Why Sadhana is Difficult

Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2012 23:39:08
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "Pavitra" pwKlauss@springnet...
Subject: Why Sadhana is Difficult

Baba

"Nutan jiivan labhiya'chi mora' nutan us'a'r kiran'e..." (PS 5015)

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace we all got new life-- in this new light wave
of the dawn. The new dawn has come and vibrated our body, mind, and
soul. Baba You have graciously shown us the path: The path of bliss,
Ananda Marga. By Your grace, we have left all those outdated, rotten,
old dogmas. Except Ista, except You, there is no charm in the life. Your
love and grace is resonating in our entire existence. Baba, we all
belong to the same gotra, one family. This whole world lies within this
same gotra. With the love of our heart we will awaken the entire world
by Your grace. Baba, You have blessed us with new life in this new dawn.
This is nothing but Your causeless grace...


                == WHY SADHANA IS DIFFICULT ==

Namaskar,
The path of sadhana is difficult-- it is not an easy endeavour. Many, of
course, sincerely try to move ahead, and indeed do move ahead on this
path; while sometimes, a few get discouraged and revert to worldly
pleasures to satisfy themselves. And tragically, some never even start
on the path of spirituality and just immediately get swayed by their
baser, animal instincts.

So why is sadhana so difficult?

Firstly, carnal desires are familiar to us and are easy to get.
But, ultimately such crude deeds will only pull one far, far from the
goal and drag our minds along the path of narakya'na-- path to hell.

Baba says, "Microcosms, confined as they are within the relative
factors, have very little controlling authority. The Macrocosm, however,
is the controller of heaven and hell. It is worthwhile to mention here
that the tendency of the human mind to degenerate towards matter in the
path of negative pratisaincara is called hell (naraka), and the movement
of the unit mind towards the Supreme Non-attributional Stance in the
flow of positive Pratisaincara is called heaven. A unit mind which
accepts gold or silver as the goal of life gradually becomes transformed
into gold or silver. The psychic waves, as a result of constant ideation
are first transformed into the waves of gold or silver and finally into
crude gold or silver itself as a result of jad'asama'dhi. Later on it is
reborn as a gold or silver, and spends its days confined within the safe
of a money-minded merchant. This undesirable situation is called
narakava'sa or life in hell." (AMIWL-8)

Due to lack of sadhana, so many follow this path of narakya'na. They
just get bound up in their materialistic desires and ultimately become
like that.

But as human beings, if we fill our mind and life with sensual pleasures
and materialistic pursuits-- like chasing after the opposite sex, or
filling our pockets with money, or running after name and fame-- then we
will just fall into hell. We get be reborn into lower and lower beings like
ants and bugs, or even be reborn as rock and stone. And not only that,
our current human life will turn into a torturous journey of frustration
and suffering as one gets more and more bound to animalistic desires.

So although this path of narakya'na is easy and may satisfy the vices of
our motor and sensory organs, we should not let the mind become a slave
to our crude, external external organs. We should not fall prey to the
allurements of avidya maya. Ultimately, such a path is a complete bust,
a dead-end, and one-way ticket to hell.

Unfortunately, time and again this can happen. In ignorance people may
run in that direction thinking that they will find bliss-- when in fact
the opposite will happen. They will be bound up in angst and
frustration. That is why the so-called glamorous life of so many movie
starts just metamorphoses into a life of depression, drug addiction, and
disease etc. Even this happens to common citizens, as well.

Let us remember-- both practically and theoretically-- that human
desires are infinite and that infinite desire cannot be satisfied by
finite sensual ramblings. In that case, one will just jump from one
crude deed to the next in search of satisfaction until they become so
degraded that they are just beasts in human form.

Thus no one should let themselves get dragged down onto the path of
narakya'na, nor should we allow others to do so.


                JUST LIKE CEMETERY DOG

Those on the path of narakya'an-- those stuffing themselves with crude
pursuits-- may think that they are getting something good, blissful. But
in truth they are just stuck in temporality and ruining themselves.

They are just like the dogs in the cemetery that chew day-long on dry
bones. They chew so long and so hard that they make their own gums and
mouths bleed. And then those dogs chew even harder thinking that now
they are getting some fresh meat due to the taste of that juicy blood.
Little to do they know however, that they are merely sucking their own
blood.

Same is the case with any human being who are satiating themselves
through lustful ways. They may be thinking that they have discovered the
bliss of life, but in truth they are sucking and draining themselves of
their own life-force and getting bound deeper and deeper by avidya maya.

We must not let such a fate befall us.


                   OUR PATH IS DEVAYA'NA

As Ananda Margiis, as human beings, ours is the path of spirituality.
There is no second path. Or rather that second path is the path of
animality-- the road to hell. So even if sadhana seems difficult or even
fruitless, we are to persevere on this divine path, ceaselessly. To stop
and turn the other direction will not bring an ounce of satisfaction. So
we should be determined and ready to continue along out path-- that of
devaya'na.

Baba says, "This path towards divinity is known as “devaya'na”. That is,
the path of elevation from crudity to subtlety followed by humans is
known as devaya'nah (“yanah” means “path”). One who pledges to follow
truth from the beginning, steps onto the path for the attainment of
divinity. And the one who does good deeds while sincerely following
satya finds it easy to advance along this path. This broad path of
spirituality, which has been further broadened by truth, has been
followed by many successful rs'is (sages) who ultimately attained the
supreme status of truth (a'ptaka'ma)." (AV-4)

Thus our path is goading the mind towards Parama Purusa. That is the
course of our movement. In this relative world known as jagat-- where
everything is moving and nothing is fixed-- we are to adopt the path of
divine movement. Failing that we will be on the degrading pathway of
animality.

Hence we should be strict in all the elements and aspects of 16 Points.
Whether we feel inclined or not, we should be vigilant in all these
points as they will bring us forward on our divine path, closer and
closer towards Him. Because narakya'na is not our path; by that way we
cannot be satiated, just degraded.


                             KEY POINT TO REMEMBER

Here the key point to remember about doing sadhana and advancing
on the proper path is that what one thinks about during the day, those
thoughts will flash in the mind during sadhana and even sleep.

I had a friend who was an auctioneer. He would call out the numbers
in an auction. So when he would sit for sadhana then he would repeat
that in his mind instead of his mantra. For instance he might say, "a gold
watch of $100, $100, $100, $100...". In that way he could not do sadhana
or repeat his mantra, just he was repeating $100, $100 Etc.

And his dreams at night would be similar: filled with thoughts and words
from his job at the auction.

When due the mind get polluted with crude thoughts then sadhana will be
difficult if not impossible. It is the same psychology as if one watches a
crude movie before bed then one will dream of that film all night long.

Basically how one engages the mind effects the flow of thoughts. 

So then what is the answer? Every sadhaka needs to be vigilant about what
they think about all day long.

If that auctioneer thinks about Brahma all day on the job then he will
easily be able to sit for sadhana and do his meditation. Thus he need not
quit his job; that would be impractical or even impossible. Only
he needs to change his outlook.

With regards to the movie - in general one should not waste their time in
lame, pseudo-culture pursuits as there is no redeeming quality.

So the key point is to spiritualise the mind day-long with proper ideation, kiirtan,
Prabhat Samgiita, half-sadhana, full sadhana, and all kinds of ways. Then one
will make it over the hump and sadhana will be much easier. The mantra
will flow properly.


                        THE MIND WILL GET TRAINED

And fast or slow, by His grace, that mind which may not like to do
sadhana now will one day embrace sadhana. Because that is the
characteristic of human mind: As you think so you become. So if we are
regular in sadhana then it is sure that one day our mind will like to do
sadhana and delve deep into the ocean of bliss, by His grace.


                          BABA'S BLESSING

As sadhakas, we should faithfully embrace the path of devaya'na-- there
is no other option. By this way, today or tomorrow, we will experience
true bliss and attain Him.

Baba says, "O' human being! Be established in the radiance of godliness,
in manliness, because yours is a path of a revolution. Yours is not a
path of extra caution and hesitant movement. You are travellers on a
difficult path. You have to march ahead, with head held high and with
your chest forward. You have not a moment to stagger or look behind." (SS-1)

Namaskar,
Pavitra


                            PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Nutan jiivan labhiya'chi mora' nutan us'a'r kiran'e..." (PS 5015)

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace we all got new life-- in this new light wave
of the dawn. The new dawn has come and vibrated our body, mind, and
soul. Baba You have graciously shown us the path: The path of bliss,
Ananda Marga. By Your grace, we have left all those outdated, rotten,
old dogmas. Except Ista, except You, there is no charm in the life. Your
love and grace is resonating in our entire existence. Baba, we all
belong to the same gotra, one family. This whole world lies within this
same gotra. With the love of our heart we will awaken the entire world
by Your grace. Baba, You have blessed us with new life in this new dawn.
This is nothing but Your causeless grace...


