Ananda Sutram Is Not Originally Bengali

Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:39:21 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Ram Sahay Deva
Subject: Ananda Sutram Is Not Originally Bengali

Baba

This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Prabhat Samgiita #1028;
(2) Posting: Ananda Sutram Is Not Originally Bengali;
(3) Trailer Quote: Real World Example of Accuracy of Prout Philosophy

Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).


**** Here begins the Prabhat Samgiita ****

“Toma’ke buddhi-bale bolo ke va’ pa’be, Buddhi toma’r krpa’y sabe labhe...” (P.S. 1028)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, who can get You with the power of their intellect. Nobody can get You with their intellect. All receive their intellect from You.

In the past, I wasted so much time - coming and going from this earth - birth and death, birth and death, birth and death. All the while, I was depending on my little intellect. I was foolishly thinking that with the strength of my intellect alone I will get everything, i.e. Parama Purusa. I tried hard, yet failed miserably. At every step, I realized my ignorance: O' Parama Puruasa, You cannot be realised by the intellect. At every step, I came to understand my ignorance and stupidity. Now, by Your grace, I have come to the conclusion that You are the only essence of this universe.

O' Divine Entity, in the past I adopted the path of hypocrisy and tried to hide my ignorance through my tall talks. With the stain of that cover-up, I degenerated. In that way, I plowed the way for my own degradation. Baba, by Your grace, today samvit [1] (spiritual awakening) has come. This much You have graciously made me understand: Without Your causeless grace, nothing can happen. And with Your causeless grace, even the impossible becomes possible. O' my Lord, I have realized Your unconditional grace is showering on me...


END NOTE FOR PRABAHT SAMGIITA #1028:

[1] Samvita: "The popular meaning of sam'vit shakti is "awareness" - awakening from slumber. With the help of sam'vit shakti, unit beings become aware of their existence. They realise that they are the crown of creation, the most evolved beings whose goal is to attain the supreme rank and dispel the darkness of the avaran'ii shakti of avidyamaya." (Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4)

== ANANDA SUTRAM IS NOT ORIGINALLY BENGALI ==

Namaskar,
Ananda Sutram is not originally Bangla, but many naive people think in that way.

Here are some important points about how Ananda Sutram was given - this is something we should all be aware about. 

In the very early days of AMPS, Baba gave Ananda Sutram. He dictated each sutra in Sam'skrta (Sanskrit), and side by side gave the purport of each sutra in Bengali. These two components are the source material for all other language editions of Ananda Sutram.

Over the years, some have made the claim that Ananda Sutram is originally from Bengali - but upon a more careful review we can rationally understand that Ananda Sutram is a Sam'skrta (Sanskrit) text.

In its entirety, there are 85 sutras in Ananda Sutram and each one of those sutras has been given in Sam'skrta; and that is what Ananda Sutram is: The Sam'skrta Sutras. with a keen eye, we can understand that Ananda Sutram is Sam'skrta. Because the main component of Ananda Sutram is the sutras - and those are Sam'skrta. Plus the title itself is Sam'skrta (Sanskrit).

In the past, various rishis also wrote Sam'skrta sutras but they they did not put forth any purport. Years later, scholars wrote their own purports; but those purports were not accurate. They did not properly depict what those rishis told in the sutra. In result, so many aspirants and students were led astray by these faulty purports.

To prevent such problems from ever happening with Ananda Sutram, Baba Himself gave the sutra and the purport. This left no scope for others to misinterpret His given sutras. The point being Ananda Sutram is the original 85 sutras - and those are all Sam'skrta. Then Baba gave the explanation in Bangla.

Certain loud mouths repeat again and again that Ananda Sutram is Bengali, but they just have their own agenda. They are not concerned with the truth. By loudly stating again and again - "Ananda Sutram is Bengali" - they hope to convince and befool others. This is their dogmatic approach.

Everyone else will readily understand that Ananda Sutram is Sam'skrta. Ananda Sutram is Sam'skrta because Ananda Sutram refers to the sutras, not the purports. All the sutras have been given in Sam'skrta (Sanskrit) - as well as the title itself. Because Sam'skrta does not have its own script, they were written in Shriihars'a script.

Now let's examine the critical error in the English Edition.

HOW IT WAS WRONGLY TRANSLATED AND PUBLISHED

Ananda Sutram book is our key philosophical text. When reviewing the latest English edition of Ananda Sutram, we found a few mistakes. One of the translators and publishers could not properly convey Baba's teaching. As sadhakas, it is our collective duty to raise awareness about scriptural errors / distortions. We must ensure that publication in-charges correct such errors.

Kindly read the following; correct your own personal copy of Ananda Sutram English Edition; and bring the matter to the concern authorities. Also bear in mind that the most recent version of the electronic version (EE 7.5) of Baba's books is also incorrect on this matter.

