Way to Improve Sadhana #3

Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:44:59 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Viniita Kumar vk3451@dhp.....
Subject: Way to Improve Sadhana #3

Baba

 == WAY TO IMPROVE SADHANA ==
             
 ~ Part 3 ~

(This is the 3rd letter in this series. Links to the first two letters are appended below. - Eds)

Namaskar,
"Parama Purusa gives humans the requisite strength to face problems, resolve them, and proceed on the path. Whatever strength He has given, one should utilize in performing sadhana - sitting idle & asking for His grace will not do. One must put forth proper effort, yet at the same time udnerstand that it is all achieved by His grace. On the path of spirituality, when a sadhaka is involved in sadhana, an aspirant cannot even move one step forward without His grace - what to speak of attaining mukti or moksa. Nobody can achieve the Supreme Rank exclusively by their own doing - no matter how much they try. When one climbs the ladder of devotion, a time comes when one inherently feels the needs to ask for His grace." (Way to Improve Sadhana #2)

        

PARAMA PURUSA LIKES WHAT WE SHOULD ASK HIM

Actually, Parama Purusa likes that we should place such a request before Him: To ask for His grace.

Because, in devotion, love is not unilateral. Rather both parties involved - the Lord and the devotee - have love for one another. And when has love for someone then they like to satisfy their requests.

For example, if a mother has candy then she will certainly share that with her baby. And that will make her happy. But the mother will derive greater happiness if the baby first expresses the desire to have candy, then the mother will surely smile and feel greater joy in giving that candy to the baby. In either case the baby is going to get the candy, but the mother feels more love and joy by hearing the baby's request & then satisfying it.

Same is the case with Parama Purusa in devotional life.

Parama Purusa is going to shower His grace and grant everything (i.e. salvation) to the sadhaka, in the due course. But Baba will feel more pleasure and a greater bliss if the bhakta seeks His help and requests Him to grant more closeness.

This is the way it works, and as stated earlier, it is very natural. When one has love for Him, then the innate desire arises to ask Parama Purusa for something, i.e. devotion, and in satisfying the request Parama Purusa derives greater joy and more pleasure.

This is blissful for both parties: bhakta and Bhagavan.

BABA GRANTING PC

Many say that the whole reason behind Baba's granting PC (personal contact) was to awaken and deepen the devotional link by opening the pathway of communication.

As we all know, in PC Baba would ask all kinds of questions: What is your name, where do you live, how long will you be here, how do you feel, what would you like etc. All kinds of questions Baba would ask. Yet being omniscient, He already knew the answer. His only reason for asking them then was to show that in love, one communicates and asks questions. That is that way relationships grow.

Of course this type of interaction is not limited to PC only.

Baba resides eternally in our heart and mind so during any sleeping or waking moment, we may communicate with Him internally and He will give a response. It is not like our request will go into some deep void beyond. Rather, from our innermost core, we will feel His love and divine vibration. That is His response. One's inner sensitivities and feelings will feel satiated both in asking and in receiving His reply.

So this devotional experience of asking devotion from Parama Purusa is so very important and an absolute need - an emotional need. Without that, one cannot make an inner link with Him - one cannot surrender and create a personal relationship with Him.

Failing that - true happiness will always be at arm's distance, just out of reach, because no worldly gain or pleasure can bring lasting happiness. Only His love can satisfy our heart's desire. His love is infinite and our desires are infinite. So that is the perfect match - both mathematically and more importantly emotionally and devotionally.

THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY CONFUSION

In Ananda Sutram, 3-11 Pra'rthana'rcana' ma'traeva bhramamu'lam, Baba guides us not to ask anything mundane from God. Here Baba is primarily talking about the dogmatic religions.

The dogmatic religions have exploited the situation and capitalised on the emotional needs of their followers. The priests know that their followers feel the need to ask something from their god, but within the religious framework the requests are quite misguided and off the mark.

They ask their god to (a) make our religion successful in battle, (b) grant our people wealth and prosperity, (c) make us the chosen ones, (d) get my daughter married, (e) help my son get accepted into law school, and (f) there are so many requests that dogmatic worshipers place upon their lord.

But such pleas are essentially useless and anti-devotional. It is such type of requests that Baba is rejecting. In Ananda Sutram (3-11) Baba is directing us to never place such selfish & mundane requests to the Lord.

The only thing we are to request from Him is devotion.

Baba says, "Once you realize His grace, then you are in Him, you are totally absorbed in Him, you have become one with Him. That is a total victory. That is the final victory. " (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná)

Namaskar,
Viniita

Note 1: EARLIER LETTERS IN THE SERIES

 #1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/way-to-improve-sadhana.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/way-to-improve-sadhana_17.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

Baba

"Kare ja'tra' halo shuru, bhule gechi se katha'..." (699)

Baba, when exactly my journey started I do not know; it is not in my mind. I have completely forgotten the day when my journey towards You started. Since many lives, You have been attracting me - step by step. By Your causeless compassion, I am moving in that divine liila - reducing the radius gradually and coming closer & closer to You.  

How much I suffered on the way and, how many thorns pierced my feet and hindered my forward movement on the path - that I do not remember. Those memories are not in my mind.  

On the journey towards You, by Your grace, I crossed the torturous fiery blaze of the burning desert. And other times I got totally drenched from the pouring rains of the thunderstorms. But, no matter what the obstacle, You always blessed me with the strength and perseverance to move on. Baba, You are so gracious, You are always bringing me close to You.  

So many spring seasons and their beauty have come and I got intoxicated by that attraction. And in Your longing, in Your divine attraction, You filled my heart with devotion. O' my Dearmost, I sang Prabhat Samgiita and kiirtan with heartfelt yearning and longing. In this way my life has passed - sometimes in dark moments and sometimes in effulgent ones. But through it all, gradually I have reached close to You, under Your shelter. Baba You are so gracious. Baba, You are my everything...

Way to Improve Sadhana #2

Date: 17 Oct 2012 19:27:05 -0000
From: "Indranath  Dev"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Way to Improve Sadhana

Baba

== WAY TO IMPROVE SADHANA ==
            
~ Part 2 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. A link to the first letter has been appended below.)

Namaskar,
"Devotional life is no different. There is love - there is yearning - and there is an inherent desire to be more close. And the way to satisfy that desire of closeness is to request the Lord to grant me more and more devotion." (Way to Improve Sadhana - 1)

Yes, this is so true...the other way to think of it is this: Who does not want to go close to Parama Purusa? Those who are arrogant or self-important feel no need to ask for Baba's grace and devotion. That is certainly one category of person.

They think, "Whatever I need in life I will manage myself."

Such persons give undue importance to their petty self or unit ego. They suffer from the false notion that whatever they need they can satisfy with their own strength. They are utterly oblivious to the fact that they do not create their own energy. All the energy they have they derive from external sources like air, water, food, light, etc. And Parama Purusa is the ultimate source of all energy - directly or indirectly.

So when Parama Purusa provides you with all the energy you have then how can you say it is yours when it comes from someone else. Only those suffering from the delusion of materialism cannot understand this simple truth.

The reality is that nothing belongs to them - it has all been graciously given by Parama Purusa. Due to this fundamental lack of knowledge and this deficit in understanding, they wrongly brag about themselves. They are unable to conceive of anything beyond their unit "I" feeling. Because of this egoistic approach, their mind becomes dry as a bone. They forget about Parama Purusa entirely - what to speak of developing an intimate relationship with Him wherein they request His grace and closeness. This they do not do. By this way their mind becomes hollow and weak as they are centering around their own unit self.

