Baba's Flying Messenger

Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:37:23 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba's Flying Messenger
From: RB_DEVA@ecectronic...

Baba

             == BABA'S FLYING MESSENGER ==

Namaskar,
As Ananda Margiis, the best memories and most beautiful experiences in
our life revolve around being with Baba-- either through our dreams, in
our sadhana, or being in His physical proximity. All these remembrances
bring a wave of sweetness and bliss. And truly we are blessed to have
His personal touch in this life. That is nothing but His divine grace.

One of the greatest things about Baba is that everything He does is
aimed towards bringing us closer to Him. His teachings, His stories, His
affection, His scolding, His directives, and His humour are all done for
one special reason: So that we may be drawn closer to Him and realise
His infinite love.

In that way, everything He does is for our betterment and growth and
this following story leads in this very same direction.


                   "A FLYING BUFFALO HAS TOLD ME..."

We have all heard the line, 'A flying buffalo or camel or lizard or
various other types of animals have come and whispered in my ear'. This
extremely humorous explanation was Baba's way of telling us that He is
aware about each and every thing and that He is always with us-- caring
and watching.


           STORY ABOUT KAOSHIKII COMPETITION AT DMC

One time at DMC in April in Daltonganj, all the margiis and acaryas had
assembled and were excitedly waiting for Baba's divine arrival into the
Pandal. The year was 1984. There was so much anticipation and so much
electricity in the air and our Marga was on the rise. Everyday Baba was
giving new teachings and every week more and more devotees were coming
from around the globe to be with Baba. The days of Emergency were now
long behind us and everything in AM was thriving. New people were
swarming into the Marga.


                 ALL WAITING FOR HIS ARRIVAL

So in that anxious moment when all were waiting for Baba's august
presence, the pandal was filled with the devotional chanting of kiirtan.
And after every round as the kiirtan was sung, we are were sure that at
this moment Baba would make His arrival. But alas it was not to be. And
again the devotional longing would mount in kiirtan until the thought of
Him still not coming was unbearable. We were all lost in His thought and
His rhythm.

Then just as it seemed that the kiirtan would go on forever, there was a
massive call from the front of the pandal, 'Parama Pita Baba Ki!' and we
all shouted 'Jai!".

Still there was no physical sign of Baba's arrival but we could feel
that any second He would come forth. Then again came the call 'Parama
Pita Baba Ki' and in unison everyone responded 'Jai!'. This went on for
4 or 5 more rounds until the sound reached its peak and every cell of
everyone's existence was totally focused on His coming.


                         BABA'S DIVINE ARRIVAL

And in that electrifying moment, Baba emerged from behind the stage and
did His folded hand blessing to all. A wave of bliss spread through the
mass of devotees who had gathered. And in a majestic way Baba walked
across the stage, using His cane in the most regal manner. Cries of,
'Baba, Baba, Baba' filled the air. And all the while there were Dadas
surrounding Him watching His each and every step.

When Baba reached the dais and turned to sit down, then immediately PA
Dada came forward and removed Baba's shoes and helped get Baba
comfortably situated on His seat. Pillows were arranged and everything
was made neat and clean. A glass of water was offered to Baba and He
sipped gently from the glass taking a small amount of water.

Little by little, the sound in the Pandal began to lessen as all eyes
became fixed on Baba. Everyone was watching Him intently to see what
would happen next. Then in a joyful mood, Baba asked, 'How is everyone?
Have you had enough to eat? Are you alright?'. And everyone responded,
'Yes Baba'.


         BABA'S FLYING MESSENGER & KAOSHIKII COMPETITION

Then came the call for brothers kaoshikii. Still at that time, kaoshikii
was relatively new, and everyone was learning to improve their rhythm
and form. So in that spirit, a kaoshikii competition wa to be done in
front of Baba. So many brothers participated and Baba gently nodded
approvingly as they did their dance.

At that time, many of the margii sisters were thinking to themselves
that they would not have to dance kaoshikii today as they were not prepared.

So after the brothers finished their dance, then Baba look around and
everyone was waiting for the inevitable-- for Him to request the sisters
to dance kaoshikii. But it did not happen. Baba delayed and the room was
quiet.

And then in the next moment, in Hindi Baba said, 'A flying camel has
come and told me that the girls do not want to participate in the
kaoshikii competition'.

After saying this, then Baba was smiling and looking all around the
pandal and in response everyone started smiling and laughing.

Seeing this whole scene, then the sisters quickly came forward and said,
'We want to participate in the kaoshikii competition'.

Then Baba replied, 'As you like'.

And accordingly those sisters did their competition in kaoshikii and
Baba gave His approval.


          BABA'S SPECIAL WAY IS ONE BOON FOR DEVOTEES

So during reporting and dharma samiiksa etc, and in various
circumstances, Baba would tell that, 'A flying buffalo has told me...'.
This was His charming & sweet way of telling us that He is always with us.
In countless reportings He did like this.

By this expression, we are to understand that we are not alone and that
we cannot do anything in hidden or secret. We should always think that
He is watching. Through this approach, then the sadhaka will become pure
and sanctified as one will not indulge in negative things because they
will think that Baba is always watching.

And certainly, if one cultivates this habit and thinks that Baba is
always watching, then their real spiritual life starts. Furthermore,
when they start thinking in this manner all the 24 hrs, then they are
established in Brahmahood. In that stage they cannot do anything wrong.

Verily this entire process is one practical way of doing second lesson.
This process is also used in dhyana as well. Because a devotee serves
Parama Purusa then they should feel that He is watching.


