Baba
Understanding work & death
Namaskar,
In His June 3, 1990 DMC discourse, Sadguru Baba gives the following teaching:
Ka'm karte raho, ka'm karte raho, Ka'm karte karte maro, Marte, marte bhii ka'm karo
Meaning:
Go on doing work, go on doing work. Die while working, and work even while dying
Thinking all energy to serve comes from Him
At first glance, it may seem that this is a very easy guideline to understand. But actually, it is commonly misunderstood, creating devastating effects: frustration, degeneration, and even leaving the path entirely. So we should all be very clear about this lest we fall into problem.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
When Baba says "Die while working", it does not mean that we should run ourselves ragged until we have ruined our physical body such that we die. Rather, He is teaching us the path of true karma yoga is when we realise that we are serving with His strength and that we are serving Him in His many forms.
#1: Die while working: This essentially means that while doing any work the mind should be fully imbibed in cosmic ideation, thinking that all energy to serve comes from Him, and that all the beings you are serving are Parama Purusa in his various forms.
Frustrated, terminal illnesses, extreme vanity & ego, leave
#2: Work while dying: In this guideline, Baba is reminding us that sadhana is also a form of work or karma yoga. So even if the body is sick and infirmed and you cannot move, then one should be ensconced in sadhana and spiritual ideation.
In a nutshell that is the dharmic meaning of these two guidelines, and more about them is described below. The key point to bear in mind while contemplating this topic is that true karma yoga can never be performed without strong sadhana and deep bhakti.
Unfortunately, this is one of the more commonly misunderstood tenets. And the outcome of this misunderstanding is tragic. Some destroy their own life, ruin their body, become frustrated and leave, fall prey to terminal illnesses, suffer from extreme vanity and ego, or become burned out and sit listlessly on their bed all day. All these tragic outcomes result from the wrong notion of this teaching. Indeed, there are no shortage of examples of this in Ananda Marga.
So this is a very fundamental topic that all should be clear on and help others in their understanding as well.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
"Die while working": what does it mean
In His teaching - "Die while working, and work even while dying" - Baba is outlining the essence of true karma yoga which will eventually bring one onto the path of bhakti. In real karma yoga, all one's actions are imbibed with Cosmic ideation thereby bringing one closer to Parama Purusa. For instance, if a beggar comes to your door and you view that person as an expression of Narayan, then one feels like they are serving Parama Purusa in the form of one beggar. In that case their action will be ensconced in the feeling of true karma yoga: "He is giving me the energy to serve Him in all His various forms and expressions." This approach heightens one’s love for the Supreme and brings the sadhaka further along towards the path of pure bhakti, i.e. parabhakti.
Bearing this in mind, we have to understand Baba's message - "Die while working, and work even while dying" - and then examine common pitfalls or areas of misunderstanding. So what does it mean to "die while working"? Essentially there are two aspects:
(i) Baba has blessed me with the strength to serve others; I am serving with His strength.(ii) I am serving Him in His endless array of forms; I am serving Narayana.
Naturally, to maintain this outlook regular sadhana is needed. Baba has given the supreme teaching for doing true karma yoga on this earth. The key underlying factor that many lose sight of is that deep bhakti is absolutely essential for performing karma yoga. Without that degree of bhakti, karma yoga lies beyond one's grasp.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
In clearly understanding - "Die while working, and work even while dying" - then one's life on this earth is sure to be successful.
Sadhana is also work. So the main work of one who is taking their last breaths on this earth is to do only sadhana. That will be, "Work while dying."
