Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry

Date: Fri 22 Mar 2013 22:09:12 -0400
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Gautam45@newcity...
Subject: Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(2) Posting: Fake Sadhakas Surrender to Palmistry
(3) Trailer Quote: Incongruities Around The Globe

(1) Prabhat Samgiita #3225;

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

== FAKE SADHAKAS SURRENDER TO PALMISTRY ==

Namaskar,
In general, people have a strong fascination for knowing their future problems so they can counteract or avert upcoming difficulties. For that reason, many have tremendous interest in palmistry, tarot cards, and astrology. When they see any person has a little knowledge about these topics, they get quite attracted.

Except for those few who have a little self-control, the common people start hovering around anyone who claims to have a little knowledge about "how to read the future" using tarot cards etc. That is one side.

Those who do not have interest, or exercise restraint, refrain from hovering such palm readers etc. Among them there are two types of people:

(1) Those who think in a quiet moment they will personally communicate and get their future read;

(2) Those who philosophically do not believe in this fake magic and they think that it is useless.

According to Baba's teachings, this second type of people - those who are not befooled by this sort of magic - alone are proper in their approach.

ASKING AROUND TO OTHERS

For some time I have been wondering the veracity of palmistry and astrology etc. Should Ananda Margiis involve in these readings or not? Or are they just a waste of time? Lastly, if such palmistry & astrological  readings etc are a waste of time, should we know how to respond to those who inquire about this?

Here are Baba's explanations for those interested to know.

WHY PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED TO KNOW THE FUTURE

BABA'S TEACHING ON ACTION AND REACTION

Many people want to know their future by astrology or palm reading so they can escape from or remove their future sufferings.

"There are many who with the intention of escaping this suffering of reaction (karmaphala) try various methods." (1)

So people's purpose in knowing the future is to escape from future suffering. But the reality is, this goes against the very law of Prakrti. As we know, future happenings are the result of one's past actions. Such reactions have to be experienced - there is no side-stepping the matter.

"Many believe that by neutralizing the influence of the stars (grahasha'nti) and by rituals of offering sacrifice in repentance (pra'yashcitta), they will be able to escape the consequences of their actions. This belief is not correct, because according to the rule of Prakrti every action has to be followed by its reaction. The mind has to regain its normality through reactions. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can set it aside." (2)

"...Reactions of actions (karmaphala) have to be experienced. No one is spared from experiencing them; the reactions of all one's actions will have to be borne by oneself alone." (3)

OUR FATE = EXPERIENCE THOSE REACTIONS

So there is no way to escape the eventuality of facing the reactions to one's past actions. This is what is known as fate. Fate is nothing but the unmanifest reactions to one's past actions. As this is the law of Prakrti, trying to know the future with the intent to escape suffering is a fruitless task.

Through the performance of dharmic, tantric practices, the way in which one will experience those future reactions can be moderated. But even then, the expression of those reactions cannot be altogether removed.

"The mode of experiencing the reaction can be changed with the help of Tantric practices...but the experience of the reaction, or fate, cannot be evaded. Karmaphala, consequences or reactions of one's actions, will have to be experienced by a person, and at best only the intensity of suffering at a time can be reduced or increased by slowing or accelerating the speed of reactions." (4)

The expression of samskara cannot be removed, but through tantric practices or sadhana the way these samskaras are experienced can be made more or less intense.

Some may get confused and start thinking the change is due to their own efforts to neutralize the "effects of the stars". They may mistakenly think that their efforts in palmistry have removed their suffering. But this is not at all the case.

AN EXAMPLE OF HOW IT ALL WORKS

Here below Baba gives the example of a debtor.

"It is possible that the condition of returning one hundred rupees in one installment may be too hard for the debtor and he may have to suffer great mental agony, but if the same amount is returned in several small installments the debtor may not feel it at all. The period of suffering is thus increased with the help of [avidya] tantric practices with the result that one does not feel the intensity of suffering and wrongly concludes that the experiencing of reactions (karmaphala) has been evaded or stopped because of grahasha'nti (that is by neutralizing the influence of stars)." (Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy)

Here Baba is explaining that many mistakenly believe that changes in their experience of samskara happened because they changed their fate through grahasha'nti, i.e. neutralizing the influence of stars.

But fate cannot be evaded. Because as Baba tells, fate is merely the expression of reactions to one's past actions. Fate is an inexorable law of prakrti.

PALMISTRY IS SELF-TRICKERY - NOTHING MORE

So on that ground, the practice of astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards to affect one's future is in reality nothing but a practice of self-deception.

Here Baba gives an example of the negativity of such pursuits.

"For example, if on reading the future of a person it is found that he has to bear the mental suffering of fracture of an arm, it may be possible to stop the fracturing of the arm with the help of grahasha'nti [avidya tantra]. But the quantum of mental suffering cannot be changed or done away with. The suffering could be spread over a longer time due to a number of minor incidents. For instance, the person's hand might get scratched, and later on he might fall sick. The person would go suffering in installments till the quantum of his suffering equaled the mental suffering he was destined to get from the fracture of the arm." (5)

And here below Baba relates the same negative practice of attempting to alter one's future through self-deceiving means, to the experience of a debtor. The debtor is befooled into thinking they escaped from the debt. When in reality, the debt is only distributed over time.

