Mahaprayan of One Bhukti Pradhan

Baba

== MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF SHRII B.D. RANJAN JI ==

Namaskar,
It is with much sorrow to share with you news of the recent mahaprayan* (death) of Shriii B.D. Ranjan ji which occurred on 15 February 2013 while attending seminar in Bhopal. He suffered a massive heart attack. His loss will felt by many.

Shrii B.D. Ranjan was a dedicated Ananda Margii who was blessed to give much time and energy for Ananda Marga ideals. As the Bhukti Pradhan of Fatehpur (UP), Bhagavan Das Ranjan ji, or BD Ranjan  ji, worked hard in service to Gurudev. There are many stories to tell.

May we all take solace in the fact that Shrii B.D. Ranjan ji was a devoted bhakta of the Lord. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His grace.

With deepest regards,
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Nirmala

Note 1: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL MAHAPRAYAN AND FAKE MPD

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the way mahaprayan is to be used.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan.That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa Himself. This is totally inappropriate because when Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is totally wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa.

Note 2: ASTERISK NOTE ABOUT MAHAPRAYAN

* Mahaprayan (Death):  Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in Bengal to describe the death of an honoured or even ordinary person. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily devotional term to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no devotees ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Those who think that Baba is a mortal human being celebrate Mahaprayan on a particular day of the year related with Baba; but, in the true sense, Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary on page 742. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens.

Note 3: STORY- SITTING ON BABA'S LAP MEANS DIED?

(contributed by one margii)

Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, "After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this.

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was totally eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if all who have died have accumulated there. Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, "being on Baba's lap." It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense, the phrase "being on Baba's lap" really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent's lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba's grace this can happen anytime in one's sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become  stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate "Baba's lap" only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

ve bhagavan ko pya're ho gaye
(he has been loved by God)

ve svarga sidhar gaye
(he has gone to heaven )

ve guzar gaye
(he passed away)

mahaprayan hoyeche
 (he died)

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, "being on Baba's lap." Because the phrase - "being on Baba's lap" - is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase "being on Baba's lap" should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean "a devotee". Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean "untouchable". Nobody uses it to mean "devotee", but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.

RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap for ever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in BÁBÁ'S loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

All of the above lines are commonly written at the time of death. Of course it is fine to write like that. Here the point is that this same phrase "in Baba's lap" should be used when describing one's devotional practices and experiences as well.

Threatens The Longevity of Ananda Marga

Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:04:39
Subject: Threatens The Longevity of Ananda Marga
From: Jitendra
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #3233;
(2) Posting:  Threatens The Longevity of Ananda Marga
(3) Trailer Quote: Kettle Drum Is Not Sentient Kiirtan - How Kiirtan Controls the Mind

 Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).

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


Baba

"Esecho a'ma'r ghare, krpa'r pasara' ha'te kare..." (PS 3233)

Purport:

Baba, by Your own mercy and compassion, You have come to my abode holding a basket of grace. Baba, Your divine advent in my home is not due to my calling – it is solely due to Your infinite love. O’ My Lord, You have taken so much trouble to come to me. You are so gracious. O’ Parama Purusa, I do not have any quality of my own – nor have I done any good work, nor do I do proper sadhana. Even then with a deep yearning in my heart I go on remembering and calling You. Baba, today You have come to my abode.

Baba, the brilliant stars of the vast, expansive sky are chanting Your divine name and singing that: 'You are the Divine Lord, the Divine Saviour, You help everyone'. Baba, everywhere, all the time, You shower Your causeless grace on one and all. O' Supreme Entity, You are the Controller of this entire universe. In the blue sky, the meteor and galaxies are showering their effulgence for You - to serve You, to please You. Baba, today You have come to my abode.

O' Parama Purusa, whatever I have achieved in life is because of Your grace. I do not have any merit of my own. You have graciously showered me with Your abundant compassion and filled my entire existence with Your fathomless love. Unfortunately I did not give You anything. Baba, by Your grace, today I have placed fresh flower blossoms along with my entire being at Your lotus feet. Baba, today You have come to my abode. I am surrendering myself at Your alter...

== THREATENS THE LONGEVITY OF ANANDA MARGA ==

Namaskar,
The so-called mahaprayan gathering is not an innocuous program; rather by definition it threatens the very survival of Ananda Marga society.

EVERY SOCIETY WANTS TO SURVIVE

BUT ALL SUCCUMB OVER TIME

There have been so many societies that have come on this earth and all wanted to survive - nay they all wanted to thrive and last forever on this earth. But the reality is that, at some point in time, each and every civilisation meets its demise and falls into oblivion.

Such civilisations of the past included the Mayan, Incas, Roman, Confucian, Greeks, Aztecs, Egyptian, Licchaviis, Vikings, Phoenicians - and the list goes on and on.

Similarly, the societies currently active on this globe also have their inherent flaws and weak links; they will not last long - let alone forever. Yet all hold the aspiration to stand the test of time.

OUR ANANDA MARGA IS DIFFERENT

Baba has graciously provided us with the key tenets that ensure the survival of any society. This He has done with the elaboration of the six spokes of the social cycle, or s'ad'ara'h sama'ja cakra. And these six are all present in Ananda Marga. As His disciples, we are to adhere to His guiding principles.

SIX SPOKES OF THE SOCIAL CYCLE

Before advancing any further, we should first identify what the six spokes are that ensure the preservation and prosperity of any society.

Baba says, "The six factors which guide society, which make it vibrate in bliss and dance in bliss when its different entities realize the fullness of existence in every fibre of their existence, are the s'ad'ara'h sama'ja cakra [six spokes of the social cycle]. The six are: spiritual practice, spiritual ideology, social outlook, socio-economic theory, scripture and preceptor." (1)

Here Baba outlines the six spokes.

"Numerous factors are needed for the development of a group of people. But the following six are the most important of them."

"There should be a spiritual ideology in the life of both the individual and the collective body. Much of your energy is misused due to the ignorance of your own self and the destination towards which you are moving. This misuse of energy is bound to cause destruction."

"The second factor for the progress of society is spiritual cult, a Sádhaná process. Everyone has got a physical structure. The problem with every individual is to produce more and more ectoplasmic stuff by the body and then to convert it into consciousness. There should be a proper process for this conversion. Spiritual cult consists of the conversion of the five rudimental factors into ectoplasmic stuff and then into consciousness through a special scientific process. This is a process of metamorphosis. Spiritual cult therefore, is indispensable. But only spiritual ideology and spiritual philosophy will not do."

"The third factor which is a blending of Asti (existence) and Bhati (growth) is a socio-economic theory. There should be a priori knowledge regarding the social structure, the distribution of wealth and its growth. For want of this knowledge there can't be a solid ground for the construction of the social edifice."

"The fourth one is social outlook. All living creatures in this manifest universe are the children of the same Cosmic Entity. They are the progeny of the same Supreme Progenitor. Naturally they are bound in a thread of fraternal relations. This is the central spirit. A socio-economic theory is of no use but for this fraternal feeling. The implementation of this theory is an impossibility without Sádhaná."

"The fifth factor for the progress of society is for it to have its own scripture. There is a need for the company of elevated persons (satsaunga) in all spheres of life."

