How to measure donations + 3 more

Baba

How to measure donations

Namaskar,

One of the key points of yogic life is service, including financial service. Yet just giving away money in any old manner will not do. There is a spiritual science involved. For starters, the value of a person's giving is measured by four qualifications that enable us to determine the greatness of a person's donation:

(1) Percentage: The percentage of wealth donated.
(2a) Hardship Incurred Beforehand: The degree of struggle undergone in earning that money.
(2b) Hardship Incurred Afterwards: The degree of struggle undergone after donating that money.
(3) Means: Was the money earned honestly (shuddhodana), or through trickery, deceit or exploitation.

Another key factor for determining the greatness of one's offering is how they earned the money. Did they earn their money through honest and fair means. That is what is discussed below. 
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If a robber stole large sums of money 

For instance, if a robber stole large sums of money from one town and then offered just enough money to one village so they could purchase a simple hand pump, we cannot call that offering or donation worthy. Rather it is tainted and dirty. The robber’s money is not pure, i.e. not earned through honest means.

If one procures their money by harming the public and / or doing heinous activities, then we cannot think of that as pure money. And any donation made with such funds is not done as per one’s sacrifice. Yet that is what we commonly see in the height of this vaeshyan era [era of wealthy exploiters]. 

Here is a case in point. The oil companies have ravaged impoverished countries around the globe in order to gain monstrous profits and in return such companies donate comparatively paltry sums for erecting new schools in the countryside. The whole episode is a farce. Their so-called donation has nothing to do with service. It is more like an advertisement or bribe because they are making such a donation to enhance their own public image. And with that heightened public image they will further exploit the resources of that country for their own corporate gain. So we cannot consider their offering to be dharmic, generous, or pious. It is greed and selfishness.

Unfortunately in this advanced stage of the vaeshyan era [era of wealthy exploiters], these types of ploys are rampant; but never should we associate such "donations" as being expressions of selfless service or giving. To truly give one must have earned their money in a sentient manner, free from exploitation and manipulative tactics.
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Blind public bows down to wealthy exploiters

In today's vaeshyan era [era of wealthy exploiters], Baba's mandates are essentially unknown - as the general society is mostly not aware of these teachings. So they are not accustomed to determining the importance of one's offering.

Nowadays, when the mass of wealth is controlled by 1% of the population, the common people sit back dumbfounded and awed by how some greedy capitalists give away a meager % of their enormous wealth. The public hails such givers as "great philanthropists", "divinely generous", and "true friends of humanity" etc. They think such capitalists are really, truly great. They bow down to them with full reverence, honour, and respect. When in fact, those big donors offered a paltry amount of their total wealth and did not undergo even an iota of sacrifice. Plus they may have earned their fortune in unjust ways. Thus, for those big donors, their so-called act of giving was effortless yet it earned them great praise. They became champions in the eyes of the common people who were stupefied by the size of the gift. That is one half of the story.
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Economic inferiority complex: common public suffers

Then that same public looks upon their own importance as marginal at best. They develop a huge inferiority complex and deem themselves to be comparatively worthless and become pawns of capitalist exploitation. Such persons undergo endless trials and tribulations to give back to their families and communities, but that is all looked upon as quite trivial.

Rather all the gusto and glamour goes to those so-called great capitalists who control all the wealth. The newspapers, the media, the people, and the whole society gathers round in awe of those capitalists.

So the entire situation is upside down - backwards. Those who are sacrificing the most and offering the greatest percentage of their wealth are marginalised and those who give paltry amounts of their enormous wealth are hailed as the great philanthropists. When in fact to accumulate such wealth they had to exploit the common people terribly whereby those commoners become destitute and depleted.
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Capitalists devour flesh & bones, & raise banner of religion

Here Baba points out the hypocritical ways of such vaeshyas (capitalists).

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Vaeshyas are not satisfied with just sucking people's blood, they often devour their flesh and bones as well; then they beat drums made from the skins of their victims as they deliver religious and philosophical discourses, build temples and construct lodgings for pilgrims, and undertake various other activities. They criticize materialism and try to retard its progress not because they object to it philosophically or psychologically, but because in a materialistic system there is every possibility that their vested interests would be adversely affected. Although they support spirituality, they are not motivated by spiritual sentiments. The fake spirituality they preach actually injects impotency into society. In their endeavours they are assisted by like-minded exploiters who trade in religion." (1)

Actually such capitalists suffer from a psychic disease. They accumulate money not for their basic needs but to satisfy their misplaced longing of expansion. What such capitalists fail to understand is that mundane wealth can never satisfy their inner psychic urge for infinite peace. Instead of looking within they try to accumulate such a vast wealth which they cannot consume. This is their psychic disease.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "These capitalists are the unworthy sons and daughters of the Cosmic Father because they go against the principle of cosmic inheritance. They should be cured of their ailments." (2)

Businessman got money by unethical means

In His own practical example, Baba has clearly demonstrated how He never gives importance to the "amount" of the offering, but rather the spiritual feeling of one's heart. For instance, Baba would always accept an invitation to stay at a bhakta's residence even if that person was of modest means; and Baba would always refuse the luxurious offerings of big capitalists when they gave only out of pomp and show.
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Consciousness raising 

He has given us the duty to bring this capitalist era to an end. Such capitalists suffer from psychic disease: They hoard money when in fact it is meant for all. When people have a better understanding about this then we can bring forth the shudra revolution. Once the people know how capitalists got their money and at whose expense, then the masses will be ready to come forward and usher in the new era of social and economic justice. We must hasten this movement.

