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)
     **********************************************

For Optimal Health- II

Date: 31 Jan 2011 09:15:32 -0000
From: "Mahesh  Rastogi"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: For Optimal Health- II

Baba

                 == FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH, PART II ==

                     "A STEP-BY-STEP METHOD"

Namaskar,
As we know fasting is one special process for achieving and maintaining
optimum health. As Ananda Margiis, we have all realised, to some or more
degree, the various positive effects of fasting. And the initial mail on
this topic touched on some of these universal benefits such as ridding the
body of toxins, increased longevity, and enhanced quality of life etc.
Those points I collected from various family acaryas.

Certainly then fasting is a unique purification process and one most
significant aspect of this practice is the approach to breaking the fast.
So this mail will focus primarily on a gentle yet thorough system which was
told be senior sadhakas by which one can break the fast. Since we all have
experience in this, it will also be interesting to hear what others have to
say.


                 HOW THE BODY IS AT THE END OF THE FAST

Of course one important thing to be aware of is that by doing a 24-36 hour
dry fast-- i.e. without water-- then the body obviously becomes dehydrated.
Hence the body is in a very delicate and sensitive state. In that case, if
one breaks the fast in an abrasive or hasty manner then not only will they
be unable to derive the many benefits of the fast but it will create harm
to the body.


                                  THE NEED FOR WATER

So one key point to keep in mind is that after a dry fast sufficient water
is needed to properly restore the body and help it reach that pristine
state. As we all know water is an indispensable part of the functioning of
the body and since the human body itself is comprised mostly of water,
naturally then an adequate amount of water must be taken. And multiple
reasons are there behind this.     
              
First off, after fasting there remains undigested food & waste material
sitting in colon as well as in the large and small intestines. Often enough
this waste matter is collected on the linings of the intestine, thus
causing blockage. So on the one hand sufficient water is needed in order to
deliver a proper and thorough cleansing of the intestines-- as well as the
entire digestive track. This is one point.

It is similar to if your kitchen floor gets dirty or stained and if you try
to clean it with only a few drops of water, that will never suffice. In
that case it will not get clean. Whereas if sufficient water is applied
then that floor can be properly cleaned-- and it will regain its shine.
Now here is another point.

Additionally, it is well known that water is one of basic ingredients for
the functioning of all the organs. Thus after fasting a sufficient amount
must be taken to compensate for the deficit. Plus, as discussed, water is
needed in order to clean the waste from the body. So on both these
accounts, and for other reasons as well, the body needs an adequate amount
of water on the morning of breaking fast.


                    A FEW POINTS OF AWARENESS

Before getting into the specifics of breaking fast, it should be mentioned
that one, two, or even three glasses of water is not nearly enough for the
breaking process. In their ignorance, some people might drink 1-2 glasses
of water and then immediately start eating varieties of foods etc, but that
way of doing is totally off base and should never be done.

Rather on breaking fast morning first the digestive system should be
cleaned thoroughly-- from top to bottom-- with water. And when that has
been done completely, then solid food can be taken, but not beforehand.


             BREAKING THE FAST ITSELF-- A "HOW TO" PROCESS

1. First mix 1/4 piece of lemon or lime with some salt in a dry container--
preferably a plastic or ceramic container, but not metal.

2. Then add 1/2 litre to 1 litre of warm water and stir.

3. The lemon salt water mixture should be distinctly salty to taste-- but
not overly salty.

4. If your mixture is not sufficiently salty then little by little more can
be added. And if really it is already too salty then simply dilute your
mixture by adding more warm water.

5. Then one should begin to drink this lemon salt water. Not in one gulp
per se, but in a series of comfortable sips and swallows over the course of
a few minutes, without bloating the stomach. But one should not take too
much time either.

6. After finishing that initial round of salty lemon water then one can
walk nearby for a minute or two-- either in the fresh air or indoors.

7. Plus you can gently stretch the upper body by raising the arms on the
inhale and then exhaling and gently bending to the side. And repeat by
bending to the opposite direction. This gently helps to hasten the
cleansing process.

8. Then as soon as one feels ready to again drink, then the next round of
lemon salt water should be taken. Note: It is important not to wait too
long in between rounds. As soon as the stomach feels comfortable one should
again drink.

9. And like this multiple rounds should be done of drinking lemon salt
water and then walking slowly. This process should be repeated until one
feels the need to go to the toilet. And overall upwards of 2-3 litres of
lemon salt water can be ingested in this way. (Note: But under no
circumstances should solid food be taken yet. Rather this will wreak havoc
on the system as fresh food will be sitting on top of waste material. So no
food should be taken at all until the entire system gets clear.)

10. By this process of drinking round after around, a strong urge will come
to go to the toilet-- within 1/2 hour to one hour, depending. And initially
when in the toilet a very strong smelling brown waste matter will be
released. And thereafter progressively more and more liquids will be
released via the rectum. This will also be brown at the beginning. But one
should not worry that they have been stricken with a severe case of
diarrhea. It is not like that. Rather this is the initial stage of cleaning
out the digestive track.

11. Once one has begun the process of defecating & clearing the stomach and
bowels. Then you can switch over from drinking a salty mixture and instead
begin taking pure fresh water without any salt. This fresh water will help
hydrate the body and will also aid in the cleansing process.

12. In this process of cleaning one might have to visit the toilet anywhere
between 3-5 times, or more. And one important thing to remember is that
never should the urge be suppressed and "held in". Rather as soon as the
impulse comes one should go straight to the toilet.

The waste material will go from brown and somewhat solid to being yellowish and
liquidy until finally being a completely clear liquid. And once completely clear
liquid comes then in this case one can feel assured that indeed the entire digestive
track has become clean-- including the intestines, colon, and stomach. Everything has
become perfectly clean.

14. And by this entire process of cleansing a very light and healthy
feeling will consume the body. And one will fell very happy, fresh, and
energetic.

15. Within ten to fifteen minutes a slight feeling of hunger will come. And
at that point one can eat 2-3 ripe bananas, depending on the size. But the
bananas should be soft and ripe-- not green and hard.

16. And then after taking a few bananas-- and do be careful not to overeat
and fill the stomach completely-- then after waiting 25 minutes it is
important to again drink some fresh water. This will help in digesting the
banana.

17. And thereafter when stronger hunger comes one should take some easily
digestible food-- like well-hydrated rice and vegetables, or whatever is
conveniently available in your area or locale. But neither strong food like
citrus fruit nor heavily spiced or oily food should be taken. These should
be avoided and instead more simple food should be eaten.

18. And throughout the day care should be taken to continue to drink fresh
water in small amounts, but not at the same time as eating. This will help
ensure the solid food gets digested properly and it will also keep the body
hydrated.


                             TAKING PROPER CARE

One should also keep in mind that breaking fast is a highly individualized
thing. And one should be gentle and listen to one's own body when
undergoing this entire process.

So altogether, this is one very important and a delicate subject; it needs
personal interest and proper care to see what is good and working well for
you.                              

