Who Can Teach

Date: Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:47:03
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Who Can Teach
From: Smita4466@Versanet...>

Baba

== WHO CAN TEACH ==

Namaskar,
In the various religions, only select leaders are authorised to teach and preach their edicts and codes. One must be a mullah, or priest, or reverend, or rabi, or minister, or cleric, or pundit, or some other religious official. There is no scope for the common people to openly teach others. One must be a recognised or appointed delegate of that religion.

WHO CAN TEACH AND WHO CANNOT TEACH

Unfortunately, one Dada who was born into such a tradition tried to be bring this same faulty notion into Ananda Marga.

Some in our unit were involved in teaching others about Ananda Marga, when that Dada intervened and stated that we should not do this as we were "not qualified".

We were stunned to hear this and thought about what to do. We then consulted with one very senior acarya and this letter reflects their response. For those more prone towards philosophical dialog, here are the essential questions:

1. Should we start teaching others about Ananda Marga only when we get moksa, i.e. perfection?

2. Should we wait until we have been on the path 10 years before teaching others; or should we wait until we become a wholetimer before guiding others?

3. When can a general margii start teaching others about Ananda Marga? When should a margii begin preaching the gospel of Ananda Marga ideology?

Again, here it is not that anyone wants to be a "great" Ananda Margii and give high-sounding talks to big audiences. That is not the spirit of this inquiry. Merely with our own inner heart feeling, a few of us were quietly sitting and talking to others about Ananda Marga when that Dada came over and told us not to do like that.

WHAT ONE SHOULD TEACH

Only after consulting with a senior acarya, did everything become clear. Here are the key points raised:

The bottom line is that it is the duty of each and every Ananda Margii to start teaching others about Ananda Marga immediately. Even the day a person is initiated they can, nay must, start doing pracara with others.

Here is the support from Baba's teachings:

(A) SIXTEEN POINTS: It is the duty of every Ananda Margii to follow 16 Points and embedded within 16 Points is service or seva. As we all know there are 4 types of seva in Ananda Marga: shudrocita seva, ksatriyocita seva, vaeshyocita seva, and viprocita seva. And Baba guides us that we, i.e. all margiis, are to perform all four types of seva, including viprocita seva, which includes preaching the ideals of Ananda Marga.

Baba says, "We can give joy to Parama Puruśa by serving His creations – human beings, animals and plants – and this service will be the best application of neo-humanism. This service can be done in four ways – viprocita sevá (intellectual service), kśatriyocita sevá (service of courage), vaeshyocita sevá (economic service) and shudrocita sevá (manual service). None of these is inferior: we cannot ignore any one of them. People should render service according to their capacity. Those who like intellectual service, can do that; those who like manual service, can do so. But it will be best if all the four types are performed." (17 May 1982, Calcutta)

In His above directive, Baba clearly tells that everyone - new and senior margiis alike - are to engage in all kinds of seva including teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy and lifestyle. Everyone must do this according to their capacity.

That means even a newly initiated margii can and should teach the general public about kiirtan, or yama and niyama etc. To the degree one is properly aware about Baba's teachings is the degree to which they should teach others. Then they will be performing seva and following 16 Points. That is Baba's mandate.

(B) THE ANANDA MARGA MISSION: Self-realisation & selfless service - concerns each and every Ananda Margii.

Baba says, "Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca – “Whatever one is to do one is to do for átmamokśa – for his own liberation – and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society.” One is to do both these things" (Ananda Vacanamrtam-30)

Thus, here again Baba is directing each and every person in the Marga to perform service - i.e. helping to care for and elevate all beings. Upon entering into Ananda Marga, everyone must do this from day 1. Baba does not say that one should do sadhana for ten years - or after getting perfection, i.e. moksa - then one should start doing service. It is not like that.

Rather from the very beginning every margii is to do sadhana and perform service by preaching the ideals of dharma to others. So here again Baba is mandating that every Ananda Margii must do AM pracara and explain the tenets of Ananda Marga to others.

(C) IN ORDER TO GET MUKTI: In our Supreme Command too Baba tells each and every Ananda Margii to teach others about dharma and inspire them onto the path of spirituality.

"...It is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margii to endeavor to bring all to the path of bliss. Verily is this a part and parcel of sadhana, to lead others along the path of righteousness." (Supreme Command)

Thus, by Baba's teaching in the Supreme Command, it is clear that all margiis - young or old, male or female etc - must embark on teaching others about Ananda Marga ideals.

ALL MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL OF ANANDA MARGA

Through His mandates of Sixteen Points, by His mission statement (Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca), and by the Supreme Command, it is quite clear that every Ananda Margii should teach others about Ananda Marga ideals from the very beginning. To delay this is to go against Guru's teachings. No one should have any complex about this nor should this point be shrouded in confusion. All - I repeat all - are to teach others about the principles of Ananda Marga.

IGNORANT ACARYAS:

NO DADA CAN BAR YOU FROM TEACHING

Thus, if you or anyone in your unit is sincerely teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy and a Dada tells you that you are "too new", or "not senior enough", or "not smart enough" etc, then just inform that Wt that Baba's guideline is that, "I must perform all 4 sevas each and every day and that includes teaching others about Ananda Marga ideology, according to the level of my own knowledge base."

So no Dada can give any lame excuse and prohibit any margii - new or old - from guiding others on spiritual life and Ananda Marga ideals.

Actually, it is the dogmatic religions that preach how lay / family people cannot teach the tenets. In Christianity only the priest can do; in Islam, only the mullah can do; and in Hinduism only the pundits can do. They are the only ones to preach the gospel of their religion - not the common people. So Ananda Marga is unique. Baba says that all can and should do.

Unfortunately some ignorant Wts want to introduce religious dogmas into our Ananda Marga society by stating that only the priest class can guide others. They just want to "copy & paste" such dogmas into our Ananda Marga.

But we must remember such dogmas are hellish.

Baba says, "These [common] people were deprived of the right to study the Vedas. The Antyaja Shúdras, if they even heard the Vedic chants, or the controlling Vedic mantra aum, or the “Savitr Rk” mantra, would be committing a great sin and molten lead would be poured into their ears so that their hearing would be destroyed forever. Nor were women, however educated, allowed to hear such sacred chants." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 5)

HOW "DON'T TEACH" DOGMA STARTED

Indeed in those days of old, what to speak of not allowing the common people to preach the philosophy, they would not even allow the common people to learn it. If general citizens came in contact with those teachings they would be tortured and shunned - i.e. scarred for life. That was the way those dogmatic religions operated - and still today that is their modus operendi. They feel that mantras or prayers can only be solemnized when they are recited by priests etc. According to bhagavad dharma, there is no 3rd person between the devotee and God, but in such religions, the priest / mullah etc is the so-called intermediary. Here the point is that in the dogmatic religions, only the priest is able pass on religious knowledge, not anyone else.

Tragically, now some Dadas are leaning in this direction and not allowing margiis to teach the philosophy to others. We have to oppose such Dadas.  When any Dada is forbidding a margii to propagate the gospel of Ananda Marga or neo-humanism, we should alarm everyone about that Dada and unmask their name and address.

THE SCENE AT DHARMACAKRA

In dharmacakra, many think that after meditation then only a wt should stand up and explain Baba's teachings and Ananda Marga books. It happens that even a wt not familiar with a topic will speak about it anyway; yet, there may be a margii present in the room who knows far more on that subject. But the margii is overlooked because some think that only those in WT dress should speak to Baba's teachings. A few dadas feel that this is their due honour: Since they have the dress then only they can speak in public. This dogma has been brought into Ananda Marga from the various religions.

Who does not know that in the black pages of history before the invention of the printing press, the bible was not allowed to be copied and given to anyone. The common people did not have access to it at all. Finally, when the printing press came along the pope did not permit the bible to be printed and distributed. This went on for some time. And still today the Koran (Quran) cannot be translated. It can only appear in Arabic. Those who want to know about it must consult a mullah. This is the way they keep their dogma in tact. Similarly, in Ananda Marga, some think that our scriptures should only be read by acaryas. This is the dogma they want to impose.

Ananda Marga is extremely different from the dogmatic religions. Baba has blessed us with a revolutionary approach where all have the moral duty to preach and teach the tenets of Ananda Marga.

Unfortunately, some Dadas puffed up with vanity feel that only they should talk about dharma. They want everyone to listen to them. That is what their ego tells them. So they feel threatened if a margii sincerely engages in talks about Ananda Marga philosophy with others.

But again, Baba's mandate is clear and pointed: Every initiated person in Ananda Marga must preach and teach others about our AM way of life.

WHAT ONE SHOULD NOT TEACH

Now that it is clear that it is the duty of every Ananda Margii to perform service and teach others about the philosophy and ideals of Ananda Marga, there are a few easy points to keep in mind.