Conclusion

The importance of any financial donation is not the actual amount of the money given, but (a) the means by which that money was gotten by the donor, and (b) the heartfelt feeling with which it was donated.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ekbuddhi

~ In-depth study ~

Billionaire admits zero sacrifice in giving

It has become the trend for big billionaires to give away portions of their wealth. In particular, Mr Buffet has made the following call to other billionaires: What is most valuable to you is your time, and I am not asking you to give away that. I am asking you to give away an amount of money that will in no way infringe upon your current or future living standard. In a phrase, you will not even miss it. That was Buffett's central message. Thus per his own terms, Mr Buffett readily admits that there is no question of any sacrifice when a billionaire gives away portions of his wealth. The fact that they choose to give away some of their money is far better than if they had kept it all for themselves, but according to the yardstick of bhagavad dharma their giving falls far short of the mark.
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Underneath their wealth is sinful crime

This entire subject would be incomplete if we did not discuss how such capitalists got rich. This is not something that happened overnight by chance. It did not just suddenly come to them - rather they got their money from somewhere. Most often these capitalists have had a long-term devious motive. They indulged in so many sinful activities including not giving a fair share to their laborers who did all the work. Indeed these capitalists did all sorts of wrongs to collect their money. And along the way they purchased all the editors, writers and reporters and got the media in their favor. Thus they got positive press even though they did so many unjust acts.

Finally, those wealthy barons who do donate have a hidden agenda. Such donors give their money with certain stipulations for the propagation of their own name, brand or company etc. It is just like how certain religious donors give money to the suffering masses in impoverished nations with the stipulation that the money be used to convert those citizens to "my religion". Here the whole point is that the giving by capitalists is not done with the sole motive of helping others but with the tactic of executing a personal agenda.

Charity of few pennies is greater

Here are more of Baba's teachings on this important topic of service and giving financial help.  First Baba points out that it is not the pomp and show of one's donation, but rather the conditions in which it was given.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "You know, the measure of sacrifice is not its quantity or its grandeur. A sacrifice should always be measured in terms of the circumstances in which it has been rendered." (3)

When a poor person or a weak person gives their all in trying to help another, that far outshines the rubies and diamonds given by capitalist exploiters. And here below Baba categorically states how a poor man's penny is greater than a wealthy man's fortune.
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Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The charity of a few paise of the poor has the same value as a thousand rupees from a millionaire. Indeed the charity of those few paise is greater." (4)


Squirrel analogy

The way things are now is not good. Greedy capitalists who are veritable enemies of society get treated as the golden ones, and the common people who toil day and night to support their families and help their communities are often forgotten - their contributions are not at all recognised.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Days roll on. Empires, wealth and valorous human deeds ride on the wings of time, creating only brief flashes of brilliance. Against this panorama the efforts of common people, like those of the squirrels, do not receive recognition – they are like stones lost in the shadows of towering mountains. The leaders of society perform outstanding feats which are recorded in glowing letters in the annals of history. The students of later ages do research on them. But the common people, who carried the golden banners of these heroes, disappear into oblivion." (5)

We must no longer give importance to those who are undeserving (i.e. those capitalists) and instead we must give value to those who are deserving (i.e. the common people). Only then can society progress, otherwise not. Till this situation is righted, people will continue to aspire to become rich by all kinds of wrong means. Because by this way they know they can get worldly power and be regarded as "divine and generous".
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References
1. Human Society-1, 'Various Occupations'
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout, Capitalism
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam, part 31, Svarńanakula Kathá
4. Subhasita Samgraha, part 1. Yajiṋa and Karmaphala
5. Human Society Part 1, 'Social Justice'

*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Truly blessed: Baba dream

Svapne táre dekhechinu
Svapne hálo paricay
Svapne bhála besechinu
Dekhechinu premamay.

[I saw Him in a dream
In dream I made His acquaintance,
In dream I loved Him,
I called to Him, “O Lord full of love.”]

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In the lives of many people, a time may come when their days are full of the thorns of miseries, but at night, during dream, they transcend their pains and pleasures. Then, meeting their Iśt́a in dream, they beam with joy and laughter in the ocean of bliss. All the sufferings and sorrows of their lives, great or small, merge into that indescribable ocean of bliss. Those who experience this type of dream are truly fortunate. It is they who can say,”

Cokhe dekhá pái náko
Dekhá hay mane mane
Se milan sundara
Sakala duhkhahara
Svapne báṋciyá tháki
Bhule tháki jágarańe.

[I do not see Him with my eyes,
I see Him in my mind;
In that beautiful meeting,
All sorrows disappear;
In dream I am alive –
In waking, I forget.]

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Even in the waking state their lives are drenched in the drowsy sweetness of that dreamy atmosphere, and then in their lives, that dream becomes a reality. As a result, the waking state for them becomes meaningless.”

“Then cannot those dreamy persons do any good to the society? Yes, certainly they can, and in a better way. This state of drowsiness is not dullness or crudeness; rather it is the golden opportunity to fully utilize one’s existence by touching the feet of Táraka Brahma, as long as there is life.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 16)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Vital points about sleep

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Those who do a lot of mental labour combined with a little physical labour, also fall asleep immediately upon going to bed, due to the tiredness of their nerve cells. But those who perform some mental labour, but proportionately less labour of the nerve fibres [that is, physical labour], suffer from insomnia. They use various types of drugs and injections to induce sleep by forcing the nerve cells and nerve fibres to stop functioning. So it can be imagined how dangerous and harmful is the effect of those drugs and injections.”

“Getting the amount of sleep necessary to maintain physical and mental health should not be criticized. But as with any of the four vrttis, if sleep is encouraged, people can spend twenty-three out of the twenty-four hours of their day in sleep. This kind of sleep is as bad as death. Human beings have come onto this earth to do some work. Now if they spend most of their time in sleep, when will they work? If a major portion of life is spent only in sleep, is that not another name for death?”

“Human beings want to emerge from the dark chasms of sleep and death into the world of light – golden flashes of light piercing the heart of darkness. That golden light is a dynamic and spirited life, which people can enjoy only in the waking state.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 16

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Pomegranate: Medicinal properties 

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Da'd'imba [Pomegranate]. Its bark, roots, and fruits are all very good medicines for all kinds of female diseases. In a'yurvaedic schools of medicine, as practiced both in India and China, these qualities of da'dimba are recognized." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, All Bask In the Glory of Shiva – 3 (Discourse 8), '95, p.121

== Section 2: Links ==

Postings to Read

Why similes needed

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/05/use-of-simile-in-devotion.html
  

Psychic disease of Indian youthshttps://anandamargauniversal.b

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/treatment-for-inferiority-complex.html

Raising margii children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/how-your-child-can-become-good-margii-3.html

Chequeando el punto nº 10 de los Dieciséis Puntos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/03/chequeando-el-punto-n-10-de-los.html

How they get off course

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/12/dangerous-myth-in-marga-4-more.html

Why similes are needed + 5 more

Baba

Why similes are needed

Namaskar,

Parama Purusa cannot be compared with anyone or anything. He is anupam and nirupama – beyond comparison. So, in that sense, similes cannot be made. But that is all in the eyes of philosophy.