                              BABA'S BLESSING

I can never forget how in one general darshan, Baba has given the guideline
that although animals know how to fast, only humans know how to break their
fast properly. And those who are not aware about this technique then they
should be taught at the earliest. In that way Baba spoke


                            ANOTHER BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "When you are in a mood of pleasure, you should distribute it
throughout the universe-- let all the hearts of the entire created universe
dance in ecstasy. This is the goal of the day: you are for all, you are for
the Neo-Humanistic progress of the entire universe."  (AFPS-5)

Namaskar,
Mahesh


Note 1:                A FEW MORE POINTS COMING

In a follow-up email some further points about this important topic of
fasting, healthy, and wellness will be sent. At the same time others should
also share their insights and experiences


Note 2:           FASTING ON PLANET EARTH AND BEYOND

We know that our AM system of fasting is based upon the cycle or phases of
the moon. Yet Baba also guides us that when human beings move to other
planets then accordingly the system of fasting will be based on that
planetary system etc.


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'loya bhara' toma'r dhara' saba'r tare, saba'r tare,
A'sa' hetha'y toma'r krpa'y, toma'ri ka'j kariba're..." (4767)

Purport:

 Baba, by Your grace, everyone comes on this earth to do Your work.
Everyone has come here to chant Your holy name. Baba, this earth, Your
land, is filled with Your divine effulgence. It is for everyone; it is for
everyone.   Baba, since eternity You have been my Dearmost. Baba whatever way You
want to keep me in Your shelter, I accept-- whether that be in tears or
smiles. Whatever You like, You give; that will be best for me. And from my
side, those things which I have lovingly prepared with my full heart to
offer (arghya*) at Your lotus feet, please accept them.
 Baba, You were mine and You will be mine up to eternity; I am also
Yours-- forever, trika'l*. Baba, in this universe we all dance around You
by Your grace. Baba, You are the focal point; in the end everyone will
finally merge into You.
 Baba, Your world is for all-- for all. Your shelter is for all...


ASTERISK NOTES (*)

*Trika'l=  The prefix 'tri' means 'three'; and the stem 'ka'l'  means
'time'. Hence trika'l refers to the three phases of time: Past, present,
and future.

*Arghya= The term arghya means 'offering' though more specifically it
refers to that offering which is purely psychic or mental in nature-- the
offerings of the mind. In contrast to offer those things which are physical
in nature is nirma'ly. Hence in the above song since the term arghya is
used, the sadhaka is offering all his mental colours and longings at the
lotus feet of Guru. The sadhaka is offering all the love of his heart to
his Lord. Thus the devotee's offering is purely psychic or psycho-spiritual
in nature. Whereas the offering done to various gods and goddesses in the
dogmatic religions is called nirma'ly since on those occasions those
followers are offering physical objects like food, incense, animals etc.
Baba has outlined this distinct difference between arghya and nirma'ly in a
few different discourses.


        *********************************************
                       Present Day Music

Baba says, "The world of music today is like a person without a proper guru
or proper training. People want to show they can play without having paid
their dues. They are selling themselves for gold without realizing that the
real value of music is being lost thereby. Gold is becoming even cheaper
than glass. Whenever a ra'gin'ii is a little difficult they only show that
they can play the notes without going deep into the music. There is no way
of doing this with sindhubhaeravii, the same with mu'lta'nii vasanta (not
vasantaba'ha'r), so you no longer hear either one of them." (SC-2, p.129)
        *********************************************

A Little Courage Needed

From: "Marc Pele"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: A Little Courage Needed
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2010 12:11:36 +0000

BABA

                == A LITTLE COURAGE NEEDED ==

Note: The divine and auspicious advent of Taraka Brahma onto the planet is
one holy and magnificent event. In the entire world population, only Ananda
Margiis are aware about His great arrival. As His disciples, we are then
responsible for referring to Baba in the proper way-- using the proper name
according to our AM system. And by this way the entire globe will learn
correctly what to do. This below letter revolves around this key point
regarding reverence to Guru.


Namaskar,
When anybody opens the book of our Prout series, then we see Baba's photo
there. And if one looks carefully at that photo, they will notice Baba's
signature is in the Bangla language. And it is clearly written, -- "Shrii
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar". This is Baba's pristine example. By this way anyone
can understand that Baba is the writer, and His full name is Shrii Prabhat
Ranjan Sarkar. Not just 'P.R. Sarkar'.

However, those who are totally ignorant may not know these things. Their
undesirable position is somewhat understandable-- since in their blind
ignorance they do not know what to write.

Whereas those who suffer do not have adoration or reverence for Guru, or
those don't care about Guru's teaching, their despicable condition far, far,
worse-- intolerable. Because they know the proper way but to follow their
own dogmatic beliefs and mundane styles, they fail to follow Baba's prescribed
system.

On and off again a few "top" AM writers fall into this negative and dirty category.


  SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTIJI IS BHAGAWAN & TARAKA BRAHMA

As we know our Baba - Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji - is not only Bhagawan,
but furthermore He is Taraka Brahma.

While explaining the term Bhagawan, Baba has told that the Personality who has
bhaga is called Bhagawan. And the term Bhaga means the collection of six
attributes. These attributes are: (1) Aeshvara, (2) Viryam, (3) Yasa, (4) Shrii,
(5) Jinanam, and (6) Vairagya. In 'Jaeva Dharma and Bhagavata Dharma' reveals this fact.

Baba says, "The meaning of the word Bhaga is 'Aeshvarayamca samagram
viiryamca yashasah shriyah Jinana-vaergyamca sanaam bhagaiti smrta'. Bhaga is
the collection of six attributes." (SS part 21)

We can see then that bhaga is just the collection of six attributes or qualities.
And one of the qualities is 'Shrii'. Indeed, 'Shrii' is the 4th attribution of
the Lord. And the meaning of Shrii is "attraction" or "charm".

That is why we have always seen that Baba uses the term 'Shrii' before His name.
Two times. While writing His name He writes Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, not
just Anandamurtiji or Shrii Anandamurtiji. He prefers Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
Or double 'Shrii' before His name.

And it is our duty as disciples to follow His guideline-- to follow Baba's example.

Thus we must emulate His given system and use the preface Baba's names with 'Shrii":
Such as Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji or Shrii PR Sarkar, whichever is needed.


                    USING SHRII IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES

Plus we all should put at least one Shrii before our own name.

Baba says, "Those, who want to make themselves the attraction or the ideal of the world,
add a "Shrii" before their names." (SS part 19)

Certainly, in so-called modern society, it may be uncommon to use 'Shrii' before the
name, but because this is AM culture that is why we should use it.


              NOT PRAISEWORTHY TO USE NON-SANSKRIT NAMES

As we have seen in the past that when Sanskrit names were introduced into
our AM society, then in the beginning many were feeling uncomfortable or
reluctant to use their Sanskrit names in public. And some still today in
their day to day worldly dealings do not like to use their Sanskrit name.
I think all this happened because of a weakness of the mind and lack of
proper moral strength. In Subhasita Samgraha part 3, Baba explains that
those who suffer from such a weakness of mind due to materialism or other
negative philosophies get such psychic complexes.

Baba says, "Those who are reared in the cradle of materialistic ideologies,
feel shy or ashamed at first to sit in meditation in the presence of others."
(SS pt 3, p.86)

Likewise, those who do not like to use their own Sanskrit name are not
doing something great or praiseworthy etc. Rather their faulty manner is
the expression of a weak mind. It is clear by Baba's above guideline.

Pseudo-culture is such a prevalent thing, and using non-Sanskrit name
is a "gift" of pseudo-culture. In current times pseudo-culture permeates
nearly every aspect of life, so sometimes it is hard to recognize easily.