1) One must not teach others about the lessons of sadhana unless one is a tattvika, or acarya etc.

2) One should not teach aspects of Baba's teachings that they themselves are not adequately familiar with. If one does this then two negative results will arise. Firstly, one will spread faulty explanations and confuse others; and secondly, the person you are trying to teach will lose faith in you.

3) Certainly though, each and every Ananda Margii knows something about Ananda Mara ideals. It may be even the most basic of principles or something complex; regardless, what you know you should teach those ideas to others. That is how society grows.

So it is important to educate oneself about Ananda Marga ideals and consult Baba's discourses by reading Ananda Marga books. And side by side one should practice.

Indeed, every Ananda Margii should be eager and ready to preach Baba's gospel to any and all who are interested. And even if they are not interested, we should try and inspire them.

Margiis can teach our kiirtan mantra to anyone. We can teach them to sing internally or externally.

DESIRING PRAISE ETC IS ANTI-LIBERATION

Here is another dynamic to be aware of when preaching Ananda Marga ideals.

Some sincere margiis start doing pracara and mistakenly think that because they are doing dharmic work then people should appreciate them. This goes against our main spiritual ethic and the outcome is disastrous. If a person just thinks about their own self and their own quality, then their mind becomes smaller and smaller. In that case, the goal is not Parama Purusa, but their own unit self. This is the absolute wrong way to proceed - it is the path of degeneration.

Another distinct drawback is that if people are not appreciating you, then you feel there is no point in doing the work and you may drop it entirely. Furthermore, if anyone criticises you then you will feel crushed and dejected, whether or not that criticism is valid or not.

Plus, some opportunists might praise you to the sky in order to exploit you and get you to attend to their agenda. These are the pitfalls of getting caught up in praise and censure.

The best is for every sadhaka to serve other and propagate AM ideals, thinking that they are doing everything for Parama Purusa - to please Him.

Then if someone opposes or praises you it does not matter. Your mind will remain balanced and you will not veer from your course. Why? Because you are doing to serve Parama Purusa, not to garner praise etc. Here the whole idea is that one should not be a slave of praise or censure. Then one cannot fulfill their duty on this earth.

Those who do pracara dharma with idea that they are serving Parama Purusa never get frustrated by others' negative comments. That is the expression of real devotion. And such persons do not anticipate that others should praise them because they are doing a great job.

Whenever a person believes in their heart that it is their duty to do a particular task then they do not expect that people should praise them. For example, when a mother is caring for her very small infant, then that mother does not care if the neighbor praises her or not.

Similarly, a good sadhaka will preach the gospel of Ananda Marga without any expectation of praise and without any concern for censure. One will fulfill this blessed duty to please Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "Nindantu niitinipuńáh yadi vá stuvantu: “If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Puruśa. I have come form Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty.” (Subhasita Samgraha, part 12)

Baba says, "Regarding those who are likely to create obstacles in your path – let them do so. You should remember that those who are the actual pioneers, the real vanguard of the society, are always a microscopic minority, but it is they who are destined to be victorious. Those who once opposed, or are now opposing or will oppose in the future, will in the future admit: “Yes, we are now driving our vehicle safely and comfortably along the very path which that vanguard once opened by clearing the jungle.” This means that those who cleared the obstacles in the beginning will later be recognized as pioneers. The funny thing is this, that people do not give recognition at the time it is due. This is the natural law. And at the same time you should also remember this simple truth: that in a jungle the number of tigers and lions is always few; the jackals far outnumber them. Yet in the jungle the tigers and lions reign supreme, not the jackals. The jackals are sure to howl, that is their nature; but the tigers and lions will not be frightened." (Ananda Vacanamrtam-6)

Namaskar,
at lotus feet of the Divine Entity,
Smita

Note 1: IMPORTANT PROVERB

One should never forget that human life evolves gradually from animal life in the cosmic cycle of brahmacakra. Human beings were animals in the past and those propensities are still dominant in many of our fellow human beings. For this reason some people feel the need to oppose good work. If we all keep this in mind then one will not get affected when others are opposing your righteous deeds.

Always remember this proverb: No good deed goes unpunished. The sense is that certain notorious people want to abuse you because their own prestige is at stake. But pay no mind to them, go on propagating the ideals of dharma, always singing Baba's name. 

 

 

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi ga'n go ka'ha'r tare badhir kare rekhe dhara're..." (P.S. 1972)

Purport:

Baba, in this cosmic play of Yours, You go on singing Your divine songs to attract devotees. Even then I do not know for whom You are singing. Baba, Your divine songs are pervading throughout this entire vast cosmos; Your songs are permeating each and every loka. Baba, nothing else is audible except Your divine song. O' Baba, by Your melodious call You have made everyone deaf. Baba, You come and go; and You smile and lovingly look upon one and all with Your infinite compassion. But unfortunately nobody can see You.

Baba, because of Your songs, the whole world is melodic. With Your tune, rhythm, & melody, You saturate this entire universe with divine nectar. Everyone is immersed in Your music. Baba, when You come close then You shower Your grace abundantly. In spite of that it is impossible for me to become one with You - because of my own faults & shortcomings.

Baba, You are completely captivating: Your coming and going in dhyana, Your sweet smile, and Your charming look - all this deeply touches my heart. Baba, You are most attractive. O' Parama Purusa You are the universal mind (Vishvama'nas); You destroy and wipe away all cimmerian darkness and staticity; and You shower Your divine effulgence. Baba, You lovingly hold each and every atom and molecule in Your heart. Baba, everything resides within You.

Baba, with Your divine song You have captivated this entire universe. It is Your causeless grace...

Note: Parama Purusa attracts devotees in various ways - such as through the song of His divine flute, His Cosmic Grace and Sweet Charm. And that is what has been expressed in the above song. 

Divine Social Duty

Date: 26 May 2012 22:02:48 -0000
From: "Subhash Dholakia"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Divine Social Duty

Baba

"Pra'n'e ceyechi toma're, tumi ki deve na' dhara'..." (P.S. 4694)

Purport:

  Baba, I long for You in my heart - please come in my heart. Won't You grace me and allow Yourself to be held; will You not allow me to hold You. The same flow which I feel my heart is also resonating through the delicate strings of my viina.

  Baba, so many days and nights, so many prahar [1], and so many dates have gone in waste. Baba, so many months, spans of time, years, and ages have passed. Even after learning so many rules and regulations, and so many do's and don'ts from the scriptures-- in spite of that I lost the path.  

Baba, today, by Your grace I understand this eternal truth: That You can only be bound by love and devotion. All the fixed rules and established systems of the tunes and melodies will go in vain. By that way I will not get You. I can only get You by yearning and longing. Only with devotion can I get You.

  Baba, I long for You in my heart. In my each and every action I want You to be present. I want to feel You all the time. Baba, please grace me so that You are always along with me. Baba, please be gracious...


END NOTES FOR PRABHATA SAMGIITA #4694:

[1] Prahar= Each day is broken up into eight segments or eight periods. And these periods are known as 'prahar'. In that way, each prahar is three hours length in duration. Here Baba explains more about prahar and various other segments of time.

Baba says, "The verbal root 'mas' means 'to measure'. By adding 'ghain' to 'mas' we get ma'sa whose etymological meaning is 'a measurement of time' or 'a period of time'. Thus ma'sa in this sense means 'era', 'lunar year', 'lunar month', 'lunar day', 'solar year', 'solar month', 'fortnight', 'week', 'solar day' or ahora'tra (from sunrise to sunrise), prahara (three hours), hour, minute, second, fraction-of-second and so forth -- all of these." (SC-2, disc:13)

== DIVINE SOCIAL DUTY / PRACARA TIPS ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, "You shall, therefore, preach only satya. Explain to them whatever you have done with reasons thereof. Also, make it clear to them what you want to do and why you want to do. The result of this highly useful (helpful) preaching is that the inferiority complex disappears from the mind of the common men. They are encouraged when they see that a common man like themselves is inspired with such a high ideal. The second result of this is as follows. The common result of this is as follows. The common people are not generally aware of your usefully high ideas. In every work, big or small, they cling to selfishness. So, learning everything pure and high through your easy and simple language they will cooperate with you, with a mind free from wrong notions. The third outcome of this is that they will be shorn off the wrong notions that may have crept into them by the propaganda made by the selfish persons with vested interests."

"Win over their heart by propagating satya but without abusing anyone. When, they will feel the ideal of satya and come to know of your untiring karma sádhaná, naturally, they will abandon their wrong notions about you; they will even start respecting you."

