we are all
getting dragged head first into mundane life. No doubt we are all
following 16 Points to the best of our ability etc, but the general flow
of the world is pulling us strongly in its crude direction. In the face
of mundane pressures our sadhana time gets reduced, asanas get skipped,
and so many things unfold. No need to list them here as we are all well
aware about what happens.

Hence even though in Ananda Marga, spirituality is the most treasured
aspect of life and as much as we practice it during our days and nights,
still the reality is that the mind tends to become extroverted due to
the extreme amount of mundane pressures.

Taken altogether, we should be extremely careful and take whatever
measures necessary to reverse this trend. Baba's following teaching
leads in this same direction.

Baba says, "This element of devotion, the most precious treasure of
humanity, must be preserved most carefully. Because it is such a tender
inner asset, to preserve it from the onslaughts of materialism, one must
build a protective fence around it, just as people put up a guard-rail
around a small tender plant." (NH-LOI)

So Baba's divine direction is to safeguard this most precious thing:
Devotion, which is the seed of true spirituality.

In this regard we can take steps by singing more kiirtan, keeping strict
timing for our sadhana, encouraging ourselves and others to be vigilant
in 16 Points, and evaluating our lives every 15 minutes to see if we are
on the right path or not. On this aspect also, it will be highly
inspiring to hear everyone's suggestions and recommendations.

By this way, and with Baba's grace, we will be able to maintain and rise
above the challenges-- delving deeper and deeper into spiritual life.

SPIRITUALITY IS BEYOND ALL RELATIVE BOUNDARIES

Here Baba once again highlights the supreme nature of spiritual life.

Baba says, "That ultimate and absolute ideal is the Cosmic ideal - an
ideal beyond the scope of time, place and person. It is the Absolute,
without and beyond relativity. It stands with its own lustre for all
times and for every factor of the Cosmos." (I & I, p.76)

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's divine grace each and every margii will taste the supreme
sweetness of AM spirituality & reach unto Baba's divine lap in this very
life.

Baba says, "The human being's mission in life is movement towards
perfection-- towards God. This is one's dharma, or duty. In this
struggle, the forces of evil [materialism etc] are bound to be defeated.
That has been the case all along, and that will repeat itself." (AV-23,
p.81)

Namaskar,
Nagendra

Note 1: SPIRITUALITY IS UNPARALLELED

OUR SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY IS A PART OF THAT

Here Baba reveals the awesome nature of spirituality and that taking
this as their base Neo-Humanism and Prout has been formulated etc.

Baba says, "Spirituality provides a human being and humanity at large
with that subtle and tremendous power with which no other power can be
compared. Therefore, with spirituality as the base, a rational
philosophy should be evolved to deal with the physical, psychological
and socio-philosophical problems of the day." ('The Cosmic Brotherhood',
5 June 1959)

Keeping our spiritual ideal at the fore, Baba has given us the way to
identify, address, and solve each and every difficulty of our social
life. This is His great blessing on the humanity.

Note 2: SPIRITUALITY IS THAT UNIFYING FORCE

In His below teaching Baba pointedly guides us that it is the golden
thread of spirituality which will bring together all the various beings
of this universe.

Baba says, "The Cosmic ideal alone can be the unifying force which shall
strengthen humanity to smash the bondages and abolish all narrow
domestic walls of fissiparous tendencies." ('The Cosmic Brotherhood', 5
June 1959)

**********************************
Brave Persons

Baba says, "Do not remain worried about your individual problems at all.
Be prepared to carry your own burden and be prepared also to carry the
burdens of others. Then alone are you brave. Be dagdhabiija. Everyone
has their own individual problems. Do not try to pass them on to others.
On the contrary, bear the burdens of others. No one is your enemy. Be
ready to bear the burdens of others." (AV-30, p.4)
**********************************

Do You Know This Important History?

From: "Gagan Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Do You Know This Important History?
Date: Sun, 01 May 2011 18:17:25 -0000

Baba

              == DO YOU KNOW THIS IMPORTANT HISTORY? ==

Namaskar,
For decades and years - including up to the mid 90's - the situation in Ananda Marga was very tough. The scene was quite bleak. The communists were openly attacking and targeting AM. Here below is some of the documented history from that era.

