Who Gets Frustrated & What is the Remedy

Baba

This email contains three sections:
1. Posting: Why Frustration + Cure
2. End Quote: Why Buddhists Got Confused
3. Links

WHY FRUSTRATION + CURE

Namaskar,
Fatigue and frustration are common human ailments that many people suffer from at some point or another. People even lose inspiration and energy for pursuits that were of great interest to them. This is the widespread malady.

As sadhakas, by His grace, we can escape this dual problem of fatigue and frustration, and invite a perennial source of energy and inspiration into our lives that will touch every facet of our existence.

It is our duty to theoretically and practically understand this matter so we can implement it in our own lives and guide others. Specifically, why do people lose energy and inspiration and become frustrated. Second, how can one overcome, nay eliminate, fatigue and feel inspired in all types of work and duties. That is what this letter is all about.

THEY BECOME TIRED IMMEDIATELY

Many people get tired during the course of their day. Those working daylong for someone else’s profit are generally the first to get tired. Their day will just drag from the moment it begins. Their muscles ache; their brain gets dull; and there is little motivation or stamina for them to continue. They just slog through their day.

In your comings and goings around town, you have surely seen such persons. Their mind is not connected with the work they are doing. This is the first category of people: They become tired almost immediately.

Ananda Marga teachings state, "When people’s actions are supported by their physical energy and actional faculty but not by their spiritual energy, they become easily tired in the process of work." (1)

THEY SEEM GENUINELY INSPIRED

BUT GIVE UP MOTIVATED BY PETTY DESIRES

Next, there are those who seem to truly like what they are doing – whether it be their job, hobby, sports, or family time. Often, such persons are motivated by some type of psychic desire such as name and fame, money, spouse, family status, prestige, and so on. They will sacrifice much to achieve their worldly ends and material pleasures, and it looks like they can continue forever, but even they get tired – invariably. This is the common phenomenon.

When they do not receive the psychic-cum-material reward for what they are doing – such as recognition or money etc – then their attraction for that project will wane. And ultimately they will give up entirely. This is the normal course.

WHEN HURDLES ARISE THEY LOSE INSPIRATION

For instance, this often occurs in the general society with political leaders before elections. In that pre election period, they are very active in doing all sorts of service / seva. But the moment they are defeated in that election they give up doing those service projects. Similar is the case with those who volunteer for mundane non-profit work. They may be psychically motivated to feed the poor or clean-up the environment, but when hurdles arise then at some point they lose inspiration. They feel that, "It is not worth it." So they select a different course in life. Those volunteering for their own name and fame will give up the task even more quickly. Whereas those who think that - "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him” - are blessed with perennial inspiration for their pursuits.

HOW THIS TAKES SHAPE IN ANANDA MARGA:

SELECT CASES OF WTS AND FAMILY MARGIIS

Unfortunately, we see examples of this in our Ananda Marga as well.

Amongst our wts, some entered into uniform to travel the world, or to get respect, or for any number of reasons. And when the real challenges of their endeavour come to the fore, that longing for fame or prestige is not enough to carry them through. In that case, they may just take rest in the jagrti for hours, or days, or months, or they may leave entirely.

And this happens in family margii life as well. A person formerly committed to Ananda Marga social service projects might become frustrated by the lack of results, or they may feel that no one else is helping, and think "Why should I be the one doing this." Overcome by that angst, they divert their energies elsewhere and spend all their time exclusively doing for their own self or laokik family. Whereas those who think that - "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him” - derive perennial inspiration for their pursuits.

In both cases, with Wts and family margiis, we see how frustration and fatigue sometimes gain the upper hand.

THEIR WORK IS BOUND TO BE TEMPORARY

This happens with each and every worldly work if their efforts are not fueled by spiritual inspiration. Why? Because those worldly pursuits, endeavours, and hobbies fail to provide eternal stamina and inspiration to continue. No matter how enthusiastically and seriously one is involved, tiredness consumes them. No material pursuit driven by some desire like name, fame, or social status etc can provide ongoing energy. Inevitably fatigue consumes them. Only those who devotionally and  psycho-spiritually involved can persevere. They think that - "This is His work, He is giving me boundless energy, and with that stamina I am doing to please Him.” They are blessed with ongoing inspiration for their endeavours.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "When people are engaged in intellectual activities, their work is bound to be temporary; likewise, when they perform action simply for the sake of action, this too is only temporary." (2)

That is one end of the spectrum: Worldly pursuits buoyed by some or more degree of psychic motivation.

ONLY SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION IS PERENNIAL

On the other end of the spectrum are those who derive their inspiration from the Supreme. For them, the aim is not any amount of name or fame, or material wealth or prestige, or any other mundane or relative factor. Nor are they motivated by an intellectual or social interest in a given issue like the environment or women’s rights. They are exclusively motivated by the idea of serving Parama Purusa.

When one has wholly adopted this spiritual outlook, they think that "This is His work; He has blessed me with the energy to serve; and I am doing to please Him.” By His grace, this idea imbibes each and every cell of their mind. They derive ongoing inspiration for their pursuits. Such persons never experience frustration or fatigue.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Since devotion has awakened in them and they have been endowed with spiritual inspiration, they are sure to attain success in whatever action they undertake. Plunge into action and you will find that you will be able to do anything and everything." (3)

Buoyed by spiritual ideation,one will never grow tired and one will always have ample energy to continue on in their noble endeavour. And they will do all sorts of great, lasting work for society, i.e. establishing His ideals.

MOMENTUM OF SPIRITUAL WORLD IS MOST POWERFUL

Thus one must always cultivate the right outlook: "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him." With practice and perseverance, this outlook along with spiritual sadhana will give one tremendous scope to perform all actions devoid of any feelings of frustration.

This is how Baba says we are to proceed. No matter the work, whether it be physical, psychic, or spiritual, if one moves ahead with true spiritual feeling, then one will never experience frustration or fatigue.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The momentum or attraction of the psychic realm is much more powerful than that of the physical world, and the momentum or attraction of the spiritual world is still more powerful. 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." (4)

ALWAYS WORKING FOR PARAMA PURUSA NOT FOR WORLDLY GAIN

At the beginning of this letter, we discussed those who work motivated by physical or psychic longing. Both of these types of people are bound to suffer from fatigue – quickly. There are no shortage of examples of this in our human society.

Whereas, the one who ideates on the Lord and thinks that - "This is His work; He has blessed me with the energy to serve; and I am doing to please Him” - they derive ongoing inspiration for their pursuits. Because that bhakta sees one and all as the manifestation of the Supreme. In that case their mind is ensconced in the thought of the Divine, even though they are living and working in this world.

So the ideation behind the action is what determines whether that person is prone to fatigue or not. Those who think that - "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him”- are truly blessed and receive ongoing fuel from Parama Purusa for all their pursuits.

WHY SOME WTS WHO GET FRUSTRATED IN THEIR

DHARMA PRACARA OR SOCIAL SERVICE PROJECTS

In our Ananda Marga, you may have seen some Wts become frustrated by their dharma pracara or social service projects. Mentally, they were more involved in worldly measurements and completely missed out ideating on and serving Him. Such workers were easily frustrated & often left. A classic example of this is type of mentality is to see how a Wt behaves after losing their post. If they become depressed and inactive, then it means they were motivated by having that high post and prestige. Whereas those doing to please Him always feel buoyant, blissful and ready for life - irrespective of their organisational stature etc.

That is the stark difference between those who think that "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him” and those motivated and affected by worldly gains and losses. If one is doing any service project or seva in order to please Parama Purusa, and not for name and fame - “I did this, I did that, this work was done by me” etc - then one will get ongoing inspiration. Fatigue will never sap them of their energy and motivation. Undauntedly, they will move ahead.

SELF-ANALYSIS AND SADHANA NEEDED

This should be the approach cent-per-cent of the time. For that, one must critically analyse their motivations and evaluate the nature of one’s work. Is this work solely for my individual or petty gain? if so, one is sure to lose inspiration quickly. Whereas those who think that - "This is His work; He has blessed me with the energy to serve; and I am doing to please Him” - receive ongoing fuel from Parama Purusa for all their pursuits.

With this type of self-analysis – along with regular spiritual practices – one will always persevere and gain success. Because they think that: "This is His work, He is the Supreme Doer, I am a mere tool in His hand, and I am doing to please Him." Then by His grace one will never experience any sort of fatigue. One will receive eternal inspiration from Him to complete each and every task in a nice way.