                 BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING / WARNING

 HOW PSEUDO-CULTURE GETS SPREAD; HOW DOGMAS TAKE ROOT

In His 'Exploitation and Pseudo-Culture' chapter of Neo-Humanism, Baba
explains that via the medium of theatre & cinema, rich people impose
their low and degraded styles of art and dance on other societies. And
because of their inferiority complex, innocent people start copying that
and fall into pseudo-culture. Unfortunately they adopt it quickly. And
even worse is that they feel honored. It is such a pity that they leave
their beautiful customs and culture and adopt pseudo-culture and feel
glorified by that. This problem is rampant these days.

This very stage is very detrimental. Those whose backbone is broken by
the heavy weight of pseudo-culture are a burden and cannot do anything.

Baba says, "If their cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles
will end in nothing--like offering clarified butter to a sacrificial fire
which has been reduced to ashes. If one's spine is shattered, it is
impossible to hold one's head erect. Can those whose necks and backs are
crushed under the weight of pseudoculture, be expected to hold their
heads high in any sphere of life?" (NH-LOI)

Unfortunately some in our AM have fallen into this position.

Here we should remember that Baba has taught us that in our AM culture
we are to use 'Shrii' before the name. This is the given system.

Unfortunately, some of are obsessed with various dogma and with that psychic
disease they don't want to leave that dirty, negative path or tradition
which is going on in outdated local social ethics. Because of this, in our
European countries, usually a few people don't understand the value of
the term "Shrii" writing before the name.


             SIMILAR PROBLEM ALL AROUND THE GLOBE

Similarly, in India religious dogmatic people are attached with the dogma of
'Holy Land'. And in which environment people are reared, they are negatively
affected by those local dogmatic beliefs of their areas. And that becomes
their ingrained habit. And they don't like to leave those outdated ideas and
mend their path. That is why the India population is swayed toward crude
dogmatic tiirthas etc.

But true Ananda Margiis are not like that.

Likewise, respect and reverence to Guru is not very common in present crude
society. That's why certain imbalanced margiis, they don't like to give reverence
to Guru in their writing. They fail to preface Baba's name with Shrii etc. Just
in casual way, they refer to Baba as "P.R. Sarkar". That is highly disrespectful.


                  JUST A LITTLE COURAGE IS NEEDED

Also, 40-50 years ago in European countries, meditation or yoga asanas were
looked upon as something very negative, like witchcraft. The general people
were scared to practice-- or at the very least embarrassed. But with the efforts
of courageous people it became common and now Yoga is well respected-- indeed it
is the latest rage; everyone is doing it. And all capitalist companies show people
doing meditation in their advertisements. Similarly if we start using 'Shrii'
before the name, then without any delay, it will become common and well-respected.

Just like we are follow many Sanskrit terms in our general talking style,
and we are using those as we have become habituated to them. Such as the term
jagrti, we do not call it a temple, mosque or church. Likewise we use the
term Dharmacakra; we do not call it prayer or namaj or yajina.

And, we do not call AM a religion, rather we use the word dharma. Also we use
'namaskar' and not "Hi" or "hello" or namaste or Salaam Vale Kum. Or Ram Ram.
Rather we use namaskar as our salutation--with folded hands not shaking hands.

All these dharmic approaches have been incorporated into AM life.


                   NOT FALL PREY TO PSEUDO-CULTURE

Similarly it is our duty as Ananda Margiis to not fall prey to pseudo-culture.
The whole society is waiting for our guideline. Baba has given everything. Our
 duty is to first practice in our life, and then help to guide others and
bring them in the proper path. Due to a lack of proper guidelines and due to
faulty theories the whole society is moving in a confused state, misguided
direction. We should not allow this to continue-- nor introduce any negative ways.


                     BACK TO THE ORIGINAL POINT

Back to the original point about using the word 'Shrii'. A few AM "writers"
should remove the inferiority complex from their mind. And they should throw
away their affinity towards pseudo-culture and instead follow Baba's guideline --
and use the word 'Shrii' before Baba's name. That will be very helpful for
them and the entire society.

It is Baba's system that He prefers that His name should prefixed with Shrii.
That's why He signs in this way. So what way He prefers, we should address
Him like that.


                         BABA'S BLESSING

Here below Baba is guiding us that all sadhakas of the Marga ensconced in
Supreme Benevolence are sure to build up that pristine, unified human society.

Baba says, "Moving together with the people they will continue to sing their
marching song-- they will go on filling the human mind with the sweet nectar of
eternal life." (Prout-10, p. 5)

Namaskar,
Mahendra


Note 1:              THE PHOTO IN THE PROUT BOOKS

In this photo in our Prout PNS series Baba is young looking. Although the photo
has been placed there in the Prout series in 1987, but Baba's photo is from the
50's. The reason is, that revolutionary cadres like to see their preceptors or
nucleus leader to be young looking. So that's why this photo of Baba has been
kept in the social philosophy book in Prout in a Nutshell.


Note 2:                   DON'T DISPLEASE BABA

Casual and crude way of referring to Sadguru is not only objectionable but absolutely
abominable. Nobody should do such sin. In the scripture it is said, "Shive rusto..."
The meaning is that if Guru is displeased, then nobody can save that person.
Reverence and pleasing Guru is very important. To do this, Baba taught us many
things including how to address Parama Purusa, Mahasambhuti, Taraka Brahma.

To teach us Baba has given very clear example while writing the books about
Shiva and Krsna. The names of these two books themselves are very honorable
and respectful.

For example Lord Shiva's book is "Namah Shivaya Shantaya". And the meaning is,
"Salutations to Lord Shiva who is the Ever-Tranquil Divine Entity." And similar
way about Lord Krsna Baba has titled the book as "Namami Krsna Sundaram". That
is, "Salutations to Lord Krsna Who is the Ever Beautiful and Charming Divine Entity".

By this way Baba has given one glorious example. And the motive was only to
teach us, how we should address Guru. He does not address Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna
in a casual manner.

So when we refer to Baba it should be done in the most reverential and respectful terms.


Note 3:              SMALL MISTAKES DO A LOT OF DAMAGE

                        MUST USE "SHRII" OR "SHRII SHRII"

The mention of PR Sarkar without putting "Shrii" in front is most disrespect to our
Guru Baba, who is Taraka Brahma.

Even then due to their extreme naiveté or foolishness, some persons may be imagining in
their brains that this is just a "small thing".  So for those who may be thinking in
this misguided fashion, please consider these following examples:

Suppose, for instance, if one is walking in a dry, dirty area, and gets covered with
dust. That may not be bothersome to the person. But if one tiny grain of dust gets
in the eye. Then it will be a big problem. So something small may create chaos.
Depending upon how critical it is.

Suppose someone puts their shoes on their head instead of on their feet. It may seem
like a small mistake, but it will create a big problem.

Suppose a person tries to walk upside down, with their head on the ground. This may seem
like a simple thing, but it will create huge difficulties.

Or suppose if someone cuts off their nose. The nose may be something small, but cutting
off the nose will derange their entire face.

So by these above examples it becomes clear that "small things" can create huge
errors and much harm. And as such one can hardly call those things as small,
inconsequential errors. Rather they become serious problems which need to be
addressed and corrected.

Because on the top, we all are aware about Lord Shiva's teachings on the
'Secrets of Success'. And two of those secrets are:

       (1) Shraddha' (deep reverence for the Goal (Ista); and                  
       (2) Guru Puja, (respectful offering and surrender to the Guru).

So these are two of the Secrets of Success which Baba Himself highlights in so
many discourses. So see then how essential it is to have deep respect for the Guru.
And to express that properly. And in AM that is our way-- to give maximum respect to
BABA, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Granter of salvation.

