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.
                 ********************************************

Critical Point in Today's World

Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:37:16 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From:
Subject: Critical Point in Today's World

"Ka'che na'hi a'so kabhu, e ki toma'r bha'laba'sa'..." (PS 486)

Purport:

  Baba, You are my dearest One. You have deeply linked Yourself with my
whole existence. By Your grace my each and every thought & movement is
centering around You. Baba, You are the focal point of my life. You are
my Goal. Baba, I love You so much. Even then You never come close to me.
You are always keeping Yourself far away and distant. Baba, what type of
love is this of Yours. I have so much heart-felt feeling for You, yet
You are not regularly manifesting Yourself to me. You are not even
occasionally visiting me.
  Baba, by Your grace Your divine image immediately appears in my mind
whenever I come in contact with the sweet smell of flowers. When that
flower fragrance permeates the air I always feel Your presence. In that
blissful moment, I always think of You. It is Your grace. Baba, whenever
I feel happy, then suddenly You advent and shower Yourself in my mind
and heart. Baba, by Your grace in that instance You always come close.
Baba, You are the warmth of my heart-- the vitality of my being. Baba,
all the hopes and aspirations of my life are revolving around You.
   Baba, when I am not getting You in the deep core of my heart, then I
feel totally lost and restless. In that desperate situation, I just cry
& cry-- weeping bitterly for hours on end. Baba, all my desires and
longings depend exclusively on You.   Baba, You are so gracious; You are
my closest One. By Your grace You have filled my life and my whole
existence with Your divine effulgence & love. Baba, You are my
everything. Baba, I have only one longing: To be in Your close
proximity. Please be gracious...


          == CRITICAL POINT IN TODAY'S WORLD ==

Namaskar,
As the global issues emerge in more serious ways, as technology
speeds up life, as so many things come to a head in this transitional
period, we have to be aware of Baba's guidelines for keeping mental balance.


                  GAINING SUCCESS IN LIFE

In this world we have so many duties and responsibilities, so many
things to do. Especially being Ananda Margiis our works are countless--
endless, or so it seems. Society needs help in all the directions, in
all the realms, and by Baba's grace He has given us the pathway how to
proceed. So there is much to be done.

But one thing for us all to remember is Baba's timeless teaching that to
successfully do anything in this life it demands having a free mind-- a
balanced mind. That is, the mind should be free from all complexes.

Baba says, "To attain complete success in life, the fourth principle is
samata'bha'va, that is, mental equipoise, mental balance. There must not
be any complex in the mind -- neither superiority complex nor
inferiority complex." (Ananda Vacanamrtam, part 30)


                  COMPLEXES ARE A PSYCHIC DISEASE

               MENTAL EQUIPOISE IS A GREAT QUALITY

Here Baba further points out the negative nature of complexes and He
simultaneously directs us to keep samata'bha'va, mental balance.

Baba says, "Complex of any sort - superiority or inferiority - is a
psychic malady, a mental disease. You must maintain a psychic balance."
(Kolkata Dec 2 '79)

Thus mental balance is one central target in life. We should aim for
this in all circumstances. And once we have it, & by His grace can keep
it, then that is one of the best attributes a human being can have.

Baba says, "Maintaining a balanced mind is one of the greatest virtues.
There are no complexes in a balanced mind. One neither feels inferior
nor superior to others; one never fears anybody nor ever gets perturbed.
One maintains a mental balance." (AV-5)

So by striving for and achieving mental balance, then so many other plus
points come along with it. Then the mind will be complex-free, enabling
us to generate positive relations with one and all. Because when we do
not feel that we are better or worse than the next person, then it
becomes easy to establish a heart-felt connection. So that is one
distinct benefit.

In addition, Baba tell us that when one is in a state of samata'bha'va,
they will neither be fearful nor full of anxiety. They will remain in a
natural state of ease and contentment-- not burdened by any negative
tendencies of the mind.

All these positive outcomes are a tremendous boon for human existence.


                        LEADING A LIFE OF SEVA

Without question, one of the top-most results of having a balanced mind
is that then one will be able to maximally help and serve others.
Because when we can feel their joys and sorrows and understand their
problems then we can also present them with the solutions. In that case,
by Baba's grace, they can progress.

So with a balanced mind-- with samata'bha'va-- we can best lead a life
of seva, i.e. helping one and all to advance. And that is the dharma of
human beings: To make one's own self great and make others great also--
"...to lead others along the path of righteousness".


                        WHEN SAMATA'BHA'VA IS LOST

In contrast when due to lack of sadhana we are unable to attain a state
of equipoise or if we lose that stance of mental balance, then that
invites numerous problems for oneself and for others also.