"The authority whose contact means satsaunga for you is the shástra. That which elevates society by dint of sháśana is called [[shástra]]. We should have a shástra of our own. The last but not the least important factor for the progress of society is for it to have its own preceptor."

"The entire social structure is dependent on these six factors. Bhati (growth) is meaningless without them. The weakness of one among them may jeopardize the very existence of Bhati."

"From ancient times many groups of people came into existence. Some of them somehow managed to drag on, some became extinct and some continued to exist in a metamorphosed form. About one thousand five hundred years ago, Arabs were very developed in science. But they were defeated by the Islamic wave, for they were lacking in the six aforesaid factors, while the latter had at least five of them. The same is the case with Egypt. It was fully developed in the spheres of art, architecture and science. It is the Egyptians who made the pyramids which needed subtle geometrical knowledge. Moreover, they were also very advanced in the sphere of civilization. Despite this, they could not prevent their defeat. Today's Egypt is the Egyptian form of Arab civilization. The cause of the death of its older form was the lack of the aforesaid six factors."

"The Christian or Roman civilization was also considerably higher on the ladder of development. Yet they were lacking in social outlook. There were no feelings of fraternity and equality. The slave system was rampant and human feelings were on the wane. Furthermore, the lack of a proper socio-economic theory generated a kind of fascist mentality in them. Those rolling in luxury and adverse to labour became indolent. Naturally they were defeated by a stronger and more strenuous force. The destruction of the Greek and Chinese civilizations was also caused by the lack of the factors of Bhati. The Aryans could defeat the indigenous Indians only due to the latter's lacking in the factors of Bhati (growth). They had several factors of Bhati but there was no preceptor and hence they were defeated."

"In the future also, for want of the six factors of Bhati (growth), the extinction of a concerned group of people is sure to happen. But where these factors are present, there the movement is towards Ananda or divine bliss, and due to this movement the chance of their elimination becomes nil. Such groups which have the six factors in their possession will be able to produce Sadvipras. Sadvipras are those whose all efforts are directed towards the attainment of Ananda. They are also conscious of Asti (existence) and don't lack in the six factors of Bhati (growth). They are strong in morality and are always ready to wage war against immoral activities." (2)

ANANDA MARGA HAS ALL THE POINTS...

From beginning to end, our Ananda Marga is firmly grounded in all the six spokes of society: (I) spiritual practice, (II) spiritual ideology, (III) social outlook, (IV) socio-economic theory, (V) scripture, and (VI) preceptor.

(I) here below Baba clearly declares that we have a proper spiritual cult or spiritual practice.

"The practice of Ananda Marga has been formulated to enable spiritual aspirants to search for the Supreme within their minds." (3)

(II) Here Baba clearly states that we have an proper spiritual ideology.

"How can human hunger be satisfied in the subtlest realm? For this Ananda Marga philosophy is there...Our ideology is a happy blending of rationality and spirituality." (4)

(III) Here below Baba clearly tells that we have a proper social outlook.

"Ananda Marga is therefore not merely an organization of idealists or moralists who preach a classless society, but a method, a system or a dharma which leads to a classless society." (5)

"Ananda Marga has formulated a social treatise for the establishment of a congenial social structure." (6)

(IV) Here below Baba clearly guides us that we have a proper socio-economic theory.

"PROUT is the path of socio-economic emancipation for humanity." (7)

(V) Here below Baba states that we have a proper scripture or shastra.

"The books in Ananda Marga philosophy are all absolute knowledge." (8)

(VI) And we have true Preceptor, our Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.

"Ta'raka Brahma is quite a different Entity, a unique Entity, for He is spiritual preceptor, social preceptor, kaola and Maha'kaola all in one." (9)

So in Ananda Marga, all the six spokes are perfectly met.

...BUT MAHAPRAYAN GOES AGAINST POINT OF PRECEPTOR

In addition, Baba - as the Guru, as the Preceptor - is an eternal Entity who will guide us through the ages.

"The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya' (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamu'rtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty." (10)

Unfortunately, those who espouse the program of so-called mahaprayan go against this divine mandate by declaring Baba is gone. That is the meaning of mahaprayan - Guru is no more.

Such an approach seriously threatens our very existence.

That is why even ritualistic Hindus never ever practice the mahaprayan of Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna - because they know well that this would spell the end of their religion, of their civilisation.

Those who advocate mahaprayan plainly tell, directly and indirectly, that Baba is gone forever with the declaration of their dogmatic mahaprayan program.

Such leaders verily remove one of the integral six spokes out of our Ananda Marga society. By taking away the Preceptor - by declaring that Baba is gone with their dogmatic mahaprayan program - they are undermining the very essence of Ananda Marga and threatening its survival.

Devotional and rational-minded margiis and acaryas can never accept such a dogmatic edict; they will never ever accept the dogma of mahaprayan in their heart.

That is why it is sure that our Ananda Marga will last forever; and that is why the dogma of mahaprayan is short-lived. It started in 1990 and has been waning ever since and soon it will be gone entirely. Rational margiis and wts will make the proper ideological stand, by His grace.

"ANANDA MARGA AMAR HAI" - ANANDA MARGA IS ETERNAL

All the six spokes are alive and well in our Ananda Marga and that is why our Marga will lead humanity up to eternity. Our Marga will live on and on, so long as we safeguard each of the six spokes of the social cycle, including that of Preceptor.

"There is no power in the universe, in the heaven or in the underworld, which can annihilate Ananda Marga, because Ananda Marga is established on the solid foundation of rationality and righteousness." (11)

"A'nanda Ma'rga is that path of progress, and that is why A'nanda Ma'rga is the only alternative for the preservation of human existence and civilization." (12)

"Ananda Marga Amar Hai - Ananda Marga is eternal!

MAHAPRAYAN:

DETRIMENTAL TO SURVIVAL

It is very evident however that the dogmatic mahaprayan function severely violates the six spokes of the social cycle, as it goes against the point of 'Preceptor'. For any society to survive there must be the presence of a Preceptor, yet so-called mahaprayan proclaims that Baba is gone. That is why the dogma of mahaprayan is so detrimental to the survival of Ananda Marga.

So long as we adhere to our Ananda Marga dharma, and maintain the integrity of each of the six spokes of the social cycle, then our Ananda Marga will guide the society up through the ages. Regarding this, there is not an iota of doubt.

Baba says, "A'nanda Ma'rga is that path of progress, and that is why A'nanda Ma'rga is the only alternative for the preservation of human existence and civilization." (13)

For any society to sustain itself, these six factors must be proper. And Baba has placed all six in our Ananda Marga society, including that of Preceptor; thus we should not let any dogma like mahaprayan - which declares that the Preceptor (Baba) is gone - undermine the very survival our AM civilisation.

Here the point is that when any of the six points becomes weak then it slowly, slowly causes the disintegration of that society like a cancer. It has happened in the past and it will happen in the future - if one is not careful.