HOW TO RECEIVE ENDLESS INSPIRATION

Thus one must always cultivate the right outlook: "This is His work; He has blessed me with the energy to serve; and I am doing to please Him.” With practice and perseverance, this outlook along with spiritual practice will give one the scope to perform all actions devoid of any feelings of frustration.

By cultivating this spiritual outlook one will receive endless inspiration, while those motivated by mundane gains burn out quickly. Adopting a spiritual perspective is our strength. This is how Baba says we are to proceed.

When a person feeds their baby and thinks that they are serving Parama Purusa in the form of this child, then they will go on and on and never tire of their duty. Similarly, when one thinks of Him and raises the Prout slogan to please Him – and not for some unit psychic desire of getting elected to public office etc – then no matter the outcome one will not tire of doing Prout pracara work.

MATERIALISTS ARE PRONE TO FATIGUE

Here we should be aware about one thing: People look around the general society and often think that so-and-so individual is great and has boundless energy. They glorify their neighbors, friends, and acquaintances because they only see part of the picture. They know the problems that crop up in their own house, but they naively think others are immune to such issues. Thus they indiscriminately place a gold ribbon around such persons.

But this is wrong. None should fall in this type of delusion. What they are seeing is not the full picture. Those on the path of materialism are subject to fatigue, frustration, ignorance and despair. Keep that in mind the next time you see someone around town and think, "Wow, that person is really great in all respects."

Never forget, materialists are prone to fatigue and frustration. No matter how grand their life may look from the outside.

One can only overcome all tiredness and frustration by thinking that "This is His work, He has blessed me with the energy to serve, and I am doing to please Him." By this approach, fatigue will disappear and one will get renewed energy to do all kinds of good deeds and welfare projects for Him.

REVIEWING THE MAIN APPROACH

One must always cultivate the right outlook: "This is His work, He is the Supreme Doer, I am a mere tool in His hand, and I am doing to please Him." With practice and perseverance, this outlook along with spiritual sadhana will give one the scope to perform all actions devoid of any feelings of frustration. Frustration has an inverse relationship with spirituality. The more spiritually-based a person is, the less they will feel frustrated or mentally dejected. 

"WITHOUT INSPIRATION, THEY CANNOT ACHIEVE ANYTHING"

Sadguru Baba has blessed us with a proper social-sum-spiritual outlook, dharma sadhana, and the way to ideate while working in this world: "This is His work, He has blessed me with the energy to serve, and I am doing to please Him." One must practically and theoretically realise these gifts. Then there will never be fatigue in life; one will always feel that they are at the lotus feet of Parama Purusa.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "When human beings seek to do something lasting, or build something new, or promote human welfare, or establish something valuable to society, they must establish themselves in spiritual life. Without devotion, without inspiration, they cannot achieve anything." (5)

Sadguru Baba says, "Never think that you cannot do a certain work; just commit yourself to doing that work and you will see that you will certainly be able to do it. When you start working for the welfare of society, society can never remain backward; it is bound to progress, and through the advancement of society you will also achieve success in your life." (6)

Again, the only way to avoid feelings of hopelessness is to do for Him - and not for any selfish or worldly motivation.

Thus one must always cultivate the right outlook: "This is His work and He is giving me energy and I am doing to please Him." With practice and perseverance, this outlook along with spiritual sadhana will give one the scope to perform all actions devoid of any feelings of frustration.

This is how Baba says we are to proceed.

YOU MUST ACCEPT HIM AS THE ULTIMATE GOAL

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In this way it becomes easy to perform righteous deeds. What is important is to move towards Parama Puruśa, the only permanent Entity, along with one's knowledge and action, which we collectively call devotion. Without the inspiration of devotion, nothing lasting can be achieved. Thus conscientious people, whatever actions they may perform, must not deviate from the Supreme Goal in life. Ours is a subjective approach with objective adjustment: our main purpose is to continue with our mundane activities while placing our minds at the feet of Parama Puruśa. You must accept Him as the ultimate Goal of your lives, and then move on. If impediments arise in your movement towards the Goal, they must be removed from the path; and those circumstances which are beneficial to your progress must be encouraged. In this way you will individually progress, and that individual progress will also advance the collective life." (7)

NON-SADHAKAS CANNOT DO

To cultivate the feeling of “doing to please Him,” one must have reverence for Parama Purusa. And this only comes from sadhana and devotional longing. Without spiritual practices, one will be perplexed and wonder, “Why should I do for Him.” That is why non-sadhakas cannot manage this approach. Only those bhaktas fueled by sadhana and the thought of Him can think, “This is His work and He has blessed me with the opportunity to serve and by His grace I am doing to please Him.”

When the goal is pleasing Parama Purusa - and not worldly factors like praise, adulation, or post - then it does not matter if one is being heralded by others or not. Because one is not striving for or hoping to get that type of self-acclaim etc. In that case, if you are serving Parama Purusa and His creation and no one is praising you, then you are not deterred or deflated. Rather you will continue serving - fueled by that eternal source of inspiration. Regardless what others think or say, that sadhaka will continue working to please Parama Purusa. All because one is motivated by a deep spiritual yearning - not for any mundane gain. Then and only then does one receive perennial inspiration to move ahead.

KEY TO PERENNIAL INSPIRATION

The overarching idea of this entire letter is that those motivated by mundane longing and worldly attainment invariably experience frustration and other psychic ailments. While those who take His name and work to please Him receive perennial inspiration to move ahead and never feel an ounce of frustration. That is the remedy.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Prabha’


REFERENCES
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
3. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
5. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
6. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction
7. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 11, Momentum and Attraction

== Section 2 ==

The sections 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.

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Why Buddhists Got Confused

"Regarding jiivátmá [unit consciousness], Buddha did not use the term jiivátmá or any such word, but he uttered one sentence, Attáhi attánaḿ natha. This sentence may have two meanings. One meaning is, “One is the lord of one’s own self,” and the other is, “Átman is the lord of átman.” The second meaning perhaps is more acceptable because in the Prákrta language the word appan is generally used to indicate one’s own self, while the word attá is mainly used in the sense of átman, or soul. Thus one cannot conclusively prove that Buddha did not accept the existence of átman; there is sufficient scope for controversy on this point." (1)

"Buddha clearly and firmly supported the doctrine of rebirth. In fact, no doctrine before him had placed as much stress on the theory of rebirth as his did. One who accepts the theory of rebirth is bound to accept the existence of átman also. If the átman is non-existent, then who will take rebirth?" (2)

REFERENCES
1. NSS, Dsic: 18
2. NSS, Dsic: 18

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== Section 3 ==

Links

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2015/01/three-kinds-of-devotees-and-tests-2-more.html

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2015/01/lazy-teacher-bad-outcome-3-more.html

AND HERE IS MORE INFO:

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

**********************************
Answers on Pranayama

11 Question: What is práńáyáma?

Answer: Práńáyáma is defined as: Tasmin sati shvása prashvásayoh gativicchedah práńáyáma. That is, “Práńáyáma is the process of breath control along with the imposition of the ideation of Supreme Consciousness.” It helps the mind in concentration and meditation.

12 Question: What is the spirit of práńáyáma?

Answer: Pránán yamayati eśah práńáyámah. That is, the word práńáyáma literally means “controlling the práńáh [vital energy]”. The psycho-philosophy behind the practice of práńáyáma is that the spiritual aspirant tries to let the práńendriya [ten vital-energy currents] remain in a state of pause so that the paused unit mind will merge into the ocean of consciousness.

13 Question: How many types of práńáyáma are there?

Answer: There are two main types of práńáyáma: hat́ha yaogika práńáyáma and Yudhiśt́hira práńáyáma. When práńáyáma is done without fixing the mind on a particular point of concentration, and without imbibing Cosmic ideation, it is called hat́ha yaogika práńáyáma. But when práńáyáma is performed with the mind fixed at a particular point along with Cosmic ideation, it is called Yudhiśt́hira práńáyáma. [The eldest Pandava, Yudhisthira, was the first person to popularize práńáyáma according to this method.] (Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation)

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Gunas: Story of Three Thieves

Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2012 20:21:32 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Tiirthapati Deva
Subject: Gunas: Story of Three Thieves

Baba

== GUNAS: STORY OF THREE THIEVES ==

~ HOW THEY RULE ~

Namaskar,
When you feel inspired to do more sadhana and be more vigilant in 16 Points then in that phase you are more dominated by sattvagun'a; and if you feel lethargic to do asanas but eventually do them in a half-way sort of manner, then you are more dominated by a rajogun'a; and if feel a complete lack of interest in spiritual life and are instead attracted to mundane and sensual pleasures, then you are more dominated by tamogun'a.

