Relations with Others

Date: 26 Jun 2012 19:38:29 -0000
From: "Manoj"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject:  Relations with Others

Baba

"Arupe chile tumi rupe esecho, dhara'ke a'loke bhaviyecho..." (PS 2665)

Purport:

Baba, You were formless in Your unexpressed stance of Nirguna Brahma but now by Your infinite grace You have come in form as the Taraka Brahma [1]. Baba, You are so gracious. You have filled this earth with Your divine
effulgence and fathomless grace. Baba, with Your boundless compassion You have saturated this world with Your divine nectar. O' Lord, You are the most Loving Entity in this vast universe. I do pranam to You again and again. I surrender completely at Your lotus feet.  

Baba, in whichever direction I look on this earth, I only see Your magnificent Self in this expressed world. Baba, besides You nothing else exists; except You, I do not see anything. You are reflecting Yourself in each and every entity - animate & inanimate. Baba this world is filled with Your divine presence. O' my dearmost, You are expressing Yourself with such overflowing bliss in each and every molecule and atom of this creation and in the transcendental realms also. Everything is filled with Your grace-- both the expressed and unexpressed worlds. Nobody is alone; nothing has been forgotten. All are under Your loving shelter. Baba, although You are present throughout this created universe, even then in Bhavatiita [2] also, only You are there. Baba, You graciously fill both the manifested and unmanifested worlds with Your divine bliss.

Baba, You are the Goal of everyone. Without You, nobody has any future. Those who do not realise this think they are everything. But ultimately because You are the Goal of life their extreme arrogance gets pulverised. Their vanity is just wallowing at Your feet with the hope that You are going to forgive them and shower Your infinite grace and save them from total destruction because You are eternally established in karuna'.

Baba, You are so gracious; You have come and showered everyone and everything in Your bliss...


NOTES TO PRABHAT SAMGIITA #2665:

[1] Ta'raka Brahma: Some naive persons think that Taraka Brahma is gone. But that is not true. Because the dhyan Baba has taught us is the ideation on Taraka Brahma. And Baba Himself has said that to know Him and have Him, one must get Him in dhyana. That is why even central workers who were surrounding Baba 24hrs day were also forced to close their eyes and do sadhana each and every day. Because the real connection with Taraka Brahma occurs within. That is why we can say that the presence of Taraka Brahma lives on and on for devotees. Because it is in that form that He is present in dhyana. And indeed that is the only way to realise Him. And that dhyan did not change after 1990 - it is the same meditation. In that case which devotee can truly say that Taraka Brahma is gone - no one. Because by His grace each and every day we communicate with Him in dhyana in His divine form as the Taraka Brahma.  

All in all, this is a vast discussion and there numerous angles to discuss but the overarching idea is that for devotees, the divine Presence of Taraka Brahma goes on and on as Baba remains ever-present in their mental plate in that form.

Baba says, "Ta'raka Brahma is not a figure of philosophy - it is a creation of devotional sentiment." (Idea & Ideology)


[2] Bhavatiita: In His stance of bhavatiita, Parama Purusa is beyond all physical manifestations and beyond all thought conceptions.

Baba says, "Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Reality, is beyond all speech and thought: He is beyond the reach of the vocal cord. So He is bha'va'tiita ["beyond bha'va"]...The more one thinks of His infinite qualities, the more one becomes speechless, the more deeply one becomes absorbed in Him. However He is viewed, He is seen to be the newest of the new-- constantly new. That is why He has been described as bha'va'tiita abhinava ["beyond
bha'va, ever-new"]." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 19)

== RELATIONS WITH OTHERS ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, "Bear in mind that you have a duty towards-- indeed, you owe a debt to-- every creature of this Universe, but towards you, no one has any duty; from others, nothing is due." (Caryacarya - 2, 'Sadhana', pt #3)

In the various dogmatic religions, it is often taught that God has created this whole universe solely for the enjoyment of human beings. That is why, without a second thought, religious followers kill animals and exploit downtrodden people up to the bone without any qualms. Such followers think that everything has been put on this earth for my pleasure and gain.

Motivated by this dogmatic teaching, selfish people's mind works in that way. Such lowly people think that, 'Others have the duty to take care of my situation and their own situation as well. And they should not bother me about their own problems'. This is the way such selfish persons think. And if due to some reason that same lowly person helps others then that selfish person thinks that in the near future the person they helped should pay them back in full plus interest for their so-called service. Thus there is no question of true duty and service; these ideals have no place in their mind.

Because of all this, present day society's condition is unfavourable - bleak. All around the west these things are quite common, as well as in the big metropolitan cities of the east. But Baba's teaching leads in a different direction. In His above mandate from Caryacarya, Baba is very beautifully guiding us that our duty is to serve everybody - without any expectation of anything in return.

Namaskar,
Manoj Deva

In-Born Instinct of Humans

Date: 01 Jun 2012 22:36:21 -0000
From: "Gurmurti Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: In-Born Instinct of Humans

Baba

"A'ndhar hiya'y tumi a'lo, na'sho ka'lo..." (PS 2655)

Purport:

Baba, You are Love Personified; You are ever-gracious. You are the divine effulgence of the dark heart. You are the sweetness in my dry heart; You are the bliss of the sunken heart. With Your infinite compassion You obliterate all darkness [1]. Baba, You make everyone's heart enlightened with devotion. The heart which is like the dry, barren desert, by Your grace You make that heart luscious and green by pouring the nectar and fragrance of devotion. You are ever-gracious. Baba, You can do anything and everything. By Your causeless grace, You have made the dry heart overflowing with devotion and love for You.  

Baba, everything takes shelter under Your divine umbrella. To the creeper vine that is dried up, You provide them Your sweet, loving touch. And to the young flower buds that withered and fell to the ground, You shower them with Your soothing balm. And to all those plants and vegetation who lost their beauty due to the burning heat, You grace them with a cool, refreshing breeze. With Your infinite love, You relieve everyone of their troubles and agonies with Your blissful presence. And to those who have lost all their hope in life and have no language to express their pain, You are their closest Companion and the nearest and dearest One of their heart. To those who have no stamina to move ahead and are just depressed and downtrodden, by Your grace, You fill their entire existence with Your divine nectar. Baba, You are the well-wisher and Companion of all; You help everyone in their hour of need by showering them with Your divine compassion.
 
Baba, You are the most Merciful One. Even the degenerated and degraded sinners, pa'takiis and maha'pa'takiis [2] seek Your grace. Because they know that You will save them. That is why not just devotees but sinners also run towards You. Everyone takes shelter in You. Baba, You do not hate anyone - You love all, even the terrible sinners. Baba, knowingly or unknowingly all run towards You. In the core of their heart all are seeking You - Your infinite bliss. The way in which the honey bee comes to the flower with the hope of getting honey, in the same manner all sadhakas come to You. Baba, You are the Sweetest of the sweet and the abode of all happiness and eternal bliss. O' my dearmost, You are the Greatest of the great.
 
O' Baba, ever adorable One, I do sastuanga pranam to You infinite times. Please shower a wee-bit of Your grace on me...


END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #2655:

[1] Na'sho ka'lo: Na'sho literally means vanish or destroy and ka'lo means darkness. Thus Baba destroys or wipes away all the darkness. This is very similar to what is expressed in the second stanza of our Guru Puja mantra where Guru removes all the black stains (ainjana) from the sadhaka's mind by applying the ointment of spiritual realisation.

Ajina'natimira'ndhasya jina'nainjana shala'kaya'

Baba says, "You know that an eye ointment is applied with a stick (shala'ka' means 'stick'). Now, all the microcosms are parts of that Noumenal Entity, all are actually parts and particles of that Supreme Entity, but due to ignorance, due to the darkness of ignorance, they cannot see what is what and which is which. That is why they require the ointment of spiritual knowledge. Guru (with a stick) applies the ointment of spiritual knowledge to their eyes." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-3)


[2] Maha'pa'takis: Here below Baba describes the various types of sinners including the maha'pa'takis - the worst type of sinners.

Baba says, "What is pa'pa? That which should not be done, if done, is called "pa'pa". That which should be done, if not done, is called "pratyava'ya." The collective name of pa'pa and pratyava'ya is "pa'taka." The sins committed by a pa'takii are not of very serious nature. The redemption of a pa´takii is possible if one, forgetting whatever has been done, takes to the path of spirituality. The second form of a pa'takii is atipa'takii. This is one who has done permanent physical or mental damage to a particular person. Then the third type is maha'pa'takii. The sins committed by a maha'pa'takii are of recurring nature. The best course for an atipa'takii is to sacrifice his individual pleasure and involve himself in the welfare of humanity. But of course the mahapa'takii has to sacrifice his life for the welfare of mankind. In addition to that, he will have to do something which will be of permanent benefit for human beings." (Ananda Vacanmrtam - 1)

== IN BORN INSTINCT OF HUMANS ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, "Parama Purusa will be pleased when you serve His creation. Human beings understand this. For that reason, serving others is an inborn instinct of all human beings. And this service to others includes not only human beings but also plants, animals, and the rest of creation. That is, bhuta yajina, pitr yajina, and nr yajina are to be performed. Those who have this feeling are in the real sense of the term human beings. (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, p.58)

1. The above paragraph was poor translated by the Publications Department. The discourse was originally given in Hindi but the English translation does not carry the full idea of the original discourse. For example, the sentence - "Human beings understand this" - is totally missing from the English edition.