Namaskar,
In His love,
Jitendra


REFERENCES:
1. Namami Krsna Sundaram, Disc: 26
2. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Future of Civilization
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 12
4. Prout Nutshell  - 17
5. Prout in a Nutshell - 11
6. Tattva Kaomudii - 2, 'Our Social Treatise'
7. Prout in a Nutshell - 17
8. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4
9. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 7
10. Caryacarya - 2
11. A Few Problems Solved - 4
12. Tattva Kaomudii - 1
13. Tattva Kaomudii - 1

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

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

Kettle Drum Is Not Sentient Kiirtan

How Kiirtan Controls the Mind

Baba says, "It is advisable to play some instrument during kiirtana. A mrdanga [a kind of drum] or some similar instrument should be used , but one should not play any heavysounding instrument like a dhak [a large drum played with sticks], a dol [a loud drum] or a gong. The mind prefers to hear a sweet sound, like that of the mrdanga, than a harsh sound. Some time ago I mentioned that Bhola Mayra said that when the cawing of crows and the beating of drums stop, human ears get some relief. People do not like to hear such harsh, unpleasant sounds. The sound of the mrdanga may not be perfect, but it has one quality: it is very sweet. Thus, whenever a distracted mind hears the sweet music of a mrdanga, it returns to the proper place. A remarkable science lies in kiirtana." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, p. 13-14)

Note: Here are two points regarding Baba's above teaching:

(a) During kiirtan, the mind becomes sentient and does not appreciate rajasik sounds.

(b) During kiirtan, sometimes many indriyas are involved: The mouth, ears, hands, feet, nose, eyes, and tongue. When the indriyas are involved in this way, they help keep the mind focused and bring the mind back when it runs away. Here is the philosophical and practical explanation.

In general, the mind runs towards external physicality via the indriyas, i.e. 10 motor and sensory organs. So when those indriyas are fully involved in a spiritual endeavour like kiirtan, then the mind is forced to engage in kiirtan via one or another organ.

The mind always wants to run - either by thinking a disparate thought or by stimulus received via the organs. As Baba explains above, when the organs are positively involved in a devotional practice like kiirtan, then if the mind wanders away from the kiirtan those organs will help bring the mind back to a spiritual flow.

For instance, let's say someone doing kiirtan starts thinking about the market and what they will purchase there. Yet when the sweet sound of the mrdangam is received via the senory organs, i.e. the ears, then that sound will bring the mind back the devotional ideation of the kiirtan.

The mind can think any stray thought at any time but if the indriyas are engaged in a spiritual manner, then that will help bring the mind back. That is the special import of singing and dancing kiirtan, along with the sounds of the mrdangam and other sentient musical instruments.

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

Mahaprayan of Family Ac Kuladeep Ji

Date: Sat 02 Feb 2013 17:49:04
From: Dharmaviira Deva
Subject: Mahaprayan of Family Ac Kuladeep Ji
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== MAHAPRAYAN (DEATH) OF FAMILY AC KULDADEEP JI ==

Namaskar,
It is with much sorrow to share with you news of the mahaprayan* (death) of Family Acarya Kuladeepji of Bhagalpur. Respected Acaryaji's last breath and mahaprayan took place yesterday 01 Feb at 2:30pn IST at Godda (Bhagalpur).

As many may know, Family Acarya Kuladeepji was one of the senior members of Ananda Marga. He touched the lives of many through by his service, humility and kindness. At the time of his passing, he was 83 years of age. Acaryaji will be very much missed.

May we all take solace in the fact that Ac Kuladeepji was a devoted bhakta of the Lord. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His grace.

With deepest regards,
Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Dharmaviira Deva

Note 1: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REAL MAHAPRAYAN AND FAKE MPD

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the way mahaprayan is to be used.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan.That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa Himself. This is totally inappropriate because when Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is totally wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa.

Note 2: ASTERISK NOTE ABOUT MAHAPRAYAN

* Mahaprayan (Death):  Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in Bengal to describe the death of an honoured or even ordinary person. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily devotional term to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no devotees ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Those who think that Baba is a mortal human being celebrate Mahaprayan on a particular day of the year related with Baba; but, in the true sense, Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary on page 742. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens.

Note 3: STORY- SITTING ON BABA'S LAP MEANS DIED?

(contributed by one margii)

Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, "After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this.

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was totally eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if all who have died have accumulated there. Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, "being on Baba's lap." It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense, the phrase "being on Baba's lap" really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent's lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba's grace this can happen anytime in one's sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become  stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate "Baba's lap" only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

ve bhagavan ko pya're ho gaye
(he has been loved by God)

ve svarga sidhar gaye
(he has gone to heaven )

ve guzar gaye
(he passed away)

mahaprayan hoyeche
 (he died)

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, "being on Baba's lap." Because the phrase - "being on Baba's lap" - is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase "being on Baba's lap" should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean "a devotee". Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean "untouchable". Nobody uses it to mean "devotee", but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.

RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap for ever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in BÁBÁ'S loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

All of the above lines are commonly written at the time of death. Of course it is fine to write like that. Here the point is that this same phrase "in Baba's lap" should be used when describing one's devotional practices and experiences as well.

+++ NEXT LETTER +++

Subject: Re: Baba Story: Guru Mantra & Its Effect
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2013 03:49:54 GMT
To: am-global@earthlink.net

== RE: BABA STORY: GURU MANTRA & ITS EFFECT ==

BABA

 

Namaskara!

 

Great article.

 

I have found over the years the best way to follow brahmacarya and Guru mantra (Madhuvidya) is to employ the method of Subject-Object as often as I can. In this way, I don't need to stop between each action or thought to internally recite and feel the meaning of guru mantra. So, it is a natural flowing way to remain established in Subject-Object.

 

By thinking, seeing, or feeling that He is always watching me up through my sahasrara cakra, whether going to the mail box, starting the car, or walking the halls at work, I feel the connection to Him-always. With persistence this practical technique becomes easier and it works.

 

I invite all to try this way to do guru mantra.

 

Baba Nam Kevalam!

Here is a link to the original letter of this series:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/baba-story-guru-mantra-its-effect.html

Guru Sakash & MPD Can't Co-Exist, Why?

Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:18:42 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Shantanu.Deva@bharata.net...
Subject: Guru Sakash & MPD Can't Co-Exist, Why?

Baba

== GURU SAKASH & MPD CAN'T CO-EXIST, WHY? ==

Namaskar,
That day at the Madhu Koraka Baba Quarter (Tiljala, Kolkata) in June 1990, I was there. Baba gave His discourse in Bengali. He revealed the secret behind the greatness of Guru. That was the day Baba gave Guru sakash, which every sadhaka knows is an extremely important practice in spiritual life.

Presently, each and every margii is aware about Guru sakash. The sadhaka feels, "Baba is in my close proximity - showering His grace." In Ananda Marga, each and every day starts with Guru sakash.

Baba says, "Gurusaka'sha means 'near the Guru, under the Guru's umbrella, under the Guru's wings, in the Guru's shelter'." (Yoga Psychology, p.146)

Guru sakash can only be done when one has this basic feeling or ideation: "I am under His shelter" or "He is, that is why He will give me the shelter", & "He is here with me".

Baba has graced every bhakta to feel, "Parama Purusa is easily accessible, He is around me. Not only around me but very close and intimate." This special feeling is a great boon in the life of any sadhaka: To experience what it is like to live under His shelter.