Bhaktas on the path of spirituality have their own feeling; their heart is not satisfied by that type of logic. Such bhaktas want to glorify Parama Purusa and say something about His greatness and love. And Baba approves of this approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Simile: glory & grandeur of Parama Purusa

Prabhat Samgiita is full of similes. Nearly each and every stanza of every Prabhat Samgiita composition contains some kind of simile or comparison. Some songs compare Parama Purusa’s power with thunder and lightning, and other songs relate His divine radiance with a fountain of effulgence or the luminescence of the stars etc. There are countless cases in Prabhat Samgiita where worldly metaphors are used to describe the ways and characteristics of Parama Purusa.

While on philosophical grounds, one may say He cannot be compared as He is beyond all comparison etc, but from a more personal perspective based in bhakti, a different angle is needed. In thousands of discourses, Sadguru Baba has guided His bhaktas to use all kinds of similes. Ananda Marga philosophy is itself a description of the sorts of the glory and grandeur of Parama Purusa.

From all this, we may conclude that by His own example Baba has guided His bhaktas to use similes. So we should understand our nuanced position that on the one side He is beyond words, and, on the other side, all kinds of feelings can be shared about His glory and beauty through various similes.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Similes & AM pracara

As Ananda Margiis, we should employ the use of similes because our duty is to propagate the greatness of Parama Purusa. And human beings live in a material, changing world. They know about their physical environment, but they do not know about Parama Purusa. So to say something about Him and to link with Him, one must proceed from the known to the unknown, from what is familiar to what is beyond one’s understanding. Using this technique of similes and worldly comparisons, we can teach and goad others unto the path of AM spirituality. 


Conclusion

Remember also that our bhajans and kiirtan aim to say something about the Supreme Entity so one may link up with Him. Similes bridge the gap between the material world and Parama Purusa. This helps people cultivate a relation with Him. For all these reasons and more, similes have their rightful place and use. So we should accept the use of similes, and, at the same time, realise their inherent limitations.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Prakash

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Dancing to Your divine tune

“Rájá tumi maner rájá, vishva tomár adhiine…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3879)

Purport: 

O’ Lord, You are the king of my mind. You are the dearest of my heart. This whole universe is under Your control; this entire cosmos manifests according to Your wish. From the nebulae to the atoms, electrons, and protons, all are controlled by You. There is nothing that exists beyond the purview of Your liila. 

O’ Parama Purusa, at Your order, flowers bloom. At Your hint, meteors flash across the sky. The high peaks of the mountains lay unto Your feet. At Your order, the wind whistles, howls, and blows. The entire natural world dances to Your divine tune. 

Baba, You are the most venerable One of all. All are dear to You. You shower Your compassion and mercy on each and every being. So please accept this simple request of mine. O’ Parama Purusa Baba, kindly grant me eternal shelter at Your lotus feet…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

False history of indigenous population 

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In the Vedic era, the Aryans used to steal food grains and animals from the non-Aryans to perform their sacrifices and rituals (yajinas). In retaliation, groups of non-Aryans used to attack the Aryans to recover their possessions while they were performing their rituals. These attacks were grossly distorted in the Vedas, which gives the impression that the Aryans were good while the non-Aryans were evil. In fact, the non-Aryans were forced to attack the Aryans to recover their food to ensure their survival. Did the non-Aryans do anything bad? No, they did the right thing." (1)

In India, even today, the common public has been indoctrinated into the dogma that evil asuras were destroying the religious rituals and yajinas of Aryans. They think that asuras are some type of nasty creatures that have very long teeth, dangerous claws like lions, horns on their head, and a very terrible face. That is how it is propagated in Indian mythology.

So Baba's above teaching is eye-opening. The truth about the Aryans and non-Aryans (i.e. the indigenous people of India) is a previously unknown aspect of history. No one was aware about this. Genealogy studies have since come to know that the so-called highest caste of Indians came from central Asia. When those Aryans entered into India they treated the indigenous population as demons and created all kinds of stories and myths about them. So many false things were propagated.


Looting the food for their rituals (yajinas)

Verily those Aryans created an entire mythology about such so-called asuras. The Aryans claimed that demons were coming and ruining their ritualistic offerings and sacrifices of food and animals etc. But now the truth has been revealed. Those war-like Aryans were looting the food of the native population and throwing that food in their sacrificial fires. In turn, the indigenous people were protesting and fighting back.

So actually, the so-called asuras were none other than the indigenous people of India. They were the original inhabitants of India, living here prior to the invasion of the aryans. Still nowadays, however, they are condemned as so-called, low-caste creatures, by so-called upper-caste people. These asuras are treated unjustly and known as harijans which are regarded by upper caste people as despicable and low. But actually, these are the indigenous people of India.


Conclusion

It is very important to accurately depict history and keep records that properly portray what transpired. Bad people always try to distort history and befool the future generations. But the truth invariably comes to the surface.

in Him,
Bhaktideva

References
1. Prout in Nutshell - 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to avoid disease

~ From Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules ~ 

(1) Body and clothing must be kept neat and clean.
(2) After urinating use water or cleanse yourself by some other means.
(3) Pay attention to the regular clearing of the bowels.
(4) Do not sleep on a soft bed.
(5) When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the armpits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region.
(6) Before morning and evening sádhaná, either do vyápaka shaoca or take full bath.
(7) Before and after meals, and before sleep, do vyápaka shaoca with cold water. If it is very cold, use lukewarm water.
(8) Drink a sufficient quantity of water every day, but do not drink too much at any one time.
(9) Sleeping during the day and staying awake at night are to be avoided.
(10) All intoxicants are támasika and are to be discarded like poison.