2. In today's materialistic societies, 'selfishness' not 'service' is the theme of the day. People are only running after their selfish pleasures and in the name of service they are actually doing business. That is why their minds are contracting and they feel huge tension and fear in their lives.

3. If such persons follow Baba's above guideline then they will become happy, healthy human beings. Because service is a natural component of human life.

4. However, in materialistic countries, people rarely do service. And when they do engage in "philanthropic actions", it is done with such pomp and show that it is evident that people are doing this just for their own name and fame. Some do this overtly and others in a more discreet fashion. Regardless, when the motivating factor is selfish pleasure, there is not an iota of service motive in this approach. And the moment they fail to feel self-satisfaction from their so-called service, they will discontinue their work.

5. So this type of selfish approach is totally against one's basic human characteristics. It is a against bhagavata dharma since the third aspect of bhagavata dharma is 'seva' or service. So those who fail to serve others should be careful as they are going against their innate human quality. In which case dharma will not spare them.

6. Some people are of the opinion that animals can to great service. In truth, however, Baba guides us that animals have no capacity to serve others. They are just guided by their own basic instincts. Thus horses, dogs, camels, and bullocks etc have no inherent ability to serve. They just do for themselves. It is only that human beings have forced and guided such animals to aid humans. Otherwise on their own animals have no such feeling. For example, a mother dog will feed her puppies out of her own motherly instinct. But as soon as those puppies grow old then that mother will fight with those dogs over food.

7. Thus only human beings have the inherent characteristic to serve others. Only humans have the requisite compassion to feel others' pains and difficulties and offer a helping hand in order to solve those problems. This is the uniqueness of the human heart and the greatness of the human character: Born with the desire to help others. That is our human dharma.

Namaskar,
Gurumurti Deva


  

Feeding From Distance

From: "Manindra  Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: 18 Jan 2012 22:53:06 -0000
Subject: Feeding From Distance

Baba

"Sukhe ele na'ko, shoke sa'ntvana' dite ele..." (PS 3091)

Purport:

Baba, when I was feeling happy and content that time You did not come. Those days I was so enamoured with myself and I was so involved in my own glory that I did not even think to call You. So You did not come. But when I lost all that happiness and when I become drowned in my sorrows of self pity and when I was suffering and overwhelmed by various problems, then by Your grace You immediately came and consoled me. Baba in that desperate moment You graciously relieved me of my grief. Baba, I did not ever feel that You are mine. In this life I was always suffering from the vanity and ego of my own I-feeling. Those days I was thinking that 'I am everything'. Due to my ego I did not accept You as the Supreme One-- as my Goal. I did not take You as that most loving One who can solve all my problems; I did not surrender at Your feet. Baba, even then by Your grace You advented deep inside my heart and became mine. And now I understand that You are ever helpful and that You remain with me always.

Baba, those days when I was overwhelmed by that severe suffering, I did not outrightly tell You about my problems. I did not openly say anything. I did not express my pain to You. But because You are ever-present in my heart and because You are my eternal shelter, with Your infinite compassion You fully understood the desperate state of my mind-- You understood my sorrow. And by Your grace You instantly poured Your eternal sweetness and love. By Your grace You filled my whole existence with Your divine bliss.

Baba, due to my ego and vanity I could not recognise you. You were showering huge grace on me but I could not recognize that. I thought that due to my own qualities everything was happening. In those happy times I could not recognise You. Only did I begin to recognise You in my sorrow.

Baba, in my state of terrible suffering, when the mountain of misery started falling on my head, then all my friends left me. I was all alone. When I was happy then they were along with me but when I became sunk in misery all those friends disappeared. Baba, You are the exact opposite. When I was sunk in woe then by Your grace You immediately came and removed all my pains and troubles. Baba You bathed me in Your infinite love. Filling my I-feeling with Your bliss, You surrounded me each and every second. Baba, You showered Your grace and saturated my heart.

Baba, You are so gracious. You are love Personified. You have done everything for me. Baba, I surrender at Your alter...

== FEEDING FROM DISTANCE ==

Namaskar,
In light of the ongoing muddle of groupism, many are turning towards their service projects as their main interaction with the organisation. This is true for both margiis and wts. Of course we all know that we must not ignore the rage of groupism and just resort to some goody-goody life. So the troubles of groupism must be tackled by one and all. At the same time as we engage in our service projects, here are a few things for us to think about.

We all know that service projects are an integral part of AM life. Yet how they are to be built up and how they are to be maintained is not always easy to know. Should the money come from afar or locally? Plus to what degree are financial donors responsible for ensuring their money reaches the mark. These are but a few of the many important questions and considerations. Here following then are Baba's important guidelines regarding how to build and maintain service projects.

INITIAL QUERY

How far is external monetary support helpful in any project where local people are not involved? Or what happens when a project is totally dependent upon donations from outsiders? We can gain insight into this by looking at the history of Ananda Marga and the general society also.

HUMAN BODY AND MEDICINE ANALOGY

In one discourse Baba says that no structure can survive only depending on external help. Baba gives the example that if anybody is sick and you go on medicating him by external medicine injection, and if the body does not have its own vitality to pick itself up, then that external medicine is not going to work. External medicine is only helpful when the body is responding.

Or in other words, to give strength to the internal system of the body, some external medicine is needed sometimes. And that medicine does not do anything on its own; it just helps the internal system to pick itself up. In the case of a dead body where the internal system is completely defunct, then external medicine cannot help. If you go on giving medicines to one dead body, it will be useless.

100% EXTERNAL SUPPORT WILL NOT WORK

           
It is well known in the Indian history that there was a very big university in Nalanda'. The name was - Nalanda' Vishvavidya'lay. It was situated in Bihar. As long as the area was ruled by Buddhists, then that university worked fine. Means, that university was completely dependent upon donation from outsiders and from the King. The local public was not involved. So when the kingdom changed rulers, then antisocial elements set the university on fire. And in the library, hundreds of thousands of books were there. Nobody cared about those things and the whole campus and buildings were burned one after another. It took several months to go on burning. Local people were apathetic. So this is one factual history.

So in India we can see hundreds of abandoned mosques and churches which are lying uncared for, since ages. They were running well when they were getting donations from the Mogul King, or Britishers. But when the kingdom changed and donations stopped, then the places became abandoned.

LOCAL SUPPORT NEEDED

And other side, those mosques and churches which were supported by the public, they are still running fine. Or even better is that the Ashram system did not get rooted out during the Moghul or British rule because all the while the public supported the ashram system. So the conclusive idea is that if any project is run by or dependent on external support, then their fate is dark.

Thus on this very point, Baba's policy is not to take support from outside. Local people should be inspired to contribute and help the local projects. Otherwise they will not feel oneness with the project. And in most of the cases they will feel irritation. Or they will try to take away or root out the projects.'

WHEN THE PUBLIC IDENTIFIES WITH A PROJECT OR NOT

Another important example is that within Bihar there are thousands of schools  situated in the small villages. And initially the government was granting money for the construction of their buildings. Thus with total help from the government, school buildings were made.

But villagers did not feel closeness with the project. They were thinking that "This is an outsider project", or that "this is a government building. This is not my building."

Keeping this view in their mind, they did not like to protect that building. Not only that, after some time it was found that those windows from the buildings disappeared. Some villagers had stolen them and were using in their house. After some time, the roof was also taken away, and used somewhere. This is not the tale of one or two places-- Hundreds of places are like that.

The overall theme being that when the local public thinks of something as a government building, then at first they don't feel closeness. They think it is others', not mine. And they misuse it or destroy it.

So this problem was going on for a long time. Then under pressure of circumstances the local government changed the plan. That, the building will be constructed by the villagers. And teachers will be supplied by the government. 50% share villagers should give. So when villagers with their own contribution made their house, then they protected that. And the program was successful.

BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING:

LOCAL DONATION IS A PLEDGE OF THE HEART

On the point of external vs local help for AM projects, once Baba was giving guideline to all WTs. He told that "You must collect donation from the local public for the jagriti. Whatever money they are giving, that does not have only monetary value. But something more they are giving. If some person gives you donation of one paisa/penny, then with that one paisa that very poor person gives the sympathy of his heart to you/to your project or jagriti, childrens home etc. And if antisocial elements will try to destroy that project or jagriti or school, those who have given their donation, they will protest. And if donation has come exclusively from outside, and if the jagriti is set on fire by antisocial elements, then the villagers will not be so much affected."