                 WATCH OUT FOR AVIDYA MAYA

We know that human life is for sadhana but obstacles invariably come
from avidya maya. One or another trick of maya keeps the sadhaka blinded
and gives them the feeling that materialism is everything. And another
form of avidya maya pulls them away still further by giving them the
false notion that spirituality is meaningless and garbage. Indeed we all
have to be very careful about these two negative forms of avidya maya.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace when a sadhaka moves one step closer to Parama Purusa,
then one feels the presence of vidyamaya and inspiration comes in the
mind that, 'human life is very short and my goal is Parama Purusa and I
want Him'.

When this feeling comes then the sadhaka rushes headlong to Parama
Purusa and in a very short span reaches Him. Then only does human life
become successful. In this entire approach, Guru's grace is everything
so we should always beg for His grace. O' Lord please be gracious.

Baba says, "The greatest human treasure is devotional sentiment,
devotional wonts. This devotional wealth must be preserved; otherwise
humanity will lose its most valuable possession. The people of the
present-day world have made considerable progress, so now they must not
permit this highest human treasure to be destroyed. Whenever we see that
the pressure of external circumstances threatens this life essence, we
should pray to the Supreme: 'O Lord, please be kind enough to protect
our inner vitality from total destruction. Save us from the agony of
total loss'." (NH-LOI)

Namaskar,
Rambabu


Note 1:        UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE FLYING MESSENGER

First and foremost, it is the unquestioned truth that Parama Purusa knows everything.

And sure enough, there was one way for Baba to come forward and say, 'I
know everything'. But this He did not like to do as it sounds a bit
arrogant in this present era. In the past however, Lord Krsna did
proclaim as such because the society was ready to listen. But in this
present era, Baba chose not to say like this.

Instead, Baba opted for a more indirect approach. So He employed the use
of one 'messenger' who would tell Him everything. Sometimes that
messenger was a flying camel, or a flying buffalo, or a flying lizard
etc. There were so many animals who 'came to Baba as messengers'. This
was Baba's chosen style.

Yet internally we all know that Baba knows everything and no one really
believes that the messenger-- such as a flying camel-- is something
real. So this is not something to take literally. It is just Baba's
sweet way of telling us that He knows everything.

In the past however, people have taken things literally such as when
Veda Vyasa Deo told his stories and in turn the common people built
statues based on those tales. Obviously, this type of misunderstanding
should not occur in this present era. We should clarify the point now
that Baba was just joking and those flying camel messengers were not
real. Otherwise in the future people will take it seriously and make
statues of those flying buffaloes etc. So this dogma should not be
allowed to happen.

And it won't so long as we all know and propagate that those flying
animals were not real, just it was Baba's sweet way of telling us that
He knows everything and that always He is watching for our welfare.


                           PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Sukhe dukhe a'mi toma'y bha'loba'si, toma'r tare ka'ndi ha'si..."
(P.S. 2679)

Purport:

Baba, in both my pleasure and pain I love You. I cry as well as laugh
for You. My entire existence is revolving around You. You are my
everything. You are the jewel of my heart-- the most precious and
attractive thing. In my mental sky You are the only shining Entity, like
the full moon. You are my everything.
 Baba, I do not know since which hoary past You came in my life. And
when You made everything effulgent. You created this world and since the
dawn of this creation You are. Since that time the divine effulgence is
still shining as it is--unchanged. It did not become faint. It does not
obey the time factor. It is eternal.
 Baba, You are One but You are expressing Yourself in infinite ways.
You are that Singular Entity but also You have created many. This whole
creation is also Your form. So You are always playing Your divine liila
with this world which You have created. This divine liila is a mix of
darkness and effulgence. By this way and with the attraction of Your
love, sometimes You keep me close and sometimes You keep Yourself at a
distance.
 Baba I am singing Your name and keeping Your warm feeling in my
heart-- all the time, day and night. 24hrs. It is Your grace...



           **************************************
               Definition of "Real Discipline"

Lord says, "And what is discipline? The Sam'skrta term for `discipline'
is 'anusha'sanam'. And what is anusha'sanam? `Hita'rthe sha'sanam
ityarthe anusha'sanam.' When the code of discipline is imposed with the
spirit of welfare, with the spirit of development, it is called
'anusha'sanam' in Sam'skrta. There is no corresponding English word."
(AV-3 p.30)
            **************************************

Baba Story: What to Ask For...

Date: 04 Apr 2011 19:37:22 -0000
From: "Bhavanath  Rajpal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: What to Ask For...

Baba

              == BABA STORY: WHAT TO ASK FOR... ==

Namaskar,
Along the spiritual path there are various types of devotion such as
sattvik, rajasik, and tamasik bhakti; apara' bhakti and para'bhakti;
jinan mishra, karma mishra, vaedhii bhakti and shuddha bhakti; and
raganuga and ragatmika bhakti etc.  So we should be aware about all
these and compare with our own approach to see what category we are in.

Here following is one interesting story related with this:


               BABA STORY:  PROPER DEVOTION

One very senior margii Shrii Gangodakamji from Dhanbad, Jharkhand
reached to visit Baba. Those days, Baba was living in Ranchi. And this
particular incident took place around the year 1970.

So by the sweet grace of Revered Baba, brother Gangodakamji got the
opportunity to go for Baba's field walk. And along with Shrii
Gangodakam, 4-5 more margiis also got permission to go along with Baba.
So they were next to Baba's quarters, all  waiting for Baba to come out
just before going for field walk. Gangodakamji was there with the
others, waiting for Baba to come. That time, Gangodakamji was seriously
worried about his daughter's marriage. Because after a lot of trying, he
could not fix or arrange it. So with that worldly intention, actually he
came to see Baba.