If most of the time you are dominated by sattvaguńa then you are a sattvaguńii.

Here Baba illustrates how the various three gun'as affect a person's life choices.

Baba says, "A sattvaguńii person always finds sattvaguńa in everything. Similarly, a rajoguńii finds rajoguńah, and a tamoguńii finds tamoguńa. On visiting Káshi a righteous person [sattvaguńii] shall associate with the sages and saints on the bank of the Ganges and will find Káshi to be the most sacred place. A tourist [rajoguńii] will go round the city and find it a city like all others, while a cheat [tamoguńii] will find this city a proper place for his operations. The same city is visualised in three different ways by three persons according to their respective temperaments. " (Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva)

Thus, sattvaguńa will lead one along the path to the Divine; tamoguńa pushes one along the path of severe degradation; and rajoguńa is more of a neutral enterprise, neither high nor low.

Baba says, "With the help of prakrti’s sattvaguńa, the aspirant can gain access into the universal, imperishable consciousness. When his mind merges in universal mind, this state is called “savikalpa samádhi”. According to natural principles, if the aspirant takes something limited and perishable as the object of his attainment and adopts it as the goal of their life, they unconsciously proceed toward tamoguńa – toward crudeness, and eventually towards animality. Tamoguńa alone is crudeness, and rajoguńa can be called dynamism, and sattvaguńa the harmonious enlightenment." (Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva)

Finally we should also understand that all three gun'as are present within each and every human being - and every entity of this cosmos - but to varying degrees.

There are three gun'as, i.e. binding principles governed by prakrti, and they influence the mind of each and every sadhaka in various ways.

The preceding paragraphs and teachings provide a background about the nature of the three gunas and how they affect human thought and action.

HOW THIS AFFECTS PEOPLE IN DAY TO DAY LIFE

As noted, everything in this universe is bound by all three gunas, yet one is usually more dominant than the other two. For instance, if a normal person one day wakes up with the ardent desire to learn meditation, then it can be said they are now dominated by sattvagun'a. And if after some months or years on the path, they get tempted by alcohol and plunge themselves into a drunken stupor, then they regressed and were dominated by tamogun'a.

Not all examples are quite so stark; there are a thousand shades of gray in between and you may recognise in your own life when you feel more dominated by the sentient principle (sattvagun'a), and when more dominated by the mutative principle (rajogun'a), and when more dominated by the static principle (tamogun'a).

Baba says, "All the three attributes operate together in everything, although in varying proportions. Those things where sattvaguńa predominates are called “sattvika”, those where rajoguńa dominates are called “rájasika”, and those where tamoguńa is dominant are called “támasika”." (Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva)

But whatever may be, ultimately these three gun'as are all binding principles operated by prakrti - the cosmic operative principle. They have their own limitations. These gunas themselves cannot liberate you from bondage. They cannot grant you mukti or moksa, not even sattvagun'a. And they can't bring you to the abode of Parama Purusa.

To best illustrate this in a clear manner, Baba has recounted the story of the three thieves in various discourses. Here below is a summary of Baba's story.

THE STORY OF THE THREE THIEVES

A sadhaka was once crossing a forested jungle in hopes of reaching to one great city. Along the way, the sadhaka was accosted by three thieves - Mr. Tamogun'a, Mr. Rajogun'a, and Mr. Sattvagun'a.

The thief named Mr. Tamogun'a wanted to kill the sadhaka and steal everything he had. And verily Tamogun'a was about to murder the sadhaka when the thief named Mr. Rajogun'a intervened. Mr. Rajogun'a was not in favour of killing the sadhaka; he merely wanted to tie him up and rob him. Mr. Sattvaguna remained quiet and watched.

Mr. Tamgoguna and Mr. Rajoguna then harassed and tied up the sadhaka, and then all three thieves went to go hunting in the jungle. While the other two thieves were still out hunting, the thief named Mr. Sattvagun'a returned to the scene of the crime.

With much remorse he looked at that sadhaka and said, "Oh dear, you are in terrible trouble. I am so sorry. I wanted to help you earlier, but with those other two guys around I could not intervene. So I had to keep quiet."

Then Mr. Sattvagun'a quickly untied the sadhaka and gave him back his belongings. He then led the sadhaka through the jungle and stood at the very edge and showed the sadhaka the path to the city of lights. But Mr. Sattavguna himself could not leave the darkness at the edge of the jungle, as he was, after all, a thief. So the sadhaka was saved from the dangers of the jungle by Mr. Sattvagun'a, but then still had to advance further to the city of lights.

WHAT DOES THE STORY MEAN

(A) We can liken the thief named Mr. Tamogun'a to that aspect of maya that leads one to utter degeneration: drinking liquor, harming others, eating meat, torturing animals, etc. When one is dominated by tamoguna, their degradation is sure.

Many, many non-margiis fall in this category as they are quite satisfied with mundane allurements and lesser tendencies, and altogether oblivious about spiritual life. Within this camp, there are definite degrees. Some are just animals in human form gorged in primal instincts whereas others might be demons in human form as they wish to undermine the welfare of others.

That is why Baba paints such a gruesome picture of the thief tamogun'a in his above story. Because those dominated by tamogun'a get ruined, even destroyed. They are just like the living dead, killed by tamoguna.

(B) Mr. Rajogun'a is not quite as nasty or mean-minded as Mr. Tamogun'a, but we cannot think that Mr. Rajogun'a is very helpful either. Mr. Rajogun'a did not want to kill the sadhaka, rather he robbed the him and left him tied up to suffer in the dark.

In the practical sphere, we can think of human beings dominated by rajogun'a as those who run after name and fame, are bound largely by their ego, and are mostly living for their own self-indulgence.

They are neither service-oriented nor interested in higher ideals. Nor though are they plotting another's complete destruction. On occasion, those dominated by rajoguna may even do decent works in life, but those works will still keep one in bondage.

(C) Then we come to the thief Mr. Sattvagun'a. In the above story, Mr. Sattvagun'a is basically portrayed as the hero. He helps the sadhaka get out of the dark jungle and march towards the city. He helps people out of the shadows of avidya maya and with the help of samvit shakti brings one onto the path of self-knowledge.

However, one should not then think that sattvagun'a can then liberate any sadhaka from all bondages. It cannot. Sattvagun'a itself is a binding principle - it keeps jiivas in bondage.

As the story shows though, sattvagun'a will bring sadhakas onto the right path. Those dominated by this binding principle will find the Guru, get initiation, have an appreciation for spiritual life, and live a sentient, God-centered existence.

ONE MORE POINT TO NOTE

Even then a sadhaka who is 65% sentient, 20% mutative, and 15% tamasik may fall prey, on occasion, to the ways of tamogun'a.

So being dominated by sattva'guna is not liberation. Still one is bound and prone to downfall.

Only if one is fully immersed in the thought of Parama Purusa - day and night, i.e. 99% sattvaguna - are they not prone to degrading activities. Then they are still in bondage to some degree (i.e. food, death etc), but they have almost zero chance of falling into the mire of tamogun'a.

THE ONLY ESCAPE ~ HOW TO GET LIBERATION

So the three binding principles - sattvagun'a, rajogun'a, and tamo'guna - each have their own agendas and function and keep the jiiva bound to the cycle of life and death. We must not forget that even good and noble actions are binding. Good actions reap good samskaras that then have to be exhausted.

Here Baba describes how maya can deliver one to the doorstep of the kingdom of Parama Purusa, but it cannot grant liberation. For that, one must cross one last hurdle, and to cross that devotion is needed.

Baba says, "Ma'ya' has three gun'as – operative principles through which it works – viz., sattvagun'a (sentient principle), rajogun'a (mutative principle) and tamogun'a (static principle). They work and lie in an ascending order on the road to the Absolute. The sentient principle (sattvagun'a) has the capacity to take the sa'dhaka very near Him (Nira'ka'ra Brahma) by making the mind more and more subtle. But there still lies a gap between this point and Nira'ka'ra Brahma. This gap is known as bha'va or bha'vasa'gar. This gap can only be bridged with the help of devotion. Thus we see that ma'ya', channelized properly (in its sentient operating principle) can take the sa'dhaka to a point very near Ishvara, from which point the domain of devotion begins." (Subhasita Samgraha - 19)

So there is only one way to free oneself from the three thieves or three binding principles. And that is to develop a link with the Supreme Entity, for only He is beyond the binding faculties. Only by ideating on Parama Purusa can one cross the ocean - bha'vasa'gar - and reach unto Him.