By Baba's divine grace, those brutal attacks have since dissipated. It is just His grace.

But that history should not be lost forever. Here it is for your review.


         HOW COMMUNISTS INCITED MOB TO ATTACK THREE DADAS

In this chilling, first-hand account, one of our most senior Dadas describes below how he and two other workers were brutally attacked and pulled from their compartment on a train. This stirring incident clearly shows how ghastly we were treated those days. And this following scene is not an isolated account. There were many attacks of this ferocious nature wherein communists fired directly or incited riots against the Marga.

Dadaji's account starts here:

    'The four of us came to the Krishnanagar railway station [in Bengal]. The
Baharampur-bound local was not to arrive yet for an hour. We sat on a bench
on the platform and engaged ourselves in conversation. Some unknown men,
standing some distance away attracted our attention. They were looking at
us suspiciously and talking among themselves....'
    'The train for Baharampur arrived on time. We were quick to get in and
occupied some seats. Within half an hour the train reached the Dhubulia
station of Bengal where it was to stop for a few minutes. As soon as the train
stopped, some men crashed into our compartment and began attacking us,
shouting at the top of their voices, 'You hypocrite sadhus! Kidnappers! Get
down from the carriage, quick!'. Grabbing our arms they were about to drag
us out of the compartment. Their violent appearance, the smell of liquor on
their breaths, their crude language and beastly behaviour showed they were
some antisocial gang. There was no doubt that their action was
premeditated; they attacked us with definite motive. We were nothing before
their combined force; we were totally helpless. Even then, our moral
courage was decidedly stronger than theirs. We stood in defiant protest
against their onslaught...'
    'The train had moved a little distance from the station, but suddenly
came to a creaking halt. The gangsters had pulled the alarm chain.
Instantly a large contingent of ruffians broke into our compartment,
shouting filthy, abusive language. This time their aim was to haul us off
the train. They used their combined force and started to drag us by the
arms. They were mad in their bestial behaviour. The other passengers were
frozen in terror...'
  'Some ladies were trembling and broke into tears...'
  'Suddenly, something flashed in my mind. There was only one who could
save us from this predicament. Closing my eyes for a few seconds, I
concentrated my mind on Baba. I regained my strength and equanimity.'
  'On the platform we faced a huge crowd of hundreds of people. They
pounced upon us immediately and started heckling us. They pulled off our
turbans and tried to tear our clothes off us, pushing and pulling at us
from all sides, shouting the same names as before, 'Kidnappers! Beat them!
Beat them!' They were like a pack of frenzied wolves, it was quite useless
to inquire which boy, whose son, where, who. I realized we were the victims
of a planned conspiracy. I again remembered my saviour Baba and surrendered
to Him...'
   'We were dragged forcefully along the railway lines, the gang hitting
us with all their might. They brought us to as big field adjacent to the
station. In a twinkling of an eye, thousands assembled there. Some had come
with the intention of teaching some child-stealers a good lesson, some had
come to get a kick out of beating us and others came to enjoy these jokes.
Pulling and pushing and dragging us, we were brought, at last, to the
middle of the field.'
   'We were surrounded by angry, leering men on all sides. To them we were
only kidnapers to be brought to mob justice. Vulgar words were continuously
thrown at us. Different people were threatening us with any weapon at
hand-- branches, bamboos broken from some fencing, iron rods. We were
victims of a deep conspiracy and would be the victims of a lynching. After
this not even our nameless corpses would be found. With fear in our eyes we
trembled to think what lie ahead and again remembered Baba. We consecrated
ourselves to Baba's holy feet and stood motionless, our eyes closed, lost
in the thought of Him...'
    '...[Later] They surrounded the room. They started to pound and beat on
the door. We had bolted the shuttered, barred windows from inside, but they
were hitting them violently. Soon the latches were broken and the panels
splintered. They started throwing rocks and brickbats through the broken
windows; we sheltered ourselves in a corner of the room. Some of them were
trying to break the iron grilles off the windows....This tremendous struggle continued for a long time...'    
[Ultimately in the end], the Supreme Father snatched us from the jaws
of death when escape seemed impossible. I felt we all got new lives handed
over to us. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I offered my homage to Him for
His kindness and mercy...Nobody can snatch the Lord's loving children from
the ever-secure shelter of His feet without His consent..." (Dada Sarveshvarananda, My Days with Baba, p.155-61)

Note: if you wish to know the full story then kindly read Dadaji's book.