"...It would mean that the debtor of one hundred rupees would have to keep on repaying his debt in small installments of a rupee or so until they had paid off the full hundred. Here the payment of the debt of one hundred rupees represents the mental suffering from the fracture of the arm, which was supposed to be completed in one installment; but through flattery and persuasion of the creditor, that is, by neutralizing the influence of the stars (grahasha'nti), it is being paid back in small installments. Hence as the return of the hundred rupees is not complete, the payment will have to continue." (6)

Some may think that paying in installments is preferable, but according to the law of prakrti that has serious drawbacks which is explained in the ensuing paragraphs

So actually no one escapes fate. All have to face their samskaras. But those who try to change their fate through the practice of astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards, engage in the very same act of self-deception as Baba explains above.

Here below, Baba offers another example of such self cheating - those who engage in the wearing of different stones for the purpose of protecting them from future suffering.

"Just as it is possible to increase the period of experiencing the reactions with the help of grahasha'nti, it is also possible to decrease this period. For instance, some persons wear different stones such as blue sapphires which change the mode of their experiencing the reactions. It is possible that by this one may get a fortune by winning a prize in a lottery or may get a promotion in one's employment. This makes people believe that all this has happened due to grahasha'nti, but it is actually not so. Fate, or the quantum of experiencing the consequences of one's actions, can neither be changed nor evaded." (7)

Baba also explains how the distribution of reactions over time can be not only lengthened, but also shortened by such negative practices. In the time-shortened case as well, the outcome is equally full of self deception.

Here below Baba gives an example of this with the spending of a 150 rupee budget. And He likens that to what self-cheating happens with the use of blue sapphire stones to affect one's future.

"Taking again the example of the deposit of 150 rupees, we see that the money intended to be spent in a month at the rate of five rupees a day, can be spent in one day by shortening the period of expenditure and leaving nothing for the remaining twenty-nine days of the month. The change in fate brought about by grahasha'nti is similar to this. For instance, the one thousand rupees that one gets as a prize in a lottery due to the influence of the blue sapphire, is the person's own money scheduled to be received by him in small installments over a long period of time. This money is received in one installment, leaving no balance for the rest of the installments. Yet getting a huge amount at once makes one believe that grahasha'nti, or the wearing of a blue sapphire, has changed one's fate." (8)

PALMISTRY CANNOT OVERCOME FATE

So by this way it becomes clear that the use of external superimpositions like astrology, palmistry, or tarot cards to predict and thereby change one's future, are futile and have as their only outcome that of self-cheating. Because the reactions of one's past action will still express, only in a different way.

SADHANA AND ONE'S REACTIONS

Here below Baba concludes the point beautifully, explaining that fate or the expression of reactions to one's past actions is inevitable. And that sadhana is the only way to get these reactions to express as readily and quickly as possible, and thereby hasten one's emancipation by Parama Purusa Baba's grace.

"In fact, fate or the experiencing of reactions (karmaphala) can never be changed. It is only the duration of reactions that can be changed. That is why those who carry on intuitional practice (sa'dhana') with the intention of achieving emancipation, experience pleasure and pain, happiness and agony quickly, so that they may complete the experiencing of reactions in as short a period as possible. Those who desire liberation (mukti) want it in this life itself, and so they experience everything quickly, according to their potential reactions (sam'ska'ras), so that nothing is left for the future life and they can
obtain release from the bondage of Prakrti." (9)

NAMES OF A FEW DEGENERATED DADAS

Most wts and margiis are fine: They surrender to Parama Purusa, not fate. But there are a few bad apples - so beware. Some workers mislead simple margiis and try to fill their own pockets. Here are their names.

On multiple occasions, Baba Himself personally warned Dada Nirmoha'nanda not to indulge in palmistry and other such dogmatic, fortune-telling enterprises. But time and again Dadaji returned to his poor and faulty habit. He is enamoured by it - it seems. Otherwise why would Dadaji blatantly disobey Guru's directive and plunge himself into such activities.

Dada Nirmoha'nanda has taken aim and easily made females his target to extract money by taking advantage of their trust and innocence. He assures them that his malas and palmistry will cure them of their woes etc. Such females give money, and, in result, get duped and befooled by his tricks. Dada Nirmoha'nanda promises to show them their future - in this way he temps them.

How far Dadaji could remove or alleviate the problems of others with his fancy stones and malas is one thing, but certainly he could not do this for himself. Because tragically, while in the metro / train station, Dadaji took a big fall and broke his back. Today, he is lying helplessly in the hospital, unfortunately. This is very sad to see.

Our Dadas should not resort to dogmas in order to solve their own personal, financial worries. Nirmoha'nanda often purchases these malas from an Indonesian supplier at a very low price and then Dada "blesses" or "charges" these malas and sells them at a high price to naive villagers and worshipers. Not only that, at DMS he sells such malas to margiis at exorbitant prices. All so that he can turn a hefty profit.