So when Baba came out from His quarters to go for field walk. That time
everyone who was standing outside did Namaskar. And then Baba proceeded
for field walk. And by His grace, Gangodakamji got the opportunity to
sit in Baba's car along with one more margii.

When Baba took His own seat inside the car, then that time again
Gangodakamji did namaskar. And during that moment, he was seriously
thinking and mentally asking Baba to fix his daughter's marriage.
So while receiving his namaskar, Baba scolded Shrii Gangodakamji--
"Chhi, Chhi, Chhi!!! Shame, shame, shame!!!

Baba said, "Ganga, what nonsense you are thinking. While in contact with
Guru, such mean and low thinking should not be entertained. Don't you
think that Parama Purusa is taking care of your things! You don't have
any faith on Him?". Baba was in serious mood.

All those who were sitting in the car were shocked by seeing Baba's
mood. And Shrii Gangodakam also felt shame. Because this incident
happened in  front of many, that's why it became very often cited.
It is Baba's liila. 'Still, these days Shrii Gangodakamji is a very
respected margi in Dhanbad. By Baba's grace, in due course all his
daughters got properly married and in suitable houses they are living.
So everything is depending on Baba's liila.'


              THE SENSE WITHIN / GURU'S GUIDELINE

Although this story is very simple, but it has very deep meaning. Being
a senior margi and good devotee, while facing serious family trouble,
Ganga asked such worldly blessings from Baba. This type of thing is
quite common, for any devotee, in day-to-day life. And this story gives
this teaching that, whatever the circumstances may be, odd or most
critical. Nevertheless one should not surrender to circumstances in any
condition. One should not ask any worldly things from Parama Purusa.'

Means we should not ask anything from Baba. But it is not limited up to
that fact that when people were visiting with Baba personally or going
on field walk, or anywhere then we should not talk. It is not limited
with that particular scenario revolving around Baba's physical presence
only. Rather Parama Purusa is everywhere, and He sees all and still
today all the moments and all the 24hrs through His ota and prota yoga
Baba is along with everyone. He is sitting in the heart of devotees. So
when one comes in contact with Guru. Means when one is doing dhyana,
sadhana, or any type of mental communication with Parama Purusa, or just
expressing the feeling inside the mind. Then that very time all these
worldly desires should not be there. Because in various discourses Baba
has given the hint that one side things come and on the other side
things go. Because the nature of this world is transitory. Things come
and go. So asking for worldly things is not going to satisfy everything.

If the desires will be fulfilled then they will just decay also or
create other types of reactions. For example suppose You got $50,000
then that money will not last forever-- step by step it will dwindle
down, decay, or vanish entirely. Likewise if anybody is suffering from a
disease and asks for it to be removed, but then after some time that
disease might return back again. So one should not ask anything from
Him. That is what He is teaching here.

Thus here the whole point is that Guru's contact does not mean only that
which occurred on the physical sphere. Rather in all the spheres this
teaching is applicable. It was that very time and the same thing is up
to the far distant future also.

So this is Baba's guideline. Unfortunately all kinds of dogmatic
religions are just based on this crude notion of offering. That is why
the common tendency or low-mindedness is there to ask for something
worldly or to do like that. But such an approach ruins the devotion,
that is low devotion. So those who are good margiis should understand
that this story teaches that.

So if any sadhaka thinks such things in any moment and especially at the
time of sadhana, then that has negative effect. Because Baba is living
with one and all. And He listens to the mental thought of each and every
of His devotees. So first thing, one should not ask any worldly things
from Baba. One should only say, "O Parama Purusa, as You wish, that You
do. My everything is in Your hand." But if one is very much anxious to
ask something, then one should ask only para'bhakti. Highest devotion.
Because, worldly things are transitory. Today they are, tomorrow they
will go. They will perish.


                       SIMILAR SCENE

At one of the Ananda Nagar DMC's around '88, after His discourse, Baba
also explained the same thing in front of all devotees. That one should
not ask anything from Parama Purusa.

Because when something is granted then side by side mental peace goes
away also. Or it can happen like that. That is the law of nature. For
example suppose one person became the prime minister. By that way he got
honour, respect, but his freedom is gone. Because now all the 24 hrs he
is surrounded by guards, secretaries, staff etc. So one side they get
something and other side their freedom is gone. Similarly, if someone
starts earning more money by operating their business, then that will
invite more psychic tension. More things to worry about. So side by side
all the things happen. So this world is like that some things You get
and attached to that one shadow is there already.

Or suppose one person got one very good job. Then they get tied up in
that and that have to do a lot of things etc. Plus the phone is ringing
all the 24 hrs. So his peace and tranquility is gone-- his freedom is
completely disturbed. That is why many fans do not like to accept higher
jobs etc.


             FORMATION OF OLD PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Similarly Baba further explained at that time, about His grandmother's
story. That, His grandmother was singing one bhajan every day. And while
singing, she was crying. The meaning of her song was, "Oh Parama Purusa,
You have given me everything. Even without my asking. But in return, I
did not give You anything. Only I have expressed my desire to get more
and more." With this feeling of gratitude towards Parama Purusa, Baba's
grandmother was singing and crying.

And Baba added, that "Based on this idea I wrote this Prabhat Samgiita #209

- 'Tomare asiim apa'r bhalobhasar vinimaye haye ki va diyechi'"

Meaning: In return of Your infinite love and care towards me, Oh what
have I given to You...I have given nothing.

The proper dharma is to surrender to Baba, and Baba alone. And follow
His guideline.


             A FEW OF BABA'S DIVINE GUIDELINES

Here following are a few of Baba's teachings on this very subject.