      *************************************************
                     Where Invented

In the following quote Baba reveals the history of the "ball" which is nowadays
commonly used in innumerable games and sports. The ball is originally invented in India.

The following Baba's teaching reveals this fact.

Baba says, "The meaning of the root verb kand is 'to wallow'. We get the
word kanduka (ball) by adding 'uk' to 'kand' or adding 'u' + 'ka' to kand. Its
etymological meaning is 'that which rolls'; colloquially it refers to
'ball'-- a ball rolls. It should be remembered that the kanduka (ball)originated
in this country. Originally, balls used to be made from cloth, but since
cloth balls did not last very long people in ancient Bengal started making
balls from the shoots of young bamboo." (SC-3, p.70-71)
         *************************************************

Difference Between Half & Full Sadhana

Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:02:11
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Difference Between Half & Full Sadhana
From: Jiivendra

Baba

        == DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HALF & FULL SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
In our AM approach, sadhana is looked upon as the cream of all our
practices. It is the greatest endeavour of our human existence. And of
course per Baba's divine teaching we all practice our meditation lessons
twice daily, at minimum. This is His Supreme Command as well as the nectar
of our spiritual life.

In our daily lives it cannot be denied however that we have innumerable
duties to attend to and countless tasks to perform. Sometimes it can seem
as though our worldly responsibilities are endless-- or nearly so.
Fortunately, while engaging in these occupations we can keep the mind
vibrated in His thought by doing half-sadhana. That is another one of our
jewels of meditation.

So even though we may not be able to close our eyes and sit for meditation
each and every minute of each and every day, through the practice of
half-sadhana we can keep that sweet spiritual flow in tact, by His grace.


                   IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA

Of course all acknowledge the great value of sadhana. However still there
is a certain trend in AM where some think about doing sadhana without ever
really sitting down to do meditation. That is they read about sadhana or
talk with others about spirituality etc, but they never seem to get the
time to really sit down and immerse the mind in long, silent sadhana
sessions. For them it remains just a dream only. This happens to some in
our Marga.

Here below Baba gives the teaching that just reading and talking about
spiritual discourses will not bring one closer to the Goal, to Him. To gain
success in spiritual life one must commit themselves to the practice of
sadhana.
                                              
             "Na'yama'tma' balahiinema labhyah..."

Baba says, "The A'tma'n cannot be attained by the immoralist or the
materialist.And the one who listens to learned discourses or reads the scriptures in
the hope of realizing the A'tma'n with the help of keen intellect will
surely be disappointed."

"How can one know the A'tma'? The answer is, by performing spiritual
practice (sa'dhana') with devotion and sincerity. For human beings
spiritual practice in individual life is mandatory. Without sa'dhana' one
cannot expect to make any progress. If one learns the secrets of spiritual
practice from a learned preceptor and practices regularly one will realize
intuitively the existence of the Supreme Cognitive Faculty." (TK-3)

So, according to Baba, dedicated & sustained efforts in the discipline of
meditation are needed in order to advance along the spiritual path. Without
sadhana progress is impossible.

And here again in the following passage Baba emphasizes the need to deeply
engage in sadhana if one hopes to get Him.

Baba says, "To realize Him one must direct all one's sentiments and
propensities - in fact the entire psychic flow with its integral outlook -
towards one's inner existence. Only on this path of supreme synthesis can
human beings attain the Supreme Entity and transcend the bondages of pain
and pleasure, old age, death, etc." (APH-5)

Thus in so many ways we can see that sadhana is the key aspect for
spiritual growth and development. And without doing deep sadhana, one will
never really feel His sweet grace. That is Baba's teaching.


                OUR APPROACH IN FULL SADHANA

And sure enough, sadhana is the main ingredient of our spiritual lives.
Plus it has to be recognised that in our AM sadhana we follow a very
systematic approach.

In our twice daily meditation, we close the eyes, fold back the tongue, and
shut down the external senses through the practice of pratyhara-- by
performing the three shuddhis as we embark on our meditation. And
ultimately we bring the mind to one particular point, cultivate that great
devotional feeling of loving Him, and ensconce the mind in the repetition
of our mantra. When doing first lesson then the mind is immersed in the
ista cakra and when doing dhyana the mind is absorbed in Guru cakra. This
every practitioner of sahaja yoga understands. And in a nutshell this is
how we approach our regular sadhana practice.


               SOME OF THE BASICS OF HALF-SADHANA

Of course, from morning till night we have so many other worldly plans and
programs to attend to. In that case the practice of half-sadhana is
invaluable. Because this can be done anytime throughout the day since in
half-sadhana the eyes remain open.

Exactly when is it that we can do half-sadhana? While walking, cooking,
driving, washing clothes, doing errands, commuting, cleaning, and
innumerable times throughout the day.

So half-meditation is quite a handy approach.

And while here we will go through the various aspects of half-meditation,
the chief difference between full sadhana and half-sadhana is that in
half-meditation we do not keep the mind fixed on a particular cakra. Reason
being that in half-meditation we are involved in various worldly works so
the eyes must remain open, not closed, in which case keeping the mind
introverted at a particular point is not really possible.


                HOW HALF-SADHANA CAN BE DONE

As you probably already know, when doing half-sadhana using our ista mantra
then we skip over the shuddhis that we normally do in first lesson and go
right into the phase of cultivating that devotional longing for Baba. And
then with the eyes open we repeat our ista mantra, not necessarily
concentrating on any particular cakra. Just however one feels comfortable
one should engage in their mantra japa and generate that sweet link with
Him-- all the while keeping one's eyes open and attending to their worldly
duties.

Our approach to doing half-dhyana is similar. Here again we bypass the
shuddhis and delve right into the devotional flow, cultivating that
yearning and longing for Him. And then we start repeating our dhyana mantra
again and again, feeling His divine presence all around us. Since the eyes
are open and we are not focused on any particular cakra, then we can think
that He is watching all our movements. Or we can think that we are just
moving through the day with Him right by our side. The main point being
that He is along with us and we are repeating our dhyana mantra-- tangibly
feeling His sweet presence.


                       ONE OTHER DIFFERENCE

One other aspect of half-sadhana that is different from full sadhana is
that in half-sadhana the mantra need not be coordinated with the breath.
Rather one can just go on repeating the mantra at any pace they like-- fast
or slow, irregardless of one's breathing pattern. In this practice, both
fast and slow mantra repetition have their distinct benefits. On this point
everyone can experiment.


                        KINDLING THE PRACTICE

So this is our basic approach in half-sadhana. Since we are all sadhakas
then most if not all of these points are not new to any of us. Even then
perhaps this reminder will help enable us to do this devotional practice
more and more throughout the day. For it is the practice that makes it real
& blissful. Just knowing about intellectually but not doing it leaves the
mind dry & barren.

Thus as we engage in our practice of half-meditation then all are
encouraged to write in with any new points which they discover-- or just
describe the feeling that comes when doing half-meditation. Reflect on what
way it changes the day.

One other thing that sadhakas often find is that by doing half-sadhana
regularly throughout the day then when they sit down for their full
meditation then their mind quickly immerses in that flow-- making the
shuddhis almost effortless and the practice of mantra japa blissful. So
that is another wonderful benefit of half-meditation-- it complements our
twice daily full sadhana practice.


                     ONLY THE BRAVE DO SADHANA

Whether we are talking about half-meditation or full meditation, one thing
is certainly proven: That meditation is only for the brave. This is Baba's
divine guideline.

                    "Na'yama'tma' balahiinena labhyo..."

Baba says, "Those who are weak, i.e., who have neither spiritual nor mental
force, do not achieve intuitional knowledge. The timid and cowardly remain
remote from Brahmabha'va or cosmic ideation." (SS-2, p.46)

So it is only the courageous who immerse their minds in the practice of
sadhana and get that divine bliss; while those who are meek or wishy-washy
types just gossip about doing sadhana.

By practicing half-sadhana and by adhering to His supreme command of twice
daily meditation, we actively immerse ourselves in His thought and proceed
towards that Cosmic Nucleus thereby getting His divine touch, by His grace.


                        BABA'S BLESSING

In bestowing upon us the practice of dharma sadhana, Baba has truly
showered His greatest blessing on us all. May we realise Him fully.