In that case we are unable to weigh the pros and cons of life and end up
making poor decisions-- lowering our own position and misleading others
as well.

For example suppose Ram or Shyam prematurely forms an opinion about
others, a conclusion which is totally wrong or off-base. Then that
invariably leads to problems and harms others. In that case, in the
future nobody will want to listen to Ram or Shyam's words. Then that Ram
or Shyam will lose all their social prestige and respect. All these
pitfalls come from lack of mental balance.

That is why-- among other things-- Baba warns to stay balanced and not
proceed hastily.

Baba says, "Do not judge anyone to be good or bad hastily, nor express your
opinion." (CC-2, 'Society' chapter, pt #41)

As we can feel, Baba's specific guideline is that with a cool mind-- a
balanced mind-- we should view all the things in life, otherwise
countless problems will crop up.


                           BABA'S FINAL WORD

Considering all the angles, by Baba's grace it is clear that
samata'bha'va is one key point for human existence because with a
balanced mind we can help ourselves and help others. And that is the
greatest utilisation of this human life.
Hence as long as we are alive this should be our approach. Here
following is Baba's dharmic mandate.

Baba says, "You should remain in this world and do your duty with a
balanced mind." (SS-21, 'Jaeva Dharma & Bhagavata Dharma')

By Baba's grace may we all get success in this grand endeavour.

Namaskar,
Mahesh


Note 1:          HOW TO OVERCOME SUPERIORITY COMPLEX

Here Baba supplies us with the special formula for keeping mental
balance and not succumbing to any type of superiority complex.

Baba says, "People must always bear in mind that 'Whatever I have
acquired is all by the grace of Parama Purus'a. If He decides that I
should not possess wealth [or any other quality etc], He will take it
away at any moment He wishes.' So no one should feel pride about
anything under any circumstances." (AV-16)

By seeing everything as Baba's fathomless grace then we will not get
puffed up with vanity and instead will be able to maintain mental
balance at all times.


Note 2:          HOW TO OVERCOME INFERIORITY COMPLEX

In His below teaching Baba teaches us how to keep mental balance and not
fall into the depths of an inferiority complex.

Baba says, "What about the inferiority complex, that makes you think of
yourself as inferior to others? You must have noticed that the minds of
those who are less educated become a bit diffident: 'We don't have much
learning.' Again, those who are poor suffer from a similar diffidence.
'We are so poor, and have no one to turn to.' But what causes such
diffidence? [They forget that] everyone on this earth is a child of
Parama Purus'a; no one is big or small. All are related as brothers and
sisters.' (DKG)

By remembering we are all the beautiful expressions of that Divine
Entity Parama Purusa, then no inferiority complex can creep into the
mind. Then we will keep our mental balance.


Note 3:         BABA'S STERN WARNING FOR ALL SADHAKAS

Baba says, "When samata'bha'va is lost, then one begins feeling that
there is a group of people far inferior to oneself. Such a pattern is to
be observed in the case of people who have come to the city from the
village. They say that they don't feel like returning to the village, as
the villagers are illiterate and under-developed. This feeling is very
dangerous. And if such feelings creep into the mind as a result of
having acquired a little intellectual knowledge, the chances of
developing this complex are much greater in the realm of spirituality,
when a sa'dhaka begins feeling somewhat elevated with the development of
some occult powers and the feeling of a little bliss. In the second
stage of spiritual practice every sa'dhaka faces this test. One must be
very, very cautious, so that vanity may not develop." ('Dialogue of
Shiva and Parvatii- 3')


Note 4:       BALANCED MIND NEEDED TO TEACH AND TO LEARN

Baba says, "The third fundamental of education is that teachers and
students should have a balanced mind." (PNS-18, 'Talks On Education')

In His above teaching Baba guides us that mental balance is needed in
order to both guide and learn from others.


Note 5:          A SPECIAL TIP FOR KEEPING A BALANCED MIND

Baba says, "In order to have a balanced mind and to progress
spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of
the food they eat. The idea that 'I will just do my sa'dhana' and eat
any food, proper or improper' will not do." (YP)


Note 6:                      BABA'S BLESSING

Baba says, "Your duty is to utilise totally and properly this physical
body and mind. By thinking always of Him and talking of Him psychic
elevation takes place. Go on moving towards Him. In Him alone lies Your
individual good and social good. You have come with human body, human
intellect. Your human life will become fruitful. By His grace you have a
human body and human mind and you should also bear in mind that by His
grace alone you have to move ahead in life. By His grace alone He is to
be attained. You will attain Him -- certainly you will attain Him." (AV-22)


             ***************************************************
                                 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 f 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)
              ***************************************************

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.
          ****************************************

Longevity: Curse or Boon

Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:47:08 -0700
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Mahendra Deva
Subject: Longevity: Curse or Boon

Baba

                == LONGEVITY: CURSE OR BOON ==

Namaskar,
Around the globe it is the commonly held view that a successful life is a
long life. That is, people generally equate longevity of life with success.
In their general way of thinking, often enough, that is the complete equation.


