Baba
The overall idea here is that renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals - as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba's design & teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.
In review, madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment - nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later.
A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting
for food.
That is why in the aparigraha section of the Senior Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our WTs to exist in this world. (For more about this refer to Note 2 appended below.)
That means that in their personal lives, our Dadas and Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life - and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time & energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the spirit of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life - for the service of others - they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
Per Baba's direction in Senior Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a WT.
But tragically a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre but at some point got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, land, property, as well as post and power.
Lost in the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in Ananda Marga fail to increase. Whenever any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.
Only through this pathway of renunciation - madhukra and ajagar - can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: An order that represents dedication. That is Guru's teaching.
In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled "Dhvaj sanket...", Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.
“हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो बहुत अच्छा | हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा | ख़ूब ठीक है, सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग | किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए, परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |”
The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes on the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to grow.
So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford such amenities, then good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.
Thus conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one's own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba's guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.
And in His own personal life Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And not only that, but the monetary wealth He earned through His railway job He distributed to the various wholetimers etc.
Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a school headmaster's request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students' classroom and the headmaster requested money for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated Rs1000 of His own personal money. Today that is roughly equivalent to Rs20,000 or more.
So in all the ways, Baba's personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru's teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our wts.
So none should think that ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble - it allows one to fulfill their mission and command respect in the real sense of the term.
"The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation...to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of
righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss." (A Few Problems Solved - 3)
Unfortunately now in our Marga, things are developing in an entirely different way. Unfortunately, a more capitalistic mentality has seeped into our sannyasii order as some of our wts have just taken to collecting money, automobiles, big buildings, and registering these things in their own name. Yet all this goes 100% against Baba's guideline of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.
The basic formula is that the mind is one; so if one is rushing after money then that same mind does not have inspiration to run after Parama Purusa. Human mind is one, not many.
When the current leaders of AMPS pursue material gain, then there is a ripple effect. Many field workers are idealistic, but when top Dadas shirk their sannyasii vows then that adversely affects others.
In addition, top Dadas force lower posted workers to pay dues. That means they have to pay taxes to higher dadas otherwise they are harassed, threatened, punished, and abused.
Instead of getting respect on points of sadhuhood, restraint, sadhana, helping others, and sacrifice, the culture of our Wts has shifted over to a materialistic or capitalist way of living where prestige is given according to one's monetary status and post etc.
Certain wealthy Dadas are using their money to garner a lot of respect from some margiis - what to say about non-margiis. However, the real determining factor of a sannyasii is conduct. That is the main measuring rod for determining one's calibre.
"Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of an Acarya)
Baba's guideline for being an ideal Wt / acarya is quite clear. Sadly, all those many Wts who are properly leading a life of renunciation by adhering to the codes of madhukar and ajagar are victimised by top Dadas.
At present, the power structure in AMPS is entirely upside-down. Those central Wts with big pockets have all the power, whereas those service-minded wholetimers are looked upon as a liability and pushed aside.
Unfortunately, this is what is practically happening. If one can generate revenue by any means - just or unjust - and give that money to Centre then they get a high post and lots of prestige; and, if one firmly adheres to 16 Points and their vow of renunciation then they are looked upon as being outdated and expendable, and are written off as a liability and a beggar, unfortunately.
This corporate approach where money is king is not the way things are supposed to be in our Ananda Marga sannyasii order. Baba has designed it completely differently - based on the ideals of the madhukar and ajagar. Where renunciation, not individual ownership, is everything.
For example, in the true Ananda Marga system, if a wt has been working in a particular location for a few years, then when a transfer order is given that very WT will automatically hand over all monies, equipment, funds, and property to the incoming worker. And the Wt who got transferred is to leave that area only with his dress and laungota in hand - & nothing else, except possibly a bus ticket to his new posting.
Now, however, all that has changed: When transferred those Wts sell the property, shift the money to their own black account, clean out all other financial resources, and hand over nil (nothing) to the newly posted worker.