Baba says, "When the mind transcends the barriers of intellect the
realization dawns in human beings that they cannot reach the abode of the
Supreme Entity through material science or philosophy, but through
intuition alone. Supreme blessedness lies in the unfoldment of intuition.
Those who are graced with intuition, even though they may be totally
illiterate, can reach the Supreme rank, thereby establishing themselves in
a state of perennial blessedness. The greatest pandits, however, become
lost in the labyrinth of logic, and even though they try to find a way out,
they finally attain nothing." (AMIWL-9, p.640)

Namaskar,
Jiivendra


Note 1:                SADHANA NOT TALL TALKS

Here below Baba is guiding us that He can only be attained through the
practice of sadhana-- not by high-sounding talks etc.

Baba says, "You cannot get that Supreme Entity by tall talk. Na medhaya´ -
Not by your intellect.  Na bahuna´ shrutena - Nor by reading or going
through so many books or lectures...Do your sa'dhana', do your sa'dha'na',
do your sa'dhana'...Get it by doing sa'dhana'." (AV-23, p.23-4)


Note 2:        SYSTEMATIC SADHANA MAKES ONE UNDEFEATABLE

Baba has blessed us with a perfect system of meditation and by doing all
the lessons on a regular basis then we are sure to attain success-- never
to be defeated.

Baba says, "You have learnt a well-ordered system of meditation and other
spiritual practices based on dharma. If any individuals or groups, however
powerful they may be, try to suppress you or even succeed in suppressing
you, they are bound to be destroyed. History has witnessed many such a
downfall in the past. No one has ever been victorious or will ever be
victorious by opposing dharma. March ahead with your own strength, march
with firm steps and your head held high. Always remember that when dharma
is with you, whoever will oppose you will be razed to the ground - their
destruction is a must." (AV-4)


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: This song describes the feeling of one higher stage of devotional
realization.

"Prabhu, toma'y kii kahibo a'ro..." P.S. 447

Purport:

  Baba, oh Prabhu, I love You so much. How can I express the deep love
of my heart to You. Words alone fail to describe the feeling. With my vocal
chords I cannot express the grace which You have showered on me. Baba, You
have permanently drenched me in Your ahetuki krpa'. Since I have gotten You
in my life, my life has become meaningful. I do not have any other type of
longing in my mind except You. Baba, by Your grace, my mind is running
always towards You & You alone. Baba, You have made my life blissful, in
all the ways. It is just as if my whole existence is full of nectar.
  O' my dearmost, the cimmerian darkness has vanished from my life;
those black days have gone far, far away. There is no longer any trace of
them. This has all happened since the divine effulgence descended in my
life by Your grace.
  Baba, according to Your tune, melody, and rhythm, I am dancing. My
days and nights and my entire life has become just like one bouquet of
songs. Not even a wee-bit of dilemma or confusion is existing in my life.
By Your infinite grace my mind is perfectly straight. This is all because
of Your boundless karuna'.     
   Baba, my whole existence-- my body, mind, and prana-- is vibrating
with the spiritual waves which You have generated by Your sweet touch.
Baba, I have gotten You by Your grace. You have graced me immensely. Baba,
I fully surrender myself at Your lotus feet...



          **********************************
                    Brave Persons

Baba says, "Do not remain worried about your individual problems at all.
Be prepared to carry your own burden and be prepared also to carry the
burdens of others. Then alone are you brave. Be dagdhabiija. Everyone
has their own individual problems. Do not try to pass them on to others.
On the contrary, bear the burdens of others. No one is your enemy. Be
ready to bear the burdens of others." (AV-30, p.4)
             **********************************

Unique Practice to Enhance Sadhana

From: "Shantatma Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Unique Practice to Enhance Sadhana
Date: Mon 28 Mar 2011 07:13:55 +0530

Baba

  == KIIRTAN IS OUR UNIQUE PRACTICE TO ENHANCE SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
In the life of each and every sadhaka-- in the life of each and every
A'nanda Ma'rgii-- there is an inherent desire to make sadhana better and
better. This is the common feeling amongst all devotees.

To that end we follow Baba's various do's and don'ts. Before sadhana we do
half-bath, find a quiet place, do sastaunga pranam, and then sing and dance
kiirtan before sitting for meditation.

However in this ultra-modern and technological era, where machines and
gadgets often dominate our lives, there is the tendency just to listen to
kiirtan via a stereo etc-- and not sing ourselves. This can happen. Because
that reliance upon technology can enter into every sector of our existence,
including our devotional practices like kiirtan. So while living in this
modern era we should be aware.

Because Baba's guideline is that to get the real benefit of kiirtan then
one must sing-- loudly.

Baba says, "To proclaim the glories of Parama purus'a, the Supreme
Consciousness, in a loud voice is termed 'kiirtana'. The Sam'skrta root
verb kirtt means to 'utter something loudly so that others may also hear
it'; thus kiirtana means to proclaim the glories of the Lord loudly for all
to hear." (AFPS-4)

And here again Baba delivers the same message, in slightly different language.

Baba says, "Kiirtana means to utter good words loudly; not mentally, nor in
a whisper, but loud enough for everyone to hear. It is never done secretly,
but always openly...So devotees will openly sing praises to Parama Purus'a.
Kiirtana means, as I said a little earlier, to sing the Lord's glory in a
loud voice." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-7, p.36)

As Baba explains above, part and parcel of "doing kiirtan" means singing
kiirtan-- not just listening to kiirtan. And best is to dance as well. And
then in this way one can get 100% benefit: A unique devotional feeling
overcomes one's entire existence and one feels a deep sense of peace
within. This we have all surely experienced.


                       THE SCIENCE BEHIND SINGING

As we know there is an underlying science behind all our
spiritual-cum-devotional practices. And in this respect Baba guides us that
by singing kiirtan we are engaging more of the body's organs than if we
just simply listen. By singing the mouth, throat, tongue, and vocal chords
are also involved. And this enhances one's ability to focus on the kiirtan.

Baba says, "At the time of kiirtana, the vocal cord sings, the ears hear,
and the hands and feet dance, and thus all the organs are kept preoccupied
with the divine. They are not allowed to move wherever they want but are
kept engaged. There is a popular Indian superstition that when ghosts are
not kept busy they break the necks of their prey. Similarly, if the sensory
and motor organs are not kept engaged in the attainment of the divine, they
may lead one astray. Kiirtana is therefore most beneficial as it keeps all
the organs fully engaged in a spiritual pursuit." (AV-8, p.13)

Thus by singing kiirtan the mind is more engaged in the devotional practice
of kiirtan than if one is just listening. And best is to dance also. And by
this way our sadhana will be improved.


                         DOES NOT TAKE EXTRA TIME

Some may say or think that they do not have time to stop and sing kiirtan.
But the reply is that singing kiirtan itself need not take any extra time.
One can sing kiirtan while doing their mundane duties such as when cleaning
the kitchen or when bathing etc. So singing kiirtan itself can be done
frequently throughout the day. It is a way to spiritualise all our daily
activities and then when we sit for sadhana we will automatically feel the
difference. So while driving or walking or when preparing lunch, we can
sing kiiran. Actually, if we look carefully, we will come across some many
moments in our day where we can sing kiirtan in a loud voice-- thereby
enhancing our devotional life.


                           NO SHYNESS OR COMPLEX

And last but not least none should consider whether they have a "beautiful
voice" or not. Doing proper kiirtan is not a matter of singing in tune or
in a particular pitch. That is the important characteristic of kiirtan.
Because when we sing kiirtan Parama Purusa only thinks about the sweetness
and sincerity of the devotee's heart-- not the tune or melody. So no one
should suffer from any type of complex about whether they have a good voice
or not. That is not the point.

Rather we should always remember that we are only singing to please Parama
Purusa. And for this we simply need to awaken that devotional feeling that
is naturally inside us all.

Ultimately between Parama Purusa and the bhakta there is an inherent
relation of love-- that is based solely on the heart. And with this feeling
we should sing and sing our kiirtan.


                            BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace singing and dancing kiirtan brings tremendous bliss in the
life and enhances our sadhana. We should always remember that no matter
what circumstance we may find ourselves in, always He is listening to our
kiirtan. This is His unfathomable blessing upon us.