Baba further told, "But if the villagers' money is also involved as a donation in constructing that jagriti, then they will think in their heart that THEIR property is getting destroyed. And they will immediately come forward and protect the property of the jagriti and protest against the negative people."'

Thus the basic fact is that to erect some building or project, local support is highly essential. Otherwise the fate of that project is in dark in the future. Suppose if money has come from outside, and local people are not feeling oneness with the project, then in most of the cases, they will feel detached. They will not save the building. And in many special cases, they will destroy that building-- Or hut, or whatever it may be.

That's why we have seen, in the case of our jagriti or any such construction, where local people did not contribute and money came from outside, then that project could not flourish.'

WHEN TO TAKE HELP FROM OUTSIDE AREAS

The question can also be raised that is there any occasion when we should get or accept help from outside-- from other countries?

And Baba's guideline is that in the case of a big disaster like an earthquake, cyclone, flood etc, when a huge population is highly affected, that is a special case. That time external help is highly needed. But for making a local project or some jagriti building or a school, external help is not needed.

DO PRACARA AND SERVICE SIMULTANEOUSLY

Next scenario: If local people are not there, or if they are all non-margiis, then what should we do?

Baba says that first we should create margiis. And then immediately start the project. Side by side both the works will go. Without taking help from local people, if anyone does anything that will prove to be hopeless. One will not have any sentimental support from local people. Rather they will think that he is an outsider, or that he doesn't belong to them.

Because of all these reasons, Baba always emphasizes to do pracar among the local people. And one more related point is there. Doing pracar only among the outsider communities or migrant people, is not going to serve the purpose of Ananda Marga.

SERVE THE LOCAL PEOPLE

A critical case is that of Africa, where mostly Indian businessmen are occupying the money and political sources. And some WTs because of their ignorance or selfish interest, they focus on propagating AM among Indian businessmen who are living in Africa. But Baba was not happy in this situation. Baba used to emphasize and always take report about how many local people have been created.

One Dada was once telling in Africa at an Orange Farm, initially the project was made with external help, and it was a serious problem. Local people used to always come and take away/steal all the materials. And such example is not one or two. Hundreds of cases happened. We should take lesson.
           
                  

THE SPECIAL CASE OF ANANDA NAGAR

External help was needed only, to build up Ananda Nagar. Because Ananda Nagar is our global headquarters. To make Baba's Quarter or road or rotunda, the local public is not going to help. Because they do not have direct interest in that. That's why Baba inspires one and all, all around the globe, to contribute for Ananda Nagar. That was the special case.

MUST GET LOCAL HELP

But in all the reportings which various workers attended since 1978 to '90, it became clear that Baba used to emphasize getting anything and everything done using the local help.-- Margiis and non-margiis are needed: Both. And then only, AM will flourish and school or any medical unit, projects, will be established. Permanently. Otherwise, feeding from the long distance is not going to help. We should take lesson from the past history.

WHAT SOME REVIEW

There are two points here. First thing, each and every sector has their own problems and according to Baba's system, it is the duty of the margiis that they should take care about the local unit and their own sector. And that is their foremost duty. Neglecting one's own unit and helping others for the sake of name and fame, this is not a good tradition. And the second point is that taking external help is not going to solve the problem permanently. For making a school building, local people must come forward.

A POINT FOR COMMON CONSIDERATION

Ananda Marga itself is a proof, at present we have several hundred Ananda Marga schools in India, and 99.9% of them have been made by local contribution. And there are also many examples of Bengal where a school building has been made by external donation. And common people destroyed it and set it on fire. But many places in Bengal are also there, where local people were inspired to help and they are donating and protecting those things. Surely it is the duty of we margiis that we should think carefully, how far their money can be utilized in a better way.

Baba says, "O human beings, frame the social structure considering the needs of humanity. Do not try to do anything for your petty personal and group interests..." (SS-1, Ch.1)

Namaskar,
Manindra

Note 1:  WHAT WE SHOULD DO -- OUR RESPONSIBILITY

And another point is that if we are the ones donating to a far distant service project and if due to mishandling of funds our money does not reach there, then according to Baba's teaching about tapah we are also to blame-- not just the crooked thief who captured our money. We also will incur negative samskara. Of course this is just a hypothetical situation, yet the point remains that the responsibility also lies with the donor. That is why intelligent margiis give to local projects where they can ensure that everything is proper and the money is going in the right direction. Then of course by this way the common public will also get inspired to donate because everyone likes to be part of a winning project. At the same time we should demand that there be transparency of the financial books-- ie proper accounting. And like this there are numerous points regarding service projects and financial contributions etc. Please also share your ideas on this important topic.

***************************************
Solution

Baba says, "This has been our failing: that we neglected the spiritual faculties of human life, we neglected the cardinal spiritual points of life. If we are interested today in the welfare of this beautiful universe, we should try more and more to accelerate the speed of spiritual progress. If the acceleration of spiritual progress becomes tremendous, then not only in the human world, but also in the physical, psychic and spiritual spheres of the entire world -- and not only of the entire animate world, but of both the animate and inanimate worlds -- there will be tremendous progress. And this is what we want. Now we are anxiously waiting for that crimson dawn on the eastern horizon." (AFPS-5)

Note: Generally people do not realise this very thing which Baba has explained above. To understand this fully it needs agraya' buddhi (pointed intellect). Only those who are blessed sadhaka can understand that sadhana is the panacea.
***************************************

Baba Story: When He was in Jail

From: "Gagan"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba Story: When He was in Jail
Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:54:34 -0000

Baba

            == BABA STORY: WHEN HE WAS IN JAIL ==

Namaskar,
We all know that we need to "jumpstart" our AMPS in order to make it
dynamic and vibrant once again.

However, one should not think that this has never happened before. In
the past also our organisation experienced a distinct lull, if not a
full-blown crisis, and by His grace we did bounce back with tremendous
momentum. So the situation we find ourselves in today is not new - there
is a precedent.

This below Baba story offers the perfect strategy for transforming our
AMPS into a sterling, bustling society once again.

Your thoughts and reflections are most welcomed.


                             BABA STORY:

            "NEWSLETTERS ARE MY FOOD"

During Emergency, when Baba was in jail, then the mood of our Marga was
a bit sullen. There were court cases, controversies, tales of scandal,
and quite a bit of intrigue. Devotionally margiis were managing alright,
by His grace, but in the social sphere things were a bit gloomy. People
were hesitant to do pracara or go out in public and talk about Ananda
Marga. Our AM train was moving slowly.

Baba, being the Parama Purusa incarnate, knew the perfect remedy.

While fasting in jail, Baba forcefully declared, "I need newsletters,
that will be my food."

Baba's dynamic proclamation set the wheels of our Marga in motion.
Immediately, word spread how Baba wanted to hear news about what was
happening in the Marga around the globe and that this would be His food.

Of course, in His mind's eye, Baba was intuitively aware about each and
every thought, word and deed so His declaration for newsletters was more
of strategy for rejuvenating the Marga. And indeed how well it worked.


                     VERY POSITIVE EFFECT

The effect of Baba's call was very dramatic. Ananda Margiis all over
jumped into action.

Each district and locale realised that they needed to create a
newsletter. And to write a newsletter they needed something to write
about. In order to have something to write about they needed to do
something. This was the way it worked.

So margiis began vigorously involving themselves in all kinds of social
service projects and good deeds. Once done, then they could and would
write and print that news and mail it to Baba and that would be His
food. Everyone became quite active; all were feeling blissful.

Plus, everyone was vigilant to write news that was accurate and true.
Nobody wanted to give Baba bad food and we all knew that He knew what
was true or not. So the social service endeavors were done with full
feeling and accurately reported.

Then the various units thought that since we are printing news for Baba,
why not print more copies and send it to other units and regions as
well. This created a whole network of newsletters. No longer were
various margiis or units sitting alone in isolation worried about the
fate of AM. Now the scene was abuzz with news coming in all kinds of
directions. Margiis were more active than ever: Schools, pracara, talks,
mass feeding, clothes distribution, university seminars, and so much
more. And when one unit would read about what another was doing, then
they would implement that program in their area as well. Such
newsletters had a wonderful domino effect.

By all this activity our Marga was growing by leaps and bounds and the
sullen skies in AM cleared and everyone had a bright, positive vision
for moving ahead, despite the difficulties.

Then, when Baba was finally cleared of all charges and released from
prison,  our Marga society was in full-swing. It was a driving force.
This was all His grace and His divine planning.

Baba understood perfectly that in order to turn things in the right
direction there needed to be dynamism in the social sphere. And
newsletters were the perfect way to get things going. Then people would
feel that they are part of some larger movement. This made everyone feel
connected, engaged, and hopeful.

What worked so beautifully those days will have an equally beneficial
effect today.