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "So one must remember that one may or may not attain salvation by dint of one’s own spiritual practices: one will have to depend on His Grace. And because He is one with each and every expressed entity through His ota and prota yoga, He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharan'a'gati. This sharan'a'gati is the only reply to all spiritual questions. Thus He clearly says,

Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k
So'pi pa'pavinirmukto mucyate bhavabandhana't.
Daevii hyes'a' gun'amayii mama Ma'ya' duratyaya'
Ma'meva ye prapadyante Ma'ya'meta'm' taranti te.

“This ma'ya' is a dangerous force. The dexterous hands of ma'ya' create so many problems, and these problems are dangerous: Aghat'ana ghatana pat'iiyasii ma'ya'. It is very difficult for human beings to surmount the effect of ma'ya'. But I am there. Those who have resorted to sharan'a'gati, who have taken shelter in me, will easily surmount these waves of difficulties, of worries and anxieties in life. Even sinners should depend upon me – I am here to help them.” U'ta'mrtasyesha'no: He is not only the Lord of heaven, He is the Lord of hell also. U'ta' means hell. So even a sinner of hell should not become mentally disturbed because the Lord of hell is with him. Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k. “Even if the sinner of sinners resorts to sharan'a'gati, to complete surrender, then so'pi pa'pavinirmukta – they will be freed from all kinds of sins”: mucyate bhavabandhana't. “They must attain salvation, for I am the granter of salvation.” (Subhasita Samgraha - 11)

Namaskar,
at His alter,
Tiirthapati

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Pradiip shala'ka' jvele cali eka', se priyo to mor elo na'..." ( P.S. 4794)

Purport:

Alone, sitting in isolation I lit the lamp. I was waiting and wondering why my Dearmost has not come. I wanted to have a glance of Him, to lay my
eyes on Him. Neither did He come, nor did He look towards me.  

Sitting in dhyana, in my mind I prepared and decorated a seat for Him; I was waiting and waiting for Him. In dhyana, I was just asking Him for boons - to fulfill my worldly desires. I did not want to have Him. Rather, I wanted worldly things - boons etc. I did not ask for those things which are divine and eternal. Instead I asked for perishable, decaying, material things - which are under the bondage of time, space, and person. Instead of longing for Him, I asked Him for boon after boon. In my misguided dhyana, all these crude types of desires I had.

All that went in vain because my Dearmost did not come. In dhyana, when I was folding His seat and putting it away, I thought that without
pure devotion nothing is going to happen; I cannot get Him. What I did in dhyana was just a waste of time. Everything went in vain. I gave more
importance to worldly things in comparison to devotion and I went on asking for parabhakti from Him. That too went in vain.  

Sitting alone I lit the lamp and waited, but my Dearmost did not come...

Two Important Points

Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:02:36 +0530
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "Gurucaran"
Subject: Two Important Points

Baba

PS Intro: This following song was written in the Urdu language.

"Karata'ra ha'ma're, tumhare liye yaha'n a'na'..."   (P.S. 4165)

Purport:

Baba, O' my lord, by Your grace I have come on this earth for You. Baba, whether You love me or not is Your choice, but please do not play hide and
seek with me. Baba, please remain in my close proximity so I can see and feel Your always. Baba, I also want that You should love me always. Baba,
You are the star of my eye - You are the charm of my life. Baba, without You my existence is meaningless.

Baba, You are the most attractive and divine Entity - brilliant in Your divine effulgence. Baba, Your infinite love is expressed in each and everything of this world: In the flowers' fragrance, the children's smiles, the beauty of the rainbow. All the sweetness comes from You. All the beauty of the entire expressed world - including the flora and fauna - everything expresses Your love. Baba, You have saturated this entire creation with Your grace-compassion. Your love resonates within each and every thing. The inherent beauty of every entity is the expression of Your love, the reflection of Your love.

Baba, whether I like it or not, I am residing in Your heart. I am within You. Baba, You are the nucleus of this entire creation. My everything is revolving around You. I do not know which form You are but the entire universe is within You. Baba, You are surrounding everything. You are within and without each and every created being. Baba, You are my Lord; You are my everything. My only duty is to serve You, to please You - and do all those things which You like. Baba, You are my ultimate Goal.  

Baba, my Lord, You have brought me on this earth for You - to serve You. O my Dearmost Baba, I love you so much...

Note: ABOUT THE URDU LANGUAGE

The Urdu language originally started around Delhi when outside or overseas soldiers were not aware how to speak Hindi. They were going to the market and speaking in their own version of the local language. In this way they started interacting with the common people. Subsequently, the Urdu language first sprang up and it became known as the market language. When Hindi and Arabic were mixed, this new language took shape. And since this language was spoken by a group of soldiers using a military uniform (wardi), that is why the name of the language became known as 'wardi'. Over time and due to a similarity in pronunciation,  'wardi' became 'Urdu'. This historical and linguistic guideline Baba has given in His grammar book.

== TWO IMPORTANT POINTS ==

Namaskar
One day Baba was discussing the 'Seven Secrets of Success', and in that darshan He Himself differentiated between 'worldly success' & 'peace' - stating that 'peace' is the real charm that people want, not worldly success. Then He pointedly stated that to attain peace in day-to-day life, two more points are needed.

WHAT ARE THOSE TWO POINTS

In a nutshell, those two points are (1) Focusing on the Goal of life, and (2) Doing dhyana intermittently throughout the day.

Those are the two very special & highly unique points. And it is these two ingredients which are so keenly important for inviting peace and bliss into one's life.

These two points are Baba's special message to us for making our life blissful and peaceful.

So we should take this time as a special occasion & great opportunity to truly understand what Baba is saying, lest we lose out on the essence of life by not getting peace.

APPLYING THESE TWO POINTS IN OUR DAILY LIFE

WILL BRING PEACE AND BLISS

As we now embark on this endeavour of how to practically apply these two unique points to our own individual lives, we should remember that worldly success and peace are two different things.

Worldly success can often mean mundane success such as money, name, fame, prestige, career, or even health. And often times this is what people yearn for in order to get success. This is quite common. But the results are most often meagre and not at all worthy.

They are temporary - not permanent. Either such worldly gains or possessions will decay or become lost completely, thereby leaving you in tears; or, you will leave them behind when you leave this earth. Our connection with such objects is fleeting.

As Baba says, it is peace of mind, not worldly success, that people truly desire. Because peace is something higher & more subtle. Peace means balance and equipoise; in a phrase, peace means being in a spiritual flow and ensconced in His bliss. And ultimately, this is what every human yearns for.

APPLYING THESE TWO POINTS IN OUR DAILY LIFE

WILL BRING PEACE AND BLISS

Here are ways we can practice these two points on a daily basis in our practical lives. Then we will really be on the path of bliss.

#1: Focusing on the Goal of Life

Most people on this earth have no true goal in life; indeed must never even ponder, 'Who am I, and why have I come here'. In that case their life will be nothing more than a goalless journey, utterly devoid of any real peace.

For Ananda Margiis, our Goal is crystal clear. Parama Purusa is our Goal. And this we must remember and focus on Him all day long in order to bring peace into our lives.

Along these lines of remembering the goal, Baba brings forth the example of a train traveling from point A to B. There are so many stations between the passenger and their destination. The tendency is to think about the various stops and stations along the way, and even miss their own destination. We should not be like such travelers. Those who forget about the Goal of life misuse their time, miss the opportunity to follow bhagavad dharma, and go astray. As sadhakas, we must always keep the vision fixed on the Goal of life. That is Parama Purusa.

#2: Do Dhyana Intermittently Throughout the Day

The second key ingredient for attaining perfect peace, or peace of mind, or complete mental equipoise, is to do dhyana whenever one gets that chance.

And like the first point, this one is also quite easy. Because we can do dhyana anywhere and everywhere. When in between duties or various works, we can close the eyes and meditate on Him. Then before eating food we can ideate, just prior to leaving the house we can think of Him by doing dhyana. Then when on line at the store, while waiting for a friend, when riding on a train, when waiting for an appointment, verily on all these occasions and more we can do dhyana. So whenever we have a tiny gap in the day, then we should do dhyana for a few moments, regardless of what physical posture we are in. These mini dhyana sessions will have a magnificent effect on your life.

Because when we think of Him, His divine vibration and sweet love consumes our existence. We instantly feel His grace and in turn we get tremendous strength, courage, and inspiration to do anything and everything.

