Forward Movement

Jan 18th 2015

SO MANY POSITIVE THINGS

Namaskar,

Our AMPS was built to do great things in this world - in this universe; and by Baba's divine grace today our organisation is rapidly advancing along the path of progress.

Certainly looking around and seeing the group-oriented conflicts etc, some may just think that our AMPS is riddled by chaos, factionalism, and lawlessness - and that there are no positive developments.

However, upon closer examination and more careful assessment, we can easily see that our Marga is actually a budding flower - getting ready to bloom into greatness.

By these below practical indicators and verifiable evidences, it becomes  apparent that our AMPS has made tremendous strides since 1990 - and that things are only getting better and better, day by day.

                               

POSITIVE ADVANCES MADE IN AMPS SINCE 1990

Before 1990, under Baba's direct physical guidance, our AMPS was one shining light bringing welfare to all.

Then for a few months & years our organisation fell into a bit of a quagmire: The main problem being that everyone passively presumed that those in the helm will guide us straight to glory. Living under that false assumption - and just depending on those top posted workers - a thick stagnancy settled into our AMPS.

Now, however, as we look around, that stagnancy is quickly dissipating and our AMPS is moving through a period of great revitalisation. Here is the proof.

RISE OF CONSCIOUSNESS

First off, everyone's awareness is on the rise and there is a stream of ideological consciousness amongst margiis and wts that was not present earlier. Currently there is active and on-going talk about key ideological issues: margii rights, the need to follow Baba's teachings such as Sixteen Points and Caryacarya, authenticity of published discourses, and about so many other burning and vital issues.

This has all brought about a heightened understanding of Ananda Marga ideology - a new level of awareness.

THE BIRTH OF IDEOLOGICAL AWARENESS IN ANANDA MARGA

Religions are essentially based on dogma where people are ordered to follow certain codes and rituals. They are indoctrinated into the tenet, “Don't use your brain.” That is the way religion works. Their followers blindly adhere to their edicts. Yet those same religious followers use their brains in other fields: Business, technology, science, schooling and colleges, competitions etc; but not in religion. Yet religion is full of dogma that chokes human progress and that is why it is very dangerous and deadly.

Ananda Marga is not a religion. Before 90 Baba was controlling everything. After all, Baba is Baba Parama Purusa; so whatever He was directing and telling was perfect. And when margiis and wts followed those orders then the outcome was very good. But after 1990 AM shifted gears and adopted the mode of a religion. Whatever the priests, rabbis, mullahs, or popes of Anada Marga told, then that was treated as the word of God. There was no need to consult Ananda Marga philosophy. Within a short period though, margiis started understanding they should not blindly follow their preachings. That is when the ideological renaissance started in Ananda Marga and there was more inquisitiveness about AM teachings. The strong desire to know what Baba told - what is right and wrong - came into the mind of sincere margiis and Wts. Since then tremendous progress began in Ananda Marga. This mode was not present earlier.

This change is not just an ordinary affair but an extraordinary development. It is by thinking and discussing about Ananda Marga ideology, and assimilating those ideas into our individual and collective consciousness, that the ideology ultimately gets implemented.

NO ROOM TO RUN AND HIDE

Between 1990 and 1995, the “mullahs” of Ananda Marga were thinking that, “We are everything - what we do everyone must follow.” Those top Dadas did much harm. They were committing sins in the field of publications and trying to befool margiis with their conniving tactics as if nothing was wrong and that they were following Baba’s order. They went to extremes to prove that regardless of any discourse Baba wants that it should be written as original Bengali. That era was so under-developed and primitive that even the vast majority of margiis believed those falsehoods that were propagated by Publications etc were okay and perfect.

But after some time the hypocrisy of Publications was unmasked. So a lot of progress happened. In Ananda Marga, in the field of Publications regarding the dogma that everything should be translated from the original Bengali, a sea of change happened. Margiis speak these day or not, but 75% of the margiis know that Baba’s books are not proper and should be made proper. The hypocrisy of Publications has been exposed. They have no room to run and hide. A big change has happened - a veritable revolution.

Those who were distorting Guru’s teachings are now scared to do so because margiis are alert. If anyone purposely alters Guru’s discourses then they are shamed. So those wrongdoers know they know they can no longer distort His guidelines and get away with it. Rather they will be caught and taken to task in full view of all margiis.

BECAUSE MARGIIS AND WTS ARE ALERT

Like this in Ananda Marga, on many fronts, there have been a plethora of positive changes and those will be discussed in further emails etc. Some are here enlisted here. So many other false things like dogmatic tiirthas, so-called mahaprayan, and Fake Ananda Vaniis etc are disappearing in the light of Ananda Marga ideology. As ideological awareness rises, those dogmas wane and ultimately become extinct.

So this dual approach of a rise of ideological consciousness and the obliteration of dogma is the first  benefit.

UNDERSTANDING WHO IS WHO

THROUGH THE LENS OF ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

The second dramatic change is that now in our AMPS people are understanding 'who is who'. In 1991, it was thought that those in the helm were divine and could do no wrong. With that misconception so much cheating, distortion, and exploitation was going on.

Now margiis and field workers are no longer blinded by the colour of the dress or by stature of the post etc. These relative factors hold no water on their own. Now everyone can see who is who through the lens of Ananda Marga ideology.

That means those in Centre are being measured by their conduct, not their dress or post. And when group and factional interest is at a premium in the upper echelons of the organisation, margiis and general workers can understand the extent of the problem - and take steps to fix things.

EVALUATE ANYONE IS BY SEEING THEIR CONDUCT

NOT BY THEIR POST OR DRESS

Because now there is no longer an idle dependence on "a few high posted dadas". Instead, sadhakas are taking Baba's name and being led by His divine teachings. They no longer have blind faith in group leaders. And by this way the pathway to following Baba's divine ideology has been cleared. That is one great development. Now everyone realises that the way to evaluate anyone is by seeing their conduct - not by their post or dress.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Your ideal is represented by your conduct..." (1)

Any by that way - by understanding who is who and ensuring people follow the proper code of conduct, the ideology will get implemented.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Human beings cannot propagate a great ideology by their knowledge, intellect, or social status...they can only do it through their conduct." (2)

TREMENDOUS CHANGE SINCE 1990

Thus from the innermost seed vessel in the mind to our outer expression, there has been a monumental shift and significant changes in our AMPS. Now people realise that this is the time to follow ideology and not get misled by dogma.

Baba says, "When clouds collect around the pole-star and cover it, your duty will be to remove the clouds and follow the pole-star without caring to see where the clouds have gone." (3)

And by Baba's grace that is happening - everyone in AM is getting their vision fixed on the pole-star, on Baba.

GREAT PROGRESS IS GOING ON IN OUR ANANDA MARGA

Thus a key element why Baba's teachings are getting properly protected and instilled within the consciousness of Ananda Marga is because of sincere interest by margiis and wts to safeguard His teachings. And certainly the best way to safeguard such teachings is to follow them in individual life and implement them in the society. And this great process is going on in our Ananda Marga.

VERY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT:

ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY HAS BEEN SAVED

Thus even though there are still group clash and infighting is going on, behind the scene something much, much deeper is happening. Everyone is learning Ananda Marga ideals, by His grace. Sadhakas are now putting philosophical understanding into working knowledge.

So, all in all, everything in our AMPS is moving in a remarkably positive direction and it is only a matter of time till all groupism and selfishness is gone from our Ananda Marga.

The main thing is that our AM ideology has been saved; it is well protected; and there is a growing awareness about Guru's true teachings. By that way it is sure that everything will be okay both in our organisation and in the society at large. Because the presence of ideology creates a positive flow in the mind and a stir in the society.