Such is their egotistical feeling, and hence they will not ask bhakti from the Lord. But this is not their greatness, but rather their defect. Such persons are far from Parama Purusa. Immediately they should take steps to decrease the gap by asking His grace - asking for devotion.

Baba says, "While utilizing one’s energy one should pray to Parama Puruśa, “O Lord, I am working with the strength given by You. Let me not make the mistake of taking it to be my own power. Let me not forget You, O Lord.”" (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Devotee and the Lord)

Asking itself stems from a feeling of love, humility, and the realisation that Parama Purusa is the Provider and Source - the nearest and dearest One. Without Him, nothing can happen. But to feel this way requires a certain amount of devotion. And those with that threshold of devotion will certainly place requests before the Lord. They will request His closeness - i.e. to grace them with more devotion. That is the request.

Thus in devotional life, with increasing feelings of closeness and proximity to Parama Purusa, comes the desire to ask for His grace. In true love this always happens.

WHY WE SHOULD ASK DEVOTION OF HIM

Parama Purusa gives humans the requisite strength to face problems, resolve them, and proceed on the path. Whatever strength He has given, one should utilize in performing sadhana - sitting idle & asking for His grace will not do. One must put forth proper effort, yet at the same time understand that it is all achieved by His grace. On the path of spirituality, when a sadhaka is involved in sadhana, an aspirant cannot even move one step forward without His grace - what to speak of attaining mukti or moksa. Nobody can achieve the Supreme Rank exclusively by their own doing - no matter how much they try. When one climbs the ladder of devotion, a time comes when one inherently feels the needs to ask for His grace.

Those doing dhyana can easily understand this because in dhyana one must request or ask for His grace. Only by this way can dhyana be successful. So one must put forth a request - and what does the bhakta ask for? His grace, His closeness.

Indeed, by becoming more and more involved in sadhana - one feels His magnificence as well as their own helplessness. So a sadhaka asks Parama Purusa to grace them with the strength and devotion to proceed onwards.

After all, overcoming all earthly bondages and controlling the mind and all the associated propensities is not an easy feat for any human being. Good sadhakas realise this and request His grace. In each and every sadhaka's life this moment arises.

Daevii hyeśá guńamayii mama Máyá duratyayá;
Mámeva ye prapadyante Máyámetáḿ taranti te.

Baba says, "“It is very difficult to surmount this Máyá, because she is very powerful. How can such a small, ordinary human surmount this Máyá?” “Mámeva ye prapadyante máyámetám taranti te”. “Only the one who has taken shelter in Me can surmount Máyá”. Individual effort alone will not suffice. How can one free oneself from the saḿskáras accumulated while under the influence of Máyá and thus cross that dreadful ocean? A devotee has said, “Bhavámbodhipotam sharańam vrajámah”. “I will not be able to swim across because sharks will devour me. It is an impossible task. So what shall I do? I shall board a ship and sail across that ocean. Oh Parama Puruśa, please be the ship which carries me safely to the other side.” “Bhavámbodhipotam”. Ambudhii means “sea” – the bháva samudra; potaḿ means “ship”. Saranam vrajámá signifies, “I shall take shelter in that ship for I have no other way.” Thus, the intelligent people, the devotees, know that Parama Puruśa is the only shelter, the only patron. There is no other path, no other alternative." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The Divine Drama)

Namaskar,
Indranath

Note 1: FIRST LETTER IN THE SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/way-to-improve-sadhana.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: Baba is for all and He has graciously composed this following Prabhat Samgiita for non-margii bhaktas who have devotion for Lord Krsna. So we Ananda Margiis should learn these types of songs so that we can present and teach them to non-Ananda Marga sadhakas, i.e. devotees of Lord Krsna.

"A'ma'r ka'n'u kotha' gelo, kotha'y luka'l, khunjiya' hayechi sa'ra'..." (P.S. 4113)

Purport:

Where has my Lord Krsna gone. Where is He hiding? I have been searching Him all day long. And now it is evening-- so since morning to evening I have been searching. In His longing my eyes are showering tears.

I am wandering around in search of Him. In longing for Him, my eyes are raining tears. My beloved Lord Krsna is neither in Vrindaban, nor Gokul, nor is He in Mathura. Where has He gone? From which divine world is He playing His flute and herding his cows.

What type of bond of love am I tied up in. My heart is aching. I am completely restless in His love. Where is my dear-most Lord Krsna. What type of love is this. He has taken away my heart, my mind. And He has given nothing.

What type of liila is this. In a flash I lost everything. I will not care about any types obstacles. I will go on searching Him non-stop. I will go on searching my dear most Lord Krsna - my Life of the life, my Polestar...

The Way Parama Purusa Evaluates The Divine Measuring Rod

From: Chandra Kumar
Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:31:58
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: The Way Parama Purusa Evaluates The Divine Measuring Rod

Baba

PS Intro: This is one humorous song for children of all ages. In the odd kingdom there was an odd king and all his actions were peculiar and
completely senseless. This following song shows how imbalanced people do just opposite of what should be done.

"Ru'pakatha'r ek ra'ja' chilo, ha'sate se ye ja'nato na' to..."    (P.S. 432)

Purport:

Once upon a time there was a mythological king who was not even aware how to smile and laugh. 

When taking food he would hold the rice in his hand and then eat using his feet. And in the middle of the night while eating his cakes the king used turn his back to the sun in order to enjoy the warmth.

The king would use his tongue to chew sugar cane, and he used to use his teeth cut suck the juice. On the tennis court he used to spread the net
and try to catch some fish.

Due to his fear of ghosts he used to hide in the water - even in the middle of the day. By rowing the raceboat he used to travel in the distant sky to get fresh air. Just by thinking about work he used to feel drowsy and sleepy and within a flash he would start snoring.    

There once was a mythological king whose behaviour was very peculiar - he was not even aware how to smile and laugh. Always he was tense and in a
serious mood...

== THE WAY PARAMA PURUSA EVALUATES: THE DIVINE MEASURING ROD ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, "Do not think that those who are highly learned intellectuals are elevated. In the realm of spirituality even illiterate persons can reach the Goal, leaving those intellectuals behind. Parama Purusa does not consider the intellectual qualification or intellect. He evaluates everyone with the measuring scale of how much love one has for Parama Purusa." (Subhasita Samgraha - 14, p. 91, Saharsa DMC, 27 June 1980)

In His above teaching Baba guides us that all that is needed to get Him is sincere love for since Him. That is the special measuring rod. That is why those jinanis and groupist leaders who go on inventing more and more crude theories for their own prestige and power are far, far away from the
goal.  

Namaskar,
Chandra Kumar

This is a Devotional Area

Date: 24 May 2012 21:43:36 -0000
From: "Shivadayal  Singhal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: This is a Devotional Area

Baba

"Eso eso bandhu eso jiivaner prati nishva'se..."   (PS 213)

Purport:

  O' my dear most Baba, O' my Bandhu, please come in my life. Please come in my each and every breath. I want to remember Your name as my Ista mantra always. When You come in my mind and sit on the white lotus, then Your sweet fragrance permeates my whole being.   Baba except You I have no one. You are the only one with whom I can open my inner heart. And that time I tell You all those things which I never share with anyone. I express to You all my inner feelings. With no one else can I do like this, I only these things with You, secretly.   O' my dear most Baba, O' Bandhu, please grace me by coming in my life. I am waiting in longing. Baba, I do not have anyone other than You...