According to our ideal, the only thing that a wt truly "owns" in this material world is their vow of renunciation. Beyond that they have nothing. And that is Baba's divine system of madhukar and ajagar from Senior Acarya Diary. And that is what makes a sannyasii truly great - then they can really serve others and do great things in this world.
Tragically, in today's Ananda Marga sannyasii culture, selflessness is not the value cherished by top Dadas.
Now when a posting order comes, most often the Wt who got transferred departs with all the money from the bank account, or that Dada might sell the property and keep the profit, or he might send a cash donation to Centre in order to remain at his post. Or so many things might happen, including sending the monetary wealth and possessions of that jagrti to their laokik family.
Due to a lack of sadhana and straying from the path of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis, some in our WT system have veered off course, where money - not renunciation - is everything.
This severely hinders the ability of workers to serve humanity.
For instance: A Wt is living on an MU with no house and is begging food from villagers as he tries to start various service projects. But then when a senior Dada from Centre arrives with a special, luxury car then the common people think all workers must have a lot of money. They think, "Why is this other Wt begging from me." When there is a huge incongruity between top Wts and the common people, then there will be feelings of difference. Then our AMPS is unable to serve the local populace.
Some may think that since this problem of money-hoarding within our WT cadre began after 1990 then it is the fault of the new wts. But we cannot blame our younger wts. Rather with pure intention they entered into a system that quickly became ideologically askew due to the greed of the ruling Wts.
When those top factional wts travel around by private jet, chauffeur driven automobiles, keep houses & luxury suites, and deposit millions into their personal bank accounts, then idealistic young workers have hardly a chance of maintaining their vow of renunciation. Rather some get swept up into that, lest they face the consequences of getting pushed aside and receiving one punishment posting after another.
However to truly became a force in this world dedication is needed.
There are some organisations and religious groups that "succeed and thrive" on this earth because of their dedication. Often times their aims are awry, but they serve and help each other and eat together as one family and that is enough for them to gain success and spread their teachings from one land to the next.
This very faculty of sacrifice is missing in our Ananda Marga nowadays. That is why despite having the great teachings of dharma in our books, due to this blatant lack of renunciation and dedication to help and serve others, our AMPS is stuck, unfortunately, because of some bad apples.
So the spirit of madhukar and ajagar are deeply needed in our Ananda Marga. Prior to 1990 they were present. All the wts did everything and everything for the welfare of Ananda Marga and nothing for their own self. Now the opposite is happening as some are doing anything and everything for their own self and nothing for the welfare of our Ananda Marga.
One bad apple spoils the bunch. So even if a few Dadas are acting selfishly, hoarding money, indulging in luxuries, and going against the spirit of renunciation, then that taints and undermines our entire WT cadre.
So this is a shame. There is no dearth of dedicated workers and margiis in Ananda Marga. There are so many good people. But those dedicated workers just get pushed aside in one corner by the ruling elite.
By this entire manner, the spirit of renunciation and the sacrifice represented by our saffron flag and saffron coloured sannyasiis dress has been severely compromised.
"It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice." (Ananda Vanii #20)
Only by recapturing the ideals of ajagar and madhukar can we once again become that great resurgent body that led to the tremendous growth of Ananda Marga. With those ideals absent from certain sannyasiis, our problems will continue. So let us once again rally around the spirit of our saffron flag and embrace Baba's guidelines from senior acarya diary and build an AMPS organisation that reflects the cornerstones of sacrifice and renunciation.
"Everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability...You are travellers of an impregnable path. You have to
march ahead proudly with the flag of Marga upright. You have no time to stagger or to look behind." (Subhasita Samgraha - 1)
These following WT conduct rules given by Baba go hand-in-hand with His divine teachings about madhukar and ajagar from the aparigraha section of Senior Acarya Diary.
So in various avenues, Baba is preaching this special gospel of renunciation, but tragically within our AM sannyasii culture these things are just being neglected and overlooked by some.
Best is if everyone judges for themselves if these below points are prevalent in our AM sannyasii order or not.