Such brutal attacks against Ananda Margiis were carried out for years and years; tragically this was not an uncommon occurrence. So many have their stories to tell. In the above account the aforementioned Dada survived, but all too often our Dadas died. In Ananda Nagar our Dadas were butchered and in so many other places as well.


                                   1982 MASSACRE AT BIJON SETU

The tragedy of the massacre at Bijon Setu (Kolkata) stands out as one of the most singular acts of brutality against the Marga. As we all know, that day 17 workers were pulled from their taxis and beaten with iron rods and finally burned. All died.

(Note: Of the 17 who were murdered that day, 15 were AM monks; 1 AM nun; and 1 margii named RamRaghuvar Agrawal who was BP of Jaipur unit Rajasthan. It should also be recognised that Vanshidhar Parikh of Jaipur was in one of those taxis as well but he was spared because he did not have a beard and those communist killers were confused about whether he was really an Ananda Margii or not. Those who know Vanshidharji should forward this letter to him. We would like to hear from him directly so we can get his full account.)

Our dedicated workers were heading to an educational conference and the road was blocked by a raucous crowd. The murders were committed in plain daylight with thousands watching - news spread of this throughout Kolkata - but not a single arrest was ever made. The communists were firmly in power those days.

Please see the attached scans related with this ghastly crime. (Note: If you wish to receive more scans from this article let us know.)

By this incident it is clear that the communists were determined to destroy AM property and kill every Ananda Margii; their approach was a form of genocide.

So for decades and decades the situation in AM was very difficult. Outside enemies would attack us without any provocation. Through their crude, wide-spread propaganda it was thought that Ananda Marga should be exterminated - period. They were burning and destroying our AM schools and eliminating our acaryas and margiis. This is the well known history.


                                                  BABA'S GRACE:

                                    THINGS IMPROVED AFTER 1995

Thus everything must be viewed by the context of the day. There is always a socio-political landscape at play. And for us, in those days the scene was that the communists were brutally attacking Ananda Margiis and wiping out our properties. Indeed they were blowing up our schools and buildings with dynamite.

All this happened up to a certain time. Yet after 1995 such gruesome attacks came to a halt. One may say it is coincidence, or whatever the reason. After that year everything changed. I do not know why it changed, what happened, or who was the cause, but I see very clearly that things changed.

It is just like how coyotes howl at night yet when morning comes the whole scene changes. Coyotes do not bring the dawn but when dawn comes coyotes disappear.

After 1995, something happened and thereafter the situation changed: Communists did not attack with such force and brutality.

It is just Baba's grace that now we are no longer openly targeted like we were those days.

May we all remember Baba's divine words as an eternal source of inspiration:

Baba says, "The grace of Parama Puruśa is always showering on all without exception. Therefore, attaining immortality is the birthright of every human being." (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3)

Namaskar,
Gagan


                                        PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma'y cha'r'iya' kotha' ja'o e nirajane..." (PS 665)

Purport:

 Baba, You are my closest One. O' my Beloved, where are You going in
this isolated, lonely dark night-- leaving me all alone. O' my dearmost
Baba, please do not go away from me. Baba, why are You making me cry so
profusely & letting me float in the tears of my devotional longing for
You. Baba, please smile always in my mind, constantly radiating Your
sweet, divine love.   Baba, by Your grace I have loved You so intimately
in dhyan; You know it well.  Baba, You are my dearest One. But if You
were really a good person You would not play this heart-breaking liila
with me each and every moment; You would not leave me in this dark hour.
Baba please be merciful; please remain here along with me.   Baba, there
are countless devotees with great qualities & talents who love You very
much. Indeed there are numerous persons with top-notch merits & virtues
who have deep longing for You. Because of this, it seems there is no
place for me in Your mind-- neither during daytime nor nighttime,
neither in dream nor in awake state: Never.   O' Baba, please do not
leave me alone. Please shower Your causeless grace on me by keeping me
eternally in Your divine shelter...