"Even in private life when a person behaves with you badly or uses harsh words, don’t behave with him in the same manner. You shall explain to him his duties gently. In case, anyone has a wrong impression, you shall show him the right path without scolding (abusing) him. Make it clear to him if possible with practical demonstration how harmful may be the effect of such habits. But always keep this in mind that in such cases your behaviour must be like that of a friend, and never like that of an instructor. Your only object will be to get your advice accepted by him. The idea that he is fool and you are wise is not desirable in any party." (Ta'ttvika Diipika': Dvitiiya Parva)

A FEW SUMMARY POINTS

1) Those suffering from a superiority complex are unable to properly guide or teach others. For them, doing AM pracar is basically impossible.

2) In the Supreme Command, Baba has allotted us the special duty "to bring all to the path of bliss" - to bring all to the divine path of AM. So this is a very sacred task which our Guru has given. Indeed pracara  is the greatest social duty of human life.

3) Plus, we know that when Parama Purusa takes advent on this dusty earth then He does not waste His time in becoming a millionaire or a billionaire; rather, He dedicates His each and every moment for the all-round development & emancipation of human beings.

4) The conclusion is that the most virtuous aspect of human life is serving others. And the best service - the most lasting service - is doing dharma pracar. For this reason we should sincerely follow Baba's above guideline.      


Namaskar,
Subhash

To Margii Artists

Date: Wed, 31 Nov 2011 21:04:35 -0400
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "J Ostrove" Vijaya@financialcorps...
Subject: To Margii Artists

Baba

"Toma're khunjiya' gechi vane vane maner kon'e khunjiya' dekhini..." (2807)

Purport:

 Baba I went on searching You in the external world, in the holy lands, in the forest, in the cave of the mountain, but I never tried to search You in the corner of my mind. I never looked there.
 I observed many types of penance and took trouble to travel to the various holy lands in search of You and I remained engaged in external worship using the traditional paraphernalia with lots of ostentation. All the while I never understood that You are remaining so close to me-- this I never thought. Oh Baba, oh divine Entity, You are always sitting in the mind and You love me very deeply and intimately. And You shower Your love on everyone day and night.
 With my little intellect what I understood, I tried to execute that with my full strength and energy. I remained lost in various attachments. I also searched You through the exploration of knowledge-- remaining busy with pen, paper and ink. By this way my time got wasted. And I could never catch hold of You. But by Your causeless grace now I understand that You are always hiding in my mind. Your divine flute is always resonating. Baba, You are always gracious...

== TO MARGII ARTISTS ==

Note: At present so many on this earth are looking for a way to connect with spirituality in a way that is meaningful for them. Film can be an excellent media in this regard.

Namaskar,
At the beginning of the film we can show a picture of a baby being born: An infant pure and innocent who comes into this world with no belongings and no possessions. Then the film can immediately flash to a person dying and how they leave this earth with no objects or earnings.

Thereafter graphic disparities of wealth can be depicted wherein some own mansions and airplanes while others have not a morsel of food to eat nor a piece of clothing to wear.

This 25 second sequence will set the stage and give the idea that we come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing, yet in the span in between so much exploitation and corruption occurs. All of which is avoidable if we learn to treat one another as brother and sister, as family members on this earth.

Already many in the world are moving towards this truth-- to some or more degree-- and our film can take it one step further.

A RADICAL PRACARA IDEA

In a film for AM pracara, we can highlight the idea that all the conflicts that occur on this earth are man-made. And that the singular solution to all these problems is found in a radical shift in thinking.

And what is that shift in thinking: That we all come from one God and that everything on this earth belongs to Him. All are kith and kin and all the objects in this world are meant to sustain one and all, and not be hoarded by a few.

Until that divine realisation occurs, the gross disparities and violent conflicts will not stop. Regardless of one's religious or social outlook, the only practical way to bring peace in the social sphere is to adopt a spiritual outlook where there is one Parama Purusa and all are our brother and sisters.

To the degree that one falls fails to understand and realise this truth, is the degree to which one will be prone to falling into the trap of materialism, with all its greed and inhumane treatment of others.

In an artistic and visual way, our margiis cinematographers and film-makers can think how to present this in a short pracara film. Around the globe, people are looking for answers and it will not be long before they realise that an Obama presidency or such & such bailout are not the answer. The world is quickly running out of answers and possibilities.

Only the ideals of AM are the solution, and films are a wonderful way to plant the answer in people's minds, in seed form.

IT IS JUST LIKE...

In one family, where a mother has 5 sons, then all are expected to treat each other in a brotherly way, with love and respect. This is not an unheard of notion. And if one brother is disabled or autistic and needs extra support, it would be looked upon as mean-minded and cruel to let that one brother suffer. No one would appreciate that behaviour. This analogy everyone on this planet can understand.

All that is needed is to project this same sense of caring and family feeling to the greater humanity.

JUST A FEW IDEALS ARE NEEDED

To get this that point, a few basic ideals are needed. An outlook that encompasses one and all as part of our own universal family as well as the idea that the resources on this earth are limited. Only through family feeling and rational distribution can we escape the torment and torture that now pervades this earth. The glue behind it all is a truly
God-centered and universal outlook.

All want happiness yet the present social order does not and will not satisfy that yearning for happiness. And people are looking for answers.

The above may sound basic; it may sound too far out there; this may sound so many things. But if we do not amplify this idea soon, others will beat us to to it. If they haven't already.

And while we do not need to get the credit per se, the fact remains that only the teachings of AM really are the solution. There are many things that may sound like the solution, when in fact they will fail to give the right answer.

BABA'S BLESSING

Human life is short and if we can help instill the notion that we are all part of the same family then that will be a great boon for humanity. There are many ways to make such a film. Our margii artists will know the best way to proceed. Such films will help bring people together and open their eyes to the great wonder that really can manifest on this earth-- if we truly realise we are all one, part of that same human family, living under the sweet shelter of One Supreme Entity. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Baba says, "None of the movable or immovable property of this universe belongs to any particular individual; everything is the common patrimony of all, and the Father of all is Brahma. All living beings can enjoy their rightful share of this property, like members of a joint family in the Da'yabha'ga system. As members of a joint family, human beings should safeguard this common property in a befitting manner and utilize it properly. They should also make proper arrangements so that everyone can enjoy it with equal rights, ensuring that all have the minimum  requirements of life to enable them to live in a healthy body with a sound mind."

"We must not forget, even for a single moment, that the entire animate world is a vast joint family. Nature has not assigned any portion of this property to any particular individual. Private ownership has been created by selfish opportunists, as the loopholes in this system provide them with ample scope for self-aggrandizement through exploitation.When the entire wealth of the universe is the common patrimony of all living being  an the system in which some roll in luxury, while others, deprived of a morsel of food, shrivel up and starve to death bit by bit, be said to have the support of dharma?" (POD #1)

Namaskar,
Vijaya

***************************************
Health Guideline: Cause of Cancer

Remaining awake after midnight and sleeping after sunrise comes under the definition of being awake at night and sleeping during the day. And that very condition invites cancer:

Baba says "Persons... [who] sleep during the day and keep late nights are most likely to be attacked by cancer." (YT, p. 19)

Note: Sleeping during the day does not just mean at taking a nap in the afternoon or in the late morning. Sleeping during the day also means not getting up in the early morning for paincajanya.
***************************************

What Should Be Done First

From: "Girish Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: What Should Be Done First
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:31:48 +0530

Baba

"Ka'nt'a'y ya'r'a' bhariyechilo, ka'nt'a'r gha'ye ta'ra'i gelo.
Naetikata' ha'riye phele jar'er pu'ja karechilo..." (PS 4756)

Purport:

 Those immoralists who were worshippers of crude materialism, in their
wicked way, such anti-social elements have spread thorns all around to harm
& destroy others. They intentionally wanted to hurt innocent people. But
these same anti-social elements have gotten wounded and annihilated by
their very own thorns*.  
   Such sinners were only infatuated with dogma; they did not have love and
affection for anyone. They wanted to establish crude materialism at the
cost of millions of lives-- but everything went into vain. Their hellish
plan totally crumbled.  
   The natural tendency of the human mind is to oppose sin; and the innate
feeling of the human mind is to be free. In their attempt to pulverise
these two unique human qualities, the sinful demons used a steamroller to
try and crush the human spirit. But ultimately those immoralist themselves
got destroyed by those very blows. And the victory of humanity and dharma
got established, by the grace of Parama Purusa. The golden dawn arrived by
Baba's grace...

Note: In this first line of the above Prabhat Samgiita, "Ka'nt'a'y ya'r'a'
bhariyechilo ka'nt'a'r gha'ye ta'ra'i gelo", Baba Himself shows how the
immoralists have destroyed themselves-- by their own very blows. One
boomerang effect happened. Likewise in His below discourse, Baba is
directly referring to the downfall of communism & stating how the communist
leaders will meet this same dark fate. In 1982 Baba delivered this
following passage and within a decade all the main communist leaders were
wiped away from the face of the earth.