Doing intermittent dhyana can be done for a minute or two - whenever we have time during the day (or night).

So making dhyana a regular element in our daily routine is quite easy and quite beneficial. It is easy in that nothing extra is needed. It is not like doing half-bath which demands having certain facilities; and it is not like fasting which is only done on certain days etc. Dhyana can be done anytime and anywhere.

The more we do it, the more regular and easier it will become. Indeed, instantly, Baba's sweet grace and divine presence will fill one's mental plate.

In that case, peace will be a natural and inherent element of your life.

BABA'S TEACHINGS

Baba says, "For everlasting freedom from duhkha, paramártha [that which provides permanent liberation] is the only remedy. Paramártha does not bring only temporary remission, but everlasting freedom from duhkha. Atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only by Paramártha which relieves one of all duhkha: physical, mental and spiritual. This Paramártha can only be obtained by sadhana, that is, spiritual practices. For maintaining peace psychic equilibrium is necessary, and for maintaining this equilibrium freedom from all duhkha forever is necessary. Freedom from duhkha or atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only from Paramártha, and Paramártha can be achieved only by sadhana, or spiritual practices." (A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology)

Baba says, "Absolute or permanent peace cannot occur in collective life because the created universe, which is embedded in the process of saiṋcara [extroversion] and pratisaiṋcara [introversion] is, in fact, dominated first by avidyá [extroversial force], and then by vidyá [introversial force], respectively. When the existence of the universe is rooted in the existence of these two, then permanent peace (támasikii or sáttvikii as the case may be) in the universe would mean the cessation of the activities of either vidyá or avidyá, or both. This is why it has to be said that collective peace in the universe cannot occur except in the case of pralaya, and the concept of pralaya is illogical. However in individual life human beings can certainly achieve absolute peace through sadhana. From the worldly viewpoint I consider this state to be the pralaya of individual life." (Problems of the Day #15)

Baba says, "While doing spiritual practice, spiritual sadhana, while singing kiirtana and dancing, we should remember the fact that all our spiritual activities are just a dance around Parama Puruśa, lessening the distance, lessening the length of the radius, coming from close to closer proximity to our ideological Desideratum. We should always remember this fact. And there cannot be any peace, any happiness or any beatitude till the aspirant comes in tactual contact with the Supreme Self." (19 May 1979 evening, Timmern, West Germany)

Baba says, "On many different occasions in life, whether big or small, one can hope to attain a certain degree of mental composure, but permanent composure or “prashánti” or “átyántikii shánti” (composure beyond which there is no further composure, and which, once attained is never lost) cannot be attained easily. In war, an army may win one battle thus attaining a certain degree of composure, but they may be defeated in the next battle. Victory, once attained, may not necessarily be permanent. Only vijaya, that is, victory which is never followed by defeat, is permanent. A person wishing to attain permanent composure will have to attain Shiva or Parama Puruśa. There is no other alternative. Hence it is said, “Gatvam Shivaḿ shántimatyantamati”. Once one enters deep into the realm of permanent composure one gets a permanent abode in that supreme state of bliss." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, The Attainment of Permanent Composure)

Baba says, "A person wishing to attain permanent composure will have to attain Shiva or Parama Puruśa. There is no other alternative. Hence it is said, “Gatvam Shivaḿ shántimatyantamati”. Once one enters deep into the realm of permanent composure one gets a permanent abode in that supreme state of bliss." (13 January 1979, Kalikata)

OVERALL BENEFIT OF THESE TWO PRACTICES

So these above two points - (1) Focusing on the Goal of life, and (2) Doing dhyana intermittently throughout the day - are quite practical for us and the effects will be immediate. So many good things will happen.

We will find that we no longer get into petty arguments, all our doubts and fears will melt away, we will be more self-assured and confident, we will never feel bored, loneliness will vanish, we will be inspired to do more and more good works, and so many positive results will come. And, on the whole, life will certainly be more joyful, peaceful, tranquil, and calm.

So practicing these two points - focusing on the Goal of life & doing intermittent dhyana for a minute or two throughout the day - will bring a plethora of beneficial results in our lives. Plus, we will always feel like He is with us - and that is perhaps the biggest boon of all.

BABA'S BLESSING

We are blessed to have His divine teachings. By this we will easily be able to bring peace and bliss into our lives, and attain the ultimate Goal of life.

Baba says, "So the intellect of the sensuous man is wasted over external objects. The human mind that has in it an unbridled desire for mundane pleasure is never at peace. In such a state no one can attain Brahma. When the mind preoccupied with finite objects, can one get the integrated whole? When your longing is towards the crude, you will undoubtedly become crudified yourself. Your mind will leap from one crude desire to another - will run form one object after another in a wild pursuit. Such is the way of the materialistic, isn’t it? But an aspirant, being in the midst of all and making the right use of everything, proceeds towards the supreme goal. Learn the Intuitional Science from the competent preceptor and proceed accordingly." (Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Desire & Attachment)

Baba says, "The sadhana, or spiritual practices, of the Marga do not teach forsaking the world. They teach the right and correct use of all property, crude or subtle. Our sadhana is a systematic and scientific method for physical, mental and spiritual progress and advancement by which permanent psychic equilibrium, and thus everlasting peace, is established." (A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology)

Baba says, "Try to remember Him always. This remembering Him always, in all spheres and all strata of life, is called “dhruvásmrti”. Don’t forget this for a single moment. By dint of your sádhaná, try to develop dhruvásmrti and be one with Him, and in peace, for infinity." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Your Real Friend)

In Him,
Gurucaran

Note 1: WHICH DISCOURSE

The aforementioned topic about these two points was graciously given by Revered Baba in Diigha on 9 Feb 1989.

Spiritual Life & God of Death

Date: 08 Aug 2012 22:42:44 -0000
From: "Sudama Dev"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Spiritual Life & God of Death

Baba

"Bha'lo besechile keno bolo..."  (PS 2014)

Purport:

Baba, You have graced me and brought me in Your close proximity and showered me in Your divine love. So it is Your liila that now I have deep
longing for You yet You are not coming close. Baba, please tell me why You loved me. What was the use, if today You do not allow me to hold You. Baba,
internally You are not moved or touched by my tears. You remain impassioned and distant.

Baba, I have decorated my humble abode exclusively for You. Baba, by Your grace I am trying to follow 16 Points and Your many do's and don'ts to
prepare my mind for Your divine arrival. Baba, I have forgotten who is close and who is distant; in my heart there is no differentiation from one
human being to another. Everyone is mine. Baba, after crying profusely for You, I became miserable, and in this way my whole night passed in Your
longing. Because You did not come.

Baba, in the end the flowers dried up and withered away. And all my tears just dried up in the air. The pain and suffering of my longing floated away in the sky and ultimately got lost in the oblivion.  

Baba, I am crying in Your longing but You are not coming. Then why are You attracting me and why have You bound me in Your divine love. Baba, my
heart and mind have become so restless-- yet You are not coming close. Why are You doing like this. Baba, please grace me and come close...


End Note: This is a deeply devotional song where the sadhaka is blessed with intense love for the Lord. It is only with the deep feeling of longing that the mind rushes towards Parama Purusa. Without that sense of 'longing' in the heart then one cannot get Parama Purusa. So in order to move ahead on the spiritual path, one must long to attain Him. Indeed this yearning to have Him is one essential factor in getting His closeness. So in this song, by Baba's grace, the devotee has a deep sense of longing in his heart. And by that way the sadhaka becomes more and more close until finally merging in Him. Altogether, it is similar to how one baby starts crying and wants to be held by the mother, and then that mother comes rushing to get her baby.
Likewise, the feeling of longing is absolutely necessary in devotional life, because in that way one reaches the Goal.

== SPIRITUAL LIFE AND GOD OF DEATH ==

Namaskar,

Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrytyun'a' dharma'caret

Baba's divine teaching of one DMC was translated in this way in our AM publications:

"During spiritual practice one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one's hair-- that one's death is imminent."

That is how they translated that line. Now see how their translation was pieced together with the next few lines of the discourse.

"During spiritual practice one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one's hair - that one's death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (Subhasita Samgraha - 11, p.13)

In the above shloka Baba uses the term dharma-a'caran' which means dharmic conduct. But the translators incorrectly wrote the meaning of
the term dharma a'caran' as spiritual practice. And that has created a big problem.

Please think of it in this way. If one starts thinking about the god of death at the time of their sadhana, then their sadhana will be ruined. So due to the improper translation of just one term, the entire meaning of the shloka was taken in the wrong direction and became misleading.