"One should attract other by one's sacrificing nature." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #20)
"One should leave all sorts of luxuries." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #6)
"One should adjust with the minimum requirements of life." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #17)
Thus when the ruling wts are hoarding wealth, laundering money, and looking down upon others, then how is our WT order going to become that shining example that will inspire confidence, service, and sacrifice to one and all.
"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 second tendency, the spirit of sacrifice, becomes prominent." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, The Faculty of Knowledge – 2)
"What is the Siddhi, i.e., attainment of Karma Sádhaná? – (Karma Brahmeti Karma Vahu Kurviita). To serve every mundane object thinking it to be the manifestation of Paramátmá is Karma, i.e., the Sádhaná of action. What is the achievement (Siddhi) of Karma Sádhaná? It is generally found that an average person spends more than twelve or fourteen hours in thinking about his or her own self. But the moment one starts thinking about the universe, one becomes a Karma Sádhaka. When one starts spending all one's time in thinking for the universe, taking one self to be a bubble in the ocean of Karma, one gets Siddhi in Karma Sádhaná. A person is a part of the universe, and when one starts serving the universe, one is also automatically included among the served." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, Salvation & Devotion)
"Many people look upon human beings as God Himself and throw themselves into the service of humanity abandoning their families and personal comforts. Defying all obstacles – the dense forests, the towering mountains, the stormy oceans – they travel throughout the world promoting the welfare of all." (1 January 1964)
Namaskar,
in Him
Kamalkrsna
Here Baba guides us about the pathway of true renunciation.
"When the human mind becomes strong enough not to be affected by any colour, it is called vaera'gya [renunciation]." (10 November 1978, Calcutta)
The essence of the above teaching is that the mind must not be allowed to become tempted and engrossed by material wealth etc. Rather the mind should be kept in a state of balance, whereby one can look upon this world with empathy. Then when can truly serve others.
Unfortunately, when some of our wts with high posts are keen on luxury cars, black money, and other allurements that exist in this mundane world, and collect crores in their personal bank accounts. Then how can we say they truly imbibe the spirit renunciation.
According to Baba, renunciation means developing a high mind through sadhana where one feels that they have come on this earth with a mission to sacrifice for the service and welfare of others. Armed with this true spirit of renunciation our WT cadre will really become a great and benevolent force in this world.
The term 'ajagar' refers to that very large snake known as the python. And the sense is that a python never moves anywhere to procure its food. It stays put in one single place, always. And it only eats what comes across its path. It does not spend its entire life traveling all about in search of one's food.
So in the realm of sannyasiihood, our AM monks are to adopt a similar approach while living on this earth. They are not to indulge in an ongoing quest for more and more wealth and money for their own self. Rather our AM sannyasiis are to adjust with whatever they get for their existential needs and dedicate themselves to infusing energy within others and serve all through our Ananda Marga social service projects etc. They should not waste their energy and time thinking about their own self and self alone etc. According to Baba, this is the real dharma of an Ananda Marga sannyasii.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life - for the service of others - they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
So we should all accept His teachings with a cool mind and think twice when we see our wts frivolously running headlong after money. Because, by that way, they have lost their dharma - according to Baba's teaching in Senior Acarya Diary about madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtii.
Those Ananda Marga workers sincerely following madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti neither run after money nor property for their own luxury, only Parama Purusa. So a true wt will take proper ideation and just have the bare minimum that is needed to survive & execute their work of serving others. Side by side, one is not to harbour the desire of getting more personal wealth.
According to Baba, this is not only the ideal way, but the only way for a true AM sannyasii to live. Anyone going against this system is a fake sannyasii. That is Baba's pointed stance & strict warning.
So that means our wts are not to stockpile funds in their personal bank accounts, nor are they to keep unaccounted money (i.e. black money), nor anything that is above and beyond what is needed for their basic subsistence.
Here we should not forget this is Baba's teaching from Senior Acarya Diary and this is not some dogmatic belief from pre-historic Hinduism nor the fantasy of some jinanii, nor some impractical expectation by some day-dreamer which is too lofty to be attained.