These other Dadas are also involved in such schemes.

Ac Omkareshvaranandji, posted in Nepal, came into Ananda Marga to propagate bhagavad dharma, but he gradually got degenerated. Now he just indulges in palmistry and fortune-telling for his livelihood. He never does Ananda Marga pracara. He seeks to make females his easy target, as by interacting with the opposite sex he gets money from them and gets his own animalistic desires satisfied, by touching them.

Then there is: Rudrayamalananda who was posted in Phatehgarh near Kanpur. Dadaji was deeply involved in fortune telling and palmistry. He too was targeting innocent femelas and in that process he got infatuated with one female and he left. It was a slippery slope the whole way. By telling the fortune of the opposite sex, his own situation turned sour. Because when one sannyasi loses his path of propagating dharma and instead indulges in dogmatic practices, then in the end of their sannyasi life they lead a dual life. He kept the illicit relation for a while and then finally he threw away his dress and left. This happened with Rudrayamalananda at the age of 60+.

When anyone puts faith on malas, fortune-telling or palmistry, then Parama Purusa becomes secondary. That brings spiritual degeneration. People think that these malas are the main powerful force in this universe, not Parama Purusa. This mentality breeds an anti-spiritual feeling as it goes directly contrary to prapatti vada, surrender theory or relying exclusively on Parama Purusa.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Gautam

Note 1: BABA'S FURTHER TEACHINGS ON FATE

Here Baba explains more about the facts regarding "fate".

"There are many people who are fatalists. They are worshippers of fate. A fatalist means a worshipper of fate - a worshipper of fortune or fate. They are worse than nature-worshippers. What is fate? There is nothing such as fate in this universe. So far as the philosophy is concerned there cannot be anything called fate. What is fate? Everyone has to undergo the reaction of his or her past actions, the reaction of the original action. Suppose your finger comes in contact with fire; you will feel pain, you will have to suffer but, at that moment one will say that because your finger came in contact with fire, that's why you are suffering. But when the reaction takes place after a long gap, and when the original action is not known or has been forgotten, or when the original action took place in another past life, and you do not know what was the original action - in that case you say, it is fate, it is fate.  But actually there is no fate. What you call fate is actually the reaction of our past actions. In sam'skrta, it is called sam'ska'ra, in Latin 'reactive momenta'." (10)

Here is more on this topic:

"So-called astrologers say that because you were born when the moon and such-and-such star or planet were within the jurisdiction of such-and-such zodiac [sign,] you took birth in this way. No. Because you committed this type of action, you were born within such-and-such structure or such-and-such zodiac [sign]. It is because of [your] actions that you were born on the earth and should suffer like this; not because of the [influences of] the stars. Do you follow? These actions brought you within the structural limits of such-and-such zodiac [sign] and such-and-such planets. So the stars do not [control] you; your original actions control you. And where [the original action] is not known to you, but the result is known to you, the result is experienced by you, you say it is niyati. It is also called adrśt́a in Sanskrit. Adrśt́a means “not-drśt́a, not seen”. Where you feel the reaction, where you witness the reaction, but you cannot see the original action, it is called adrśt́a, that is, unseen. You do not know what the original crime was that you committed, but you are [driven by] the reaction. So you say, “It is my adrśt́a.” " (11)

"Is fate (niyati) the primordial cause of creation? The word niyati means “fate” or “providence.” The accumulated reaction of the action you once did will definitely be expressed one day. This reaction is called niyati. It is true that human beings are controlled by niyati or fate. The environment into which one is born is the most congenial for the expression of the unexpressed reactive momenta, and the circumstances in which one exists must be accepted as the result of one’s actions – this constitutes one’s fate or niyati. According to their fate, people are born under particular planetary positions, but they are not guided by those planets: they are guided by their own fate which they themselves have created." (12)

"So what is the primary cause of the world? Is it destiny (niyati)? The rśi says, “No, not even that.” Niyati is derived from the root ni – yam + ktin, and means that which controls the subsequent actions. As one sows, so shall one reap. The amount of reactions to be undergone by the unit entity is equal to the total actions previously performed. Destiny is the totality of unrequited reactions of actions performed. Its reactive momenta are called saḿskáras. In this observable world the saḿskára-ridden unit entities cannot go beyond destiny’s influence. Destiny keeps them so tightly in its grip that they think it is the controller of their fate (bhágya-niyanta), as though it had already determined their path of progress. But destiny cannot be the absolute factor, for if you do not exist, if you do not act, destiny cannot exist either. Being dependent upon your doership for its existence, it cannot be the supreme controller." (13)