So consider that something supposedly small like putting "Shrii" before Baba's
name, it has tremendous importance. And not doing so creates huge negativity by
its being most extremely disrespectful to that divine Entity.

                              
Note 4:           NEGATIVE HABIT OF OUR SOME AM "WRITERS"

Unfortunately some of our most "prolific" writers in AM nowadays ahve fallen into
the extremely negative habit of just writing 'PR Sarkar'-- and in some cases
they just write 'Sarkar'. By quickly surveying the books, articles, and emails
of "writers" then we can see this unfortunate form of expression.

And overall this has a negative effect across the entire society.

Because then non-margii writers adopt this same ungainly approach and they just
write 'PR Sarkar'. Whereas if such mundane writers were aware that our "top"
writers and margiis always respectfully refer to Revered Baba as 'Shrii
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar' or 'Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji' then they would get
a good teaching and follow our example.

It is just like how mundane or non-British reporters always refer to 'Prince
Charles' using the reference of 'Prince'. Never do they just write 'Charles'
or 'Charlie'. And if they did then the public would object. Because everyone has
become taught and trained that 'Prince Charles' is the proper way.

Although we are not trying to emulate the British monarchy etc, but this
particular point is meaningful. The idea being that if we ourselves are
perfectly consistent in always giving proper reference to Baba as 'Shrii
PR Sarkar' or 'Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji' then people of the general
society will also follow suit. It will become natural for them. And that
will be the proper way to introduce non-sadhakas to Baba as well as the
proper way for Ananda Margiis to refer to the social  and spiritual names--
Shrii PR Sarkar & Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, respectively-- of our Revered Guru.


                                    PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi pather hadish pa'i ni, ta'i toma'r pa'ne cali ni..."    (PS 1338)

Purport:

   Baba, in the past I did not get the direction of the proper path. Because of
that I could not come close to You. Your and my relation was hidden in dark.
I was not aware about You. In that past I could not get Your introduction.
And I could not link up in our close intimate relation which, in reality,
has been going on since a very long time.   
   In my misunderstanding, I was thinking that nobody is mine, and that to feel
love and affection is not my fate.  I was thinking that my life does not have
any value. That I will not get respect in my life, just it will be filled
with disrespect and neglect.
   Baba, today You have blessed me and changed everything. Now I feel that
my life has become meaningful, because You are mine. My heart is filled with
Your love. Baba, by Your grace I surrender at Your lotus feet, O' Baba...


       ******************************************
                      Sadhana?

Baba says, "Whatever a man is to do in his spiritual life he is to do--
why? Because he is in love with the Supreme Entity. Love is the first word,
love is the starting point, and love is the last point." (AV-12, p. 13)

Note: Baba's above guideline is very beneficial for sadhana. However these
days some innocent or simple people just do meditation for "mental peace".
And ever worse some wts do sadhana for show-- to pose themselves as someone
great. Such workers do hardly an ounce of sadhana when they are alone; but
when they go to margiis' houses then in Hollywood style they sit in meditation
for a long time. All done in order to put themselves on display and create
one show that they are highly elevated sadhakas. Certain margiis do a similar
thing when they attend retreats. But by looking at the on-going conduct of
such margiis one can understand how far they are really doing sadhana or not.
It is just like if you are approaching one animal at night. At first you may
think that it is a tiger or a lion, but when that animal makes its weird
'Huan, Huan' sound, then you know that it is just a jackal. Same is the case
when being around those types of few margiis and wts who put on a show of
sadhana. By their conduct and dealing they just expose themselves etc.
       ******************************************

Why Boring Sadhana

Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:27:06
From: Dharmaviira
Subject: Why Boring Sadhana
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

PS Intro: This following song can be taught to non-margiis as it belongs in
the 'Krsnaliila' series. As we know, in Baba's Prabhat Samgiita collection,
there are a number of songs about Lord Krsna. So when any program is
organised related with Krsnaliila, then these songs are most useful to
attract non-margii devotees who have love for Krsna. So this song is not
for our regular devotional chanting. This is not a devotional song for
Ananda Margiis. If anyone has any doubt or confusion about this, please
refer to Baba's discourse: "Onm'kara and Is't'a Mantra".

"Ka'j kare yete esechi dhara'te, kuruks'etra ei dhara'..." (PS 1307)

Purport:

 O' Lord, by Your grace, I have come in this world to do work and serve
You; this world is kuruks'etra [1]. O' my dearmost, with Your divine
compassion I have come here to engage in positive work and serve the
humanity. Remaining idle and inert, and wasting time in lethargy is not the
flow of life. This is not how human beings should live. O' Prabhu, by Your
divine grace You have blessed me with the energy and motivation to involve
in work-- to do something for the great cause of dharma.   

O' Lord Krsna, everything You have done with Your cakra [2] and Your bow
and arrow. Everyone is aware about Your epic adventures. That immortal tale
and everlasting story remains flowing in everyone's memory-- in everyone's
mental plate.   

O' Prabhu, everyone is moving forward by Your divine pull; there is no
scope for anyone to pause or stop. No one can lag behind; all are moving
ahead. O' Lord Krsna, that divine story of the Mahabharat led by You
Yourself which took place on Kuruksetra is filled with song and has been
beautifully written by the great sage, Dvaepa'yan [3].    

O' my Lord, by Your grace I have come on this earth to serve You and
work for the welfare of all..


NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1307:

[1] Kuruks'etra: Everyone knows that the meaning of dharmaks'etra is one's
human body whereas kuruks'etra has two meanings. The first meaning of
Kuruks'etra is that area of land near Delhi in the state of Haryana where
the Mahabharta battle was fought around 3500 years ago. And the second
meaning of Kuruks'etra refers to the grand idea that everyone has come into
this world to so some work-- because this world is known as kuruks'etra.
Here following is Baba's special explanation.

Baba says, "The real name of this world is kuruks'etra, because it is
always telling you Kuru, kuru, kuru - 'Go on working and working and
working. Don't sit idle. Don't let your existence fall under a curse due to
your indolence. Move towards success through your works.' So the real name
of that ks'etra [field] which constantly advises you in this way is
kuruks'etra. Kuruks´etra thus stands for the manifested world around us,
the sam'sa'ra, where you exist in your physical body, dharmaks'etra." (DKG)

Indeed Baba has graciously given so many discourses on the meaning of
Kuruks'etra and by listening to His Prabhat Samgiita people can refresh
their mind of the real meaning of Kuruks'etra.

Here the overarching idea is that all the various aspects of Baba's
expansive AM ideology are present in seed form in His collection of Prabhat
Samgiita. Baba has written His Prabhat Samgiita very indirectly and those
with a pointed mind understand how each song links with in-depth
explanations which He has given in His AM philosophical discourses.


[2] Cakra: This term has a variety of meanings and in this song Baba is
referring to one of the weapons of Lord Krsna. Because during the
Mahabharat battle, there were times when Lord Krsna unveiled His divine
cakra.

Here below Baba Himself describes the historic scene in the Mahabharat
where the people thought Lord Krsna covered the sun with His cakra so that
Arjuna could fufill his great vow of slaying the immoral Jayadrath.