Rather the highly practical and ideal teachings of madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti come from our Guru, the Taraka Brahma Lord Shrii Shrii Ananamurtiji who has graciously given this in Senior Acarya Diary. And indeed those wts adhering to this dharmic code of ajagarii vrtti are truly great. They are the real seers, sadvipras, and well-wishers of humanity. Their minds are crystal-clear and pointed towards Baba's teachings, and not drifting towards worldly allurements etc.
== WHAT SENIOR ACARYA DIARY SAYS ==
Namaskar,
"Baba's special teachings about ajagarii and madhukarii from Senior Acarya Diary encapsulate the whole entire spirit of being a real sannyasii in our Marga - and for years and years this was prevalent in our WT cadre, but unfortunately in the present era, since 1990, this essence is waning drastically."
Such were the words of one of our senior avadhutas at a recent Ananda Marga function.
Thereafter, Dadaji went on to tell us all about Baba's special teaching of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary. Certainly, Dada did not read from the Diary itself, so what is discussed below is a summary of that day's discussion.
The overall message was that the spirit of renunciation is waning in our Ananda Marga. That does not mean that our entire wt cadre is suffering from this epidemic, because there are countless dedicated workers in Ananda Marga. Nonetheless, it is a trend that is on the rise.
So let us again investigate the ideals and practice of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. These qualities will bring balance into our organization, plus Baba furthermore guides us that madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis are the key ingredients of real avadhuta life.
"Baba's special teachings about ajagarii and madhukarii from Senior Acarya Diary encapsulate the whole entire spirit of being a real sannyasii in our Marga - and for years and years this was prevalent in our WT cadre, but unfortunately in the present era, since 1990, this essence is waning drastically."
Such were the words of one of our senior avadhutas at a recent Ananda Marga function.
Thereafter, Dadaji went on to tell us all about Baba's special teaching of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary. Certainly, Dada did not read from the Diary itself, so what is discussed below is a summary of that day's discussion.
The overall message was that the spirit of renunciation is waning in our Ananda Marga. That does not mean that our entire wt cadre is suffering from this epidemic, because there are countless dedicated workers in Ananda Marga. Nonetheless, it is a trend that is on the rise.
So let us again investigate the ideals and practice of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. These qualities will bring balance into our organization, plus Baba furthermore guides us that madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis are the key ingredients of real avadhuta life.
SPIRIT OF MADHUKARII & AJAGARII VRTTIS
The overall idea here is that renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals - as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba's design & teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.
In review, madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment - nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later.
A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting
for food.
That is why in the aparigraha section of the Senior Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our WTs to exist in this world. (For more about this refer to Note 2 appended below.)
That means that in their personal lives, our Dadas and Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life - and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time & energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the spirit of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life - for the service of others - they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
Per Baba's direction in Senior Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a WT.
PRESENT DAY STANDARD OF WTS AND GROWTH OF THE MARGA
But tragically a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre but at some point got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, land, property, as well as post and power.
Lost in the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in Ananda Marga fail to increase. Whenever any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.
ALL SHOULD EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF RENUNCIATION
Only through this pathway of renunciation - madhukra and ajagar - can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: An order that represents dedication. That is Guru's teaching.
In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled "Dhvaj sanket...", Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.
“हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो बहुत अच्छा | हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा | ख़ूब ठीक है, सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग | किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए, परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |”
The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes on the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to grow.
So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford such amenities, then good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.
Thus conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one's own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba's guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.
BABA'S DIVINE EXAMPLE
And in His own personal life Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And not only that, but the monetary wealth He earned through His railway job He distributed to the various wholetimers etc.
Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a school headmaster's request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students' classroom and the headmaster requested money for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated Rs1000 of His own personal money. Today that is roughly equivalent to Rs20,000 or more.
So in all the ways, Baba's personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru's teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our wts.
A VERY NOBLE ENDEAVOUR
So none should think that ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble - it allows one to fulfill their mission and command respect in the real sense of the term.