"Devotees say that fate [niyati] is simply the collection of unrequited saḿskáras. A person who performs an action has to undergo the reaction to that action. If his body is old, the reaction of that action may not be expressed in this lifetime. Only when the same person is reborn will his unserved saḿskáras be expressed. He cannot remember the action of his previous life because he has acquired a new brain. So he takes the expression of those saḿskaras to be his fate. In fact they are not his fate – they are merely the reactions of his previous actions of his previous life. The philosophers contend that astrologers are able to predict people’s future by preparing their horoscopes. They may be correct, for in this universe everything follows a particular rhythm. Nothing is isolated, everything is interconnected. Even a tiny ant does not die a premature death. If an ant does die prematurely, the entire universe becomes unbalanced and loses its rhythm. Everything in this universe, whether great or small, is a dignified member of the universal family. To enjoy equal importance; none should be slighted. When people are reborn, they carry the saḿskáras, the reactive momenta, which remained unrequited in the previous life. According to their saḿskáras, they are born under a certain planetary system in the solar system, and during their lives they must act and move within the scope of a particular sign of the zodiac. Thus everything follows a particular system. It can be inferred that people of such-and-such nature are born under a certain planetary position. The science of astrology was formulated on the basis of such a theory. But in this regard, simply surrendering to fate would be sheer foolishness." (14)


REFERENCES:
1 - 9: Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy
10. Subhasita Samgraha - 12
11. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, The Causal Matrix
12. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11
13. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 6, The Primordial Cause of Creation
14. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11

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

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

Incongruities Around The Globe

"It can be said that ordinary people, like teachers, face many types of problem in their lives; in fact teachers’ problems are only a reflection of larger social problems. It is quite true that in the modern material world strenuous efforts to conquer the limitations of time, place and person are apparent everywhere. It is as if human beings are being forcibly dragged forward by the hair of their heads. Speed is the main consideration; whether any good is accomplished or not is a secondary factor. Thus different social trends are unable to maintain a harmonious pace in their forward movement. Some trends are far advanced in their development while others lag behind. This causes some parts of the social structure which were close together to move apart, and other parts which were once apart to come together, leading to the collapse of the entire structure. The thatched hut is still the same, but electrical wiring has been strung through it. The only food available is salt and boiled rice, but the ordinary old clay stove has been replaced by an electric “heater” [hotplate]. Such incongruities are now common in society." (Human Society - 1, Education)

Note: In the above teaching Baba is describing how incongruities have become prevalent in society. Here are a few more examples for us to ponder:

(a) In some "3rd world" countries people have "smart phones" (i.e. internet on their phone) yet they are still living under a tree and do not have running water in their home. Not only that, their own children are deprived the basic necessities - wandering around naked, collecting wood or recyclable materials etc.

(b) In so-called 1st world countries, there are some kids who have access to huge material wealth yet lack parental love. Without that special bond and emotional support, such children become islands of desperation.

(C) In other places within "1st world nations", kids go to school where they see fancy computers throughout the classrooms etc, yet when they return home they have no food to eat and must get their food from homeless shelters or soup kitchens.

These types of incongruities must be addressed. At present, such disparities are prevalent both in individual life and collective life. This situation must be put to a halt, and prama (balance) must be restored.

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

Prabhat Samgiita 

"Jakhani bha'vi kichu cini bujhi, dekhi a'mi kichu ja'ni na'..." (PS 3225)

Purport:

When my little ego dominates then I think that I know and understand everything. It is only later that I realize that I do not know anything - I know not. When I try to move on the path with my own strength, then it is difficult for me to decide what I want to do and what is my goal.

From the origin of which unknown source am I floating and floating, from far to the farthest place, in the search of that unknown divine Entity. Day and night I am searching and wandering; why I wander around I do not understand.

O' karunamaya, what type of divine play do You do with me. What type of liila do You go on playing with this unit entity. How can this divine play between unit and cosmic continue without Your grace. O' Parama Purusa, O' Baba, You are everything, only by Your grace is anything possible...

Booming Business of Nirmoha'nanda

To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: pankal.sadhana@cswebmail.com
Subject: Booming Business of Nirmoha'nanda
Date: Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:10:36 -0800 (PST)

Baba

== BOOMING BUSINESS OF NIRMOHA'NANDA ==

Namaskar,
At the time many things were going wrong in my life. I felt unsure about my life and how things would unfold in the future.

When Dada Nirmoha'nandji came to town with his malas & charms - rudraksha beads (rosary beads), sphatik (white stone), and other items - then I became quite interested. After all Dadaji was telling that these malas prevent all kinds of mundane problems - everything from memory loss to money issues, and so many other diseases and worldly problems.

Dada further told that Baba Himself spoke about the power of such charms and that the malas (beads) he was selling were specially blessed.

I thought how could this be. To get confirmation I spoke with some other senior margiis and wts . Following is what I learned about AM's stand on curing oneself and resolving worldly problems with such rituals and malas, stones etc

BABA'S STAND ON FATE, ASTROLOGY, PALMISTRY

First and foremost, Baba does not give an ounce of value to things like fate, astrology and palmistry. In AM we do not give credence to such approaches. As sadhakas of the Marga, we are to surrender to Him and Him alone. Baba does not want us to be intrigued, nor enticed, nor entrapped by any type of fortune-telling technique promising this or that about our fate.