            AM'S PERSPECTIVE ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL LIFE

Of course, in AM our view is quite different: Longevity in and of itself is
not the main factor or criteria of a successful life.

Specifically Baba guides us that human life must be filled with great works
and noble deeds-- in a phrase, it must be an actional representation of a
high ideal.

Side by side Baba simultaneously warns us not to live a passive life--
devoid of any activity. Baba adamantly opposes such a static approach.

Baba says, "Mere survival is not enough; what is important is to live a
dignified life. The excellence of human life lies in action; it is through
action that human beings survive. They should aspire to live long while
performing noble deeds; it is futile to live just like an earthworm.
Indeed, each and every human being should vow, 'I do not know how long I
will survive; but as long as I exist I will live a glorious life, not an
ignominious existence like that of an earthworm'..." (AV-33)

So according to Baba living a long life devoid of doing any good deeds is a
waste of human existence-- rather that is the sunken plight of an earthworm.
Thus as human beings, our duty is to lead a bustling life: One that is
filled with high minded actions and guided by a benevolent intellect.


          MODERNITY HAS BROUGHT LONGEVITY, NOT QUALITY

These days in this modern era with the advancement of science, many people
are living much longer lives in comparison to the past-- but unfortunately
with regards to the quality of their existence, that has decreased
dramatically.

Because although many are reaching the century mark and living more
than 100 years, but by their existence it is blatantly obvious that they
are just existing like animals: Only eating, drinking, and sleeping etc,
nothing more.

That is why according to Baba's dharmic stand, in this modern ere most are
just living the passive & degenerated life of an earthworm. Their lives a
pathetic display because they fail to utilise their human life for
something great-- for something noble. So although people's longevity has
increased, we cannot call their life successful.


            THE FORGOTTEN EQUATION: SAMSKARA THEORY

And not only that, people often fail to realise that they will have to
undergo all the reactions of their actions. In which case living a long
life filled with negative deeds invites serious problems-- serious
repercussions. It is a liability because people will have to suffer the
reactions of their bad actions.

Baba says, "If some bad actions are committed, naturally their consequences
also must be undergone." (SS-11)

Thus per the law of karma, individuals must undergo the negative reactions
of their actions.

So when human beings are living long lives but failing to do good works and
instead filling their existence with crude activities, then their long life
amounts to nothing but a huge pile of negative samskaras. That is the end
result of their long life. In which case who can term that as a successful
existence. Rather it is a disaster as they have invited so much suffering
and pain for themselves in the future.


              BABA'S WARNING: DON'T DO ASATKARMA

That is why Baba vehemently warns us about doing negative works-- bad actions.

                  Ya'vanna ks'iiyate karma

Baba says, "The bondage of asatkarma [bad actions] is iron...One has to
refrain from bad actions so that the chains of iron might not be forged."
(AV-30)

So if one does any bad action then there is no escape. Immediately they
have bound themselves up in iron chains-- that is Baba's stern warning.
The only answer then is to refrain from doing misdeeds-- sunk in
animalistic desires and devilish tendencies. And instead one should live
the life of a spiritual warrior, ever ensconced in noble works.

                                                                            
                          SUMMARY

All in all in this modern era human life has tragically became something
negative because people involve themselves in degenerated activities
thereby incurring a whole truck-load of negative samskaras. This we can see
happening all around us in the general society.

The root problem is that most people do not utilise their life for a
greater cause. This happens because of a lack of a spiritual way of living.
Instead they just get caught up in the negative flow of the crude society.

So our duty is to form a spiritual based society so that common human
beings can utilise their life from birth to death. We have to help people
discover their innate human tendency: To live a life always in search of
divine bliss.

          2-5: Tasminnupalabdhe parama' trs'n'a'nivrttih

Baba says, "There is in the living being a thirst for limitlessness..."
(Ananda Sutram, 2-5)

Indeed by Baba's grace everyone has the in-born desire to achieve
immortality-- to lead a spiritual existence and attain Him.

So the best thing is to utilise this human life for real fulfillment,
otherwise one's life is like the slothy existence of a slimy earthworm.
Overall then, for positive, spiritually-minded people a longer life is a
boon. But for negative people it is a curse.