Baba says, "Everywhere you are with Parama Purus'a, and never in this
universe, nowhere in this universe, are you alone. So you are never
helpless. Wherever you may be, do your Kiirtana, 'Ba'ba' Na'ma Kevalam.' He
is with you. You are never alone. Your are never weak. You are never
helpless." (AV-12)

Namaskar,
Shantatma


                 PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi a'cho, a'mio a'chi, a'r keu nei e tribhuvane..."  (P.S. 2027)

Purport:

 Baba, You are my dearest One; by Your grace I love You so much. For me,
in this entire universe-- tribhuvan*-- only You and I exist. There is
nothing else in this whole creation except You and I. Baba, by Your grace
You have brought me here. And with Your love and compassion You are
nourishing me, always keeping me under Your shelter. Baba, by Your divine
grace I always receive Your tender love and care-- both in times of great
joy and as well as during times of intense suffering. Always, in each and
every circumstance, I feel Your sweet and loving presence.
 Baba, by Your grace You bless me with Your blissful touch in the
effulgence of the new dawn. Baba, Your charming smile gets expressed in the
blossom of the lily and in the flowering of the lotus. Baba, in the dry,
burning desert You are the soothing balm. By Your grace in that unbearable
heat You provide a cool oasis and lush verdant leaves. You are ever
gracious. Baba, You saturate my dreams with Your divine love.
 Baba, in the form and fragrance of the sweet flowers, You dance and
emanate in the vast blue sky. Baba, You always manifest Your divine Self in
each and every cell of my being-- as well as in the most distant corner of
my mind. Baba, by Your grace Your magnanimous effulgent smile shines like a
blissful lightening bolt throughout my entire existence-- inside and out,
as well as in each and every pore of this vast, infinite cosmos.  
Baba, You are that most effulgent and loving Personality-- I surrender
at Your alter...


*Tribhuvan: The prefix "Tri" means 'three' and the term "bhuvan" means
'world'. And here Baba further clarifies what He exactly means by
tribhuvan, or the three worlds:

 Baba says, "Tribhuvana means the expressed world, the psychic world and the
astral world or, you may say, Causal World." (AV-2)



       ****************************************
               Process of Channlisation     

Baba says, "If people have a healthy body and mind their glandular system
will remain balanced and they can easily channelise their physical energy
into psychic and spiritual activities. This process of channelisation is
the only way to check the mental flow towards crude propensities." (AFPS-9,
p. 35)           
        ****************************************

Fake & Real Sadhaka

From: "Ramlal Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: The Brahmana
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:32:28

Baba
 

                   == FAKE AND REAL SADHAKA ==
Namaskar,
Here is one story which contains one important teaching for
all sadhakas.


             STORY: VILLAGER IN SEARCH OF HIS HORSE

One sunny day a man left his house in search of his horse. His mind was
totally filled and burdened with thoughts about his missing horse. In
his long & arduous effort the man searched far and wide as he crossed
many villages, hills, rivers, streams and valleys-- all in search of his
horse. Along the way there were countless wonderful and fascinating
sights, yet in his mind's eye all he could see was his horse-- nothing
else. His mind was consumed with that notion.

When the man finally returned home from his tiring journey his close
friends were amazed by how far he had traveled; and they asked him
numerous questions about what he saw on his fabled and remarkable
journey. They wanted to hear his observations about the vastness of the
earth and the beauty of the sky, as well as all the various other sights
he saw along the way. Yet the man could not comment on any of that; all
he could reply was, 'I could not find my horse'.


                    MORAL OF THE STORY

As, we can all see, the man in the story got caught up in his own little
burdens. His mind became totally fused with thoughts about his horse to
such an extent that he could not even begin to conceive of anything
else. His whole reality was sunk in that.

Being sadhakas, we must never allow such things to happen to us.


                     MISSING THE BOAT

In life so many things happen so if one is not careful then the mind
will just get caught up in that whirlpool of those events. Indeed it is
the common malady that step by step people burden themselves and allow
theirs minds to get preoccupied with family problems, job issues,
financial matters, health concerns etc. But in that troubled state of
mind one cannot move ahead.

The mind will just get burdened and one will be walking around carrying
a heavy load of thoughts or concerns. In which case-- just like in the
above story-- one will not be able to function. The real charm and
beauty of life will pass one by.


            NO BURDEN OF THE PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE

That is why Baba guides us that we should make it our strict policy to
keep our mind free from any burdens. We must not carry any burden of the
past, nor any burden of the future, nor any burden of the present. Our
minds must be totally free from these three burdens. That is Baba's
directive.

        Yassa pure ca paccha ca majjhe ca natthi kincanam';
        Akincanam' ana'da'nam' tamaham' vru'mi Bra'hman'am'.

Baba says, "I will call that person a Brahman whose mind does not run
after any colour, who is neither obsessed by colour-laden thoughts of
the past nor influenced by such thoughts of the present...One must free
the mind from the influence of all colours." (NKS, Disc #24)

In His above teaching Baba directs us to keep the mind cleansed of all
past, present, and future problems. That is the first half of his
teaching and the culminating idea of the shloka is that one must only
focus on the Goal-- on Him. Then one will be able to do great things.
This is Baba's eternal guideline.


                    KEEP THE MIND LIGHT

So as sadhakas, our duty is to keep the mind light-- to keep our mind
focused on Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "When you are to move fast, your mind should be light; if the
mind is heavy it will not be able to move fast." (AV-31)

So Baba's guideline is to keep the mind free, empty, and light. And the
only way to do that is to remember Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "You must always think of the goal. Always look to your
ideal." (AV-1)


                  TRAINING THE MIND

Thus in our day to day practical life one must take up the task to keep
the mind fixed on Him-- and not entertain the three burdens of the past,
present, and future.

Baba guides us that if one is careful in this endeavour then little by
little the mind will always wipe away any burdens and move towards Him.
With practice this will become one's habit until finally it becomes one
nature.

But if one does not take proper care then things will go in the opposite
direction and the mind will always be burdened.

So in our busy lives whenever we can, during each and every moment, we
should clean the mind. That means we must not get drowned by past,
present, or future events but rather must ensconce oneself in the Goal--
in the thought of the Great. And, amazingly enough, the more we attempt
this grand endeavour the easier it becomes until finally it is just
automatic, and always we feel His divine presence.

By such training and practice, our minds will always be clean, empty,
and free-- i.e. fully absorbed in His thought, in His ideation.


                      ASSETS OF SOCIETY

So Baba's grace and by our careful approach our mind will be unburdened
and free. And in that state one will surely become a tremendous asset of
the society-- one will do something great.

Hence, as sadhakas, we should make it our regular habit to routinely
check and cleanse the mind by thinking exclusively about Him. May we
make this our regular endeavour as this is the inner secret for becoming
great.

Baba says, "People who command reverence from society...admit: 'We know
nothing. We only think upon Parama Purus'a and work by His grace'."
(NKS, Disc #23)

Namaskar,
Parashram


Note 1:        MUST NOT HAVE TOO MANY PROGRAMS OPEN

Keeping the burdens of the past, present, and future in one's mind
causes their entire existence to malfunction. One loses one's own
abilities because of being overrun by too many useless thoughts and
worries.

It is just like when too many programs on a computer are open then the
computer can no longer function at even a basic level. The computer just
gets totally stuck and cross-wired by all those electrical impulses
running in different directions.

Similarly we should never allow such things to happen to us. Always may
we remain focused on the Goal. That is the quality of a real sadhaka.


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'lo jhariye madhu ks'ariye a'ndha'r sa'riye tumi esecho..."   (P.S. 1233)

Purport:

Baba, You have come and by Your divine advent You are showering
effulgence, exuding nectar, and wiping away all darkness. Baba, You have
come-- making the flowers blossom & graciously spreading happiness and
bliss to one and all. Baba, by Your august arrival everyone's hopes and
longings have been fulfilled.

Baba, living beings were awakened by the deep yearning and pain of
longing in their heart. And with this feeling, in the anticipation &
hope of Your coming, they were awake, watching for Your arrival--
constantly looking towards Your path. Baba, this pain and longing of
devotees resonated in Your heart and You could no longer remain distant.
Baba, You have come and You are graciously pouring the basket of love--
satisfying everyone's heart. The sleeping humanity has gotten new life
by Your grace.

Baba-- that river which dried up and evaporated, and that song which
was lost in the oblivion-- the current of that very river and the tune
of those songs You have graciously brought along with You.*

Baba due to Your august advent You have inundated each and every heart
with the nectar of devotion. This is Your causeless grace...


* The inner idea is that when Parama Purusa comes and He saturates the
heart with deep devotion, then all those feelings of love and which had
dried up start to blossom. In the above song, the river signifies the
flow of devotion and the song and melody refers to that subtler
expression of devotional feeling.