== THIS IS A DEVOTIONAL AREA ==

One day Baba was on His field walk with margiis and workers in the city of Ludhiana then He told them that, 'Today I spoke on a devotional topic because this area is a devotional area. Usually I give discourses on philosophical and intellectual subjects in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala etc'. (09 July '79, Morning Field Walk, Ludhiana)

Every margii is aware that in certain areas Baba speaks more on philosophical subjects and in other places He rarely speaks philosophically - but speaks mostly on devotional topics. For some margiis it was a mystery why Baba was doing like this. But the above lines from the Ludhiana field walk reveal everything.

Although it is true that the words Baba speaks are not solely for the audience sitting there that day, because His discourses are for all up to eternity. But at the same time the audience likes to hear something which is sympathetic to their mind. So Baba satisfies their feeling.

Thus when an area is devotional He chooses devotional subjects and when the area is other than that He chooses intellectual topics. Because in AM teachings, both aspects are needed. So according to the area Baba gives the style and content of His discourse.

One can easily confirm this by reviewing various discourses and checking the place and evaluating nature of the topic. But this does not mean that in certain areas all are intellectuals. Nor does it mean that in another areas all are devotional. Surely though we can say that there is a dominance or tendency in a particular area. That much can be said. That is why, accordingly, Baba chooses the topic of discourse: devotional or intellectual.

Namaskar,
Shivadayal

Devotee Story: Three Boons

From: "Shantatma  Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Devotee Story: Three Boons
Date: Mon 31 Oct 2011 20:15:34 +0530

Baba

== DEVOTEE STORY: THREE BOONS ==

Namaskar,
Devotees have a special characteristic that separates them from ordinary people. That is Baba's explicit teaching.

Rregardless of a bhakta's behavior, whether he commits a right or a wrong, we must not think that thr devotee is therefore useless or worse than common folk. Because still that bhakta has the special quality of devotion. Baba Himself places tremendous importance on this.

Here below is one famous story about a devotee from long ago. The inner meaning of the story lends itself well to life in Ananda Marga.

Thereafter are two dramatic Baba stories wherein He vigorously defends the honor of even bad bhaktas after they were condemned by others for their faults.

All these stories point in the direction that Parama Purusa holds a special place in His heart for all devotees, even bad ones who commit wrongs.

GAYA'SURA STORY: BAD DEVOTEE GOES ON CRUSADE

Baba tells the story of King Tripasur who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. After launching a crusade, King Tripasura met his untimely death.

His son, Gaya'sura inherited the throne and followed in his footsteps.

King Gaya'sura too was an ardent worshiper of Lord Vishnu. He prayed endlessly and finally achieved the gift of immortality, granted to him by his chosen Lord Visnu. King Gaya'sura promptly launched a heinous offensive wiping out innocent people in all lands. The wrath of Gaya'sura was terrible. And no one could kill him.

King Gayasura even attacked the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu Himself came to defend them, but the Lord too was defeated.

Lord Vishu's followers pleaded with Him to do something.

Lord Vishnu then asked a boon of King Gayasura. The King agreed. Lord Vishnu then asked that Gayasura be turned to stone.

Gaya'sura replied, "So be it", but then made three pleas:

1) The Lord should put His feet in Gaya'sura's heart;
2) All those with the Lord's feet in their heart must be granted liberation;
3) If anyone with the Lord's feet in their heart does not get
liberation, then King Gaya'sura will again be granted life on earth.

Here Baba describes these boons in full:

Baba says, "First, the Lord will seat Himself in the heart of the devotee without bothering Himself about the nature of that person, good, or bad. It is enough to be a devotee, in order to have the Lord inside. Second, all those who have the Lord’s feet in their hearts are bound to get liberation – liberation is a sure guarantee for them. Third, since Gaya'sura had been turned to stone by the Lord, and since He would again arise if anyone having the Lord inside failed to be liberated, the Lord would have to grant liberation to all such persons for all time to come." ('The Lord's Feet)

By the above story - which Baba Himself has recounted on various occasions - we can understand that Parama Purusa places great value on devotion.

Baba says, 'This devotion is a heavenly attribution." (1 June 1986 DMC)

Even though King Gayasura was a ruthless warrior, due to his devotion he was able to keep the Lord's feet in his heart. Such is the quality of devotion and such is the grace of the Lord.

Devotion then is enough to gain the favour of the Lord, despite what other bad qualities a bhakta might have.

TRUE TO FORM IN ANANDA MARGA

With all the groupism, difficulties, power mongering and so forth, it is very easy to think that certain people in AM are total garbage. But we should never harbor such ideas.

Some may have made mistakes and committed gross sins, yet still all are our brother and sisters. We must develop a relationship of love with them.

We must remember that all have come into Ananda Marga - and they have come for a reason. In the the near or distant past, they established an inner link with Parama Purusa, by His grace. They have a place for Him in their heart - so they have come once again to sacrifice in some way for Him - and they are going to be granted salvation.

So all in AM are not just our brothers and sisters, but they are devotees of the Lord and that in itself has great meaning. They have a special connection with Him.

Regardless of what faults they do or what hell they create, we must not banish such persons from our minds or think ill of them. Rather we are to love them.

No doubt such persons may have to undergo rectification in the social sphere - they may have to stand before the court of justice - but their spiritual well-being is safe and secure, just as was the case with King Gaya'sura. Parama Purusa has saved a place in His heart for even bad devotees.

So we must appreciate all who have come to do something for Baba, despite whatever shortcomings they may have. Their arrival onto the path of AM has great meaning - that is enough to make one's life successful.

We should not just think this way about others but about ourselves as well. Baba has graciously has blessed us with the special gift of devotion.

BABA STORY #1:

THE CASE OF SHARANA'NANDA

We all know that in the 70's when the mass of Wts were called for reporting and RDS with Baba, then it was so crowded. The rooms were small and everyone had to squeeze into just a few rooms.

During one such occasion, Dada Sharana'nanda arrived and was told that all workers should place their bags and blankets into a particular room. There was hardly any space as hundreds of workers were putting their belongings there.

Anyway, somehow Sharana'nandaji found a tiny space. He spread his blanket halfway and placed his bag on top. Then he went off to attend his various meetings etc.

That evening when Sharana'nandaji returned, he saw that one Dada had tossed his things aside and taken his spot. When he awakened that Dada and told him, the Dada did not care at all.

Sharana'nandaji was extremely frustrated. In addition, it was a fasting day and that made his frustration grow even more. Internally he was thinking that many of these other Wts were just like monkeys, totally uncultured and uncivilised. He was thinking they were just worthless people.

He did not complain openly but those were the thoughts floating in his mind.

The next day Sharana'nandaji was called before Baba for reporting.

Baba looked at him and in His loving liila He abused him openly. Baba strongly rebuked him and said that those who have come in AM are not ordinary. They may have bad manners and their conduct may be irregular, but I have specially called them and they have come. So you must adjust with their behaviours. They have a special samskara. Do not superficially judge them by seeing their bad qualities or rude behaviour.

Baba lovingly scolded Sharana'nandaji in this manner.

Dada was shocked to hear this. First because he had not complained to anyone, just Baba was peering into his mind. Secondly, he realised that he must reconsider his relations with other workers and adjust with their poor dealing.

