Make your child Margii + 4 more

Baba

Make your child Margii

Namaskar,

It is so important to bring our children onto the path of Ananda Marga and for them to become strong Ananda Margiis. Yet we all also know how challenging this is in this present era. This letter identifies some of those difficulties and presents nurturing ways to bring our young ones onto the spiritual path.

So the focus of this mailing is how our margii children can develop into strong, dedicated A'nanda Ma'rgiis. Whether one is an acarya or family person, an LFT or a margii parent, this is something we all certainly want to see: Our margii children becoming strong sadhakas. However, in this grossly materialistic era, so many times our tender margii children drift away and get pulled into the murky waters of capitalism and materialism.
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Fortify kids with deep understanding of our AM way of life

While there are any number of factors that may contribute to this, but perhaps first and foremost is that it is simply a numbers issue. Our margii children get lost in the vast sea of the degenerated public. Surrounded by the pull and allurement of pseudo-culture such as Hollywood and Bollywood movies as well as mundane newspapers and fashion magazines etc, margii children see that their parents are part of a tiny, minuscule minority, whereas the whole entire society is moving in this very enticing flow. This is the struggle they face.

Another factor that pulls children in that direction is that they often lack a philosophical base and deeper understanding of Ananda Marga practices. By the time a child becomes an adolescent, they should be fortified with proper logic and reasoning about our Ananda Marga way of life. They should be taught the how's and why's of their life practices. Whereas smaller children, i.e. those who have not yet entered puberty, should be taught through stories, fantasy, and imagination. Young children should be told great stories to indirectly teach them about dharma, and yama and niyama etc. They should not be allowed to read stories or books that depict a degrading theme. And to emphasize again, adolescents should be taught using logic and reasoning. Then they will less likely be swayed by others.

Unfortunately, often times our children may not understand the deeper value of a sentient diet or the practical value of sadhana and spirituality. Without this philosophical conviction, they just think it is all dogma and they get swayed by the glitter of pseudo-philosophies. In that case our children get confused and conclude that “it is not the society that is blind, rather it is my parents who are blind.”
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Special efforts to impart education to margii children

While we may not be able to change the overwhelming numbers of society immediately, we can directly affect the quality and degree of our children's internal understanding of Ananda Marga. This positive step we can make.

As far as possible we should give our children a margii education. This is the obvious solution, yet it stands as one that is not always available. Because margii schools are not nearby and often enough we margii parents do not have time to do this on our own, as we generally have to work long hours and are often struggling with more mundane parental issues. So in this present era, special efforts should be made to impart a margii education to our children.

A proper education is the pathway to bring youth into a particular way of life and social outlook. That is why the dogmatic religions put such a huge emphasis on developing their parochial schools to indoctrinate their children into their beliefs. They use schooling as a means to draw their children deeper into dogma.

In our Ananda Marga, we have a dharmic philosophy and way of life but at present we do not have such a developed formal education system. In this intermediary period there are some distinct steps we can take. And already around the globe there are margii parents and acaryas who are implementing excellent programs for our margii children, like the camps etc.
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Conclusion

Despite our best intentions and rigorous attempts, sometimes we find that as parents we get more concerned about the physical health and intellectual training of our children - and we forget about or overlook their spiritual growth. This can sometimes happen. But Baba does not appreciate this and in fact warns us that even animals impart this much education to their offspring. They give training about how to survive in the their animal society but not more than that.

Similarly we should not just ensure that our children can survive in this materialistic world. That is not enough. We should ensure that they grow spiritually as well. In this regard, we should not just resort to pressure and force children to sit in sadhana for x amount of minutes. That type of pressure and externally imposed discipline is not enough. Side by side our children should be patiently given the logical and rational understanding and explanation about our Ananda Marga way of life. This should be done gently and in creative ways to stir their interest. Then when such an inner understanding is cultivated, they will surely move along the path of Ananda Marga.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Diipali

~ In-depth study ~

Here are some of Baba's important teachings on education which we should contemplate and apply to the raising of all our children in the Marga.

Guide younger children through stories & imagination

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The child’s mind is filled with fanciful imagery, and so the sáhityikas will also have to spread their wings and soar in the sky of imagination. However, they cannot afford to indulge in intricacies and complexities during their visionary ascent. The thirst for the distant and the earnest zeal to know the unknown that abides in the child’s mind must be satisfied by drawing pictures of magical lands and relating colourful fairy tales. What is “real” or “natural” is not so important. What is more important is to carry the child’s mind along in the current of joy, and in the process to acquaint the child with the world in an easy and simple manner. The harshness of reality should not be portrayed – the child will not want to read about it or listen to it. “The prince of the mind with his wings outstretched in the azure sky, soars to the kingdom of the old witch beyond the worlds of the sun and the moon. He ties his Pegasus to the golden branches of the pearl tree and heads off in search of the sleeping princess in the silent, serene palace. He gets a tip as to where to find the magic wands of life and death, and rouses the princess from her centuries-old sleep. Then he finds out everything he can about the den where the demons sleep and sets off into the world to become a hero...” Picture after picture, colour after colour, must accompany the words; this is what the child’s mind craves.”
   “Among those who are a little older, that is, boys and girls in their early teens, farces and satires are quite successful. In these children can find ideals that are conducive to the formation of their characters. But for those who are comparatively young, simplicity will be the guiding principle in whatever is written. Overindulgence in wordplay, flowery language, figures of speech, or long, didactic preaching will turn children’s literature into trash." (1)


The special qualities needed of a teacher

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The first and most important factor is to select teachers carefully. Those who have the required academic qualifications do not have an automatic right to become teachers. Teachers must possess such qualities as strength of character, righteousness, sense of social service, unselfishness, an inspiring personality and leadership. They are the preceptors of society, and that is why it is not possible for everyone to do this job." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Another thing that flashes across my mind is the moral character and conduct of teachers. There are many teachers, who after discussing the abuses and evils of intoxicants in the class, indulge in smoking outside it immediately after the class is over. This sets a very bad example...This double faced behaviour will naturally cause indiscipline in the students' minds." (3)

So the whole point is that exemplary conduct is an integral aspect of education in Ananda Marga and teachers must be of proper character. And their conduct must also be proper; academic credentials alone is not enough. Teachers must have all sorts of superlative qualities otherwise they will be deemed unfit for the position.


