Baba
Dealing with death
Namaskar,
This letter examines how we can best help those with the healing process after they suffer from various kinds of loss during times of (a) calamity and catastrophe, (b) deterioration of health, (c) debt, bankruptcy, and money problems, (d) unemployment, (e) disease and addiction, (f) death of a loved one - and during so many other ailments and tragedies.
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Baba's teaching on helping the bereaved: divert the mind
Baba guides us how to comfort mourners as they undergo some kind of loss. Personal tragedies or the death of a family member or close relation is extremely hard. Yet by following Baba's given guideline of diverting their mind away from their loss and sorrow, we can best serve and help those suffering during that difficult time.
When a baby is crying the mother diverts the mind of the baby by giving it some toys. Then the baby forgets about why it was upset and stops crying. The same theory is applicable with those addicted to cigarettes or other forms of addiction. Diverting the mind away from the object of attachment helps. That is the solution. This same theory is applicable with very sad and devastating news.
How to pass news about death in the family
Unexpected bad news can dramatically shock a person's nervous system; in result, they may even die. When conveying devastating news - like the death of a loved one, a serious accident, the loss of a job, health report with terminal illness, loss of all one's money, or anything which is very disturbing to the mind - prepare the ground slowly so the person's mind can adjust gradually to the situation. Do not tell all the bad news at once. If conveyed in a stepwise methodical manner, that person will be able to receive the news and maintain their mental balance. That is the approach Baba has illustrated in His below teaching.
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Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Suppose while your mother is taking her dinner, you receive the news of her father’s death, a great vibration will arise in her mind. If she is informed of this news suddenly, her limited strength may not be able to endure that violent vibrational force. In such a case the news should be disclosed to her gradually, by slow degrees, so that her mind will be able to gain sufficient strength to withstand the vehemence of that vibration. You may start with, “No news from grandpa for quite a long time. I wonder how he’s getting on.” On hearing this, an ominous, premonitive vibration will arise in the corners of her mind but even this you should say after her dinner is finished. Then after a while, you may add, “Maybe grandpa is very ill and that is why there is no letter.” This will further strengthen her mind. Then you may say, “Perhaps he is no more. No wonder, he was quite aged, wasn’t he? But indeed his life is so precious to us.” At last you break the news slowly and cautiously." (1)
Never suggest: 'You should not cry, you should not cry'
Here is the English of Baba’s Hindi teaching from Abhinivesha se Bacane ka' Upa'ya - 2, NP, GD 1 August 1968:
At the time of death and during the shraddha ceremony, it is important to divert the mind of those mourners from their loss. Although diverting the mind from their sorrow is a very difficult task, whatever it may be, but the diversion of mind from their tragedy is the only remedy.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Murlidhar Deva
In this letter, Baba is giving the example of tobacco addiction or drug addiction; but the basic philosophy is the same. Smoking or drinking is not the operative factor. The main idea is that the mind should be goaded away from its attachment. This will calm the mind. This same theory works in all these cases - including a grieving person whose mind is in woe over their loss. The answer is to divert the mind in a positive, sentient direction. Remember, if you tell a child to stop crying then it will only cry more, similarly do not tell a grieving family member to stop crying, that will only make them cry more and deepen their pain.
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~ In-depth study ~
When all the above approaches have been taken and everyone has become calm, request someone to start singing Prabhat samgiita etc. Be sure to arrange everyone so they sit facing the pratiik and not towards the deceased. With the singing of Prabhat Samgiita, naturally the family members will also sit and listen. In that way their mind will be diverted towards the spiritual ideation of Prabhat Samgiita, kiirtan and they will feel more calm. Here the aim is to channelise the flow in a spiritual way. Although it may be challenging to organize a dharmacakra with Prabhat Samgiita and a Baba story under such circumstances, but this is the only rational approach to alleviate the pain of the loss and mental agony. There is no other way.
They should be sure to sit facing the pratiika - and not sit encircling the deceased. And only Prabhat Samgiita and sadhana should be done, not Guru puja.