                   GREAT WAY TO OVERCOME GROUPISM

Now when the mood is a bit down in AMPS due to rampant groupism, there
are various calls for how to bring things back to life. Some are making
organisational handbooks, some are attempting peace meetings, some are
trying to merge the groups, and some are just working independently.

Whatever may be, we should certainly aim for Baba's approach: newsletters.


                  "BUT WE ALREADY HAVE NEWSLETTERS"

Some may naively declare, "But we already have newsletters - I get lots
of emails."

In truth however, we do not have lots of newsletters. There is not a
single organisationally sanctioned newsletter. Only the various groupist
forces are sending out their own biased views and news - most of which
is either tainted by group interest or totally false.

A newsletter - whether it be electronic or otherwise - should be true,
rational and totally unbiased. Yet today, everything coming out of this
or that organisational channel is just one concocted groupist portrayal.
If their group is involved then the event is reported like gold and if
their group is not involved then it is reported like feces. Everything
is drawn along party lines.

Actually this type of thing has been going on since 1990, in one form or
another. So much false news has been reported that people have lost
interest in these reports. And they have lost interest in reporting what
is going on in their area.

This has all had an extremely detrimental effect.

Now then is the time to turn all this around. We should actively support
and adhere to Baba's newsletter strategy.


            WHAT TYPES OF NEWS SHOULD BE CIRCULATED

The first question might be: What type of things are newsworthy. And the
answer is anything that tightens the bonds within our Marga.

That means things like births, baby-naming ceremonies, akhanda kiirtan,
social service, developments in schools, pracar, deaths, retreats - each
and everything can be reported. And there should be organisationally
sanctioned channels, totally free of group interest.

By sharing all these types of news in a fair and truthful manner - on
the regional, sectorial, and global level - then our whole Marga family
will be benefited.

And while this is Baba's distinct approach, it should not be overlooked
that many organisations and movements do like this as well.


                   MANY ORGANISATIONS DO LIKE THIS

Every organisation hoping to succeed on this earth keeps their internal
structure strong by keeping their members "in the know" and inspired.
Whether the organisation be Greenpeace, Amnesty International, or any
other, newsletters, grass-roots sharing, and open and truthful lines of
communication are a must. They all do it.


                      AM WILL ONCE AGAIN BECOME

                 A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

Now there may be some news clippings moving around our AM society here
and there. But that is not enough, especially when the crude hand of
groupist networks are on the rise.

By implementing Baba's system of oranisationally sanctioned newsletters
- employing a multi-tier approach - covering local and global events,
all will feel more connected and inspired. It will encourage others to
implement the ways of AM into their own lives and that of their community.

Living alone or in isolation is not at all good. We are social beings.
Having healthy, productive, open newsletters will improve the overall
climate and psychology of the Marga. We will no longer feel like we are
sitting in one seething groupist volcano.

Instead we will realise how many like-minded sadhakas are in our grand
AM family. By Baba's grace He has brought us together - and with good
reason: To learn and grow with one another as we embark on leading a
life dedicated to Him and serving humanity.

With these newsletters, all will feel closer and part of some greater
whole. No doubt on the spiritual level we all feel linked with Baba by
His grace. But that social connection is very important for building a
strong, cohesive movement. That will give us force.

So at the earliest this program should go on - in all units and in all
areas. One newsletter will lead to the next and inspire everyone to move
ahead. It will create boundless energy and much zeal.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has given us a great example to live by. Whatever the
situation, Baba has already provided us with the pathway to move ahead.
Now when we are drowned in the dogma of groupism, one excellent way to
move forward and bring a new charge in the Marga is by creating
newsletters.  Baba graciously declared this to be His food and today
such newsletters will be the staple for creating a new AMPS family,
unshackled by groupism and factional interest.

Baba says, "When people hesitate and doubt whether they can accomplish
something, and if they start to work in that hesitant frame of mind,
they can never accomplish that task. But if they plunge into action
thinking of their goal with courage, imbued with spiritual inspiration,
they are sure to be crowned with success. No action is greater than the
human capacity to perform it. Of all the manifold entities in this
expressed world, human beings are the most powerful." (AMIWL-11)

Namaskar,
Gagan


                             PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma'y cha'r'iya' kotha' ja'o e nirajane..." (PS 665)

Purport:

 Baba, You are my closest One. O' my Beloved, where are You going in
this isolated, lonely dark night-- leaving me all alone. O' my dearmost
Baba, please do not go away from me. Baba, why are You making me cry so
profusely & letting me float in the tears of my devotional longing for
You. Baba, please smile always in my mind, constantly radiating Your
sweet, divine love.   Baba, by Your grace I have loved You so intimately
in dhyan; You know it well.  Baba, You are my dearest One. But if You
were really a good person You would not play this heart-breaking liila
with me each and every moment; You would not leave me in this dark hour.
Baba please be merciful; please remain here along with me.   Baba, there
are countless devotees with great qualities & talents who love You very
much. Indeed there are numerous persons with top-notch merits & virtues
who have deep longing for You. Because of this, it seems there is no
place for me in Your mind-- neither during daytime nor nighttime,
neither in dream nor in awake state: Never.   O' Baba, please do not
leave me alone. Please shower Your causeless grace on me by keeping me
eternally in Your divine shelter...


          ***************************************
                         Historical Fact

Baba says, "In the Pharsi language the sweet fruit known as mango is
called ta'mar. But in the early days the people in Iran did not know
what a mango looked like, nor did they know how it tasted. Because they
had only heard about it from travellers passing through. So the first
time a sour type of fruit from India reached Iran the local Pharsi
speaking people mistakenly thought it was a mango. Consequently they
started calling it 'ta'mar-e-hind', meaning 'Mango from India. In
Pharsi, "Ta'mar" means 'mango'; "e" means 'of'; "Hind" means 'India'.
Thus, Ta'mar-e-hind. And later when the Britishers saw those Iranians
calling those sour fruits 'ta'mar-e-hind', then the Britishers adopted
their own English pronunciation and started calling it "tamarind". So
this is how the sour fruit tamarind came to be called in the English
Language." (MGD & Field Walk, Raipur 18 Oct '79)

Note: For those who may not be aware, the name for tamarind in Hindi is
"imalii".
          ***************************************

Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

Date: Sat 19 Feb 2011 21:23:42 -0400
From: Divyajyoti_Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

Baba

                     == PRATIIKA: ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN TWO CAKRAS ==

Namaskar,
As we all know, Baba has placed great importance on the meaning and use of our Ananda Marga pratiika. Here below is a short explanation of how the pratiika is related with our cakras.

1. The two, perfectly-balanced equilateral triangles in our pratiika represent the manipura cakra (i.e. 3rd cakra) and the ajina cakra (i.e. 6th cakra).

2. The manipura cakra is the triangle pointed upward signifying service to society. This cakra gives the body energy and stamina to do action in the world.

3. The ajina cakra is the triangle pointed downward signifying spiritual sadhana and self-realisation. The ajina cakra is the seat of the mind.

4. We must practice and represent this symmetry in our day to day life by keeping perfect balance between our meditation (sadhana) and worldly work (social service).

5. Our mission is:  Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca.

A'tmamokśárthaḿ (self-realisation) is represented by the downward pointed triangle (i.e. ajina cakra) in our pratiika; jagaddhitáya ca (selfless service) is represented by the upward pointed triangle ( i.e. manipura cakra) in our pratiika.

6. Maintaining balance between these two triangles - representing spiritual practice for self-realisation & selfless service to humanity - is needed. As sadhakas, we should be in perfect balance just like our pratiika. That means we must do maximum sadhana without losing our adjustment with this world; and we must do maximum social service without forgetting our sadhana.

7. When we maintain perfect balance between our inner world (downward pointed triangle) and the outer world (upward pointed triangle) then we will get all-round progress (signified by the rising sun in our pratiika) and ultimately victory (signified by the swastika in our pratiika).

8. Achieving this state is not easy. All too often, as aspirants we fail to maintain proper balance in life. Most commonly, people get too caught up in their worldly work and their sadhana gets neglected. In some cases the opposite happens. So we must constantly assess our position and strive to keep a balance between our inner and outer worlds.

9. Here the point is that we must not just wear our pratiika around neck, but our daily life must be a proper representation of the pratiika, i.e. perfectly balance between service to society and self-realisation. That means our life must fully represent AM ideology.

Baba says, "What should a person do? Life is a mission. I have said that human life is an ideological flow. That is, human life is a mission; life itself is a mission; one’s very existence is a mission. Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca – “Whatever one is to do one is to do for átmamokśa – for his or her own liberation – and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society.” One is to do both these things: that is, these two things are one’s mission." (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30)

10. In the notes below please read  about (a) how we use the pratiika in our social and spiritual functions, (b) Baba's description of the pratiika, as well as (c) how the pratiika is explained in the latest editions of our AM books.

Namaskar,
Divyajyoti


Note 1:                           HOW OUR PRATIIKA IS USED

At dharmacakra, we may display (a) the Ananda Marga pratiika, (b) Baba's photo, or (c) both items.