Baba says, "Ra'jasikii Bhakti: In this category of devotion one does not
think of harming anyone, but asks for a mundane favour for oneself. For
example, one may pray to the Lord, "Oh Lord, please bless me so that I
can score high marks in my exams and thereby procure a good job." To ask
for worldly favours as a result of one's crude devotion to the Lord is
not at all desirable. The Lord may or may not fulfill your desires, but
one thing is certain : you will never attain liberation or salvation
because you did not desire it." (SS-8)

Baba says, "Ra'jasikii bhakti [mutative devotion]: In this type of
devotion, the mind moves towards Parama Purus'a, and there is devotion,
no doubt, but the mind does not want to attain Parama Purus'a. Here the
sa'dhaka prays to Parama Purus'a, "O Lord, grant me some kind of
progress or financial achievement or a promotion in my job or more
profit in business." In this type of devotion you do not pray to Parama
Purus'a to help you by harming your opponents -- so far, so good -- but
still you do not want to attain Parama Purus'a, you also want something
for yourself. And for this reason, you will not attain Parama Purus'a.
This is no doubt a type of devotion, but it is not the best type of
devotion. (SS-14)

Here is what we should ask for.

Baba says, "The devotees with kevalá bhakti in their hearts do not
ask Parama Puruśa for anything. Even if Parama Puruśa proposes
to give them this or that, the aspirant will say, “No, Lord, I don’t want
anything but You. I want to remain with you. What You are offering to
me is a trivial thing; I want You and You alone, nothing else.” (SS-14)

Namaskar,
Bhavanath


Note 1:            ABOUT MARRIAGES IN INDIA

In India, one's daughter's marriage is treated as the most critical
thing. Because here in India, in the life of a family person, there are
certain things which stand out as most significant. For their entire
life. These are: #1 daughter's marriage, #2 son's job, #3 having one's
own house. If anyone in their entire life has accomplished all these
three, they treat themselves as very fortunate in worldly sense. And
these three things are not a joke. To achieve any one, it may take ten
years or twenty years of constant effort. Usually, their whole life
savings people invest in one daughter's marriage. Even then, they don't
get satisfactory relations. And if they get, they feel fortunate. That's
why being a devotee, Gangodakamji shouted Baba's help to solve the
problem of his daughter's marriage. Although it was mental request.


                               PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ekla' a'ma'y phele kotha'y gele cale..."   P.S. 1326

Purport:

   O' Parama Purusa, by Your grace I have deep longing for You, but You
have just cast me aside, thrown me away, and left me all alone. O' Baba,
to which far distant land have You gone.   Baba, why were You remaining
side by side together along with me all those days and why now without
revealing anything You just left. Why like this? What is this divine
game of Yours?  O' Parama Purusa why have You secretly left-- the tree
which You have planted is now full of flowers and fruits. The tune which
I practiced is still resonating in my mind, in my heart-- always, all
the time.
  Baba, I was shivering from that biting, bone-chilling, cold,
northern wind when You came and blessed me that Your divine warm touch.
That gave such a  soothing balm in my heart. That memory is still coming
in my mind. In my bad days when I was feeling completely lost and
alone, that very time You gave me shelter and You just lifted me up from
the dust and place me on Your Lap. That scene still is imprinted in my
mind.
Baba, even today the warm, southern breeze of Your sweet touch is
vibrating my whole existence. In the mind, it is coming in the shade of
the very well-tended madhavii garden. Baba, I and You were there and You
left me alone, where have You gone.
O' Parama Purusa I am still longing for You and counting the days.
Baba, please come...


         **************************************
                     Medicinal Food / Herbs

Baba says, "Antidotes of poison-- green tumeric, spinach leaves,
basil...mainly black basil and secondly white basil or any kinds of
basil." (SC-20 Bangla, disc 156)

Baba says, "If some negative effect is going on due to food poisoning or
because of eating poisonous fish, then without any delay a sufficient
quantity of spinach leaves should be eaten and by that way the poison
will be antidoted.  (SC-20)

Note: These above quotes are excepts from a particular discourse in
Shabda Cayanika.
         **************************************

Noose

Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:26:01
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "Priyanath C Deva"
Subject: Noose

Baba

                         == NOOSE ==

Namaskar,
Inside-- and even outside the Marga-- people want to know the secret for
gaining success on the spiritual path. How is it that one can escape
from the serpentine noose of maya and reach to that Supreme Desideratum.
Verily, there are so many tantalizing allurements in this world, then
how is it that one can free oneself from these attractions and reach to
life divine.

By Baba's grace He has given us the answer. And perhaps it is best
expressed by this following story.


                    THE KING ASKED ONE SAINT

Once one king asked a great yogi saint, 'How can I gain success on the
path of divinity?'.

In reply the saint told the king to do sadhana.

The king said, 'Yes, I of course do sadhana, but invariably I fall
asleep while meditating. So then what should I do?'.

The saint answered, 'In your kingdom you have a prison, and inside that
prison there are so many inmates, and some of them are going to be hung
for their crimes. On the night before they are to be executed, do you
think that they are going to sleep that night?'

'Of course not, most likely they will not sleep at all-- not even one
wink', said the king.

The saint responded, 'Exactly. They think their time on this earth is
short and soon they will die-- hence they cannot rest. Likewise, to
succeed on the spiritual path, you must adopt this very same notion: You
are not going to remain on this earth permanently. And in fact, you
might die anytime-- even very soon. If you think like this and remember
this, then you will certainly do what is most important right away, and
focus fully on your goal. Then you will be extremely alert and sincere
in sadhana and it is sure that you will proceed along the path of
divinity and get success.'