         ******************************************
                          Blow on Human Intellect

Baba says, "They [groupist leaders] concoct various so-called scriptures,
they formulate all kinds of logic. They maintain to the human race that all
the races in this world are not equal. Thus instead of considering the
interest of the entire human society, they give preference to the interest
of a particular community. This loud propaganda in favour of a particular
community, this parading of irrational logic, this sort of fallacious
argument, all combine to stifle the spontaneous growth of human intellect.
This sort of mentality is called dogma." (AFPS-4, p.61)

Note: Some groupist leaders in our Marga are moving in this same narrow style.
         ******************************************

Baba is Not One, But Three

From: "Shantatma Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba is Not One, But Three
Date: Mon 18 Apr 2011 08:27:55

Baba

                         == BABA IS NOT ONE, BUT THREE ==

Namaskar,
These days one negative trend has started. Some are going to the jagrti thinking that there are three Babas. They do sastuanga pranam separately to each one and ask for boons.


                                 WHERE ARE THOSE THREE BABAS

First they go to the dharmacakra hall and see Baba #1 and do sastuanga pranam to the Baba who resides only on the puja table.

Then they go to the pot of holy ashes and see Baba #2 who resides only in those ashes and do sastuanga pranam and ask for some worldly blessing from that #2 Baba.

Later on they go to Baba #3 who resides only in Baba's room and do sastuanga pranam to that Baba.

This is the way that some people think:
(a) They feel there is one Baba who resides permanently in the DC hall, so one must go to the puja table in the DC hall and do sastaunga pranam to Baba #1. 
(b) And then there is the Baba who resides inside the pot of holy ashes. This Baba never comes out from that pot so one must go very close to that pot and offer their sastaunga pranam to Baba #2.
(c) Finally they think there is another Baba in the bedroom who never comes out. He remains there always. So one must go to the bedroom / Baba's room and pay salutations to Baba #3.

This is way one can pay respect to all three Babas. Otherwise they feel it is not complete.

So if someone does not get the opportunity to see one of the Baba's because the room is locked etc, then they are saddened. They feel that one Baba remains unaddressed and they will be unhappy.


                           DOGMA OF HINDUISM IS GROWING IN AM:

                        EACH BABA GRANTS DIFFERENT BOONS

So the polytheistic, multi-god phenomena which is a widespread dogma of Hinduism is now creeping into AM.

Such worshipers do not have any discomfort with what is happening, rather they appreciate that Baba is three now. They think one must please and salute each Baba to get His grace.

In the next phase they will delineate which Baba offers which boon. For instance:
(a) The Baba #1 who resides in DC hall grants the power of intellect.
(b) The Baba #2 who resides in the ashes grants the boon of worldly wealth and money. (c) The Baba #3 who resides in Baba's room / bedroom grants good health + the solutions to all other problems.

In that way, pilgrims choose and select which Baba they will worship depending upon which problem is most acute in their life. Accordingly, they will go and visit the corresponding Baba: Baba #1, Baba #2, or Baba #3.

This type of bizarre outcome is unfolding and now our duty is to save the situation.

Tragically, this is the way the dogma of a polytheistic, multi-god approach has come into AM. This type of dogma is getting propagated.


                                   GIVES MORE POWER TO TOP WTS                                                
Those dogmatic in-charges and avadhutas appreciate this 3-Baba dogma because by this way their own importance is enhanced. Since those Dadas control the jagrtis and have the lock and key to the various rooms etc, their status has been raised. In order to see all three Babas, margiis have to please such Dadas by offering gifts, respect etc.

In so many places in India and in overseas countries this dogma is becoming more popular in our Ananda Marga. Indeed this is most unfortunate; it is a shame.


                                        GOOD SADHAKAS ATTACKED

There is a growing backlash that sadhakas face as well. Wherever this dogma has taken root, then good sadhakas who do not appreciate this 3-Baba dogma get blamed and labeled as crude and devotion-less. That is another unfortunate outcome.

In that case, in order to keep their prestige and because of mounting fear & social pressure, everyone wants to salute Baba #1, #2, & #3 - whether they like it or not. This is the way things are going.


                                               BABA'S GUIDELINE

To understand how harmful all this is for one's spiritual progress, we have to consider Baba's below teaching. In the following quote, Baba is guiding us that God is one. Wherever you are He resides in your heart He never leaves you.