Likewise, when our acaryas perform diiksa (initiation), they may use the AM pratiika and / or Baba's photo.

During DMC when Baba was up on the stage then there would always be a pratiika on display behind Him. Still today at DMS we present Baba's photo and behind His photo is the pratiika.


Note 2:         BABA'S DESCRIPTION OF THE PRATIIKA IN CARYACARYA

Here is Baba's pointed explanation of the pratiika.

Baba says, 'Your Pratiika [Emblem]: A triangle with one vertex up superimposed on another triangle with one vertex down, with the rising sun having a swastika inside. These are symbols of energy, knowledge, advancement and permanent victory, respectively." (Caryacarya, part 1, "Treasures of Ananda Marga")


Note 3:            HOW THE PRATIIIKA IS EXPLAINED IN OUR AM BOOKS

Here below is the dharmic way the publishers have explained the pratiika on the inside pages of the recently printed AM books.           

The pratiika represents in a visual way the essence of Ananda Marga ideology. The six-pointed star is composed of two equilateral triangles. The triangle pointing upward represents action, or the outward flow of energy through selfless service to humanity. The triangle pointing downward represents knowledge, the inward search for spiritual realization through meditation. The sun in the center represents advancement, all-round human progress. The goal of the aspirant's march through life is symbolized by the swastika, which means spiritual victory.

Baba Story: Occult Powers

Date: 11 Feb 2011 08:32:38 -0000
From: "Gurucharan Yadav"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: Occult Powers

Baba

                            == BABA STORY: OCCULT POWERS ==

Namaskar,
In doing pracar, I came across one non-margii who had read one of our AM books and was asking me this question about Baba's use of powers. And really I did not know what to reply. That is why I brought this question to my Acarya because in the past he has always been able to help me. And what follows below is the answer my Acarya gave:


               STORY: DEMONSTRATION ABOUT NEGATIVE MICROVITA

In reporting there was one incident that I remember clearly. Baba was doing a demonstration in Tiljala about negative microvita and its effect on the human body. Sadhaka C had some bad samskaras from his past life. So Baba graciously chose him for the demonstration of negative microvita. It was explained that because of brother C's negative samskara C was going to face a serious accident in the very near future. But by the liila of this negative microvita demonstration, by Baba's unfathomable grace He took away this sadhaka's samskara and saved him from impending disaster.

(Note: In His discourse "The Neo-Ethics of Multi-Lateral Salvation", Baba declares that after all there is no such thing as microvita, everything is due to Cosmic Grace. Thus as Ananda Margiis we should clearly understand that microvita is not some special, separate force but rather a scientific name and explanation for Guru's divine grace - nothing more.)

Baba's each and every action is full of compassion and grace. Everyone of us knows this thing.

The story of this demonstration goes like this. In this demonstration first, in order to help and cure this sadhaka, Baba took away the working capacity of the organs related with Brother C's hands and feet. Brother C's body became altogether stiff and inoperational. In that case, Brother C was carefully placed in a lying down position in the demonstration room.

Then in His divine liila, Baba became very serious and inquired to others, 'Because of his negative samskara he has to face the situation. Ask him what he wants now'.

Brother C kept quiet, he did not know how to reply.

Then Baba told that, 'Ask him, does he want that his strength should return?'.

Then the brother replied, 'Yes Baba'.

Baba lovingly ordered, 'Ask him why he wants his strength back'.

The sadhaka kept quiet.

The scene was really quite dramatic. Externally it really looked like Baba was very stern but all devotees know that internally Baba was His usual Self, the personification of sweetness and love. Such is the drama of His liila.

Baba inquired, 'What is his reply. Tell me'.

The devotees present in the room were in a fix about what to say. And they were remembering that brother C was unable to move his hands and feet.

Baba told, 'If his strength is returned then what will he do with that. If he promises that he will be more involved in social service, and for that reason he needs his strength back, that is ok. But devoid of social service if he has another plan then let him face his samskara'.

Baba graciously told, 'Ask him if he has any other plan'.

Brother C said, 'No Baba, I do not have any other plan'.

Then Baba said, 'OK, My little boy needs his body otherwise how will he be able to do the work of Parama Purusa.'

Baba paused and then added, 'If my boy requests that 'Baba, I need my strength back so I can do the work of serving humanity', if he makes this promise then all his strength can be returned back'.

Immediately the sadhaka promised, 'Baba please grace me and give me my strength back so that I may dedicate myself to the cause of serving the humanity'.

Then in His divine liila, Baba touched the tip of His own stick and told to GS that, 'Now go and use this stick to touch him'.

Then GS took Baba's stick and touched disciple C with it.

Immediately brother C got his strength back. By Baba's grace, from that day on brother C has been vigorously active in social service work. That was the end of that demonstration.


                           EXPLANATION OF WHAT IT ALL MEANS

I asked Dadaji, is this Baba's use of occult powers?

Dada replied, 'No, people are confused on this very point that this is occult power, but it is not like that. Because occult power means that which is acquired through the practice of cult. For that reason, due to doing sadhana human beings get occult power. But one cannot say that Parama Purusa uses "occult power". Because He does not get that power through the practice of cult.'

'Rather, that power which He uniquely has, is His inherent quality.'

'The other thing to realise is that pseudo-gurus display occult powers to increase their own name and fame. For that reason they make rasagolla appear from the dirt etc. But this is all just avidya tantra, nothing more. In AM, Baba uses His causless grace to for the welfare of others.'

'But because we do not have any other term, that is why people sometimes call this power of Parama Purusa as occult. But it is not like that.'

Dada then continued, explaining that similar scenes as this above were common, regular practice when Baba used to point out and cure any disease by the use of positive microvita or any type of demonstration. All this was part of His liila. And everybody understood that behind all these things was His causeless grace. Always Baba was lovingly playing this type of divine liila in order to help us.

'Many margiis have such experiences in relation with their Personal Contact with Baba also. When Baba removed their negative samskaras and made them promise to 'utilise their body, mind, and existence for the great cause'.

'The sense is that ultimately Baba wanted to teach devotees that if they want their health restored, then they must pledge that their physical strength will be used for service of suffering humanity. With this promise would Baba cure the disease. By this way we all got the lesson of how to utilise our strength while living in this world.'

'This was the regular theme of Baba's different demonstrations whenever He did such things. To bless His sadhakas spiritually and help them physically.'

'Because without receiving His spiritual blessing, then nobody has the inspiration and strength to do social service in a grand way. And how one can do service if they themselves are suffering from disease. So in that way Baba blessed devotees. And in turn devotees got the teaching in what way they should utilize their lives. This then was the main theme behind His demonstrations- not the show or display of occult power for getting name, fame and prestige. Just like many crude people do.'

'Furthermore, occult means the things which are gotten via the practice of cult. But what Parama Purusa has, that is not occult. Because everything is there already in His mind. So He does not need to do the practice of cult, in order to have those things.' For Him we cannot say He has "occult powers". Nor that He "uses occult powers". Rather we should say that "Baba graced". And indeed, microvita is nothing but His grace.


                                                            * * *

After telling me this above story my Acarya asked me, 'So did you get the answer to your question?'.

I replied, 'Yes Dadaji', and I did pranam and took leave from him.

Namaskar,
Gurucharan


Note 1:                               IT IS NOT OCCULT POWER

One cannot say Baba has "occult power", as those very things are His inherent quality and not something acquired through the practice of cult. In the same way, some say that Baba is "knowing" all the things. But He is not "knowing". Because everything is already there, in His mind. As He created the world, so how can He not have everything in His mind. That is, such a thing as "knowledge" cannot be said regarding the mind of Parama Purusa. Knowledge is the internal subjectivization of external objectivity. But in the case of Parama Purusa, when nothing is external to His mind then what is the question of getting knowledge. For Him, we cannot say He has "knowledge". And in the same way, for Him we cannot say He has "occult powers".

Baba says, "For living beings, omniscience is certainly a recognised occult power. That is right. But for the Supreme Entity it is not a recognised occult power; He does not get it as a result of cult...To know everything is His nature. That is why He is omniscient." (AV-5, p.15)

The entire creation lies within the mind of Parama Purusa so Parama Purusa sees everything. Because it is all in His mind. Whereas human beings acquire knowledge from outside. The sense is that according to the definition of the faculty of knowledge, for a person to know something then they must look outside the scope or periphery of their own mind. But with Parama Purusa nothing is outside His mind. That means that He does not 'know' anything; rather He sees everything as it is all going on within His own mind. He has His own characteristic that as Parama Purusa He controls all-- so He does not need any cult. For Parama Purusa then, there is no question of occult power. His power has nothing to do with cult. It is just like, Parama Purusa does not have any Jinan. What He has, that is not what we call as jinan. Similarly, what He has is not occult power. He did not get his power from cult. So we should be careful to avoid saying that "Baba displays occult power" as avidya tantrikas do.