Hence longevity of life is only something beneficial if that life is
utilised in a proper way, otherwise that longevity of life is nothing but a
curse.


             BABA'S SPECIAL SECRET FOR A LONG LIFE

Here Baba graciously gives us a special guideline for living a long,
successful life-- one that is filled with peace and tranquility.

Baba says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains
the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases
longevity." (AV-33)


                     BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's infinite grace, He has showered His divine blessing on us by
bringing us onto the path of spirituality-- thus making our lives successful.

Baba says, "You are all sa'dhakas, you are all spiritual aspirants...I know
certainly you will be successful...Kalya'n'amastu-- May you be blessed."
(DKG, 'Three Vital Factors')

Namaskar,
Mahendra


                           PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this song the devotee is talking with various natural
expressions such as the dark clouds and the flower pollen and requesting
them to 'Please convey my heart-felt feelings to my Beloved, to my Parama
Purusa'.

"Ta're a'mi ceyechiluma prati paler pulake..." (PS 4773)

Purport:

I have desired Him each and every moment of my horripilation. In my
excitement and joy, and in my blissful days, I wanted that He should remain
with me so we could celebrate together. This was my regular way of
thinking-- my everyday desire. That is why while sitting in dhya'nasana
doing sadhana I searched Him in the effulgence of divinity-- in my
hiranmaya kosa. Because I wanted to get Him and bring Him close to me.

It is so painful for me that my most adorable One, my dearest One, is
not coming to me. I do not know where He has gone. O' black cloud, please
go to the divine kingdom and tell Him that with great hope and with
heartfelt longing I am waiting for His divine arrival. Tell that Divine
Entity, my dearest One, that since ages and ages I have been anxiously
waiting for Him-- calling Him each and every moment, with the yearning of
my heart. O' floating cloud, please go and convey this message to Him.
Because without Him my life is useless & meaningless.

My most adorable One has gone to some far distant place. I do not know
how to reach Him-- how to  get Him. O' flower pollen, please float away to
His divine land, where finite meets infinite: At that tangential point. Go
there and make Him listen to my heartfelt tales. By that way His heart may
melt and He may come here.

O' Baba, O' my dearest One, please shower Your causeless grace on me by
coming close...


Note: When one's mind is in a lower devotional state, then that sadhaka
generally feels quite satisfied and content thinking that Parama Purusa is
all around them. In contrast when one's devotional longing intensifies then
in that higher state that sadhaka wants Parama Purusa in a more intimate
and loving way. That type of stronger devotional yearning makes the
sadhaka's mind restless; and ultimately that extreme longing leads one to
moksa, final salvation.

This above song expresses the feeling of that higher devotional state
because the devotee has a very deep longing and strong desire to have His
closeness-- the sadhaka wants to attain Parama Purusa.

So in the above song when the sadhaka proclaims that he does not know where
Parama Purusa is, that does not mean that the sadhaka is devotionally dry--
nor does it mean that he really thinks that Parama Purusa has gone far
away. The main thing is that due to his strong love for Parama Purusa, the
devotee wants Him in a more intimate way than he is currently getting Him.
That is why this upsurge of devotional longing comes-- because his heart is
unfulfilled.

The entire point can be better understood with this following example.
Often times when a small infant is nearby its mother then it usually tries
to go closer and closer to the mother until finally that infant is on the
mother's lap-- being tightly embraced by the mother. So, comparatively
speaking, even if the baby is a few feet away from the mother then the baby
feels that their mother is very distant-- because the baby has a deep
desire to be directly on the mother's lap.  Whereas a grown man may be 30
feet away from his mother but feel quite fine and content-- because he does
not have the desire to be so close to his mother. So devotional longing is
not so much a factor of distance or proximity per se, rather it is related
with one's inner desire and the intensity of one's love.

Overall, there are two distinct scenarios when one's mind does not feel any
spiritual longing at all. Firstly, that happens when people are materially
oriented and quite crude. Then in that condition then they do not feel that
they need Parama Purusa at all. Hence they do not have hardly an iota of
devotional longing in their heart. Secondly, when any great sadhaka finally
becomes one with Parama Purusa then all their longing gets totally
exhausted because their devotional heart has been fully satiated--
satisfied. They have become permanently one with their Lord. In that
condition all, one no longer feels any devotional yearning in their heart.
Because their entire being is fully ensconced in His love-- they have
experienced that complete and final union with Him.


