Children Should Know How They Came Here & Their Relation With Others

Date: 07 Dec 2012 21:42:20 -0000
From: "Shanti Devii"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Children Should Know How They Came Here & Their Relation With Others

Baba

== CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW HOW THEY CAME HERE & THEIR RELATION WITH OTHERS ==

Namaskar,
"We must consider: When and how should we guide our children about our Ananda Marga creation theory.

Should we wait until our children reach a certain age when they can understand philosophy, grasp abstruse concepts of "Idea & Ideology", and comprehend challenging topics like jadasphota, shambhuliunga, sadrsha parin'a'ma etc?

Otherwise, when and how should we approach this topic with our kids.

After all, this is an everyday reality for most of us: What is the best way to guide our children. Because inevitably, either on the home-front, in school, or on the internet, this important topic of creation will be raised. And if we do not give a reply - or if our reply is not satisfactory to their ears - then our children will get the 'lesson' elsewhere.

If we don't teach our children from where they have come, then they are bound to learn from the general society that human beings are just bones, flesh, and blood - nothing more.

That is why many margii parents, acaryas, neo-humanistic teachers, and sadhakas have concluded that, 'Yes, we should teach Ananda Marga creation theory to our children'; and, one of the best ways is to emulate the exact manner in which Baba Himself has explained it to His simple devotees.

The content of this letter is based on Baba's original Hindi discourse delivered in one general darshan in Patna (1965) where He explained Ananda Marga creation theory in very easy-to-understand language." (From the posting titled: "Loneliness & Monotony Were the Cause")

Yes, teaching creation theory to our young ones and youths is paramount. Without that they will not have a base in life.

Based on the aforementioned Patna darshan, I wish to encapsulate how we are to impart creation theory in story form to our children. It proceeds and concludes as a very simple story that should be narrated in a colourful and personal manner.

Parama Purusa was all alone. He was all by Himself. There was no one around. Naturally He wanted some companionship - someone to play with. After all, who likes to be alone - all the time? We all like to have family and friends around us. Then we feel joyous. Similarly, Parama Purusa also wanted some company - someone to laugh and smile with.

But there was nothing. He wanted to create something; He wanted to create someone, so He would not be all alone. But how?

If you want to create any toy, then material is needed like wood, plastic, metal, or rubber. And with that material you can create whatever toy you like. So Parama Purusa was alone and there was no material by which He could create various things. So He put one portion of His mind away. By doing so, the needed material was created. And that process of creating material is called saincara.

When that material was ready, He then created plants, animals, small and big birds, dogs, monkeys, chimpanzees and finally human beings. In that way, He made this creation where everyone has mind - in some the mind is less developed and in others it is more developed. All though are part and parcel of His universal family. By this way, Parama Purusa was no longer alone and humans came into existence. This is called pratisaincara.

Following Baba's Patna (1965) discourse is such a beautiful and wonderful way of explaining this created universe. Parama Purusa was all alone and to have someone to play with He set aside part of His mind and manifested this whole cosmological order through this cycle of brahmacakra, i.e. saincara & pratisaincara.

Such is the way of Parama Purusa. He is the Cosmic Father and He loves all and He is attracting and calling all the jiivas back to Him. With His divine attraction He pulls everyone. This is the natural process that is unfolding in this universe.

This is the way our Ananda Marga creation theory works. As we introduce children to this through story, they will be greatly benefited.

THIS MAKES EVERY CHILD'S EXISTENCE GOLDEN

Ultimately, by Baba's grace, this entire Ananda Marga creation theory gives children a huge lift in life. Because, with this teaching, with this outlook, in that tender age of early childhood development, our children will:

(1) Gain a clear conception of who they are, as well as from where they have come. They will know they are the sons and daughters of Parama Purusa and realise they have come from Him. Having these answers set in their mind gives tremendous reassurance and confidence in life.

(2) Understand what is their Goal in life. They will know that Parama Purusa is watching over them each and every moment. By this way, they will not run around searching "hither and thither" for meaning in life, but rather know that they already have a mission and a Goal.

(3) Know what is this universe. They will feel in the mind and heart that they live in a God-centered universe and that this entire cosmic expression is the manifestation of Parama Purusa, in various ways, shapes, and forms.