In the first chapter of Ananda Sutram, Baba is explaining how the entire expressed universe was created, as well as how unit beings ultimately merge back into the Macrocosm. Baba's philosophy is absolutely flawless, and He explains everything in a very clear and concise manner.

So it is a bit of a tragedy that there is one key point from the purport of sutra 1-21 that has been wrongly published in the English edition. There are two distinct errors.

First the Bengali word pralaya (pra = special; laya = merging; hence, merging back into the Supreme) was translated as "utter destruction" in the final sentence of the English purport. That was a translation error. Second, certain editors or publishers put that same "utter destruction" phrase in brackets [ ] to indicate that as the proper definition of pralaya or pran'a'sha in the second sentence. That was an editing mistake.

But both of these instances are wrong because in that very purport itself Baba Himself defines pralaya or pran'a'sha as "when the object merges in its cause" - i.e. when the unit being merges into the Supreme.

Here it should be noted that "-laya" is a common suffix that means "merging", such as vilaya meaning properly dissolved. And pralaya, means, merging into the Macrocosm and attaining savikalpa samadhi.

Hence it is 100% wrong to translate or define pralaya or pran'a'sha as "utter destruction". Dogmatic Hindus use the word in this way (explained further down in this letter), but not Ananda Margiis. It seems that editors or publishers got this "utter destruction" definition a from Sam'skrta dictionary, which bases its meaning on Hindu dogma. Similarly, Wikipedia also references pralaya as "destruction, annihilation or death."

With Ananda Sutram then, initially, a translation error was made of the word pralaya, and then certain editors repeated that same mistake. That is why the same fundamental error occurred twice in sutra 1-21.

HERE IS THEIR FAULTY PURPORT

Here is the sutra and purport of 1-21, for your review, as it appears in the current English edition of Ananda Sutram. See the mistakes for yourself.

1-21. Bhu'ma'vya'pte Mahati aham' cittayorpran'a'she
sagun'a'sthitih savikalpasama'dhih va'.

[When the aham and the citta merge into the Macrocosmic Mahat, the merger is called sagun'a'sthiti or savikalpa sama'dhi.]

"Purport: When after continued spiritual practice the mahattattva, that is, the “I” feeling, gets metamorphosed into the Macrocosmic “I” feeling, the citta of the microcosmic mind merges in the aham and the aham merges in the mahat. When the object merges in its cause, that merger is called pralaya or pran'a'sha [utter destruction]. Since the citta of the Macrocosm grows out of the Macrocosmic Aham, and the Macrocosmic Aham out of the Macrocosmic Mahat, when in pratisaincara’s introversial movement the [unit] citta merges in the aham and the aham in the mahat, to call it pran'a'sha is quite logical and reasonable. The state of utter destruction of the citta and the aham and the state of all-pervasiveness of the mahat constitute sagun'a'sthiti [the state of transcendentality], or savikalpa sama'dhi [the trance of determinate absorption]." (Ananda Sutram)

In His unique explanation, Baba states that "when the object merges in its cause, that merger is called pralaya or pran'a'sha". Here the point is that when any unit being attains savikalpa samadhi and merges back into the Macrocosm then that is pralaya or pran'a'sha.

There is no ambiguity about this because in His 19 Oct 1971 discourse in Purnea, Baba designates an entire paragraph to describe the meaning of pran'a'sha. (1)

In that paragraph, Baba tells that if sugar could be converted back into sugar cane then that is pran'a'sha. Because pran'a'sha or pralaya means merging back into the source.

But, in Ananda Sutram 1-21, in square brackets [ ] the publishers inserted the phrase "utter destruction" as if that is the real meaning of pralaya or pran'a'sha. That is wrong. Plus in the final sentence, the original Bengali purport uses the phrase the pralaya yet that got wrongly translated as "the state of utter destruction".

Those are the two mistakes from sutra 1-21 of the English edition of Ananda Sutram wherein pralaya got wrongly translated and printed as "utter destruction".

WHY IT IS WRONG

According to Baba, when a jiiva'tma' reaches the apex stance of pratisaincara and, due to sadhana and His divine grace, merges back into the Macrocosm then that is pralaya or pran'a'sha. Because at the point the unit has merged back into its Source. In that case, there is no question "utter destruction" - the unit being has not been harmed, ruined or destroyed. Rather a blissful merger has taken place as the jiivatma has fulfilled its dharma and become one with the Macrocosm and become vast.

The dogmatic Hindu understanding of pralaya or pran'a'sha is destruction; unfortunately that wrong notion has been inserted into English edition of Ananda Sutram by certain publishers.

Such Hindus believe that the whole world will be destroyed, just as other religions harbor their own doomsday and Armageddon philosophies. Such fundamentalists do this to scare and trap others in their dogma.