Certainly Baba must have strongly scolded the Dada who threw away Sharana'nandaji's blanket. Sharana'nandaji did not know. All he knew was that he must have respect and love for all in the Marga because of their link with Baba. That is Baba's wish and explicit direction.

This above story shows how Baba never judges any of His disciples based on external affairs but rather looks at their inner essence and feeling. And when He Himself says that all in AM have come because I have called them and that they have a special samskara, then we must always look favourably on everyone in AM - and love them.

That does not mean that we cannot point out their wrongdoing. We can in the social sphere, only with the sweet motive to clean them of their faults. Good margiis do like this because they know that all in AM are part of their kith and kin. So in our heart we must not have ill will toward them. Whether they do wrong or right, we must remember that they come to serve Him in some capacity and they have Baba's love.

BABA STORY #2:

THE CASE YOUNG WT IN GORAKHPUR

This next story leads in the same direction.

One family acarya from Gorakhpur came to Baba to complain about one young Wt. The family acarya was telling about all kinds of incidents.

Baba immediately interjected and began scolding the family acarya and told him to look upon that young worker as his own son. Then Baba pointed out that the family acarya's own son did not become a WT and was not even a margii. And not only that, Baba said that, "While you yourself were eating and enjoying at your house, this young worker was not even able to find any proper food in the jagrti."

Baba continued, "But you never cared about that and never checked to see if he is alright. And now you are complaining to me about the behaviour of this young worker. Such is your audacity. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Baba concluded, "I am His Father and I have to take care of Him. And you also should have love for him."

After this incident, everyone stopped complaining about Wts - at least on the external level.

Again, here the point is not that wrongful behaviours should be overlooked entirely. We are to point out and seek the rectification of those bad devotees. But at the same time we should not harbor any negative feelings in the mind toward such bhaktas. Because all have come because of His call. They are not ordinary people and we should love them.

MOTHER-BABY ANALOGY

Just as a mother has inherent love for her progeny -- regardless of what harm their children might cause, same is the case with Parama Purusa. He has innate and unconditional love for His children.

The mother may abuse and scold her children but she has love. Likewise Parama Purusa also may scold but His quantum of love is always present.

In the spiritual sphere, love is not unilateral. The bhakta has love for Him and in return Parama Purusa has much more love for His devotees.

Baba does not look at the qualities or conduct of bad devotees. His love is based on seeing the feeling in their heart. We should do the same.

This explains why despite all the mischief caused by some Central Dadas, even then Baba has blessed them and kept them close.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He loves, cares for, and looks after all His devotees, whether they be good or bad. All have a special place in His heart.

Here we must remember the story of King Gayasura and how Lord Vishnu granted him three boons - keeping His feet always in his heart.

And Baba Himself approves this story.

Although this is the story of King Gayasura and Lord Vishnu, yet in reporting Baba Himself told and promised that He grants these same boons to all His devotees.

Then when Lord Vishnu granted the boon that the Lord's feet will always be in the heart of the devotee, irregardless of their good and bad deeds, we must know that Baba has promised and guaranteed the same. That is the first boon.

Secondly, Baba also promises that those who have the Lord's feet in their heart will get salvation. This is His second guarantee.

Lastly, if anyone with the Lords' feet in their heart does not get liberation, then the Lord's prestige is at stake. Thus He is bound to fulfill them.

So Baba guarantees the above boons for all devotees up to eternity and the only prerequisite for these boons is devotion. Then liberation is sure - and the noose of maya will be shattered.

All this Baba has guaranteed and by His grace I was there that time in reporting and by hearing Baba's loving promise, then tears began flowing from all those present. The room was completely vibrated; Baba's immense love and grace was emanating. We all felt especially graced by His infinite love and special promise. And this guarantee Baba has granted to every devotee - for all who have love for Him, irrespective of what wrongs and rights one commits in life. Such His the nature of His loving and unconditional boon.

Thus when Baba does not judge bad devotees poorly, neither should we. Their mistakes must be corrected in the social realm, but on the spiritual plane, we must think of even bad devotees as our kith and kin and love them, and know that Baba will take care for their salvation.

We should not judge any bhakta or even ourselves based on past sins. We should think about Him and cultivate love for all.

So the lesson given in the Gaya'sura story of old applies equally well today. That is why Baba has given this story again and again in His discourses. Because all bhaktas - even bad ones - have earned a place in His heart.

May we all focus not on the the poor behaviour of bad devotees butinstead adopt a high spiritual ideal.

Baba says, "Cherishing a strong desire to know and understand Him, think of Him, ideate on Him, meditate on Him – You will certainly attain Him." (AMIWL-6)

Baba says, "...The wise and intelligent ideate less on their defects and demerits and more on the Supreme desideratum." (A'nanda Va'nii #66)

Namaskar,
Shantatma

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Diner a'lote a'so ni, ele tumi a'ndha're..." P.S. 2073

Purport:

Baba You are so merciful, You are so divine. Earlier when my life was full of happiness then that time You did not come; but now in this period of darkness You have come. It is Your grace. During my good days I wanted You to come and rejoice the occasion. But that did not happen-- in the effulgence of the day You did not come. But now in the darkness of night You have come.* Baba, how You play Your liila.

Baba in the smile of the moon, You do not present Yourself. But when I was suffering in pain, then with the soothing balm You came and relieved me of my suffering. Baba, You have come in this cimmerian darkness when I am crying. Baba, everyone knows that You are most-loving; and everyone knows that You think about one and all. Even then they involve in logically analysing and reasoning about Your ways in order to strengthen their love for You-- to love You in a deeper way.

O' Baba, You are beginningless and Your abode is in infinity. In all the twelve months You remain constantly along with me-- in pain and pleasure. Baba, You are the divine shelter of everyone; You are the heart of everyone, the Soul of souls. And by Your grace You pull everyone close to You. You never discard or ignore anyone-- irrespective of how high or how low they are. Baba You have only come in this time of crying and suffering. In the good days when I was calling You then You did not come. Baba, Your glory is unfathomable; Your liila is beyond imagination; Baba, You are so gracious...

* Here Baba is using effulgence to represent those days of happiness and darkness symbolizes those periods of tears and sorrow.

Grades of Devotees

Date: 04 Aug 2011 20:56:34 -0000
From: NJK Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Grades of Devotees

Baba

"Je a'ma're ja'ya'i baluk toma'ke bha'loba'si..." (3657)

Purport:

 Baba, by Your gracious advent in my dhyana and by Your sweet smile, my
heart gets vibrated. This creates a blissful feeling throughout my
entire being like the sound of one sonorous, divine flute. Baba, You are
so gracious, regardless of what anybody says, I love You.
 O' Shanti Doota*, O' messenger of Shanti, O' Prashanta Rupa*, O' the
Form of Eternal Peace. Baba, because of You I have come on this earth.
And finally I will return and merge in Your mental abode. Baba, because
of You I come again and again in this world to do Your allotted work, to
please You.
 Baba, You are ever-present in Braja bhava*. You are ever-saturated
with the colour of divine love. O' the Beloved of Gopis*, my smile, my
cry, and my each and every action-- this entire life of mine is for You.
 Baba, thinking about Your name and ideating on You, transforms my
whole existence. By Your grace my entire being gets filled with bliss.
Baba, please be gracious and keep me at Your lotus feet for ever and
ever and make me eternally Yours...


ASTERISK NOTES (*):

*Shanti Doota= In the above song He is called as the 'Messenger of
Shanti'. The term 'Doota' means messenger and the word shanti Baba
describes below.