In contrast, those selfish parties that hold power and seem strong - either in the organisation or in the general society - will be pulled apart and rooted out since they lack a universal outlook

NEW LEADERSHIP IS ON THE WAY

Thus day by day things are moving ahead in a positive direction in our AMPS; so none should fall in the depths of frustration. Awareness is growing fast in our Ananda Marga and it will not be long till that positive development is reflected in all the facets of Ananda Marga life - including in a bright new leadership as well.

Now everyone realises that no group or subfaction is fit to rule. So many good people in our Marga are coming forward and one day theyw will dharmically lead our Marga. The era of groupism is fas coming to a close and new life is getting pumped into our Marga from the ground up. That will be reflected in our leadership as well. That day is soon to arrive.

Baba says, "Leadership is not imposed from above, rather it establishes itself through dedication, sincerity, ideological zeal, fighting spirit and all-round capacity. Leaders gradually acquire such capabilities -- step by step." (4)

THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR - CONSTANTLY FIGHT AGAINST EVILS

By Baba's grace we are building up that healthy AM society and will spread His divine teachings to all the four corners-- to every place in this universe.

Baba says, "Remember -- you have to serve humanity. You have to dedicate yourself to the cause of humanity as a whole. Your life is valuable; your time is all the more valuable. You should not waste a single moment. The task is glorious. The task is novel. Lead the life of a warrior and constantly fight against evils. You will be victorious. So march ahead!" (5)

We have to do many ideological teachings to propagate - until each and every person accepts Ananda Marga ideology our work is not finished.

“Remember, until every person in the universe accepts the Ananda Marga ideology, you have no opportunity to rest.” (6)

OPTIMISM IS OUR WAY

The great tide of ideology is coming forth in our Ananda Marga and with that rising tide the era of staticity is crumbling to dust. By His grace those who have assembled in His Marga and are upholding His divine teachings will spread the great ideology and bring welfare to every nook & corner of this universe. This is His guarantee. So our future is bright - assured.

Baba says, "Crisis is quite natural for something moving. Wherever there is movement, there is struggle...But you know, I am not a pessimist. I am always an optimist. And I want all my sons and daughters to be optimists. And I want them to struggle against this death signal of humanity, and come out successful."

"And I am sure that you boys and you girls must be optimists; and it is your duty to save humanity. And I hope you will be able to save humanity, because, just like me, you are also optimistic. You should know that great, or good, people are few in number, they are not many. They do not come within the scope of millions or billions. They are always few in number. And these few, they are the torchbearers of human society, they are the pioneers, they are the vanguards of human society. So it is your duty to save humanity. And those who are unable to shoulder their own bags and baggages -- their responsibilities are to be shouldered by you. You should remember that the life of a spiritual aspirant is a mission. One's entire life is a mission, one's entire existence is a mission. And your mission is -- what? To save humanity from this crisis. I hope you will be successful. And I not only hope, I am sure that you will be successful." (7)

Namaskar,

in Him,

Jyoti

Note 1: SINCERE MARGII INTEREST IN IDEOLOGY:

MARGIIS AND WTS SAFEGUARD HIS TEACHINGS

Here is one more proof about the uniquely positive scene these days.

All are certainly aware that in the past when any Taraka Brahma took advent on this earth then those teachings could not be protected. Lord Shiva's and Lord Krsna’s teachings were mostly lost or forgotten and replaced by dogmas. Thus society could not get full benefit of their auspicious advent. Because their divine guidelines could not be saved and propagated age after age. But this time around, His teachings are mostly in tact due to alertness and awareness of margiis and a lot of pracara work is going on about this.

REFERENCES

1. A'nanda Va'nii #13

2. PNS-18, p.1

3. PNS-18, 'Your Mission'

4. PNS-21, 'Nuclear Revolution'

5. PNS-18, p.2

6. Caryacarya - 2, Miscellaneous, Point #6

7. AV-34

*************************************** Futility of Materialism

Baba says, "Materialism is the sign of shallow knowledge. Due to lack of proper understanding and ignorance people become materialists. Human beings should study more and acquire sufficient knowledge. Then they will understand that in materialism there is nothing." (DMC 84 Delhi, SS-16 (H))

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Notes From Kashi Avadhuta Meeting + Baba Story: My Cowardliness

Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: Baba Story: Notes From Kashi Avadhuta Meeting
(2) Posting: Baba Story: Baba Story: My Cowardliness
(3) Trailer Quote: Encumbrances Cannot Be More Powerful Than Your Capacity To Solve Them
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #1723;

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

== NOTES FROM KASHI AVADHUTA MEETING ==

Namaskar,
We should search and seek out avadhutas / avadhutikas according to this definition which Baba has given in His renowned discourse, "Kashi Avadhuta Sabha".

"Sincerity means they [avadhutas / avadhutikas] should be one in thinking, saying, and in action. There will be no difference in their thinking, saying, and action. There will be no hypocrisy. Their saying and action will be clear, concrete, and conclusive. In our day to day life, we meet some persons - those who are thinking one thing, saying another, and doing some other thing. The avadhutas should not do this thing. Their heart should be clean and simple. The simple heart is the only qualification of the sadhakas." (1)

In reading Baba's above teachings we can easily understand that merely having the title of avadhuta and the suffix -ananda attached to the end of the name does not make one an avadhuta. Dress and name alone are simply not enough. Everybody and anybody can get those two things: Dress and name.

In order to become a true avadhuta, sincerity is needed. Without that one will never be a true avadhuta.

Those who have the dress and name of an avadhuta but lack the requisite sincerity should still try and pursue this endeavor of becoming a true avadhuta.

In fact, everyone should aspire to this ideal. The type of sincerity Baba describes above is the sign of an ideal sadhaka.

We should all seek out and find such persons who are true avadhutas. And we should aim for that ideal ourselves by achieving perfect symmetry between thought, word, and deed.

"There must not be any gap between your thinking and your actions. If there is any gap, that gap should be minimized step by step, and finally thought and action should coincide." (2)

"In the final stage, that is, when one attains the stage of devatá, then what one thinks, one says; and what one says, one does. There is no difference amongst thinking, saying, and doing. And that is the best stage of human structure or human existence. You should all try to be like this, and I want the number of such persons, who have attained the stratum of devatá, to increase. And you have become workers, or wholetimers, just to increase the number of these devatás in human society." (3)

"One who is totally absorbed in ideation on the Supreme becomes one with the Supreme at the time of death. This is certainly true in the case of devotees. The duality between the one who serves and the entity served ceases to exist. Ultimately the one who serves, the entity who is served, and the action of serving become fused into one. If one’s goal is right, one is sure to attain the supreme stance. And one who attains the supreme stance will never make the mistake of differentiating between high and low, literate and illiterate, touchable and untouchable."

Shmasháne vá grhe, hirańye vá trńe,
Tanuje vá ripao, hutáshe vá jale.
Svakiiye vá pare samatvena buddhyá,
Viráje avadhúto dvitiiyo Maheshah.

[The sádhaka who views everything with equanimity, be it his home or the burial ground, gold or grass, his own children or his enemies, fire or water, his own property or another’s property, lives in the world as an avadhúta, as if the second manifestation of Shiva.] (4)

Namaskar,
Tapan

REFERENCES
1. Kashi Avadhuta Sabha, May 1980
2. Yoga Psychology
3. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, From Animality to Divinity
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Devotee and the Lord

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Date: 02 Apr 2013 22:48:58:07 -0000
From: "Divyacaksu  Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Baba Story: My Cowardliness

== BABA STORY: MY COWARDLINESS ==

Note: The below is a first-hand account from Shrii Ramchandra, an extremely senior margii from Rampur Colony in Jamalpur .

Namaskar,
As I have told in an earlier account (link below), in my public life, I did not want to be seen or known as an Ananda Margii. I was plagued by this split personality. In my personal and inner life, I wanted to be with Baba and work for the mission; in my public and professional life, I did not want to be associated with the Marga.