           ****************************************
               Not Easy To Bring Into Practice

Baba says, "While helping the poor people your vanity may increase. You
may think: 'I have done this, I have done that. I am not an ordinary man.'
This is a psychic disease. Actually, vanity is a psychic disease, a psychic
ailment. But if, while helping a man, a poor man, or a diseased person, you
ascribe Godhood to him, that is, if you think, 'I am not helping a man, I am
helping God in human structure,' then vanity will not be encouraged. What
will be the reaction within the person? 'This body, this mind, this wealth
has been given to me by Parama Purus'a, and Parama Purus'a has come before
me, God has come before me, as a suffering person, and I am paying back
that thing to Him. That is, the actual owner of this body, the actual
owner of this mind is He, and His wealth I am paying back to Him.' So
there will be no vanity." (DKG, p.197-98)

Note: Despite that fact that we are all aware about Baba's above
teaching, nonetheless it is the common human weakness that we forget
about this point. Yet we all know His above guideline has great and
eternal benefits. For that reason we need to be reminded about this
divine guideline again and again. Adherence to this principle helps
establish one in the stance of divinity & immortality.
          ****************************************

Asanas That Cure All Diseases

To: AM-GLOBAL
From:
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:28:41
Subject: Asanas That Cure All Diseases

BABA

                 == ASANAS THAT CURE ALL DISEASES ==

Namaskar,
All the practices in AM have their special purpose - none should be skipped.
In certain circles some are lax about practicing asanas. Yet our asanas are
so critical for our physical, psychic and spiritual advancement.

Here are some important points that everyone should know.


                 SPECIAL ASANA SYSTEM IN ANANDA MARGA

In the wide world of yoga there are more than 50,000 known asanas. And
among those 50,000, Baba has graciously compiled approximately 42 which we
use in our A'nanda Ma'rga system.

Baba says, "There are more than 50,000 ásanas; among them a few are
named here which are most necessary for the path of meditation."
(Caryacarya, part 3)

And in particular in A'nanda Ma'rga yoga, there are two a'sanas that Baba
has given which cure all the diseases.

(a) The first one is sarvaungasana [shoulder stand]. And as its name
denotes sarvaungasana purifies the entire body. 'Sarva' means all; 'aunga'
means limbs and organs; and 'asana' means position comfortably held. So by
performing this asana the whole body-- all the limbs and organs-- gets
rejuvenated and cured from all types of diseases and ailments.

(b)  The second asana with this cure-all quality is matsyendrasana [spinal
twist].  As noted, in sarvaungasana the name itself denotes that it is
beneficial for all the organs etc. But the same is not the case with the
name-- matsyendrasana. Reason is that matsyendrasana is named after one
prince who became a great yogi. That prince's name was Matsyendranath. And
since he was the one who created this asana, that asana was named:
matsyendrasana.

(c) But it should be clearly known that both these asanas positively effect
the entire body. But the name of one asana expresses this idea whereas the
other asana does not. Even then, the all-round benefits of these two asanas
are nearly identical.

(d) In sarvaungasana even the eyes get proper exercise by focusing up
towards the big toe. Similarly, in matsyendrasana, the eyes derive
tremendous benefits from looking to the far left and far right during the
twisting motion.

(e) So both these asanas exercise & revitalise the entire body from head to
foot. Specifically these asanas benefit the arms, legs, mouth, nose, eyes,
head, ear, tongue as well as all the cakras of the body.

(f) For sarvaungasana, a complementary asana also needs to be done. That is
matsyamudra, a.k.a fish posture. So first one should do sarvaungasana, then
one should 15 seconds rest by doing shavasana (corpse pose), and then one
should do matsyamudra. Directly after completing matsyamudra one can again
begin sarvaungasana. But each time in between Sarvaungasana and
Matsyamudra, shavasana should be performed.

(g) Those suffering from high blood pressure should refrain from doing
sarvaungasana.

(h) In our AM system, asanas have not been selected just on the basis of
physical exercise only. Rather Baba has perfectly selected those asanas
which are helpful in maintaining good health as well as proper glandular
secretions-- which help make the body fit for spiritual practice. Such
types of asanas have primarily been included in our AM system. That is why
Baba has included and approved only 42 asanas for Ananda Margiis.

(i) Here below are a few of Baba's direct guidelines regarding asanas.

Baba says, "'A'sana' means 'a position in which one feels comfortable'--
'Stirasukhama'sanam'." (CC-3)

Baba says, "A'sanas are a kind of exercise by regular practice of which the
body stays healthy and hardy and many diseases are cured." (CC-3)

Baba says, "[Specifically] those diseases which create trouble in the path
of meditation may be cured by the help of specific a'sanas, so that
sa'dhana' may more easily be done." (CC-3)

Namaskar,
Parashram


Note:      BABA'S GUIDELINES DIRECTLY FROM CARYACARYA

(I) Sarva'unga'sana (all-limbs posture):

(a) Lie down on your back. Gradually raise the entire body and keep it
straight, resting its weight on your shoulders. The chin must be in contact
with the chest. Support both sides of your trunk with your hands. The toes
must remain together; the eyes must be directed at the toes.

(b) Lie down in padma'sana. Gradually raise the body and rest its weight on
your shoulders. Support both sides with the hands. This a'sana is also
known as u'rdhvapadma'sana (inverted lotus posture)'.

Practise three times, up to five minutes each time.


(II) Matsyamudra' (fish posture): Lie down in padma'sana. Rest the crown of
the head on the floor and grasp both the big toes with the hands. Practise
three times. Maximum time for practice is two-and-a-half minutes.


(III) Matsyendra'sana (Matsyendra's posture): generally for males:

(i) Press the mu'la'dha'ra cakra with the right heel. Cross the left foot
over the right thigh and keep it to the right of the thigh. Grasp the left
big toe with the right hand, keeping the right arm along the left side of
the left knee. Reach backwards from the left side with the left hand and
touch the navel.
Turn the neck to the left as far as possible.

(ii) Then press the mu'la'dha'ra with the left heel and reverse the
process. One round means completing the process on both sides.

Practise four rounds, half a minute each time.


                        PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ga'n geye ja'bo, shono na' shono tav iccha'..."     P.S. 2305

Purport:

 Baba, I will go on singing Your song-- Your glory. It's up to You
whether You will grace me by listening to these songs or not. But with
these songs, in my deep contemplation, I will generate divine vibrations,
by Your grace-- and go on serving You.

 Baba with my deep yearning I am calling You again and again without
getting any response-- You are not paying heed to my call. By avoiding me
maybe You are thinking that I will not sing Your song anymore and that I
will remain quiet. And that in frustration, I will give up the hope of
getting You. And that I will no longer engage in the flow of those divine
tunes and melodies, which is inundating the vast sky, by Your grace. And
that I will not utilize these melodious treasures in my practical life to
go closer to You.

Baba, with the strength of knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and worldly
attributions, Your depth cannot be measured-- nobody can realise You. But
by surrendering that very unit "I" which already belongs to You, and with
the divine sweetness of singing Your name I will surely get You by Your
grace.  

Baba, I sing my songs only for You--to serve You, to please You. Please
be gracious and keep me on Your lap.

Note: In the above song, the sadhaka has deep love and a strong yearning
for Parama Purusa. So when Parama Purusa does not respond to his call in
the way that he desires, then the sadhaka makes one loving accusation
towards Parama Purusa. So actually that is not an accusation per se, but
rather an intimate type of loving expression. And Baba is approving that
devotees have the right to do like this and that this loving way of
communication is quite natural.



*************************************************
               - The Solution -

Baba says, "Whenever there is a conflict between the brain and the heart,
intelligent people should respond to the call of the heart. The books in
A'nanda Ma'rga philosophy are all absolute knowledge. The proper mark of
identity of absolute knowledge is that it must be universal, rational and
psychological. Certain instances of absolute knowledge are as follows--
the goal of human life is the attainment of Brahma; human beings are the
progeny of Parama Purus'a...by dint of sa'dhana' or spiritual practices
human beings gradually become divine." (PNS-18, p.10)
*************************************************

Gardabha Sa'dhana'

Date: 24 Feb 2011 09:17:38 -0000
From: "Indrajit Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Gardabha Sa'dhana'

Baba

                  == GARDABHA SA'DHANA' ==

Namaskar,
Simplicity, sincerity, and honesty are some of the main pillars in the
life of any sa'dhaka.

Baba says, "The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress
are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should
you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate..." (AV #54)

Even then, it happens that people veer away from these truths, on
occasion or even more frequently. And that leads to the devaluation of
that activity or practice, as well as the degradation of the doer, of
the person.

That's a wee-bit of the philosophical side, now let's delve into
everyday practical examples.


                       GARDABHA'NNA

Suppose you are invited to a grand feast at someone's house. To
celebrate, that host has the finest chefs prepare the tastiest
delicacies and dainties for everyone to eat. Not because because he
wishes to serve the community with love and affection, but rather
because he wants to make an ornate show of the affair and bring prestige
unto himself. Proof being that if you cannot attend his feast, then he
is not the least bit sorry or remorseful, because he will just get
another person to replace you-- someone else who will pay him honor and
respect.