Baba says, "You know what happened at the time of Jayadratha's death.
Arjuna, as per his vow, was supposed to go to the funeral pyre immediately
after sunset in order to keep his promise. Suddenly people observed that
the sun was no longer in the sky and that it had become dark all around.
Everyone thought that the sun had already set. Those who were devotees, not
philosophers, commented that Lord Krs'n'a had covered the sun with His
Sudarshana Cakra...and people thought that the sun had gone down. Soon
Arjuna was able to keep his promise and kill Jayadratha. " (NKS, Disc: 24)


[3] Dvaepa'yan: This is another name for the great poet Vedavyasa Deva who
recorded the Mahabharat in written form.

Baba says, "Krs'n'advaepa'yan'a Vya'sa is renowned as Vedavya'sa for having
divided the Vedas into three main portions (Rk, Yajuh, and Atharva)...He
was born in a fisherman's family (Kaevarta [a fishing caste]) on a blackish
island that rose out of the waters of the confluence of the Ganges and the
Yamuna at Prayag, and for this reason the people gave him the name
Krs'n'advaepa'yan'a. This Krs'n'advaepa'yan'a or Vedavya'sa was the
composer of the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata was composed long, long, long
after the Vedas, but nonetheless it is undoubtedly more than three thousand
years old." (SC-2, Disc: 11)


Final Note: Baba composed the above Prabhat Samgiita #1307 on 29 Feb 1984
when He Himself was touring through Kuruks'etra, thus giving credence to
the idea that indeed the historical account of the Mahabharat is itiha'sa.


                  == WHY BORING SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
Every sadhaka is aware that the repetition of our ista manta is based on
the divine idea that the individual mind of the unit being can become one
with the vast ocean of that Cosmic mind. So our mantra japa has tremendous
meaning and is part and parcel of our spiritual cult.

Here and there however, some lose sight of the greater meaning of their
ista mantra and instead get stuck up in a literal meaning. This below story
where one of our esteemed acaryas was doing a lesson review with one margii
follows this pattern.


                   STORY: 'THE SMILING SADHAKA'

At dharmacakra, one acarya told this following story about his own
experience when doing a lesson review with on youth.

One time a margii university student approached this acaryaji and requested
him to do a lesson review. As that is one of the chief duties of our wts,
the acarya wholeheartedly attended to this request.

So the acarya reviewed various aspects of that sadhaka's meditation,
including his ista mantra. And everything seemed fine so then they both sad
down for sadhana, sitting a short distance from one another.

After some time, the acarya opened his eyes and looked over at the young
sadhaka to see how everything was going. And he noticed that the student
was broadly smiling while doing sadhana.

Gently the acarya walked over to inquire about the student's meditation.
And the acarya said, 'I noticed that you are smiling in your sadhana, are
you repeating your ista mantra'.

Then the student very sincerely told, 'Yes I am repeating my ista mantra,
and I am smiling because that is the meaning of the mantra'.

Then the acaryaji requested, 'Tell me what mantra you are repeating'.

Then in quick fashion the student told his mantra. And the fast way in
which he spoke it, the mantra sounded just like the Hindi word for smiling.
Then the student very sincerely told, 'So I am just doing what the mantra
says to do-- that is why I am smiling in my meditation'.

And then at that point acaryaji understood exactly what the student's
problem was. Instead of understanding that the devotional meaning of the
mantra is related with the divine idea of calling out to Parama Purusa,
instead of that the boy was just taking the mantra too literally. And in
his innocence the student was repeating the mantra and literally taking it
to be one Hindi word meaning 'smiling'.

So he could not link up with the proper ideation of the mantra.

Instead with this overly literal meaning, the boy was just following what
the mantra said to do. That is why he was smiling doing sadhana.

At that point the acarayaji gently guided the youth in the proper
direction. He told, 'Do not think of the mantra in such a literal way that
it just turns into one common Hindi word meaning smiling. Literally
repeating the mantra in that parrot-like fashion will not work. Rather when
you do your sadhana then when you inhale repeat the first syllable of the
mantra and think about yourself. And then when you exhale with full
devotional feeling repeat the second syllable of the mantra and ideate on
merging into Parama Purusa. This of ideation must be followed when
repeating your mantra-- this is the of proper ideation. And when sincerely
following this approach then your sadhana will be successful.'

Thereafter, when the youth returned to his meditation he properly followed
this approach and his sadhana naturally flowed in a deeply devotional
rhythm-- as he repeated his mantra and linked with Parama Purusa each and
every breath.


                        BABA'S SPECIAL EXPLANATION

In His unique discourse, 'The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It',
Baba guides us about what can happen when one takes the meaning of their
mantra too literally.

On page 84 of SS-18 (1992 Edn), Baba explains how one sadhaka was repeating
the mantra 'Rama'. The first syllable was 'Ra' and the second was 'Ma'.
But the meditator was thinking too literally about each of the syllables.
So instead of ideating on the divine concept of merging in the vastness of
Parama Purusa, i.e. Rama, instead of that the sadhaka just became bored
with the literal sound of each syllable of their mantra-- Ra & ma.
In that boredom, the sadhaka could not keep their mind fixed on the
syllables of the mantra. So when repeating 'Ra', the sadhaka was thinking
about 'ma' and when repeating 'ma' he was thinking about 'ra'. In that way
the sadhaka totally reversed the entire mantra. And instead of thinking
about the divine idea of 'Rama', the sadhaka reversed the syllables and was
literally repeating 'mara'-- which means death.

This all happened because the sadhaka took the process of repeating the
mantra too literally. And in that way the mind could not sustain any
psychic or devotional flow. Just it got stuck in the literal repetition of
each of the syllables.


                    WHAT SHOULD BE OUR APPROACH

We should not allow such things to happen to us in our meditation.
Sometimes we see in sadhana shivir programs that some sadhakas get bored or
start falling asleep in their meditation. Sometimes this happens at our
various AMPS functions. In most of these cases, the sadhaka is unable to
link up with the expansive idea of their mantra. Rather than getting bored
and literally repeating each syllable of the mantra, we should just repeat
the mantra with the full thought of Parama Purusa in our mental plate.

It is just like when one baby repeats 'mama'. The whole time the baby is
yearning for its mother. It is not thinking of the literal meaning of 'ma'
on the first syllable and then the literal meaning of 'ma' on the second
syllable. This is not the way the baby's mind is working-- not in that
literal fashion. Rather with wholehearted love and yearning the baby is
ensconced in the idea of mother and crying out 'mama...mama...mama'. And by
that way the baby gets its mother.

Similarly, in our sadhana we should devotionally ensconce the mind in
Parama Purusa and use the mantra as a means to call out to Him. This is our
devotional approach in sadhana-- thus permanently ending the problem of
boredom in sadhana. This is Baba's divine teaching.


                           BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's divine grace and by ideating on Him when we do our mantra japa,
then one will reach that pinnacled point.

Baba says, "Be established in Parama Purusa...come in contact with the
universal flow of divine nectar...for a sa'dhaka, the most valuable thing
is his ista mantra. With the help of the ista mantra and his personal
incantation, a sa'dhaka will attain enlightenment." (SS-18, p.95)

Namaksar,
Dharmaviira

Your Jagrti is in Queue to be Sold: Part 2

Date: 19 Oct 2010 21:29:11 -0000
From: "G Bhaskaran Reddy"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Your Jagrti is in Queue to be Sold: Part 2

Baba

== YOUR JAGRTI IS IN QUEUE TO BE SOLD: PART 2 ==

~ ANANDA MARGA JAGRTI SELLERS ARE MAHAPATAKIIS ~

Note: This letter is part of an ongoing investigative series about the
selling of AM land. Be sure to read all parts of this report. Links to
prior letters in this series are appended below.