Note 2:                     NOT LIKE CRUDE AVIDYA TANTRICS

In the past and in the present also many avidya tantrikas are using their occult powers to enhance their prestige; and in consequence they get degenerated. In this material world occult power is recognised by the "show" of those who possess them. Because of doing sadhana, they get occult power. But in the case of Parama Purusa, it is not at all like that. Because such powers are His inherent quality. He need not to practice any cult in order to get those things. As 'occult' means, those powers which are acquired through the practice of cult. But in the case of crude human beings especially, to gain prestige amongst the common innocent mass or their disciples, such avidya tantrikas do like this. Their motive is bad, self-centered, ego-centered. So by that type of show, their degeneration occurs from human structure to crude matter. AM philosophy never appreciates such type of show of occult powers.

In contrast, Baba as Mahasambhuti graced His disciples to cure their ailments: physical, psychic and spiritual. But such demonstrations He never displayed in the open public. Like creating gold from the air, and fetching sweets from invisible places with His own hand while sitting on the dais. Or such type of magic that avidya tantrikas usually do for their prestige. Baba's entire demonstrations were only for making His disciples better tools to serve the humanity, in better and better ways. His demonstrations were not for His prestige or show. The whole spirit of His demonstrations was far away from that. So when anyone writes a Baba's story then if one is careful in their explanation, then readers will understand.

All these things Dada told in his story. Then he asked that, 'Do you understand? Baba does not use occult powers like other crude people do.'

Please write your thoughts ideas and inspirations.


                                        PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Toma'y kato bha'loba'si, tumi jano na' tumi..." PS 221

Purport:

Baba, You are the Knower of everything; You are omniscient. Even then You do not know how much I love You. Always, all the time, I am thinking of You. Indeed, I have so many thoughts to share with You-- so many feelings which are accumulated in my heart. Baba, why are You keeping Yourself so busy and involved constantly in Your work, every second-- why like this. O' my Dearmost, when I have so much love for You, why are You not giving me energy and involving me in Your work. Baba, You are the source of all energy; please provide me with shakti day and night-- all the 24 hrs-- so that I can go on working non-stop for You. With every iota of grace and mercy I will move ahead in the work. I will do according to Your liking. I will be 100% involved to please You. Baba, please grace me by utilising me. O' Baba, I love You so much. You are so beautiful-- You are my everything...


                            ***************************************
                                              Three Points

Babas says: (1) "Wherever there is copper salt, serpents will not be found-- as in Ghatshila and Nobanda, near Tata Nagar." (2) "Water kept in a bronze pot becomes antiseptic, due to the copper in the bronze." (3) "Copper sulphate is poisonous for human beings." (PNS-16, p.38)
                              ***************************************

Baba's Darshan of Niilkantha Divas

From: "A. Roy"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba's Darshan of Niilkantha Divas
Date: Wed, Feb 09 2011 11:49:26 +0530

Baba

          == BABA'S DARSHAN OF NIILKANTHA DIVAS ==

Namaskar,
We all know that the festival of Niilkantha Divas stands as one great
occasion in our AM society. That of course marks the day-- Feb 12,
1973-- when in the divine liila of Parama Purusa, Baba Himself swallowed
the poison dealt to Him by those sinful forces during His incarceration.

Upon initial reflection, one might sincerely think this day of
Niilkantha is a time to grieve or be sorrowful and to solemnly recall
the past-- since after all this was the time when a dreadful attack was
done against our Sadguru. In this way some were thinking those days.

To clear the matter to one and all, in His divine way Baba Himself has
guided us that Niilkantha Divas is a day of great joy and tremendous
dharmic spirit that holds long-term & far-reaching ideological
significance. Hence, Baba has declared this day as a full-fledged
festival in AM-- full of merriment and righteous action.


                   I WAS THERE ON THAT OCCASION

By Baba's fathomless grace I was present at that very morning general
darshan on 12 Feb 1979 in Patna when Baba Himself has given the full
descriptive analysis about the inner meaning of Niilkantha Divas as well
as how it should be celebrated. By Baba's grace I could note down the
various scenes and expressions of that blissful day in my diary. And all
of that-- my entire journal entry from that very occasion-- is presented
down below in this email.


                     ONE SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE

Perhaps of greatest import regarding this day is that Baba has declared
Niilkantha Divas as a day to oppose any and all injustices and sinful
acts-- wherever one may be. Baba wants that Niilkantha be an extra
special occasion where we whole-heartedly raise our voice and take a
staunch stand against all sorts of misdeeds committed by those terrible
sinners of the present.

According to Baba, it is a time when we are to express our sentient
anger (sattvika krodha) and forcibly create the necessary circumstantial
pressure to make those unrighteous and wicked people give up their nasty
activities and mend their unjust ways. It is a time bring negative
elements onto the path of welfare. This is one of the special aspects of
Niilkantha Divas.

And here following is more about this entire occasion of this great and
holy AM festival.


                 LITERAL MEANING OF NIILKANTHA DIVAS

Niila Kantha is a Samskrta term. "Niila" means blue; "Kantha" means
throat. This is the literal meaning of Niila Kantha: Blue throat. And
'divas', as we all know means day. So the entire meaning of Niila Kantha
Divas is "blue throat day". As this was the day when Baba Himself
allowed His throat to 'turn blue' by swallowing the deadly poison that
those papiis gave Him when He was in jail.


           FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF BABA'S DARSHAN THAT DAY
                    (Directly from my diary notes of that occasion)

Here now begins my first-hand account of what transpired at that morning
general darshan of the first celebration of Niilkantha Divas after Baba
was released from jail. As all may recall Baba Himself came out from the
Jail towards the end of 1978. So Baba's below darshan took place on
Monday, 12 February 1979 in Patna, six years to the day of that
poisoning incident.


                         ---


As Baba majestically appears on the scene at that morning General
Darshan the Margiis vigorously raise the slogan, 'Niilkantha Baba Kii--
Jai!!'.

Hearing this Baba lovingly jokes with the margiis and says, 'Enemies
wanted to kill Me but by your well-wishing I was saved'.

Then, in a very sweet and caring way, Baba states that up till now
margiis have been observing a fast on this day and treating Niilkanth
Divas as a solemn occasion. But why should margiis fast on this day, He
says. Rather, instead of fasting, Baba says that we should follow
sentient anger-- sattvika krodha, not tamasik krodha (static anger), aka
revenge.

Baba then explains that sadhus do sattvik krodha; and Baba begs the
question, what is sattvika krodha?

Baba explains: Sattvika krodha is a day of sentient anger where
righteous people oppose all wrongdoings and injustices. On this day of
Niilkantha Divas, Baba declares that it is the duty of dharmikas to put
forth a challenge to all sinful and wicked forces. To bring about the
needed momentum and force those sinners to change their ways and rectify
themselves. It is a day when righteous people in one voice strongly
stand up against injustices.

After Baba raises the dharmic point about sattvika krodha He raises
another aspect of this festival of Niilkantha Divas.

Baba says: You know that on this day sinners gave Me poison. And what
should you do? According to your capacity and strength, you should serve
the best and tastiest food possible to one needy person-- lovingly feed
them up to their heart's content.

Baba continues: In return for the poison which we received, you should
offer nectar (a'mrta).

Baba clarifies: According to your capacity serve the highest calibre and
best food possible to at minimum one person. Margiis can serve food to
more persons than that, but at least one needy person-- margii or
non-margii-- you should serve. And our wholetimers should do the same.
In the case of avadhutas or wholetimers who do not have money, they will
have to beg and get the necessary money in order to serve food to at
least one needy individual.

This is Baba's dharmic directive for this day.

...Then there is a short lull.

Margiis then respectfully request Baba that He should say something.
Baba sweetly replies, 'Oh I have to say something'. (margiis laugh)
Then in a jolly and joyful way Baba says, 'Let Ramananda say something'.
In a reverential way Ramanandji politely requests Baba to speak instead.

Baba indicates that Ramanandji should speak first.

Ramanandji begins, 'Actually you know on 12th February 1973 on this very
day Baba was poisoned in Bankipur Central Jail. This conspiracy was
hatched up by the CBI, those who since the very beginning are trying to
finish Baba from this world. So on this very day in 1973 He was poisoned
in the Jail. Actually I was the first visitor to visit His cell. When I
saw Him lying on the bed then He was not in position to move; He was not
in position to speak and I came to know...'

And for the next minute or two Ramanandji continues to explain how he
understood and got confirmation from doctors that Baba had indeed been
poisoned.

Then Ramanandji tells, "We just tried that there should be an inquiry
into this incident that who is behind..."

Baba interjects, "Judicial proof."

Ramanandji continues, "Who is the person behind this nefarious work. So
we wanted judicial inquiry-- judicial proof. Then [because] the Indira
government... never gave us the opportunity to express ourself to place
the fact before the public that what are the things. She suppressed this
point. She  did not institute inquiry. Then Baba was compelled to go on
fast from 1 April 1973 and He continued His fast up to 1 Aug 1979."