That was the very fruitful answer which the saint told to that king.


     JUST LIKE BABA'S TEACHING ABOUT THE GOD OF DEATH

The above account is one famous story and sure enough it is wholly
consistent with Baba's teaching: One must think that anytime the god of
death can knock on your door and snatch away your life. That is the
mindset one must have when doing sadhana.

Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' dharma'caret

Baba says, "That is, during dharma'caran, i.e. dharmic pursuits [following yama and niyama, service, svadhyaya etc] one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one’s hair – that one’s death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (Subhasita Samgraha, part 11)
Thus only when one realises the extreme temporal nature of this world,
can one truly progress on the path of sadhana.


                      WHY THIS IS NEEDED

The reason why it is so important to develop this strict mindset in
sadhana is because this world is full of allurements and attractions.
And so long is one is enamoured with these pleasures-- like money, fancy
jewelry, the opposite sex, big houses, prestige, etc-- then it is not
possible to march quickly on the path of spirituality. Because one's
mind will be full of those worldly desires & allurements.

As Baba says, every human being has come from animal life and those
baser propensities are still-- to some or more degree-- active in each
and every person. So people are easily attracted to the mundane
allurements of this quinquelemental world. That is 'Part A'.

And the 'Part B' is that people think that they have come to live in
this world forever. Even when faced with death, they think that death
will never befall me.

Along these lines, one time a devayoni yaksa asked Yudhisthira, 'What is
the most surprising thing about human beings?'.

And the wise Yudhisthira correctly replied, 'People think that they have
come to live in this world forever. Even when carrying the corpse of
their dead friend to the cremation ground, they cannot believe then
death will one day come to them as well.' (Ref: AV-29 (H))

Thus everyone is attracted to the allurements of this world, and
everyone thinks that they are going to live on this earth for ages and
ages and ages. No one can believe that one day they too will perish. So
they pass their days pursuing so many worldly pleasures and comforts--
like wealth, name, fame, beauty, etc-- and they think they will enjoy
those things up to eternity. That is the way their life unfolds.

And this is how the noose of maya keeps people stuck in the endless
cycle of birth and death.

According to Baba, it is only possible to extricate oneself from this
never-ending affair, by taking a strong resolve. If one thinks that,
'Death can come anytime to my door and I must reach my goal before this
happens', then and only then will one not be swayed by the short-lived
attractions of this world. Rather one will be vigilant in sadhana and
get success.


            A SEED WITHOUT WATER WILL NOT SPROUT

Just as a seed without water will not sprout, similarly a sadhaka who
thinks that this world is their permanent abode cannot progress on the
path of spirituality. One must think that this life is fleeting and that
at any moment one can die. One must adopt the basic feeling that, 'I
have a short time to reach my goal'. This is the food or fuel that will
enable one to gain success.

Without that, one will drift from one worldly allurement to another.
That is the common problem that binds most every human being on this
earth. They may or may not have some passive or theoretical
understanding that one day they are going to die, but, practically
speaking, they live their life on this earth as if they are going to
remain here forever. All their plans and programs are geared along this
idea. I will buy a house, I will get lots of money, I will have a fancy
car, everyone will honor me, I will become a person of respect, and this
will continue forever and ever. People's plans are like that. In this
way maya bounds them and they cannot get success in spirituality.


           ONE MUST ASK PARAMA PURUSA FOR HIS GRACE

Thus one must remember the ephemeral nature of their life on this earth
and always remember their goal. And then one more thing is needed to
succeed in order to escape the noose of maya.

One must ask Parama Purusa-- one must ask Baba in dhyana-- to please
grace them in sadhana. One must think, 'O Parama Purusa, You are my only
respite from this mundane world, only You can pull me from the grip of
Maha Maya. So please shower me in Your infinite compassion so I can feel
You in my sadhana, please allow me to tread the path of spirituality and
reach unto You. O' Baba please be gracious.'

With this final ingredient, one is sure to get success.

Baba says, "O Parama Purus'a, grant me devotion – that devotion which
will enable me to love you every moment in newer and still newer ways.
For you are endless and your expressions are also endless. If I learn
how to love You, I will be able to love You in endless ways. My life
will become effervescent with the sweet rhythms of the infinite. My life
will attain its highest fulfilment." (NKS, Disc: 26)

Namaskar,
Priyanath


Note 1:        SADHANA MEANS PRACTICE, NOT SAMADHI

Some do sadhana and just wonder why they are not feeling bliss or why
they are not getting samadhi. However, this is not the right way to
think about the situation. Sadhana itself is act of taking the proper
effort or engaging in the practice of meditating. We are trying to
ensconce the mind in a certain ideal. The mind may or may not cooperate,
but we are to go on trying, growing and developing and with that sincere
effort, by His grace, one day-- step by step-- we are sure to get
success. So no one should give up or be frustrated that they are not
getting samadhi. Sadhana is the practice and that is what we are to do
twice daily, at minimum.


                                   OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

Baba says, "At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do not have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the ácárya/á. The word deva should be suffixed to the name...the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings." (Caryacarya-1)


                                      PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Prabhu toma'r liila' apa'r, buddhite ke bujhite pa're..." (PS 507)

Purport:

  O' Prabhu, Your divine liila is beyond all human comprehension. Merely
relying upon one's own minute intellect, who can understand Your vast
cosmic liila-- no one. Baba, You are present in form as well as in the
unexpressed universe. You reside within everything and You are also
surrounding each and every one. Baba, You are infinite. Baba, by Your
grace You are present in the depths of the deep blue ocean as well as in
the whiteish fog of the tall mountain peaks. Wherever I look or see and
even in the places that I cannot see, everything resides within Your mind.
  Baba, You are present in the poreless, solid stone and lac, and You are
also present in the revolving seasons. You are in the mobile as well as
immobile entities; You are everywhere. Baba, whatever I think and even
what I do not think, everything resides within Your mind. Baba, You are
so vast.
  Baba, Your liila is fathomless; I long for Your causeless grace; Baba,
I want Your shelter, please grace me...