Under such conditions, when there is not the least bit of service
mentality and the host is just giving a feast with huge pomp and show in
order to heighten his own prestige and self-satisfaction, then attending
the program and eating that food is totally inappropriate. Because in
that case that food is nothing but donkey's food, or gardabha'nna.

Baba says, "If food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if
one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition
then any food offered is donkey food, Gardabha'nna. So one must not eat
that food." (Summary of SC-20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

Thus under no circumstances-- unless we are going to starve to death--
should we eat food that is presented as a show of one's wealth and
greatness, because that food is nothing but donkey food, or gardabha'nna.

And we all know that in His practical life, on many occasions Baba
refused such food on various occasions whenever wealthy people or
dignitaries invited Him to dine at their house just to impress Him.


           GARDABHA KIIRTAN AND GARDABHA BHAJAN

This type of 'donkey' syndrome-- doing for show only and not out of
one's heart-felt feeling-- is not limited to the realm of food only.

We have all seen various kiirtan players or bhajan singers who perform
solely to display their own musical or lyrical talents, and not to serve
and please Parama Purusa. This happens across all religions and faiths
and occurs in our Ananda Marga as well.

Kiirtan is all about singing to please Parama Purusa-- for His glory,
not one's own glory. And the essence of bhajans is to share one's inner,
heart feeling with the Lord, and not to procure attention for oneself.

Yet at retreats or dharmacakra, sometimes it can happen that a person
might lead a kiirtan or bhajan in order to win over the admiration of
others. If this is done consistently, again and again, such performers
run the risk of being converted into microvita at the time of death.

That said, it is not just the musicians who are prone to such downfalls.
Sometimes a kiirtan or bhajan participant may dance with such
extroverted tendencies or sing with such ego that it is quite evident to
all around that that person is doing just in hopes of drawing attention
to themselves-- so that others will think they are a great devotee.

All such displays devalue one's approach fail to bring one close to
Parama Purusa. That is why Baba calls these misguided attempts as:
Gardabha kiirtan and gardabha bhajan, i.e. donkey kiirtan and donkey
bhajan.


                       GARDABHA SA'DHANA'

Then of course this can happen in the stratum of sadhana as well. Before
giving an example, it has to be said that by Baba's grace, the sincerity
and earnestness in spiritual practice is quite high in our Marga, so
this letter by no means aims to cast doubt that abc or xyz persons are
doing donkey practices. Most are fine and okay-- this is just a general
letter for everyone's awareness and knowledge. After all, each and every
person knows there own situation best.

Now let's say someone rarely does sa'dhana' in their own home etc, but
then when they go to the jagrti or to a retreat, then suddenly they
start sitting for long, long sadhana, as if that is their regular way
each and every morning and evening. And not only that, but when they
close their sadhana then the first thing they do is open their eyes and
slyly scan the room to see if others are taking notice of how long they
sat. And if still they do not feel that they got the attention they
deserved, then during meal time they will casually say that, 'It was
very good to be able to sit for 3hr sadhana today etc', and then quickly
scan the eyes and faces of others to see if they were impressed or not.

From, all these instances, we can easily understand that that person is
doing sadhana not to please Parama Purusa-- not to serve Him-- but
rather to bring name, fame, and prestige unto themselves. They want
people to think that they are a great sadhaka. That is why their sadhana
is nothing but donkey sadhana.


           DONKEY PRACTICES ARE BETTER THAN NOTHING

Okay, let's say someone you know does do donkey kiirtan, or donkey
bhajan, or donkey sadhana on occasion. Even then it is not the worst
thing in the world. It is not as bad as doing no practices at all.

No doubt donkey kiirtan, donkey bhajan, and donkey sadhana can cause
false vanity and an overblown ego etc, but by Baba's grace our AM
mantras are so strong that in a moment of quietness while repeating the
mantra, even if one was initially motivated by selfish desires, one may
develop sincere love for Parama Purusa. And that is the greatest
achievement.

After all, we have all come from somewhere. In the past ages, we may
have been nature worshipers or even idol worshipers, and then gradually
that feeling gets more refined until by Baba's grace we are given the
opportunity to come onto the tantric path, and develop sincere love for
Parama Purusa.

So all is not lost for those involved in donkey practices. Certainly
such approaches should never be encouraged. But one day, those involved
in such things will develop sincere love for God. So there is light at
the end of the tunnel for those currently stuck in donkey sadhana.


                       BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Remember, everyone is entitled to sa'dhana'. For this,
nothing neither pedigree, education, knowledge nor any asset, is
necessary except only two things – implicit faith and sincerity. Arouse
these two things through your will-power and victory is yours, it must
come." (AMIWL-5)

Namaskar,
Indrajit



Note 1:                DONKEY FOOD

Here is more about what Baba has to say about donkey food.

(a) Donkey food (Gardabha'nna) is that food purchased with ill-begotten
money or sinfully earned money.

(b) If someone feeds you with deep love, respect, and affection and that
feeling is conveyed through their expression, talk and conduct, and by
feeding you they feel blissful ("Toma'ke kha'iae a'nandit hobe") and
very content, and if you do not eat then they will feel pain, in this
situation whatever food you eat in their house-- even if it is just
boiled grass-- will be treated as priityanna (proper & sentient food).
Any meal or food not prepared under such ideal conditions is donkey food.

(c) So if food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's
own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any
food offered is donkey food, Gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food.

Note: In western society that food which is not fit for human
consumption is typically labeled as 'dog food'. And a similar idea Baba
has conveyed above by the term donkey food-- "Gardabha'nna".

(Summary of SC-20, p.163-64 [Bangla])


                          PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Malay va'ta'se madhu nishva'se ke go ele mor phulavane..." P.S. 1801

Purport:

 O the Divine Entity who are You who has come in my flower garden in
this spring season with a sweet and charming smile. When I saw You for
the first time I was surprised, and it was difficult to think that such
an attractive Entity would be here. I wanted to look towards You more
intimately but I could not, that time I was sitting in the flower garden
unmindfully.
 I couldn't even hear the footsteps of Your arrival, & You did not give
any hint or clue before coming to this garden. So I could not receive
You properly nor could I offer You a garland. You have graced me by
coming here but You have not cared about receiving an invitation. Please
tell me, O' Divine Entity, who are You?
 Understanding Your liila is impossible. Within a flash You become tough
and then in the next moment You are as tender as a flower-- like a
garland of love --so sweet and charming. O divine Entity You cannot be
understood. You are Infinite--no beginning, & no end. Through the
practice of sadhana and dhyana I am surrendering myself at Your alter .
Baba You have graced me by coming to my mental flower garden...



        ******************************************
                   To Do Great Work

Baba says, "The meaning of the 'Sam'gacchadhvam' Mantra should be
realised in life. Always remain united. Solve all problems, big or
small, with unity. Consider misfortune of one as the misfortune of all--
an injury to one as an injury to all." (CC-2, 'Society' chapter, point #34)

Note: So long as Baba's above teaching is not put into practice, one
cannot do great work. Devoid of this one's life will be as meaningful as
the life of a termite or ant etc. In our practical life we should be
strict in following Baba's teaching.
         ******************************************

Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

Date: Sat 19 Feb 2011 21:23:42 -0400
From: Divyajyoti_Deva
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Pratiika: Adjustment between Two Cakras

Baba

                     == PRATIIKA: ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN TWO CAKRAS ==

Namaskar,
As we all know, Baba has placed great importance on the meaning and use of our Ananda Marga pratiika. Here below is a short explanation of how the pratiika is related with our cakras.

1. The two, perfectly-balanced equilateral triangles in our pratiika represent the manipura cakra (i.e. 3rd cakra) and the ajina cakra (i.e. 6th cakra).

2. The manipura cakra is the triangle pointed upward signifying service to society. This cakra gives the body energy and stamina to do action in the world.

3. The ajina cakra is the triangle pointed downward signifying spiritual sadhana and self-realisation. The ajina cakra is the seat of the mind.

4. We must practice and represent this symmetry in our day to day life by keeping perfect balance between our meditation (sadhana) and worldly work (social service).

5. Our mission is:  Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca.

A'tmamokśárthaḿ (self-realisation) is represented by the downward pointed triangle (i.e. ajina cakra) in our pratiika; jagaddhitáya ca (selfless service) is represented by the upward pointed triangle ( i.e. manipura cakra) in our pratiika.

6. Maintaining balance between these two triangles - representing spiritual practice for self-realisation & selfless service to humanity - is needed. As sadhakas, we should be in perfect balance just like our pratiika. That means we must do maximum sadhana without losing our adjustment with this world; and we must do maximum social service without forgetting our sadhana.