Once again, the proper meaning of the term dharma-a'caran' is dharmic conduct. And the central idea of what Baba has given in His discourse is
that while observing and leading a spiritual life - in all our day to day works & and in all our conduct - we should think that life is very short and that anytime the god of death can take it away. Thus we should pointedly involve ourselves and complete every endeavor at the earliest. That is the essence and spirit of Baba's teaching.

It is not that one should think about the god of death at the time of sadhana. Because if during mediation anyone starts thinking about something other than their shuddhis or their mantra, then that is not at all good. Rather during sadhana one should just be involved in chanting their own Ista mantra. Unfortunately though, the translators took the meaning of the shloka in an entirely different direction - as if one should be thinking about the god of death when doing meditation etc.

For everyone's awareness and knowledge here following is the proper translation of the shloka.

Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrytyun'a' dharma'caret

"While observing dharmic conduct one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one's hair-- that one's death is imminent. And
accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period."

Namaskar,
Sudama


Note: Baba is the Propounder of AM philosophy and in that philosophy He has used terms from various languages, especially Sanskrit. To clarify the meaning of those terms Baba has given His own grammar books and encyclopedias etc. So those who want to learn AM philosophy indepthly have to study Baba's teachings on grammar and language also - as well as delve deep in sadhana and study His related scripture. Otherwise most of the concepts will remain beyond their grasp.

Ananda Margiis' Status

Date: Sat, 05 May 2012 22:56:09 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Hariish Deva
Subject: Ananda Margiis' Status

Baba

== ANANDA MARGIIS' STATUS == 

Namaskar,

Baba says, "Most people spend their lives on this planet eating and drinking. Sometimes they contract diseases, their stomachs become distended, and they die. But there are certain exceptional people who say, 'No, we have not come to eat, drink and make merry.' Those who lead licentious lives foolishly get involved in brawls and fights, but the exceptional people say, 'No, we don't want to live such a life, we have to lead an ideological life on the path of "A'tmamoks'a'rtham' jagaddhita'ya ca."

"Those people who are society's exceptions are extraordinary people. They alone will build human history. Others cannot and will not do it."

"These exceptional people are sometimes seen as lunatics by the naive public, but the fact is that these exceptional people do something new and constructive for society."

"You should also know that you are exceptions. You too will do something great, will build up something historical." (9th January '79)

The life of each and every good margii is looked upon as something peculiar in the eyes of the common people. The reason is A-grade margiis are not involved in the religious dogma or materialistic ways of common people; plus all margiis are practicing yoga, kiirtan, sadhana, eating only sentient food, and following progressive ideas. So margiis' thinking and living
and socializing are quite different from the common public. That is why the common public thinks margiis are peculiar people. But sincere margiis are not worried about this; rather they know that this is one merit. Such margiis are great exceptions and they are also the vanguards of the entire society. All sincere margiis are making the path which the common public will
tread in the very near future.

Namaskar,
Hariish Deva

Spiritual Vibration & Touch

Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:46:19 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Manomohan Deva
Subject: Spiritual Vibration & Touch

Baba

"A'ka'she a'loke bhese ja'y tava mahima'ri katha'..." (PS 3287)

Puport:

 Baba, You are the most magnificent One. The tale of Your glory and
grandeur is floating and permeating throughout each and every molecule of
the vast, blue sky and in the effulgence-- everywhere. Baba, Your story,
the story of the ever-present, Ancient One, is glittering in all the
realms: in both bhuloka and duloka-- in the physical and spiritual worlds.
Baba, You are so gracious.
 O' Ancient, Divine One, You are eternally, ever-new. Baba, by Your grace
You are always, intrinsically with everyone-- just like their vital force,
just like their pra'na. Baba, You always remain present in my feeling,
ideation, and intuition. For that reason this eternal longing of my heart
is for You and You alone.  
   Baba, by Your grace with the flow of effulgence You color my mind and
You are sitting in the depths of my ideation playing Your divine flute in
the deep core of my heart. Baba You are so compassionate: You do not
neglect or overlook anyone. You graciously goad everyone towards divinity,
You show everyone the path which leads to immortality.  
   Baba, please shower Your causeless grace; I surrender at Your lotus feet...


                == SPIRITUAL VIBRATION & TOUCH ==

Namaskar,
As Ananda Margiis we openly recognise that spirituality is the highest
thing in life. That is the greatest endeavour: spiritual attainment. And to
reach to that highest stance and come in contact with Parama Purusa we all
do sadhana.

Side by side, we readily accept that in the spiritual realm His grace is
everything. That is the be-all and end-all. Nothing more is needed than
that; this much we all know and feel: That Baba's causeless grace is
everything.

Yet at the same time in this panoramic liila of Parama Purusa, as human
beings our assigned duty is to do sadhana. That is, we are to put forth our
best effort and  follow the path which He has graciously given. We have to
please Him by following His teachings.

So when Guru has given the system of intuitional practice, our duty is to
follow that path. In that case, sadhana has to be done-- there is no other
way.

Here following then are a few points related with spiritual vibration and
how to best retain that special feeling which we all get by doing His
sadhana. Everyone is also welcome and very much encouraged to write in with
their own thoughts and experiences.


           BABA SHOWERS HIS DIVINE BLESSING AND GRACE

In His magnificent manner, it is well accepted that Baba being the Parama
Purusa can grace us in innumerable ways. We can feel His grace by attending
and seeing His divine darshan. Plus when doing His dhyana, we can come in
contact with His divine presence and feel His closeness-- His grace. In
dream also He bathes us in His divine effulgence. So there are multiple
ways in which we feel His grace. Or more specifically, He has innumerable
ways to shower His infinite grace.

And sure enough one of the most visible ways to receive His grace is by His
physical touch. We all know that while in physical form, Baba would touch
sadhakas as a way to bless and grace them. This we have all seen or heard
about on countless occasions. Where by His mere touch Baba was able to put
aspirants into samadhi and or cure their ailments etc. By His touch
sadhakas could feel His grace. In countless demonstrations Baba has shown
this.

After all who has not heard about how Baba would regularly direct various
persons like Dasarthji to grab onto His toe and by doing so Dasarthji would
then be able to see past, present, and future-- by Baba's grace. This Baba
has demonstrated oh so many times-- too many to count.

Here the whole point we can understand that physical touch has the capacity
to carry spiritual vibrations. By physical touch spiritual wavelengths are
transferred.


             ALL ARE ATTRACTED TO HIS DIVINE FORM

For this reason, while in physical form, all were madly running after Baba.
Because by coming in His physical contact one could feel His spiritual
vibration, His divine grace, His boundless love.

At the same time in His divine liila, Baba was not openly allowing
disciples to touch Him. This is also a well known fact. Physically touching
His feet was not allowed when doing sastaunga pranam. And if done, then in
His divine play and dramatic way Baba would become visibly furious and
angry. So this was His liila': Sadhakas were deeply attracted to His
physical form and side by side Baba was not allowing people to rush up and
touch Him.


                    "I AM THE NUCLEUS OF CHARM" -- BABA
                  
              THE STORY BEHIND THE FORMATION OF VSS

To control the situation-- to keep sadhakas from running up and touching
Him-- Baba Himself formed the cadre of VSS: 'Volunteers for Social
Service'. Since those days the first and foremost duty of VSS was to keep a
tranquil and clear pathway for Baba, wherever He would go. To allow Him to
move around in peace without being barraged by the many margiis and wts who
wanted to have His physical touch.

To further explain this grand phenomenon, on various special occasions Baba
has graciously revealed His unique plan behind the formation of VSS.

"I am the nucleus of the charm, all get attracted to Me, people grab Me, so
for that reason I had to make VSS."

By His grace on select circumstances Baba has revealed that this unique
truth: That He is the embodiment of spiritual charm and for this reason
sadhakas are deeply attracted to His physical presence and to keep control
of the situation it was necessary for Him to form the VSS cadre.


               A FEW OF BABA'S PRACTICAL GUIDELINES

By all this we can easily realise that spiritual waves pass through
physical touch.

With this in mind, in order to direct human beings along the proper path,
Baba has given various guidelines to help people advance. Because
maintaining a spiritual vibration while living in this mundane world is not
an easy job. We need help wherever we can get it. So to maintain our
spiritual flow, one point Baba advises us is to minimize our physical
contact or touching with the common public-- with others.

