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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Mahaprayan of Dada


Baba

Mahaprayan of Dada

Namaskar,

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the mahaprayan of Acarya Akhyananda Avt. Dada ji underwent his mahaprayan today 9th May 2018 in the mid-morning IST. Dada Akhyananda was suffering from liver cancer the last three years which led to his mahaprayan.

Dada Akhyananda served in AMPS for many years and was dedicated to the welfare of humanity. Dadaji was a homeopathic doctor who held clinic hours from morning til night helping those in need. In addition, he was the PA to PP Shraddhananda and was present during the Patna margiis protest. And verily Ac Akhyananda had a long and successful career and he will be well remembered for his simplicity and dutiful nature.

With his mahaprayan, Acarya Akhyananda Avt will be greatly missed by so many. May we all take solace in the fact that our dear Dada ji was a bhakta of Sadguru Baba. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His infinite grace.

at His lotus feet,
Kalicharan Mukherjee


~ In-depth study ~

We have seen that when somebody dies then in offering their condolences people say now Mr So-and-so is sitting on Baba's lap. On other occasions when telling a Baba story people also say, "Such and such person sat on Baba's lap." But these days the trend is that "sitting on Baba's lap" is used more in connection with death. And that causes some confusion in reader's mind. To unknot the situation please read below.

Dogma: if "on Baba's lap" only used for death

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:
- "May Parama Purusa Baba accept her in HIS divine lap"

- "May his soul rest in the lap of our beloved BABA"

- "Now she is taking rest in Baba's Lap."

- "May Baba accept him in HIS divine lap....."

- "May he rest in HIS loving lap of eternity."

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap forever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in Bábá's loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

- "May BABA accept him in HIS divine lap!"

- "May Baba take him in his eternal loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in peace taking shelter in Baba's lap."

- "Please keep him on Your lap forever."

- "We all collectively pray to Baba to take him on Baba's divine lap forever.”
All of the above lines are commonly written in eulogizing the deceased. These days mostly it is used in a eulogy and rarely used to recount one's intimate spiritual experiences - unfortunately. By this way, the phrase "in Baba's lap" is being misused and step by step the real meaning is being forgotten as now people more commonly use the phrase to eulogize those who have died, and much less so to express their inner feelings of bhakti. Unfortunately, the meaning and inner spirit of the phrase is getting lost.


Baba story: "sitting on Baba's lap"

Some time ago after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba. He said, "After being lovingly scolded by Baba for my wrongdoings, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his factual and historical event, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries. Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this. The new sadhaka sensed that something was wrong He said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was quite eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if in order to sit on Baba’s lap one has to die. But that is false. Sincere sadhakas regularly sit on Baba’s lap in their meditation. It is His grace. It is just like a child need not die in order to sit on his father’s lap.

The idea is that this phrase - Baba's lap - has been linked with death due to extreme overuse. So for some time if sadhakas use this phrase exclusively for spiritual purposes, that will be best. The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its pure spiritual quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.

Baba would bless bhaktas and place them on His lap


There are tens of thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply mystical value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and sadhana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply intimate experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a spiritual practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in sadhana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.

"Mahaprayan" means death of mortals - confirm for yourself
from the Samsad Bengali-English Dictionary


Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in our Bengal to describe the death of any human being, even ordinary people. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily term of bhakti to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no bhaktas ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

Here it should be known that the convention of an annual death day ceremony (i.e. shraddhainjali or mahaprayan) is a foundation of the Islamic tradition. Muslims are well known for this, and their approach of an annual death day ceremony was adopted by the leader of a particular group in AMPS. So no one should think that mahaprayan is some type of sacred event. It is done on the death day anniversary of Muslims.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary 3rd edition on page 848. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it is used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens. And that is the case in this letter also. The term mahaprayan means death and this is the ideal term for this purpose.

Mahaprayan is only for humans not for Sadguru


Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being, just like the aforesaid news. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the meaning of the mahaprayan term and that is the standard way the term is used in Indian languages.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan. That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa. This is grossly inappropriate because when Parama Purusa Sadguru Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is entirely wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa. Those doing mahaprayan for Sadguru are hypocrites. On the one side in meditation they ask His grace thinking that He is ever-present, and on the other side they think that Baba has passed way. That is their hypocrisy.