Namaskar,
In Him,
Trika’lajina
~ In-depth study ~
Three types service to Parama Purusa
We know that there are three realms in which to serve Parama Purusa: Doing relief work and feeding the needy is physical service to Parama Purusa; Chanting kiirtan is psychic service to Parama Purusa; meditating on Him in half-sadhana, Guru sakash, iishvara pranidhana, Brahmavidya, or dhyana is spiritual service to Parama Purusa. So in order to physically serve Parama Purusa one has to be in contact with His created world and help those suffering people etc. And in order to serve Him mentally one has to sing kiirtana and feel His presence inside. And in order to render spiritual service to Him, one has to ideate on Him and feel His presence in the deep core of their heart in their practice of half-sadhana, Guru sakash, iishvara pranidhana, Brahmavidya, or dhyana. This is highly needed.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Do not destroy physical body by excessive work
Here below Baba warns us of overburdening the physical body by excessive work as that will bring about one's premature demise. Rather one should meticulously attend to all aspects of 16 Points to keep the body healthy so one may live long, completing many great tasks on this earth.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Now, one may say that some people like Vivekananda did not live long; but the cause of their early death was excessive labour. Extreme physical labour definitely reduces one's longevity. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lived [less than fifty] years; he could perhaps have lived longer, but due to excessive labour, he could not survive. He undertook long tours throughout India on foot. Shankaracharya did not live long, either, because he also toured India on foot; he walked from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas. This extreme physical labour told upon his health; otherwise he could perhaps have lived longer. I want you all to live long – but you must live glorious lives, not like those of earthworms. Your lives should be bustling with activity." (2)
Bhakti: an essential element of karma yoga
Here below Baba reminds us that karma yoga must rest on the firm foundation of bhakti to Parama Purusa. The subterranean current of one's approach must be imbibed with Cosmic ideation. Those jinanis and karmis suffer from vanity and ego; hence they cannot do true karma yoga. Rather they become bound by their own actions. To perform true karma yoga one must be deeply involved in spiritual sadhana. Only then can one proceed on the path and selflessly serve Parama Purusa and the creation - and attain liberation, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Those Karma Yogins who always, always engross themselves with action and work only for the sake of work enmesh themselves in the trammel of action. Such action is really a bondage. What is the way out of bondage? It has been said in the Upanisads:
Iisháváshyamidam' sarvam,
Yatkinca jagatyam'jagat.
Tena tyaktena bhunjiithá,
Mágrdhah kasyasiddhanam.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Action performed for the sake of action is bondage. As the Jinána of a Jinánii is the cause of bondage if it is not mingled with devotion, similarly, devoid of the celestial touch of devotion, the action of a Karmi (one who performs action) cannot be helpful in attaining liberation." (3)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Now let us think about devotion. As explained earlier the ideation that whatever I do, I do only to please Paramátmá is called devotion – Bhaktirbhagavato Sevá. Devotion is service to God. When devotees serve the universe they do it with the feeling that they are serving the manifestation of Náráyańa only to please Him. One has to serve, but not only for the sake of service. The direction of Jinánii is not working here, nor Karma for the sake of Karma. The experience of a devotee is quite independent. It is that they are serving Náráyańa and none else. One of knowledge tries to attain Paramátmá by dint of knowledge, but despite being one of knowledge one behaves like a knave. The reason is quite apparent and palpable. The brain of such a person is quite small and he can t be measured by such a brain and its weak stamina. Karmiis also forget that the source of their stamina and vitality is not their own. Thus a secret feeling of ego also resides in the mind of a Karmii and this becomes a great hurdle in the path of the realization of Paramátmá." (3)
Some naive people miss the essence of the guideline
Some naive people cannot understand the meaning of Baba's teaching - "Die while working, and work even while dying." To understand this guideline, one must take a deeper look at the equation. A superficial review will not be sufficient. It is just like if you ask a kid who just learned the alphabet what NGO means, then they will simply recite the letters N-G-O. If you ask the same query to a mature adult, they will accurately respond, "Non-Governmental Organisation."
Similarly if you ask a naive person about the meaning of - "Die while working, and work even while dying" - they will give an overly simplistic response that will only mislead others. Whereas a mature sadhaka will be able to give a properly balanced and in-depth response that will goad one along the path of dharma, i.e. true karma yoga. So one should be prudent when consulting others and replying to others on this very topic.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba's warning: bragging is deadly
Here Baba guides us that bragging about doing any work is pure foolishness since all energy to act comes from Him. One rendering service on the path of true karma yoga will always remember this divine truth.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "I have done this. I have done that.” You say this. But where from doth that energy come? It is not your individual energy. If you are not given food or water for a few days, what will happen? You will not have any energy. You cannot create any energy. Through food, physical energy is transmuted into your individual vital energy." (4)
Follow the path of true karma yoga
Here in this below guideline, Baba warns how we should not waste our life in useless mundane pursuits losing sight of Him. We should follow His guideline of true karma yoga, where one is ever involved in His thought and serving Him.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology states,
"I have spent my life in vain;
Such a great Lord I did not worship –
I lost the greatest jewel.
I am indeed an unfortunate creature;
I never enjoyed
Even a drop of nectar
Of the love of God." (5)
Without bhakti swallowed by ego
Baba guides us that without bhakti one cannot do karma yoga. So every sadhaka should ask Parama Purusa for bhakti and work selflessly on this earth, thinking of Him.