Baba says, "The wickedness, the deceit, that pollutes human society first
moves along a crooked path like its masters, and finally ends up by
annihilating its masters themselves. The wicked persons at the helm of
affairs, who are now out to liquidate others, will one day themselves be
liquidated and erased from history by their own followers. Sinful persons,
by following the crooked path, contaminate the atmosphere of the universe,
but ultimately that sinful conduct, in a similar crooked way, will recoil
like a boomerang on the sinners themselves." (NSS, Shivokti 10)

Note 2: In the above song, Baba employs two English words: dogma and
steamroller. Thus even though the entire song is in Bangla, the above two
words are used in the lyrics and printed using Bengali script. After being
transliterated into Roman Sanskrit, the words are written as: d'agama' &
s't'iimarola'r.


== WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FIRST TO BEST BRING WELFARE TO SOCIETY ==

                                   ~ BABA'S MANDATE ~

Namaskar,
Baba has clearly stated in various discourses that, in general, people want
to do something to help and improve the society. Most have a genuine desire
to do something good. But the main hurdle in this process is that they do
not know how to proceed; they do not know what to do.

Because bringing about real social welfare and the upliftment of humanity
is not an easy job. Therefore, in their confusion, people often end up
doing the wrong thing at the wrong time, or they do something which
produces an undesirable result etc.

So in order to best serve the society and ensure that really we are
bringing welfare to the humanity, we should pay heed to Baba's below
directives. Because only His crystal clear tenants stand as the guiding
light for bringing positive changes and prosperity to the world.


                   'I WILL DO SOME CONSTRUCTIVE WORK'

One of the most common things people think to do in their attempt to improve
society is to immediately engage in some constructive work. They mistakenly
think by this way they can bring about a good result. But as Baba warns us
this does not always work.

Baba says, "It may not be possible to bring about social welfare through
constructive programmes." (NKS, '97, p.233)

For example, nowadays in our Marga, people have gotten frustrated by the
way the organisation is running so in their naive way of thinking they
decide that by hook or by crook they should engage in some 'constructive
work'. Because in their limited view they think this is the only way to
serve the society.

Following this pathway, they may go off on their own and start their own
Master Unit, or they may form their own service project, or even they may
even start their own social service organisation etc. Or they may resort to
other ways in order to do something concrete for the world. But Baba warns
us that such faulty approaches will not work.

Because ultimately we have to form one unified human society. And by
dividing the organisation or breaking away on one's own just because it
seems easier to do some 'constructive programme' that way, this will not
bring about a beneficial result. Initially from a narrow-minded perspective
it may look like the project is really great; and by this way people may
get ego-satisfaction. But ultimately such efforts will go in vain. Because
where is the guarantee that their project will not undergo some difficulty.
In that case what will they do? Run away and start yet another new
programme or organisation etc.

So those who blindly think that doing constructive work is the first and
foremost means to serve the world cannot bring true welfare to society.
Rather, they end up creating more divisions and factionalism or some other
wayward result. This we have seen in the past and this we will see in the
future also.

That is why Baba has issued His strict warning against this way of doing.

Baba says, "It may not be possible to bring about social welfare through
constructive programmes." (NKS, '97, p.233)


                     'I WILL FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE'

Secondly, people often think that at any at all cost they must wage a war
against injustice. They think that by this way the world will become
better. But here again Baba directly warns us that this approach also will
not work.

Baba says, "It may not be possible to bring about social welfare
through...the struggle against injustice alone." (NKS, '97, p.233)

For example, in the hoary past, when slavery was at its peak either in the
US, Egypt, or wherever, then merely waging a war against those slave-owners
did not work. Because those slaves were being fed and housed by those
slave-owners and many of the slaves were thinking that everything was
alright. Their masters were providing them with heart and home so those slaves
were not thinking that anything was wrong. And they did not want to see anyone
opposing and fighting their masters. In that case fighting against those
injustices will not be fruitful.

Similarly today, if with the full banner of struggle one attempts to stand
up against the ruling vaeshyas, then many people amongst the common mass
will not support that fight. Because those people think that they get their
bread and butter from those capitalist business leaders. And if those
capitalists are torn down then the people think they will be without food
and water. Or they simply feel obliged and indebted to those ruling
capitalists. Although, it has to be admitted that which each passing down
the commmon people are having less and less faith in the vaeshyan leaders.

Whatever the case may be, in both the above circumstances, with regards to
those ruthless slave owners and the blood-sucking capitalists, even though
there is the presence of massive exploitation, fighting outrightly against
that injustice will not bring about true social change because the people
are not ready to support that stand.

About this Baba has given His clear-cut guideline.

Baba says, "Revolution may not take place unless the exploited masses are
psychologically prepared for revolution. If the people do not support
revolution, the clarion call for revolution will not be heeded." (PNS-21)

For this reason Baba warns us that merely fighting against injustice cannot
bring welfare to the world.

Baba says, "It may not be possible to bring about social welfare
through...the struggle against injustice alone." (NKS, '97, p.233)


                      SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS NEEDED

So in order to bring about real positive changes to the world, another key
ingredient is needed. Something more is needed. And that special
requirements is social consciousness. This is Baba's expressed teaching.

Baba says, "Without arousing social consciousness, it is next to impossible
to bring about social welfare." (PNS-21, p.63)

Thus to really uplift the humanity there must be wide-spread education
amongst the common people until their eyes are open and their mind is
awake. So arousing social consciousness is the first and most important
step towards bringing lasting positive changes to the world.

Here again in His below teaching Baba furthermore emphasizes the need to
arouse social consciousness amongst the people.

Baba says, "In order to save humanity from economic exploitation (whether
politico-economic or psycho-economic), you must raise the people's
consciousness, otherwise they will never be able to successfully resist
psycho-economic or politico-economic exploitation." (NH-LOI, 'Exploitation
& Pseudo-Culture')

Thus whether in our Marga or in the general society, one key point for
doing real service and creating that wave of positive change is heightened
awareness about the conditions of the day. Once the people are awakened to
the fact that something needs to be done and that there is exploitation
rampant in every corner, then in a united away they will rise up and
support the call for progressive social change.


                            BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has blessed us with His Proutistic vision for bringing
about social change-- where the minds of the people get awakened and
aroused and people develop a heightened social consciousness. By this way
truly positive changes are made and society can advance.

Baba says, "The old era is replaced by a new era-- one collective
psychology is replaced by another. This type of revolution results in
all-round development and social progress." (PNS-21, p.60)

Namaskar,
Girish


Note 1:              RECENT HISTORY IN OUR MARGA

In our own AMPS it was just a few 3, 5, or 7 years ago that some margiis were
not commonly aware that groupism was rampant the Marga. In that case people
were not ready to hear or listen to any plans or ideas about fixing the
problems. But now that social consciousness has gradually spread amongst
each and every margii, all are becoming aware about the lustful ways of the
various groupist leaders. People feel there is a distinct need for everyone
including those at the helm to follow Baba's teachings. On this foundation
of understanding, step by step we are getting in prime position to bring
about all the changes needed to create that seamless AMPS organisation that
is firmly rooted in Baba's ideological teachings. Ours will soon be that
AMPS which will lead the whole humanity from darkness into light.


        ********************************************
                       Most Precious Jewel

Baba says, "When one suddenly finds any jewel-- any rare and costly jewel--
then immediately they pick it up and keep it close to their breast--
leaving everything else behind, forgetting all other things, not even
caring about their prestige. As far as possible one then keeps it hidden
from others. Among all the jewels, the most precious is Parama Purusa."
(SC-10)
        ********************************************

Indeed Margiis Can Teach

Date: Fri 8 Apr 2010 18:45:27
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Indeed Margiis Can Teach
From: "Ishvara Deva"

Baba

                              == INDEED MARGIIS CAN TEACH ==

Namaskar,
Recently in our unit, some of us were involved in teaching others about AM, and one Dada intervened and stated that we should not do this as we were "not qualified".

This made us feel very sad. By Baba's grace we then consulted with one very senior acarya Didi and here following are the points she gave.

Really this was a very sentimental time for us and I remain so grateful for the guidance I received from Didiji.

For those more prone towards philosophical dialog, here are the essential questions we are raising.

1. Should we start teaching others about AM only when we get moksa, i.e. perfection?

2. Should we wait until we have been on the path 10 years before teaching others; or should we wait until we become a wholetimer before guiding others?

3. When can a general margii start teaching others about AM? When should a margii begin preaching the gospel of AM ideology?                  