MY PUBLIC LIFE

When I was out in public - moving around my hometown of Jamalpur - and saw another Ananda Margii, I would quickly turn the other direction, hide my face, or move away. I did not want to do namaskar to any margii in public.

I thought people would say things like, "Oh look, Ramchandra has also been brainwashed by those Ananda Margiis."

Because of the controversy always swirling around Ananda Marga and its poor reputation in society, I thought I should keep myself arms distance. Hence, from an external and social perspective, I remained aloof from AM.

VERY ATTRACTED TO BABA

Internally, things were quite different. I longed to see Baba and always wanted to have a glimpse of Him. Behind closed doors I would attend all kinds of Ananda Marga functions and in my heart there was always a fervent desire to go close to Baba.

In essence, this was my mind-set those days and that will give you insight into what I am going to share with you now.

HIDING FROM BABA

One day I was walking down the street and out of the corner of my eye I saw a saffron robe - the type that our avadhutas wear. I immediately became alert and began to duck (squat) so no one would see me. I was sure that Baba must be nearby. And indeed there He was - walking with His entourage in my direction. To avoid being seen I hurried into a local store and hid behind the counter. My plan was to stay there until Baba passed by. That way no one would suspect me of being affiliated with Ananda Marga. So I hid. But while in my hiding spot a deep yearning arose in my heart to have just a quick glance at Beloved Baba. I could not resist this devotional urge. So I slowly lifted my head and looked around the counter in order to see Baba; by that point Baba and His entourage had clearly passed my hiding spot. Yet at the exact moment when I had lifted my head to see Him, all-knowing Baba turned around and looked directly towards me with His palms together in a folded-hand blessing.

HIDING FROM BABA (AGAIN)

Then there was a second such occurrence.

I was in the street when I suddenly noticed that Baba's car was coming towards me from the opposite direction. I did not want to greet Ananda Margiis in public or do pranam or sastaunga pranam to Baba in public. So I quickly shifted my position to the very edge of the area and stood behind other people. I was completely blocked from view. No one in Baba's entourage could see me. The car passed by - no one said a word or called my name. Success. At that moment, I felt an upsurge of devotion and wanted to at least have a quick look at Baba. I changed my position so I could ready myself to see Baba's car as it drove off in the distance. The moment my eyes and head were in position to see Him, all-knowing Baba turned completely around in His vehicle and looked back with His folded hands blessing, looking directly towards me.

Now, years and years later, I feel repentance for having been so shy and meek in those early days.

By the way, I entered Ananda Marga in the 1960's. Internally I wanted to be an Ananda Margii and was attracted to Baba's magnetic personality. I was initiated, began practicing sadhana regularly, and ultimately was blessed to receive PC with Baba.

REFLECTION

The above story recounted by Ramchandra ji holds key insights into how the level of devotion affects one's personae and behavior.

When one's devotion is lower then they feel shy, even ashamed, to express their spiritual way of living in public. That is Baba's stated teaching.

"Those who are reared in the cradle of materialistic ideologies, feel shy or ashamed at first to sit in meditation in the presence of others." (1)

And indeed this is what we saw in Ramchandra's story. In those early days, because of his lower stage of devotion, he felt shy to behave as an Ananda Margii in public. Similarly in the west - and in many areas where materialism reigns - people are very hesitant to express their spiritual life in the public domain.

For instance, a person might refrain from using their Sanskrit name at their job even though this is Baba's directive (reference Caryacarya), or one may feel embarrassed to sing kiirtan in public, or so many things they may be afraid or worried to do. In all such cases it is due to a lower feeling of devotion. They love Baba no doubt, but that love is not enough to overcome their feelings of insecurity.

However, as one advances on the path, they will develop the requisite courage and nothing will obstruct their forward movement in the spiritual realm. They will always stick to their ideal - regardless of what others think. That too is Baba's teaching.

"Let those well-versed in ethics criticize me or praise me, as they so desire; let Lakśmii, the goddess of wealth, either be gracious enough (because of my activities) to reside in my house, or, if she prefers, go elsewhere; let death visit me today or decades later. It makes little difference to me. Wise people will never withdraw from the path of ideology, the path which they accept as their ideal." (2)

And indeed later on, Ramchandraji was an exemplar in this regard - all will attest to this. And this is what we should aim for: Deep ideological zeal in life, without compromise.

When anyone has deeper devotion for Baba they will do anything and everything for Him - never swayed by public opinion or other mundane channels. Such persons keep their ideological stance always.

In conclusion when a person has lower feelings of devotion then they may not like to call themselves an Ananda Margii and when their devotional standard is higher they overcome all such feelings of shyness.

Here is another way of thinking about it.

When devotion is less then the sadripus (six enemies) & astapahas (eight fetters) control the mind. In that case one is terribly affected by fear, shyness, anger, envy and so much more. And when, by His grace, devotion is more, then people rise above such feelings. When their attraction to Parama Purusa is deeper then all feelings of shyness go away and that sadhaka becomes an embodiment of Ananda Marga ideals.

Namaskar,
Divyacaksu


REFERENCES
1. Subhasita Samgraha, part 3, p.86
2. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 2

Note 1: MUNDANE EXAMPLES

Not just in the field of devotion, but in all realms of life, when a person is deeply affected by a particular tendency then they will express that urge in public, not caring about what others think or say.

For instance, suppose one receives some upsetting news at the office then they will not like to cry in public. They will control their tears. But when that news is so devastating that they are fully overcome with grief and sorrow, then that will overpower all feelings of shyness and they will cry in front of everyone.

Likewise a person with a little bit of greed will control that tendency when they are around others, but when they are overwhelmed by greed then they will grab all the money or eat all the food in front of others - they will not be concerned about what people think about them.

Note 2: EARLIER STORY TOLD BY RAMCHANDRA

Here is the link to the previous devotional story told by Ramchandra:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/so-important-but-still-some-oblivious_5.html

The section below this mark is an entirely different topic and not related with the subject matter up above.

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Encumbrances Cannot Be More Powerful Than Your Capacity To Solve Them

"The spirit to fight against all odds alone can solve the problems confronting human beings. March ahead and wage war against all difficulties, every impediment. Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encumbrances cannot be more powerful than your capacity to solve them. You are the children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a Sadvipra and make others Sadvipras also." (A Few Probems Solved - 6, The Future of Civilization)

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"Ghor timire ruddha ghare ghumucchilum eka' eka'..."   (P.S. 1723)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, You are so gracious. I was sleeping alone in the pitch dark room with the doors and windows closed; I was lost in a sea of frustration and hopelessness. O' the Divine Entity, who are You who has blessed me by coming in this isolated place and broken my slumber. O' Divine One You are most charming and very sweet.

O' Effulgence Personified, Divine One, Parama Purusa Baba, my whole existence has been overcome by drowsiness and sleep since ages & ages. My life was dominated by staticity. Now, with Your infinite compassion, in a flash, You have removed that by showering Your cosmic grace. And in place of that Cimmerian darkness, all around there is Your divine effulgence. Baba, You have opened the windows of my mind. I can see that You are mine; now there is no question of frustration in my life.

Baba, now my whole existence is filled with the grace of Your divine effulgence. There is not even an iota of darkness which remains. My life has gotten new pra'n' a - new energy. Baba, You are so loving; You have saturated  me with Your unfathomable love and own-ness.

Baba, You are my everything. Please accept my surrender...