Namaskar,
Retaining our Ananda Marga land is a key aspect of our growth and
prosperity. Baba warns us that no organisation can survive if they sell
off all their assets. That is why in various Procedural Orders, Baba has
declared that AM land holdings must not be sold. That is His direct
guideline.

GROUPIST JARGON

MARGIIS MUST BE ALERT

These days some of the groups not in power are telling how if they were
in power then all the land holdings would be safe and secure. Their
mantra is: "We will not sell AM land." However, by their actions it is
very clear that all such groups support the principle & strategy of land
selling.

Today third front / EC and Kolkata factions are just making noise and
speaking out how Ranchi is selling AM land. But this is just their ploy
to befool margiis. Such EC and Kolkata group members talk as if they are
the great protectors of AM land and that they will safeguard our
properties. But the fact is that they themselves are supporters of the
anti-organizational idea of selling organizational land. They did so in
the past and they will do so in future. When in power, i.e. when given
the opportunity, they will do the same.

So margiis should not think that any leader of any group will save the
property of our Marga. Every margii and wt should be conscious, alert,
come forward and make a concerted effort to save the property of our Marga.

SELLING OF DIDI'S MASTER UNIT

As you may know, Ranchi administration recently sold our very old,
beautiful, and well-established Didi master unit, A'nanda Sambodhi, in
Asansole, West Bengal, India for 50 million rupees. There are a number
of reasons why they sold it. Many say that their great plan was to get
enough money to evict their rival party from Tiljala. And ultimately
they will sell Tiljala as well. That is the plan. Thereafter, the
mahasamadhi will be transferred to Ananda Nagar. That way the tiirtha
(i.e. mahasamadhi) will be transferred to Ranchi group territory -
either Ananda Nagar or Jamalpur.

Now Ranchi is also planning on selling more lands and jagrtis that are
presently under the control of other groups. As soon as they get buyers
they will sell, sell, sell. They will use such monies for their groupist
war chest.

So everyone should be alert. We should not let our AM property holdings
to become of the victim of the present group battle.

SOLD LAND & SHATTERED MARGIIS' DREAMS

We must remember that Ranchi & Co. have already sold one very costly
land in Pune, Maharastra, India. This sale occurred 2 years ago. Yet
this land was purchased with donations from margiis with the sole
purpose of constructing a VSS office. But now that land is gone and
margiis' dreams have been shattered.

OTHER LANDS THEY ARE SELLING

It has already been decided by Central Committee of Ranchi
administration to sell more land which is under their control. In
addition they plan to sell most of our vacant Ananda Marga land that
does not have any constructed buildings.

Nigama'nanda and Rudra'nanda have already sent their agent to deal with
prospective buyers. Some of these land parcels are:

(a) Brother Joshiijii of Rajasthan donated 21 acres of land near Panch
Dam in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This land is now for sale.

Plus all these lands are on the selling blocks:

(b) 2 acres of land in Gaya, Bihar near police line shooting range.

(c) 2 Bighas of land in Sasung, Latehar Dit of Jharkhanda.

(d) More than 5 acres of Master Unit property and 5 Kattha' of costly
land in town of Chandava block, Latehar dit of Jharkhanda.

(e) Training Center MU in Nasirpur Varanasi which is just 1/2 kilometre
from Ba'ba' Quarter Varanasii. Rudra'nanda is personally interested to
sell this MU, but at present Nigamananda Dada is objecting. Nigamananda
has emotional attachment to this place. Unfortunately his attachment
does not expand to other lands as well. The reason being that when the
mind is low and small it is hard to fathom that all lands in AM should
be protected, not just one parcel that "I am personally attached with."
Dadaji lacks the requisite dharmic feeling; that is why Nigamananda
cannot be trusted to protect other lands.

(f) Centre has not posted any worker to the the ja'grti in Sangroor of
Ludhiana diocese for a long time. All along the ulterior motive is to
sell that ja'grti and now they are actively trying for it.

(g) There is very costly land on Delhi Dehradoon national highway on
which Nigama'nanda has cast his greedy eyes.

(h) There is vacant land in Sivan and Gopalganj dit of Bihar, that is
also on the list of sale.

(i) Nigama'nanda's and Rudra'nanda's sword is hanging on many Didi
properties in south India.

This list is just a fraction of the land they want to sale.

DO NOT FALL PREY TO GROUPIST TALL TALKS

So, we margiis should not believe in any groupist leaders. We should be
united without taking the shelter of any group. By Baba's grace we are
to raise ideological issues, be alert and conscious, and fight against
the idea of selling land of the organisation. It is our sacred duty to
save our Marga's property from the greedy eyes and bloody claws of
groupist leaders of all factions.

We must know that when our organisation sells land then we will never
get money to buy land. No one will donate to the cause of AM land.
Because people will think that any land donated today or bought today
will one day be sold by the organisation. So the inspiration to donate
or buy land will be burnt forever. That is the very real and scary
outcome. No one will trust us to oversee our landholdings in a proper
and responsible manner. That is the "after-shock" effect of selling AM land.

Indeed in this way development of our organisation will come to a halt.
That situation is that grave.So this selling of AM land is not a simple
issue, but has far-reaching consequences. This will create a dangerous &
recurring effect for our Marga.

We have to remember that it is wholly against Baba's explicit guideline
to sell Ananda Marga property. We must pay heed to His call.

Let us also remember that Ba'ba' always regarded our land as dharmasthan
and this is our dharmic duty to protect our Marga's property.

BABA'S ORDER

By Baba's grace He gives the order in "A Guide to Human Conduct" that if
someone tries to capture our land then they can be violently attacked.

Ks'etrada'ra'paha'rii ca shastradha'rii dhana'paha'h
Agnidagaradashcaeva s'adete hya'tata'yinah

Baba says, "“Anyone who, by the use of brute force, wants to take
possession of your property, ks'etra-land, abducts your wife, comes with
a weapon to murder you, wants to snatch away your wealth, sets fire to
your house or wants to take life by administering poison, is called an
a'tata'yii.” If any person or a nation wants to occupy all or part of
another country, the use of physical force against such invading forces
is not against the principle of ahim'sa'. Rather, by a wrong
interpretation of the term ahim'sa' or by interpreting him'sa' and brute
force as identical, common people will have to suffer from loss of
wealth, happiness, or other hardships." (Guide to Human Conduct)

By their wicked ways and cheating tactics some are selling AM lands to
gain money to use at their own disposal. They are taking possession of
AM property and using it for their selfish ends. Per Baba's above
teaching, we are to understand that those culprits involved in selling
our organizational property are also to be treated as enemies of the Marga.

AM LAND SELLERS ARE MAHA'PA'TAKIIS

Here below Baba tells how those who set a negative example that has a
recurring effect are terrible sinners. Read the following and reflect
how this also applies to those Dadas involved in selling AM lands.

Baba says, "To kidnap Sita was an act of maha'pa'taka. But he didn't
kidnap Sita as a thief or as a robber. He went in disguise. He went in
the form of a sa'dhu. That is, he [Ravana] created a very bad precedent,
and henceforward no kulabadhu, no lady, will pay credence to what a
sannya'sii says. They may think: ‘He may be like Ravana; he may also be
a thief – like Ravana.’ So he has set a very, very bad example, and it
will have a recurring effect on each and every lady of society. So
Ravana is a maha'pa'takii, his action is of recurring effect." (Ananda
Vacanamrtam, Part 31)

Just as Ravana's misdeeds set a bad and lasting precedent for the
society, and is hence considered a deliberate sinner, similarly those
who sell AM lands fall in the same category. Their sin has a recurring
effect.