Again, here it is not that I want to be a "great" Ananda Margii and give high-sounding talks to big audiences. That is not the spirit of this inquiry. Merely with our own inner heart feeling, a few of us were quietly sitting and talking to others about AM when that Dada came over and told us not to do like that.


                                    MUST START TEACHING RIGHT AWAY

Only after consulting with a senior acarya Didi, did everything become clear. Here are the key points raised by that senior acarya Didi:

The bottom line is that it is the duty of each and every Ananda Margii to start teaching others about Ananda Marga immediately. Even the day a person is initiated they can, nay must, start doing pracara with others.

Here is the support from Baba's teachings:

(A) SIXTEEN POINTS: It is the duty of every Ananda Margii to follow 16 Points and embedded within 16 Points is service or seva. As we all know there are 4 types of seva in AM: shudrocita seva, ksatriyocita seva, vaeshyocita seva, and viprocita seva. And Baba guides us that we, i.e. all margiis, are to perform all four types of seva, including viprocita seva, which includes preaching the ideals of Ananda Marga.

Baba says, "We can give joy to Parama Puruśa by serving His creations – human beings, animals and plants – and this service will be the best application of neohumanism. This service can be done in four ways – viprocita sevá (intellectual service), kśatriyocita sevá (service of courage), vaeshyocita sevá (economic service) and shudrocita sevá (manual service). None of these is inferior: we cannot ignore any one of them. People should render service according to their capacity. Those who like intellectual service, can do that; those who like manual service, can do so. But it will be best if all the four types are performed." (17 May 1982, Calcutta)

In His above directive, Baba clearly tells that everyone - new and senior margiis alike - are to engage in all kinds of seva including teaching others about AM philosophy and lifestyle. Everyone must do this according to their capacity.

That means even a newly initiated margii can and should teach the general public about kiirtan, or yama and niyama etc. To the degree one is properly aware about Baba's teachings is the degree to which they should teach others. Then they will be performing seva and following 16 Points. That is Baba's mandate.

(B) AM MISSION: The Ananda Marga mission - self-realisation & selfless service - concerns each and every Ananda Margii.

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 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." (AV-30)

Thus here again Baba is directing each and every person in the Marga to perform service - i.e. helping to care for and elevate all beings. Upon entering into AM, everyone must do this from day 1. Baba does not say that one should do sadhana for ten years - or after getting perfection, i.e. moksa - then one should start doing service. It is not like that.

Rather from the very beginning every margii is to do sadhana and perform service by preaching the ideals of dharma to others. So here again Baba is mandating that every Ananda Margii must do AM pracara and explain the tenets of AM to others.

(C) SUPREME COMMAND: In our Supreme Command too Baba tells each and every Ananda Margii to teach others about dharma and inspire them onto the path of spirituality.

"...It is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margii to endeavor to bring all to the path of bliss. Verily is this a part and parcel of sadhana, to lead others along the path of righteousness." (Supreme Command)

Thus by Baba's teaching in the Supreme Command, it is clear that all margiis - young or old, male or female etc - must embark on teaching others about AM ideals.


                                ALL MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL OF AM

Through His mandates of Sixteen Points, by His mission statement (Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca), and by the Supreme Command, it is quite clear that every Ananda Margii should teach others about AM ideals from the very beginning. To delay this is to go against Guru's teachings. No one should have any complex about this nor should this point be shrouded in confusion. All - I repeat all - are to teach others about the principles of AM.


                                            IGNORANT ACARYAS:

                            NO DADA CAN BAR YOU FROM TEACHING

Thus if you or anyone in your unit is sincerely teaching others about AM philosophy and a Dada tells you that you are "too new", or "not senior enough", or "not smart enough" etc, then just inform that Wt that Baba's guideline is that, "I must perform all 4 sevas each and every day and that includes teaching others about AM ideology, according to the level of my own knowledge base."

Thus no Dada can give any lame excuse and prohibit any margii - new or old - from guiding others on spiritual life and AM ideals.

Actually, it is the dogmatic religions that preach how lay / family people cannot teach the tenets. In Christianity only the priest can do; in Islam, only the mullah can do; and in Hinduism only the pundits can do. They are the only ones to preach the gospel of their religion - not the common people. So AM is totally unique. Baba says that all can and should do.

Unfortunately some ignorant and crafty Wts want to introduce religious dogmas into our AM society by stating that only the priest class can guide others. They just want to "copy & paste" such dogmas into our Marga.

But we must remember such dogmas are hellish.

Baba says, "These [common] people were deprived of the right to study the Vedas. The Antyaja Shúdras, if they even heard the Vedic chants, or the controlling Vedic mantra aum, or the “Savitr Rk” mantra, would be committing a great sin and molten lead would be poured into their ears so that their hearing would be destroyed forever. Nor were women, however educated, allowed to hear such sacred chants." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 5)

Indeed in those days of old, what to speak of not allowing the common people to preach the philosophy, they would not even allow the common people to learn it. If general citizens came in contact with those teachings they would be tortured and shunned - i.e. scarred for life. That was the way those dogmatic religions operated - and still today that is their modus operendi. They feel that mantras or prayers can only be solemnized when they are recited by priests etc. According to bhagavad dharma, there is no 3rd person between the devotee and God, but in such religions, the priest / mullah etc is the so-called intermediary. Here the point is that in the dogmatic religions, only the priest is able pass on religious knowledge, not anyone else.

Tragically now some Dadas are leaning in this direction and not allowing margiis to teach the philosophy to others. We have to oppose such Dadas.  When any Dada is forbidding a margii to propagate the gospel of Ananda Marga or neo-humanism, we should alarm everyone about that Dada and unmask their name and address.

AM is totally different from the dogmatic religions. Baba has blessed us with a revolutionary approach where all have the moral duty to preach and teach the tenets of AM. 

Unfortunately, some Dadas puffed up with vanity feel that only they should talk about dharma. They want everyone to listen to them. That is what their ego tells them. So they feel threatened if a margii sincerely engages in talks about AM philosophy with others.

But again, Baba's mandate is clear and pointed: Every initiated person in Ananda Marga must preach and teach others about our AM way of life.


                                   IMPORTANT STIPULATIONS

Now that it is clear that it is the duty of every Ananda Margii to perform service and teach others about the philosophy and ideals of AM, there are a few easy points to keep in mind.

1) One must not teach others about the lessons of sadhana unless one is an tattvika, or acarya etc.

2) One should not teach aspects of Baba's teachings that they themselves are not adequately familiar with. If one does this then two negative results will arise. Firstly, one will spread faulty explanations and confuse others; and secondly, the person you are trying to teach will lose faith in you.

So ti is important to educate oneself about AM ideals and consult Baba's discourses by reading Ananda Marga books.

Indeed, every Ananda Margii should be eager and ready to preach Baba's gospel to any and all who are interested. And even if they are not interested, we should try and inspire them.

Margiis can teach our kiirtan mantra to anyone. We can teach them to sing internally or externally.


                MUST NOT BE CONCERNED WITH PRAISE OR CENSURE

                            SERVE OTHERS TO PLEASE HIM

Here is another dynamic to be aware of when preaching AM ideals.

Some sincere margiis start doing pracara and mistakenly think that because they are doing dharmic work then people should appreciate them. Although this is not a totally degrading mindset, but for bhaktas this is not a very lofty outlook. This has a distinct drawback as well because if people are not appreciating you, then you feel there is no point in doing the work and you may drop it entirely. Furthermore if anyone criticises you then you will be totally dejected. Side by side, some opportunists might praise you to the sky in order to exploit you and get you to attend to their agenda. These are the pitfalls of getting caught up in praise and censure.

The best is for every sadhaka to serve other and propagate AM ideal thinking that they are doing everything for Parama Purusa - to please Him.

Then if someone opposes or praises you it does not matter. Your mind will remain balanced and you will not veer from your course. Why? Because you are doing to serve Parama Purusa, not to garner praise etc. Here the whole idea is that one should not be a slave of praise or censure. Then one cannot fulfill their duty on this earth.

Those who do pracara dharma with idea that they are serving Parama Purusa never get frustrated by others' negative comments. That is the expression of real devotion. And such persons do not anticipate that others should praise them because they are doing a great job.

Whenever a person believes in their heart that it is their duty to do a particular task then they do not expect that people should praise them. For example, when a mother is caring for her very small infant, then that mother does not care if the neighbor praises her or not.

Similarly, a good sadhaka will preach the gospel of AM without any expectation of praise and without any concern for censure. One will fulfill this blessed duty to please Parama Purusa.