~ From Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules ~

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prehistory era: status of women

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The status of women in prehistoric human society was the same as that of independent females of any living species. The women, just like the men, spent their days in the lap of nature singing, dancing, laughing and playing. These conditions continued throughout the period when there was no human society as such and continued into the matriarchal age. But when the patriarchal social system came into being, the rights of women began gradually to be curtailed.” (1)

History bears testimony that decades ago - around the globe - females did not have any rights. They were subservient to males in all respects. Females were viewed as not having the same potentialities of men - as if they were far inferior. Because of this repression and suppression, their service to society was also limited in scope. In many regions, females have since gained freedom, and people now recognise that females are not less in any way. They are comparable to men in all types of fields. Earlier they were subservient and their potential was suppressed. The key point is that freedom is important.

So when working with others one must not suppress them, otherwise society will not benefit from their full potential. It is equally true in unit families as in the larger society.

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 9, From Matriarchy to Patriarchy – Excerpt A

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Those prohibited from marrying

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Marriage is slightly different from other natural functions in life, such as eating, sleeping, etc. Marriage is not so essential for life as are food and sleep. The need for marriage differs with individuals. That is why in the opinion of Ananda Marga every individual has complete freedom in matters of marriage. For example, marriage of those persons who suffer from some physical or mental disease, or who are not financially well off, or whose present circumstances are not favourable for marriage (i.e., where marriage can cause unhappiness), is not desirable. Those who are constantly engaged in the fulfilment of an ideal, or those who have to spend the greater part of their day in earning their livelihood or some mental occupations, should not marry, because they will not find it possible to fulfil their family commitments properly. The marriages of such people are harmful to the society in many cases. Although marriage is not desirable for those who are suffering from some disease or whose circumstances are not favourable to getting married, there remains a possibility of their indulging in vices stealthily if they are not married. To avoid this, they should work for the attainment of some high ideals or do rigorous spiritual practices. The psychological degeneration which is inherent in the suppression of psychic tendencies can be avoided only by an effort to fulfil a lofty ideal.” (1)

Note: Remember one should know and propagate that under the certain circumstances marriage is harmful. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, marriage is undesirable for the following types of people:

(a) Those who suffer from a physical or mental disease: In the society there are so many children born disabled with genetic diseases and birth defects. This can be significantly reduced if the parents are healthy.

(b) Those not financially well off: If a person lacks the financial means to raise a child and provide for them then they should not reproduce. In many financially impoverished countries, children are forced to work as servants or kids have  to beg by the roadside. That is disgraceful. Those who cannot feed their children should not marry.

(c) Circumstances are not favourable for marriage: If marriage will lead to unhappiness then those persons should not marry. For instance, those working at their job for 18 - 22 hours a day cannot attend to the children. So they should not marry otherwise their children will suffer. Those kids willl not be mentally or emotionally developed. In result they will be destructive to the society. Those types of children commit heinous acts like mass shooting, or thye feel alienated and resort to drugs etc.

(d) Those constantly engaged in the fulfilment of an ideal: Wts, lfts, even dedicated margiis who want to devote 24hrs time for the welfare of society should not marry. They will always be engaged in serving the society and their unit family would get neglected.

(e) Greater part of their day in earning their livelihood or some mental occupations: Researchers, writers, artists, scientists, and those who are intellectually and spiritually committed to a high degree in a given endeavour should not marry because they do not have space in their mind for anything else.

Reference
1. A Guide to Human Conduct, Ahimsa

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How all languages of the world are exactly
the same up to first four stages

In His below teaching, Sadguru guides us that there is no sense in quarreling over the point of language - i.e. which is superior or which is inferior etc. All languages have the same inherent value, and there are six stages of vocalization. That means to produce any sound or speak, there are six levels that are related with various cakras and glands. All the languages of the world are exactly the same through the first four stages.

For instance, if you are thirsty and thinking of a glass of water, then the the initial urge to express this idea of wanting a glass of water emerges in seed form in the muladhara cakra. Second, the visualization of that image - i.e. a glass of water - comes in form at the svadisthana cakra. Third, the vital energy for that expression of wanting a glass of water is aroused in the manipura cakra. Fourth, the force needed for making that vocal expression occurs at the anahata cakra. Thus up through these first four stages, all languages are the same - it is the same process for each and every language.

That means whether one is speaking Chinese, German, Swahilii, or Tamil, if one wishes to ask for a glass of water, the process and vibration is exactly the same through these first four stages. Each speaker - regardless of their language base - must conceptualize the idea, visualise their thought, have the vital energy for that expression, and cultivate the force to speak etc. This is the same for all, regardless of their language base.

Only at the fifth stage - at the vishuddha cakra - when the the sound vibration is first created in the larynx (vocal cords) do the various languages begin to differ. At that point some say water, some say panii, some say niiram, some say wasser, some say agua etc. And then finally, one speaks “I would like a glass of water” - with the help of the tongue and uvula in the sixth stage. So it is only in these last two stages, related with the actual production of sound, that the various languages differ from one another.

Thus the differences between one language and the next are quite superficial. The human desire and urge are the same throughout. It is akin to how from a medical perspective, all humans have the same set of organs that work in the same manner, yet on the outside one’s skin colour may vary. So that difference in skin tone is very superficial, as internally all human beings function medically in the same manner. Same is the case with various language groups - the inner workings of all these languages are the same.

Hence there is no sense in quarreling over the point of language - whether it be which is superior or which is inferior. Deep within, all languages are the same; there is an inner bond that unites all the languages. Just as all human beings are essentially one - originating from the same Cosmic source.


Baba's unique teaching about vocalization

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The first stage of linguistic expression, that is, language in its potential form or seed form, lies dormant in the múládhára cakra, and it leads through successively clearer stages of manifestation to full-fledged linguistic expression. This primordial phase of linguistic expression is called paráshakti, the primordial phase of vocalization..."

"Here we are concerned with the ways of expression of language. All the potentialities of vocal expression lie dormant in the form of paráshakti at the múládhára cakra. Paráshakti is raised step by step and finally leads to the vocal expression of language."