Donkey Birthday

To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Donkey Birthday
From: Nityanirainjan@4sign...
Date: Tue, 05 Feb 2013 23:04:37

Baba

"A'loker path cha'r'ibo na'...A'mi nijere praca'r koribo na'..." (P.S. 337)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace I will not leave the path of Ananda Marga ideology, the path of effulgence. I will never leave the path which You showed me. By Your grace, I will mold myself according to Your desire. With Your guidance, I will make my mind straight, focusing on You & propagating Your glory. I will never glorify my own existence. I will never propagate about my own personality. I will never praise myself in front of anyone. I will never propagate myself. O' my Lord, You have taught me to propagate Your glory. I will propagate the glory of Parama Purusa - not anyone else. So I will never propagate my own self...

== DONKEY BIRTHDAY ==

Namaskar,
On and off we hear how some fallen avadhuta has come off the true path. In result, they engage in bizarre behaviour. Here are a few examples of what some have done.

We should ensure other workers do not indulge in a similar manner. If you know of more cases, please let us know. The aim here is to enhance the standard of our Wt cadre - not anything else.

INITIATION MEANS REBIRTH

Baba's teaching that during initiation one gets re-birth. So in this situation, we should all consider & rethink the notion of celebrating one's physical birth.

"With an initiated person the first birth was the physical birth and the second birth was the spiritual birth, during initiation. Such a person is divya, born twice: First, you are simply born as an animal being. But this second time, as a human being. So unless and until one is initiated one is not, one cannot be, treated as a human being." (1)

Thus the physical birth does hold much value in the life of a spiritual aspirant. When they get initiated onto the path of dharma sadhana, that is their real birth - i.e. when the person gets initiated and takes shelter at Rev. Baba's feet.

PART LIFE VS FULL LIFE

Regarding birthdays, it also has to be mentioned that our present life is nothing but a part life. It is not a full life. Our life began when our consciousness first emanated from the Cosmic Hub. Since that time we have undergone incarnation after incarnation.

Baba says, "After millions of animal lives, a created being attains the human form..." (2)

Baba says, "In Sanskrit, dvi means “two” and ja means “born”, so dvija means “twice born”...the first birth was the physical birth, and the second birth was the spiritual birth, during initiation." (3)

Thus, one should not think that when the spermatozoa fertilised the egg and led to this particular birth, then that is one grand birthday event.

Our life is spiritual oriented, not goaded toward the mundane.

Thus, every sadhaka in the Marga should think twice about how far they should celebrate their "birthday". For workers, there is no question of celebrating as they have given up everything of their unit existence for Baba. At each and every juncture or stage of an avadhuta's development and training they are given a new name because each stage itself represents a new birth-- a new beginning, all the while leaving behind their old life. In which case, where is the scope for an avadhuta to celebrate his own worldly birthday.

Indeed, all sadhakas in the Marga should take a moment and consider the points in this letter and see if really they feel it appropriate and beneficial to celebrate their own birthday.

SOME NAIVE PEOPLE MAY RAISE THIS QUESTION

Some naive persons may raise the question that when Baba has given the birthday celebration chapter in Caryacarya, then what is wrong if our avadhutas celebrate their birthday? The answer is quite clear. In Caryacarya, Baba also explains what type of meat a person should eat if they cannot resist eating meat. But that does not mean sincere sadhakas and avadhutas should also eat meat or that we should appreciate meat eating.

Remember, Caryacayra is our smrti shastra - our social code - which is not eternal. It depends upon time, space, and person. All kinds of people are coming into Ananda Marga. For some, Baba has given such rules for periods of transition onto the path of dharma.

Everyone knows that in Ananda Marga there are three types of sadhakas: pashvacariis, viiracariis, and divyacariis. Pashvacariis are half-margiis; viiracariis are mediocre sadhakas, and those who are very strict and do not compromise on points of dharma are divyacariis. There will always be a mixture of all three grades of sadhakas. Always, new people are coming into human life and they will enter onto the path of pashvacara. After many lives and with God's grace they will one day become viiracariis.

This point of eating meat in Caryacarya is for pashvaraiis. They compromise on various aspects of 16 points, but they are also margiis. They live amongst us - we all know this and recognize who is who. A person may not openly declare, "I am a pashvcarii; I am a half-margii", but everyone knows.

When such pashvacariis become strong, established margiis, their manner will be different. Then they will not do such things like eating meat and celebrating their birthday.

Just as meat-eating is a hindrance to those on that path of sadhana. Similarly, indulging in self-glorification - such as celebrating one's birthday - is not conducive to one's spiritual growth and development. Rather it is antithetical. Our spiritual philosophy condemns all forms of self-glorification.

BIRTHDAY IS WORSE THAN SELF-PRAISE

As we all know, Baba warns us to steer away from things like self-publicity & self-praise. Thus, when the chief result of indulging in one's own birthday party is drawing attention to oneself, then no avadhuta should indulge in such acts.

Baba says, "Why on earth should he indulge in self-publicity?  To whom will he publicize himself?  Such acts are the antics of common, avaricious people with beggar-like mentality." (4)

And to go one step further, in the case of one's own birthday party, that is not only praising oneself but even worse - celebrating and overtly highlighting one's unit cause.

Overall, it is just like how stealing itself is bad yet the annual celebration of a notorious stealing program is far worse.

BABA'S ORDER:

MUST NOT GLORIFY ONESELF

Here Baba is clearly warning that human beings, let alone our avadhutas and acaryas, must not be involved in self-glorification by holding birthday parties and singing songs of their own greatness. One must not do such things.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Kiirtana should be done on Hari and on no other entity. One should not praise oneself or any other person. There are many people who are very fond of praising themselves by telling everyone what wonderful things they have done, but, as mentioned in this sloka, kiirtana is not for one’s own self but for Hari. Even though people are taught to do kiirtana for Hari, they still make the mistake of praising themselves too much. Sometimes their self-praise is so intense that others are obliged to say, “Please stop praising yourself so much.” They forget that their self-applause is rather boring for others. Human beings should realize that no one likes to hear the self-praise of others." (5)

Even though a few degraded workers may enjoy the display of their own petty glory, such ostentatious displays are not received well in the society. This will tarnish the image of all workers who have come on this earth to selflessly serve others, not glorify themselves.

Here Baba gives the formula for how to become great.

"It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sa'dhana', by your service, by your sacrifice." (6)

SPRIIT OF AVADHUTA

The spirit of being Avadhuta is to dedicate everything to Marga Gurudev. By getting Avadhuta diiksa and by getting their new avadhuta name, they they no longer have anything of their own. In that blessed state, everything belongs to Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. And Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is their mother father, & everything. That is the oath they have taken.

They surrender their all - their entire I-feeling - at His lotus feet. Their name has changed; their address has changed; their identity has changed. They have no past connection with their worldly life, nor their worldly birth. Avadhutas give everything to Parama Purusa - they have nothing left to call their own.

That is why in the conduct rules of Avadhuta, there is no such thing as the observance of one's own birthday or any form of celebration or glorification of one's own unit existence. Rather the avadhuta's goal of life and the be-all end-all of their existence is to glorify Baba's image. They are to be established solely in Marga's Guru's glory.

"Avadhuta shall always keep himself engaged in the service of Gurudeva with sincerity and devotion, in thought, words and deed, in subtle and in crude spheres, in inner and outer expressions of life." (7)

In that case, there is not an iota of scope to celebrate one's own unit birthday. Our wholetimers are to think about Him and focus on the Goal.

Tadekam' smara'mah...Tadekam' nidha'nam'

"That Cosmic Entity alone should be created in your mind and no other object...He is the terminating point. He is the Supreme Desideratum." (8)

WHY ONE SHOULD NOT CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAY

Why should anyone practice or propagate their own birthday? We are raising the slogan Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai! His victory, His glory, that is why the real devotee has only one birthday to celebrate. That is Ananda Purnima - Baba's birthday. But those who do not have that type of devotion, with faltering steps they may go away from the ideological path.