Firstly, it will give the idea to other groupists in need of funds that
selling AM land is a viable option. Secondly, good people will lose all
faith and trust that those at the helm of AM will be able to properly
watch over their land. Hence no one in future will donate land to the
Marga.

Thus there are two recurring negative consequences. Hence, there is no
question that - per Baba's above declaration - such lands sellers are
grave and terrible sinners, i.e. maha'pa'takiis.

BABA'S BLESSING

By His grace He has blessed us with the opportunity to safeguard His
teachings and AM lands. Unitedly we can fix the problem, prevent future
land sales, and reverse the damage that has been done.

Baba says, "Who else is to come and shoulder the responsibility? It is
you – you are to do everything. You are the torch-bearers of human
civilization. You are the pioneers of human march, and you are the
vanguard of a new civilization." (AV-14)

Namaskar,
Bhaskaran

Note: OTHER LETTERS IN THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/10/your-jagrti-is-in-queue-to-be-sold-part.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/09/history-of-land-sale-who-is-real.html

Wt Beauty Competition: Part 2

From: George Kourakos
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Wt Beauty Competition: Part 2
Date: Sun 17 Oct 2010 23:11:48 -0000

Baba

"(Tumi) esechile mor bakul-bita'ne na' baliya' ka'r ghare..." (PS 4320)

Purport:

Baba, that time the place was surrounded by innumerable bakul flowers
which were blooming and You graced me by coming to my cottage during
that verdant spring season. With Your divine grace, You brought
devotional horripilation (goose bumps) throughout my entire existence
and You also vibrated the very pulsation of my blood. Baba, by having
You in such an intimate and close way, my life has become meaningful. It
is Your grace. Baba, soon after that golden dawn, Your liila moved into
a different phase. Because then You went away leaving me crying all
alone. O' my dearmost where did You go that time.

Baba, since then I have spent countless days and nights waiting--
sitting by my window threading heaps of flower garlands for You. But
that was all in vain because You did not come. It is painful that now I
no longer see that attractive & charming smile because You are keeping
Yourself distant. Now I no longer see that radiant smile which I used to
see on Your lips when You were with me.

Baba in longing for You, ages have passed since You came close.
Springtime has finished and now summer has come. My entire garden of
those sweet, fragrant bakul flowers has dried up and withered away in
this hot season*. Now that same window-- where I used to sit and make
garlands for You and wait-- is full of spider webs. Baba, it is so
painful and heartbreaking how You have gone so far away. And my mind is
completely dry in the absence of Your divine presence. O' my dearmost,
please shower Your causeless grace and appear in my heart in a very
intimate and charming way...

*Hot Season= In the absence of His presence, the sadhaka feels a
distinct dryness in his heart. Summer season-- or hot season-- has been
used as a metaphor to express that dryness in the devotees heart, where
one's devotional feeling is lower. And this happens with each and every
sadhaka. Sometimes when one feels dry and out of the spiritual flow then
that is summer season; and when one's flow of sadhana is good then that
can be compared with springtime because in their dhya'na they feel
greater proximity with Parama Purusa. But when one is experiencing the
dryness of summer, the best thing a devotee can do is to sincerely
request Baba to grace them by coming in their meditation.

== WT BEAUTY COMPETITION: PART 2 ==

Note: This entire issue is related with WT's. We are not applying such
points to margii life as Baba specifically discussed how Wts must
refrain from such things. Wts have their own conduct rules - because
some are not following this whole issue has come to the fore.


Namaskar,
The wholetimer beauty competition is in full form here in Ananda Marga.
In order to glorify oneself, our Wts have taken to gaorava
(self-aggrandizement). This self-aggrandizement expresses in three realms.

In the physical realm, some Dadas and Didis apply cosmetics, perfumes,
and other beautifying tricks to gain stature, show their spiritual
greatness and "aura", as well as impress and attract others.

This is the sad state of affairs for some of our Wts. Of course not all
are involved, but tragically some are. All of this and more is discussed
in the first letter of this series which focused on how some Wts are
turning to gaorava in the physical sphere.

In this letter we investigate how this disease of gaorava is taking form
in the mental and "spiritual" realms for some workers. This letter is
written with the benevolent motive to help and remind those who have
lost the path. We must always recall that Baba has given us all the duty
to gently remind and point out any in the Marga who are not following
conduct rules - including Wts.

GAORAVA & INTELLECTUAL LIFE

In addition to the many artificial and superficial ways that Wts have
taken for beautifying themselves in the physical realm, we should also
understand how gaorava gets expressed by Wts in their intellectual life
as well.

For starters, such persons always wish to portray themselves as "knowing
everything". You may have met people like this. This is also the disease
of gaorava.

They wish to pretend that they are very learned and above the common
people. If we see someone like that we know they are suffering from this
disease.

Baba says, "Many of them try to project themselves as educated by using
their wealth or official status. They open clubs or libraries to impress
upon others that they should not be equated with the common people. They
pretend to understand and know a lot, smile scholastically with closed
eyes, and speak sparingly with reserve and gravity to ensure that they
do not unwittingly expose themselves!" (HS-1)

Such is the way of their behaviour. Baba has painted a graphic picture.
You may recall watching some of our workers fall in this very manner.

Another way this gets expressed is that after teaching a seminar some
big Dadas say, "I think my class was not very good." When in truth they
wish for everyone to praise their class up to the sky. That is all they
want to hear. The proof being that if you point out defects in their
class they will be furious with you. So their whole intention is to be
complimented and praised. That is also the disease.

In contrast, a mother does not breast feed her baby in hopes of being
praised. This is not her expectation. She feeds the baby with great care
and love out of a deep sense of duty and internal commitment. The mother
neither expects recognition nor wishes to be praised on this point.

And with regards to those wholetimers giving presentations, let us
consider this: If they were delivering their lecture to please Parama
Purusa then there would not be any need to make such a drama in order to
get praised. A true bhakta does to please Parama Purusa and does not
care about praise or censure.

Those whose mind is diseased and are hungry for praise, they are even
ever-ready to do bad things in order to get praised. They do not have
the courage to do good works for fear of being abused. Such persons are
cowards; there are countless people like this in the society - and
tragically some withing the ranks of our Wt cadre.

So if any Dada ever asks such a question - "I think my class was not
very good" - after their seminar or presentation then we know that they
suffer from gaorava or self-aggrandizement, and maybe other psychic
diseases as well.

GAORAVA & FAKE SPIRITUAL LIFE

The next question is how gaorava affects and ultimately ruins spiritual
life. That we should also know as Baba has given the underlying
spiritual science.

Spirituality means surrendering to Parama Purusa and ultimately becoming
one with Him. And tantra means expanding one's existence
psycho-spiritually with the help of one's mantra.

When the goal is Parama Purusa, then our each and every activity in our
day to day life is focused on Baba. All our sadhana lessons and
everything we do from morning to sunset, and childhood to death -
everything is spiritually focused. Because the goal is Parama Purusa and
the mind is goaded towards Him.

But those suffering from gaorava think about themselves. Their goal is
oneself - not Parama Purusa. Hence theirs is the path of fake spirituality.

Indulging in gaorava (self-aggrandizement) means falling onto the path
of negative pratisaincara. Why? Because the person is not focusing their
mind towards Ista, i.e. Parama Purusa. Instead they are just involved in
their own personal ego. In that case the mind will become smaller and
smaller and gradually they will not be a normal human being. They will
become degraded.