"If vocalization remains dormant in seed form at the múládhára, it is neither audible nor perceivable in the practical world. The latent paráshakti has got to be awakened. Human beings visualize whatever they want to communicate, sometimes only for a fraction of a second, consciously or unconsciously. If they are already aware of the name and form of the visualized object, they can progress further in the process of expression, otherwise that name or form will continue to remain in the abstract world. This stage, in which one can mentally visualize what one is going to communicate, is the second stage in the process of vocalization. Its controlling point is the svádhiśt́hána cakra. The energy which causes the visualization is called pashyanti. Pashyanti is derived from the root verb drsh plus shatr, and means “that which is seeing”."

"This seeing is of two things: that which is original in the abstract world (its image is mostly indistinct) and that which is of a recurring nature in the abstract world, in other words, that which is reproduced from memory. Anubhútaviśayásampromaśah smrti. “After perceiving an object in the external world with the help of the eyes or any other external indriya, one often thinks about it.” The energy which helps one to visualize that thought is pashyanti shakti. This is the second stage of vocalization. Of course just to visualize the perceived object (with the help of pashyanti shakti) is not enough; other people cannot see your mental images or mental words, because those things belong to the psychic world. Linguistic expression pertains to the mundane world. Words are transmitted in the outer world through the medium of air or electro-magnetic waves, or some such medium. Mental images can be projected in the external world with the help of vital energy, but this sort of psychic projection is beyond the capacity of pashyanti shakti."

"Ideas in the psychic world gain momentum with the addition of vital energy. This process of coordination must be consolidated step by step before ideas can be expressed through words in the external world. The human body’s energy, or indrashakti, or luminous factor, is located in the mańipura cakra. The mańipura cakra maintains the body’s physical balance. When pashyanti shakti comes to the mańipura cakra and there receives the assistance of vital energy, it becomes madhyamá shakti. The controlling point of madhyamá shakti is the mańipura cakra or navel area.

"To externalize an idea one has to apply physical energy (philosophically, this energy is called indra). We can call this stage the first expression of the sound tanmátra. Although this sound tanmátra is not audible to the external ear because it has not yet been vocalized, it does have internal sound."

"The transformation of madhyamá shakti into the form of speech takes place at a point between the mańipura and vishuddha cakras. This is a state of calamánatá [mobility]. The force which functions between the mańipura and vishuddha cakras, trying to give vocal expression to mental ideas, is called dyotamáná."

"Dyotamáná shakti is expressed as a relentless effort to transform idea into language. If, however, in this process of transformation, the mind is affected by fear or by any other instinct, there will be only a partial or incoherent vocal expression."

In the dyotamáná stage, if the idea is not metamorphosed into a corresponding picture, or if there is any defect in the area between the mańipura and vishuddha cakras, or if there is no proper command over language, then vocal expression is bound to be affected. In such cases people are unable to give linguistic expression to things that they know. They say, “The ideas in my mind but I just can’t find the words to express it.”

"The dyotamáná stage exists in collective life, also. Ever since the dawn of human civilization, human beings have been searching for ways to fulfil their various desires: the desire to fly, the desire to move fast over land, the desire to reach the distant planets, the desire to cross the oceans. Sometimes they have succeeded, sometimes they have failed. But even after failure, they have not given up the struggle, but have persisted with renewed vigour. We are still waiting for that glorious day to arrive when we will be able to give a full and rich expression to the vast world of human thought. Today, however, we can only express a small fraction of the vast world of ideas."

"The vocal cord lies in the area of the vishuddha cakra. It is the organ responsible for transforming abstract idea into vocal expression. The energy which helps in this task is vaekharii shakti. Vaekharii shakti is the energy which causes ideas to take the form of language. It is the fifth stage in the process of vocal expression. When someone talks too much, this is the uncontrolled expression of vaekharii shakti. Some pandits, in order to prove their intellectual might through intellectual extravaganza, indulge in such unnecessary vocalization. It has been said..."

"Neither individual life nor collective life is benefited from such useless talk. Pandits may receive temporary applause but they ultimately gain nothing but a big zero."

"Even after an idea gets metamorphosed into language, if there is the slightest defect in the uvula, vocal expression will be disturbed. (The Sanskrit equivalents of “uvula” are lambiká, galashuńd́iká, and áljihvá.) Even if one articulates properly, one will not be able to speak correctly if there is any defect in the uvula."

"The energy through which the exact language is conveyed to the human ears is called shrutigocará. This is the last stage in the process of vocalization. The sound ae is the acoustic root of the six stages of vocalization: pará, pashyanti, madhyamá, dyotamáná, vaekharii, and shrutigocará." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Test: who is a dharmika and who not

Ananda Marga ideology guides, "The greatest quality of a person at a meeting or debate is the capacity to convince others. The highest quality in the battlefield is 'yudhi vikramam', or valor in the battle. While in danger, one's great quality is patience." (1)

When in danger, some become paranoid and some remain patient. Depending upon their reaction, they reveal their weakness or their greatness. If when danger arrives one becomes paranoid or loses their wits, they cannot do anything - they cannot solve the problem. Rather they become a liability. Then they are not a dharmika as they are missing even the first point of dharma - i.e. dhrti  (patience).

In contrast, if when in grave danger one's rational brain is still functioning then that person is a dharmika.

Here it does not mean if someone else's house burns down and you keep calm, then you are a dharmika. That is not the idea. Rather, the point is to keep your rational mind functioning when your own house is burning down. If you can manage to keep your own mind balanced in a dangerous situation, you can resolve that issue in the best way according to circumstances.


Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Psychic disease of Indian youths

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/treatment-for-inferiority-complex.html

Raising margii children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/how-your-child-can-become-good-margii-3.html

Chequeando el punto nº 10 de los Dieciséis Puntos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/03/chequeando-el-punto-n-10-de-los.html

How they get off course

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/12/dangerous-myth-in-marga-4-more.html

Unique quality of mind

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/your-preferences-change-they-are-not.html

When stories undermine pracara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/why-undressed-magical-stories-are.html

Psychic disease of Indian youths + 4 more

Baba

Psychic disease of Indian youths

Namaskar,

There are numerous ways in which inferiority complexes affect one's daily manner. The irony is that often those afflicted do not realise or like to admit it, which means they can never grow and overcome this debility. And not every Indian succumbs in this way. Not all desire to give up their local habits and customs in favour of European styles and fashion. But this is a dominant trend. Because of their inferiority complex they lose their sense of rationality and discard their own trusted approach and their prana dharma and latch onto cheap, western pseudo-culture. This is a theme in India, as well as around the globe. In His Prout discourses Baba Himself has discussed this in great detail.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How inferiority complexes manifest in day to day life

All should read this with an open mind. Although the following examples are related with India, no one can say that an entire population in any given country or region is good or bad. Not every inhabitant of India has an inferiority complex, however the majority of the educated people suffer in this way. It is evident by their behaviour. And, in reality, these issues are global in nature and pervasive in so many lands and communities. It is not limited to a particular country.

In this era of extreme capitalism and mass-produced pseudo-culture, a potent tool is needed to protect peoples and communities from being enveloped and swallowed up by the dominant, exploitative, economic machine. Already, native populations and minorities have been made to feel inferior by the dominant class. On points of language, dress, finances, and religion etc, they have been taught that they are not as good.

1. DRESS: Since the time of British rule - i.e. for hundreds of years - Indians have become more and more self-conscious about their dress. At every opportunity they adopt European fashion and give up their own clothing. Indian males gave up using a laungota long ago; plus they adopted western style suits etc. Simultaneously, Indian females have left their traditional dress where their bodies are comfortably covered and adopted western, half-naked fashion. This has grown to such a degree that now they wear all the provocative outfits of western pseudo-culture such as low-cut tops etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When people are not bound by their school or work dress code, and they have the option to wear what they wish, that is the time they express their fancy by unknowingly accepting and wearing clothes of the dominant outside group, i.e. western capitalists. This is all a function of an inferiority complex where they adopt the fashion and habits of the ruling. Some may claim that they are just doing as per their wish. But when people suffer from a serious inferiority complex then their entire power of discernment (sense of viveka) is dysfunctional. The mind cannot think properly. In that case they blindly give up genuine and useful habits and eagerly accept degrading ones advocated by the exploiters.


Embarrassed by their own dharmic traditions

2. HANDSHAKE: Throughout India the handshake has become the symbol of modernity and success. The people no longer like to do namaskar mudra when they see one another. They think that is outdated and out of style. They do not want to be seen doing that. Instead, they want to use the handshake. This is a clear-cut sign of their feelings of cultural inferiority. In that case they discard their sentient and rational approach of doing namaskar, and mindlessly accept the custom of the dominant powers, i.e. the handshake. Those in India prone in this way will justify that this is their preferred selection. But when overwhelmed by feelings of inferiority, they are not in position to make a carefully considered, well-thought decision.

3. HUGGING: Hugging and casually touching the opposite sex has become a growing phenomenon in India. After centuries and centuries of abiding by the great, old tantric codes of gender separation laid down by those exalted rishis and yogis, India has fallen prey to the dirty pseudo-culture ways of the west. They think that will make them modern and part of the internet culture etc, when in fact it just leads to their downfall and degeneration. In actuality, much of India is either openly ashamed of their great past or they just simply do not want to recognise it. The outcome is a full on embrace of nasty, pseudo-culture values where members of the opposite sex openly hug and kiss in public as a form of greetings and so-called friendship. Those youths have an inferiority complex about the India of old, and they do not want to abide by those great, longtime tantric values. They are much more eager to follow the lewd trends they see on the internet and in nasty, pseudo-culture media like movies etc. It is a sad and tragic situation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

4. FOOD: Although India is rooted in a great tradition of sattvika / vegetarian diet, many are rushing towards western fast foods, snacks, and other unhealthy options. Some traditions are irrational and should be discarded, but a vegetarian diet is well-known to be very suitable and beneficial. In that case, it would be rational to maintain such a tradition of eating vegetarian. But that is not what is happening. The younger generations either lost the ability or never even cared to learn how to prepare traditional Indian fare. They just became caught up in the western food fancies. They think preparing a chapati is what their grandmother would do, and that this is not fit for a modern girl or boy. They do not want to be seen in this way. This is the result of being steeped in an inferiority complex, which thereby shuts down one's ability of discrimination and decision-making. So this is another example of how the dominant culture has imposed its customs by imposing an inferiority complex upon the subjugated masses.

The irony in most of these instances is that often the traditional approach is better, yet people are quick to give it up as they do not want to be branded as outdated or dumb. So they readily adopt the custom of the dominant group so others will think they are smart, modern, and savvy.


“My way is not good enough”

5. CINEMA: It is well-known that Bollywood is just an offshoot of Hollywood. In these films traditional Indian / tantric values have been cast aside and pseudo-culture imagery reigns supreme. If the public had more appreciation and respect for their heritage they would not be so inclined to see such films. That would pressurise the movie producers to appeal to sentient and spiritual themes and values. Instead, feeling burdened by and ashamed of their tantric heritage, Indian moviegoers wholeheartedly embrace and are enamoured by silver-screen stars who portray pseudo-culture Hollywood storylines. Here again some may simply offer that they enjoy such films. But when people are entrenched in an inferiority complex, they cannot make careful, rational decisions. That faculty is lost. And when those films are the cause of so much angst in society, (just look at how this has affected the US and especially youths), it defies all logic to invite this into your social life. Yet that is the trend nowadays.

6. LANGUAGE: Many educated people in India feel shy and ashamed to speak their mother tongue in the marketplace. They think that if others hear them speaking in that way, then they will be branded as a lowly person. This is their fear. Because of this ingrained inferiority complex, they would adopt Hindi or English etc. In contrast, those not suffering from this type of inferiority complex will certainly speak their mother tongue in public; they will not feel shy or embarrassed.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

7. ENTERTAINMENT: Partying, cocktails, spas etc. The entire range of European entertainment is being absorbed by the Indian public. All generations, but especially youths, want to feel and look western and they do this by emulating the pseudo-culture nightlife made famous in the west. They feel their own traditions are archaic, boring, and from a different era. This is another way how their cultural inferiority complex manifests. Even though their own tantric traditions were more rational and logical, they readily opted to adopt European manners as they were encumbered by an inferiority complex that completely ruined their psychic discernment. That is the unfortunate circumstance.