Baba says, "Nindantu niitinipuńáh yadi vá stuvantu: “If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Puruśa. I have come form Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty.” (Subhasita Samgraha, part 12)

Baba says, "Regarding those who are likely to create obstacles in your path – let them do so. You should remember that those who are the actual pioneers, the real vanguard of the society, are always a microscopic minority, but it is they who are destined to be victorious. Those who once opposed, or are now opposing or will oppose in the future, will in the future admit: “Yes, we are now driving our vehicle safely and comfortably along the very path which that vanguard once opened by clearing the jungle.” This means that those who cleared the obstacles in the beginning will later be recognized as pioneers. The funny thing is this, that people do not give recognition at the time it is due. This is the natural law. And at the same time you should also remember this simple truth: that in a jungle the number of tigers and lions is always few; the jackals far outnumber them. Yet in the jungle the tigers and lions reign supreme, not the jackals. The jackals are sure to howl, that is their nature; but the tigers and lions will not be frightened." (AV-6)

Namaskar,
Ishvara


Note 1:                            IMPORTANT PROVERB

One should never forget that human life evolves gradually from animal life in the cosmic cycle of brahmacakra. Human beings were animals in the past and those propensities are still dominant in many of our fellow human beings. For this reason some people feel the need to oppose good work. If we all keep this in mind then one will not get affected when others are opposing your righteous deeds.

Always remember this proverb: No good deed goes unpunished. The sens is that certain notorious people want to abuse you because their own prestige is at stake. But pay no mind to them, go on propagating the ideals of dharma, always singing Baba's name.

Exploited Trainees of Varanasi TC (Part 2)

To: AM-GLOBAL
Date: Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:21:36 -0000
From: NJK Majumdar
Subject: Exploited Trainees of Varanasi TC (Part 2)

Baba

                == EXPLOITED TRAINEES OF VARANASI TC ==

                                       ~ Part 2 ~

Namaskar,
This is the second part of our investigative report on the conditions of our trainees at the Varanasi WT training centre.

As you may recall the first letter detailed how trainees were given old, dirty clothes to wear and deprived of even the most basic foods. Plus other issues were raised including the very dramatic story of dharma samiiska. A link to the first letter is noted below.

Here in this second letter further matters are explored.


                         AGE OF IDEALISM

We must remember that our trainees are youths - mostly teenagers - and they arrive at our doorstep with tremendous idealism. They want to do something to change the world and serve Baba. They have a mind, a heart and they have feelings. They know a little about Ananda Marga yet have a strong desire to know more. That is why they have come - that is why they have chosen to dedicate their life. They have come in search of living for a high ideal.


                    NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO TALK

Of course it is our duty to create a Training Centre that nurtures their inherent desire to lead a spiritual life and serve humanity. But our TC is operating in a different manner.

At our Varanasi WT Training Centre, our trainees are malnourished. They get 1/2 the calories needed to maintain a healthy human body. They growing bodies and minds are deprived of the food needed to grow. Just they are left to suffer and waste away. Yet, side by side, these same trainees see how the Trainer Dada is eating like a king.

By Baba's grace our trainees have great dedication for our AM ideals and love for Parama Purusa. For this reason they do not run away.

Indeed they are cognizant that Baba's teachings of neo-humanism and Prout hold immense beauty and hope for the society. Our trainees are attracted by the ideals of a single human family. That is why they debate these points among themselves. One trainee was telling that Baba's teachings are for others, but not for those in AM. Then other trainees retorted that if we ourselves are not practicing these ideals then how can we teach them to others. This type of back and forth discussion is common at TC. When the trainer Dada hears this he feels irritated and does not wish for the trainees to discuss such matters and / or the irregularities at TC.

Verily, the Trainer Dada does not like that his trainees should reflect openly on such topics. Many say that the Trainer Dada is himself defensive about the the double standard set between the trainees and himself. So the Trainer Dada does not want them talking about our AM way of life lest they question about all the injustices and inadequacies going on in TC. He wants that they should keep mum on all these topics.

For their part, the trainees are not complaining, merely they are immensely interested in and curious about Baba's divine teachings. But the trainer Dada is not apt to let them grow or discuss in this way.

That is why for the last several months, the trainer Dada has imposed a curfew: No talking on any point at all. If any trainee wishes to express any idea then it must be conveyed in writing only. One may not talk on any topic. When taking a collective meal, if a trainee wishes to have some salt on their food then they have to write that down on a piece of paper and hand that to the trainee who is near the salt. That is the extreme imposition going on at TC these days. The trainees are not allowed to talk amongst themselves - period. They must bear their mistreatment in silence.

Such harsh rules do not exist in any civilised country or modern society. There is no way to justify the imposed silence order by the trainer Dada at Varanasi TC.

Here it should be clarified that the ruthless and repressive policy of TC cannot be classified as maonbrata (vow of silence). We must know that maonbrata is an internal discipline not to talk - it comes from within and is not imposed by others. Plus maonbrata is for limited time - it is not meant as a permanent way of living. Hence what is going on at TC is a complete injustice. It is just the case of a repressive regime wherein the trainees are forced into silence in order to keep their mouths shut about their miserable living conditions.

Only in Nazi concentration camps or in Communist work prisons would such harsh rules be imposed. So it is quite ironic that this is happening in our own WT training centre - a place that is supposed to be the embodiment of neo-humanism, yet instead emulates the ways of dark, totalitarian regimes.


    WHERE MONEY GOES - WHAT HAPPENS TO MARGII CONTRIBUTIONS

When it was asked why trainees are not given proper food, the Trainer Dada replied that he was not getting sufficient financial contributions from margiis. He added that if donations were good, then certainly the trainees would be properly feed.

However, later on I found that this is not true as most of the money that comes in goes to the upper / WT kitchen. That means Dadaji and some visiting avadhutas are eating up all the donations on rich, tasty food for themselves. Hence just the bare minimum is left for feeding the full team of trainees.

Even when a margii visits and wishes to arrange a nice meal or donate food for everyone in TC, that plan is rejected by CTS (i.e. Trainer Dada) and in turn he controls that money and spends very little on food for the trainees. This also I came to know.

Plus, in order to save his post, the Trainer Dada diverts money towards Rudrananda.


                 STYLE OF AM EDUCATION AT TC

Let's again stand back and ask ourselves why such trainees felt inspired to attend TC. It is very easy to understand that all these youths reached from around India to get training and learn about AM philosophy: Both its theoretical and practical aspects.

But what is the reality that is going on?

One particular aspect they have learned first-hand is: How exploitation occurs when those at the top do not view others as their family members. This they have learned first-hand while in TC.

With regards to their theoretical learning, there is virtually no teaching going on at all.

The trainer Dada is busy all day with his local school kids. From early in the morning to evening time he is busy at his school in order to make money. He does not like to hire teachers as that would be an added expense.

But the truth is that our Trainer Dada should supervise the school on the greater level and let hired teachers run the daily operations of school. In addition, the trainees should be taught how to supervise a school. That is why Baba has given such a system.

Unfortunately the trainer Dada just drowns himself in the mundane dealings of the school and totally overlooks his duties at WT Trainer. All because he is more concerned with making money at the school. So when he returns back to the TC in the late evening, he is tired and he reads the newspaper and plays computer games. That is how the days pass. There is no time to teach anything to the trainees. Yet they yearn to learn about Ananda Marga.

We should remember that the WT Trainer Dada is a trainer first and a school principal second - not vice-versa. His title is WT trainer. Yet this role he mostly overlooks.

So after three years in TC, it is sadly apparent what our new brahmacariis have learned about AM. Just ask such new wts a question and see what they say.

For instance, ask them to explain about brahmacakra, kosa, loka, three causes of sin - all these basic points. They will not know the answers. Believe it or not, some passed and do not even know how to dance kaoshikii and tandava, yama and niyama, 16 Pts etc.

Please do not think that I am blaming our trainees; they are A-grade. All blame goes to those in-charges who do not feed or teach them. They neither teach the trainees by their conduct nor in the classroom. No education is imparted whatsoever.

Instead those in-charges impose all kinds of dogmas and complexes. Such bosses eat while their trainees starve.

This cycle of exploitation goes on and on.

Tomorrow these trainees will become brahmacariis and then avadhutas. Unfortunately, many of them will pursue these exploitative methods with their juniors. This is vicious cycle that is being perpetuated.

It is no different from the mother-in-law who beats her daughter-in-law. One day that daughter-in-law grows up to be a mother-in-law and she does the same repressive tactics to her daughter-in-law.

The situation is so extreme that one trainee became mad and was kicked out from TC and his laokika parents were searching for him. For all we know he may be begging in Varanasi or has been placed in some lunatic asylum.


            THE REALITY STARING US IN THE FACE

Here is one hard fact we all must face. These days the number of aged Wts is much more than the number of incoming Wts. Should this trend continue then we will have a severe crisis and shortage of wts in AM. At present more than 50% of our workers are 50+ yrs of age. No one likes to think like this, but these wts are not going to live forever.