(4) Have an appreciation for what their relationship is with others. They will naturally feel that since Parama Purusa is their Father, then certainly all the other things which He has created - from mountains to hilltops and from oceans to ponds, from eagles to ants and from hippos to giraffes - are valued aspects of this creation. They will feel that they are to care for those landscapes, animals, and plants since they are also the expression of Parama Purusa - Cosmic Entity. Plus our children will have the inherent idea that all their neighbors, classmates, friends, and all humans are part of the same cosmic family, since everyone has come from Him. In that case, when in a natural manner this entire Ananda Marga creation theory has been suffused in the tender, young minds of our children, then surely their life on this earth will be peaceful and blissful. Their journey will be smooth and dharmic as they will have all the tools & insight to attain success in all the realms.

By instilling the ideas and values of our Ananda Marga creation theory in the minds of our young ones, there will be less of a tendency for them to stray from the path. They will march directly up to Him and be brought on His divine Lap.

MUST START AT AN EARLY AGE

So having this creation theory established in mind, then surely our children will grow in a benevolent way and look at the world in a neo-humanistic manner. They will feel that everything is part and parcel of Him and that they are connected with all.

In that case they will never feel alone or uncared for. They will not fall prey to cynicism nor feel that 'nobody loves me'. And they will not think that they have come here to exploit everyone else - as if this entire creation is just for their own selfish enjoyment. The demerits of a materialistic outlook will never take root in their mind - so long as our Ananda Marga creation theory is nicely conveyed them in those tender years of early childhood development.

We should not wait longer than that. And this all fits with our entire spiritual approach since Baba Himself says that our children should start learning and practicing sadhana at the age of five.

Our Sadguru says, "It is very difficult to get a human life. Only after living life after life as an insect or a worm, etc., does one attain a human body – and then only if one is very lucky. Those who utilize this body for noble deeds are few, and those who utilize this life for spiritual progress are even fewer; so as I have attained a human body, the more I utilize it for noble deeds from an early age, the better it will be. As it is difficult to attain a human body, and even more difficult to attain a body which can be utilized properly, one should start a life of spirituality from the age of five." (8 November 1978 morning, Kolkata)

Hence from an early age Baba wants that our young ones get all the fundamentals of neo-humanism and spirituality - and that includes knowing our Ananda Marga creation theory.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, knowing our Ananda Marga creation theory, our children will easily realise their relation of love with Him and become inspired sadhakas who attain the height of human existence - life divine.

Baba says, "We have all come from Parama Puruśa – the Supreme Entity – and from the práńa-kendra, the nucleus of the universe – that is, Puruśottama. We have to return to the same place. It is like a boy who has played throughout the day away in the fields, and now that evening comes, returns home. Sádhaná is the process of returning home. The child has played outside for the whole day. As evening approaches, he thinks, “Father must have returned home. Let me also return home and sit next to him.” " (Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Mantra Caetanya)

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Shanti

Note 1:  DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY

Young children embrace stories, fairy tales, and all kinds of imaginative activities. In those early years, kids do not like to be burdened with logic and reasoning. They relish the world of make-believe and various types of fables. This continues until the age of 10 or 12 when they enter into adolescence. With puberty, comes the analytical brain that thirsts for logic and reasoning. The above letter is geared towards young kids. So it does not contain all the technical aspects of creation theory. Then children would lose interest in the topic. The above was written in story form to best appeal to the young child's mind-set.

By this entire viewpoint and perspective it is clear that there is no need to wait until children can gain an intellectual understanding of creation theory. We need not wait until they know terms such as va'yutattva, parashanti, anucchu'nya' prakrti, bhava'nii, ka'mabiija. Rather then it will be too late and they will miss out on the essence of this teaching.

So best is to is explain how this universe was made using Baba's easy-to-understand method as described above in their early childhood years. Then this whole concept will easily set in their heart and mind. And let us not forget that this entire method described above is Baba's divine approach which He Himself used to explain this creation to some simple devotees back in 1965 (Patna).