Swapping out tantra for pseudo-culture

8. HYGIENE: For centuries rishis taught the Indian populace countless secrets for good health and hygiene. And the people benefited greatly. Now they do not want to know about those past traditions. Instead they want to embrace the Americana way. One clear-cut example of this is the use of toilet paper. No longer are Indian citizens interested in using water to clean themselves, i.e. their back side. They would be horrified to admit to townspeople that they only use water; such is the depth of their inferiority complex. They prefer to proudly announce that they use toilet paper.

9. FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS: The tantric tradition in India has always been spiritually based - ground in dharma and / or religious rituals, not marred by intoxicants like alcohol etc. Yet now New Year's in India more resembles a materialistic dance party. This is the growing trend where people are eager to leave behind their family's sentient tradition like not touching or hugging the opposite sex social settings, and instead be part of the party scene as depicted on the internet and in movies etc. They feel that by this way they will be accepted as "cool" or "modern". Because of their inherent inferiority complex, they are ready to stoop to the depths of depravity in hopes of being labeled as western and modern. Such is the sad development that has taken place.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

10. DHARMA: More than any other nation, India has been known for its God-oriented way of life. Baba Himself has told that India is the only land whose prana dharma was spirituality. Instead of actively pursuing this path, a growing number of Indian citizens have been turning towards Christianity - the religion of outside exploiters who came to dominate India. Weighed down by their own inferiority complex, people are converting to Christianity thinking this to be a more sophisticated or socially respectable religion.

11. MONEY: India is the single country on this earth that looked upon this world through the vantage point of spirituality. In tantra, wealth means spiritual wealth. Ever since the British invasion and the exposure to western ways, the allurement of money has slowly and steadily grabbed the upper hand until now it is completely rampant. Today people do and die for the dollar and have tragically lost all connection with spiritual ideals. Now it is money and materialism. They think this will give them the prestige and respect they deserve.


Conclusion

These are some of the many ways that depict how our brothers and sisters of India are suffering from an inferiority complex. This is a microcosm of what is happening around the globe. Oftentimes, traditional communities disregard their own heritage that is filled with truth and goodness and adopt cheap, pseudo-culture values of modernity because they are ashamed of their past and want to be associated with the new world. This is the sad and unfortunate trend nowadays - and it is all predicated upon the imposition of feelings of inferiority.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar.
In Him,
Divyajyoti Sharma


How they sow the seeds of exploitation

Once this type of inferiority complex has been set in the mind, the capitalists== can proceed speedily with their exploitative machinery. To varying degrees, this has happened with innumerable peoples and communities around the globe. The only way to rectify the situation and put an end to this cycle of exploitation is to inject those peoples and communities with new prana and vital energy. Then they will have the strength and courage to shed themselves of this inferiority complex and stand up to those exploiters. So long as they feel inferior they are prime targets of exploitation as the capitalists==will mercilessly impose their will with little or no resistance by the exploited masses.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So long as the Indians felt inferior to the Britishers, and so long as the African-Americans slaves felt inferior to the white capitalists, unbarred and unhindered exploitation was in vogue. They did not have the self-respect or inner confidence to think that they should not be subjugated or victimized in this way. Rather they were brainwashed by the perpetual propaganda of the capitalist elites that they are not worthy. With this inferiority complex suffused in the mind, they were verily shackled and made lame targets of merciless exploitation. That is the extreme danger of suffering from an inferiority complex; yet the exploiters know that their own domination is dependent upon the imposition of that inferiority complex upon those masses. That is the struggle at hand in any exploitative regime / relationship. There are so many examples of this around the globe. Yet, the moment those exploited populations are made aware of their inherent value and that they too are the blessed children of Parama Purusa and have the right to live on this earth with dignity and respect, then the darks clouds of that inferiority complex will evaporate, and the arduous struggle for equal standing will begin. Then and only then will those days of exploitation be finished.


~ In-depth study ~

How dominant group (Britishers) imposed their will

Prout philosophy states, "The English colonialists were also cunning enough to discern the práńa dharma of the people of India, and they deprived them of the freedom to express their práńa dharma. The British wanted to bring the entire Indian race under their colonial grip to make the people slaves. They reformed the old educational system of India and bluntly introduced the English system of education. The English education system was contrary to that of India, because it was based on an objective approach and the complete denial of the subjective approach. The British colonial masters educated the subjugated race on the lines of their own education system, and produced a peculiar group of people who were neither Indian nor civilian nor serviceable. These so-called educated people of India were a complete departure from the mass of Indians in their habits, behaviour, thoughts, modesty and personal integrity. That is why a gulf of difference developed between the so-called educated people and the village people of India. By applying these subtle tactics, a group of people in India became European in attitude although they were Indian in colour, and this group were instrumental in perpetuating the British Raj in India." (1)


How dominant group harms others 

Cooptation refers to the process of absorbing or assimilating individuals, ideas, or groups into an existing system or structure, often to neutralize opposition or maintain control. Here are some examples across different contexts:

Political Cooptation: A government might invite opposition leaders into its ranks by offering them positions of power, like cabinet roles, to quiet dissent. For instance, a dictator could appoint a vocal critic as an advisor to keep them aligned with the regime rather than leading a rebellion.

Corporate Cooptation: A company facing pressure from environmental activists might coopt their message by adopting "green" branding or hiring prominent activists as consultants, while continuing harmful practices behind the scenes. Think of an oil company launching a sustainability campaign to deflect criticism.

Social Movements: A radical protest movement might be coopted by mainstream politics when its slogans or symbols are adopted by a political party, diluting the original intent. For example, a grassroots anti-establishment phrase like "power to the people" could be taken up by a major party to win votes, stripping it of its revolutionary edge.

Cultural Cooptation: A dominant culture might adopt elements of a minority culture, like fashion or music, often commercializing it. An example is the mainstream adoption of hip-hop by large corporations, turning a once-countercultural expression into a profitable industry, sometimes detached from its roots.