We should all take it upon ourselves to consider this situation: Ineveitable shortage of workers. Any organisation suffering from this type of trend will become extinct in a short time. This was the recent trend of Christianity in Europe and now today there are thousands of churches that are essentially vacant. The church has basically given up in various European countries.

Here the point is that our WT training centre has a big role to maintain and protect those who come to train. But that is not happening. Our level of retention is very low. If 100 reach Training Centre then from the time of their arrival to the time they have graduated and worked in the field for one year, then only 5 remain as workers. That means over the course of training and within the first 12 months of field work, we are losing 95% of those who enter TC. That is a very dramatic figure. No organisation can survive with such a low rate of retention.

Whereas if our trainees and new workers are instilled with a deep sense of family feeling and supported by their seniors, then one can weather all kinds of problems etc. Then our retention rate will be much, much higher.

Unfortunately when a family feeling is not cultivated and trainees are not encouraged in sadhana or given the opportunity to garner a deep spiritual base, then so many young trainees and wts are lost - they just leave entirely. Without the requisite spiritual base and guidance, their chance of gaining success as a Wt is very low. So we cannot blame them as individuals. Only we must reassess what is going on in out Training Centre(s).

Of course I have great regard for our trainer Dada; he is a learned person. Dadaji has extraordinary qualities but he mostly uses them for Oriya trainees, not others. If that same ethic was applied to all, then things would be much different. Dadaji must sacrifice and pour his heart for all trainees, not just for those who hail from Oriya. Then so many good things will result.


              THIS IS WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING

All this is not a fairy tale. This is the unfortunate scene happening in Varanasi TC. If you have real interest to know more, talk to any trainee who just came from TC or do your homework of investigative reporting.

Pushing aside others plight by claiming their ordeals as mere hearsay is heartless and not the way of any true sadhaka. We have to have sympathy for those suffering and we must have the courage to step forward and put a stop to their misery. Things must be set right.


                       BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has given the perfect remedy for addressing the problems going on in the Varanasi Training Centre.

Baba says, "The incapability to recognize the requirements of others because of insensitiveness is a psychic disease. Those afflicted with this disease are also members of the vast human family; they are also our brothers and sisters. So, either by making humanitarian appeals or by creating circumstantial pressure, arrangements will have to be made to cure them of their ailment." (Problems of the Day, #4)

Namaskar,
Nagendra


Note 1:        HERE IS THE FIRST LETTER OF THIS SERIES

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/04/exploited-trainees-of-varanasi-tc-part.html

Note 2:        OTHER REPORTS ABOUT WT TRAINING CENTRE

The below letters tell more of the story and history of life at training centre. Please write in with your experiences and thoughts as this is a critical matter of utmost importance to all.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2007/05/gtc-eye-witness-report.html

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2007/03/training-centre-is-also-responsible.html

                              PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma're dekhe calecho prabhu more pu'n'ya phale..." (PS 4477)

Purport:

  Baba, because of the virtue of having Your grace, I can feel that You are so close and that You are looking at me all the time. Baba, You are with me each and every moment, in the brilliant effulgence and in the cimmerian darkness-- constantly, all the 24hrs. In my good days and bad days always You are and will remain along with me. Baba, You are so gracious.
  Baba, when I am surrounded by the fog of hopelessness and despair, & when my life becomes burdened, then it is very difficult for me to move ahead-- all my inspiration is lost. And when I cry in pain and the tears are rolling down my cheeks like a river, and when I am drowned in pessimism, then I think that this life is useless and that this whole world is poisonous. In that case I feel it is better just to die. When I am in such a crisis, then with a very pleasant and sonorous voice, Someone appears in my mental abode and in a very sweet & intimate way He whispers, 'Do not worry, I love you'.
   Baba, the effulgence of Your divine love never gets extinguished; Your love is eternal and never fades or ends. In this mundane world, everything comes and goes. Baba only You are eternal and infinite. You are the sweetest Entity. You are that force that never stops. You are that magnificent bliss that never diminishes-- always that bliss is growing and growing. Baba, You are my everything: The be-all and end-all of the life. By Your grace I am under Your shelter. Baba, in the deep core of my heart the only request I have is that: Please do not forget that I am sheltering myself in You, at Your lotus feet.
   Baba, by Your infinite grace-compassion You are remaining by my side always...


              ******************************************
              Sarva'unga'sana and Vipariitakarani Mudra

"Question: What is the difference between sarva'unga'sana and vipariitakarani mudra?"

"Answer: In sarva'unga'sana we have to fix the mind at the point of the toes, whereas in vipariitakarani mudra we have to fix the citta or mind stuff at the tip of the nose or at the navel point." (YP, p.117-18)

Note: Sarva'unga'sana and vipariitakarani are very similar-- they are almost the same thing. Just a few little differences are there:

(1) In sarva'unga'sana the mind and eyes are fixed on the center point between the two big toes while in vipariitakarani mudra the mind focuses on the navel or the tip of the nose.

(2) When the body is very straight and it does not have to exert a continuous effort to maintain that position-- rather it is easy and comfortable to hold that posture-- then it is sarva'unga'sana. Whereas mudras, such as vipariitakarani mudra, demand a constant and ongoing effort to maintain the posture. Asanas, on the other hand require a little effort to enter into the position and thereafter it is comfortable and easy to maintain.

(3) In sarva'unga'sana and vipariitakarani mudra, although the postures look the same but the effort exerted and way of approach are a little different as explained earlier. And in addition they effect the body in different ways. Sarva'unga'sana affects the glands & cakras, and the secretion of the hormone; while mudras give strength to the muscles and nevers. These ideas have been given by Baba in His various discourses.

(4) In WT reporting sessions, Baba used to sometimes give atonement by demanding that some or all do vipariitakaranai for a long time. Sometimes for 1/2 hr, 1 hour, 2 hrs, at a stretch. Naturally that qas quite enjoyable for everyone to do. And the underlying reason behind this was that the majority of WT had acidity problems and this Vipariitakarani mudra was the cure. So in the name of doing atonement it was actually Baba's blessing.
         ********************************************

Spreading the Dharma of AM...

From: "Karma Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Spreading the Dharma of AM...
Date: Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:52:44 +0000

Baba

      == SPREADING THE DHARMA OF AM IN ALL THE WAYS ==

Namaskar,
Now in the general society there is an extreme dearth of sentient ideas.
Rather the rancid mud of materialism has infiltrated into every arena of
life. Even then good people all around are looking for some daylight by
which to move ahead. In their heart they have a yearning to discover
something better.


               SACRED DUTY OF ANANDA MARGIIS

As Ananda Margiis, it is our duty to share Baba's ideas in all the ways and
in all the directions. This is what the society needs and this is a
sensitive time because right now around the globe people are in search of
something. So we should satisfy their thirst with the benevolent teachings
of AM. And if we refrain from doing so then someone will fill the gap with
more faulty ideas, thereby leading the society astray.

So it is a must for all Ananda Margiis to express Baba's divine guidelines
in multifarious ways. By this way we can help the society to advance.


                     NO HESITATION IN THIS REGARD

Some in AM may be thinking that they do not know enough; or some may be
thinking that we need not do because Baba Himself will do; or some may be
thinking that in the future they will do.

But to all these thoughts, the reply is that what we know about AM we
should teach in this present moment. We should not wait for the future nor
should we remain passive thinking that Guru will do. Rather He has already
given us the duty and now the moment is ripe.

Indeed we are merely His medium, He is projecting through us. The more we
try the more He will grace us to do His work.

So what we know in any sphere of AM philosophy or AM way of life we should
teach: In our workplaces, in our communities, in our travels, and in all
sorts of new avenues. In all the places, in all the ways.


                        AM TEACHINGS MUST SPREAD

Because Baba's ideas must be spread to all people and as we apply ourselves
in this great endeavour we will become more capable media for disseminating
His divine teachings.

Of course all of these above things everyone in AM is already aware about--
we know we are to propagate AM ideals. So please excuse me for repeating
this now.


                      WE MUST NOT LAG BEHIND

But at the same time in the practical sphere we are lagging behind, a
little bit. Now so many so-called yoga groups are blowing their trumpets in
full force. Yet what they have to share is not the panacea for the society.
Here the idea is not to condemn all those saying anything in the name of
yoga. Because they are also our brothers and sisters and they may be
sincere in their approach.

But nonetheless the fact stands: Only Baba is the Parama Purusa Incarnate
and only His divine teachings of Ananda Marga are perfectly true across
time, space, and person. Only His directives can lead the society forward.

And only His teachings are logical and rational in all respects. There is
no dogma only dharma in our AM - so it can all be explained rationally.