Baba says, "Simply surrendering to fate would be sheer foolishness." (AMIWL-11)

Thus no one should think that any type of mala, astrological reading, fortune-telling or palmistry can improve or affect their plight. Such things have no value for sadhakas.

Furthermore Baba guides us in a very rational and logical manner that whatever samsakra we create right or wrong one has to face those consequences. no worldly process can changer or alter this to escape from samskaras  / sinful deeds etc.

Baba says, "So-called astrologers say that because you were born when the moon and such-and-such star or planet were within the jurisdiction of such-and-such zodiac [sign,] you took birth in this way. No. Because you committed this type of action, you were born within such-and-such structure or such-and-such zodiac [sign]. It is because of [your] actions that you were born on the earth and should suffer like this; not because of the [influences of] the stars. Do you follow? These actions brought you within the structural limits of such-and-such zodiac [sign] and such-and-such planets. So the stars do not [control] you." (SS-24)

In His above guideline, Baba firmly directs us that we are not to think that we are puppets of fate. Rather, our own actions govern our present and future condition, not the position of the stars.

For this reason, Baba tells us not to put any stock in the "dates and stars" or any other type of fortune-telling technique.

Baba says, "You shall not take into account the dates and stars while setting out on a journey. You may, as necessary, set out for your destination after ascribing Brahma-hood to your journey through guru mantra. If you are to consult the dates and stars at every step, you are to carry an almanac with you all the time – something which is truly contrary to nature." (Caryacarya, part 1)

As Ananda Margiis we are only to surrender unto Him; we are to pay no mind to any type of astrological chart or fortune-telling. Baba alone is our Pole-Star.

Baba says, "He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharańágati. This sharańágati is the only reply to all spiritual questions." (SS-11, Who Is the Liberating Entity of Human Society)

So there is no scope in our Marga for falling prey to fate. No one  should subscribe to such things and certainly no Wt of the Marga should become a living, breathing advocate of the fortune-telling crafts like astrology and "mala-dealing".

WHAT SOME DADAS ARE DOING

Unfortunately some Dadas like Nirmoha'nandji are moving around selling "special malas" that "cure your ills" and "improve your fate". That is what they are saying.

For instance they proclaim that rudraksha beads (rosary) will save you from memory loss and prevent the onset of heinous diseases and syndromes like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, heart disease, high blood pressure, and "you name it". It does it all. Likewise, sphatik (white stone) will alleviate the vast array of skin diseases and other ailments. 

This is the sort of "pitch" that Nirmoha'nanda and a few others are employing. And many get lulled in and purchase these "holy" charms and beads. But we should all think carefully and consider these following points.

After all, India is a fertile land for these types of deceptive activities. There are so many cheats moving around doing this same type of business. And the common people get roped in and believe these dogmatic rituals also.

Nor should anyone think though that this is a problem related only with India. This is a pervasive dogma across every country, state and town. So many suffer from these superstitions, dogmas, and fortune-telling dealings.

And our Ananda Marga was created to dissolve and root out these rituals but unfortunately some are turning our Marga into a breeding ground of these very dogmas.

POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION

1. Their "sales pitch" is no different from what dogmatic Indian sadhus tell to dupe gullible Hindus  seeking redemption etc. That is to say, a few of our very own Dadas put forth the same dogmatic message as given by those hashish-smoking sadhus who try to squeeze money from naive believers.

2. Baba Himself says that no one should indulge in such types of negative professions which turn a profit by harming the public. For instance, one should not earn a living by selling alcohol or drugs, cheating others, lending money, and various other dealings which Baba has outlined like religious trading. Yet that is what a few of our Dadas are doing. They have become religious traders by selling dogmatic malas (religious merchandise) under guise that such malas will protect people from harm and cure their mundane maladies.

3. Such Dadas are committing a double-wrong. Firstly, they are preaching Hindu dogma in the form of fortune-telling and fate. Secondly, they are associating those tricks with Ananda Marga. Thus, good people will get the wrong impression about AM. Rational-minded people will think we are no different from the ritualistic religions.

4. On multiple occasions, Baba Himself personally warned Dada Nirmoha'nanda not to indulge in palmistry and other such dogmatic, fortune-telling enterprises. But time and again Dadaji returned to his poor and faulty habit. He is enamoured by it - it seems. Otherwise why would Dadaji blatantly disobey Guru's directive and plunge himself into such activities.

5. Our Dadas should not resort to Hindu dogmas in order to solve their own personal, financial worries. Nirmoha'nanda often purchases these malas from an Indonesian supplier at a very low price and then Dada "blesses" or "charges" these malas and sells them at a high price to naive villagers and worshipers. Not only that at DMS, he sells such malas to margiis at exorbitant prices. All so that he can turn a hefty profit.

6. When anyone puts faith on malas, fortune-telling or palmistry, then Parama Purusa becomes secondary. That brings spiritual degeneration. People think that these malas are the main powerful force in this universe, not Parama Purusa. This mentality breeds anti-spiritual feeling as it goes directly contrary to prapatti vada, surrender theory or relying exclusively on Parama Purusa.