Note 2:  PART LIFE AND FULL LIFE

Baba says that life does not begin in the delivery room of the hospital nor does it end in the cemetery. Life starts when mind is first created. Then unicellular beings come into existence. And so many births and deaths occur as that mind evolves from one being to the next, and finally one gets human form. Then it continues further until one becomes a truly great sadhaka and attains nirvikalpa samadhi. Baba terms all these births and deaths as part lives; they are like the little beads on one big mala. The full life starts when mind is first created and culminates with moksa or salvation. In that sense, one's full life is the entire mala, not just a single bead of that mala. This posting portrays life in a grand way. It addresses the big questions: Who you are, from where have you come, and where you are going. That deeper aspect is what we want to teach youths when imparting creation theory to them. They should understand who they are, from where they have come, and their relationship with the inanimate objects and living beings of this universe. The is the true utility of teaching creation theory to youths. And that is why it should be imparted at the earliest, i.e. when they are young.

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi ca'i ni toma're ka'che kon din, tumi krpa' kare esecho..." (P.S. 2367)

Purport:
 
Baba, I was leading a crude, materialistic life; the divine feeling was not coming in my mind. Baba, I never tried or desired to come close to You - not anytime. O' my Dearmost, You have bestowed Your cosmic grace on me by coming in my life.
 
Baba, I was completely submerged in crude life. I was not understanding anything about You - how sweet and divine You are. Baba, You have graced me by destroying my lust and worldly attachment and bringing me close to You.  

Baba, in the past I wasted my time searching eternal happiness in this ephemeral, external world. With my clouded mind I was thinking that these
worldly achievements will satiate my heart. I was always busy boasting about myself and my own greatness, and bragging about my own achievements
and glory. In this way, my life got wasted.
 
Baba, You have graciously turned my vision from external to internal and transformed my worldly attachment into divine longing. In this way, You have graced me and opened my eyes. Now I do not have any interest to think about my own self. Baba, You showered Your causeless grace on me and filled up my dry deserted heart with Your divine love. Baba, I do not have any words to express my feeling.
 
Baba, prior to this, my ego was a huge burden on me. It was the cause of my all-round degeneration and downfall. Because of that ego, I never tried to move on the righteous and straight path - the path of dharma. Instead, I always chose to move on the crooked, unrighteous, and sinful path. I was just passing my existence in animal life. In that way I committed many sins.
 
Baba, with the showering of Your karuna You showed me the divine direction. You graciously put me on the righteous path and bestowed the energy to move ahead. This way You have made me into a human being. It is Your grace.  

Baba, from my side there was no effort to come close to Your lotus feet. Only You graciously lifted me up from the mud, cleansed me, & lovingly placed me in Your divine lap...

Loneliness & Monotony Were the Cause

Date: 21 Nov 2012 19:21:04 -0000
From: "Karunanidhi"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Loneliness & Monotony Were the Cause

Baba

== LONELINESS & MONOTONY WERE THE CAUSE ==

Namaskar,
On and off again, the topic has come to the fore about how to teach our margii children and other young ones about our Ananda Marga theory of creation - i.e. how this grand universe has come into existence.

Because at some point, invariably questions arise in the minds of our youths - in the minds of our children: They wonder, 'who am I', 'where have I come from', 'what is this universe' etc. And our Ananda Marga creation theory answers all these doubts and queries in a very comprehensive and fulfilling way.

WHY & HOW WE SHOULD RAISE THIS TOPIC

Next we must consider: When and how should we guide our children about our Ananda Marga creation theory.

Should we wait until our children reach a certain age when they can understand philosophy, grasp abstruse concepts of "Idea & Ideology", and comprehend challenging topics like jadasphota, shambhuliunga, sadrsha parin'a'ma etc?

Otherwise, when and how should we approach this topic with our kids.

After all, this is an everyday reality for most of us: What is the best way to guide our children. Because inevitably, either on the home-front, in school, or on the internet, this important topic of creation will be raised. And if we do not give a reply - or if our reply is not satisfactory to their ears - then our children will get the 'lesson' elsewhere.

If don't teach our children from where they have come, then they are bound to learn from the general society that human beings are just bones, flesh, and blood - nothing more.

That is why many margii parents, acaryas, neo-humanistic teachers, and sadhakas have concluded that, 'Yes, we should teach Ananda Marga creation theory to our children'; and, one of the best ways is to emulate the exact manner in which Baba Himself has explained it to His simple devotees.

The content of this letter is based on Baba's original Hindi discourse delivered in one general darshan in Patna (1965) where He explained Ananda Marga creation theory in very easy-to-understand language.