SCENE AT THE POLICE STATION

Once I visited one of my friends who worked at the police station. While I was there, one lost baby from a local mela (festival) had been brought to the station by a concerned citizen. The baby was crying and crying for its parents. Police officials were trying to help the baby by offering the child some chocolate, fruit, sweets, candy etc. But all their attempts were in vain. I kept wondering why is this baby crying non-stop. What was missing? What is it that the baby needs?

As we all know, that baby did not need anything other than its mother. Why mother? Because the baby feels safe when it is under the shelter of its mother. Haven't you seen in your childhood or neighborhood that when 2 young children of different families quarrel, they claim, 'I will tell my mother and she will beat you'. The point being those young kids think their mother is going to solve all their problems. In that way, small babies are care-free, their life is free of any type of problem, because mother takes care of everything.

IMPORTANCE OF SHELTER

The whole concept of shelter is very significant. Taking the shelter of Guru has a tremendous value in the life of a spiritual aspirant. Life is enmeshed in problems; yet those who depend more and more on the Supreme Entity (Baba) are comparatively stress-free and relaxed. Life is blissful.

In contrast, those lacking the feeling of taking shelter in God, live in a quagmire of problems. In spite of having all worldly luxuries, still they live in hell - in tension. To remove that, they get addicted to alcohol and other vices. So taking shelter in Guru is very meaningful in day to day life.

Baba says in many discourses, "Mahat prpaeva bhagavat krpaleshadva", meaning Grace of Guru is everything.

We can say that Baba gives His special grace when a devotee takes shelter in Him. In spiritual life, His grace is everything. So when grace is everything and grace is related with the feeling of shelter under the Guru, and when the feeling of shelter is associated with the feeling of the presence of Guru, then feeling Guru's presence is paramount. Because without feeling His presence one will not feel His shelter.

For the bhakta, Guru's presence means "very close proximity with my own existence." So to take shelter in Him, the existence of both Guru and devotee is required.

DOGMA OF MAHAPRAYAN

When the idea is injected that Guru has left and gone to some distant land, i.e. passed away, departed, and went to heaven - vis so-called mahaprayan, then the One to Whom the disciple should take shelter in is missing. The disciple is present, but the Guru has departed to some far away place. In that situation, taking shelter in Him is not possible. One's heart will not feel comfortable taking shelter in an entity who is in some other abode, gone to some distant land, i.e. passed away, departed, and went to heaven i.e. "mahaprayan". That is the ill-effect of the dogma of so-called mahaprayan.

The eternal truth is that Brahma is Guru and Guru is an eternal Entity - He never dies.

Those sadhakas who take shelter in Him are most blessed and realise Baba in an intimate way.

Baba says, "Parama'tma' is seated in your heart." (Subhasita Samgraha - 19)

Such a bhakta feels in their regular life and realises in their sadhana that Guru is along with them. That is the greatest blessing of all.

The practice of Guru sakasha helps greatly in this way.

Baba guides us that very early in the morning upon awakening, immediately a sadhaka should place themselves under His shelter. For this reason, the practice of Guru sakash is mandatory for each and every Ananda Margii.

For every Ananda Margii, each day begins with Guru's closeness. Indeed, over the course of the whole day, His closeness is felt by Guru mantra, different meditation lessons, shravan (hearing His name), manan (thinking of Him), nididhya'sana (ideating on Him), and doing His work, etc. At night, when going to bed, each bhakta remembers Him and falls asleep in His lap.

That is how a devotee passes their days. Such is Baba's divine grace and presence.
                                

HOW TO DO GURU SAKASH

Thinking on this, there is no scope for so-called mahaprayan. Baba is always present with every devotee. So every sadhaka should be vigilant to adhere to Baba's divine guideline from Shabda Cayanika, discourse #223, which is also printed in Yoga Psychology:

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

"Early in the morning one should meditate on the Guru in Vara'bhaya Mudra with two hands and two eyes seated on a white lotus in Guru cakra, and address Him with your most loving and affectionate epithet...In what state does the Guru, endowed with two eyes and two hands exist? In the Vara'bhaya Mudra (in the posture of holding out the boon of fearlessness) He is your well-wisher, and as a matter of fact, the doer of your good. The epithet with which you address the Guru or silently speak during your dhya'na or Gurudhya'na should also be used by you at the time of this Gurudhya'na. Always address the Guru at a stretch. This is Gurusaka'sha." (10 June 1990)

In one's practical life, one is to feel and experience that, "Baba is with me."

FOOLISH ATTEMPT: SHELTERING IN DOGMA

Some people misuse this theory of taking shelter by "sheltering" under dogma. But their so-called shelter is futile because that shelter is itself baseless. One must take shelter in that Entity Who does not need any shelter, i.e. Parama Purusa.

Idol worshipers think that by the grace of their cherished idol they will cross bhavasagar (ocean of samskaras). But they are living in dreamland. Likewise, those following the program of mahaprayan feel this will bring them to the door-step of their final emancipation. But that is just bogus.

Those sheltering in dogma only bind themselves deeper - they are further plunged in the net of avidya maya.

RELEVANT STORY OF SHANKARACARYA JI

This following story about Shankaracarya & his Mayavada theory (illusion theory) is highly related with the present scene.

Baba says, "One morning a wild bull suddenly started to charge that maha'purus'a [Shankaracarya], so he ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A logician who happened to be standing nearby asked the maha'purus'a, "Well sir, if you say that this world is unreal, then the bull is also unreal, so why are you running in fear?" That maha'purus'a would not accept any defeat in logic and replied, "My running away is also unreal." (Namami Krsnasundaram, '97, p. 81)

Baba says, "This philosophical doctrine [of mayavada] had left the people cynical and brought them to the brink of disaster." (Namami Krsnasundaram, '97, p. 81)

The above story which exposes the hypocrisy of Shankaracarya is more than 1000 years old but it still has much relevance in this present era. Because these days certain leaders are once again organizing their hypocritical, so-called mahaprayan function.

The point being that making their so-called mahaprayan (MPD) program itself gives the false message that Baba is gone. At the same time at so-called mahaprayan, they are making a kiirtan program in which everybody ideates that Baba is present. So on the one hand Baba has departed forever (i.e. mahaprayan), and on the other side He is along side us. That is the conflict: So-called mahaprayan versus kiirtan.

So the entire way of dealing of these group leaders is self-contradictory and submerged in the whirlpool of dogma. They are caught in the net of their own self-created contradiction.

This hypocrisy is for no other reason than the purpose of convincing innocent people to come into their group fold and donate money to their "cause". It is nothing but one negative, hypocritical ploy.

These days no one is befooled by such tactics. And step by step, nearly everyone is understanding the dogma and extreme negativity of the so-called mahaprayan program and how this is just one group's hypocrisy and groupist strategy.