== Section 2: Links ==

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Who should get kudos + 3 more


Baba

Who should get kudos

Namaskar,

Let's analyse who should be given credit when any work is done. Suppose you performed an action. Someone fell down on the railroad tracks and you picked them up and saved their life and the next day it was reported in the newspaper. By reading the article, you become very happy and proud of your good deed. Others are appreciating you and you are pleased with yourself. From the viewpoint of the general society, this is all quite normal. According to the dharmic dictates of Ananda Marga, we should see things completely differently. Because we have to see where the energy came from to do such an action.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Credit should go to...

The common people think that you did this work with your own energy, but when we think in a spiritual way, then we can easily understand that you did not pull that person from the tracks with your own energy. You derived your energy from the air, sunlight, water, food, and from life itself. You are not your own source of energy. It is coming from somewhere else - from all these elements. Those elements are not your creation.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Even the strongest of wrestlers becomes frail and is unable to speak if he or she does not eat for a couple of days. The scholarship of a scholar vanishes in the thin air if you keep him or her without food for a week. Meaning thereby, all your knowledge, intellect, capacity and valour, are dependent on Him. That is why there is nothing for a human being to be proud of. The moment one understands this, one is ensconced in bhakti and then alone will one be able to realize that one is working according to the wish of Paramátmá with all one’s capacities. This is the sign and feeling of a staunch devotee.” (1)

If we examine the issue more deeply, we can understand that the ultimate source of all energy and all vitality is Parama Purusa. So then who should get the credit? The Owner and Source of all energy, or should you get the credit. Certainly Parama Purusa. Not to understand this simple truth is foolishness. Those who live off other's energy and strength yet are proud about their own accomplishments thinking they they have done this with their own energy are veritable fools.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

All one's energy comes from Parama Purusa


Here is another way of thinking of things. Suppose one master gave $30 to his servant to purchase medicine for a needy person. Thereafter, the servant feels proud that he himself contributed that money. And he starts boasting about his great act of giving. Naturally, everyone around thinks that servant is crazy. Because, in truth, all he did was spend the master's money yet he (the servant) is bragging as if he gave the money for helping the needy.

The point is easy to understand. When all one's energy comes from Parama Purusa naturally credit should be given to Him. That is what bhaktas do. Those who do not understand this think that they themselves are the doer. Such persons are called dry sadhakas - according to in Ananda Marga philosophy. These dry sadhakas do not just reside in the "underworld" or in "heaven" - they are among us. We should ask ourselves: "Am I a dry sadhaka? Do I give appreciation and credit to Parama Purusa? Or do I only appreciate myself, not Him.

That Divine Entity should be given all of the credit. Giving credit to Him is bhakti.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The duty of human beings is only to continue their efforts to please Parama Purusa. Thus when any work is done, the concerning sadhaka is not to be given any credit; the credit should be given to Parama Purus'a." (2)

Vanity that clouded the mind of dry intellectual


Suppose a disciple had a more dry bent of mind. He was very proud of his own knowledge and capabilities, and accordingly he felt that whatever good things he had achieved in this life were a direct result of his own talents and his own efforts. This dry sadhaka was thinking that he himself was doing all the hard labour and that Parama Purusa is just keeping still – not doing anything.

This mentality is the umbrella of vanity. When any simple or hard work is accomplished then that work can be viewed in two distinctly different ways. One may think that it is His grace or one may think that ‘I did this work’. By this way one either goes closer to or farther from Parama Purusa. If one thinks that ‘I did this work’ then that is the umbrella of vanity and that pushes the person away from Parama Purusa. So this umbrella of vanity brings degeneration. Those dry sadhakas think, “In my life I have worked hard to achieve everything I have gotten.”

Let us always remember that Parama Purusa is equally gracious on everyone – whether one understands this or not.