You may have also noticed that the birthdays of acaryas and avadhutas were never published in different magazines prior to 1990. And now also, we do not recogise the birthdays of acaryas and avadhutas via different media like e-mail or organisational news publications etc.

Thus, the birthdays of our wholetime workers are not to be celebrated nor even mentioned publicly. Even in their individual life, a Wt should not think, "Today is my worldly birthday." There is no scope for that in our Ananda Marga Wt cadre.

MARRIAGE IS NOT FOR WTS

In Caryacarya, Baba has given all kinds of ceremonies - marriage etc - for the general society, including birthday celebrations. But no avadhuta or WT should blindly think that therefore that birthday celebration is for them anymore than they should think that the marriage ceremony is for them. Those types of things in Caryacarya are for others, not our wholetimer acaryas.

JUST DONKEY’S BIRTHDAY

In Ananda Marga, if anything is done for superficial show or in an insincere manner then that is not at all acceptable. For instance, if someone serves you food only to show how great they are then Baba terms that food as: Donkey Food.

“If food is not offered with that heart-felt feeling then that food is donkey food, gardabha’nna. So one must not eat that food.” (9)

Similarly sadhana done with the primary motive of showing one’s greatness instead of pleasing Parama Purusa is donkey sadhana. And if kiirtan is sung with the primary motive as a display of one’s musical talent and instead of to spread the glory of the Lord, then that is donkey kiirtan.

Likewise, when any Wt or avadhuta celebrated their own birthday in their honour instead of spreading the glory of Parama Puruas, then their celebration is a donkey birthday.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Nityanirainjan Deva

Note 1: SOME FAKE AVADHUTAS INVOLVED IN BIRTHDAY ANTICS

About any such cases where Wts go against their own code of conduct - by celebrating their worldly birthday etc - Baba has given the following teaching:

"Mana na' ra'inga'ile ra'inga'ile yogi ka'par'a.

Saffron and red do not a yogiis make
With mind undyed he remains a fake."

"Dye your mind with His colour. Those who have not done so cannot attain Him, for this very coloration is Prema or Divine Love...  No external sign of Sa'dhuta' or virtue is  necessary. Become sa'dhu  within. Behind the external show of virtuousness of many so-called sa'dhus exists a pharisaic state of mind. Preserve the true dignity of the word, Sa'dhu."

"Mu'd'ha mu'ra'ye jata' v'ar'aye....

With shaven head or matted locks
And ashen body a Sadhu walks
With the swaggering gait of a well-fed buffalo.
And crude mind filled with thoughts mean and low."

"That is why I say that you must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour." (10)


(A) Some time back in Jharsguda (Orissa, India), there was a big birthday party event held in honour of of so-called Dada Priyakrsnananda.

For those not aware, Dada Priyakrsnananda has years and years of experience in Ananda Marga and even in his early years in the Marga he was a Central Worker who lived close to Baba. But unfortunately, those years he was like a rock in a river. Just as the water never touches the inside of the rock despite the rock being immersed in the water, similarly Priyakrsnananda Dada was living in Centre surrounded by Baba's physical presence for many years, but internally he could not get drenched. That is why he is like a rock in the river - or what we can say.

Perhaps most surprising is that there were many, many so-called senior workers on hand for this birthday gala event and in one big round, they all sang Prabhat Samgiita #135, "Janma dine...", in order to celebrate Priyakrsnananda's birthday.

This type of dogmatic occasion is 100% against the ethics of our Ananda Marga and it sets a very negative example.


(B) Not surprisingly then, more recently in SUVA sector, the very so-called senior Dada Paramatmananda and so-called Didi Ananda Shamiita organised two birthday parties. And once again, they both insisted that PS #135, "Janma dine...", be sung. Thus with printed song sheets etc that Dada and Didi made sure that the birthday event was celebrated with Prabhat Samgiita.

Our so-called senior most workers do not understand the basic principles about Ananda Marga and Prabhat Samgiita. They have forgotten Guru's teachings and guidelines.


(C) Some years ago at New York sector's Boston Regional retreat, Ac. Rainjitananda Avt celebrated his own birthday with full gusto and glory. In grand fashion, everyone present at the retreat sang a hearty round of the traditional American "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You" song in so-called Dadaji's honor. And during the singing one sumptuous cake was brought out and served to so-called Dadaji. And like that the whole affair took on the flavor of one mundane Americana birthday party whereby non-margiis make a wish for mundane objects as they blow out the candles on the birthday cake and receive presents from one and all etc. So like that Rainjitanandji's celebratory occasion and birthday party was carried out whereby Dada accepted the card and cake and all arrangements in his own honour. Because at that moment so-called Dadaji's birthday was the showcase event going on at the retreat.

Note 2: MORE ABOUT DONKEY SADHANA, DONKEY KIIRTAN, AND DONKEY FOOD

For more about Baba's teachings in this regard:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/12/donkey-food-donkey-sadhana-donkey.html

REFERENCES:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Twice Born
2. Ananda Va'nii #33
3. Ananda Vacnamrtam - 30
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, p. 49
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8
6. Ananda Vanii #20
7. Rule no. 28 of 32 Rules for Avadhutas
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 2
9. Summary of Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla]
10. Subhasita Samgraha part 3

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.

******************************************
Why Some Like To Sacrifice For Others And Some Do Not

Baba says, "People recollect the tasty dishes they once relished and derive pleasure from that. Other people delight in feeding others. They offer rasagollás or sweets, and at the time of giving, imagine that their guest is enjoying the same delightful taste, the same sweet vibration from the rasagollás which they once relished when they ate them. A host feels mental satisfaction by imagining that the guest’s mind is full of those pleasing vibrations. The host wants the guest to enjoy more and more of those delightful vibrations, and therefore asks the guest to accept the offer of more rasagollás. So, one enjoys pleasure in two ways: first, by eating the delicious things; and secondly, by recollecting the pleasing vibrations enjoyed in the past while eating those very same delicacies. The human mind has two contradictory inherent tendencies: one of acquisition, the other of sacrifice. The more one advances along the path of evolution, the more the tendency, the spirit of sacrifice, becomes prominent." (Yoga Psychology, 'Faculty of Knowledge-2')

Note: In His above teaching Baba is illustrating two opposition psychologies:
(A) The science behind why people feel mental satisfaction by feeding delicious food to others.
(B) The mentality of those who themselves eat delicious food yet do not desire to feed others.

In the first scenario, people get derive great happiness from feeding others a tasty meal. But how exactly does this work? What is happening in the mind. Well, suppose one day Govinda ate a sumptuous meal which he enjoyed very much. Then a week or a month letter, Govinda prepares and serves that same type of food to his friend Tanmay. The meal is delicious and Tanmay enjoys every morsel. But that is not all. Govinda himself derives great mental pleasure in feeding Tanmay, even though he (Govinda) is not eating. How does this happen? In his own mind, Govinda recollects how much he enjoyed that meal and he thinks that just as he enjoyed it, similarly Tanmay is also enjoying that meal. This creates a sympathetic vibration in Govinda's mind he feels great psychic fulfillment. So Govinda's is taking delight in sacrificing and serving Tanmaya.

In contrast, a third person, Liilamaya, cooks food for himself and eats it all himself. And he becomes happy thinking how much he enjoyed the food. In this case, Liilamaya is deriving enjoyment from directly eating that food; he does not want to share it with others. There is no spirit of sacrifice, rather he delights in acquiring that food and filling his own belly.

Both scenarios start from the same point - both enjoy their food; but then, due to proper and or a lack of proper sadhana, things go in 2 contradictory directions. One sadhaka derives happiness by sacrificing, while the other becomes happy by direct acquisition.

These are two radically different psychologies. They are not related solely with food but with all kinds of indulgences and offerings. Some gain pleasure from acquiring something directly, and some become happy by sacrificing and watching others enjoy.