7. It is our duty to come forward and save Nirmoha'nandji and any other such Dada like the one recently posted in Kathmandu from destroying themselves. We should not sit idle as they systematically degrade themselves by continuing to cheat the public and margiis by selling such malas and preaching the dogma of fate.

8. In a story recently posted on this network, Baba tells us that no Ananda Margii should  resort to or put trust into palmistry and fortune telling. The link to that letter is referenced in note 2.

All these points stand as sufficient reason for why no one in AM should give any weight to fortune-telling, as well as why we must not allow our Dadas to become religious traders by dealing rudraksha beads (rosary beads), sphatik (white stone), nor various other types of stones and malas. Nor should any Dada of the Marga make horoscopes, astrological readings, palmistry predictions etc. But some like Nirmoha'nanda are involved in this way, In place of doing dharma pracar, for his business dealings Dadaji makes janma kundalii (horoscopes at the time of birth) and charges for palm readings.

BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING

In His discourse titled, "Subhashya Shiigram" (MGD 18 June 1979, Kolkata, published in Ananda Vacanamrtam, part 13), Baba critically warns us about fortune-telling and related dealings.

Baba outrightly states that following the stars and the almanac is totally dogmatic - one should not plan their life in this way. Indeed those paying heed to the the almanac are foolish. One is not to be guided by such prophesies etc. Just take Guru mantra and start the work. There is no need to consult any of the fortune-telling gimmicks. That is Baba's stated guideline from that discourse.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace with a clear and pointed mind we should all abide by His tenets and never get caught up in any fortune-telling episodes. We should rely on Him alone and convince all margiis to do the same. Then they will not become victims of any type of religious trader. Finally, may we all work to cure Nirmoha'nanda & others of this gross problem.

Baba says, "Fate. There are many people who are fatalists. They are worshippers of fate. A fatalist means a worshipper of fate – a worshipper of fortune or fate. They are worse than nature-worshippers. What is fate? There is nothing such as fate in this universe. So far as the philosophy is concerned there cannot be anything called fate. What is fate? Everyone has to undergo the reaction of his or her past actions, the reaction of the original action. Suppose your finger comes in contact with fire; you will feel pain, you will have to suffer but, at that moment one will say that because your finger came in contact with fire, that’s why you are suffering. But when the reaction takes place after a long gap, and when the original action is not known or has been forgotten, or when the original action took place in another past life, and you do not know what was the original action – in that case you say, it is fate, it is fate. But actually there is no fate. What you call fate is actually the reaction of our past actions. In saḿskrta, it is called saḿskára, in Latin “reactive momenta”. So the third thing is, fate cannot be the object of ideation – fate is simply the reaction of the original action. So when there is no original action, there cannot be any reaction. The reaction is a creation of your own action. When the reaction is a creation of your own action, you are the creator of the action. So, how can the reaction be your object of ideation? No, a person must not be a fatalist, a fate-worshipper, a person must be bold and bravely face all troubles, all consequences. No one should be a fatalist. So fate cannot be the object of meditation. Fight against fate." (SS-12, Microcosm and Its Object of Ideation)

Namaskar,
Pankaj

Note 1: DOGMATIC ARTICLE IN BHAKTA SAMAJ MAGAZINE

Not long back there was an article written in the Bhakta Samaj magazine (of which Dada Santoshananda is the senior editor) that stated that Baba was powerful and dynamic because He was born under a certain configuration of stars. The point being that certain stars were controlling His fate etc. This is the dogmatic approach that was published in the Bhakta Samaj magazine. We should all be keen to ensure no further "mess-ups" occur. Otherwise people will think our Marga is just like those dogmatic religions. So we should be perfectly aware about this so we can remedy the situation and prevent further mistakes in the future.

Note: 2: LINK TO BABA STORY ON PALMISTRY

Here is the link to the recently posted Baba story on palmistry. This gives further proof that no one in AM should give any value to palmistry and other fortune-telling activities.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/11/baba-story-curiosity-about-fortune.html

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

 

"A'lo tumi tule dharo saba'ri sa'mane..." (2135)

Purport:

Baba, You grace everyone. With Your love, You show the path of  effulgence to all. By virtue of one's little intellect and superficial  knowledge, You cannot be realized. When I feel that I have understood You, then and there I realize that I am in the dark. Because of this ignorance, I feel that I am all alone. But when I surrender everything  to You, then only I feel that You are residing in my mind.

Baba, when I call You in my days of suffering, when I am burning with the fire of mental tension, dilemma and confusion, and various types of physical, psychic, and spiritual afflictions, when with a crying heart I desperately call You, then I feel that You are secretly residing in my mind-- in the core of my heart.

Baba, nobody can know You or realise You by using their crude worldly attributions. By Your grace You shower all with the light of sadhana, and by that way I am able to come close to You. It is Your grace, it is Your grace...