Baba's Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:15:43 +0530
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: "Deva_Sudhakar"
Subject: Baba's Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

Baba

                            BABA'S GUIDELINE:

                  MANAGING TOUGH SITUATIONS

Namaskar,
Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. We all face
unexpected times and tough situations that make life overwhelming.
However, even then we will not be at a loss for how to proceed.

By Baba's grace, He has given us all the right practices and solutions
and addressed every circumstance.

In one particular English discourse delivered in Patna (1971), Baba
graciously gives us an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are
in an extremely difficult moment.

By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and
maintain proper adjustment and equipoise even in the most challenging
and unexpected situations.


             UNEXPECTED OR EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

The baby is sick...my father-in-law has fallen...my son got in a car
accident...my best friend was robbed...my deadline at work...my wife is
giving birth...my car broke down...I lost my wallet...my plane was
delayed....grandfather is dying...

So many unexpected and extreme situations arise in life. So many things
occur that are beyond our ability to plan - that take us away from our
daily routine.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go
all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life
becomes beyond our ability to manage. We cannot attend to our regular
duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand -
whether it be a birth, death, or something critical in between.

It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere
to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in
the best position to gain success and serve others.


                    MOST JUST EAT FIRST

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too
busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due
to a critical dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the
first thing they do is eat.

This is the common way most people proceed - or if they are really crude
they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol).

In AM also, when submerged in a crises or tough situation - while none
of us will smoke or drink - some will indeed eat food the first moment
they get.

But this is not the proper approach. Baba's guideline is something
altogether different.


               BABA'S SYSTEM: HOW TO PRIORITIZE

In His highly unique discourse from Patna in 1971, Baba gives us the
following formula for how to proceed in such situations.

When totally overwhelmed by a life circumstance and when thrown from our
daily routine, then Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is
sadhana.

So sadhana is #1.

In His divine discourse of 1971 Patna, Baba instructs us that even if we
have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of
unforseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5
minutes free, then we should do sadhana.

Because we are mental beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5
minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. So Baba's gives top
priority to doing sadhana.

Then if we have a little more time then we should bathe.

So taking a bath is #2.

With the mental stamina attained from sa'dhana', then we next address
our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath,
according to the AM system, will allow us to further revitalise ourselves.

Thereafter, when we have done 5 minutes of sadhana and taken a bath,
then Baba says we should take some time to relax.

So relaxation is #3.

Here relaxation does not mean rest or sleep. Actually in the discourse
Baba makes a joke that one should only take rest when they reach the
funeral pyre - not before. Everyone in attendance laughed.

The main point is that rest and relaxation are two different things. By
relaxation, Baba means taking a few minutes to calm the body and settle
the mind. It allows a person come back to their normal flow - reach a
state of balance. This period of relaxation might just be for a few
minutes, but it is very important to do.

Finally, after doing short sadhana, taking bath, and relaxing, then one
should eat.

So eating is #4.

Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has
given in this 1971 English discourse in Patna. And by eating Baba of
course means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly
and keeping the mind in a positive mode.

So these are Baba's step-wise guidelines for how to proceed when
encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from
their normal routine.


                     MOST PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE

Of course most of the world's population is totally unaware of Baba's
teachings so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, then they
do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In
that case, it is not just a single event, but rather their entire course
of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand
like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from
exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do they
may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved
one. All these things may happen in the heat of the moment.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind
in proper flow whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The
situation will not get compounded by other problems due to our own
negligence.


                       IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA

By His system of prioiritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives
great importance to sadhana. And of course in so many discourses Baba
tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

Baba says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth
is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life.
Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote
your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to
earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme
Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus,
the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals.
Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the
progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (YP)


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact
procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By
this way we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by
the tenets of dharma.

So always remember: First is sadhana, second is bath, third is
relaxation, and fourth is food. If we keep this system in mind and
follow it, then we will be in the best position to handle every and any
situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
Sudhakar


PS Intro: In the life of a sadhaka sometimes sadhana is good and one
feels very close proximity to Parama Purusa-- Baba. Then everything in
life is pleasing & charming: Blissful. Naturally though, over the course
of their systaltic movement, sadhakas inevitably experiences a phase of
pause in their sadhana. In that time deep, devotional spiritual ideation
and strong sadhana are almost impossible; instead the mind becomes dry.
One's surroundings become tasteless and in the heart the sadhaka starts
to feel that 'something is missing'. Because in the absence of the
Divine Entity-- Baba-- one's surroundings become bland & mundane. Even
then in the hearts of good sadhakas, they still have deep longing for
Parama Purusa-- Baba. And that blissful, devotional yearning is known as
melancholic longing. In the following song, this entire idea has been
expressed through the metaphor of the bakul flower garden etc.