Finally Baba explains that the path of sacrifice is the higher path and as people develop, the more they will adhere to the path of sacrifice.

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

Re: Widespread Nepotism & Theft in WT Cadre

Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:04:02
From: Rukmini Verma rhk.verma@bank.trust....
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Re: Widespread Nepotism & Theft in WT Cadre

Baba

== RE: WIDESPREAD NEPOTISM & THEFT IN WT CADRE ==

~ PART 4 ~

Note: I have great respect and admiration for dear Didi Ananda Giita ji. I write today so she may resolve this issue at the earliest and be regarded with dignity and honour.

Namaskar,
The on-going affair of respected Ananda Giita Didi having long-term relations with her laokik father - Shrii KC Bhalla ji - while she herself remains in WT dress has grave repercussions.

STORY - BABA'S MESSAGE IN REPORTING:

NO COMPROMISE IN WT LIFE

I appreciated the analogy in the prior letter that just as an avadhuta cannot marry a female and remain in WT dress, and just as an avadhutika cannot marry a male and remain in WT dress, similarly no wholetimer can maintain relations with their loakik father / family and remain in WT dress. The overall point being that there is no compromise ever with Wt conduct rules.

I can never forget the scene from one reporting session with Baba. There was one Dada who had great sentimental feeling for one Didi and he went to the Didi's jagrti to see her on the pretext of her being sick. She was not sick and all-knowing Baba was certainly aware about that fact. He punished that Dada for his misdeed.

In that very reporting session, Baba declared that at any cost no Dada is allowed to visit or stay in a Didi's jagrti or MU. Such events must not ever happen.

Baba told, "Even if the Didi's jagrti is on fire or under attack, no Dada should go there to put out the fire or defend the building etc. Instead, Dadas should contact local family margiis near the Didi's jagrti, and those family margiis will go and help."

By this way, we can easily understand that Baba clearly wants that there be no compromise on Wt conduct rules.

For instance, no Ananda Margii should eat meat. However, to spare their lives, general margiis may eat meat, but not Wts. Better they should die than eat meat. That is Baba's expressed direction. This again shows that for Wts there is no compromising their given conduct rules - not even to save their very life.

WT'S: NO RELATION WITH WORLDLY FAMILY

Here I wish to raise some new points concerning how to care for the parents of our Wts as well as Bhalla's financial history. Some are wrongly claiming that he has donated all mundane wealth and property to Ananda Marga. But that is not true. Shrii Bhalla ji (i.e. Ananda Giita Didi's laokik father) maintains a healthy, independent, and robust fiscal (financial) life. Some of those details I wish to review in this mailing so everyone has a clear picture of what is going on.

First though, let us keep the ideological fundamentals at the forefront as this is the real heart and soul of this issue: WT's are not to maintain relations with their laokik parents / families.

"Before receiving their Wt-ship, every candidate has to take an oath that they will not maintain relations with their worldly family.

"No relationship should exist with worldly family." (32 Rules for Avadhutas / Avadhutikas, point #9)

So for wts, they only have one family - the universal family. To further emphasize this, each worker is given a new name to reflect their full, 100% dedication to humanity. They are no longer bound by ties to their laokik family.

THE FATHER OF EVERY WT IS SHRII SHRII ANANDAMURTI JI

For instance, suppose there is a Didi named Ananda Bhakti, and when she was born into this world her laokik father was Ram Lakhan Chaturvedi and he named her Bhavana Devii. But the moment that Bhavana Devii took her oath to become a wt, then her Father became Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. That is the oath she has taken. No longer is her father Ram Lakhan Chaturvedi. That prior connection is gone.

Those workers who, after taking this oath, still think that someone is their laokik father, laokik mother, or laokik brother etc are fake avadhutas and fake avadhutikas.

Similarly, those workers who depend upon their laokik family for financial or emotional support are misguided and a black spot on Ananda Marga. Internally, they should not feel any type of special link with their worldly relations, nor depend upon them in any way - nor provide support.

FAKE AVADHUTIKAS PREACH WITH THEIR TONGUE - NOT BY THEIR ACTION

Proper acaryas follow the right code of conduct and by this way they set a sterling example and teach others. Fake acaryas preach to others with their mouth, but do not back up those words with their actions. Rather they go against. When junior wts see what is going on with those senior acaryas, then they (junior wts) make jokes about their (senior acaryas) hypocritical dealing. This sets the tone that one need not really follow the rules - just one should tell others to follow. This is not the right ethic to build a healthy and vibrant Wt cadre." (Widespread Nepotism & Theft in WT Cadre, posted 9/9/12)

Regarding the case of Didi Ananda Giita and her long-term treatment of her laokik father KC Bhalla, we have to establish some fundamental facts to gain a clarity of understanding.

The first question is:  Who is Bhalla ji. The immediate answer would be the laokik father of Ananda Giita didi. But in fact he is a dedicated, senior, and respected margii.

Now if with love and respect the greater society is watching over Bhalla ji's health - then that is to be appreciated. At his senior age of 90 years, his care, safety, and comfort should be a high priority. But Giita Didi herself must not take her laokik father under her care and custody. That is wrong.

LAME EXCUSES FOR BREAKING AVADHUTIKA RULE

Unfortunately, two points are being entangled in the situation the way it is unfolding now:
(1) Some say that Bhalla ji is worthy of care because he donated all his financial wealth and property - which we now know is not true. But even if it were true, that is not reason for any Wt to break the rules and keep relations with their laokik father.
(2) Why is it that only Giita Didi's father is being cared for - why are not all such parents of Wts given special care and attention. To only look after Giita Didi's father because she herself has the highest post and seniority looks to be a form of cronyism or nepotism.

EXAMPLE OF FAVOURTISM AND NEPOTISM

Let's address the second question first:

Why only Bhalla ji? Why should we not take care of all such parents of wholetimer workers. Is it not a fact that all parents of Wts have donated their most precious possessions and loving property - i.e. their children.

If WWD had created a system in the greater society where the parents of all Wts are taken care of, then that would be rational, otherwise not. But just to allow one very senior Didi - i.e. Ananda Giita Didi - to bring her laokik father under her supervision (directly or indirectly), while so many other Wt parents remain uncared for is unjust. This smacks of favouritism and nepotism, not to mention it contravenes Baba's given code of conduct for Wts.

Since Ananda Giita Didi is the head of WWD and has good relations with many workers and senior margiis, she should discuss among them and evolve a proper system where no Wt is inclined to break the rules to care of their laukik family member.

That is the clear and rational solution. Those aged parents of Wts should be cared for within the context of the greater society. The solution is not for this or that didi to secretly or openly care for their individual laokik family members on a case by case basis.

So Ananda Giita Didi is reaching in the wrong direction. She should renounce her ties to her laokik father and spearhead a committee and devise a system where the parents of all Wts are cared for by the greater society. This might not be formulated overnight, but that is the direction to move in. A greater system must be devised and no Wt should apply a band-aid response by breaking their oaths and caring for their laokik parents etc.

FALSE PROPAGANDA BY DIDI ANANDA GIITA

Now let's examine the claim that Bhalla ji gave all his financial and mundane wealth to the organisation. Already, others have disputed this claim stating that Bhalla ji receives a monthly pension from the government.

Here are more details about his current financial status. Because no one should fall prey to the rumour enacted by Ananda Giita & Co that the only reason her laokik father (Bhalla) is under her care is because he has valiantly renounced all his wealth and signed it over to Ananda Marga. This is just not true.