Future of jinaniis & karmiis is dark
Ananda Marga ideology states, “So the best choice for the spiritual aspirants is the path of bhakti. These obstacles, these fetters of Máyá are the principle opposing forces, the most important belligerent forces. By individual effort it is very difficult to surmount that ocean of Máyá. For the jiṋániis, the intellectuals, the Goal is merely theoretical and impersonal. How can they expect a theoretical and impersonal entity to help them – and how can the jiṋániis even approach Him when for them His very existence is impersonal? So the jiṋániis, although they have recognized the importance of jiṋána or knowledge, have no future. They simply waste their valuable time, which is a very short span of hardly one hundred years.” (7)
Ananda Marga ideology states, “And for the karmiis or people of action, the desideratum is partly personal and partly impersonal, but the link between the impersonal and the personal undergoes some distortion. With the help of this distorted link, how can they expect to receive perennial grace for their spiritual progress from the Supreme, and how can they struggle against the all-pervading influence of Máyá? So the karmiis having no fixed desideratum and no fixed personal goal, no personal God, also have no future. The future is with the devotees and with no one else. You boys and girls, you should always remember that you have come here for a very short span of time-you must not misuse your valuable time in intellectual altercations or actional infighting. Kalyáńamastu – may you all be blessed.” (8)
Other discourses where Baba reviews this teaching
Baba also reviews this important point - "Die while working, and work even while dying" - in these following discourses:
- "Incantation and Human Progress." Tatanagar, 30 Nov 79, Bangla
- "Action Leads to Progress", Patna, 11 Jul '79 Hindi
- "How an Ideal Person Should Live", Subhasita Samgraha-12
- "The Cult of Spirituality - The Cult of Pinnacled Order" - 3 June 1990 DMC, Anandanagar
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Incantation and Human Progress
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, You Must Live Glorious Lives
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Salvation and Devotion
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, "The Supreme Cognition"
5. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings - 2 (Discourse 11 (continued))
6. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Essence of Spiritual Progress
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Essence of Spiritual Progress
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Prout: no capital punishment
Prout philosophy states, “You know that nothing is perfect in this universe of relativity. So it is quite natural that the judicial system of the world, whether in the past, present or future, can never be perfect. Therefore nobody should be given capital punishment on the basis of this imperfect system.”
“Each and every individual, whether they are a criminal or not, can claim a chance to rectify their conduct from the society. So in PROUT’s legal structure everybody should get ample scope for rectifying their character and conduct. If a person is condemned to capital punishment, he or she won’t get such scope, so PROUT denounces this sort of punishment.”
“But in very special cases, where a person has become a demon and is going against the collective interest and there is no chance of rectification, circumstances may arise which warrant capital punishment. For example, during war this exception may sometimes be permissible. But generally we should not support this punishment on principle. Punishment should be appropriate to the offense.” (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Key approach when doing pracara
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Even in private life when a person behaves with you badly or uses harsh words, don't behave with him in the same manner. You shall explain to him his duties gently. In case, anyone has a wrong impression, you shall show him the right path without scolding (abusing) him. Make it clear to him if possible with practical demonstration how harmful may be the effect of such habits. But always keep this in mind that in such cases your behavior must be like that of a friend, and never like that of an instructor. Your only object will be to get your advice accepted by him. The idea that he is fool and you are wise is not desirable in any party." (1)
Note: In His above teaching Baba is outlining an important pracar technique. Specifically, when speaking with non-margiis, we should talk with them in a soft and gentle manner, using a friendly, supportive tone. By this way they will gradually learn Ananda Marga ideals. Baba also addressed non-margiis in this manner. And then with more established sadhakas - i.e. experience Ananda Margiis - Baba was more firm to best enhance their progress.
References
1. Ta'ttvika Diipika': Dvitiiya Parva
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
तुम मेरे अँधेरे रास्ते पर प्रकाश देनेवाले दीपक हो
हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! तुम मेरे पिता, माता, भाई तथा सच्चे और सबसे अच्छे सखा हो। कृपा कर अपनी शरण में बनाए रखिए ।
तथा सबसे अच्छे
प्रभात सङ्गीत 218 पिता माता बन्धु सखा आन्धारे आलोक वर्तिका...