So casting away all shyness and hesitation we should undertake our march
and spread His ideals in all the ways: With our vocal chords, paintbrushes,
keyboards, films, meetings, classes, etc. In all the ways. This is our
allotted duty.

We should be at the forefront and not be second to anyone in any regard.
Reason being, Baba's ideas are best and they should reach the people's ears
first, lest they led astray by something else.


                                      BABA'S BLESSING

Here Baba is encouraging all Ananda Margiis to come forward and express the
benevolent ideas of AM-- in whatever way they feel they are most suited. By
this way we can clean the muck from the society and build it into a
brilliant, shining humanity.

Baba says, "When litterateurs dedicate themselves to the service or
sa'dhana' of literature, they have to let their creative genius flow in
this very current: they have to cleanse all that is turbid, all that is
inauspicious in individual life in the holy waters of their universal
mentality, and then convey it sweetly and gracefully into the heart of
humanity. Herein lies the fulfilment of their service, the consummation of
their sa'dhana'." (PNS-10)

Namaskar,
Karma Deva


Note 1:            HOW OUR PRACAR SHOULD BE DONE

As we know our AM teachings are grounded in benevolent truthfulness--
satya. So our minds should be coloured in this eternal ideal and not in
pseudo-culture when involving in our pracar programs.

Baba says, "The main duty of the Ta'ttvikas is to make a propagation which
aims at collective welfare...At the time of propagation, your views, nay,
all your tendencies should be pointed towards satya, because it is only
through the propagation of satya that collective welfare is possible."
(Tattvika Diipika- II)


                                PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: This below Prabhat Samgiita highlights the divine glory and
greatness of Parama Purusa.

"Tumi kotha'y chile, kotha'y tha'ko, keu ta' jane na'..." (PS 540)

Purport:

O' Parama Purus'a, where were You - where have You been? I have been
searching all over for You. Where do You reside - nobody knows. I have
been looking everywhere for You. You are the smallest of the small and
the most vast of the vast [1]. I have not been able to find you
anywhere. Baba, those who want You, ultimately You make them Yours, You
merge them into Your Divine Self [2]. O' Infinite Entity, You are
boundless, You cannot be held. O' Parama Purus'a, where do You reside -
nobody knows.
O' my Dearmost, in this entire universe, no single manifestation can
express Your full beauty. The moon's smile - the ocean breeze - the
smiling flower - the sweet charming sky - all these beautiful things
were created by You. You have filled this world with Your divine
expressions, yet they are not Your True Self. They are not Your full
expression nor can they express Your full sweetness. All these things
are mere small reflections of Your infinite charm. O' Ananta, You are
limitless. Your full glory cannot be expressed in words, shapes, or
forms. O' Parama Purus'a, where do You reside - nobody knows.
O' Parama Purusa, You are so gracious. In my ideation and in my
meditation, my every atom and molecule are dancing in Your flow - it is
Your grace. You do everything for me. Baba, You have been playing the
flute [3] since time immemorial and You will continue up to eternity. By
this way, You have been attracting me and drawing me closer to You. O'
my Lord, Your effulgence is infinite and unfathomable.
O' Parama Purus'a, where have You been, where do You reside - nobody knows.
O' Baba, please grace me by coming close...

Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #540:

[1] Here below Baba explains how Parama Purusa is more vast than the
vast and smaller than the small. Becuase of this one cannot find Him
with their crude senses.

Baba says, "On the one hand Parama Purus'a is very vast; on the other
hand He is very small. He is so vast that you cannot fully see Him. In
Sam'skrta, there are a few words to describe something very vast:
visha'la, vira't'a, brhat, etc. Out of these, the words vira't'a and
brhat are used to describe an entity which is immeasurably vast, and
visha'la is used for an entity which may be vast, but can be measured.
For instance, the Himalayan mountains are very vast in size, but still
they can be measured in terms of miles, from south to north and from
east to west. In the scriptures it has been said.

Brhacca taddivyam acintyaru'pam'...

"Parama Purus'a is extremely vast: then how can you see such a vast
Entity with your dim vision? It is impossible. And besides seeing such a
divine effulgence, your eyes will be blinded; your vision will be
completely lost."

Su'ks'macca tat su'ksmataram' vibhati

"Parama Purus'a is not only vast. He is small as well – so small, so
subtle that you cannot see Him with your physical eyes. Human ocular
power is extremely limited: if an object is very vast it cannot be seen,
and if it is very small and subtle it cannot be seen either." (SS-12)


[2] In these below quotes, Baba is telling that one cannot go close to
Him and still remain separate. When one gets closer and closer, then by
His grace, the bhakta will merge in Him - just like a piece of salt gets
merged in the ocean, it can not longer remain a separate grain of salt.

Baba says, "If a salt doll goes to fathom the sea, it will certainly
melt and become the sea itself. Similarly, if the knower of the Supreme
Consciousness goes to fathom the Supreme, he merges in the sea of
Consciousness and becomes Supreme himself. Be constantly absorbed in the
thought of the Supreme Consciousness and you too will become Supreme."
(SS-2)

Baba says, "If a salt doll goes to measure the sea, it will melt into
it. Neither can it measure the sea, nor will it ever return, its
existence will merge into the vastness of the sea, releasing it from all
cares and worries. If one wishes to take the form of the sea, one will
have to become the sea itself; there is no other way. None of His
qualities has any limit. His fragmentary manifestations are all passing
through unlimited forms, due to His ceaseless imaginative flow: none of
them is an end in itself." (SS-3)


[3] Here below Baba explains the inner meaning of the sound of the flute
and how the bhakta rushes towards Parama Purusa due to His divine
attraction.

Baba says, "The music emanating from Krs'n'a's flute shook the minds of
the sa'dhakas, causing them to echo and vibrate. This resonance is
nothing but prapattiva'da. Here there is scope neither for jina'na nor
for karma. Here mobility is the only task, the only dharma. “The way He
is calling me – I am to move accordingly.” This state of mind is one of
the sweetest states, the madhura gun'a [sweet quality] of prapattiva'da.
“I am rushing ahead due to the sweet call of His flute and entering into
His sweet and blissful environment.” Hence for Vraja Krs'n'a, there is
no need to interpret the faculties of knowledge and action. There is no
scope for fighting over philosophical ideas. Only complete prapatti is
there, and once it shakes the jiiva, he can no longer stay away. One
rushes out and starts running after Him." (NKS, Disc: 4)

Baba says, "The spiritual aspirant hears the various sounds of onm'ka'ra
or pran'ava [like the sound of the flute] at various stages, during deep
sa'dhana', during sweet sa'dhana'. The sound is called Krs'n'a’s
muraliidhvani. The sa'dhaka becomes mad because of this sound and goes
deeper and attains Ra'dha' bha'va more and more, and rushes headlong
forward." (DKG)



              ********************************************
                    Human Life on other Planets & Stars

Baba says, "Humans of this world-- not only of this world, but of the
entire universe there are so many planets and stars where there is human
life-- and all humans of the universe have got the same wont. And they
utilise and display these wonts according to climatic conditions,
conditions of time and space. But fundamentally, humanity is a singular
entity." (17 August 1979 DMC, Taipei)

The above is what Baba actually has spoken in English. The below is how the
Publications Department printed it in SS-12.

"Humans of the world - not only of this world, but of the entire Universe
there are so many planets and stars where there is human life - and all
humans of the entire Universe have got the same course. They tend to
display their wonts according to climatic conditions, conditions of time
and space. But fundamentally, humanity is a singular entity." (SS-12)


Note 1: In comparing the above two paragraphs, it is clear that so many
small and big mistakes have been committed by the Publications Department.
And there was no translation involved either. Baba spoke in English and the
book is printed in English. Even then, there are a variety of changes which
dilute the meaning of Baba's discourse.

For example, they changed the word "wont" to "course". Plus they omitted
the word "utilise"; then they wrongly inserted the word "display". Indeed,
each sentence has a minimum of 3-5 mistakes.

So this is the grade of work that is going on in our Publications Deparment.
And then of course there are the big distortions like AM-Revolution where
they cut the entire paragraph about margii rights.

Note 2: In His above discourse Baba is giving us the conclusive idea that
there are humans living on various planets. This is not a hypothesis;
rather it is a fact given by Parama Purusa. And He knows everything because
this is His creation.

So we should propagate this idea that there are humans living on various
planets. Still modern science is unsure about this concept. They are using
rockets to reach distant planets but what they fail to realise is that the
speediest thing is the mind. With the mind one can easily realise this truth.
It is our hope that in the near future scientists will reach this
conclusion that human beings already on exist on many other planets.
But in our Marga, this is a well-known, established truth, not a mere
hypothesis.
                 ********************************************