7. When we maintain perfect balance between our inner world (downward pointed triangle) and the outer world (upward pointed triangle) then we will get all-round progress (signified by the rising sun in our pratiika) and ultimately victory (signified by the swastika in our pratiika).

8. Achieving this state is not easy. All too often, as aspirants we fail to maintain proper balance in life. Most commonly, people get too caught up in their worldly work and their sadhana gets neglected. In some cases the opposite happens. So we must constantly assess our position and strive to keep a balance between our inner and outer worlds.

9. Here the point is that we must not just wear our pratiika around neck, but our daily life must be a proper representation of the pratiika, i.e. perfectly balance between service to society and self-realisation. That means our life must fully represent AM ideology.

Baba says, "What should a person do? Life is a mission. I have said that human life is an ideological flow. That is, human life is a mission; life itself is a mission; one’s very existence is a mission. Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca – “Whatever one is to do one is to do for átmamokśa – for his or her own liberation – and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society.” One is to do both these things: that is, these two things are one’s mission." (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30)

10. In the notes below please read  about (a) how we use the pratiika in our social and spiritual functions, (b) Baba's description of the pratiika, as well as (c) how the pratiika is explained in the latest editions of our AM books.

Namaskar,
Divyajyoti


Note 1:                           HOW OUR PRATIIKA IS USED

At dharmacakra, we may display (a) the Ananda Marga pratiika, (b) Baba's photo, or (c) both items.

Likewise, when our acaryas perform diiksa (initiation), they may use the AM pratiika and / or Baba's photo.

During DMC when Baba was up on the stage then there would always be a pratiika on display behind Him. Still today at DMS we present Baba's photo and behind His photo is the pratiika.


Note 2:         BABA'S DESCRIPTION OF THE PRATIIKA IN CARYACARYA

Here is Baba's pointed explanation of the pratiika.

Baba says, 'Your Pratiika [Emblem]: A triangle with one vertex up superimposed on another triangle with one vertex down, with the rising sun having a swastika inside. These are symbols of energy, knowledge, advancement and permanent victory, respectively." (Caryacarya, part 1, "Treasures of Ananda Marga")


Note 3:            HOW THE PRATIIIKA IS EXPLAINED IN OUR AM BOOKS

Here below is the dharmic way the publishers have explained the pratiika on the inside pages of the recently printed AM books.           

The pratiika represents in a visual way the essence of Ananda Marga ideology. The six-pointed star is composed of two equilateral triangles. The triangle pointing upward represents action, or the outward flow of energy through selfless service to humanity. The triangle pointing downward represents knowledge, the inward search for spiritual realization through meditation. The sun in the center represents advancement, all-round human progress. The goal of the aspirant's march through life is symbolized by the swastika, which means spiritual victory.

Baba's Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:15:43 +0530
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: "Deva_Sudhakar"
Subject: Baba's Guideline: Managing Tough Situations

Baba

                            BABA'S GUIDELINE:

                  MANAGING TOUGH SITUATIONS

Namaskar,
Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. We all face
unexpected times and tough situations that make life overwhelming.
However, even then we will not be at a loss for how to proceed.

By Baba's grace, He has given us all the right practices and solutions
and addressed every circumstance.

In one particular English discourse delivered in Patna (1971), Baba
graciously gives us an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are
in an extremely difficult moment.

By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and
maintain proper adjustment and equipoise even in the most challenging
and unexpected situations.


             UNEXPECTED OR EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

The baby is sick...my father-in-law has fallen...my son got in a car
accident...my best friend was robbed...my deadline at work...my wife is
giving birth...my car broke down...I lost my wallet...my plane was
delayed....grandfather is dying...

So many unexpected and extreme situations arise in life. So many things
occur that are beyond our ability to plan - that take us away from our
daily routine.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go
all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life
becomes beyond our ability to manage. We cannot attend to our regular
duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand -
whether it be a birth, death, or something critical in between.

It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere
to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in
the best position to gain success and serve others.


                    MOST JUST EAT FIRST

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too
busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due
to a critical dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the
first thing they do is eat.

This is the common way most people proceed - or if they are really crude
they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol).

In AM also, when submerged in a crises or tough situation - while none
of us will smoke or drink - some will indeed eat food the first moment
they get.

But this is not the proper approach. Baba's guideline is something
altogether different.


               BABA'S SYSTEM: HOW TO PRIORITIZE

In His highly unique discourse from Patna in 1971, Baba gives us the
following formula for how to proceed in such situations.

When totally overwhelmed by a life circumstance and when thrown from our
daily routine, then Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is
sadhana.

So sadhana is #1.

In His divine discourse of 1971 Patna, Baba instructs us that even if we
have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of
unforseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5
minutes free, then we should do sadhana.

Because we are mental beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5
minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. So Baba's gives top
priority to doing sadhana.

Then if we have a little more time then we should bathe.

So taking a bath is #2.

With the mental stamina attained from sa'dhana', then we next address
our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath,
according to the AM system, will allow us to further revitalise ourselves.

Thereafter, when we have done 5 minutes of sadhana and taken a bath,
then Baba says we should take some time to relax.

So relaxation is #3.

Here relaxation does not mean rest or sleep. Actually in the discourse
Baba makes a joke that one should only take rest when they reach the
funeral pyre - not before. Everyone in attendance laughed.

The main point is that rest and relaxation are two different things. By
relaxation, Baba means taking a few minutes to calm the body and settle
the mind. It allows a person come back to their normal flow - reach a
state of balance. This period of relaxation might just be for a few
minutes, but it is very important to do.

Finally, after doing short sadhana, taking bath, and relaxing, then one
should eat.

So eating is #4.

Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has
given in this 1971 English discourse in Patna. And by eating Baba of
course means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly
and keeping the mind in a positive mode.

So these are Baba's step-wise guidelines for how to proceed when
encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from
their normal routine.


                     MOST PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE

Of course most of the world's population is totally unaware of Baba's
teachings so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, then they
do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In
that case, it is not just a single event, but rather their entire course
of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand
like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from
exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do they
may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved
one. All these things may happen in the heat of the moment.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind
in proper flow whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The
situation will not get compounded by other problems due to our own
negligence.


                       IMPORTANCE OF SADHANA

By His system of prioiritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives
great importance to sadhana. And of course in so many discourses Baba
tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

Baba says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth
is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life.
Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote
your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to
earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme
Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus,
the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals.
Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the
progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (YP)


                          BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact
procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By
this way we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by
the tenets of dharma.

So always remember: First is sadhana, second is bath, third is
relaxation, and fourth is food. If we keep this system in mind and
follow it, then we will be in the best position to handle every and any
situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
Sudhakar


PS Intro: In the life of a sadhaka sometimes sadhana is good and one
feels very close proximity to Parama Purusa-- Baba. Then everything in
life is pleasing & charming: Blissful. Naturally though, over the course
of their systaltic movement, sadhakas inevitably experiences a phase of
pause in their sadhana. In that time deep, devotional spiritual ideation
and strong sadhana are almost impossible; instead the mind becomes dry.
One's surroundings become tasteless and in the heart the sadhaka starts
to feel that 'something is missing'. Because in the absence of the
Divine Entity-- Baba-- one's surroundings become bland & mundane. Even
then in the hearts of good sadhakas, they still have deep longing for
Parama Purusa-- Baba. And that blissful, devotional yearning is known as
melancholic longing. In the following song, this entire idea has been
expressed through the metaphor of the bakul flower garden etc.


                                 PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Jabe ei path diye esechile, viithika' pus'pe bhara' chilo..." (PS 2141)

Purport:

Baba, when You came to my home by this path, that time the garden lane
was full of sweet, fragrant flowers. By Your divine presence, my mind
became spiritually intoxicated with the divine aroma of those flowers.
On that occasion also the flow of songs was floating in the air. Baba,
since You did not come, even today that bakul flower lane is just lying
there vacant-- unused. Innumerable flowers have fallen and become one
with the dust. Where has that sweet flower fragrance of the bakul flower
gone. Now all its aroma is completely dried up. O' my dearmost, since
You have not come to this lane for so long, everyone has forgotten how
beautiful and charming that garden was. Because of Your presence.
Baba, anyhow still today the flowers on the trees are surviving, but due
to Your absence, the garden lane has lost all its charm. So those trees
are just weeping thinking how the days of old were so charming and
blissful in Your presence. Because in those days You showered Your grace
by coming down that garden lane. Those days were so magnificent and
blissful. But now You are not coming. So by remembering Your august
visit those trees are very unhappy. Their melancholic tears have totally
drenched the garden lane. And those trees repeat again and again that
despite having everything: The flower, the lane, the atmosphere, and
greenery-- despite all these things, in the absence of the One, i.e. You
Baba, this entire world becomes utterly meaningless and empty.
Baba, please be gracious. Do not remain distant-- always remain inside
my heart. Baba, please grace me so that I always feel Your divine
presence...