Namaskar.
At His feet,
Shantanu

WHO IS SADGURU

"The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidyá (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamúrtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty." (1)

GURU MUST BE MAHAKAOLA

"In order to be an ideal guru in the spiritual sphere, one must be thoroughly conversant with the minutest details of sádhaná, every aspect of sádhaná, important or unimportant. The guru must not only learn those things, but must also possess the capacity to teach those practices to others. Otherwise he should not be treated as a guru. The Mahákaola alone has this capacity, no one else. Kaolas are those who by dint of sádhaná have successfully elevated their microcosmic stance and established it in the Macrocosmic one; but a Mahákaola is one who is a kaola, certainly, but at the same time possesses the capacity to help others as well to get to that exalted kaola position. In the past Lord Shiva was one such Mahákaola. Lord Krśńa was another. To be a guru one must be a Mahákaola. One must possess knowledge regarding sádhaná, not only thorough knowledge of the shástras [scriptures]. And in order to gain thorough scriptural knowledge, one must know as many important languages as are necessary for the purpose. That is to say, it is not enough that a guru acquire the necessary qualifications to be able to teach sádhaná (that is, impart lessons on the practical cult); he must possess adequate knowledge of theory also. That is, in order to know the inner secret of sádhaná, he must possess thorough and authentic scriptural knowledge; then only should he be accepted as a perfect guru in the spiritual sphere. One who has a fairly good knowledge of sádhaná and can also help others in that realm, but is completely devoid of intellect, or knowledge of languages and scriptures, cannot be a perfectly competent guru in the spiritual sphere; for, being a guru, he will have to explain the theoretical side also. If, suppose, I say to someone, “Do this,” I should also explain why he or she should do that, and at the same time I should be able to support it in the light of the shástras." (2)

BE ABLE TO PUNISH & LOVE

"A spiritual guru must be well-acquainted with all the processes of sádhaná, must have the capacity to convince others, must possess complete knowledge of the scriptures, must know many languages, and must have comprehensive knowledge and intellect, plus some extra qualifications. What are those qualifications? Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate – “the guru must possess the capacity both to punish, and to love, or bless, his disciples.” Punishment alone, without love, is not good. Love and punishment should go together, and the degree of punishment should never exceed the degree of love. Then only can one be called a real spiritualguru." (2)

GURU MUST BE AUTHORITY ON ALL SUBJECTS & ALL REALMS

"I have already said that a guru must be an authority on all subjects in all the three strata:"

"As a spiritual guru, he must be thoroughly versed in spiritual science – both the theory and the practice. He must know how Parama Puruśa associates Himself with jiivas [unit beings]; and he must know how jiivas associate themselves with Parama Puruśa (they associate themselves just as the Ganges merges into the Bay of Bengal). Otherwise, how can he teach this science to others?" (2)

BRAHMA ALONE IS THE GURU

"And who knows this science? Only Parama Puruśa knows it, because He Himself has created everything. He has created our sense organs, and He has created the tanmátras that our sense organs detect. He can create anything He likes. But remember, He does not do anything. His “doing” means His thinking. Things will take shape as He thinks. No one but Parama Puruśa knows how He does it. So how can people know Parama Puruśa if He does not teach to others the science of knowing Him? Only Parama Puruśa knows the science and the method to realize Him, to know Him; because He has created both human beings and the path that they must move along. So people can know the method by His grace only. Hence it has been said in Ánanda Sútram, Brahmaeva Gururekah náparah – that is, “Brahma alone is the Guru.” Through His physical structure, He teaches the actual science to the spiritual aspirants. People should clearly understand this." (2)

GURU IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

"Next comes the physical world. The followers, the disciples, of the guru, are men and women of flesh and blood having physical structures. They have their sorrows and miseries, their tears and smiles. This is their life. They have their problem of food and clothing; they have their pleasures and pains, their tears of pain and tears of joy; they become elated in happy circumstances and depressed when things go wrong. It is the duty of a guru to provide his followers with the wherewithal for their progress. This is what an ideal guru is to do in the physical sphere. As a guru in the physical world, he will have to teach mankind such techniques as will solve their worldly problems – problems of food, clothing, education and medical treatment. A guru must see to it that their mundane problems are solved."

"So in order to be a guru, one must come onto this earth with the highest qualifications in the spiritual field, and with the greatest capacity to face the mountainous obstacles in the physical world. To shoulder the responsibility of a guru is not child’s play." (2)


References For Above Quotes:
(1) = Caryacarya - 1
(2) = Discourses on Tantra - The Criteria of a Guru 

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

"A'ka'shabhara' a'jake ta'ra'..." (P.S. 2523)

Purport:

Baba, the sky of this amavasya night is filled with the stars. The sweet, nectar-like breeze is blowing mildly. The mind is floating in divine ecstasy from the known to the unknown world - towards its final destination. Baba, ensconced in Your ideation, my mind is getting lost in Your divine bliss. Baba, the lily flower is constantly looking towards the sky; the aroma of flowers is emanating all around. They have forgotten themselves and lost their awareness about their own unit existence. They restlessly move in the attraction of one call. Baba in Your longing I am sitting alone, counting the stars. I understand that by Your grace I have lost myself in this beautiful atmosphere and the attraction of Your love. Baba, You are ever-gracious and You are always remaining by my side and guiding me. Baba, on this amavasya night my heart is yearning and longing for You. Please grace me by coming closer and still more close...

Story: Journey To MPD Commemoration

Subject: Story: Journey To MPD Commemoration
Date: Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:32:11 +0530
From: N 
To: 'AM-GLOBAL'


Baba

== STORY: JOURNEY TO MPD COMMEMORATION ==

Note: This personal account is the veritable history how the organisers of so-called mahaprayan were trying to glorify their chosen program.

Additional Note: Baba is that Divine Eternal Entity so any use of the mahaprayan term with Him is really so-called mahaprayan. Always it is like that. In order to recount the below in conversational style, sometimes the mahaprayan term was used. All bhaktas understand that this means so-called mahaprayan. Now please read this personal and historical account.

Namaskar,
One time I went back to my village and I learnt that my uncle, Harihara Dasha (a non-margii) had been to Tiljala to attend our Gurudeva's shraddha function.

I asked him how he could attend it. (After all, my uncle was a simple villager and I wanted to know how he had the means to go to Kolkata.)

He replied, "What a huge gathering! 24 hours the people were taking delicious food! 24hours kiirtana was going on! A group of about 200 persons from our village & around our village led by Bhaskar Jena went to Kolkata by train in a rally in the name of Proutist Sarva Samaja Sammelan [All Indian Samaj Unions]  and a badge was given to everyone of them in lieu of rs.10 only. We were fed nicely. We performed your kiirtana for a few hours on those days & the rest of the time we spent visiting different sites in & around Kolkata."

He showed his gratitude to Ananda Marga because of free lodging & boarding provided by the organisers.

WHAT WE LEARN FROM THIS TRUE STORY

From the facts mentioned above it is quite evident that non-margiis are brought to the function held in Tiljala from 21st Oct to 26th Oct every year. They're allured or attracted by either free boarding & lodging for six days by the organisers to observe such a dogmatic function.