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Importance of Padma'sana

Parama Purus'a BABA says, "Padma'sana [lotus posture] is just like a lotus in full bloom. Just as the roots and stem of the lotus remain under the water and only the leaves and flowers float about it-- and although it is born in the mind it sustains its love for the stars-- in the same way people sitting in this lotus posture and remaining in the world, can keep their minds above their mundane environment. That is why on the path of
sa'dhana' this posture has tremendous importance." (NSS, '85, p. 241)                   ********************************************

Baba Story: Curiosity About Fortune Telling

Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:16:00-0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Krsnasundaram
Subject: Baba Story: Curiosity About Fortune Telling

Baba

== BABA STORY: CURIOSITY ABOUT FORTUNE TELLING ==

Namaskar,
When it seemed like Baba had a free moment, I decided to approach Him about reading my palm. I sought His permission and gently extended my hand. Baba looked at me.

In a soft and reverential tone, I said, "Baba, I humbly seek Your guidance. If You desire, I respectfully request You to read my palm."

What happened after that is of great interest to each and every Ananda Margii. Indeed, the below story of Tarachand Ganguli's interaction with Baba on this topic of palmisty is of great significance. We should all know Baba's response.

Here following is that story...

WORKING WITH BABA IN THE RAILWAY OFFICE:

HOW HE WOULD HELP AND GUIDE OTHERS

Those days, in the 1950's, I, Tarachand Ganguli, was working in the Jamalpur Railway office alongside Baba. In due course I was initiated, became a practicing margii, and went on to become a family acarya, by His grace. But in the 1950s I was a relatively new margii.

While working in the railway office, I personally witnessed how Baba would help everyone with their personal problems and family matters. He would regularly solve all kinds of issues.

Naturally word about this spread, and gradually more people from the area would seek out Baba for His counsel. Baba was of course very gracious and would lovingly guide them in various ways. Not a day passed where He did not relieve someone of their troubles and worries.

In fact, Baba would employ distinct avenues for imparting guidance. Sometimes He would simply speak kind words and calm their concerns that way, and sometimes He would guide them in various other ways such as palmistry.

Of course Baba would not need to see the palm to know that person's past, present and future. Already that was in His mind. But since palmistry was an accepted and valued technique those days in India, in the name of palmistry Baba would perfectly guide those who came seeking help. They trusted Him as a great palmist.

As more people from the general society were coming to have their palms read, Baba maintained a distinct window of when He would see them. Often it had to be early in the morning, on a particular day and those coming had to follow certain rules and restrictions such as arriving on an empty stomach. In that way, Baba would accommodate and give advice and guidelines. The people were very grateful to Baba after meeting with Him.

I APPROACH BABA ABOUT PALMISTRY

Seeing all this, I too became intrigued. I thought I too should have my palm read. One day, when it seemed like He had a free moment, I decided to approach Baba about this.

I sought His permission and gently extended my hand towards Him. Baba looked at me.

In a soft and reverential tone, I said, "Baba, I humbly seek Your guidance. If You desire, I respectfully request You to read my palm."

Immediately Baba's mood changed.

Baba looked at me, "What! You are an Ananda Margii! You have come under My shelter. Things like fortune telling and palmistry have no meaning for you. You are a sadhaka so these things are not relevant for you. For non-margiis it is different. Being an Ananda Margii, you should not resort to things like palmistry and fortune-telling."

I immediately withdrew my hand in shame and mentally begged His forgiveness. Baba then smiled at me.

Internally I thought, "Yes, this is quite clear. I should not do this. When I am under Baba's eternal shelter then He is managing everything. He is watching out for me in all kinds of ways. My future is safe and secure in Him. There is no need for me to resort to palmistry, i.e. bowing down to my own samskara from past life."

Again I closed my eyes, and mentally offered my everything to Baba. I thought, "How blessed I am to have come under You divine shelter. With You by my side, there is no need for anything else. Baba, You are so gracious."

Such was the story of our dear, respected brother, Tarachand Ganguli.

REFLECTION

As you may be aware, here is a very simple and rational explanation why palmistry and fortune-telling have no value in the life of an Ananda Margii.

Everyone who receives tantric diiksa and practices AM sadhana is burning samskaras at an incredibly fast rate. They are going to get mukti in this life, per Baba's guarantee in the Supreme Command. Just one needs to be sincere in their sadhana. That is Baba's expressed guarantee.

So it is not possible to predict the future course of events of margiis because their samskaras are getting expressed too rapidly. Plus, Baba being Hari, steals the samskaras of His devotees. That is why for sincere Ananda Margiis, palmistry and fortune telling are totally meaningless.

And here are some further thoughts about this.

1. Curiosity: Just because a person has curiosity about something does not mean one should actually partake in that activity. For instance, some become curious about smoking, or doing drugs or watching crude movies etc. So curiosity in and of itself is not a justification or rationale for participating in something. This applies to palmistry as well. It is very easy to think how one might be curious about their future and/or how palmistry works, but that is no rationale for getting one's palm read. As Ananda Margiis we do not do that. Rather with our viveka, we adhere to the path of dharma. We should not be curious about nor guided by animalistic desires. After all, our sole aim is to follow that singular propensity towards Parama Purusa, not any other.