We, however, do not subscribe to such beliefs. More about this is written below.

FIX YOUR BOOK: WHAT SHOULD BE

Everyone who has a copy of the English edition of Ananda Sutram should cross out the two places where "utter destruction" appears in the purport of sutra 1-21. In that very purport Baba Himself has perfectly defined pralaya and pran'a'sha as "when the object merges in its cause, that merger is called pralaya or pran'a'sha".

Hence where "utter destruction" was inserted in brackets it should be deleted entirely or put [merger into the Macrocosm], and where "utter destruction" was used as the translated text, that phrase should be crossed out and the word pralaya inserted, or write the term "merging". Then your personal English copy of Ananda Sutram will be correct, otherwise not. In the next section down there is a corrected version for your easy reference.

And again there is no doubt about this. Because in His Hindi discourse of Purnea printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (H) and Ananda Vacanamrtam - 27 (H), Baba has specifically defined pran'a'sha as meaning merger into the Supreme Source. That is why there is no question of pran'a'sha or pralaya meaning anything else - there is no possible confusion. Baba is always meticulous on such issues wherein He gives His own dharmic explanation so people do not get misguided by traditional dogmatic uses. He has done the same with the term - brahamacarya. In Ananda Marga we have our dharmic understanding and traditional Hindu society has their limited understanding or dogma. Baba clearly addresses both meanings so there is no confusion.

If still the publishers would like to explain further about the meaning of pralaya, then they could use either a bracketed section signifying merger into the Macrocosm or perhaps add a footnote and write a short paragraph. In that footnote, the editors can explain that when anything returns to its origin or source then that is pralaya. Just like Baba does by giving the example of sugar being converted back into sugar cane.

But to print the phrase "utter destruction" as a synonym or translation of pralaya is extremely misleading and wrong. Pralaya does not mean "utter destruction". That is just the dogmatic Hindu understanding of that term. In reality, according to Ananda Marga, pralaya means that sweet and blissful merger back into the Macrocosm - to return to the original source.

HERE IS HOW IT SHOULD BE PRINTED

1-21. Bhu'ma'vya'pte Mahati aham' cittayorpran'a'she
sagun'a'sthitih savikalpasama'dhih va'.

[When the aham and the citta merge into the Macrocosmic Mahat, the merger is called sagun'a'sthiti or savikalpa sama'dhi.]

"Purport: When after continued spiritual practice the mahattattva, that is, the “I” feeling, gets metamorphosed into the Macrocosmic “I” feeling, the citta of the microcosmic mind merges in the aham and the aham merges in the mahat. When the object merges in its cause, that merger is called pralaya or pran'a'sha [MERGER INTO THE MACROCOSM]. Since the citta of the Macrocosm grows out of the Macrocosmic Aham, and the Macrocosmic Aham out of the Macrocosmic Mahat, when in pratisaincara’s introversial movement the [unit] citta merges in the aham and the aham in the mahat, to call it pran'a'sha is quite logical and reasonable. The state of MERGING the citta and the aham and the state of all-pervasiveness of the mahat constitute sagun'a'sthiti [the state of transcendentality], or savikalpa sama'dhi [the trance of determinate absorption]." (Ananda Sutram)

BEWARE OF MANY SHARED WORDS BETWEEN

ANANDA MARGA PHILOSOPHY AND HINDU DOGMA

In Ananda Marga philosophy, pralaya means the merger back into the Macrocosm; whereas, the Hindus refer to pralaya as the demolition of this earth, or doomsday etc.

Here it should be noted that there are many shared words between Ananda Marga philosophy and Hindu dogma that carry vastly different meanings: asura, brahamcarya, brahmin, deva, devii, dharma, dvija, gotra, gopal, gopii, Guru, loka, mahesh, mantra, murti, naraka, omnkara, papa, papiii, puja, punya, radha, rasaliila, samadhi, samskara, shastra, shudra, sura, svarga, varna, veda, vipra, vis'nu, yajina, yoga, and many more. There is the Ananda Marga dharmic meaning and the Hindu dogmatic sense.

In the same way, pralaya in the Hindu tradition means utter destruction, and in Ananda Marga it means merging back into the Macrocosm.

Only when Baba is referring to that Hindu dogma in order to dispel it - since we do not prescribe to any doomsday theory - then Baba uses the word pralaya in that sense.

Baba says, "Some philosophers, quoting the scriptures, say that a day of final doom will darken the Earth when the dead will rise from the grave. Others predict that a doomsday (pralaya)... will obliterate all forms of life. One should laugh at such illogical doctrines. According to A'nanda Ma'rga philosophy, this doomsday or pralaya will never occur...Thus, predictions of an imminent doomsday should be of no concern to you. It is nonsense; pralaya will never occur." (2)

So in Ananda Marga, pralaya means the final merger back into the Macrocosm; whereas, in the faulty Hindu doctrine pralaya means the utter destruction of earth.