Baba says, "The word sha'nti is derived from the Sam'skrta root verb
sham plus suffix ktin. Sha'nti means to remain absorbed in Parama
Purusa. One can attain equanimity and equipose of mind by knowing Parama
Purusa. This is what is called sha'nti." (SS-9)


*Prashanta Rupa= in the above song He is addresed as the embodiment of
Prashanti. The term 'rupa' means form or embodiment and the word
Pranshanti Baba describes below.

Baba says, "On many different occasions in life, whether big or small,
one can hope to attain a certain degree of mental composure, but
permanent composure or 'prasha'nti'-- composure beyond which there is no
further composure, and which, once attained is never lost-- cannot be
attained easily...A person wishing to attain permanent composure will
have to attain Shiva or Parama Purus'a. There is no other alternative.
Hence it is said, `Gatvam Shivam' sha'ntimatyantamati'. Once one enters
deep into the realm of permanent composure one gets a permanent abode in
that supreme state of bliss." (AV-8, 'The Attainment of Permanent
Composure')


*Braj Bhava=  In various discourses and special meetings Baba explains
that there are three phases or aspects to madhur bhava or that deeply
loving ideation in dhyana. Those phases are: Braj Bhava, Gopi Bhava, &
Radha Bhava.

In the initial phase of braj bhava the aspirant is withdrawing his
mind from all worldly objects and desires and instead goading all his
psychic energy towards Parama Purusa. Hence the sadhaka is no longer
chasing after name, fame, money, post, power, position or other worldly
things. The aspirant is instead trying to cultivate more and more
spiritual longing: To accept Parama Purusa as their only Goal in life;
to accept Him as their sole object of adoration. This is the spirit of
brajbhava.   From an etymological perspective the term 'Braj' means
'enjoyment' or 'charm' and 'bhava' means 'ideation'. So Braj Bhava is
the phase where one expiences some inner enjoyment and their only desire
is to get Parama Purusa. There is no other longing.

Gopibhava is the next higher phase where the sadhaka's only desire is
to remember His sweet love and and give Him pleasure. They are no longer
concerned with their own pleasure. But in brajbhava that desire to get
bliss is present. In braj bhava sadhaka's do sadhana to get pleasure.
But in gopi bhava the sadhaka's desire is to give Him pleasure.
Finally, in this radha bhava the sadhaka constatntly thinks about
Parama Purusa and he forgets his own existence; the mind is fully
focused on Parama Purusa, all the 24hrs. The sadhaka's mind is
completely soaked in divine nectar. This is that highest devotional state.

*Gopi= In the above song Parama Purusa is called 'Gopi Jan Ballabh', or
the most Beloved One of the Gopis. And here below Baba describes who is
Gopi.

Baba says, "Where the devotee is worshipping Him for pleasing Him there
the devotion is of purely spiritual nature. There does not exist the
feeling of duality here. Such a devotee is called Gopi. The term
connotes one who worships God to please Him (Gopa'yate Yah Sah Gopah)."
(SS-19)


                    == GRADES OF DEVOTEES ==

Note: Read the following and try to honestly evaluate your own position.

Namaskar,
We all know that in Baba's different discourses He has clearly expressed
that there are various types of devotees. Some are A-grade devotees,
some B-grade, and some are C-grade devotees.


                     WHAT C-GRADE DEVOTEES DO

Those who have the lowest type of devotion, those C-grade devotees have
one peculiar way of dealing. Whenever they do anything at all, then in
their mind they crudely think:

'I made this jagrti'...I arranged this relief program'...'I gave a very
good speech'...'I initiated so many persons....'I established this unit
or that Master Unit'...'All these good things I did-- They were done by
me...'I did all those things.'

In this way lower devotees review their actions.

And if sometimes they become sick or get into an accident and their leg
is broken-- then that time those low devotees blame Baba, as if HE is
responsible for creating this problem. At that time such low devotees
proclaim that 'He (BABA) confused my mind. And that is why I drove into
the ditch and broke my leg, otherwise I was fine.'

So in day to day life such low-grade devotees openly blame Baba for
their own mistakes and sin. Yet when they do something good then they
never give credit to Baba. Such devotees only give "credit" to God for
their negative deeds only. Not for any good deeds, in that case then
they themselves take the credit. So this is the lower most category of
devotees.


                    THE WAYS OF A-GRADE DEVOTEES

You might have come across in different Baba's discourses that the
feeling and expression of A-Grade devotees is just the opposite.

Firstly, top devotees think that every good deed they perform is
just Baba's grace. They attribute all their dharmic works to Baba's
kind intellect and love, where He inspires and guides them each step
of the way.

Side by side...

A-grade devotees always take responsibility for their bad deeds and
firmly tell to Parama Purusa that 'I am ready to take punishment for all
my bad deeds. And the good fruit of good deeds I am offering at Your
lotus feet'.

So A-grade devotees never blame Parama Purusa for their mistakes,
blunders, or sin. Whereas C-grade devotees always indulge in such
outbursts.


                         BABA'S GUIDELINES

In so many teachings in Ananda Marga philosophy, Baba has explained that
people create their own problems due to their own sinful acts and that
Parama Purusa is not responsible for their negative actions. I.e. people
acquire samskaras, either good ones or bad ones, from their previous
actions. So in that case Parama Purusa must not be blamed for creating
problems.

BABA says, "People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities
that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the
suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How
can Parama Purusa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable
for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone
will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can
substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones
beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without
exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law."
(AMEP, p. 86-87)

And here again Baba is directing us not to blame Parama Purusa for one's
own problems.

BABA says, "I have already said that the sadhaka's sufferings are caused
by the   samskaras which one created oneself. One should not therefore
be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice
on this account. Humans very often complain, 'God, so you had this in
store for me. Is this my  reward for so much worship and so much
charity?' Such complaints are foolish, even sinful. At the time of
suffering a sadhaka should reproach himself for his past misdeeds and
refrain from evil actions in order to avoid more suffering in the
future. Everyone should bear in mind that as long as the fire of woes is
not extinguished--so long as the samskaras are not burned one has got to
suffer. That is why I say you must no find fault with others because of
your own samskaras; they are merely the reactions caused by your own
mistakes and misbehavior." (SS, pt 2, p.7)

So in the above quotes Baba is emphasizing again and again that--
whether they admit it or not-- each and every sadhaka is responsible for
causing their own suffering and that blaming Parama Purusa for such
things is very negative. It is sin.


               BABA'S ETERNAL BLESSING

Baba always showers His grace and guides us always along the road of
Supreme welfare.

Baba says, "Utilizing the vibrations created for eternal time by Shrii
Shrii Anandamurtiji through januspharsha and varabhaya mudras, take
yourself and the entire universe ahead along the path of welfare. Omn
Shanti!" (CC-1, 'Concluding Words')

Namaskar,
Nagendra


Note 1: 'BLAMING GURU' OR SAYING 'GURU GIVES TESTS' 

IS THE SAME THING

Blaming Guru and saying that Guru gives tests to humiliate and torture
us-- these two outlooks are rooted in the same defective mentality.
Because in real sense Guru is always blessing all His devoees and
whatever negative situations a sadhaka may undergo is merely the result
of one's own samskara. But due to their low state of mind, low-grade
devotees prefer to blame Baba and rationalise that Guru is putting us in
test. Whereas those with higher devotion feel in their heart and
understand the in their mind that Baba is all-loving and always
showering His causeless grace.