                                 PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Jabe ei path diye esechile, viithika' pus'pe bhara' chilo..." (PS 2141)

Purport:

Baba, when You came to my home by this path, that time the garden lane
was full of sweet, fragrant flowers. By Your divine presence, my mind
became spiritually intoxicated with the divine aroma of those flowers.
On that occasion also the flow of songs was floating in the air. Baba,
since You did not come, even today that bakul flower lane is just lying
there vacant-- unused. Innumerable flowers have fallen and become one
with the dust. Where has that sweet flower fragrance of the bakul flower
gone. Now all its aroma is completely dried up. O' my dearmost, since
You have not come to this lane for so long, everyone has forgotten how
beautiful and charming that garden was. Because of Your presence.
Baba, anyhow still today the flowers on the trees are surviving, but due
to Your absence, the garden lane has lost all its charm. So those trees
are just weeping thinking how the days of old were so charming and
blissful in Your presence. Because in those days You showered Your grace
by coming down that garden lane. Those days were so magnificent and
blissful. But now You are not coming. So by remembering Your august
visit those trees are very unhappy. Their melancholic tears have totally
drenched the garden lane. And those trees repeat again and again that
despite having everything: The flower, the lane, the atmosphere, and
greenery-- despite all these things, in the absence of the One, i.e. You
Baba, this entire world becomes utterly meaningless and empty.
Baba, please be gracious. Do not remain distant-- always remain inside
my heart. Baba, please grace me so that I always feel Your divine
presence...


       ***************************************
        In Real Sense Everyone's Language is Same

Baba says, "Either from the psycho-physical or theoretical viewpoint, all
the people of the world have the same language. This is because the essence
of language, that is idea, is one and the same for all languages. Phonetics
may differ amongst languages because of differences in geographical
environment, which causes differences in racial and ethnic factors and
results in variations in the biological structure of the vocal chord. Thus
when the idea to drink water appears in the mind, then human beings may
express this idea differently. Some say, A'mi jal kha'ba while others say,
Mu jala pivu, and others say I want to drink water. Behind these different
expressions is the same idea." (AFPS-9)
          ***************************************

Those Who Love AMPS

To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "Blissful Tide"
Subject: Those Who Love AMPS
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:00:45

Baba

"Toma'y khunje khunje priyo, din je ket'e ja'y..." (P.S. 3982)

Purport:

Baba, my most adorable One, with deep longing in search of You my days
are passing in vain. In the absence of getting You my whole life is
gradually getting wasted. O' my dearmost, where have I not looked for
You. I have wandered around and searched in the seven oceans, on the
mountain peaks, as well as on the earth, and also in the caves-- in
every nook and corner of this world, but alas I could not get You. Baba,
day and night, secretly I also searched You in the flower garden and in
various holy lands and tiirthas-- all done in hopes of getting a glance
at You. Baba I searched everywhere with the hope that one day I will
find You. But, in the end, all my efforts were for naught. Baba, with
deep longing in my heart, I have also searched You in the galaxies,
meteors, nebulae, and in the stars-- all around & everywhere. Also I
searched for You in the dark, black coloured clouds on the rainy days,
in the scorching heat of the summer season, as well as in the shade of
the tree in springtime. Baba, I have searched for You with a deep
yearning and longing in my heart; I have looked for You everywhere.
Baba, by Your grace on one colourful golden dawn saturated in the
effulgence & aroma of a newly blossoming flower, You advented in my
heart. Your grand arrival came after a long, deep, dark, & painful night
of searching for You. But in the end You graced me and advented in my
mind. Baba, You are so gracious...

== THOSE WHO LOVE AMPS ==

Namaskar,
By following Baba's example, and even by looking at the general society,
we can clearly understand who really loves and cares for our AMPS.

Recently, one or two people on the email were complaining about and
accusing certain people why they never write about the good things going
on in AMPS. Why aren't those things good deeds - school openings or mass
feeding programs etc - reported about with more consistency. Why are all
the defects - like groupism, scriptural distortion, money scandals, &
dogmas like Mahaprayan and Fake Ananda Vanii - always pointed out. This
was their chief gripe. They were accusing that those who write about the
black spots in AMPS are enemies of the organisation.

Using our rational minds, let's examine the situation.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE GENERAL SOCIETY

Perhaps one of the more telling scenarios about love is this example
with the mother and baby.

If a baby is growing and developing in the right way, then that mother
will not inform all the people in town each and every day about how well
her baby is doing. But if her baby becomes sick or is diagnosed with a
serious disease, then in an instant that mother will tell all her
relatives, inform the school system, and quickly bring her baby to the
hospital and tell the details of her baby's health problems to all the
nurses and doctors. The mother does this not because she hates the baby,
but because she has deep concern and love for the welfare of the baby.
So when the baby falls into problem them immediately she brings the
matter to the attention of one and all.

Here the point is that when things are going well or as expected, then
one does not go all around town talking about those things again and
again. But when a problem comes, then those who care about correcting
the problem will raise the matter with everyone.

Let's take another example.

If in a town, a shoe factory successfully meets its daily quota of
producing 10,000 pairs of shoes, then the local newspaper will not write
a story about that good news. Because that is the expectation - everyday
that factory meets its quota. However, if there is an explosion in that
same factory and 20 workers die, then that newspaper will immediately
send a reporter to the scene and they will print a big article about
that disaster and include photos as well.

One cannot then blame the newspaper for only highlighting negative
things. Rather that newspaper's role is to alert the townspeople about
the calamity and help initiate an investigation so that another
explosion will not happen in the future.

These examples all denote how those people who are responsible and care
about a situation, they will be the first to alert others if there is a
problem.

In contrast, those who do not care will keep mum. They may not even
recognise that there is a problem.

BABA'S DHARMIC WAY - Part 1

Now let's see Baba's dharmic way of leading the society.

In His Prout teachings, Baba points out countless defects in the
society. He talks about the missteps in so many fields: Science,
religion, education, politics, agriculture, and in almost every walk of
life. Baba has so concerned Himself with the society's demerits that He
even wrote an entire series of books titled, "A Few Problems Solved".
Then there is another book titled, "Problems of the Day".