All in all there is a multi-layered strategy of deception going on here:

(a) First of all, the villagers are initially led to believe that they are going for a Prout rally, not so-called mahaprayan, where they will get free food and lodging and that they will have lots of time to go sightseeing in Kolkata;
(b) Second, those villagers were led to believe that for just 10 rupees (20 cents US) they got an actual train ticket as well as free lodging, free food, and all other expenses free. But that is not true - they only got a badge to attend the B group function - not a train ticket. So in reality are traveling on that train illegally and could be put in jail. But they do not realise it;
(c) Those organising Dadas tell the train officials that these people are traveling to attend a political rally and should not be charged for their ticket. That is the unwritten rule in India;
(d) The railway personnel think that if they do not give free train travel to those villagers then they will be attacked, because these travelers are political activists;
(e) Those Dadas collecting ten rupees keep that money and more importantly PRS Dada gets to brag & propagate in their email that so many people attended their MPD program;
(f) The margiis who attend MPD think that all those villagers are bonafide margiis when in fact they are just simple villagers;
(g) Those simple villagers are pleased because they will pass their time touring Kolkata in exchange for participating in the program for 1 hour or so each day.

So that is the layered strategy of deception that is unfolding.

MAHAPRAYAN IS A DOGMATIC CEREMONY

Whether it is named as "mahaprayan" or "shraddhanjali" or "samkalpa divas", the non-margiis will name it "shraddha". And as we all know, the Hindu shraddha tradition is a dogma as explained in Ananda Marga philosophy. On such shraddha ceremonies, Hindus feed people for free, and donate clothes or valuable articles to their guests and the public to please their ancestors. In such functions, often the "harekrshana hare rama" mantra propagated by Shrii Chaitanyamahaprabhu is sung by hired professional kiirtana groups.

A CASE SCENARIO: MORE ABOUT THE DOGMA OF MPD

Now let's suppose someone is traveling by train or flight to Kolkata to attend so-called mahaprayan divas (MPD). If one co-passenger asks him about his purpose of visit, he will definitely reply that, "I will attend mahaprayan."

Immediately the co-passenger will inquire, "What is mahaprayan?"

The traveler will explain, "On this particular day our Gurudeva left His physical body, so we call it mahaprayan."

Then that co-passenger will conclude by saying, "Oh! You are going to attend a traditional Hindu shraddha ceremoney."

Here the point, those outside the marga will think of it as a typical Hindu shraddha or death anniversary. That is what is being taught to them by observing so-called mahaprayan.

Yet we know how Baba has condemned this dogmatic shraddha ceremony throughout Ananda Marga philosophy. Plus in Caryacarya He has clearly mentioned that our dharmic Ananda Marga shraddha function should be observed within 12 days. Whereas the dogmatic Hindu shraddha program is an annual ceremony where they "send" gifts and food to their deceased family member in heaven. In Ananda Marga, we wholly reject such a notion. Yet that is what non-margiis will think what is going on by having an annual "mahaprayan" gathering.

                        

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba alone is the infinite, eternal Entity who is the Goal and He resides forever in the hearts of His devotees.

Those who observe the so-called mahaprayan programme should reconsider their this dogmatic approach and come onto the path of bliss and realise His Divine and Eternal Self.

Baba says, "The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings-- That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamurtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty." (Caryacarya - II p.1)

Namaskar,
Narayana

Note 1: HOW ORGANISERS "BENEFIT" FROM MAHAPRAYAN

Certain dogmatic leaders do this dogmatic MPD commemoration because (1) they benefit economically, and (2) they get some followers. This we all know.

For such reasons they are willing to propagate the Baba is gone, and along the way they fool some naive and innocent margiis who participate in their dogmatic programme, as well as some non-margiis.

How do they allure non-margiis? Well just like in the above account, they offer this as a gift to travel and tour Kolkata. That is very unique opportunity for rural villagers. This is like one big event or a dream-come-true to move around Kolkata and have someone else pay for their trip. To do this, they only had to chant kiirtan a few minutes here and there. They think it is a cheap deal.

If is just like if you invite common people to take a free holiday to some exotic place on the other side of this earth, they people will jump at the opportunity.  Similarly, for rural Indian villagers, going to Kolkata is something very exotic. They will talk about it their whole entire life. For them, this is very exotic. Plus, the time of so-called mahaprayan is when their agricultural work is less so they have free time to travel.

You can also think of it this way: If you wanted to do some sightseeing in Mecca, then Muslim pay for your trip then you must attend their namaz program and participate in their feast.

Side by side, group leaders entice, cajole, and convince margiis (who have never been to MPD) to attend by using the allurement of kiirtan and visiting Baba's room.

Finally, some margiis are verily confused and do not know right or wrong. So they just go to mahaprayan because of their  friendship with various Dadas or Didis.

All in all, this universe is colourful - if you organise any type of activity then someone will be ready to follow. If you create a nasty blog or a bogus twitter account, even then someone will follow. So-called mahaprayan is like that.

It is just like how various religious leaders have lots of followers. The followers naively follow the dogmatic edicts of those religious leaders. That is the way those religions work. Same is the history with the dogma of mahaprayan. However, as more and more margiis understand that mahaprayan is anti-Baba, they give up attending this dogmatic programme. And that is what we see happening nowadays.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

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, the mind becomes dry and deep, devotional spiritual ideation and strong sadhana are almost impossible. 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.


"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...

Re: Proof of Outrightly Disobeying Baba

Subject: Re: Proof of Outrightly Disobeying Baba
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:02:10 +0200
From: Amrit Lalloo
To: AM-GLOBAL

Baba

== RE: PROOF OF OUTRIGHTLY DISOBEYING BABA ==

~ Part 2 ~

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

Namaskar Narayana,
"The social code of Ananda Marga is ideal in all respects and, every Ananda Margii knows that Caryacarya is our social treatise. As stated, in Caryacarya it is given that we are to observe and celebrate (a) Children’s Day (Śaśt́hii), (b) Public Day (Saptamii), (c) Fine Arts Day (Aśt́amii), (d) Music Day (Navamii), and (e) Victory Day (Dashamii) or Vijayotsava. These are our Ananda Marga festivals as given by Baba as part of Sháradotsava. (Reference Caryacarya Part 1, Social Functions and Festivals)

And this year (2012), these five days of festival arrived on 20 Oct to 24th October.

Unfortunately, instead of observing the A’nanda Festivals related with Sháradotsava, from Śaśt́hii to Viyaha Dashamii, from 20th Oct to 24th Oct, some persons observed the dogmatic function of so-called mahaprayan in Tiljala from 21st to 24th October. And on the 20th they either prepared for so-called mahaprayan observances or they used it as a travel day get to Tiljala etc. In so doing, they went against Sadguru’s instruction of celebrating the five festival dates of Sháradotsava.

Ba’ba’ taught us to follow - Mantramu’lam Gururva’kyam - but some of our brothers & sisters are going against His instruction. Really it is quite regrettable." (From: Proof of Outrightly Disobeying Baba)

A brilliant observation. This proves, without a doubt, that Baba has been disobeyed.  'Mahaprayan" which is man-made has taken precedence over that which has been God-made. Mahaprayan is no-doubt a dogma. It proves another point; it is easier for the mind to to moves downwards. Such is the power of dogma.