         ***************************************
               One Should Always Remember

Baba says, "However little one's capacity might be, if one constantly
remembers that Parama Purus'a is always with him, that they are in the
closest contact with Parama Purus'a, they will be able to do everything.
They are not as small as they think themselves to be. And as long as
they remember this closest association with Him, they can do much more
than ordinary human beings. When this idea becomes permanently
established in their minds, they become great. This is why no one should
be disappointed or depressed in any circumstances; let everyone
constantly perform great deeds, remembering that the flow of their
capacity is coming from Parama Purus'a, and thus they can do
everything." (AFPS-3, p. 62)
         ***************************************

Story: Practical Approach to Dhruvasmrti

Date: Thu, 05 May 2011 18:22:45 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: V. Deva
Subject: Story: Practical Approach to Dhruvasmrti

Baba

    == STORY: PRACTICAL APPROACH TO DHRUVASMRTI ==

Namaskar,
We all know that one of the most blessed things in life is to remember
the name of the Lord.

Baba says,"He is your everything. You cannot do without Him...try to
remember Him always. This remembering Him always, in all spheres and all
strata of life, is called “dhruva'smrti”. Don’t forget this for a single
moment." (AV-4)

Yet we all know how difficult this can be in day to day life. Here below
is the story of how one bhakta approached this knotty issue.


                          THE STORY OF ONE BHAKTA

Many of you may know Ram Sahay Verma of Wazipur, Rajanthan. He was a
long-time Ananda Margii.

Years and years ago he was contemplating one problem in life: "How to
remember Baba's name all the time." He was thinking he should devise one
scheme where others would remind him.

So here's what he did.

He had his shirts beautifully embroidered with big, artistic letters:
Baba Nam Kevalam.

This was stitched on the front side and on the back side of his shirt.
The lettering was big enough that people could read the writing - Baba
Nam Kevalam - from 20 feet away. And he found that it worked.


                THE STORY OF ONE BHAKTA (Cont)

Wherever Ram Sahayji went, he would notice that people would either read
his shirt out loud or they would smile. Seeing their smile he understood
that they had read his shirt. By this way he was getting constant
reminder to remember Baba's name. He was most happy.

But that was not all.

Ram Sahayji would explain that there was a dual benefit:
#1: Yes, most certainly he was getting reminded to remember Baba;
#2: By wearing that shirt he was doing AM pracar and the public was
getting benefited by reciting the siddha mantra, Baba Nam Kevalam.

Such was the very devotional outlook of Ram Sahayji - and that was how
he explained the tremendous value of these shirts.

All in all he was quite pleased, because children would regularly loudly
say, "Baba Nam Kevalam", plus all the aged people in town would smile
seeing his shirt.


              THIS VERITABLY BECAME HIS NAME

Ram Sahayji would wear his embroidered Baba Nam Kevalam shirts
everywhere, all the time. He was a professor at one college and everyday
he would wear his shirt and it also became his habit to wear exclusively
saffron. The other university lecturers were thinking that he was mad.
But Ram Sahayji had no cares or worries about their opinions.

He just thought since Baba Nam Kevalam was a siddha mantra then everyone
was getting benefited, whether they liked the mantra or not.

Actually Ram Sahayji wore these shirts daily for so long, that Baba Nam
Kevalam became his veritable name. Everyone in town knew him by this:
This is what they called him and this was how they referred to him. He
did not live in a huge city - just a moderate sized town - so when
anyone new arrived in town all they had to do was ask for "Baba Nam
Kevalam" and the residents would direct them to Ram Sahayji's house.

I know because this is exactly what happened to me. When I arrived in
his town I did not know where to go and I simply said, "Baba Nam
Kevalam" and they brought me to the exact place of Ram Sahayji.

Ram Sahayji was a devotee in all respects. His above plan worked
perfectly. He wanted to be reminded about Baba's name by others
throughout the day, and his desired goal was beautifully achieved by His
grace.


                        DURING EMERGENCY

Here is a tale about one other facet of Ram Sahayji's life. During
Emergency, he was jailed for 2 1/2 years in Jaipur. He was perhaps the
only margii who was jailed throughout the entire Emergency period.

The reason was that due to Ram Sahayji's dramatic behavior - i.e. always
wearing Baba Nam Kevalam on his shirt and wearing saffron clothes - the
government agencies had identified him as a wholetimer. They thought
there was no way that he was a family man. Hence he was jailed during
the entire Emergency.

And Ram Sahayji was quite happy about this as he was in jail along with
so many Dadas.

Then one other great thing happened. When Emergency was lifted and
Ananda Margiis were cleared of all charges, then Ram Sahayji got his job
back at the government college and he also received 2 1/2 years of
salary. Prior to Emergency, Ram Sahay would regularly donate huge monies
to AM, so he never had much money for himself. After Emergency was over,
then he received a big payment so he was quite happy about that as well.

But the main thing for Rama Sahayji was always hearing Baba's name
wherever he went. For him, this was the most beautiful thing imaginable.
To be called Baba Nam Kevalam gave him much joy and bliss in life. Then
he could always remember his Ista.


              SIMILAR STORIES FROM THE HISTORY

There are two stories from history which are similar to this type of
deeply devotional approach.

#1: In one discourse Baba talks about how when Sita was abducted by
Ravana. For Sita, Ram was everything and she did not want to forget him
despite the hardship and troubles she was facing. One interesting
development took place. Ravana ordered the guard to threaten Sita, "Do
not think about Ram". They would say this to her throughout the day and
by this negative type of reminder she always would remember Ram's name.

#2: There was also another famous devotee of Ram. And he had one special
trick. He would pretend to be extremely angry if anyone ever mentioned
Ram's name. The children in town naturally found out about this so they
would run up to him and loudly yell the name of Ram. In turn, the bhakta
would pretend to be so angry and upset. This only made the children yell
the name of Ram more loudly. Plus they would gaily tell all their
friends about this strange man. So wherever this bhakta went so many
children would surround him and repeat Ram and laugh by seeing the man's
feigned frustration and anger. By this way everyone was happy - the
children and the bhakta.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace good things always happen to devotees. Baba watches
after all. Living the life of a top grade devotee takes strong desire
and courage. Not everyone could do what Ram Sahayji did. It takes a
certain degree of devotional longing and mental courage - otherwise one
will be embarrassed or self-conscious and swayed by public opinion etc.

That reminds me of one Ananda Margii who would wear a big plackard
around his neck that said Baba's name and other devotional slogans. He
would walk around town like that. He never cared what other's said or
commented.

It is just purely Baba's ahetuki krpa that we have come into this world
and become His disciple. We should all remember Him always and strive
for that top most level of devotion. This should be our sole request of
Him.

“Whatever you speak or do,
Forget Him never;
Keeping His name in your heart,
Work, remembering it is for Him,
And, endlessly active, drift in bliss.”