Baba says, "Do not shake hands with anyone." (CC-1, chap 7)

Baba says, "Unrelated men and women should not, as far as is possible,
touch each other." (CC-I, 95 Edn, p.49)

So as far as we can understand His liila, we can see that this point of
touching others-- or not touching others-- has meaning. It is not just a
physical or psychic or social expression. By touch, spiritual energy is
also transferred-- i.e. it can be lost.


                          IN OUR OWN LIVES

So in our own practical life we should try to follow the word and spirit of
Baba's above guidelines-- as far as possible. This is something for us all
to experiment with and gain an inner understanding of. Along these lines
here are some points for everyone's consideration.              

As sadhakas to whatever degree possible after doing sadhana one should not
touch others right away. Of course in our family lives we have small
children etc, but to whatever extent we can, we should try not to come in
physical contact with others immediately after doing sadhana.

In addition, sadhana should not be done with a cat or dog in our lap. Nor
should we hold our small babies in our arms when doing sadhana. Best is to
be alone when doing sadhana, and not touching others.

And if we all think further on this there are probably numerous other
approaches regarding physical touch and sadhana etc.

Overall, the above are but a few of the many ways to increase one's sadhana
and spiritual flow as they help to retain one's devotional vibration.

Whereas if we do sadhana and then randomly go around touching everyone then
that subtle energy just drains out.


               POINT OF TOUCHING: REALITY NOT JUST FANTASY

So this point of touching is an attainable reality not just a mere fantasy.
However some in our Marga do not understand or accept this. In that case we
have to think how far they are different from those atheists who think that
God is just a mere figment of one's imagination. In their psycho-spiritual
poverty such atheists cannot conceive of or feel His divine presence and
love. Similarly a few lower type of sadhakas senselessly disregard this
point of touching, thinking it is utterly meaningless. Whereas those with a
balanced outlook understand its inherent value and are willing to
experiment with and understand this point of touching.

Actually many advanced sadhakas in our Marg advise that less or minimal
touching helps one to progress in the higher realms. And indeed this is
Baba's guideline as well. So we should all see for ourselves and try to
realise this eternal truth.

Once again all are encouraged to write in and share their experiences.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By His grace here Baba shows us that as we progress in sadhana we can feel
His physical touch-- His divine touch-- more and more, thereby submerging
our entire existence in His bliss.

Baba says, "When the sa'dhaka clearly feels the thrill of divine existence
around him at the time of sa'dhana', the state of bliss as experienced by
the sa'dhaka is described as dasha'. When the sa'dhaka feels the existence
of the divine world around him, as also the source from which the divine
existence comes, the state of bliss the sa'dhaka experiences at the time of
sa'dhana' is bha'va. Again, when the sa'dhaka feels the closest proximity
of Parama Purus'a, even within his embrace, that bha'va is called
maha'bha'va."

"At the time of dasha', the sa'dhaka feels bliss within and falls down, and
during bha'va, the sa'dhaka feels proximity to God, feels great bliss and
falls down."

"At the time of maha'bha'va, the sa'dhaka feels the tactual presence of
Parama Purus'a and falls down. At that time, every nerve-cell, every
nerve-fibre and every pore of the human body feels the divine touch." (AV-33)

Namaskar,
Manomohan


            ***************************************
            Multiple Health Benefits of Black Pepper

 Baba says, "Black pepper stimulates the secretion of saliva, increases
hunger, and helps to enhance digestion. Plus it makes the nerve fibers
alert. Furthermore it is a medicine and remedy for lethargy and melancholia."
 "If you make a paste by mixing the top layer of milk with black pepper
and apply it to the face it prevent acne." (SC-8)

Note: People should also be aware that black pepper, especially coarse
grain black pepper, should not be applied directly on the food when one is
eating. Rather it should be prepared with the food. That way in the cooking
process the black pepper will mix with the water and get distributed evenly
throughout the dish. Whereas if one eats raw black pepper directly on their
food then it enters the body in a very concentrated form which the body
cannot digest. If the black pepper is extremely fine like dust, then one
can eat it directly but best is to hydrate it in water first and then let
it sit for a while in a container and then sparingly put that sauce (i.e.
pepper water) on your food.                      
            ***************************************

Baba Taught only 1 Thing

Date: 31 May 2011 16:26:43 -0000
From: "Chandramohan Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba Taught only 1 Thing

Baba

   == BABA TAUGHT ONLY 1 THING IN COUNTLESS WAYS ==

Namaskar,
The top-most ideal in the life of any sadhaka is to realise that,
'Parama Purusa is always with me'. To live with this feeling firmly
established in the mind is to be a true spiritualist. That is Baba's
teaching.

As we know, devotion is everything for an aspirant; and devotion means
always feeling that 'Parama Purusa is with me'.

Baba says, "When devotion is there, Parama Purus'a is there." (SS-20
'Astitva and Shivatva')

So cultivating devotion and feeling His loving internal presence is the
central theme of our life. That is what we are to strive for.


               BABA'S MAIN TEACHING ON THIS EARTH

If we take a moment to review Baba's physical presence on this earth, we
can easily see that this is also one of the main things He wanted to
teach us-- that He is always with us.

Behind His reporting sessions, behind His scoldings, behind His pointing
out, behind His Dharma Samiiksa, and behind His so many demonstrations
was the inherent idea that, 'I (Baba) am always with you'. That was what
He was showing us.

Because in all those circumstances, Baba was practically teaching us
that even when He was not physically next to us, even then He was aware
of our each and every thought, word, and deed.

How many times would a margii arrive from Brazil or Hong Kong, or how
often would a WT come from their posting in Bombay etc, and in step-wise fashion
Baba would recount all the details of their long and arduous journey, or
some other event in their life.

This was Baba's unique way of saying, 'I am not just this physical body,
always I reside in your heart & mind. I am always with you-- caring for
you'.

This idea Baba has repeated in hundreds of discourses. And in His
practical life, in countless ways Baba has taught this ideal: That He
remains with us-- wherever we go, in whatever circumstance we are in.

Baba says, "Pure shete yah sah purus'ah, that is, 'The witness-ship that
lies quiescent in every entity is the purus'a'." (AS, 1-1)


                     SOME REALISE & SOME NOT

Those who, by His grace, realise this ideal, to some or more degree,
feel Baba's presence in sadhana and understand that His physical
presence was just an external manifestation, and not the whole of who
Baba is.

Naturally then when they sit for sadhana then they feel internally
linked with Baba, by His grace.

Unfortunately, today there are some who claim, directly or indirectly,
that Baba is gone. This is a result of their thinking that Baba was just
a physical person on this earth, like so many others; and since 1990
Baba is gone, just like every other person who left this earth.

But we must not in any way, shape, or form support or encourage this
false notion that Baba is gone, as that undermines Baba's magnanimous
presence and is detrimental to our own spiritual progress.


                        NOT JUST PHYSICAL

While Baba's physical advent on this earth was so historic and
meaningful, it was never meant that we should take His physical body as
the totality of His personality. That is why from the very beginning,
sadhana was a mandatory practice. Baba's ongoing guidance was that we
should seek Him and serve Him within.

For that reason He has given kiirtan, dhyana, first lesson, madhuvidya
and so many other teachings and practices. To realise His presence inside.

Plus in Prabhat Samgiita Baba has described the sheer futility of trying
to find Parama Purusa in the external world.

            Vane upavane khu’nijiya’ khu’nijiya’
            Kona kha’ne tava dekha’ na’ pa’i...
            A'ja bujila'ma manete rayecho...
            Ba'hira vishve khunjiya' khunjiya'
            Ka’chera du’re pa't'ha'te ca'i (PS #1082)

      O' Baba I am searching for You in the forest and in the gardens
                  I could not see you anywhere
        Today I understand that You are remaining in my mind
              Those searching You in the external world
               Want to send You from close to far

So even when in physical form, Baba was describing that the only way to
truly get Him was to seek Him within.

Furthermore, He put forth the warning those seeking Him externally would
not only not find Him, but would push Him far, far away.

Baba says, "Du'r'a't sudure: if people think that Parama Purus'a is far
from them, then He is very, very far. Du'ra means far and sudu'ra means
so far that the human mind cannot even imagine it." (SS-11, p. 65)


               NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE 1990

Hence for those involved in sadhana, then nothing has changed since
1990, because the way to get Him has remained the same. He remains
eternally in our hearts and mind. In AM, by His grace, we understand
that it was just His liila that He physically manifested Himself on this
earth. But always He is with us-- in our minds and heart.

That is why in AM there is not a new Guru. On most paths a successor is
named to be the new guru. But in AM when Parama Purusa Himself is the
Guru, and when He is always with us, then there is no question of there
being any second or third Guru.