Here then is some of the groundwork that can be used to help formulate our primary school curriculum regarding the topic: 'How did this universe come into existence?'.

Once again, the whole import of this discussion is 'why' & 'how' Parama Purusa created this vast cosmological order.

PARAMA PURUSA WAS ALL ALONE

In the very beginning, Parama Purusa was all alone. There was no one with whom He could play. He was not surrounded by anything or anyone. There was darkness all around - indeed in the absence of anything there was just a vast dark void emanating in all directions. There was absolutely nothing at all, anywhere.

Certainly we all know that when we are completely isolated and have no company, no playmates, and no one to talk to, and are all alone in the house, then we will become very, very lonely. Such was the condition of Parama Purusa. To remove that loneliness, He decided to create something - someone - with whom He could love play.

It is just like if there are children in the house, then the family life in that household becomes colourful & vibrant. Because those children will laugh and they will cry; they will sing and they will dance. And sometimes a child also comes with a problem or needing help in some way; and on other occasions a young one cries out loudly and says, 'Dad, I want this, or Mom
I need that'.

Having children brings warmth, joy, and, most importantly, transforms life itself into an intimate family experience where there is lots of sharing, caring, & companionship. In which case one will no longer be alone or feel lonely.

WHAT WILL BE THE INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING ONE UNIVERSE

To break the monotony, Parama Purusa had to create something - someone with whom to play. But to create anything, materials are needed.

It is just like if anyone wants to make some toys, then some material is needed such as clay, plastic, rubber, wood - something is needed from which to make those toys.

Similarly, Parama Purusa needed something with which to make His creation; some ingredients were needed to make something - to make one universe. Yet there was nothing around - only there was Parama Purusa and nothing else. Besides Him, there was no one; He was all alone. Then how could He create anything? Because, besides Him, there was nothing. In that case, He had to use part of His own mind.

Thus to create something, Parama Purusa kept away some portion of His own mind: He put that portion of His mind away at a distance. Because without putting away part of His mind, material could not be created.

For that reason, step by step, Parama Purusa began putting away part of His mind.

THE PROCESS OF SAINCARA: PUTTING HIS MIND AWAY

One might then ask, 'Why did He have to put part of His mind away' - 'Why did He have to set it aside'. 'What was the need to do that?'

The answer is that if He did not put some portion of His mind away, then it could not become made into material - it would just remain unexpressed as pure consciousness. Yet some type of material was needed in order to create something tangible with which He could play.

For this reason Parama Purusa had to set aside some part of His mind. Otherwise it would be impossible to make any toys - jiivas and inanimate objects etc - i.e. any of the creation.

So He put aside part of His mind and it was transformed into material: The specialty of this process is that the further away Parama Purusa put away His mind, the more dense it became.

Accordingly, that portion of His mind that was placed just a short distance away from Him was comparatively less dense, and it became the ethereal factor. And that part of His mind that was put a little further away was more dense so it became the aerial factor. And that portion of His mind that was even further away became the luminous quality - because it was more dense. And when He put His mind still further away it became more dense and was the liquid factor. Until finally He pushed some portion of His mind very far away and that became the solid factor. And this is the most dense factor - reason being that it is furthest away from Parama Purusa. And this entire process of making material is known as: saincara.

So His process of saincara is the process of making the material - toys and beings - with which to play. And in this process of saincara, He creates the painca bhutas, or 5 fundamental factors: ethereal, aerial, luminous, liquid, and solid.

And why does He do this? Why did He embark on this process of saincara? To prepare material to create His toys, i.e. living and non-living beings.

THE PROCESS OF PRATISAINCARA: BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

After so many inanimate objects were created by placing some part of His mind away from Him via the process of saincara, then came the task of bringing those things back close to Him. For that to occur, unit mind was created.

This is the transition point - the turning point. Because the process of going away from Parama Purusa is known as saincara. And when things are at the farthest point away from Him then they are in a solid, inanimate state.

This then is the juncture point, whereby finally the unit mind is created and the cycle of creation switches its direction back towards Him.