We must not confuse these meanings nor think that Baba gives an iota of credence to the dogmatic Hindu concept of pralaya. He only uses the term in that way in order to dispel that Hindu dogma.

ANANDA MARGA SCRIPTURES SHOULD BE FLAWLESS

Baba has graciously given a perfect philosophy and it is our duty to make all the books proper. We should start by correcting our own personal English edition of Ananda Sutram. Please inform others in your unit as well.

On a greater scale, the printed English edition of Ananda Sutram mistake-free. It is important to raise this matter with the concerned members of the Publications Dept to ensure this error corrected. Ananda Sutram is our philosophical treatise - it must not veer off course from Ananda Marga philosophy.

Baba says, "The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless." (3)

"When the sole purpose of scripture, i.e. dharmasha'stra is to establish the human beings in the stable, exalted position of spiritual ideation, it must be practical, rational, infallible and universal. It must be based on deep eternal truths. It must be a'ptava'kya. A scripture is a guided entity." (4)

"If one is not able to give the people proper guidance, then at least one should not misguide them. One must not divert them from the proper path by exploiting the tender and delicate sentiments of the human mind. In the physical world there should be a strict controller as a shástra – and it is better to have a strong personality than a written book – but in the mental sphere the scripture and the person who upholds the scripture have equal importance as far as their utility and practical value is concerned. There must be an excellent and all-embracing philosophy, in which there should be no loophole in any sphere of mind as far as possible." (5)

IMPORTANCE OF ANANDA SUTRAM

As we all know, Ananda Sutram stands as Baba's seminal work in the realm of Ananda Marga philosophy.

Baba says, "The recognized book on Ananda Marga Philosophy is A'nanda Su'tram." (6)

Baba says, "A'nanda Su'tram is our philosophical treatise." (7)

Plus Ananda Marga philosophy is completely new and unique - such a philosophy has never existed before on this earth.

Baba says, "The trend of thinking and the spiritual practices prescribed in our Ananda Marga are not only new but something quite different from the established ideas and practices...Never before in the entire history of this world or the universe, if it could be known to mortals, has a system of life...ever been correlated in such closely knit society as in Ananda Marga." (8)

Thus when Ananda Sutram is such an important book, and when Ananda Marga philosophy is completely revolutionary and unique, then it only stands to reason we should ensure this book is properly published & printed.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ram Sahay

Note 1: IF ANY QUESTION - JUST ASK

If anyone has any question or needs clarification about the below paragraph, then just ask.

Here it should be noted that there are many shared words between Ananda Marga philosophy and Hindu dogma that carry vastly different meanings: asura, brahamcarya, brahmin, deva, devii, dharma, dvija, gotra, gopal, gopii, Guru, loka, mahesh, mantra, murti, naraka, omnkara, papa, papiii, puja, punya, radha, rasaliila, samadhi, samskara, shastra, shudra, sura, svarga, varna, veda, vipra, vis'nu, yajina, yoga, and many more. There is the Ananda Marga dharmic meaning and the Hindu dogmatic sense.


REFERENCES:
1. Reference Ananda Vacanamrtam - 27 (H), p.45 or Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (H), p 90
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
4. Tattva Kaomudii - 2
5. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
6. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, "Our Philosophical Treatise"
7. Caryacarya - 1, "Svadhyaya"
8. Prout in a Nutshell - 11

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.

*************************
Real World Example of Accuracy of Prout Philosophy:

Why Islamic Clerics Are Coming Into Power

"Nobody can stop the rotation of the social cycle, not even the sadvipras. They stay in the nucleus of the social cycle, wakefully and vigilantly observing the process of rotation. One after another, one age follows the next: Vipra after Kśatriya." (Human Society - 2, Shúdra Revolution and Sadvipra Society)

"The rule of the social cycle is that the Shúdra Age is followed by the Kśatriya Age, the Kśatriya Age is followed by the Vipra Age...This kind of social rotation is the inexorable law of nature." (Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age)

"It is not easy to establish the Vipra Age after the Kśatriya Age, but once it is established, the Vipra Age quickly gains a strong, octopus-like hold over kśatriya society." (Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age)

"The samája cakra [social cycle] moves on. After the Shúdra Age [the age of manual workers] comes the age of warriors – that is, the Kśatriya Age; next comes the Vipra Age." (Problems of the Day, #34)


Note: According to Prout, when one age ends another begins. That is the social cycle. According to the natural progression of the social cycle, the ksattriyan era moves into the vipran age, not the vaeshyan era.