So when it came time to explain his own achievement, then this dry sadhaka always harboured the idea that it was all due to his own hard work and perseverance. That was how he explained his own successes in life. And he felt that nobody worked as hard as he did. This was the extreme type of vanity that clouded the dry sadhaka.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Umbrella of vanity

In that case how was it possible for the dry sadhakas to develop a sweet feeling towards Parama Purusa. Unfortunately it was not. This very crude outlook – this type of umbrella of vanity – hindered his own ability to cultivate an intimate and personal relation with Parama Purusa.

That is why this dry sadhaka would often proclaim, “I do not feel the grace of Parama Purusa – where is it, I do not feel it. “And when any problem would appear in his life then he would automatically start blaming Parama Purusa for placing this obstacle on his pathway. This was the unfortunate and low-minded perspective of that dry sadhaka.

Whereas a more simple bhakta’s outlook is the exact opposite. This simple sadhaka attributed all good tidings as being a direct result of the fathomless grace of Parama Purusa. And he felt that if any problem ever came in his life then surely Parama Purusa is there to solve it. This was the natural feeling in his mind. And by thinking like this and by realising this divine and universal truth that Parama Purusa is always gracing and saving him, this simple bhakta naturally began to feel a closer and more sentimental link with Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


If you do not feel graced then look in the depths of your heart. Think: In your life do you feel that everything is done by Parama Purusa, or do you feel that you are doing everything and people should appreciate your efforts. Therein lies the answer. This is an internal topic - as one thinks that is how the mind works. And that is why one will feel His grace, or not. By His infinite mercy and compassion may we all develop that intimate link with Parama Purusa and thereby swim in the divine waters of His sweet grace.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “When you are enjoying the Grace, what will happen? The radius will be shortened, and in this very life you will become one with your Goal, your Nucleus. This Nucleus knows no artificial barrier, nor isms, countries or philosophies. This Nucleus knows that the moving entities are My children – they want to come and sit on My lap.” (3)

Namskar,
In Him
Prabha’

~ In-depth study ~

Way of the bhakta

Once upon a time there were two disciples of the Supreme Guru. One of the disciples was very simple in nature and he readily accepted the fact that all the favourable developments in his life and all the successes in his life were due to Guru’s Grace -  the grace of Parama Purusa. This was his regular way of thinking. And the more his mind thought like this, the closer he felt with Parama Purusa.

By that way each and every moment he would say, “O’ Lord You are the Great Doer behind my each and every action. You conceive of the work, You execute the work, and You are the One who makes that work successful. Everything sweet in my life -  everything accomplished in my life – is a direct outcome of Your divine grace.

So in that way, all day and all night long that simple disciple was forever involved in singing kiirtana and repeating his Ista mantra and Guru mantra. And naturally that same disciple felt closer and closer to Parama Purusa – day by day. The above disciple is a bhakta as he gives all credit to Parama Purusa and realises that Parama Purusa is gracious.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Salvation and Devotion
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, The Path unto the Abode of Beatitude
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 12, ‘The Only Cult’


*        *        *

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

*        *        *


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

You are with me always

“Ke tumi ele go áji sonálii saroje sáji…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0666)

Purport:

O’ Unknown Entity, who are You who came to me today from the divine origin. Who are You who has so graciously arrived in the inner casket of my core and mind. You gloriously appeared adorned with a golden lotus - and eyes filled with hope and loving assurance.

Your soft, gentle, sweet smile floats in the sky of my heart. Your attractive joyous look draws me near and wants to take me towards some unknown spiritual realm.

O’ Parama Purusa, You never remain distant and never leave me. You always stay near me - in my inner self. You are so compassionate. You are love-personified and can never hate anyone. You constantly shower me with Your exquisite kindness. Even after knowing all my bad deeds, You affectionately keep me on Your lap, within Your warm embrace.

O’ my Eternal Guide, in the initial dawn of creation, I was with You, and now today also I am with You. Throughout this entire journey, spanning countless lives, You have always kept me under Your care. By Your grace, I shall remain forever under the cool shade of Your eternal love and affection…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Why poor?

This is a classic example. Here below Baba points out how the rich cannot understand the problems of the poor. Those wealthy persons have a very small mind - sunk in greed and always hungry for more.