Daeviihye'sa' gun'amayii mama ma'ya' duratyaya
Ma'meva ye prapadyante ma'ya'meta'm' tarantite

"This powerful Maya of the mind is My Maya.
To overcome Her is a difficult task.
But I liberate those who take shelter in Me"

To take shelter in Baba is to follow His command; not to make up fake alternatives.

In Him who is Eternal
Amrit

Note 1: LINK TO EARLIER LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/10/proof-of-outrightly-disobeying-baba.html

Proof of Outrightly Disobeying Baba

Subject: Proof of Outrightly Disobeying Baba
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:22:45 +0530
From: N PANDA
To: 'AM-GLOBAL'

Baba

== PROOF OF OUTRIGHTLY DISOBEYING BABA ==

~ THEY WILL HAVE TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES, UNFORTUNATELY ~

Namaskar,
As we all know, Ba’ba’ has given the system of observing Vijaya Dashamii as part of Sháradotsava from Śaśt́hii to Dashamii in Carya’carya. And we are to follow His social code.

Baba says, "In a word, Ananda Marga’s social code fulfils all the conditions of an ideal social code – it is universal, rational and psychological. It is eminently suited to the development of a dynamic social structure in this rapidly-changing world. As it has been formulated in conformity with the physical, psychic and social needs of human beings, people from all walks of life fully support it and are enthusiastically engaged in its implementation." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4)

The social code of Ananda Marga is ideal in all respects and, every Ananda Margii knows that Caryacarya is our social treatise. As stated above, in Caryacarya it is given that we are to observe and celebrate (a) Children’s Day (Śaśt́hii), (b) Public Day (Saptamii), (c) Fine Arts Day (Aśt́amii), (d) Music Day (Navamii), and (e) Victory Day (Dashamii) or Vijayotsava. These are our Ananda Marga festivals as given by Baba as part of Sháradotsava. (Reference Caryacarya Part 1, Social Functions and Festivals)

And this year (2012), these five days of festival arrived on 20 Oct to 24th October.

Unfortunately, instead of observing the A’nanda Festivals related with Sháradotsava, from Śaśt́hii to Viyaha Dashamii, from 20th Oct to 24th Oct, some persons observed the dogmatic function of so-called mahaprayan in Tiljala from 21st to 24th October. And on the 20th they either prepared for so-called mahaprayan observances or they used it as a travel day get to Tiljala etc. In so doing, they went against Sadguru’s instruction of celebrating the five festival dates of Sháradotsava.

Ba’ba’ taught us to follow - Mantramu’lam Gururva’kyam - but some of our brothers & sisters are going against His instruction. Really it is quite regrettable.

HOW TO ESTABLISH UNITY:

WHAT TO DO

If we follow Ba’ba’s instructions there won’t be differences among us.

Third Front / EC joined Kalikata administration after Kinshuk da’da’ was made PP. Some had the hope that by this approach there would be a way of unifying other factions. But "unifying" various groups around a particular agenda is not unity. That never works.

The key point is that we have to bring ideological unity by following His instructions / guidelines given in black & white - not by following any groupist agenda like so-called mahaprayan. We are to abide by all His instructions.

Thus no one should fall prey to observing the dogmatic occasion of so-called mahaprayan. After all, so-called mahaprayan was prescribed by a few human beings, i.e. avadhu’tas / purodhas; whereas Vijaya Dashamii and the 5 festival dates of Sháradotsava was given by Mahasambhuti Baba Himself. On this ideological issue, I condemn the Kolkata faction.

I request one & all of our brothers / sisters to observe the festivals given in Carya’carya by Beloved Ba’ba’ & discard / reject the so-called commemoration invented by human beings like the members of the then central committee in the year 1990/91. Kindly scrap that appendix – "Mahaprayan Divas" - from Carya’carya without ifs & buts.

The solution is to follow Baba including His given festival dates, not the dogmatic programs like so-called mahaprayan invented by human beings.

FESTIVAL OF VICTORY DAY IS DISCARDED

Those who have devotion towards Guru will follow Him; they will do what He says. When our Ananda Marga festival of Victory Day, Vijaya Otsava (Dashamii) - and the other dates of Sháradotsava from Śaśt́hii to Dashamii - occurs during the same time as so-called mahaprayan, then one has to choose to either follow Guru or some obsolete groupists. Either one has to follow the dharma of Ananda Marga or the dogma of one group. True bhaktas will surely follow Baba and His eternal dharma.

And indeed, this issue will come up year after year as Vijaya Otsava (Dashamii) and the so-called mahaprayan program are going to coincide again and again. And not only Vijaya Otsava, but Diipavali too. On some years, the so-called mahaprayan program coincides with Baba's given celebration of Diipavali. So that is another key point.

Those who follow the real teachings of Ananda Marga will celebrate Vijaya Otsava & Diipavali whereas those who blindly cling to the skeletons of dogma will fall in the mahaprayan category. Obviously, best is to follow Guru and His shining ideals and that is what most in Ananda Marga are doing.

All bhaktas will always follow Baba and celebrate His given festivals like Vijaya Dashamii & Diipavali.

BABA'S DIVINE GUIDELINES

I close this letter with these guidelines from Sadguru Baba:

[A] Baba says, "Ananda Marga wants to build up an ideal society such as this [moral society]. There should be a congenial environment where people will get the opportunity to enhance their physical, psychic and spiritual progress, and advance rhythmically and in unison towards Parama Puruśa. Hence, Ananda Marga has formulated a social treatise for the establishment of a congenial social structure." (Prout Nutshell - 16)

[B] "Collective social functions. Many social problems arise due to lack of magnanimity, such as not properly understanding or respecting the views of others. This not only keeps people apart, but also makes them hostile to each other. People come together in different festivals and social functions which foster mutual bonds of unity. When they participate in such activities and remain engaged in the same type of collective action, they develop the feeling of temporary affinity. Ananda Marga encourages these types of social functions. Collective bathing and collective meditation on special occasions are as good as common social functions." (Tattva Kaomudii - 2)

[C] Baba says, "In a word, Ananda Marga’s social code fulfills all the conditions of an ideal social code – it is universal, rational and psychological. It is eminently suited to the development of a dynamic social structure in this rapidly-changing world. As it has been formulated in conformity with the physical, psychic and social needs of human beings, people from all walks of life fully support it and are enthusiastically engaged in its implementation." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in A Nutshell - 4)

[D] Baba says, "Caryacarya contains the guidelines for how an individual can best contribute his efforts to the collective momentum. It also provides guidelines for how the collective body shall foster each individual’s physical and psychic welfare." (Prout Nutshell - 18, Talks on Education – Excerpt A)

FACE THE CONSEQUENCES, UNFORTUNATELY

Sincere margiis adhere to the code of Caryacarya where it says to follow Vijaya Dashamii as part of Sháradotsava from Śaśt́hii to Dashamii (20 Oct to 24 Oct 2012), not the so-called mahaprayan program invented by human beings. We should follow vijaya dahasamii given by Mahasambhuti. Those supporting so-called mahaprayan should think again: Why are you going against Baba? He is the Guru of all in Ananda Marga and all should follow His guideline.