During the Arab Spring, the west was anticipating that after the ksattriyan rule of Bin Ali in Tunisia, then the vaeshyan era will arrive. But that did not happen. Instead, the vipran era is coming into form and exerting its force.

In Tunesia and throughout the Arab world, viprans are mostly Muslim intellectuals; that means Islamic clerics are coming into power and imposing Islamic law - just like Iran. The same is happening in Egypt. Both countries are classic, textbook examples of Baba's Prout theory and the social cycle.

No contemporary western social thinker or political analyst thought Islamic clerics would rise to power, but that is exactly what has happened.

Baba's Proutistic teachings are so practical and meaningful. It is our duty to promote His philosophy and remove the suffering of common people.

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

Re: Like Analogy of Goat And Pumpkin #2

Subject: Re: Like Analogy of Goat And Pumpkin (Bhavatiita)
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2012 23:25:07 GMT
From: Ashutosha Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net

BABA

== RE: LIKE ANALOGY OF GOAT AND PUMPKIN ==

 ~ Part 2 ~

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. Key sections of the first letter have been appended below in brown italics. In addition, a link has been appended for those who wish to review the initial letter on this topic in its entirety. - Eds)

Namaskara!

Superb job. It is true what you said about how those embedded in materialism will not be able to decipher Baba's work and will depend upon margiis to help interpret. When I was a teenager in the Sector, I met this Didi once at at UKK and was impressed with her talks on Ananda Marga ideology. I liked her intellect. When her CB book came out I wondered about the passages on Christ and other teachers but since it was being published I thought Baba O.K'd it.
Decades later, I can see the folly in her book and I wonder if these emails have been sent to her? Perhaps, some of us who have read these emails about her book have told her already? I don't know.

Perhaps, we should keep an actual list of all the things to be overturned since 1990 so that when authority within the organization is returned to some responsible leader, we can address these issues have them taken care one by one (e.g. BP rules, margii rights, silent action towards acharyas when appropriate, wrong translations, RAWA program filth, Devashish book, Keshavanandaji's wrong interpretation of death' arrival, and so many more issues you have talked about over the years. Let there be a list.


At His lotus feet,
Ashutosha Deva

SADGURU APPEARS

As an example, let us take a look at one of Baba's original teachings from Ananda Sutram. In His spiritual treatise, Baba reveals the special secret behind the appearance of Sadguru in the life of a sadhaka in sutra 3-8.

3-8 Muktya'ka'unks'aya' sadgurupra'ptih.

"Purport: When a vehement desire for emancipation wakes up in a person, he attains his sadguru [true spiritual preceptor] on the strength of that desire." (Ananda Sutram)

Thus, Sadguru comes only when the aspirant has a deep desire to realise Him.

Also embedded within this special sutra is the supreme idea that Brahma Himself is the Sadguru - not any other lower being or entity.

Baba says, "What is the Sadguru? The word “sat” means “that which undergoes no change”...“Sat”. Now, the entity by whose grace one comes into contact with sat (sat, the non-changeable entity, the non-changeable stance, the non-changeable nuclear entity around which so many electrons move) – that entity, or rather, that framework through which Parama Purus'a is working or Ta'raka Brahma is functioning, is the Sadguru." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-3)

From His above guideline, it is quite clear that Sadguru is that singular Divine Entity, i.e. Parama Purusa Himself - no one else, no other lesser teacher. Taraka Brahma is Sadguru.

Hence there are two highly significant features to this sutra 3-8. The first being that Sadguru comes when the aspirant has the strong longing to attain Him, and the second being that Sadguru is Brahma Himself.

BOOK IS OFF THE MARK

But see what this "Commentary Book" (CB) does to this special sutra.

In an attempt to explain Baba's sutra 3-8 about the arrival of Sadguru, the "Commentary Book" gives all kinds of examples and stories about so-called gurus like Swami Ramananda, Totapuri, and Ram Mohan Roy's guru. In each of these instances, the "CB" puts forth a "dramatic story" how these dogmatic gurus - who themselves are spiritual aspirants - came to their disciples. This is the way the "CB" attempts to explain sutra 3-8 about the arrival of Sadguru.

- "At the time Swami Ramananda was the greatest teacher in Benares, but since Ramananda was a Hindu and Kabir was a Moslem, Ramananda would not take him as as disciple...[Kabir] fell at Ramananda's feet...and Ramananda had to take him as his disciple."

- "Then one day the master Totapuri appeared, and he became Ramakrsna's guru."

Verily, these above examples from the "CB" have nothing to do with the real meaning of Baba's sutra 3-8.

Because in His spiritual treatise, Ananda Sutram, Baba is explaining the whole of Ananda Marga ideology, including the appearance of Sadguru. And as we all know, Taraka Brahma is that Sadguru - that is what our Ananda Marga ideology says and that is what every Ananda Margii has realised.