Right now, heated talks are going on regarding increasing minimum wage. The amount low-end workers currently earn is paltry. Some political leaders have proposed a minimum wage increase. Even then no one can live on such wages. You cannot have a small house, get medical care, and raise children on such a wage. It is impossible.

Still other politicians - who support wealthy capitalists - remain unmoved and have no empathy. Rather they are shocked about a potential increase in wages. Meanwhile, CEO's and top executives earn thousands of times more than that each hour.

Here is the point of view of Prout philosophy followed by excerpts from news articles about the heated exchange in Washington and this critical issue. 
Prout philosophy says, "What a dangerous outlook! What a rosy philosophy of capitalism! God save humanity from such perverted philosophy. Man’s desire for worldly pleasure does not cease until he finds a really great ideal. His hunger is insatiable. The wolf in him seems to say over and over again, “I am hungry, I am hungry.” His mouth is agape all the time and the fools of the earth, resigned to their belief in predestination, are swallowed by it. These wolves eat up their flesh and blood and cast away their insipid bones. Are we to support this wolfish philosophy? The dirty-clothed laborers, their faces lined with hard labor and fatigue, are not human beings in the eyes of those who have Mammon by their side. The characteristic of a vested interest is that it has no other thought but itself. The selfish man is the eater, the others are his food. His needs are never-ending. Out of his salary the poor man has to pay his house rent, support his family, educate his children, provide milk for his baby, marry his daughters. Are those necessities only for the people of the upper classes? Are these not the minimum necessities of life? Yes, but these thoughts of the poor are no concern of the rich! Such thinking involves some sacrifice, does it not? From where would objects of luxury for the rich come, if hunger were not the hard task-master of the poor? Let the daughters of the poor collect cow-dung forever and their sons be slaves in the households of the rich. What a fine arrangement! The high hopes of the poor?–pooh! pooh!! Aren’t they all moonshine?" (1) 
Just now you read from the 1987 edition of Human Society. Next please read from the below passage from the latest Electronic Edition of Baba'a books 7.5. Some say the above version is good, and others say this below one is better. Let us know which version you prefer.
Prout philosophy says, "Just imagine what a dangerous idea this is! What a wonderful capitalistic argument! Perhaps some academic stooge on the payroll of these self-seeking capitalists may even try to concoct a philosophy to support this proposition. God save humanity from such perverted philosophies! People’s physical longings are not satisfied until they come in contact with a truly great ideology. Till then, people’s wolf-like hunger is insatiable, as if they are incessantly repeating, “I am hungry, I am hungry.” Their jaws are always open, and the foolish people of this world resign themselves to their own fatalistic beliefs and fall into them. The ferocious wolf-pack devours their flesh and blood and casts away the unpalatable bones. Should we support this wolfish philosophy? The day-labourers, porters and gate-keepers around us who wear dirty rags and have fatigue etched on their faces are not considered human by those who are rolling in luxury. It is a characteristic of vested interests that they never bother to think of anyone except themselves. They must eat and the rest of humanity only exists to be eaten. They want increasingly more objects for their gratification. Those who earn three thousand rupees a month think that this is an extremely meagre amount, but they never stop to consider the needs of those who earn a negligible thirty rupees a month. A poor man has to pay his rent, maintain his family, educate his children, buy milk for his babies, and save something to put towards the cost of his daughter’s marriage, all out of thirty rupees. Are these needs only applicable to the upper stratum of society? Are they not the minimum necessities of life? Rich people do not want to consider the needs of the poor, because if they do they will have to make some sacrifices. Where will their luxuries and comforts come from if hunger does not burn the bellies of the poor? Is it not a fine idea if the daughters of the poor go on collecting cow dung forever, and their sons work like slaves in the houses of the rich for generations together? Is this not a fine arrangement? As for the high hopes of the poor, aren't they ridiculous? Aren't they out of touch with reality?" (2)
References
1. Human Society, Social Justice, 1987 Edn
2. Human Society - Social Justice, Electronic Edition of Baba's books 7.5

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This email contains four sections:
1. PS #0666: You are with me always
2. Posting: Who should get kudos
3. IT: Why poor?
4. Links


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