EXAMPLE OF FALSEHOOD

Let's take a simple evaluation of the matter:

(A) MONEY: As a freedom fighter in the Indian Independence movement, Ananda Giita's laokik father Bhallaji has been receiving a pension of Rs 6000 every month from the Indian government. Still he receives this money on a monthly basis. I do not denounce Didiji's laokik father for accepting his pension. He is legally and morally entitled to it. The smell of this is bad because respected Ananda Giita Didi and others in her camp claim that her laokik father has given everything to AMPS. Didi Ananda Giita justifies, "That is why I (Ananda Giita) am sheltering my laokik father." To set the record straight, Didiji's father has not donated all his economic wealth to AMPS. Rather he has a steady income, plenty of money, and perhaps much more in the bank. So Giita Didid need not live with him. Best will be if Didiji gives up her bogus claims about this - it is not befitting her stature to make up such cock and bull stories.

DECEPTIVE PROPAGANDA

(B) PROPERTY: In essence, Didi Ananad Giita's laokik father owned four properties. Three parcels or plots in Umariya totaling 10 acres, and a 2-story house in Raipur. Still, to this very day, the 2-story Raipur house is in Bhalla's name. That itself is further proof that Ananda Giita Didi's laokik father did not donate all his moveable and immoveable property to Ananda Marga. They continue to claim that one day he will donate the Raipur property, but at the age of 90, he still owns that house in Raipur.

With regards to the Umariya land parcels, here again there is no proof that Didiji's laokik father signed those properties to AMPS. To prove this, Didiji has to present the land deeds and other official papers. But this she has not done. No one has seen such papers in any Ananda Marga office.

Even then, Ananda Giita tells her supporters to repeat again and again that her laokik father has renounced all his property and given it all to AMPS. It seems Ananda Giita Didi carries out this plan merely so she can remain with her father. She wrongly justifies that if he has donated everything then she can keep him on her master unit etc.

But the facts themselves do not stand in her favour. Firstly, her laokik father clearly did not donate all his wealth and property; it is just deceptive to say that he did. Second, regardless of whether he donated or not, there is no compromising any WT rule, including the rule that states that workers must not keep relations with their laokik family / father etc.

"No relationship should exist with worldly family." (32 Rules for Avadhutas / Avadhutikas, point #9)

BY THE WAY

Here I wish to make it clear that this letter has been written in the spirit of following Baba's teachings and helping dear Didiji. Baba tells us:

"Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margiis to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama." (A Guide to Human Conduct, How to live in Society)

"From the social or human viewpoint, everybody has the right to correct the behaviour of everyone else. This is the birthright of every human being. No scholar can dispute the right of people to correct the shortcomings of those with whom they come in contact. The recognition of this right is indispensable for the health of society." (Human Society - 1, Justice)

So with good intentions I raise this matter with respected Didi Ananda Giita. Baba wants for margiis to point out respected seniors because the wrongs those top Wts do will be emulated by others. That is the danger. For this reason, I kindly bring this matter to the fore.

As respected Didi Ananda Giita mends her ways, she will not incur papa and pratyavaya. I want her welfare - that is all. Just as with present day political leaders, those acaryas in question should rectify their conduct or step down from the post. Those are the two options.

With all sincerity, I know and expect that Didi Ananda Giita Acarya will do right by this.

Namaskar,
In His love,
Rukmini Verma

Note 1: MORE ABOUT THE UMARIYA LAND

Actually, some margiis recount how Baba Himself ordered Bhallaji (Ananda Giita's laokik father) to keep the Umariya land in his own name and use it in his old age. Some Ananda Giita Didi supporters proclaim that her laokik father disobeyed Baba and donated half that land (5 acres) to AMPS prior to 1990. They furthermore tell that in 2003, he donated the remaining 5 acres to WWD. But again, this is all just hearsay until the actual documents are presented. To date, no legal document of registration has been put forth that shows that Didi's laokik father has donated any land at all to AMPS.

Note 2: LINK TO PREVIOUS LETTER ON THIS TOPIC

#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/12/re-widespread-nepotism-theft-in-wt.html

Re: Widespread Nepotism & Theft in WT Cadre #3

Date: Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:43:06 +0530
From: "Divyapriya" inHim@porternet....
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Re: Widespread Nepotism & Theft in WT Cadre #3

Baba

== RE: WIDESPREAD NEPOTISM & THEFT IN WT CADRE ==

~ Part 3 ~

Namaskar,
Everyone knows that the first and foremost point in Ananda Marga we are to follow Baba's stated rules. One of Baba's clear-cut rules for all workers is that they must not maintain contact with their laokik family.

"No relation should exist with worldly family." (32 Rules for Avadhutikas, pt #9)

This point is crystal-clear and very straightforward.

Yet, we must again address this matter because respected Didi Ananda Giita has a long and on-going history of living with her laokik father due to her deep attachment for him. To that end, she creates all kinds of justifications of why they are living together. By reading further down below, you will learn that her justifications are patently false. That is one point. Secondly, we are to follow Baba's guideline that Wt's must not have contact with their laokik family. That is the central point and we should not be swayed in any other direction.

Please understand that I have great sympathy and care for any elder member of our human society. Here, however, the focus is on the sanctity and integrity of being a respected acarya of Ananda Marga by adhering to Baba's guideline.

FAKE WT:

AGAINST THEIR OATH TO GURU

"If any Wt is tending to the needs of their worldly family then that wt is fake. This may sound harsh but that is the reality. This is a fundamental aspect of renunciation: No contact with worldly family and instead dedicate everything to serving Parama Purusa and the universal family. When a worker goes against this fundamental oath to Guru then they are no longer a genuine wt; rather they are fake.

The solution is that the greater society should directly intervene and care for the father, and Didi Ananda Giita should attend to her Wt life and not engage herself in this way with her laokik relations.

Instead, Didi should adhere to Guru's guideline and not incur sin. By indulging in sin, Didi sets an extremely bad example. That is why this entire problem has multiplied so drastically with so many Didis involving with their laokik families. Of course, not all Didis are guilty of this, but it is a growing problem.

Here the point is not that a particular family member is helpless and needs support. The main issue is that Wts must adhere to their oath - they no longer have relations with or responsibility for their laokik family. If they do like this, then donors will not feel comfortable giving to the organisation as they see money being secretly funneled to the laokik families of our acaryas - instead of going toward the allotted social service projects. After all, this is stealing. Plus, by doing this, other wts will be tempted to do the same.

All in all, the effect is absolutely disastrous - and that is what is manifesting right now. Everyone should be aware of the situation and be ready accordingly. Wts are to focus on their acarya life and not maintain relations with their worldly family.

Baba says, "These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous." (Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma)"

This entire situation with respected Didi Ananda Giita and her esteemed laokik father Shrii Bhallaji is of critical importance. As we all know and has been well documented, Didiji has been living with him for years and years. Didiji's manner stands as a very bad example and sets a poor precedent for all Wts.

Let us not overlook the fact that respected Didi Ananda Giita is the most senior Didi in the organisation, as well as the second Didi ever in the entire history of AMPS. Naturally, what she does will affect how others act.

It just cannot be denied that throughout her Wt life, Didi Ananda Giita has had extensive contact and interaction with her laokik father. This is a fact.

SETTING A NEGATIVE PRECEDENT

Here are two matters that we must consider.

(1) By Didi Ananda Giita's example, many wts (both junior and senior) have been affected. They feel unmotivated to strictly adhere to Baba's stated conduct rule for wholetimers. Here again is that rule:

"No relationship should exist with worldly family." (32 Rules for Avadhutas / Avadhutikas, pt #9)

Because when Ananda Giita herself disobeys this rule for years and decades, other workers may and do also feel that they need not follow - either this rule or any other rule. It can happen and indeed it has happened. They think, "When most respected Didi is not following, why should I." Some, not all, adopt this mindset.

We must not ever forget that leadership is given utmost importance in Ananda Marga. And leadership means leading by example. So if our senior-most Didi is negligent on this matter of relations with her worldly family, then that is highly problematic. Setting a bad example creates a domino effect.