         ***************************************                                     
              The Gospel of Neo-Humanism

Baba says, "Preach the theory of one spiritual inheritance-- that every
living being is the child of the Supreme Entity and that all the people of
the world belong to the same family. This will have to be explained to
all-- that there will be a clash between different nations so long as the
feeling of nationalism exists." (PNS-4, p. 45)
         ***************************************

The Waiting Room

From: "Girish Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: The Waiting Room
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:44:27

Baba

                 == THE WAITING ROOM ==

Namaskar,

Baba says, "This world is just like [a] waiting room. You are to remain
here for a very short span." (AV-12)

Tragically, in this modern world, the mass of people live and plan their
lives in such a way as if this world is their permanent abode. Due to
the ill effects of gross materialism, common citizens think that their
bank account, their house, their job, their physical appearance, their
spouse, and their worldly possessions are the prized aspects of their
existence. For this reason, they use cent-per-cent of their energy
running after these ephemeral things, mistaking them to be the glory of
human life.

This is the way materialism has led everyone astray, into some dark
illusion.

Baba says, "This type of crude material knowledge concerned with the
crude materialism has done much harm to human society during the last
one century." (AV-2)

There is an inner aspect to our human existence that is hungry, yet the
humanity is neglecting that which is inside because of being fully
intoxicated with life's material pleasures.


             EVEN WE ANANDA MARGIIS SUFFER FROM THIS

As Ananda Margiis, we all know what the Goal of life is, as well as what
it takes to get there. The Goal is Baba and the way to get there is by
sadhana. This fact everybody knows.

Yet, to some or more degree, we have also suffered from the ill effects
of materialism, as it has infested each and every pore of society. It is
very difficult to completely separate oneself from that environment.
Huge billboards, internet ads, crude social values, financial pressures
etc meet us at each and every turn.

One of the clear-cut downturns of all this is that some of us do not put
proper emphasis on sadhana in our lives.

I can say that this is certainly true for me. I always think, 'I will do
sadhana'; yet when it is time to start my practice I can find any number
of other things to do. And when I do sit down for sadhana, then often it
gets curtailed due to lack of time, lack of concentration, or feelings
of hunger.

Perhaps some of you have also experienced this or similar things.

And the gross materialism which surrounds us does not help; it leads to
more spiritual lethargy. Whatever inherent lethargy we may have towards
sadhana is multiplied by today's crude environment. Because the world
and all its inhabitants are running one direction, and we are trying to
move in another. We are going against the tide.

Baba says, "The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this
predicament. Its consequences are dreadful." (NSS)


               BABA'S GRAPHIC EXPLANATION

Before analysing more of the in's & out's of this issue, here is Baba
special teaching about spiritual lethargy, or procrastination in sadhana.

Baba says, "Spiritual lethargy is the worst. Spiritual lethargy means
not to sit for meditation regularly. Those with spiritual lethargy have
time for all other actions, but for spiritual practice there seems to be
no time. They say, “It’s already late today – I’ll do a short meditation
right now, and devote more time to sa'dhana' tomorrow.” They sit
attentively inside the cinema hall, but in dharma sa'dhana' they feel
sleepy." (AMIWL-10)

We should all read the above quote multiple times and honestly evaluate
how far Baba's teaching applies to our own lives.


                     OLD WAYS OF LIVING

In addition to today's gross materialism, here are other reasons why it
is often a struggle to move on the path of sadhana.

As Baba tells us, every human being has come from animal life-- at one
point in time or another. So we are highly familiar with animalistic
desires and propensities. We need not be reminded about these things.
That is a known path to us, and in general people gravitate towards the
familiar and are hesitant to take up new enterprises.

For that reason, it take little or no energy for people to succumb to
the four basic propensities: Food, fear, procreation, and sleep. No one
needs any special training in these spheres; the mind automatically runs
after these things.

In contrast, when sadhana is the most subtle practice for human beings,
then invariably it is something that is very new and unfamiliar to us.
Often it is not something that we have lifetimes of experience with.
Whereas, for incarnations and incarnations in animal and human form, we
have been deeply engrossed in material pursuits.

So being attached to this old way of living certainly contributes to
spiritual procrastination.


                OTHER REASONS WE PROCRASTINATE

          AVIDYA MAYA & SO-CALLED OBJECTIVE ADJUSTMENT

Then there are other things that lead to procrastination in sadhana:

1) Avidya Maya: The force of avidya maya casts allurements each and
every moment, and when the whole society has fallen prey to the spell of
avidya maya, then the force of that maya multiplies and it is very
difficult to escape. If you know you should do sadhana, but all your
worldly pressures tell you to work late, or buy a big house, or go to
the movies, or watch TV, or whatever, then it is difficult to move on
the path of sadhana. And every time we give in to the ignorance of
avidya, then the more sadhana slips out of our fingers, and becomes
something totally foreign.