Yet that "CB" explains sutra 3-8 by using tales about dogmatic Hindu gurus like Swami Ramananda & Totapuri as proof of how Sadguru comes - as if such so-called gurus are the equivalent of the Ananda Marga standard of Sadguru.

TRUE MEANING OF SADGURU

As we know, in Ananda Marga, the whole concept of Sadguru is a sublime ideal - on no other path is Brahma the guru. Whereas, in Ananda Marga it is like that: Brahma is the Guru; Baba Himself is the Sadguru. That is why our tantric path of Ananda Marga is wholly unique and has no equal. Because Brahma is the Sadguru.

Note 2: WHO WROTE THIS "COMMENTARY BOOK"

As many of you may be aware, this so-called Commentary Book CB) was written by Didi Ananda Mitra. The actual name of her "CB" book is, "The Spiritual Philosophy of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti: A Commentary on Ananda Sutram". The book has been printed twice: 1981 & 1998. Unfortunately, in that 17 year gap between the first and second printings, not a single mistake was repaired.

And now 14 more years have passed and still these same faulty teachings have not been repaired.

HERE IS THE FULL LETTER:

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/11/like-analogy-of-goat-and-pumpkin.html

Like Analogy of Goat And Pumpkin

From: "Bhavatiita"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2012 21:23:14 -0500
Subject: Like Analogy of Goat And Pumpkin

Baba

== LIKE ANALOGY OF GOAT AND PUMPKIN ==

Namaskar,
As Ananda Margiis, we are so blessed to have come in contact with Baba - the Sadguru. And one of our main endeavours is to serve Him by spreading His teachings, maintaining their authenticity and integrity.

To that end, we are to do pracara, explain His scriptures, and involve in so many engagements. Already many good margiis and wt's have made great strides in this arena - much positive work is going on.

NOT EASY TO INTERPRET

In our Ananda Marga, Baba has given a wide variety of books, Some are easier to understand than others. For instance, comparatively speaking, the Ananda Vacanamrtam series is simple and easy, whereas Idea & Ideology, Yoga Psychology, and Ananda Sutram are quite difficult. Without a clear understanding of such texts, one should not try to interpret them as they will only confuse and mislead others. That is Baba's warning.

Baba says, “The scriptures should always be interpreted by qualified scholars, competent philosophers, and penetrating thinkers. If one tries to interpret a profound scripture with superficial knowledge, the interpreter appears ridiculous and the audience is confused.”

“There are some people who are neither scholars, nor philosophers, nor penetrating thinkers, but merely wander about interpreting scriptures as a means of livelihood [psychic and / or economic]. They utterly fail to present the proper matter in the correct perspective before the audience...[and] do more harm than good to the society.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)

Unfortunately, one Wt has written a "Commentary Book" (CB), and instead of properly explaining Baba's divine teachings, the author moves in another direction.

SADGURU APPEARS

As an example, let us take a look at one of Baba's original teachings from Ananda Sutram. In His spiritual treatise, Baba reveals the special secret behind the appearance of Sadguru in the life of a sadhaka in sutra 3-8.

3-8 Muktya'ka'unks'aya' sadgurupra'ptih.

"Purport: When a vehement desire for emancipation wakes up in a person, he attains his sadguru [true spiritual preceptor] on the strength of that desire." (Ananda Sutram)

Thus, Sadguru comes only when the aspirant has a deep desire to realise Him.

Also embedded within this special sutra is the supreme idea that Brahma Himself is the Sadguru - not any other lower being or entity.

Baba says, "What is the Sadguru? The word “sat” means “that which undergoes no change”...“Sat”. Now, the entity by whose grace one comes into contact with sat (sat, the non-changeable entity, the non-changeable stance, the non-changeable nuclear entity around which so many electrons move) – that entity, or rather, that framework through which Parama Purus'a is working or Ta'raka Brahma is functioning, is the Sadguru." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-3)

From His above guideline, it is quite clear that Sadguru is that singular Divine Entity, i.e. Parama Purusa Himself - no one else, no other lesser teacher. Taraka Brahma is Sadguru.

Hence there are two highly significant features to this sutra 3-8. The first being that Sadguru comes when the aspirant has the strong longing to attain Him, and the second being that Sadguru is Brahma Himself.

BOOK IS OFF THE MARK

But see what this "Commentary Book" (CB) does to this special sutra.

In an attempt to explain Baba's sutra 3-8 about the arrival of Sadguru, the "Commentary Book" gives all kinds of examples and stories about so-called gurus like Swami Ramananda, Totapuri, and Ram Mohan Roy's guru. In each of these instances, the "CB" puts forth a "dramatic story" how these dogmatic gurus - who themselves are spiritual aspirants - came to their disciples. This is the way the "CB" attempts to explain sutra 3-8 about the arrival of Sadguru.