"The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation...to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of
righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss." (A Few Problems Solved - 3)
WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA
Unfortunately now in our Marga, things are developing in an entirely different way. Unfortunately, a more capitalistic mentality has seeped into our sannyasii order as some of our wts have just taken to collecting money, automobiles, big buildings, and registering these things in their own name. Yet all this goes 100% against Baba's guideline of ajagarii and madhukarii vrttis from Senior Acarya Diary.
The basic formula is that the mind is one; so if one is rushing after money then that same mind does not have inspiration to run after Parama Purusa. Human mind is one, not many.
When the current leaders of AMPS pursue material gain, then there is a ripple effect. Many field workers are idealistic, but when top Dadas shirk their sannyasii vows then that adversely affects others.
In addition, top Dadas force lower posted workers to pay dues. That means they have to pay taxes to higher dadas otherwise they are harassed, threatened, punished, and abused.
Instead of getting respect on points of sadhuhood, restraint, sadhana, helping others, and sacrifice, the culture of our Wts has shifted over to a materialistic or capitalist way of living where prestige is given according to one's monetary status and post etc.
Certain wealthy Dadas are using their money to garner a lot of respect from some margiis - what to say about non-margiis. However, the real determining factor of a sannyasii is conduct. That is the main measuring rod for determining one's calibre.
"Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Conduct of an Acarya)
Baba's guideline for being an ideal Wt / acarya is quite clear. Sadly, all those many Wts who are properly leading a life of renunciation by adhering to the codes of madhukar and ajagar are victimised by top Dadas.
At present, the power structure in AMPS is entirely upside-down. Those central Wts with big pockets have all the power, whereas those service-minded wholetimers are looked upon as a liability and pushed aside.
Unfortunately, this is what is practically happening. If one can generate revenue by any means - just or unjust - and give that money to Centre then they get a high post and lots of prestige; and, if one firmly adheres to 16 Points and their vow of renunciation then they are looked upon as being outdated and expendable, and are written off as a liability and a beggar, unfortunately.
WT'S HAVE RENUNCIATION & NOTHING ELSE
This corporate approach where money is king is not the way things are supposed to be in our Ananda Marga sannyasii order. Baba has designed it completely differently - based on the ideals of the madhukar and ajagar. Where renunciation, not individual ownership, is everything.
For example, in the true Ananda Marga system, if a wt has been working in a particular location for a few years, then when a transfer order is given that very WT will automatically hand over all monies, equipment, funds, and property to the incoming worker. And the Wt who got transferred is to leave that area only with his dress and laungota in hand - & nothing else, except possibly a bus ticket to his new posting.
Now, however, all that has changed: When transferred those Wts sell the property, shift the money to their own black account, clean out all other financial resources, and hand over nil (nothing) to the newly posted worker.
According to our ideal, the only thing that a wt truly "owns" in this material world is their vow of renunciation. Beyond that they have nothing. And that is Baba's divine system of madhukar and ajagar from Senior Acarya Diary. And that is what makes a sannyasii truly great - then they can really serve others and do great things in this world.
MORE ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE NOW IN OUR MARGA
Tragically, in today's Ananda Marga sannyasii culture, selflessness is not the value cherished by top Dadas.
Now when a posting order comes, most often the Wt who got transferred departs with all the money from the bank account, or that Dada might sell the property and keep the profit, or he might send a cash donation to Centre in order to remain at his post. Or so many things might happen, including sending the monetary wealth and possessions of that jagrti to their laokik family.
Due to a lack of sadhana and straying from the path of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis, some in our WT system have veered off course, where money - not renunciation - is everything.
This severely hinders the ability of workers to serve humanity.
For instance: A Wt is living on an MU with no house and is begging food from villagers as he tries to start various service projects. But then when a senior Dada from Centre arrives with a special, luxury car then the common people think all workers must have a lot of money. They think, "Why is this other Wt begging from me." When there is a huge incongruity between top Wts and the common people, then there will be feelings of difference. Then our AMPS is unable to serve the local populace.