Ananda Marga samaja shastra says, “Before cremation or burial of the dead body, collective Iishvara Prańidhána should be performed.” (2)
Only Prabhat Samgiita and sadhana should be done, not Guru puja After the dharmacakra is complete and over, be sure that someone should tell a sentient story (not a story about the deceased but rather about Parama Purusa), do a reading, or lead svadhyaya.
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Discourse dealing with death
This series of letters is based on Baba's guidelines from His historic discourse, Ma'nav Ek Bha'vana'shiil Pra'n'ii (Human Beings Are Emotional) delivered on 15 July 1980 in Patna, published in Ananda Vacanmrtam - 20 (Hindi Edn).
English title is wrong in Caryacarya
Unfortunately someone mistranslated chapter 31 of the English edition of Caryacarya part 1. They titled it as “Disposal of the Dead Body.” But this is wrong and inappropriate. In the Hindi and Bengali editions, that chapter is titled as Shava Satka’r, meaning ‘reverence to lifeless body.’ This projects an air of respect and sanctity. But those publishers failed to give it a comparatively respectful title in English. Instead they called it “Disposal of the Dead Body”, as if one is just getting rid of some trash, rubbish, or garbage etc. Steps should be taken to properly title chapter 31 of the English edition of Caryacarya part 1.
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References
1. Subhasita Samgraha – 3, Vibration, Form and Colour
2. Caryacarya -1, Disposal of the Dead Body, 1956, Jamalpur
* * *
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 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Please take me along
“Bandhu he niye calo...” (Prabhat Samgiita #0001)
Purport:
Parama Purusa, my Bandhu, I cannot move forward with my own strength. Please take me along with You to that stream of the fountain of effulgence - that supernal world - Brahma loka.
Baba, I am surrounded by ignorance and avidya maya, bound by the eight pashas and six enemies. In my heart, I can no longer bear the pain and misery of the cimmerian darkness of materialism. Baba, please take me to Your divine abode by breaking my deep slumber. With Your exquisite songs, remove all the inertia of mind so I can leave all my staticity behind and march properly forward on the path of Ananda Marga, the way of true spirituality, by Your grace...
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #0001:
[1] Bandhu: Here below are some of Guru’s teachings on the term bandhu.
Ananda Marga ideology states, “What is the meaning of “bandhu”? In Saḿskrta, the meaning of the word “bandhu” is “to bind”. Bandhu indicates that person or entity who cannot stand separation. Parama Puruśa or Saguńa Brahma is closely and intimately connected with this expressed world, or jagata. He is pervasively connected with every individual entity, be it a living being or a crude object. He is also linked through and through with the universe as a whole. In other words, He is indissolubly and inextricably involved (ota prota) with everything. Therefore, He is the only bandhu of this universe. The rest of your bandhus in the physical world are not your eternal friends. Though they are with you now, a day will soon come when they will go away; they will be separated from you. When you depart from this world, these friends will accompany or carry your dead body. But how far will they accompany you? They will accompany your body up to the cremation ground or the burning ghat. Having gone so far, at the most they will return to their own dwelling places. So they are not your real bandhu. There is a shloka in Saḿskrta:”
Atyágasahano bandhu sadaevánumatah suhrd;
Eka kryaḿ bhavenmitraḿ samapráńáh sakhásmrtah.
“He who loves [[so much that]] he can never sustain the grief of separation, is known as “bandhu”. In this sense, nobody can have any bandhu in this world. Only that Jagatabandhu – that Parama Puruśa – can be your bandhu. No one else is your bandhu. Only He is your real friend.” (1)
[2] A'lor jharn'a' dha'ra': In this song the phrase, A'lor jharn'a' dha'ra' literally means the stream flows created by the fountain of effulgence. In the spiritual sphere we can say this refers to the apex stage of dhya'na or the spiritual world, satya loka, that is close to Parama Purus'a.