- "At the time Swami Ramananda was the greatest teacher in Benares, but since Ramananda was a Hindu and Kabir was a Moslem, Ramananda would not take him as as disciple...[Kabir] fell at Ramananda's feet...and Ramananda had to take him as his disciple."

- "Then one day the master Totapuri appeared, and he became Ramakrsna's guru."

Verily, these above examples from the "CB" have nothing to do with the real meaning of Baba's sutra 3-8.

Because in His spiritual treatise, Ananda Sutram, Baba is explaining the whole of Ananda Marga ideology, including the appearance of Sadguru. And as we all know, Taraka Brahma is that Sadguru - that is what our Ananda Marga ideology says and that is what every Ananda Margii has realised.

Yet that "CB" explains sutra 3-8 by using tales about dogmatic Hindu gurus like Swami Ramananda & Totapuri as proof of how Sadguru comes - as if such so-called gurus are the equivalent of the Ananda Marga standard of Sadguru.

TRUE MEANING OF SADGURU

As we know, in Ananda Marga, the whole concept of Sadguru is a sublime ideal - on no other path is Brahma the guru. Whereas, in Ananda Marga it is like that: Brahma is the Guru; Baba Himself is the Sadguru. That is why our tantric path of Ananda Marga is wholly unique and has no equal. Because Brahma is the Sadguru.

In Ananda Marga, we are trying to show the world that the path of Ananda Marga is pure dharma where the Preceptor or Sadguru is Brahma.

This sutra (3-8) is not difficult to understand for any sincere margii. Because their life and their coming onto the path of Ananda Marga, and taking initiation & accepting Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji as the Guru, is verily the living representation of this sutra. Their account is this sutra in story form. Baba has graciously put their story in sutra form. In one phrase this sutra is your story how you came into Ananda Marga. You had this longing in your mind and then By His grace you got the Sadguru and the path. He is guiding and helping you to reach unto the Goal.

Yet the "CB" is making it look like getting the Sadguru is just like getting any ordinary teacher or joining any dogmatic path. That is like comparing pure gold with mud. The two cannot even be compared. In an attempt to explain sutra 3-8, the "CB" is equating Sadguru with various so-called gurus. This will only misinform and misguide readers.

THOUSANDS OF GURUS

Along these lines, one critical point is that if the disciples of Swami Ramdeva, Asharam Bapu, Shankaracharya, Mahesh Yogi, Ravishankar, or Satya Sai Baba and all sorts of thousands of "gurus" read this text then they are bound to think that they got the Sadguru. This book legitimates all those so-called gurus as being Sadgurus. So rather than striving to attain the real Sadguru, those innocent followers will be duped into thinking that theirs is the Sadguru,

THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM

None should think that the incorrect explanation of Sadguru is the only problem or mistake in that so-called Commentary Book - far from it.

Rather, that "CB" veers away from the path on nearly every sutra which Baba has given by (a) equating Baba's divine teachings with those of Christ, (b) telling that following dharma twice a day for 5 minutes is enough when Baba says that dharma must always be followed, (c) not recognising Prout as part of Ananda Sutram when in fact Baba has used the entire 5th chapter of Ananda Sutram to put forth Prout, (d) and indeed on nearly each and every page there are dogmatic explanations to Baba's blemishless teachings.

Tragically, all these mistakes and errors are being passed onto the reader by this "CB".

That is why many are telling that this "Commentary Book" must be removed from our Training Centres and removed from our jagriti bookshelves - as soon as possible. Because this "Commentary Book" is not preaching the ideals of Ananda Marga, rather in the name of Ananda Sutram and in the name of Ananda Marga, this book is putting forth dogmatic rituals from so many religions.

Understanding Baba's high spiritual ideals is not easy - especially in this materialistic era, so the common people are apt to rely on others' explanations. Yet when people refer to "CB", they are getting something that will lead them away from the ideals of Ananda Marga. Unfortunately.

BRAHMA APPEARS AS SADGURU

All of Baba's teachings are sacred - especially those which talk about getting Sadguru as the Guru and coming onto the path of Ananda Marga. Because this is the most unique aspect of Ananda Marga: Brahma is the Guru.

Yet the "CB" undermines this insinuating that any dogmatic teacher or so-called guru is the equivalent of Sadguru.

By Baba's grace, we have all come onto the path of Ananda Marga due to His infinite love and compassion and here below, in a phrase, Baba graciously describes this unique and wonderful event of coming in contact with the Sadguru.