At the same time so many good things have happened in our society:
Excellent hospitals, good roads, a man was sent to the moon, great
inventions etc. But Baba does not spend huge time in His discourses
highlighting and praising all of society's achievements.

Instead He has invested thousands and thousands of pages to talking
about society's ills: Religious dogma, crooked politics, faulty economic
programs, disease, sickness, crimes and war etc.

But who can then accuse Baba of being an enemy of society. Rather He is
the loving Father of all - this is His creation - and it is out of deep
love and caring that He was spoken about the problems in society.

By Baba pointing out the defects, gradually everyone can understand what
needs to be fixed, and then society will grow in the proper way. That is
Baba's dharmic method. And it is all based out out deep, deep love.

BABA'S DHARMIC WAY - Part 2

Another clear-cut example of Baba's dharmic method is dharma samiiksa.

All know that Baba called thousands and thousands of people for dharma
samiiksa. This was one great boon for the society.

And in dharma samiiksa, Baba would apply His psychic magnifying glass to
a person's weaknesses and shortcomings. He would point out a person's
most serious demerits such a lying, hypocrisy, cheating, laziness etc.

Often times, Baba would have never even seen that person before and then
in this 8 - 10 minute interaction, Baba would harshly review that
person's character. Of course that individual also had so many good
qualities, yet Baba would not spend His precious time talking about
those things. Instead He would strongly rebuke that person for their
misdeeds.

And we all know that Baba is our greatest well-wisher. Due to His grace
and kindness we are all moving on the path of benevolence. Hence, no
right-thinking person can accuse Baba of being unjust or negative
because He has pointed out our defects.

Instead, every true sadhaka recognises that out of His great love, Baba
has painstakingly reviewed our conduct so we may grow in the best way
possible.

This all clearly shows that those who love someone or something will
always be the first to point out the errors and problems.

PRESENT SITUATION IN AMPS

We all know our AMPS is filled with so many good people and so many
excellent projects. We know that and we expect it to be that way.

Hence when something is awry - such as when power mongers & cheaters
have grabbed control of the organisation - then the need of the hour is
to first point out that wrong thing. Those who seek the welfare of AMPS
will always do like this.

Likewise, when dogmas like Mahaprayan and Fake Ananda Vaniis abound,
when certain key groupists are ruining AMPS, when certain WT trainers
are creating hell in TC, when those in Publications are misprinting
Baba's books, and when some are intentionally distorting Baba's
discourses then those who care about AMPS will raise these issues with one and all.

They will not keep quiet. Rather they will fill the air with reports
about all those problems until those things are known to one and all. By
that way the problems can be fixed - permanently. Thereafter, those
well-wishers will not talk about that situation again.

So here the whole point is that there are indeed so many good things
going on in AMPS. But talking about those things will not help our
society grow. Especially when at present there are numerous grave issues
halting and undermining the progress of our Marga.

In that case the order of the day is to bring those harmful defects to
the fore and get them solved. For this awareness is needed. The problems
need to be brought out in the open, not stay stuffed behind closed doors.

Thus when anyone accuses someone of being an enemy of the Marga for
pointing out the defects, we can understand that those accusations are
totally baseless. Because those pointing out the defects are on that
pathway to rectifying the situation in the Marga. Their heart and mind
are aimed toward helping our Marga Such persons love AMPS.

And most often, those accusing others of pointing out the defects are
themselves the problem creators and they want others to keep quiet so
that they themselves are not exposed in front of all. This is one other
dynamic at play.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace the whole approach of neo-humanism is to look upon all
with love and help them to grow by pointing out their defects. And that
same approach when applied to AMPS will lead to a brilliant and shining
organisation, free from dogma and exploitation. Hence those who love
AMPS will always point out the problems and difficulties. That is our
dharma - there is no other way.

Baba says, "So then, what is Neohumanism? Humanism newly-explained and
newly-sermonized is Neohumanism – the philosophy which will make people
understand that they are not merely ordinary creatures. This philosophy
will liberate them from all inferiority feelings and defects and make
them aware of their own importance; it will inspire them to build a new
world." (NH-LOI: Disc 11)

Namaskar,
Pradiip

******************************************
To Improve Sadhana

Baba says, "Abhya'sa is the creation of a particular continuous psychic
vibration. It is the most essential factor in the spiritual sphere. The
continuous endeavour to maintain the state of equilibrium of citta leads
to the attainment of sama'dhi. ...Sama'dhi becomes a natural phenomenon
as a result of continuous spiritual practice. Procrastination is
something undesirable on the spiritual path. If ever spiritual practice
is discontinued endless desirable and undesirable waves of thoughts
occupy the mind. Spiritual practice should be continued uninterruptedly
and with proper sincerity and veneration, otherwise sama'dhi will
forever remain a theoretical subject of philosophy, never entering the
periphery of practical realization. One must not adopt the psychology,
'I'm practising spirituality because my a'ca'rya (spiritual teacher)
told me to'. Rather one should think, 'I want to attain spiritual
realization. My a'ca'rya is merely guiding me along the path'. Only when
one takes full responsibility for one's own spiritual life can one
attain the peak of spiritual progress and become fully established on
the solid ground of spirituality." (AMIWL-9)

Note: By Baba's above significant teaching it is clear that regular and
consistent practice of sadhana is a must-- that is the only way to move
towards the Goal and heighten one's spiritual realisation. And side by
side sadhana must be done with a sincere heart and with the right motive
in mind. By Baba's grace every Ananda Margiis is involved in this grand
endeavour.

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