NOT THE FAULT OF NEW WTS
Some may think that since this problem of money-hoarding within our WT cadre began after 1990 then it is the fault of the new wts. But we cannot blame our younger wts. Rather with pure intention they entered into a system that quickly became ideologically askew due to the greed of the ruling Wts.
When those top factional wts travel around by private jet, chauffeur driven automobiles, keep houses & luxury suites, and deposit millions into their personal bank accounts, then idealistic young workers have hardly a chance of maintaining their vow of renunciation. Rather some get swept up into that, lest they face the consequences of getting pushed aside and receiving one punishment posting after another.
INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATION:
RENUNCIATION AND DEDICATION
However to truly became a force in this world dedication is needed.
There are some organisations and religious groups that "succeed and thrive" on this earth because of their dedication. Often times their aims are awry, but they serve and help each other and eat together as one family and that is enough for them to gain success and spread their teachings from one land to the next.
This very faculty of sacrifice is missing in our Ananda Marga nowadays. That is why despite having the great teachings of dharma in our books, due to this blatant lack of renunciation and dedication to help and serve others, our AMPS is stuck, unfortunately, because of some bad apples.
So the spirit of madhukar and ajagar are deeply needed in our Ananda Marga. Prior to 1990 they were present. All the wts did everything and everything for the welfare of Ananda Marga and nothing for their own self. Now the opposite is happening as some are doing anything and everything for their own self and nothing for the welfare of our Ananda Marga.
One bad apple spoils the bunch. So even if a few Dadas are acting selfishly, hoarding money, indulging in luxuries, and going against the spirit of renunciation, then that taints and undermines our entire WT cadre.
So this is a shame. There is no dearth of dedicated workers and margiis in Ananda Marga. There are so many good people. But those dedicated workers just get pushed aside in one corner by the ruling elite.
By this entire manner, the spirit of renunciation and the sacrifice represented by our saffron flag and saffron coloured sannyasiis dress has been severely compromised.
"BE GREAT BY YOUR SADHANA, SERVICE AND SACRIFICE"
"It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice." (Ananda Vanii #20)
Only by recapturing the ideals of ajagar and madhukar can we once again become that great resurgent body that led to the tremendous growth of Ananda Marga. With those ideals absent from certain sannyasiis, our problems will continue. So let us once again rally around the spirit of our saffron flag and embrace Baba's guidelines from senior acarya diary and build an AMPS organisation that reflects the cornerstones of sacrifice and renunciation.
"Everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability...You are travellers of an impregnable path. You have to
march ahead proudly with the flag of Marga upright. You have no time to stagger or to look behind." (Subhasita Samgraha - 1)
CONDUCT RULES JUST BEING OVERLOOKED
These following WT conduct rules given by Baba go hand-in-hand with His divine teachings about madhukar and ajagar from the aparigraha section of Senior Acarya Diary.
So in various avenues, Baba is preaching this special gospel of renunciation, but tragically within our AM sannyasii culture these things are just being neglected and overlooked by some.
Best is if everyone judges for themselves if these below points are prevalent in our AM sannyasii order or not.
"One should attract other by one's sacrificing nature." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #20)
"One should leave all sorts of luxuries." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #6)
"One should adjust with the minimum requirements of life." ('37 Avadhuta / Wt Workers Rules', point #17)
Thus when the ruling wts are hoarding wealth, laundering money, and looking down upon others, then how is our WT order going to become that shining example that will inspire confidence, service, and sacrifice to one and all.