2) Objective Adjustment: In the name of objective adjustment, we leave
our spiritual practice behind and run after worldly endeavours. We then
justify that going to dharmacakra and doing sadhana there is enough for
the entire week, or thereabouts.

3) Microvita: Various microvita also pull us down and hinders our
sadhana routine.

Plus when the entire society is moving towards money, matter, prestige,
then that multiplies the problem.

Each of us individually should take an honest look at who we are and
what is happening with our sadhana routine, and make special efforts to
overcome whatever is hindering our practice.


              WE HAVE NOT COME HERE FOREVER

Here is Baba's special teaching about the waiting room phenomenon.

Nowadays, everyone thinks that this world is their permanent abode. They
may say otherwise but practically they live as if this is the case.

So we should pay heed to Baba's strict warning.

               Smarana nitya anityatam

 Baba says, "You should remember always that you have come here for a
short span. You won’t remain in this world for a long period. You may
remain here say for ninety or hundred years or say for one hundred and
fifty years. Some saints like Traelaunga Sva'mii lived here for three
hundred and fifty years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this
twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations –
limitations of time, space and person."
 "So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short
span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain
there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting
room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here
for a very short span."
 "You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short
span and I won’t remain here for a very long period. My home is
elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this
fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent
home, won’t require a passport." (AV-12)

So we must not treat this world as our permanent abode. We should always
keep our mind fixed on Him. And internally, we must remind ourselves
again and again that we have only come here for a short time. Then and
only then can we truly understand that sadhana-- and not money or
possessions-- is the cream of life.

Here again is Baba' reminder about the nature of this human life.

Baba says, "This short period of time from birth to death is human life.
Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of
this short span of time will return to the world of invisibility. Those
people can be called intelligent who utilize every moment of their short
life engaged in spiritual practice." (APH-4)

Failing to adopt the path of sadhana, will lead us on an endless spiral
of suffering and pain in the myriad of deaths and rebirths in this
material world.


                         BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we must realise that this world is not our permanent
abode, overcome all tendencies of spiritual lethargy, do sadhana, and
reach up to Him.

Baba says, "The only way to advance is to follow the path of vigorous
spiritual practice." (AMIWL-8)

Namaskar,
Giriish


                         PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Bha'lo yadi na' ba'sile keno ks'ati na'i, shudhu ka'che eso..." - P.S.
2134

Purport:

Baba, You know that I am not an A-grade devotee. So due to this if You
do not love me then it is no problem, no harm. But please come close and
sit. If You do not like to sit in my little hut, then at least please
come and stand inside with Your sweet smile. Oh my Lord, everyone longs
for You in their heart. That longing I also have and for that I have
requested You to remain with me. And if You do not like to listen to my
request then just You please come close and this much You tell me, 'I do
not love you even a pinch'. Baba, I will go on singing Your song; and my
heart will be mingled with that tune & melody-- longing for You in
dhyana. But because I am not an A-grade devotee that is why I will not
force You to come and sit in my dhyana. So it is exclusively up to You.
What You like that You do. Baba, please come close with Your sweet smile...

Achieving Siddhi-- Perfection

To: AM-GLOBAL From: Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:13:26 Subject: Achieving Siddhi-- Perfection Baba "E kii toma'ri liila', toma'ri khela'..." (PS 544) Purport: O' Parama Purusa, what a supremely divine play You have created; what a grand liila this is of Yours. Baba, on the one hand You are virat*, and on the other end of the spectrum You are hiding in each and every tiny molecule. Baba, You are formless; yet, You are floating Your raft in this expressed universe. You are manifesting Yourself in the multifarious expressions of this world. Baba, You remain both in the expressionless cosmos as well as within each and every unit entity. Baba, Your divine liila is beyond conception. Baba, You are omnipresent. Where are You not; You are everywhere. Baba, by Your grace, You are in the depths of my mind; You are in the soft, gentle breeze; You are in the fragrant flower pollen; and, You are in the beautiful blue sky. Baba, You are everywhere. When I contemplate Your greatness, then I cannot find any direction where You are not. Baba, by Your grace You make those who think You full of immense longing. You fill their heart with an irresistible attraction for You. Baba, Your exquisite love knows no bounds; it is vast and limitless. Baba, by Your grace, You make meagre beings into something vast, great and immortal. Baba, You look upon everyone with equal love and affection. You never discriminate between one human being and another between the virtuous and the sinners, between the dharmic and the adharmic, between the good or the bad. Baba, You graciously lift everyone onto Your lap. You accept all. Baba, with Your soft, lotus hand, You lovingly shower Your causeless grace-compassion. Baba, Your divine liila is unfathomable. Nobody can conceive of the greatness of Your liila. It is very beautiful and has no comparison... ASTERISK NOTES (*): *Vira't'a= Literally meaning immeasurable, unfathomable etc. Only Parama Purusa is virat, not any worldly entity. Baba says, "Parama Purus'a is very great, very very great. When the greatness becomes immeasurable, unfathomable, it is called vira't in Sam'skrta. Parama Purus'a is very great and very vast." (PNS-17) Baba says, "Anything big having no boundary lines is known as vira't'a in Sanskrit. Parama Purus'a is vira't'a." (SS-21)