Here, in this reversal, the formula is that the closer Parama Purusa brought things back towards Him the more developed those beings became. So in this sequence, He brought some creatures just a little bit closer and these slightly developed living beings were in the form plants and insects etc - i.e. creatures that have a very basic mind. And then those beings which He pulled closer to Him were a little more developed such as various animals like goats and sheep - and then those animals which were brought even closer to Him were still more developed such as dogs and monkeys etc.

Until He finally brought some entities very close to Him and those are known as human beings. And the human mind is more developed and more refined since humans are very close to Parama Purusa - until one day, He sweetly draws those sadhakas so close that they actually become one with Him. And, this entire process of returning back to Him is known as pratisaincara.

THE CREATED UNIVERSE

In this manner, by this dual approach of saincara and pratisaincara, Parama Purusa formed an entire universe and He began to slowly fill that universe with innumerable things: forests, rivers, mountain, planets, stars, plants, animals, human beings - so many things & so many beings. And gradually, by His grace, all those things return unto Him.

WE ARE ALL PART OF HIM & LONG FOR HIM

So by this whole picture, by this whole scene of saincara and pratisaincara, it is easily understood that all are part and parcel of Him. Everything and everyone - inanimate objects, flora, fauna, developed creatures, and human beings - is the expression of Parama Purusa. We are all part of that same universal cosmic family. All have been created by Him. He loves all; He is everyone's Creator; He is the Divine Father. All have come from Him.

Hence, knowingly or unknowingly, all love Parama Purusa as He is the source and all desire to return back to Him - all want to reach Him, just like a small infant has a deep desire to cling tightly to its mother. Similarly all humans love Parama Purusa and desire to be with Him, since He is the Divine Father and all are part of His mind - all are His children.

And this love which humans have for Him is not unilateral. As much as you love Him and long to be with Him, in an even deeper & greater way He loves you and longs to be close to you. Thousands and millions of times more, Parama Purusa loves you. Because after all you are part of His mind. That is why He is called your greater 'I' - and this greater 'I" is one for everybody.

So the whole scene is quite an intimate affair. We are all part of Him and long for Him and Parama Purusa feels us to be His very own and constantly showers His infinite love on us.

at His feet,
Karunanidhi

Note 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF STORY

Before they reach puberty, kids do not like logic and reasoning; they enjoy grand stories and imaginative tales. Every parent and educator must keep this in mind when sharing the theory of creation with young kids.

Note 2: ABOUT PARAMA PURUSA BEING ALL ALONE

"My Parama Purusa was all alone. How painful it must have been to remain in this terrible loneliness. It was no joke for Him to suffer horrible loneliness. When left alone in an empty house anyone would become extremely restless for company. My Parama Puruśa was in such a condition. He had the capacity to see and hear everything, to administer over all, to play with all, to love and scold all, but since there was no other entity, He was deprived of this happiness. Just to rid Himself of this oppressive loneliness He thought to Himself, “I will become many.” And He became many, for He has one rare occult power: prakámya. That is, everything takes shape as per His desire. He wanted to become many and He became many. In this way His divine sport has been going on eternally. Thus it has been said, Ánandáddhyeva khalvimáni bhútáni jáyante [“Out of bliss all beings were born”]. He has created jiivas, created this universe, for the sake of joy alone. Ánandena játáni jiivanti – “these living beings also want to live for ánandam alone.” " (Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 25)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Toma'y ceye toma'y bheve din ye cale ja'y a'ma'r..."  PS 2107

Purport:

Baba, O' my dearmost, my days are passing just thinking about You and looking towards You; in this way  my life is passing me by, under Your divine shelter. Baba it is so painful that You do not look towards me - nor do You listen to the feeling of my heart. Baba, in this terrible situation please tell me what can I do to get You. Please grace me.

Baba, by Your grace, at any cost I will surely get You. Baba, You are my polestar. Since the beginning - since the origin - of my life I have been Yours; and up to eternity I will be Yours. Baba, by Your grace, I will surely get You. Even when I was sunk in cimmerian darkness my heart was filled with Your love. During that hopeless period, by Your grace I was also thinking at I am Yours. 

Baba, although the lotus is a just little flower, even then it loves the vast sun. In spite of its meagre-self, the little lotus loves that big entity, the sun. In the same way, I love You with my full heart. And now my heart is burning with the fire of longing for You. Indeed, remaining away from You is unbearable for me. Baba, please grace me and come close...