Then many people politely say, "1978".

Then in a very decent and humble way, Ramananda corrects himself and
says, "1978-- sorry".

Ramanandji continues, "So 5 years, 4 months, and 1 day He continued His
fast. So these things, actually..."

Then Revered Baba graciously offers what He told the leader of India
regarding the poisoning incident.

Baba says: 'I wrote a letter to the President of India that I know who
are the black hands working from behind the curtain'.

This was Baba's dharmic message to the corrupt leaders those days.

Thereafter Ramanandji continues to explain how so many letters were
written and how so many problems happened. There were so many torments
and difficulties and some did self-immolation in order to get justice.
Baba says, 'So many boys and so many girls died.'

Ramanandji explains that up till today we were not knowing how to
celebrate this day. The question was proposed what the day should be
called and we collectively decided it should be-- Niilkantha Divas. But
since 1973 we did not have proper guidance how to observe this occasion.

Ramanandji explains how Baba asked them earlier their opinion how to
celebrate the day. And none of the Dadas present could give an
acceptable reply. And then it was at that moment that Baba first
beautifully revealed the concept of sa'ttvika krodha as well as the
program of feeding at least one person a tasty and savory meal. (All of
which is described up above.)

Note: This concludes my diary entry from that memorable morning general
darshan of 12 February 1979.


                          ---


           SOME UNIQUE ASPECTS OF NIILKANTHA DIVAS

Hence Niilkantha Divas is not something that is limited or just related
with that particular historical incident, but it also has a long-term
ideological significance.

So it is not just a point of history but a way to live life in a new
way. It is a day to oppose injustices. That is the purpose.

Up till now, through this present moment in 2007, this aspect of
sentient anger has mostly ignored or forgotten during our Niilkantha
celebrations.

Yet as shown above, Baba has clearly given the point of opposing
injustices-- especially on this day of Niilkantha Divas. And those who
were also present that time can also confirm that Baba has told like this.

So just like other festivals have their own specific purposes such as:
Light festival, Spring festival, Ananda Purnima etc. Likewise Niilkantha
Divas has its own special significance.

In the past usually we were just feeding people, but the significance is
more than that. By Baba's direction we are to take the strong resolution
and vow to fight against injustices and establish dharma.

The various religions just give lectures and then feast during their
festivals. But our Marga is not like that. All our festivals are joyous
and hold the seed of dharma and righteousness also.

During our Niilkantha Divas it is our dharmic duty to change sinners
into good people. By Baba's grace we are to save and rectify them.

In this grand endeavour of following the proper spirit and guideline of
Niilkantha Divas, Baba's eternal blessing is with us every step of the way.

Namaskar,
Amoghasiddhi


Note 1:             SA'TTVIKA KRODHA

In His below teaching Baba clearly outlines the meaning of sentient
anger-- sa'ttvika krodha.

Baba says, "Suppose a very good man is harshly rebuking an immoral
person for having insulted him. Is that unfair? No, no, it is not
unfair. It is called sentient anger. Anger is static; but sometimes it
may be sa'ttvika, it may be sentient. And that type of anger is sentient
anger-- sa'ttvika krodha in Sanskrit." (AV-2, p.73-4 Sept '78)
So once again on this occasion of Niilkantha Divas we are to follow
Baba's directive of Sattvika Krodha and oppose injustices wherever they
may be present. We are to help guide this whole humanity into the era of
white peace and righteousness. That is the grand spirit of Niilkantha
Divas.


                               PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this following song the devotee is lying at Baba's lotus
feet, ensconced in a'nanda. And in that deeply devotional atmosphere,
the sadhaka is desperately calling to all the jiivas to also come close
to Baba, the Parama Purusa incarnate, and have His darshan and get His
blessing.

"Ba'n'sga'rii bahiye ja'y, saha's nayane ca'y
Goloker hari a'ji gokule liila' raca'y..."  (P.S. 3658)

Purport:

 Today, the Hari of the divine world has manifested His liila in the
land of devotees. With His sweet grace He is moving all around playing
His divine flute-- showering His charming smile and gracious eyes upon
all. With reddish lips, He is beckoning each and everyone. He is
telling: 'Come close, come to Me-- quickly, as soon as possible, come
running, so we can be together up to eternity'. Today that Hari of the
divine world is showering bliss on everyone. We are so graced.
 Everyone is His kith and kin; all are His own; nobody is alien.
No one is far; everyone is close. All are His most intimate ones.
By His grace everyone gets Him in their thinking, japa, and meditation.
Everyone resides in His mind; everyone has a place in His heart.
By His causeless grace, now the river of devotion is flowing at
high current. His divine rasa is dancing, overflowing, & splashing
in ecstasy. With His fathomless grace the garland of waves is swaying
to and fro. All are ensconced in His bliss.
 For crushing the dus't'a (demonic people) and for saving & nurturing
the virtuous & dharmic people and for destroying the nefarious and
deadly demons, He comes again and again on this earth with the rumble,
twang, and beating of His kettle drum. There is no one else on this
earth who has such infinite and countless qualities. That Hari of the
divine world is the abode of all heavenly attributions.
Come one, come all. The Lord of the universe has come today with
gracious splendour, and He is showering His divine liila upon all
devotees. He is most loving and ever-gracious...

The Missing Link...

Date: 01 Feb 2011 07:26:38 -0000
From: "Chandramohan  Jha"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: The Missing Link...

Baba


          THE MISSING LINK IN MANAGING A.M. SERVICE PROJECTS:

                   THE ROLE OF MARGIIS IS VITAL

Namaskar,
While there are many trends happening in AM, here below is one important
scenario that deserves the attention of one and all.

These days, most Dadas posted overseas are busy in doing business. They
earn money for their survival and for their different projects; plus they
have to pay "dues" to their supervisors etc to save their own situation. In
this way they have various financial demands. And these demands, including
those for maintaining AM projects, are met increasingly through our Dadas'
various businesses.

As an organisation and Marga family, we have to carefully evaluate how
sustainable this approach is, and how far it supports the well-being of
our Wts.


                         A LOOK AT HISTORY

When we analyse the history of human society, there are numerous examples
of organizations which were only supported by particular individuals, or
only by a particular rich person, or only by the king. That organization
could not survive for a long time.

In India, in the Muslim period, many mosques had been sustained by the help
of the then Muslim rulers. And when the throne changed to a different
dynasty, thousands of mosques got abandoned.

In the era of domination of Buddhism in India, Buddhist monasteries were
financially supported by various kings. And when the rulers lost their
power, those Buddhist monasteries died a premature death.

The bottom line is, that if any organization is not depending upon support
from its local members and if those local members are not encouraged or
welcomed to be deeply involved in managing those projects, then that type
of organization will not survive long.

Thus, in our Marga in all our service projects, local margii involvement is
necessary. Indeed margiis should be encouraged and empowered with positions
of authority in all local service projects. So in each and every area, in
every district our local margiis should get the opportunity to manage the
projects and more new local people should get initiated and be brought in
to help along. Otherwise if only a migrant / transitory population alone is
managing the project-- as is the case of Wts or margiis from other areas--
then it never gets success. And of course non-margiis can leave any time so
they cannot be depended upon to sponsor or oversee our projects.


                      BABA'S DIRECTION

That is why in each and every country, province, city, and town, Baba has
given the plan that local people-- local margiis-- should be actively
involved and they should be the managers of our organisational works in
that place. Only by this way can our projects grow. And in this way local
population will feel more and more connected with Ananda Marga. Because
they will see their own hometown citizens mangaing the projects. So they
will have trust etc.

Overall then two points are needed:

(A) Local Margiis must get opportunity to actively engage in and run the
local organisation projects.

(B) Specifically, the indigenous local population must be supportive. Our
AMPS organization must not depend on the migrant or temporary population
only.


                   OPPOSITE IS GOING ON

But in practice what we see is that most of the projects in AM are run with
the business money of Dadas. This is the case in various sectors. And when
the particular Dada who is funding a project gets transferred, then the
project falls apart. The reason is, that the Dada was overly busy in
business and feeding the project. And neither he had the support from his
supervisors, nor the time, nor the presence of mind to create and nourish
local margiis and inspire and give them duty to run the local service
projects.

But to build up our Marga, Baba guides us to do pracar among the local
people. That is the only way. In every nook and corner around the globe
Baba wants for AM to grow in this way.

Yet when we see the history of the last 20 years, then we see that gradually
our acaryas working overseas are getting more and more dependent on
business to earn money and run the projects. And more business involvement
is needed to fulfill their different financial needs -- from local
arrangements to what their supervisors are pressing them to give. In this
condition sincere Wts hardly have time to manage their own psycho-spiritual
development-- let alone be able to guide margiis in that arena. Thus Wts
engage more heavily in their business affairs when spiritual life gets
neglected.