My personal feeling is that those attending so-called mahaprayan divas have pure intentions; but, even then, according to the laws of prakrti, they will have to face the consequences for their wrongful action. Idol worshipers get turned into stone for adhering to their dogma; similarly, those supporting so-called mahaprayan will face reactions as well. Remember, disobeying Guru is abominable; we all should be vigilant to follow Him.

"We will not deviate an inch from our ideology, nor will we allow others to do so." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings – 2: Disc 14)

Brotherly yours
Na’ra’yan’a

PRABAHT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this following song the devotee is talking to Baba, and in the second stanza the bhakta is indirectly referring to himself.

"Jeo na', shon'o katha, bojha vytha', abujha hoyo na'..."  (PS 660)

Purport:

Baba, please be gracious, please do not leave me all alone, please do not go far away; please keep me in Your shelter. Baba, please listen to the tale of my aching heart; please understand my pain and suffering - because of my deep longing for You. Baba, I beg You not to remain aloof about my yearning and crying for You. Baba, You have graced me and have made the flower of devotion blossom in my heart. And these flowers are solely for making one beautiful garland for You - ultimately surrendering them at Your lotus feet. Baba, please do not mercilessly crush those flowers. Baba, please be gracious.

Baba, with Your infinite compassion, please keep me close. Please do not permanently forget about that person who is under Your shelter day and night. Baba, it seems You have removed him from Your memory. Baba, please recall how in the past You loved him deeply up to his heart's content. That time You saturated his mind with bliss and filled his eyes with Your loving gaze. You were so gracious those days. Baba, You know that very person was with You in each and every rhythm of the song, he was also with You in all kinds of works - always remaining by Your side. Baba, please do not forget him.

Baba, by Your grace I never forget this eternal truth that You are everything. You are the effulgence of the day as well as the darkness of the night. Baba, in this life of mine I have loved only You. Baba, You are the heart of my heart. Please shower Your divine grace on me day and night, incessantly. Baba, even if You always remain forgetful of me, that I can tolerate. Only I ask one thing of You. Baba, please do not push me away from Your holy, lotus feet.  

Baba, You are my closest & dearest One. You are my everything. Baba, please keep me in Your shelter...

Baba Story: Sadguru Never Dies

Date: 25 Oct 2012 21:27:48 -0000
From: "Madhava Deva" <...-md@express.port.....>
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Sadguru Never Dies

Baba

== BABA STORY: SADGURU NEVER DIES ==

Namaskar,
During my stay in Tiljala, I was attending to Beloved Baba as a medical doctor. The year was 1990. Those days in my sadhana I would regularly put forth this request: "Baba, I do not want live on this earth without a Guru, so please do not leave Your physical body so long as I am alive."

Per my medical duty, when I would check Baba in His room, I used to do sastaunga pranam - both upon entering and after finishing my work. In prostration I would offer: "May my service make you well, Baba please become healthy."

Then the scene changed. After some time I could not control anything. Baba manifested His plan.

After the events of late October 1990, I was feeling like I was immersed in sheer darkness. I was thinking, "Baba is my shelter and now He is gone - I am shelterless." It was a very tormenting period for me. Time passed like this: November, December, and into January 1991.

Amazingly, one day I saw Him in the very same room where I would treat Him. And I was actually treating Him. Incredibly, Baba became alright and I shouted loudly and told everyone the good news: "Look Baba is ok!" After that Baba put me in His lap and He embraced and loved me as my Father. And He told me that, "I am healthy now." Hearing this, I became very happy.

When I woke up from that dream, I was feeling very blissful. Every cell and pore of my mind and body were virbrated with His divine presence. I felt completely new and revitalised. My one and only thought was: Baba, You are so gracious.

After some time, I had another experience with Him. Baba told me something but I did not hear what He said.

Politely and respectfully I asked, "Baba, what did You say?"

Baba graciously repeated the question, "Does Guru ever die?"

What could I say - Baba was directly in front of me. I was so ashamed - how could I have thought that Baba would leave. What reply could I give? I kept quiet, basking in the sweet closeness of His divine presence.

Then Baba told me, "Guru never dies."

After that second dream, my mind became wholly transformed, by His grace. Today, I still feel that Baba is always with me. He has not gone away to some other world. He is here - with me: I am not shelterless. It is His grace...it is His grace...

Namaskar,
CG Goswami

REFLECTIONS ON THE ABOVE STORY

As you may know, Dr CG Goswami of Madhya Pradesh served as one of Baba's doctors and lived in Tiljala to monitor Baba's health. The above story is his own first-person narration so the "I" noted in the story refers to Dr Goswamiji.

SO-CALLED MAHAPRAYAN IS BOGUS - BABA IS ALWAYS WITH YOU

The above story gives the clear-cut view that the so-called mahaprayan is 100% bogus. Why? Because mahaprayan itself means that Baba is gone, yet Baba's pointed and devotional message is that He is with us always. Devotees get this realisation in their dreams and sadhana. Throughout Ananda Marga scripture, it is stated again and again that, "Parama Purusa is always with you."

Because Guru is present, even today when initiations are done then the acarya tells the initiate, "Your Guru is Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji." Not only that, every sadhaka does dhyana asking for Baba's grace. So it is just hypocrisy for those Dadas to try to justify so-called mahaprayan. Baba is present the in the heart and mind of each and every bhakta.

A FEW OF BABA'S TEACHINGS

These following three teachings from Baba nicely support and complement the theme and expression of the above story.

1. Here below is the famous guideline that Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is that eternal Divine Entity.

"Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidyá (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamúrtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty." (Caryacarya, Part 2, Sadhana, point #1a)


2. The following teaching from Ananda Sutram guides us that Brahma and Guru are one.

3-9. Brahmaeva gururekah náparah.
[Only Brahma is the guru, no one else.]

Purport: Brahma alone is the guru. Brahma alone directs the units to the path of emancipation through the media of different receptacles or bodies. No one except Brahma conforms to the real significance of the word “guru”. (Ananda Sutram, 3-9)


3. The devotional approach in Ananda Marga is to ideate on the supreme truth that He is with you, watching you, and caring for you all the time - always. In stark contrast, the so-called mahaprayan program program states that Baba is gone. We should all pay heed to Baba's below guideline and keep Him as the nearest and dearest One of the heart.

Dúrát sudure tadihántike ca pashyatsvihaeva nihitaḿ guháyám.

Baba says, "If you think that He is very far from you, He will remain forever beyond your reach. If you think that He is near, He will be so near that you need not move even an inch to attain Him." (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm)

Namaskar,
Madhav Deva

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Purn'ima rate niirave nibhrte mor phulavane esechile..."  (P.S. 471)

Purport:

Baba, You came in my flower garden very secretly on that full moon night. You came in my flower garden. It was so divinely intoxicating to have You. All my thirst was quenched by Your presence; the whole universe became beautified and filled with the flowers and fruits.  

O' my Dearmost Baba, with Your divine touch, You graciously brought life to the lifeless. All those flower buds which never blossom, You made them bloom and You filled their heart with nectar.

You vibrated the whole environment with Your divine music, with Your octave. You vibrated everything with Your divine songs of Prabhat Samgiita. You vibrated the 'madhu malainca' by Your sweet smile. Baba, You came in my heart on that full moon night. It is Your grace...