       ***************************************
        In Real Sense Everyone's Language is Same

Baba says, "Either from the psycho-physical or theoretical viewpoint, all
the people of the world have the same language. This is because the essence
of language, that is idea, is one and the same for all languages. Phonetics
may differ amongst languages because of differences in geographical
environment, which causes differences in racial and ethnic factors and
results in variations in the biological structure of the vocal chord. Thus
when the idea to drink water appears in the mind, then human beings may
express this idea differently. Some say, A'mi jal kha'ba while others say,
Mu jala pivu, and others say I want to drink water. Behind these different
expressions is the same idea." (AFPS-9)
          ***************************************

Baba's Special Approach on Sadhana

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:25:44 -0000
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Baba's Special Approach on Sadhana
From: "Ishvara"

Baba

"Toma'kei bha'loba'si a'mara'..." (PS 3821)

Purport:

  Baba, You are our everything, our Heart of hearts. We love only You.
Baba, by Your grace we are moving ceaselessly along Your divine path; we
are treading on that very path which You have graciously shown to us. Baba,
day and night we sing Your boundless glories and dance according to Your
sweet rhythms. O' Lord, we always propagate Your grand ideals. Baba, You
have created us: We are Your thought projection; we are Your progeny. Baba,
You are our Father-- Our Ista. 
   Baba, by Your grace we love one and all equally; everyone's existence is
treasured. We do not differentiate between high and low, small and big,
rich and poor, touchable and untouchable, sinner and virtuous, literate and
illiterate etc. All are kith and kin-- all are family members. All are part
of that singular humanity. Baba, we are all bound together with Your divine
love. O' Lord, with Your infinite compassion You always call us to come
close with Your beacon call, which pulls our heart close to You. By Your
grace we hear Your call and move towards You. Baba, You are the Goal. Our
each and every action and deed is aimed toward Your divine stance-- toward
reaching up to You. Baba, You are our Aim and the Polestar of our life. 
   Baba, You have blessed us with the ideals of neo-humanism. Firstly, You
have graciously granted us individual freedom; secondly, You have infused
us with collective spirit; and thirdly, You have spiritualised our minds
with the dhyana of the Supreme One [1]. With these three attributions one
other quality unfolds: We wage a relentless fight against all the evils.
And by Your grace victory is sure. Baba, by these four noble qualities of
neo-humanism-- individual freedom, collective spirit, spiritual outlook,
and fight against evil forces-- we have created one big banyan tree of love
and affection which branches out and extends throughout this vast universe.
O' Baba, by this approach we have made this dusty earth into a golden
paradise, by Your divine blessing.
  Baba, we all love only You; You are our Goal. O' our most Adored One...


NOTES ABOUT PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3821:

[1] "Vya's't'...amara'r". In the third and final stanza of the above song,
Baba describes 4 special principles that are part and parcel of our
neo-humanistic philosophy: (a) individual freedom, (b) collective interest,
(c) spiritual ideation, (d) the fight against injustices. All are four are
needed to create a golden paradise on this earth and build a society in the
real sense of the term. For example, without proper dhyana, then individual
freedom can be twisted to exploit the masses. Such is the case in
capitalism since it is devoid of a spiritual approach. Communism does not
allow for individual freedom nor does it recognise spirituality: Both are
missing. For this reason, collective interest and a loving society could
not be attained in communism. So it is more murderous than capitalism.

Comparatively speaking, communists are worse than capitalists. Then in the
dogma-centered philosophy such as in the crude religions, individual
freedom and perfect spirituality are missing. So the religions are just
dogma-based. There is no true feeling of universal love. That is why
followers of same religion can kill each other. This history has witnessed
again and again. So religious society is also defective-- fake. Baba guides
us that in an ideal society all 4 principles are needed: (a) individual
freedom, (b) collective interest, (c) spiritual ideation, (d) the fight
against injustices. Failing that, this world cannot become a golden
paradise. In the absence of any of these principles, groupism and
factionalism will erupt. So our neo-humanistic approach is entirely
revolutionary. In this God-centered approach, individual freedom is used
for virtuous deeds which bring collective welfare, and all the while there
is a pactless fight against all injustices. This is the speciality of our
neo-humanism and this is the grand ideal Baba is propagating in His above
song.


               == BABA'S SPECIAL APPROACH ON SADHANA ==

Namaskar,
We all know Baba places great emphasis on spiritual life and doing sadhana.
And in not one but in numerous discourses Baba warns about being firm in
sadhana because often people fail to move ahead in their spiritual life due
to their own deficiencies like procrastination etc.

        Nidra' tandra' bhayam' krodha a'lasyam' diirghasu'trata';
        S'ad'ados'a'h purus'en'eha ha'ntavya'h bhu'timicchata'.

Baba says, "Those who want to prosper in life must destroy these six
defects in themselves: nidra' [sleep], tandra' [drowsiness], a'lasya
[lethargy], bhaya [fear], krodha [anger], and diirghasu'trata'
[procrastination]." (AV)

Thereafter Baba describes that those who want to become great must shun
these negative habits. In particular one must not succumb to spiritual
procrastination. This is most harmful since one neglects their spiritual
practice-- and they do not do sadhana.

And Baba furthermore explains that everyone has the potential to become
great, but often people do not tap into that potentiality-- or that
potentiality does not blossom. Most of the time due to lethargy or laziness
in the spiritual sphere.

So those who want to become great must be conscious of all of this.

And to do proper sadhana, various tips are quick helpful-- one of which is
doing sadhana outside. This is Baba's guideline.


                     TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

Of course what Baba teaches He also does. By His example He shows the way.
And doing sadhana outside was Baba's regular practice. Especially in the
early days, Baba used to regularly wander up to the hills of Jamalpur and
explore the countryside and do sadhana in remote isolated places. And then
come back in the evening time or even in the middle of the night. This was
the way of His usual outdoor sadhana program.

Of course there was no need for Baba to do sadhana at all but just to show
us that doing sadhana outside was good, He did like this.
                  
Baba says, "He needs no sadhana, but just to set an example to others, He
performs sadhana." (DT-2, p.92 / 1969, Ranchi)


           BABA DESCRIBES DOING SADHANA IN THE MOUNTAINS

Baba says, "I used to go for a walk nearly every day in the mountains east
of Jamalpur. I used to sit on the second mountain. One after another,
several small and large mountains run parallel to each other. The summit of
the second mountain was the highest place among them. I used to arrive
there in the middle of the afternoon and stay there until about eight at
night." (Shabda Cayanika-1, p.93)

Here Baba talks more about His experience of doing sadhana outside:

Baba says, "I was sitting on the peak. It was the bright lunar
fortnight...In front of me, that is to the west, on the slope of the
mountain, was a dense ga'b forest...The mountain in front of me was
completely bare...I was probably the only person for several miles,
completely alone...the peak that I was seated on..." (Shabda Cayanika-1, p.94)

                                                
                BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR SADHANA

In His various discourses, Baba also talks about the innumerable benefits
of doing sadhana outside: Enhanced concentration, fresh air, mental
sharpness, good for pratyahara, less disturbances, positive microvita,
pointedness of mind. These are but a few of the many benefits.

                         
                  MOVING AHEAD IN SADHANA

By Baba's grace we should all realise our potential and following His
divine example by making it our regular practice to do sadhana outside.
This will be highly beneficial for our spiritual life and progression along
the path of sadhana.

Baba says, "It is desirable to practise various lessons of sadhana alone,
in a lonely place." (GHC, final page)

Namaskar,
Ishvara


P.S. I hope all my margii brothers and sisters will write in with their
experiences and realisations of doing sadhana outside.


              ***************************************
             Some Tips How to Save Oneself From Psychic Diseases

In this age scientific development has made significant progress, while in
comparison human psychic and spiritual growth is lagging far behind. In
result, mental tension has multiplied in geometrical progression. The final
outcome being that nerve, brain, and heart diseases have become quite
common; and nervousness and insanity are also prevalent, if not rampant, in
the society. And the remedy for all this is as follows:

Baba says, "While doing work one should ideate, 'It is the work of Parama
Purusa; it is not mine. I am doing His work to please Him'. By following
this approach mental tension, nervousness, and psychic diseases will never
arise. And also samskaras will not be formed." (08 April '84, Tattanagar DMC)
              ***************************************