भावार्थ
हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! तुम मेरे सबसे अधिक पास और प्यारे हो। तुम मेरे इतने अधिक पास हो यह तुम्हारी कृपा है। तुम मेरे पिता, माता, भाई और सच्चे सखा हो। केवल तुम ही मेरे सबकुछ हो। तुम अँधेरे रास्ते पर उस दिव्य प्रकाश देनेवाले दीपक जैसे हो जो मेरे जीवन में हमेशा सच्चे रास्ते पर चलने के लिए दिशा बताता है । तुम हर जगह हो, तुम्हारी कृपा से कोई भी अकेेला और असहाय नहीं हैं। तुम हमेशा सबके पास सहकर सावधानी से सबको देखते रहते हो। तुम मेरे हृदय में हमेशा ही रहते हो।
टेक- मेरे अँधेरे से भरे जीवन में तुम एक चमकीले प्रकाश हो जो मुझे हमेशा सही रास्ता दिखाता है। जब मैं अँधेरे में भटकने लगता हूँ और घबरा जाता हॅूं तो तुम तुरन्त मुझे सहायता करने आ जाते हो। तुम वह दिव्य प्रकाश श्रोत हो जो मुझे सदा सही रास्ते पर ले जाता है।
हे बाबा ! समस्यायें कितनी ही कठिन क्यों न हों तुम अपनी कृपा से हमेशा ही उन्हें हल करने के लिए वहाॅ उपस्थित रहते हो। दुख के काॅंटों में तुम कमल हो और सूर्य की तपन में चन्दन जैसी शीतलता देने वाली गुणकारी मरहम हो। तुम जलती हुई आग की झुलसाती गरमी में चन्दन की ताजा ठण्डक हो। हे दिव्य तुम एक मात्र सबकी रक्षा करनेवाले हो। वे जो सब कुछ खो बैठते हैं उनके लिए तुम पारसमणि हो। जब कोई सब कुछ खो चुकता है तो उस कठिनाई की घड़ी में तुम ही उसके सहारे बनते हो। तुम ही वह दिव्य रत्न हो जो केवल अपने पास आने से ही दूसरों को चमकीले रत्नों में बदल देते हो। तुम्हारे केवल छू लेने से ही जीव दिव्य सत्ता बन जाता है यह तुम्हारी अहैतुकी कृपा ही है। हे मेरे प्रभु ! तुम सबसे अच्छे हो। गुलाबों के सुन्दर बगीचे में तुम सबसे शानदार फूल हो। इस संसार में तुम सबसे आलीशान हो।
टेक- मेरे अँधेरे से भरे जीवन में तुम एक चमकीले प्रकाश हो जो मुझे हमेशा सही रास्ता दिखाता है। जब मैं अँधेरे में भटकने लगता हूँ और घबरा जाता हॅूं तो तुम तुरन्त मुझे सहायता करने आ जाते हो। तुम वह दिव्य प्रकाश श्रोत हो जो मुझे सदा सही रास्ते पर ले जाता है।
बाबा, हे दिव्यसत्ता ! तुम सबके कारण हो, तुम सबके प्रारम्भ और अन्त भी तुम ही हो। तुम हो इसलिए मैं हॅूं। तुम मेरे जीवन की साॅंस हो। तुम्हारे बिना मेरा पूरा अस्तित्व बेकार है। तुम मेरे सबसे प्रिय और मेरे सब कुछ हो। केवल तुम ही मेरे हृदय के दिव्य दीपक हो, कृपा कर अपनी दिव्य शरण में बनाए रखिए ।
टेक- मेरे अँधेरे से भरे जीवन में तुम एक चमकीले प्रकाश हो जो मुझे हमेशा सही रास्ता दिखाता है। जब मैं अँधेरे में भटकने लगता हूँ और घबरा जाता हॅूं तो तुम तुरन्त मुझे सहायता करने आ जाते हो। तुम वह दिव्य प्रकाश श्रोत हो जो मुझे सदा सही रास्ते पर ले जाता है। (1)
References
1. Sadguru Baba says (in GD, Delhi, 26 Feb 1984) that when writing a Prabhat Samgiita purport then very simple words should be used so that the common mass may understand. The above Hindu purport has been written according to that guideline.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Sign of real whistle-blower
Those who fight against injustice should have this quality:
Yadi tor dák shuńe keu ná áse;
Tave eklá cala re...
[If none to my call pays heed, Then alone must I proceed.]
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Keeping this refrain in mind, they [writers] must continue in their relentless effort to fight against the seemingly indomitable might of hundreds and thousands of obstacles which are deeply rooted in age-old superstitions that are firmly entrenched in petty selfishness. Their pens may break into pieces, their brushes may be compelled to draw only lines of water on the canvas, and their histrionic flows may end in mute protests, yet their efforts must continue unceasingly. Each of their petty defeats shall be strung together as pearls in the garland of victory." (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
== Section 3: Links ==
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