Baba says, "It is the special grace of Brahma to appear as Sadguru and teach spiritual practice to human beings. Is it not His special grace when Brahma attracts a person?" (Subhasita Samgraha-1)

Surrendering to Baba - the Sadguru,
Bhavatiita Deva

Note 1: OUR SAMSKRTA NAMES

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

Note 2: WHO WROTE THIS "COMMENTARY BOOK"

As many of you may be aware, this so-called Commentary Book CB) was written by Didi Ananda Mitra. The actual name of her "CB" book is, "The Spiritual Philosophy of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti: A Commentary on Ananda Sutram". The book has been printed twice: 1981 & 1998. Unfortunately, in that 17 year gap between the first and second printings, not a single mistake was repaired.

And now 14 more years have passed and still these same faulty teachings have not been repaired.

Needless to say there has been ample opportunity to fix these errors, but some have reported that Didiji is not interested because she does not make a lot of money from this book. So she is perfectly happy to keep her faulty "Commentary" book as is, even though many good margiis have pointed out the defects of her so-called analysis.

All in all, Didiji initially tried hard to write a decent book, but the topic is just beyond her capacity to explain. Ananda Marga philosophy is deep and she could not manage. Her attempt is akin to a goat trying to swallow a whole pumpkin. The goat simply lacks the capacity. Same is the case with Didiji in her attempt to explain Ananda Sutram.

Her approach is pramatta - just bogus and bad from beginning to end.

That is why even though this "Commentary Book" has been used in our WT Training Centres, and in so many other places for years and years, now more and more are now realising that this "Commentary Book" is not what it purports itself to be.

Here Baba perfectly describes what happens when someone of lesser calibre attempts to explain His divine teachings.

Baba says, "The scriptures should always be interpreted by qualified scholars, competent philosophers, and penetrating thinkers. If one tries to interpret a profound scripture with superficial knowledge, the interpreter appears ridiculous and the audience is confused."

"There are some people who are neither scholars, nor philosophers, nor penetrating thinkers, but merely wander about interpreting scriptures as a means of livelihood. They utterly fail to present the proper matter in the correct perspective before the audience...[and] do more harm than good to the society."

"[They] interpret the scriptures just to exhibit their intellect - to procure for themselves a certificate of erudition. They remain far from the living spirit of the scriptures." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14)

There are some like Didiji whose livelihood may not come from direct economic gain but rather from social gain. Didiji did not make a lot of money from her book, but she did gain a high degree of social status. And with that enhanced social status she garnered respect, land grants, and large financial donations etc.

Note 3: FOR THEIR WELFARE

This letter has been written with everyone's welfare in mind. Those sincere seekers looking for proper guideline about Ananda Sutram will gain the proper understanding of sutra 3-8, and related topics. Didiji herself will be benefited because by this way she can improve her own standard. She will then be able to serve others better. In contrast, if nobody points out Didi and she does not face any healthy criticism, then she will not grow and she will be a burden to the society by disseminating wrong teachings etc. With this healthy criticism, Ananda Mitra Didi will became an asset to the society. It is with this positive feeling in heart and mind that this letter has been written.

Note 4: ABOUT HER MASTER UNIT

Side by side, Didi Ananda Mitra created a master unit allegedly in her own name. It is a rather myopic outlook. She cannot conceive of the idea that she herself is mortal and will one day die. And after her death that MU will go in the hands of non-margiis, not AMPS. Didiji created her own kingdom in her own name, all of which will be lost.

Those who are emotionally attached think that because Ananda Mitra started the MU then it belongs to AMPS. But legally that is not the way it is. One day, this will all get dragged into the courts.

Note 5: IF YOU WANT MORE

If you are interested in receiving more postings which clearly delineate the defects of Ananda Mitra's faulty Commentary, simply email the editors of this network and they will gladly send you some of the many letters on this topic.

Note 6: BLESSED TRAVELERS

By His grace, we are the blessed travelers of the path of Ananda Marga and it is our sacred duty to properly explain His teachings and highlight His glory - the specialty of Sadguru. Because only in the tantra of Ananda Marga is Brahma the Guru.

Here is the story of how one margii attained the Sadguru, by His grace, and entered onto the path of Ananda Marga.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/03/mahaprayan-of-one-margii-baba-story.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'mi ga'n geye ja'i, mor kon sampa'da na'i..."  (P.S. 3610)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace I go on singing the song. I do not have any type of quality or wealth other than this. I do not have lots of capital or a huge collection of virtues. Just I am completely dependent upon Your karuna' and krpa'. My future is entirely in Your hand. Whether You allow me to remain close or push me away, it is up to You. But this much I know, that I am Yours. You have given me the gift of voice and that I am using for singing Your glory. And You have given me a heart which is full of yearning and love for You. You have filled my heart with the sweet nectar of devotion. Having all these things, again and again I surrender my whole existence unto You. Please grace me and keep me along with You...