BABA'S RELATED TEACHINGS
"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 second tendency, the spirit of sacrifice, becomes prominent." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, The Faculty of Knowledge – 2)
REAL YOGI THINKS FOR THE UNIVERSE, NOT OWN SELF
"What is the Siddhi, i.e., attainment of Karma Sádhaná? – (Karma Brahmeti Karma Vahu Kurviita). To serve every mundane object thinking it to be the manifestation of Paramátmá is Karma, i.e., the Sádhaná of action. What is the achievement (Siddhi) of Karma Sádhaná? It is generally found that an average person spends more than twelve or fourteen hours in thinking about his or her own self. But the moment one starts thinking about the universe, one becomes a Karma Sádhaka. When one starts spending all one's time in thinking for the universe, taking one self to be a bubble in the ocean of Karma, one gets Siddhi in Karma Sádhaná. A person is a part of the universe, and when one starts serving the universe, one is also automatically included among the served." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, Salvation & Devotion)
"Many people look upon human beings as God Himself and throw themselves into the service of humanity abandoning their families and personal comforts. Defying all obstacles – the dense forests, the towering mountains, the stormy oceans – they travel throughout the world promoting the welfare of all." (1 January 1964)
Namaskar,
in Him
Kamalkrsna
Note 1: WHAT IS TRUE RENUNCIATION
Here Baba guides us about the pathway of true renunciation.
"When the human mind becomes strong enough not to be affected by any colour, it is called vaera'gya [renunciation]." (10 November 1978, Calcutta)
The essence of the above teaching is that the mind must not be allowed to become tempted and engrossed by material wealth etc. Rather the mind should be kept in a state of balance, whereby one can look upon this world with empathy. Then when can truly serve others.
Unfortunately, when some of our wts with high posts are keen on luxury cars, black money, and other allurements that exist in this mundane world, and collect crores in their personal bank accounts. Then how can we say they truly imbibe the spirit renunciation.
According to Baba, renunciation means developing a high mind through sadhana where one feels that they have come on this earth with a mission to sacrifice for the service and welfare of others. Armed with this true spirit of renunciation our WT cadre will really become a great and benevolent force in this world.
Note 2: APARIGRAHA & THE APPLICATION OF
MADHUKARII VRTTI AND AJAGARII VRTTI
The term 'ajagar' refers to that very large snake known as the python. And the sense is that a python never moves anywhere to procure its food. It stays put in one single place, always. And it only eats what comes across its path. It does not spend its entire life traveling all about in search of one's food.
So in the realm of sannyasiihood, our AM monks are to adopt a similar approach while living on this earth. They are not to indulge in an ongoing quest for more and more wealth and money for their own self. Rather our AM sannyasiis are to adjust with whatever they get for their existential needs and dedicate themselves to infusing energy within others and serve all through our Ananda Marga social service projects etc. They should not waste their energy and time thinking about their own self and self alone etc. According to Baba, this is the real dharma of an Ananda Marga sannyasii.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, workers can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life - for the service of others - they may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life Wts must desist from doing keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
So we should all accept His teachings with a cool mind and think twice when we see our wts frivolously running headlong after money. Because, by that way, they have lost their dharma - according to Baba's teaching in Senior Acarya Diary about madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtii.
Those Ananda Marga workers sincerely following madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti neither run after money nor property for their own luxury, only Parama Purusa. So a true wt will take proper ideation and just have the bare minimum that is needed to survive & execute their work of serving others. Side by side, one is not to harbour the desire of getting more personal wealth.
According to Baba, this is not only the ideal way, but the only way for a true AM sannyasii to live. Anyone going against this system is a fake sannyasii. That is Baba's pointed stance & strict warning.
So that means our wts are not to stockpile funds in their personal bank accounts, nor are they to keep unaccounted money (i.e. black money), nor anything that is above and beyond what is needed for their basic subsistence.
Here we should not forget this is Baba's teaching from Senior Acarya Diary and this is not some dogmatic belief from pre-historic Hinduism nor the fantasy of some jinanii, nor some impractical expectation by some day-dreamer which is too lofty to be attained.
Rather the highly practical and ideal teachings of madhukarii vrtti and ajagarii vrtti come from our Guru, the Taraka Brahma Lord Shrii Shrii Ananamurtiji who has graciously given this in Senior Acarya Diary. And indeed those wts adhering to this dharmic code of ajagarii vrtti are truly great. They are the real seers, sadvipras, and well-wishers of humanity. Their minds are crystal-clear and pointed towards Baba's teachings, and not drifting towards worldly allurements etc.
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