[3] Prabhat Samgiita presents the intimate spiritual expressions of our Ananda Marga sadhana. That is the inherent charm of Prabhat Samgiita. Those songs purely reflect a bhakta's heartfelt feeling with Parama Purusa.
The first composition: "Bandhu he niye calo..."
Meaning: O’ Parama Purusa, my Bandhu, I cannot move forward with my own strength. Please take me along with You close to that fountain of effulgence - that divine world - Brahma loka.
As we know, the term Bandhu signifies a very close relation with Parama Purusa - where one cannot bear separation from Him. Those bhaktas who feel in their heart that Parama Purusa is their Bandhu, or intimate friend, are indeed blessed. They feel that, "Without my dear Bandhu I myself cannot exist." Such is the depth of the relation of Bandhu - one of the four main bhavas or ways of personally relating with the Lord.
This first song is the embodiment of pure loving expression and uniquely shows how to relate and interact with the Lord Parama Purusa in a close and intimate manner, where one can express their inner thoughts and feelings to Him. In contrast, in so many of the religions God is a distant figure and one cannot communicate with that Entity.
Then in the second song - "E ga'n a'ma'r a'lor jharn'a' dha'ra' - the bhakta is saying that this is my song of effulgence. And the compositions go on and on.
Thus this first song was the start of something great - a Prabhat Samgiita collection of 5,019== songs that expresses the true spiritual approach in Ananda Marga. So the holy creation of Prabhat Samgiita is from darkness to effulgence. Where the bhakta says, O' Baba lead me on this very path.
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Social Animals and Friends
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Can the destitute serve
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Every human being gets more or less opportunity for rendering services. If a poor man thinks that he cannot render Vaeshyocita type of service because he is devoid of money he is wrong. The charity of a few paise of the poor has the same value as a thousand rupees from a millionaire. Indeed the charity of these few paise is greater. Lord Krśńa attached greater importance to a handfuls of grains from Vidura than to the sumptuous royal dishes of Duryodhana. Even so, everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability. Perform viprocita type of service by projecting your convictions to others as best as you can. Let every person perform the four kinds of service as much as possible. Adhyátma yajiṋa is an internal yajiṋa and ultimately it terminates in Paramátman, the original self.”(1)
Note: The value of any service is based on how much a person sacrificed for others’ welfare - not the amount they give etc.
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Special spiritual link
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Mysticism is a never-ending endeavour to find a link between finite and infinite." (1)
Note: Here Baba is indirectly giving the guideline that in the realm of bhakti one should have a particular personal relation with Parama Purusa. And these relations are known as "bhava"-- whether they be sakhya bhava, dasya bhava, madhura bhava etc. So these various bhavas are that very "link between finite and infinite". Because with the help of these relations bhaktas gradually come in closer and closer proximity with Parama Purusa. Until finally by linking up in this way the sadhaka becomes one with Him. For more information about this kindly refer to the appendix of the book, Namami Krsnasundaram
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Mysticism and Yoga
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How to raise the standard of backwards classes
Prout philosophy states, “In capitalism or democracy the state is theoretically for the welfare of the majority, but in practice it is the rule of the minority of vaeshyas. Other groups of people are forced to become second grade citizens.”
“The Proutistic social order follows the principle sarva jana hitáya – that is, PROUT is for the welfare of all. Nobody is suppressed or oppressed. PROUT supports the rule of sadvipras. Only sadvipras can guarantee the all-round welfare of all groups of people because sadvipras represent the interests of all classes in society.”