2. Worry: If one is worried about their future and resorts to palmistry for an answer or consolation, then it means that sadhaka is not at all depending on Parama Purusa. It means that person is more concerned about their own petty actions and the ensuing reactions than surrendering to the sweet will of the Divine Entity, Baba.

3. Lethargy: Those who believe in palmistry often become lethargic. If the prediction is unfavourable, they think that there is nothing they can do and they resign themselves to their poor plight. And if they get a positive reading then they think that since everything is good there is nothing more they need to do. So in both cases people become totally lethargic and inactive. But in AM, our manner is to stay ever-active and always engage in positive endeavours. We always move forward in life; we never resign ourselves to fate.

4. Fate: In essence, those who resort to palmistry become fatalists. They surrender to fate, i.e. their past samskaras. We do not surrender to fate or past samsksaras, we surrender to Baba. One should never chase after fate.

Baba says, "A fatalist means a worshipper of fate – a worshipper of fortune or fate. They are worse than nature-worshippers. What is fate? There is nothing such as fate in this universe.. No, a person must not be a fatalist, a fate-worshipper, a person must be bold and bravely face all troubles, all consequences. No one should be a fatalist. So fate cannot be the object of meditation. Fight against fate." (SS-12, Microcosm and Its Object of Ideation)

More about Baba's above guideline is posted in the not below.

BABA'S BLESSING

As sadhakas, we should always ask for and seek His grace. There is no other aim or shelter in life. He is everything. We should rely on Him completely.

Baba says, "He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharańágati. This sharańágati is the only reply to all spiritual questions." (SS-11, Who Is the Liberating Entity of Human Society)

Namaskar,
Krsnasundaram

Note 1: MORE ON FATE

Here is more from Baba's discourse on fate and worshiping fate. As sadhakas, we should never give in to such a mentality. We are to take active and pointed steps in life. That is how we are to proceed.

Baba says, "Fate. There are many people who are fatalists. They are worshippers of fate. A fatalist means a worshipper of fate – a worshipper of fortune or fate. They are worse than nature-worshippers. What is fate? There is nothing such as fate in this universe. So far as the philosophy is concerned there cannot be anything called fate. What is fate? Everyone has to undergo the reaction of his or her past actions, the reaction of the original action. Suppose your finger comes in contact with fire; you will feel pain, you will have to suffer but, at that moment one will say that because your finger came in contact with fire, that’s why you are suffering. But when the reaction takes place after a long gap, and when the original action is not known or has been forgotten, or when the original action took place in another past life, and you do not know what was the original action – in that case you say, it is fate, it is fate. But actually there is no fate. What you call fate is actually the reaction of our past actions. In saḿskrta, it is called saḿskára, in Latin “reactive momenta”. So the third thing is, fate cannot be the object of ideation – fate is simply the reaction of the original action. So when there is no original action, there cannot be any reaction. The reaction is a creation of your own action. When the reaction is a creation of your own action, you are the creator of the action. So, how can the reaction be your object of ideation? No, a person must not be a fatalist, a fate-worshipper, a person must be bold and bravely face all troubles, all consequences. No one should be a fatalist. So fate cannot be the object of meditation. Fight against fate." (SS-12, Microcosm and Its Object of Ideation)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi tamisra' ma'jhe u's'a', tumi shoka'ashrute sa'ntvana'..." (PS 4619)

Purport:

Baba, in the deep cimmerian darkness, You are the smiling dawn. Baba, in the tears of sorrow, You are the controlling Entity. Baba, You always grace me by removing all my sorrows and agonies. Baba, in what way can I be useful for Your work. Why are You not telling me how I can be useful in Your work. Please tell me.

Baba, You have given me abundant grace; my whole existence is filled  with the sweetness of flowers and honey. In my mental sky-- in my world-- You are the incomparable moon. You are my Polestar. My mind is  clear now-- there is no question of duality; I have no other desires. My  whole existence is revolving around You. O' Baba, You are so charming  and so gracious-- Your divine touch is like the soothing spring breeze,  refreshing and cool. Baba You have brought me on this divine path and
taught me sadhana. Baba You have given me everything. You are my Goal.

Baba, in Your thundering voice, You told me that, 'you are not alone. I  (Baba) am with you through My ota-prota yoga. I am always with you.  Can't you hear the sound of the wheels of My running chariot. Don't You  hear its call. Always I am along with you.'

Baba, You are the divine Entity. And You always grace me in all the  conditions-- whenever it is needed. And You are always giving me the  assurance that I am not alone. That You are constantly along with me...

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Spiritual Progress in Future Humans & Animals

Baba says, "The human beings of that future age will be very sensitive...The functional jurisdiction of the brain will also increase. Similarly, many animals will become more sensitive and their vocabulary will increase. With intellectual development vocabulary increases, and the number of words in a language also increases. The functional
jurisdiction of the brain of animals will increase too. With the help of spiritual practices, the human beings of the future will increase the functional jurisdiction of their brains with accelerating speed." (PNS-17, p.36)
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