Thus the same inner link that was present before 1990 is the same as
today and will be tomorrow. And it is this link-- the devotional reality
that He is always with us-- that we should cultivate each and every
breath, each and every moment we are alive. That is how we are to find Him.

Across so many discourses, reporting sessions, songs, and PC's, there is
one main thing that Baba wants to teach us: That He is always with us
and the path of devotion means to realise Him and live with the
awareness that He resides eternally in our mind and heart.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Father, is always with you and
you are never alone." (AV-12)

Namaskar,
Chandramohan Deva


                     OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

Baba says, "At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do not
have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the ácárya/á. The word deva should
be suffixed to the name...the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it
is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings." (Caryacarya-1)

                  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. Baba, You are
everything, only by Your grace is anything possible...


           ***************************************
                     Health Guideline

Baba says, "In order to digest starches and carbohydrates, the saliva of
the mouth must help at the preliminary stage. Chewing food brings an
adequate quantity of saliva into the mouth. No sooner does the food
mixed with saliva enter the stomach than the liver and the pancreas are
enabled to start secreting their bile and digestive fluids. So unless
food is chewed well, the liver can never function properly." (YT, p.1)

Note: In the fast-paced life of this 21st century, people no longer give
themselves proper time to attend to their basic life duties, such as
eating food. Instead people just rush off from one appointment to
another and "grab a bite to eat" along the way at any number of
drive-thru, fast-food places. In their hectic pace, instead of chewing
their food they just inhale their meal, nearly swallowing it whole. But
this way of "eating" is terribly hazardous to the health and invites
many diseases. As Ananda Margiis we should spread Baba's above teaching
to the members of the general society so that they may be benefited.
           ***************************************

What is the News?

Date: Sat, 28 May 2011 19:22:58 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Deva.Virendra@bharata.net...
Subject: What is the News?

Baba

                    == WHAT IS THE NEWS ==

Namaskar,
Generally people live in this world without any definite plan or
program. Most are unaware about the greater meaning and aim of life.
They proceed onwards in a whimsical fashion. This is the common way of
human beings.

It was like this in the past and it is like this today also.

Certainly, people have short term material goals such as getting a job,
finding a spouse, buying a house, producing children, and purchasing a
car etc, but rarely do they think about getting old, and least of all
about death. These latter aspects people do not consider. Rather they
naively think they will remain on this earth forever. They think of this
place as their permanent abode.

Hence they remain basically oblivious of the reality: Just as one day we
have come onto this earth, one day we will also go. This fact no one
likes to consider. No one plans in this way - it is extremely rare.


              BABA EMPHASIZES THE AIM OF HUMAN LIFE

Baba, being the Sadguru, has come to enlighten human beings and show us
the right path. And indeed in countless discourses, stories, and
analogies, Baba reminds us - time and again - about "What is the right
path."

This idea He has given on so many occasions.

Why? Because it is the nature of human beings to get caught up in avidya
maya and take this world as their permanent residence and the entire
reality - when in fact it is just a relative truth. We've come here only
for a short while and nothing in this world is lasting. But people
forget about this fact. That is why Baba brings this point - i.e. that
human life is short - to the fore again and again.

He has given this teaching in Caryacarya (CC-II, 'Sadhana', point #8),
philosophical discourses, stories, shlokas, analogies, and in all kinds
of ways. Because we human beings constantly forget that this world is
not our permanent reality. People live as if they are going to remain on
this earth forever.

In contrast, Baba does not talk about the theory of gravity in dozens
and dozens of discourses. Why? Because already as a people we are aware
that gravity exists and we do not forget this fact. So there is no need
for Baba to remind us of this.

But about the greater meaning and temporary nature of life, people
regularly forget about this. Always we slip back into ignorance. Hence
Baba brings the point again and again.

Here following is one such unique teaching.


                       WHAT IS THE NEWS?

One day a yaks'a approached the great king Yudhisthira.

The yaks'a asked: "What is the news?"

(Note: The sense of his question was what is the real situation of this
material world.)

In reply king Yudhithira told: "The material world is like a frying pan.
The sun is the fire; the day and nights are the fuel. The passing
seasons are the stirring ladle and time is cook. All living entities are
being thus fried in this pan. This is the real news of what is happening
in the material world which is a miserable place full of ignorance."

Such was Yudhisthira's colourful and insightful reply and this is yet
one more way that Baba has brought this critical matter that we have
only come onto this earth for a short time. (Reference: AV(H)-29 chapter
14)

And certainly in so many ways Baba has discussed this point including
during one famous discourse in Mumbai.


                       WHY THIS IS NEWS

The interesting thing about the Yudhithira's above analogy is that the
yaks'a is asking "what is the news". The yaks'a is not asking about
philosophy, ethics, nature of life or anything esoteric like that.

The yaks'a is asking the news, yet such was Yudhisthira's reply.

Why? Because that really is the news. Whenever people are told something
that they do not know then it is news.

Due to avidya maya people commonly forget that they are moving towards
their death. They do not remember the transient nature of life on earth.
People take money, prestige, beauty, attraction and all their worldly
attachments to be of a permanent nature. All their plans and programs
are based on this idea.

They see new-borns come onto this earth, but they never think that one
day they will go.

So Yudhisthira's reply that human beings are in a frying pan proceeding
towards death is indeed news.

It is just like if a coup happened years ago but just today more
revelations about the coup were reported then that would be news. Or
when archaeologists find new fossils. This is also news because human
beings were not aware about these events.

Thus the fact that slowly, slowly we are going towards death - that is
also news.

People think this place is their permanent abode. With that as their
reference point, their behavior, values, logic and reasoning becomes
skewed, even polluted. All of their priorities are based on the false
notion that they will remain here forever and ever. And indeed most live
their life in this way.

They collect cars, chase after the opposite sex, seek out fame and
fortune. They talk all these fleeting things to be the essence of life.

If they thought otherwise, people would keep away from useless
activities like harassing others, fighting, looting, and material
pursuits etc. And they would do more sadhana and help others. But this
is not the case. Just look around and see for yourself.

Thus, Yudhisthira's teaching of thousands of years ago is as relevant
today as it was then. That is why this is the news.


                  HOW WE SHOULD LIVE OUR LIFE

Baba's divine guideline is that we are to complete all important works
(sadhana and service) very soon. There is no guarantee how long we will
survive on this earth. That is why Baba says do all good works
immediately because human life is short. No one decides when they will
come and no one decides when they will go.

Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' dharma'caret

Baba says, "That is, during dharma'caran, i.e. dharmic pursuits [following yama and niyama, service, svadhyaya etc] one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one’s hair – that one’s death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (Subhasita Samgraha, part 11)
Thus we have not a moment to spare. None should get caught up in the
whirlpool of maya and think this world as permanent. None should chase
after frivolous things.

All should bear in mind that we have come here for a limited period and
we have a great many works to do. This is the main outlook of any sadhaka.

One should think: My life is for spiritual practice and serving others,
not carnal pleasures. All Baba's teachings are my food for moving on the
path divine. I must not get swayed by the glitz and glamour of avidya
maya. I am to remember that I am being cooked in one frying pan and
moving towards my death. I utilise my energies for sadhana, not mundane
allurements, then I will achieve eternal life, by His grace.


                        BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He reminds us again and again that our human life is a
unique opportunity given to us by Parama Purusa. As human beings we are
to take advantage of our free will and do something great - attain Him.
That is what Baba is telling us in Yudhisthira's analogy.

Most of the scriptures of old are filled with thousands of pages of
dogmatic teachings and one has to swift through all those things in
order to find an ounce of truth. Ananda Marga is not like that.

Baba has given us only the most pertinent guidelines to get success:
Remembering the Goal of life is one such guideline. May we always
following His teachings and never get caught up in the whirlpool of
maya, thinking this world to be our permanent abode and chasing after
fleeting fancies.

If we remember the news of the day, we are bound to move on the right
path, by His grace.

Baba says, "If you are asked by God, “What do you want?”, what should
you say?"

"You must say, “O Lord, I want your blessings so that my intellect may
move along the right path.” You know that the intellect is the cause of
your downfall or evolution. So when your mind gets proper direction,
what else would you require?" (AV-21)

Namaskar,
Virendra


Note:          FURTHER READING ON THIS IMPORTANT TOPIC

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/08/slowly-towards-cremation.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/06/noose.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/12/keep-skull.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/08/beauty-of-old-age-benefits-of-disease.html

                                         PRABHATA SAMGIITA

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

Purport:

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