Baba Himself has issued this warning:

"Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya... an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya)

Thus, there is no scope to overlook or pardon what Didi Ananda Giita Didi has done and continues to do. Her ongoing interactions and preferential treatment towards her laokik father cannot be supported. Such dealing is highly condemnable.

Now we come to the second point...

IDEALS WTS

AND A PERSONAL STORY OF ONE WORKER

(2) Let's step back and remind ourselves that most of our Wts are very dedicated to the ideals of sannyasi life. They entered Wt life inspired by a high ideal and still that idealism is alive in their mind and heart.

Here is one personal account that is quite meaningful and highly related to this discussion.

There is one Didi posted in Berlin sector. As we all know, in comparison to India, Berlin sector is a financially wealthy area. Didiji had been there for years so she is in a "good" position to help others on money matters.

Recently, one margii visited Didiji's laokik parents in their village home in north India. This margii was horrified to see that Didiji's father suffered a bad accident where one of his limbs had become compromised - maybe even fully disabled. The father was a simple farmer who had no means for proper medical treatment. In that case, the injury was bound to become a permanent disability, perhaps even an amputation. He might lose the limb entirely.

Immediately, that margii became alarmed and contacted Didiji in Berlin sector, as they had grown up together and gone to school together. They were close.

When Didiji received the call and got the news about her own laokik father, she said, "This is not my personal responsibility; it is the duty of the greater society. From my side, there is nothing to be done - neither directly nor indirectly. It is completely out of my hands."

The margii knew that Didi was dealing with large monies from overseas areas. Didi could easily have flown back to India to care for her laokik father or arranged payment from Berlin sector itself for the needed medical care for her laokik father.

But on the point of ideological commitment, Didi stayed true to her Wts vows. She followed the code of discipline and refused to engage in relations with her laokik father / family - even under such a distressing circumstance as her father's accident and disability.

Verily, there are many heroic and dharmic accounts of how various workers have refrained from helping and financially supporting their laokik family members. Such workers stood on their ideological principles and abided by their Wt conduct rules. It is these workers who are setting the proper precedent for Wt life. They are making a dharmic stand; and they are the true leaders.

Baba says, "Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct...Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya)

Hearing these stories, and seeing how so many unknown workers are strict in their conduct and dealing, it is quite evident that Didi Ananda Giita is in the wrong by going against the code of discipline. Didiji is not adhering to her Wt dharma. That is bad enough, but the worst part is that if others follow her lead, then what will be left of our WT cadre. It will be in shambles. Every conduct rule will be violated.

Didi Ananda Giita has chosen to overlook and bypass the code of Wt life. This has all happened because of her degraded state of mind. Please excuse me for saying so, but there really is no other explanation. If her mind was sterling and pointed, then Didiji would have firmly separated herself from her laokik father long ago. But this she has never done.

SHOULD WE GRANT THEM LICENSE TO GO AGAINST ANANDA MARGA IDEALS

There are a few who (mistakenly) believe that since Ananda Gita didi's father K.C. Bhalla gave up all his moveable and immoveable property and donated it to Ananda Marga when his daughter became wt, therefore we should support this family regardless of their actions. Simply, because family has donated everything to Ananda Marga.

But this is all a hoax. Again and again, Didi Ananda Giita and her supporters repeat that K.C. Bhalla has donated everything to Ananda Marga. But this is just not true.

K.C. Bhalla to this day receives a big pension from the Indian government - thousands of rupees per month. He is financially independent, plus they still have property in the name of their laokik family.

So it is just a rumour by Ananda Giita Didi and her cohorts that her loakik father / family donated everything. If anyone has any doubt about this, I can give all the details and uncover all that is going on.

So there are two central issues:
(1) Didi Ananda Giita and her spokespeople are deceiving others into thinking that Bhallaji has donated everything when this is not true; Bhallaji receives a large government pension monthly and the family still holds property in their name.
(2) Didi Ananda Giita is not following Baba's given rule for Wts. That means she is going against her oaths, her vows, and violating her code of dharma. The situation is not at all good.

ANALOGY OF FAKE WT

Even then, some confused persons say, "But what will become of Bhallaji if Didi Ananga Giita does not watch him. Bhallaji is just sitting there by himself."

To such persons, I invite them to consider the following:

Suppose there is one monk, i.e. an avadhuta of Ananda Marga. And suppose that in his area there are many unmarried females who are not able to find a spouse. Seeing the situation, if this Wt decides to marry one of these females and side by side wishes to remain as a Wt, then this is totally wrong. That avadhuta cannot say, "I will remain as a Wt and keep this woman as my wife as well." It does not work like that. Being a Wholetimer of Ananda Marga means refraining from marriage. One cannot get married and still continue to be a Wt.

Similarly, one cannot remain in avadhutika dress and keep ongoing relations with their own laokik father. That wholly violates what it means to be a Wt of Ananda Marga. On this matter there is no scope for compromise. One cannot simultaneously live as a Wt and have close and personal contact with their laokik father. That is wrong. Just as it is wrong for an avadhuta to marry an unwed female and remain as a Wt.

I think the matter is clear.

MUST NOT BE PARTIAL TO ANY GROUP

As Ananda Margiis, we should not think that if one group is plunged in wrongdoing then it is fine and can be overlooked whereas if another person or group is doing wrong then it should be pointed out. As sadhakas and as well-wishers of society, any wrongdoing should be pointed out and properly resolved. With this type of genuine helping attitude, this letter has been written. I remember one general darshan in Mumbai: Baba told that if in your family someone is doing something wrong, then do not ignore that misdeed, and only point out if others are doing wrong. This is not the way. Rather it is most essential to save your close family member from moving in a negative direction. With that motive I am writing this.

WT'S ARE NOT LIKE CORPORATE EMPLOYEES

In case there was any doubt or confusion in anyone's mind, let us remember that our respected wholetimers of Ananda Marga have dedicated themselves to a high ideal - in service to Gurudev and suffering humanity. Their lives are for the welfare of others. So none should think that our workers can be thought of as selfish corporate executives or business employees who reap profits and benefits and use those funds for their selfish ends. In materialistic enterprises, people do like that. That is the common way.

But as we know our Ananda Marga is a social service organisation. Our wts are not "on salary" and all donations are to be used for helping those in need. Workers are not to abscond with money & goods designated for service projects. Funneling those resources to their worldly families breaches their sannyasi vow as well as the code of asteya (non-stealing).

So we can say it is a double sin: First, our workers are not to be selfishly hoarding wealth and stealing from society; second, our esteemed wt acaryas are not to maintain contact with their laokik family.

Namaskar,
In the Lord’s Name,
Divyapriaya

Note: RELATED INFORMATION

In addition to the two earlier letters from this series, for those interested in knowing more about this entire situation should read this letter:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/11/news-liilabodhanandji-nityashivanandji.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi toma'y bhule giyechinu, tumi nije mor pa'ne..."  (P.S. 629)

Purport:

Baba, I was lost in my self-created world of maya. You are so gracious. You Yourself came forward and looked toward me in a very loving way. I was not going to respond to You, even then with affection You lifted me up and put me on Your divine lap. Baba, it is Your grace, only Your grace.  

The path which You showed me, I lost that in the past. Again You lovingly brought me back onto the proper path. Planets try to drift far away from their sun's nucleus, yet the sun attracts them incessantly and pulls those planets back close. Then again the planets dance around their sun. In the same way, You are always pulling me so that my existence is revolving around You.  

The waves of the ocean always try to go outside the ocean but those waves cannot leave the domain of the ocean. Again & again they come back because the ocean attracts them. With my ignorance I always lose You from my sight. Baba You are so gracious: Constantly You remind me and pull me back into Your flow. This is nothing but Your mercy, Your grace...