                   OTHER REPERCUSSIONS

Not only that some of most harmful consequences of this are as follows.

A) When such Dadas get transferred, then those very projects - which they are
feeding by their own legal or illegal business - collapse.

B) The standard of acaryas is getting lower day by day. Here low means,
relative to what the conduct of one acarya should be. Most of the acaryas
who are deeply involved in business lose that type of inspiration and
spiritual conduct. For business, these acaryas spend a lot of time traveling
around. During these periods especially, they have much difficulty in following
16 points and dietary rules. Instead they are constantly thinking about business
and money; the mind gets degenerated step by step.

There are so many examples which can be cited with different names and their
history and business. But I think that those who are senior margiis, they
know all those things. Time to time other margiis have also discussed about
this, on this net.

And the overall effect is that our respected acaryas fall prey to negative
microvita.


              HOW NEGATIVE MICROVITA DOMINATES

A particular microvita takes influence on the human mind when the mind
begins to degenerate. This causes the mind to satisfy itself compromising
with ideology, to adjust in selfish way with the crude world.

Baba says, "Microvita exerts greater influence on the mind than on the
body.  ...They (yaksa microvita) advise human beings, "Practice dharma
sa'dhana' as and where you are.  Continue it in perfect adjustment with
everything."  That is, they advise a kind of selfish adjustment." (MV, p.106)

In result we have seen so many WTs who were involved in serious
businesses affairs left their acaryaship. And they are nowadays leading
degenerated life. The number of such degenerated avadhutas are not one or
two. Rather the tragedy is that this list will counts up to several hundred.

Unfortunately, when these acaryas were earning money by different
businesses and feeding their own projects, then they never thought that
their fate will be like this. Because, according to the cosmic principle,
progress or degeneration does not come in a flash, usually.

In a continuous way, the mind gets crudified or elevated according to the
actions which one does, or in which one is involved. For example, initially
those well-intentioned Dadas thought for money I have to gain the money.
But then in that course when they are involved in jewelry business, or
selling various goods and clothes, ladies garments, soda water and other
foods and company products, then in an attempt to build their business
they attend different lowly environments at the beach, or pseudo-culture or nude
gatherings. Then they are forced to see the ugly scene. So in the face of
all this their mind gets degenerated. And such WTs end up justifying this
negative scene by convincing themselves that "this way we have to adjust
and do Baba's work. To earn money."

So this is the sad state of affairs because surely when the human mind is
exposed to such types of negativity then the outcome is not good.


         WRONG UNDERSTANDING OF "OBJECTIVE ADJUSTMENT"

In this way those WT's get trapped and their flow gets totally affected &
by this way the mind gets more and more degenerated. Means these acaryas
forget the goal-- engrossed in avidya maya. Yet as they get more immersed in this
they convince themselves and do self-cheating by justifying internally and
also to their friends, "Objective adjustment...Objective adjustment...We
should compromise with our rules and regulations, for earning money".

Meanwhile the real definition of objective adjustment, such people they do
not know. And in confused state, they think that staying in five-star
hotels, taking bath in swimming pools with other nude or semi-nude people
of opposite sex. Or during sadhana, even listening to pop music. To such
things these acaryas misguidingly give the label, "objective adjustment".
In the name of adjustment, various Didis are also involved in business. And
they do not follow Baba's guidelines. Instead they keep long hair, go to
different beauty parlors to make their hair proper, and they use all sorts
of cosmetic make-up on their faces and dress as if they are business
representatives.

So you see the situation. In the name of objective adjustment, such acaryas
are cheating themselves. And they get involved in crude business
activities, 24 hours. Unfortunately, the whole day they pass their time,
thinking about and selling their merchandise or smuggled items-those things
that they are selling. Maybe in the beach side, or street selling. Or
working as salesman wandering around the market.

So when in this way their daytime passes, then one can imagine what happens
to their sadhana and asana. That is zero.

So in such a condition, earning money becomes the primary goal. And Parama
Purusa, becomes secondary. And in that degenerate state, such people lose
the path. And they become microvita yaksa, in due course. This is one
horrible stage.

Here we are not saying that this happens with all Dadas etc. Rather the point
is that any Wt who begins to compromise in this way suffers and faces
degeneration. And this entire formula applies to margiis and LFTs as well.


                   ALARMING SITUATION

Indeed, this very negative situation is alarming for everyone. Maybe as a
WT and involved in business, or maybe, a family margii who is doing a lot
of adjustment and compromising with the various Baba's teachings. So
everyone should be careful. And mend their way. Bring back unto the path of
dharma. For future progress, and to achieve the goal - Parama Purusa.

If one unknowingly even, does something wrong or sinful. Then the wrongdoer
has to face the consequence. Ignorance of the rule will not help. Or it
will not be one excuse, that "I was not aware that giving more importance
to money will open the door to convert myself to microvita - yaksa".

Human life is very rare. Our goal, or aim of life is Parama Purusa. And
eternal peace will be achieved at His feet. There is no other way. Only
Parama Purusa is the shelter. Not money.


                   BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHINGS

Some important notes and quotes are here below which relate to this entire
them of those who meet their fate due to over-involvement in business
affairs.

Baba says, "Those who were decent human beings and deeply spiritual, and
used to collect money for a noble cause, but in the process of fund raising
forgot Parama Purus'a and attached greater importance to their fund raising
at the cost of Parama Purus'a -- that is, they remembered Parama Purus'a as
part of dharma sa'dhana' and collected money for a great cause, and
although Parama Purus'a was the goal collecting money became the dominant
desire -- they attain the state of yaks'a devayonii after their demise."
(MV, p.105)

Baba says, "Those who constantly think about rupees or dollars attain a
kind of sama'dhi, too, for they become completely identified with their
crude object of attraction. If such people incur heavy losses due to the
collapse of their business or bank, they will die an instant death, for the
pillars on which their life was built crumbled beneath them. So, once they
lost their wealth, they lost their lives too." (APH-6, p.404)

Baba says, "Microvita do not divert the mind from the path of dharma, but
they do not allow the human mind to accept dharma as the dominant
propensity." (MV, p.106)

Even then I have deep faith that in the near future we will advance ahead
rapidly and build up a brilliant AM society and spread the ideals of dharma
and welfare to all the four corners.


                       OVERALL MESSAGE

The overall message then is two-fold. To run successful AM service projects
in any area, both local margiis and the general society must support and be
actively engaged in that project. Our Wts are to advise but not indulge
in the daily operation of those projects, otherwise our service programs
will not last. And side by side, regardless of whether one is WT or margii,
we should be extremely vigilant not to allow the mind to become so crudified
that we lose our sadhana and become totally immersed in worldly works. For
this honesty is needed both with ourselves and those around us. The aim must
be Him and not any mundane engagement.


                      BABA'S BLESSING

Here we should take help from Baba's following guideline.

Baba says, "There are many good people in this world who want to do good
work. You should convince them, work with them, and organise them to do
maximum service for the suffering humanity." (PNS-17, p.51)

Namaskar,
Chandramohan


                   PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Aja'na' Pathik eseche..."  - P.S. 4490

Purport:

  The Parama Purusa Ajana Pathik has come. He has filled this mortal world
with the love of flowers and fruits. For Him no one is distant, no one is
alien, everyone is His own-- close and intimate.
  He has wiped away all the tears and removed the suffering of everyone.
Baba has come riding on the chariot of effulgence. He is associated with
one and all through His ota and prota yoga. He is pulling everyone with His
divine attraction and with the blessing of His varabhaya mudra. Today Baba
has come. The whole world is inundated with His love-- His grace....



    ***************************************************                 
              Fate of Egotistical People

Baba says, "It is only when the human beings, become puffed up with vanity
and misuse the power granted to them by Parama Purus'a, that He steals
everything from them. Hence, He is called Darpaha'rii - the stealer of
vanity...Vain people suffer a similar fate when their vanity is destroyed
as the balloon faces when its air is let out. But, does Parama Purus'a
snatch away everything from everyone? No, He takes away only when the unit
beings try to create obstructions in the flow of His creation." (APH-4,
p.247)

Note: In the above teaching Baba warns us about the fate of arrogant
people. As we know the ultimate antidote is developing a devotional link in
life and surrendering to the sweet will of Parama Purusa. Then in that case
arrogance will not get the scope to crop up. Unfortunately some in our
Marga overlook their devotional practices and instead get wrapped up in
their own plans and programs. Such persons can be easily recognised as all
day long they tell, 'I did this or I did that... I delivered one lecture
and all were amazed... I created one project... or I should be the
ruler...' and on and on they go about their own unit deeds & desires--
intoxicated by their little accomplishments and imposing their will on
others. To lovingly rectify such persons, Parama Purusa describes above
what dramatic intervention He takes. Looking around today, we can see how
some in our Marga have already undergone this thing and others are going to
experience the same similar fate.
    ***************************************************