== SIDDHI & SADHANA ==

Namaskar, Everyone in our Marga recognises that the practice of sadhana is highly important and very much indispensable. Even then it is not uncommon for some to think that the idea of gaining perfection (siddhi) with regards to their mantra repetition is beyond their grasp. Still everyone should always remember that Baba is the Sadguru and He has graciously given us the perfect formula for attaining mantra siddhi in our sadhana. Thus it is sure that everyone can gain success.

WHAT IS MANTRA SIDDHI

Just as a brief reminder, in our sahaja yoga system consisting of lessons one thru six, we all follow the process of mantra japa-- i.e. mantra repetition. This everyone knows well. And it is also understood that through the proper and sincere repetition of the mantra, radical changes occur in one's physical and mental existence. The spine straightens, the ectoplasmic cells become distinctly vibrated and change their form, and the mind gets pointed. All these changes happen as well as many others. Baba furthermore guides us that when the repetition of our two syllable mantra becomes perfect and one's entire existence is rushing towards Him with every inhalation and exhalation-- with every mantra japa, then this exalted stated is mantra siddhi, or the perfection of mantra repetition. For many of us though, such a stance or such an attainment seems to be beyond our capability. Many think like this. When in fact there is no reason to adopt such an attitude. With sustained and sincere efforts everyone can attain mantra siddhi.

SIDDHI (PERFECTION) IS OFTEN ATTAINED IN LIFE

Actually, each and every human being has come onto this earth and developed a particular skill or various specialties to a high degree. This is quite evident in everyone's life and especially in the life of a sadhaka. In that way one has achieved siddhi in numerous realms of their existence.

TRIAL BECOMES HABIT & HABIT BECOMES NATURE

And this growth or development into siddhi occurs in distinct stages. Firstly after sincerely trying, again and again, then little by little a person develops some skill in a given arena and it becomes one's habit. And then through perseverance and continued efforts then that practice or that skill becomes one's nature. In which case the person has achieved a sort of perfection with that activity.

SO MANY EXAMPLES OF GAINING SIDDHI

For example take the case of typing or keyboarding. Many who use computers have achieved siddhi with regards to typing. Initially though, in the beginning typing was difficult and awkward-- not at all comfortable. But then after sustained practice people become more accustomed to using the keyboard and it becomes their habit. No longer does it feel strange or foreign-- they have gained some facility with typing. And still later after further practice, the whole process of typing becomes their nature. People no longer need to think about what key to press. Without even thinking consciously the fingers link up with the proper key-- automatically, naturally. In that case one has attained siddhi in the field of keyboarding. And it happens with driving an automobile also. At first when one starts driving a car it is difficult. The car keeps swerving from one side to the other-- even when driving on a very straight road. In that early stage even the easiest aspects of driving are hard for the new driver. But through on-going practice and sincere efforts then driving a car becomes one's habit until later on finally it becomes one's nature. At that point one need not actively think about driving the vehicle. Just the driver does everything automatically. Likewise is the case with walking or speaking one's own mother tongue. After learning to walk at a young age then walking just becomes a natural movement in one's life. And same with speaking or reading in one's mother tongue. At the beginning when learning to read one has to differentiate between all the letters and sound them out one at a time. But with continued practice one develops that habit and finally it becomes their nature and wherein merely looking at the word or phrase one can read it easily. There is no need to go letter by letter. In that way many have achieved siddhi. So the state of siddhi comes after sincere practice and continued efforts. And in various fields one has attained siddhi. But if one does not practice that skill-- whether it be typing, driving, walking, or reading etc-- then one will not gain siddhi in that sphere. In that case the person will have to take care to practice more and more, otherwise they will just be a novice at that activity. Here the whole point is that there are so many evidences and examples how one has attained various siddhis in their life. And likewise Baba encourages us that this stance of siddhi (perfection) can be surely achieved in one's sadhana also.