(CC-2, 'Sadhana', pt #10)

Namaskar,
Vidyasagar


                         PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tava path dhare, tava na'm kare, toma'r pa'nei cale thaki..." (P.S. 2180)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace I am treading on Your path by singing Your name and
moving towards You. You are my Goal.
By Your grace I am moving closer and closer towards You-- to reach You.
Baba, except You, in this universe who else is mine-- no one. Because of
this I am always calling You for Your shelter.
O' Lord, in this decorated universe of Yours, You have provided me a
special place according to Your liking. You have bestowed everything; and,
You do not desire anything from anyone. Just You go on pouring Your divine
grace eternally.
The demerits such as lethargy only come from my side. Plus all kinds of
lame excuses I give in self-justification. Hence all the lacuna belong to
me; whereas, You Yourself are ever-gracious.
Baba, You have situated my mind in the corner of Your vast cosmic mind.
And from that corner it receives Your divine vibration. With the
attraction and resonance of Your divine vibration, the lotus of
the love, which has blossomed in my heart, is looking towards You with deep
yearning.
Baba, singing Your Name, I am moving on Your path. For me, Your grace is
everything...


       ******************************************
                Importance of Sadhana

Baba says, "Numerous rich and beautiful cities of the historic past
are now buried under the earth. Many splendid palaces and mansions, many
churches, temples, mosques and synagogues, and many pyramids have been
reduced to rubble. With the constant change in the flow of time, how many
major changes have occurred in the universe? Similarly, with the change in
time and space, people also change. A small two year old child becomes a
smart and active twenty-five year old youth. And the same energetic youth
becomes an infirm, inactive old person in due course. Thus, nothing in this
universe is permanent. Many gigantic animals of the past have become
totally extinct from the surface of the earth. Royal pomp and opulence, the
pride of power, the vast knowledge of mighty scholars have become things of
the past, thrown into the dustbin of history. Many objects emerged in the
past, remained on earth for a short time, and then disappeared according to
the inexorable law of nature."
"The only eternal truth is Parama Purus'a. He is Ana'di,
beginningless, endless, all-pervasive; an entity beyond the scope of time,
place and person. He is the only eternal, undecaying, imperishable,
immutable entity. He is the Supreme Source from which the inanimate, plant
and animal worlds have emerged. He is the starting point and the
culminating point of everything. Hence, wise people should utilise their
physical, psychic and spiritual power to realise that supreme
omnitelepathic entity, to become one with Him." (PNS-18, p.6)

Note: Please read Baba's above teaching again carefully. It explains
everything.
        ******************************************

In the Name of Bhakti, People...

Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:54:29
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Miguel
Subject: In the Name of Bhakti, People...

Baba

     == IN THE NAME OF BHAKTI, PEOPLE DO A'SAKTI ==

Namaskar,
In our Marga, the term 'bhakti' is well--known and commonly used in our
daily talk and interactions.

We say things like, 'He has a lot of bhakti', or 'Bhakti is the greatest
attribution', or 'I only follow the path of bhakti' etc.

Then of course some think, 'I am an acarya so I must have a lot of
bhakti', while others contemplate, 'I am the bhukti pradhan so I have a
lot of bhakti'.

We have all seen and heard how the term bhakti gets used in the above
ways, when in fact such things may have little or even nothing to do
with true bhakti.

So we should take a moment to reflect on what is real bhakti, especially
since it is only bhakti that can lead us to our cherished Goal.


                      PURITY OF BHAKTI

Baba is quite clear that bhakti means having one's mind directed only
towards God, and not towards any other object or desire.

Baba says, "Bhakti means to withdraw one’s attractions from all objects
and channelize them towards Parama Purus'a. When the unit self is
associated with the cosmic it is called “bhakti” or “devotion”, but when
it is associated with the mundane it is called “attachment”. You must
withdraw your mental propensities from all external objects – no matter
what they might be – and channelize them only towards Parama Purus'a.
Only when you direct them towards Him, can it be called bhakti. If you
allow your mind to become fascinated by any other object, it is called
“a'sakti” or “attachment”." (AV-7)

Thus no external qualification or mundane desire has even one iota to do
with bhakti.

If anyone thinks, 'I am an acarya so therefore I am a devotee', or if
one thinks, 'I organise many service projects so I must be a great
devotee', this is all nothing but self-befoolery. Because using external
things to build a case for one's internal amount of bhakti is meaningless.

The operative phrase in the above quote is, "only towards Parama
Purus'a". If the mind is goaded only towards Parama Purusa, then it is
bhakti.

That is the real meaning of bhakti. If one's mind is only involved in
serving and pleasing Parama Purusa.

That is not to say we should forgo or abandon all worldly activities,
that is not our way. Rather we should ensure we are doing those worldly
activities for pleasing him, and not out of our own unit desire for
worldly prestige etc.

As Baba points out, if the mind is separately or simultaneously involved
in any other longing then it is known as a'sakti or attachment, i.e. the
path of degradation.

Baba says, "When the attraction is for the non-integral entity, for
money, for family, for land, it is called ka'ma; when it is for integral
entity it is called prema and the mental tendency during ka'ma i.e., the
mental tendency during attraction for a non-integral entity is called
a'sakti in Sam'skrta and the mental tendency during attraction for that
Integral Entity is called bhakti. (SS-18)

Hence the degree to which we are attracted by or infatuated with money,
name, fame, respect, position, is the degree to which we are off the
path of bhakti.

Bhakti, then is a very pure and internal desire to attain Parama Purusa.
And for this tremendous honesty and love are needed.

We may be able to masquerade ourselves in front of others so they think
we are great bhaktas; but we cannot fool Parama Purusa in this way. He
sees our inner-most desire and knows how far we have pure bhakti or not.


                BHAKTI & A'SAKTI CANNOT CO-EXIST

The main thing we should keep in mind is that bhakti (love for God) and
a'sakti (mundane longing) cannot co-exist. The degree to which we harbor
one is the degree to which we are remiss in the other.

Baba says, "The attachment for a finite thing is an expression of
extroverted energy, whereas the attraction for the Infinite is an
expression of the introverted energy. That is why these two can never
co-exist." (SS-1)

And Baba points out that even our most worldly intimate dealings can
take us away from the path of bhakti.

Baba says, "Do you love your son? No, no you don’t love your son. You
love Brahma in the form of your son. By loving your son as a son, you
cannot love the Lord. Where there is the feeling of son, there is no
Lord and where there is the Lord, there is no son." (SS-1)

So even harboring seemingly tender feelings for our loved ones drags us
on the path of temporality, and away from God-hood.


                CANNOT OVERLOOK WORLDLY DUTIES

Neither should one get caught up in the misconception or dogma that to
become a true bhakta I should give up my sons, or renounce my parents,
or become some type of hermit etc. Rather, we have been given various
responsibilities, and they are to be managed. As we know, performing
worldly duties is not antithetical to the path of devotion. It is only
when we get infatuated by those worldly expressions that it infringes on
our devotional experience. So that is what we must be careful about.


                    MUST SEE ALL AS BRAHMA

The answer given by Baba is that we must view all as the manifestation
of Parama Purusa. That is the way to live in this world without
sacrificing our devotional longing for Him.

Baba says, "The ascription of divinity to objects means the pursuit of
the Infinite, leaving the finite behind. Are you feeding your son? No,
no, you are feeding the son-like manifestation of Brahma. Are you
tilling the field? No, no you are serving the finite manifestation of
Brahma with your plough. Really speaking, the ascription of divinity to
objects precludes their material enjoyment, as the objects then merge in
the non-material Supreme Brahma." (AMIWL-2)

To do this we must be very honest and clear. Material Indulgence and
bhakti have no place together.

Seeing all as Him means seeing all as an opportunity to do service, not
satisfy worldly passions such as post, power, lust etc. Thus thinking of
making more money, garnering huge respect, or even becoming PP have
nothing to do with getting devotion.