Baba says, "The second type of viveka paiṋcaka is dvaetádvaeta viveka. Through dvaetádvaeta viveka one gains the capacity to analyse whether the eternal entity is one or more than one and come to a conclusion accordingly (dvaeta means dualistic and advaeta means non-dualistic). There cannot remain any svagata, svajátiiya and vijátiiya differentiation in the entity which is beyond time, space and person. So it is not possible for the Eternal Entity to be more than one. Various beliefs about the so-called gods – that one god defeated another in battle, but was later harmed enormously by his adversary’s wrathful vengeance; that a certain god spreads or cures a certain disease; and that another god distributes wealth or learning – are contrary to Dvaetádvaeta Viveka. In spiritual practice nityánitya viveka is not enough, Dvaetádvaeta viveka is also necessary. For success in spiritual practice both nityánitya viveka and dvaetádvaeta viveka are indispensable. They enable people to realize that all the objects bound by time, space and individuality are transient while the Entity beyond the periphery of time, space and individuality is permanent; It is one without a second." (Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 7)

Clearly then, in our AM spiritual approach, God is one. That is Baba's distinct teaching. So this 3-Baba ritual is a clear-cut contravention of our AM ideals. Baba is one.


                                               BABA'S BLESSING

As bhaktas we must never forget Baba's divine teaching that He resides in guha, core of the mind.

Baba says, "One has to search for Him in one’s guhá. Guhá has a couple of meanings – “cave”, and the “I”. Here the second meaning applies. One has to search for Him in one’s “I”. The one who is inside your “I” is you yourself. Search for your self – you will find Him. As long as the [real] you is there, the Lord is also there." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-23)

Thus, that singular divine Entity resides in the inner recesses of one's own mind. That is Baba's divine teaching. Parama Purusa resides within. Baba is within the mind.

So the three-Baba dogma that is unfolding today is nothing but a black spot on the pure spirituality of Ananda Marga. We must oppose this dogma and uphold Baba's divine stance: That He resides in your mind.

Namaskar,
Shantatma


Note 1:                          SHORTCUT WAY IS EASIER

Generally human beings like such types of shortcuts that is why this 3-Baba dogma is growing. Sixteen Points is hard to follow and yama and niyama is also difficult. This 3-Baba dogma makes it "easier" to get Baba since He is divided into three. It is encouraged by our priests.


Note 2:                 HISTORICAL VALUE VS RELIGIOUS DOGMA

Valuing a place for its historical significance is totally different from going there and paying salutations and thinking that God is limited to that spot. When we visit the Taj Mahal we go for historical reasons not for any other reason. We do not think that Baba is stuck inside the Taj Mahal etc. The proof being that we do not bring garlands and do sastaunga pranam to Him there and ask for boons. Likewise when visiting the jagrti we should not think that Baba is limited or confined to the DC hall, a pot of ashes, or Baba's room etc. Baba resides in the mind. One can pay their salutations to Baba anywhere and everywhere because Baba resides within. There should not be any confusion about this.


                                       PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ogo prabhu tava la'gi ga'ntha' ma'la' shuka'ye ja'y..." (P.S. 1935)

Purport:

Baba, Oh my Prabhu, the garland which I prepared for You is gradually getting dry and wilted. Day by day my longing for You is increasing. My waiting for You has been in vain. Neither did You come, nor did You accept my garland. These days even the red sun is unpleasant for me - and it was very blissful for me in earlier times. But now it's brilliance is no longer shining for me. Passing the days in longing for You, my heart is restless. Everything is unpleasant for me these days. Even the gentle sweet breeze is no longer alluring  for me. Due to my mind's restless state, my mental darkness has become more deep and more dense. Indeed in my mind, the blackness which was present increased. Day and night is passing this way, in Your longing. Baba, I do not mind if I cannot hold You. Also I do not mind if You do not look towards me with Your sweet, loving smile. One thing You can do though - since I am very low, please grace me. By Your ahetuki krpa, come close to me. Baba, in Your absence, everything in my life has lost its charm. My existence has become totally dry. Time is passing like this. Baba, please grace me and give me Your darshan...
                               
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                                                  Remedy

Baba says, "On imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured." (PNS-8, p.19)
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