PERFECTION IN SADHANA / MANTRA SIDDHI

In the realm of sadhana gaining siddhi is an achievable reality. At first when one learns sadhana and repeats their mantra then it may seem not very easy. And in some cases new practitioners forget their mantra entirely. But step by step through regular practice then repeating the mantra in sadhana becomes one's habit. When one sits for sadhana and consciously thinks about their mantra then they will repeat it, or even it will just start automatically when the idea enters in the mind to do sadhana. Many if not all margiis have reached this degree of practice-- this established habit they have. And then through sincere efforts the repetition of the mantra becomes more and more habitual until finally it becomes totally natural. That occurs when in one's each and every breath the mantra is always repeated, constantly. Here Baba beautifully explains how this whole entire achievement of siddhi takes place in sadhana and He guides us that each and every Ananda Margii can and will achieve this high degree of proficiency or perfection in their mantra japa-- after taking sincere efforts. Baba says, "What's the difference between habit and nature? When habit becomes one with your existence, it is called nature...'Now it is time for my meditation', what is it? You are trying to habituate yourself. But when you cannot live without puja, then it has become your nature. Try to make it what-- habit or nature? Nature. I never take a drop of water without doing puja. Why? It has become my nature. And I want that all of you should make it your nature also." "When auto-suggestion (mantra repetition) will become your nature, what will happen? While sleeping you will be repeating that japa (repetition of mantra) in your unconscious mind. You are sleeping, so conscious mind is not active. You are not having any dream, so your sub-conscious mind is also not active. But unconscious mind is there. Automatically there will be japa. 24 hours you are doing Pun'ya. While you are sleeping, you will be engaged in doing japa and using your incantation." (AV-14, 'Auto Suggestion & Outer Suggestion') Namaskar, Parashram

Note 1: SIDDHI IN THE PRACTICE OF YOGA

Here Baba explains further how, by the grace of Parama Purusa and through the constant practice of ideating on Him, an ordinary sadhaka attains siddhi in their life. Baba says, "Now how can one attain siddhi through the practice of yoga? The jiiva'tma' will take the ideation of Parama'tma', and then the former will become one with the latter. How is it possible for the microcosm to become Macrocosm? The Macrocosm, or Parama Purus'a, has one unique characteristic, and that characteristic is, whoever ideates on Him becomes one with Him." (SS-13)

Note 2: LONG FOR HIM AND ACHIEVE SIDDHI

Baba says, "Sa'dhakas know the secret of becoming great. Thus the basic spirit of rasa sa'dhana' is to direct one's individual desires and longings towards Parama Purus'a. Only in this way can a sa'dhaka achieve fulfillment (rddhi) and success (siddhi)." (SS-8)

Note 3: MORE ABOUT MANTRA SIDDHI

Baba says, "Every mantra is thus sonic or vibrational and is vibrating simultaneously in the Cosmic system and in the unit body. When, with the help of a mantra, a person finally establishes the parallelism of the unit ectoplasmic vibration with the Cosmic vibration, that person gets mantra siddhi...a person establishes parallelism between his external physical vibration and his internal ectoplasmic vibration, and then raises this to the spiritual level. The culmination of this process in the achievement of the final spiritual goal is called mantra siddhi. " (SS-10)

Note 4: SADHANA & SIDDHI

Baba says, "Sa'dhana' or intuitional practice means an effort to break through the barrier of this smallness, and Siddhi or beatitude is the state, wherein the barrier has been broken through." (SS-2, 'Inuitional Science of the Vedas-4')

Note 5: MOVING TOWARDS HIM AND GAINING SIDDHI

Baba says, "You have been wandering through the labyrinth of a myriad of lives. You have been ever advancing toward this stage. Knowingly or unknowingly, you are being drawn unto Him. This is the summum bonum of life. As long as you have not realized Him, there is no siddhi in your life." (SS-10)

**************************************** How Sadguru is Still Present

Baba says, "The entity by whose grace one comes into contact with Sat...that entity, or rather, that framework through which Parama Purusa is working or Ta'raka Brahma is functioning, is the Sadguru." (AV-3, p. 48) Note 1: And here below Baba defines the meaning of 'Sat'. Baba says, "Sat, the non-changeable Entity, the non-changeable stance, the non-changeable Nuclear Entity around which so many electrons move". (AV-3, p. 48) Note 2: That Sadguru still exists and one can see Him through our various spiritual practices. In that way one can have His loving communication and grace-- everything. So the form upon which each and every sadhaka ideates upon Him in sadhana, that form is the Sadguru. And through the medium of that form every disciple gets His blessing. And that is why still today when an acarya initiates anyone they say that your Guru is Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

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