Only by truly following brahmacaraya, are we perfectly consonant with
the path of devotion.


                 ONLY BHAKTAS CAN SERVE ALL

This all leads to the point that only true bhaktas can serve the humanity.

Invariably, non-bhaktas, or degraded bhaktas get attached to one worldly
expression or another-- either their wife, or their country, or their
job, or their community etc, in which case they will view the rest of
the world in a biased manner. There are countless examples of this
happening nowadays.

That is why only the bhaktas of Parama Purusa can promote the cause of
universal welfare on this earth and throughout the universe. See Him in
everyone, the sadhaka can them maintain equanimity and serve others
without favouring one person or another.


                    VERY CRUDE APPROACH

We can say that there are three basic approaches. The top most is to
love only Parama Purusa all the time. Then one is truly established in
bhakti.

Second is when one loves Parama Purusa sometimes, and then on other
occasions love towards mundane things is dominant. This is quite common.
Many of us may find ourselves in this position. In that case, more
kiirtan and sadhana are needed.

The next lowest phase occurs when in their ritualistic worship of Parama
Purusa, one prays for something mundane. That is very crude and must be
avoided entirely.

Baba says, "If a man wants to become a devotee of the lord but in the
mind of his mind, if he thinks that God will make him pass his
examination – here the esana (longing) is not one but two...When
something is demanded from God the esana becomes two. Hence the time is
completely wasted...When the esana (longing) is not [only] for
Paramatman but [also] for something else, it is known as asakti
(attachment) and not bhakti." (SS-20)

There is no scope for this type of approach in AM; we should all keep
the mind a thousand miles from such a crude and dogmatic way.


              WHY IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW BHAKTI

Lastly, what is the logic or rational for following bhakti. How should
we convince ourselves when the mind is down or how can we convince others.

Well, we can say that the path of bhakti is the blissful way to live and
that only should be followed. even then that might not always do the
trick of convincing ourselves. In that case another route is needed.

And that route is: Other than the path of bhakti there is no other path.
Every other entity in this universe will leave you one day. Every other
longing will create a samskara. Every other longing is ephemeral.

Baba says, "Under the influence of avidya' people believe that the
finite objects created by static Prakrti are their own. They think, “my
horse, my son, my daughter, my wealth,” and believe that with these
objects they will live eternally. But the fact is, all these limited
objects will desert them after sometime. Nothing that can be called
one’s own will remain." (AMIWL-8)

We have come onto this earth for a very short period; our window of
opportunity is small. So we must utilise our time in the right pursuit--
that pursuit which will free us from the suffering and bondage of maya.
That is the only way. In that case, only the path of bhakti is the answer.

Whether we like it or not, that is the only avenue for advancement.


                     BABA'S BLESSING

Everyone in AM likes to think they are bhaktas because we know this is
something great, but only those who really have internal longing for
Him-- and no other desire-- truly qualify as real bhaktas. Thus it is
for each and every sadhaka to estimate for themselves how far they are
on the path of bhakti.

By Baba's grace, by remembering Him we are all sure to attain this most
blessed stance. When we think, 'I want only You, then Baba cannot keep
us away'.

Baba says, "Therefore, O devotees remember the Lord’s name, else all
your efforts will be reduced to cipher [zero]. Under all circumstances
and during all activities, cling firmly to His name." (SS-1)

Namaskar,
Mantreshvar


Note 1:            BHAKTI VERSUS A'SAKTI

Baba says, "The meaning of the word bhakti is “attraction to the
Supreme”. When the attraction is to something limited, it is called
a'sakti, and when the attraction is to the Supreme, it is devotion,
bhakti. There is no compromise, no meeting point, between a'sakti and
bhakti, between attraction to the Supreme and attraction to the objects
of the world. In a'sakti, the feeling is that I get the object. In
bhakti, the feeling is that I merge myself in Him. Where there is no
desire, there the Lord lives. The Lord and the desire for the world,
like the sun and the night, cannot coexist." (AV-23)

Baba says, "In philosophical terms the attraction for finite objects is
called a'sakti and the attraction for the infinite is Bhakti. Ra'ga or
rakti means both the attraction for the infinite and attraction for the
finite objects." (SS-1)

Baba says, "One may have attachment towards physical objects as well as
towards Parama Purus'a. The attachment to physicality is called a'sakti
or vis'aya'nurakti, while the deep attachment to Parama Purusa is called
para'nurakti or bhakti." (AV-33)

Baba says, "The meaning of the word “para'nurakti” should be considered.
Rakti denotes raga or attachment. Anurakti means maintaining attachment
with or being attracted by a particular entity after having understood
its meaning. Anurakti is of two kinds. The anurakti for the Supreme
Brahma or Infinite Cosmic Consciousness is para'nurakti. The Anurakti
for Brahma under the sway of prakrti or the anurakti for the crude
manifestations is termed apara'nurakti. God is an object for
para'nurakti. When the aspirant considers the Supreme Brahma to be his
own, it is termed bhajana' or bhakti." (SS-1)


Note 2:         SEEING ALL AS PARAMA PURUSA

Baba says, "Do you love your son? It is perfectly right that you should,
however, when the son dies, you will experience great pain. Is it not
so? The son is preya, a finite entity. He cannot live till eternity. He
will depart and make you weep. But if you treat your son as the
expression of Brahma in the form of your son, then you will never fear
losing him because Brahma cannot be lost in any span of time. He is
present around you in all the ten directions." (AMIWL-2)


Note 3:   RELYING ON WORLDLY THINGS INVITES MISERY

Baba says, "Take, for instance, an unstable or transient thing, such as
your son. He is constantly progressing through changes, and so you are.
Neither of your two entities will remain forever. If you regard him as
the only support in your life, it will certainly not be wise, for your
son may leave the world any day, and you will moan his loss with bitter
tears; or you yourself may leave the world, making him an orphan. This
applies in the same way to wealth, power, etc." (Matter & Spirit)


Note 4:          WHAT IS DEVOTION

Bhaktirbhagavad bha'vana' na stutirna'rcana'

Baba says, "Being merged in the constant thought of God is devotion.
Devotion is not related to the chanting of hymns or ritualistic worship
with different paraphernalia. A devotee may perform these, but they are
not an indispensable part of devotional sa'dhana'. (AS, 3-12)

                                 
                                      PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Nabiina Pra'te ei arun' a'lote..." (P.S. #19)

Purport:

Baba, by You grace the new dawn has come. In this new crimson dawn, with
the rhythm of form, You have entered my mind. Baba You are so gracious:
You know how to make us laugh and weep, You know how to play
hide-and-seek. Baba by Your grace You have filled my life with Your
radiant light. You know how to play the lyre, to weave endless melodies,
to make the world dance in Your melodies and rhythms. And You know how
to love the world with all its pains and pleasures. Baba You are so
gracious, You are that most loving One...



     **********************************************
                This Must Be Averted

Baba says, "'Andham tamah pravishanti mudha ye ke catmahano janah.' What
happens to the person who runs after the external mundane things instead of
the Self within? One day he finds himself surrounded by the blinding
darkness (Andhatamasa). All around he finds nothing. When a person whose
self has miserably degenerated, whose spiritual progress is altogether
stopped, rushes towards matter, his whole existence starts getting
crudified, his mind and Self get crudified, he forfeits the right even to
be called a human being. This is indeed a miserable condition, an
unimaginable circumstance." (Calcutta, 1980)
     **********************************************

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.
         **************************************