Institutional Cooptation: A university facing student protests about tuition hikes might create a "student advisory board" to give the illusion of influence, while keeping decision-making power with administrators.

These examples show how co-optation can be a strategy to manage threats or criticism by bringing them into the fold, often altering their original purpose or impact.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Another example of co-optation is the contemporary yoga movement that exists primarily in the west. Thousands of years ago in India, the concept and practice of yoga was given, and the aim of yoga was to unite oneself with the Supreme Entity and become one with Parama Purusa. Centuries upon centuries later, yoga was hijacked by big corporations and pop stars whereby today yoga has been completely detached and separated from its roots. Sadly, yoga has lost its origin. It exists these days as some type of pseudo-culture exercise for the sake of beauty. For this reason, mostly females join yoga classes, and yoga has been reduced to just some type of bodily exercise. Its original value has been completely lost by co-optation.

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell, Talks on Education – Excerpt B

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Pours His merciful compassion

"Je tomáre bhálobáse he vásava, tumi táre bhálobáso ki ná..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4487)

Purport:

O’ the love-personified Parama Purusa, maybe I am confused but I often wonder if You care about those who have affection for You, or not. Your liila sometimes unfolds by making others laugh and other occasions making them cry. Your way of expressing affection is beyond my understanding. 

The flowers are blooming but then fall to the ground and become one with the dust. The beautiful spring loses its existence in the burning desert. So many buds withered away and fell apart before they even bloomed. Similarly, even though He is showering His grace always, to the outsider it looks like He does not have any feeling for the soft, tender expressions of those bhaktas. That is why many brand His liila as unkind, despite the fact He has suffused His creation with His supreme benevolence. 

He has made the soft siivantii, chandramallika (chrysanthemum) flower with countless thorns around it. And He covers the charming full moon with the dark, black clouds. This is His grand play. When the fragrant sandalwood tree spreads its aroma all around, He puts countless poisonous snakes coiled around it. Why He plays His liila in this is way I can’t understand. He pours His merciful compassion upon every jiiva, but some do not feel this in their heart. Although, He inundates all with His bliss, some do not feel it....

Note: In the first stanza of this song, the bhakta is asking Parama Purusa indirectly thereby referencing his own situation. Especially in this particular line, "I often wonder if You care about those who have affection for You, or not." This type of scene happens on the path of bhakti. It is just like how small little kids express their unhappiness with their mother for leaving them and not returning back right away. In the same manner, bhaktas of the highest order will benevolently express their disappointment with Parama Purusa for not looking upon them in the way they wish to feel His presence. 

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Importance of mother tongue

Prout philosophy states, “”For the all-round welfare and development of human beings, society needs to follow some fundamental socio-political principles. Without the firm foundation of such principles, disunity, injustice and exploitation will flourish. To avoid this and to safeguard the interests of all people, the leaders of society must ensure that cardinal socio-political principles are strictly followed. Otherwise, individual and collective progress can never be achieved.” (1)

There are three cardinal socio-political principles which should never be violated…..Thirdly, no mother tongue should be suppressed.

    Prout philosophy states, “Several decades ago, Hitler invaded France. He planned to teach everyone German and eradicate French. If he had done this, regardless of anything else that he did, the people would have revolted.”
   “The psychology of suppression undermines the progress of a country. People will eventually revolt against it and restore unity. The sentiments of people cannot be forcibly suppressed for a long time. Human beings best express themselves through their mother tongue. If people’s mother tongue is suppressed, it is equivalent to strangling them. The suppression of people’s mother tongue is a sin.” (2)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles
2. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Respect the disrespected

   Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings neglect many things in this world without any plausible reason. They forget that Parama Puruśa resides in every object, even the most neglected one. They fail to look at the world with proper social benevolence. Suppose a pig is writhing in pain. The onlookers casually say, “Well, it's only a pig – let it die,” and thus neglect Parama Puruśa in the form of a pig. Such an error will result in their overall progress being retarded. One should not detest anything as everything is a manifestation of Parama Puruśa. Parama Puruśa cannot hate anyone or anything in this world – how can He, all are His manifestations – so on what grounds can humans hate anyone or anything. If one hates His manifestation it means that one hates Parama Puruśa Himself. Let no human being be so arrogant.”
   “It has been said, “Amáninam mánadeyam” – “respect the disrespected.” Those who are disrespected and rejected by society should also be recognized by us as manifestations of Parama Puruśa. We must respect them with due honour as Parama Puruśa has chosen to manifest them in that particular way. We should always be very courteous to them. Hence the third duty of a devotee is to respect those people whom no one respects. We must approach those who are unloved, ridiculed, and in need of affection, and tell them we care for them. By honouring them and restoring their dignity we will make them happy; their minds will become filled with joy." (1)

Reference
1. Anadna Vacanamrtam - 7, How Should a Devotee Behave?

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Utterly ridiculous strategy

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Some people consider it propitious to have a holy dip in the Ganges on certain auspicious days. Other people think that by standing knee-deep in water in the winter season they will attain virtue. It is sheer nonsense to expect emancipation in this way. These are merely physical actions which do not guarantee emancipation. However, they may bring emancipation in one way – one may contract a virulent typhoid fever or pneumonia and expire! Na muktirtapanáddhomádupavásah shataerapi. There are some people who die after fasting for thirty or forty days. The members of their community think that they have attained salvation thereby, but one cannot attain salvation by fasting in this way.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, Ideation on Brahma

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Be vigorously active

Original Ananda Vanii states: "Parama Puruśa has blessed you with hands to work and legs to move; has infused you with the stamina to act; has endowed you with practical intelligence, so make the best use of them in the fight against the demons. You must not sit idle relying on fate. Be vigorously active." (Ananda Vanii #46)

Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For the upcoming occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Chequeando el punto nº 10 de los Dieciséis Puntos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/03/chequeando-el-punto-n-10-de-los.html

How they get off course

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/12/dangerous-myth-in-marga-4-more.html

Unique quality of mind

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/your-preferences-change-they-are-not.html

When stories undermine pracara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/why-undressed-magical-stories-are.html