What to say of mukti and moksa, such a person is sinking deep into the
clutches of animal life. Why? Because the goal was just their own unit
self - i.e. not Parama Purusa but their own little ego. In that case
they are sure to degrade. Hence the path of gaorava is a very dangerous
path.

Here is how the science works.

Baba says, "Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii - “As you
think, so you become.”" (AV-4)

When you concentrate your mind on your own glory and greatness then your
mind becomes narrower and narrower and degrades, until finally one
becomes crude like stone or metal. That is negative pratisaincara.

Let us remember that a sannyasi means the one who is dedicated to Parama
Purusa and their goal is one: To serve and please Parama Purusa. There
is no second goal. Otherwise they are fake.

TRUE SPIRITUALITY VS FAKE SPIRITUALITY

Hence, in the spiritual realm, is there scope for self-aggrandizement or
gaorava? In true spirituality there is no scope because in devotional
life there is no space in the mind to think about oneself. Devotion
itself means that the mind is focused on Parama Purusa. So there is no
room to think about any other thing - what to say about oneself.

But in fake spirituality there is surely scope. That is why we see many
hypocrites posing as great spiritualists yet their conduct and behaviour
is just the opposite. By this way people can easily recognise who is who.

They hardly like to do sadhana but brag about doing whole night sadhana.
They pretend to be strict when others are around but other times they
are not doing sadhana but watching movies and gossiping. But when they
get the opportunity to sit in front of others they brag about higher
practices and vishesh yoga. They talk about old stories about how Baba
blessed them. It is not difficult to recognise such people. They are
very narrow minded, money minded and groupist. They fight for post and
money. The best thing is to watch how they conduct themselves in private
behind closed doors. Then you can understand their hypocrisy.

WHY THEY FALL IN THIS TRAP

Why do people fall in that trap of gaorava or self-aggrandizement?

The first reason is that all come from animal life and fall prey to
certain lower expressions of mind. This has been described up above.

Secondly, the trend of the general society is towards materialism. That
means people are involved in their own external beauty and wish to
project themselves as being something great, i.e. superior to who they
are. This is all due to their materialistic way of living.

When general flow of society is towards materialism then the mass of
people fall in that trap. They get caught in things like
self-beautification and self-glorification. Then we know they have
fallen into gaorava marga (path of hell) and lost their Goal.

OUR DUTY

Now it is the duty of every disciple of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji to
watch and see if anyone is choosing this wrong path of raorava marga,
i.e. hell. We should try to protect them by pointing them out.

Baba says, "All Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against
the principles of yama and niyama, must make them shun this habit either
by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly." (A Guide to
Human Conduct)

Thus it is our duty to open the eyes of those involved in this fake
beauty competition (first) / self glorification (second). If we do not
wake them from their stupor, they will continue to fall deeper into the
dungeon of materialism.

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "It is the innate characteristic of the human mind to become
as it thinks – Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii [“As
you think, so you become.”]" (AV-4)

Thus those who are just thinking about their own so-called beauty
(first) / own glory and greatness (second) are bound to fall and ruin
themselves. We should help them climb back onto the path of spirituality
and think of Baba. Then they will truly become great.

Baba says, "To associate oneself with Parama Purus'a, the Supreme
Entity, is the actual sa'dhana'. There is no one greater than Parama
Purus'a, and so, when the mind ideates on Him, it expands." (AV-4)

The list of Didis in physical beauty is much more and their name will be
listed in the next issue. In contrast, more Dadas are seemed to be
involved in gaorava in the mental plane. Please write in with what you
see happening with our workers in this regard.

Namaskar,
Gagan

Note 1: WHAT ONE DADA IS DOING

For example, here is one example of gaorava in the physical realm. There
are many such cases - this is but one.

Dada Rudrayamalananda is constantly applying scented spray and perfumes
in his underarms and clothes. Apparently he has a very bad body odor
problem. But the way to treat this is not by using crude cosmetics.

Those not careful about eating in restaurants and taking tamasik food,
then surely a foul smell is emitted from their body. That accounts for
why some Dadas are using perfumes etc. But that is not good as it goes
against WT rules.

Dada Rudrayamalananda is not a family man. If he was we would have
ignored this mattet. However he is wt and he should follow Baba's stated
rules on perfume/ beauty products and food. In the next letter other
Dadas will be mentioned.

Baba says, "...Artificially perfumed things should not be used." (32
Rules for Avadhuta, pt #12)

Baba says, "Perfumed oil should not be used" (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #3)

Baba says, "Any medicated soap, but not cosmetic or perfumed, should be
used" (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #8)

Baba says, "...Avadhuta shall not...use any article which is
artificially scented." (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #32)

Thus it is quite clear that in various ways Baba wholly condemns the use
of fake beauty paraphernalia. No Didi or Dada is to use such beauty aids.

Naturally, since it is detrimental to one's spiritual progress, sincere
margiis and devotees do not feel comfortable using cosmetic beauty
products because the goal of life is Parama Purusa - not superficial looks.

Finally, we should all keep in mind that females are more prone to use
such cosmetics. That is a fact. The proof being that the entire beauty
industry is directed towards females. But these days more males have
begun this game as well.

And about food Baba warns Wts about eating in restaurants.

Baba says, "Avadhuta will not take food in a hotel or a restaurant. Even
sattvika food taken in a restaurant will be treated as tamasik." (32
Rules for Avadhuta, pt #20)

Note 2: MORE ABOUT THIS AILMENT OF GAORAVA

Some fall prey to the psychic ailment known as self-aggrandizement or
gaorava. This is when people feel a need to present themselves as being
bigger or better than what they truly are.

Baba says, "Gaorava is the second type of aham'ka'ra [ego]. It means
“self-aggrandizement”. Puffed up with vanity, a person will want to
project his image in an exaggerated manner. Often we hear somebody say,
for example, that they have a rose the size of a balloon in their garden
– whereas actually the rose may be the size of a ping-pong ball.
Constant indulgence in this type of activity converts the mind into
matter."

"We have seen bulls moving about in the streets with an air of
arrogance. Such a bull creates a sound expressing the idea that it is
big – Ham bar'a'. But when the bull dies and ta'nt [vina string] is made
out of its intestines and musicians start playing on it, the sound which
is then emitted expresses the idea Tun bar'a' – meaning thereby that the
bull realizes that others are big, and realizes that he has arrived at
this condition because of his arrogance."

"In fact the inculcation of gaorava leads one to the worst hell. Just as
there are six layers, or lokas, of the Cosmic Mind above the crude
world, so are there six types of hell, six narakas, below the physical
world. The names of these hells are tala, atala, tala'tala, pa'ta'la,
atipa'ta'la and rasa'tala. Another term for rasa'tala is raorava naraka
– and a person indulging in gaorava will certainly go to raorava
[crudest state of mind]." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-23)

Note 3: FIRST LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

Here is the initial letter on this topic. This following letter
discusses the ways some of our Wts are beautifying their bodies in order
to attract a mate and compete in today's era of extreme materialism.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/10/wt-beauty-competition-part-1.html

******************************************
LONGEVITY

Baba says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and
maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual
practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians,
who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous
deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years." (AV-33,
p.113)

Note: By following the devotional cult of AM and abiding by general
health rules every sadhaka is ensured a long and healthy life. That is
Baba's guarantee.

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