“Until PROUT is established, however, special efforts should be made to protect the interests of backward classes. For example, tribal people are among the most deprived of the backward classes. In Tripura and many parts of India, and in other countries of the world as well, tribal people are poor and illiterate. Special steps should be taken immediately to enhance their socio-economic development. Such steps should include the removal of all educational inequalities; the widespread establishment of cottage industries; proper agricultural facilities, especially irrigation water; self-reliance in energy production, such as electricity; increased communication facilities, such as telephones; and better transportation infrastructure, such as railways.” (1)
Reference
1. Proutist Economics, Elevating Backward Classes
== Section: Comment ==
Mistakes in 3rd part of drama: Prout
Namaskar,
Upon initial review, it is seen that the following two errors from earlier parts were repeated in part 3 as well:
- In the beginning of the drama, the narrator has stated many times “kśudra yuga” (क्षुद्र युग)—which means "mean age, lowly age". They did not say “shúdra yuga” (शुद्र युग). And that is a big mistake. In this way, Baba's original term has been corrupted. In the last almost thirty years this type of corruption is done, then in the next thirty years nothing will be left. The very term "Prout" will be changed to "Scout."
- In the video, the announcer says “racayitá” (रचयिता) of PROUT. But that is wrong. This word “racayitá” (रचयिता) is usually used for songs and poetry, not for prose. In Hindi we cannot say "PROUT racayitá (रचयिता)”. We have to say "PROUT prańetá (प्रणेता)”.
Then there is another mistake as well:
- They have placed Baba's photo too low. When those on the stage stand up then Baba's photo is only waist height and they block Baba's image.
Jagadmitra
- Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic - .... preaches false things: Prout
== Section ==
Handful Of Parasites vs. Living Skeletons
Intro: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?
"What a horror! Such false philosophies have taught, “Well, if we exploit the people with our intellect, whats the harm? It is also a labour to apply the intellect, and we have the right to do so!” On the basis of this argument a handful of parasites have gorged themselves on the blood of millions of people, while countless people have been reduced to living skeletons."
(Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14)
Quiz: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?
Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, then see below the Ananda Vanii for the answer.
Answer: As we know in our Proutistic outlook, Parama Purusa is seen as the Cosmic Father and all are part of His creation. Flora and fauna, plants and animals, and humans, all are part of His universal family. And we must not infringe on the rights and well-being of others, whether they be human, animal, or plant. All have their intrinsic right to live and progress. There is no scope to exploit those who are less strong or less intelligent.
Capitalism works in the exact opposite direction. Top capitalists commonly use their intellect to exploit, cheat, suppress, and oppress the masses. This is the standard approach in capitalism. Those using their intellect to profit off the backs of others are lauded.
Prout wholly rejects this greed-based approach of capitalism as immoral and unjust.
In answer the the quiz, Baba is talking about those greedy, blood-sucking capitalists.
"The purport of Dharma Sádhaná is to look upon every person, every object of this universe as one integral entity. To jeopardize the unity of the human race by creating factions is not the purpose of Dharma. Those who encourage vested interests survive on the mental weaknesses of people and their dissensions, and that is why they are scared of the spread of the ideals of Dharma and exhibit their intolerance towards it in all sorts of immoral ways, such as abuse, false propaganda and lies. People must not be cowed by this, they have got to march ahead. It is to be borne in mind that hindrances are beneficial to human beings on the path of righteousness and to continue to fight against them is what is sádhaná." (Ananda Vanii #4)
Capitalism works in the exact opposite direction. Top capitalists commonly use their intellect to exploit, cheat, suppress, and oppress the masses. This is the standard approach in capitalism. Those using their intellect to profit off the backs of others are lauded.
Prout wholly rejects this greed-based approach of capitalism as immoral and unjust.
In answer the the quiz, Baba is talking about those greedy, blood-sucking capitalists.
Ananda Vanii
"The purport of Dharma Sádhaná is to look upon every person, every object of this universe as one integral entity. To jeopardize the unity of the human race by creating factions is not the purpose of Dharma. Those who encourage vested interests survive on the mental weaknesses of people and their dissensions, and that is why they are scared of the spread of the ideals of Dharma and exhibit their intolerance towards it in all sorts of immoral ways, such as abuse, false propaganda and lies. People must not be cowed by this, they have got to march ahead. It is to be borne in mind that hindrances are beneficial to human beings on the path of righteousness and to continue to fight against them is what is sádhaná." (Ananda Vanii #4)
== Section 4: Links ==
Other topics of interest
