== KEEP SKULL ==
Namaskar,
When Baba would arrive at any airport then there would be a grand
reception by all local margiis and workers and part and parcel of that
dramatic and exciting time was dancing tandava with a skull for Baba.
That was the rule. Everyone in AM is well aware about this.
In AM, the skull symbolises the constant struggle of life and the fight
against death. It is one of our dharmic tools.
Thus the skull has great value in the life of any tantrika and in this
short posting we will examine why it is beneficial for every Ananda
Margii to keep a skull.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 1)
Our time on this earth is temporary - yet most people totally remain
oblivious of this fact. They think the qualities they have, i.e. their
wealth, health, beauty, and power, will last forever. That defective
outlook causes so many problems.
People falsely believe that their life and property are permanent and
that leads them to become arrogant and hurtful towards others. They
think that with their limited power they can do what they want and that
their power will never wane. By this way they torture, cheat, abuse, and
rule over others - all the while thinking that their position is
indestructible and lasting.
When the fact is that human life is temporary and this world is
transitory. Even as Ananda Margiis however, we can forget this fact. And
in that way we may forget what is most important on this earth. Perhaps
we will not cheat and exploit other like materialists are prone to do,
yet we may get wrapped up in transitory gains instead of yearning for
the Supreme.
To think of this world as a permanent abode is common amongst human
beings - this is their illusionary outlook. Yet this mindset is not
helpful for our growth and development.
Here is one suggestion; If we all keep a skull in our room or on our
desk, then we will be constantly reminded by the transitory nature of
this world. By that way, we will always be involved in proper deeds on
this earth.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 2)
Just as when people think their power is permanent then they will abuse
others day and night, similarly, when people think that their qualities
are temporary, then they will adopt the right psychology and values in
life. Then they will think that their life should be utlised for a
benevolent cause. Then there is no time to get mixed up in wrongdoing.
Baba says, 'What is a devotee to do? “Tyaja durjana sam'sargam” – you
should give up the company of durjanas. Who is a durjana? I will
explain. A man whose company will deteriorate or deprave the standard of
others is a durjana for those persons." (AV-12)
According to Baba, as bhaktas we are to surround ourselves with good
people, and give up the company of bad people. The shloka goes on to say
that we are to always remember that this world is temporary. That is the
recipe for a proper life.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 3)
When we constantly remember that this world is temporary - and having a
skull visible day in and day out can help - then we are bound to set our
sights on that which is permanent. In that case we will vigilantly goad
our lives unto Him. Only Parama Purusa is eternal (nitya).
Baba says, "Parama'tma' is nitya. The term nitya means that which is
uninfluenced by the time factor i.e., beyond the periphery of past,
present and future." (SS-18)
So when Paramatma is the only eternal Entity then that is the stance we
should attain - not any worldly status. By keeping a skull by our
bedside we will always remember that this world and this body do not
last forever. What to speak of forever, they do not even last long.
People get only get a few years when they are in the peak of their life.
LIFE IS TEMPORARY (Part 4)
When we realise that life is indeed temporary then we will fully utilise
our existence in the proper way.
The situation can be likened to visiting a new city. If you are going to
be there for only one or two days then in a quick hurry you will see all
the sights and learn all there is to know about that city, whereas if
one lives in that city then they will feel relaxed and they will no go
anywhere or see anything. They will think they have loads of time to do
that later.
We should think of our time on this earth like the sightseer who is
visiting a city for just 1 or 2 days. Then we will be vigilant to live
life for the right ideal - and not be lackadaisical or apathetic about
doing good deeds.
We will think that now is the time to act and realise Him because we
will not be here much longer. Anytime death can come - there is no
guarantee at all. We have not time for silly material pursuits and
gratification etc.
These two postings lead us in this direction:
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2009/08/slowly-towards-cremation.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2008/06/noose.html
ALL SHOULD HAVE A SKULL
2500 years ago when a young prince first left his kingdom and saw people
getting sick and dying on the street then he was forced to consider the
temporary nature of life and reevaluate what he should do on this earth.
It was then that his true quest began and he later became the Buddha, or
Enlightened One.
Keeping a skull by our side gives that same stark reminder that our life
is temporary and that we should not get caught up in relative luxuries
and satisfaction. We are to spend our time striving for the Great.
For this reason every Ananda Margii - regardless of whether one was
initiated yesterday or 40 years ago - should keep a skull in their
possession. Having a skull should be considered indispensable.
If getting an actual skull is too difficult or illegal then margiis
should access Google images and print out a picture of a skull or find a
good artist and get a skull printed or painted onto a piece of paper and
hang that up on their wall.
That type of ongoing reminder is absolutely necessary otherwise one is
bound to forget that we have not come onto this earth for a long time -
rather a very short stay.
One other benefit of having a skull is that it is good for one's daily
tandava practice.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace we have come here for a short time and must materialise
great works. Keeping a skull reminds us of the fact that just as the
skull was one day a breathing, walking human being, soon our head will
be in that condition. One day we too will be like that skull - sooner,
not later.
Our life is not long nor do we know when it will end. As sadhakas we
should live in the present always thinking and doing to please Him and
we should never get caught up in long-term plans - nor let the minutes
pass away thinking that we will have time in the future.
Grhiitvaeva keshes'u mrtyurn'a' Dharma'caret
Baba says, "That is, 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." (SS-11)
Namaskar,
Hariish
Note 1: MORE POSTINGS ON THIS TOPIC
Human life is short and it must be well-utilised. These below letters
are along this theme. We should all read and study them - and yes, keep
a skull in our living room.
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/2009/10/why-death.html
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Good Sadhaka
Baba says, "The mind of the man whose consciousness or discriminating
judgement is awakened-- whose power of judgment is intense, always remains
wedded to the 'Buddhi'. That is to say, his rein (mind) remains constantly
under the control of the charioteer (Buddhi or discriminating intellect),
and so, quite naturally, his organs remain loyal to the Buddhi. Random
rambles of the organ-like horses (organs) will cut no ice with him. But in
a case like this if the horses (organs) be bad and untrained, i.e. the
organs are faulty, it becomes impossible for the charioteer (discriminating
intellect) to get the desired result. Hence for the right functioning of
the chariot (body), well-trained horses (organs) are indispensable. A
sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) also should train himself likewise. His mind,
body, intellect, and organs should be directed towards the Blissful Spirit
(Shreya)." (SS-4, p.9)
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