Parents should be proper role-models

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child. It should be the duty of society as a whole to ensure that the children of immoral and unrighteousness parents are brought up as virtuous citizens. If possible such children should be removed from the unwholesome environment of their parents." (5)

In various discourses Baba warns parents not to perform bad deeds or unhealthy habits in front of their children. Best is for parents to rectify their behaviour in all respects. Where weakness remains such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, then at least those parents should never do this in front of children. Then those kids will not be inclined to emulated that behaviour. This is a very important point in raising children.

Thus, as margiis, as mothers and fathers, as acaryas, and as sadhakas, it is our combined and collective responsibility to bring each and every child into a spiritually inspired and devotional way of living. All should come into our Ananda Marga society and become the pillars of the future humanity.
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Great importance of neo-humanistic primary education

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what should be done? We will have to educate the mind properly, along the lines of neohumanism. This neohumanist education will impart proper training to the mind. And at the same time there should be spiritual practice for proper psychic transformation. This is what we require most. There is no alternative." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Education is a part of cultural life. Education should be free, and education must be based on universalism." (7)

Here is Baba's key guideline about the importance of early childhood education, i.e. inculcating the ideals of Ananda Marga to children at an early age.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world." (8)


Children learn lying & obstinacy from their parents

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When the parents are about to go on a trip or go to a show, or when they are invited to a pleasant function or a social outing, the children may start whining or nattering to accompany them. At such times many parents tell lies without a qualm; somehow they dupe their children and leave. When the children realize what has happened, they also learn to tell lies; and to hide their intentions or their actions from their parents, they gradually start lying more and more."
   "Parents deceive their children in many ways. By calling sweet things bitter and pleasant things unpleasant, they prevent their children from enjoying them. But by disregarding parental injunctions and prying inquisitively, as is the wont of human nature, children discover the truth. Then they realize that their parents have been deceiving them. As a result they start deceiving not only their parents, but their friends and classmates as well. So it is abundantly clear that children are taught the first lessons in the arts of lying and deception by their own parents at home."
   "In a family it is natural that differences of opinion will arise among the adults; when they do, the adults should reconcile their differences considering each other's opinions. Unfortunately they often lack the requisite mental make-up to reach an amicable agreement – each tries to convince everybody else of his or her viewpoint without caring about the opinions of others. The result is an outburst of unreasonable obstinacy – the adults lose all self-control and behave in a gross and vulgar manner. The effect on the minds of the children is disastrous. Children thus learn obstinacy from their elders. If the mother or those with whom the children spend most of their time is obstinate, the neglected children will, in most cases, become noticeably obstinate, and they will have to carry this psychic ailment around with them for a long time. If, on the other hand, as is sometimes the case, the wishes and desires (if they are not unreasonable) of children are fulfilled, the children will not have the opportunity to learn obstinacy." (9)


Start ideating on Brahma at age 5

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Proper attention should be paid to the physical, psychic and spiritual development of small boys and girls. Just as they sit and study to develop their intellectual capabilities, they should also sit to do their spiritual practices with their parents. That is the way they will develop their spiritual practices. They should take diikśá [spiritual initiation] from an ácárya(á) [spiritual teacher] when they grow up. They should practice the lessons of sádhaná – japa, dhyána, ásana, práńáyáma, etc. – along with their regular academic lessons. All that is necessary for their trifarious development, and it must be perfectly balanced. One should remember that the absence of a proper balance will harm not only the individuals, but also the society as a whole." (10)

By starting early in life, we can bring all our margii children into the spiritual flow of Ananda Marga.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In our Ananda Marga the seed for a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a child's life. At the age of five when children have acquired only a preliminary understanding of their surroundings, they are given the idea of Brahma or the Supreme Entity. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal, the goal of becoming one with Brahma." (11)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
2. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 9, (‘87 Edition)
3. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 16-7, (‘87 Edition)
4. Human Society - 1, Education
5. Human Society - 1, Education
6. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Education and Neohumanism
7. A Few Problems Solved - 7, 'Renaissance in All Strata of Life'
8. Discourses on Neohumanist Education: Prama - 4
9. Human Society - 1, Education
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22, Táńd́ava and Kaośikii
11. Tattvika Praveshika

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

I will remain with you forever unfailingly

"A'mi ca'ini kono kichu toma'r ka'che, shudhu geye gechi, ga'n geye gechi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3669)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, I do not ask anything from You, nor desire any worldly object, neither name nor fame etc. Only I go on singing the song - the melody of Your glory - through Prabhat Samgiita. I never mention anything about my own needs or requirements. Just I continue visualizing You in my dhyana and singing Your name with my heart full of bhakti. It is Your blessing.

O’ my Lord, the distance between You and me was immeasurable - beyond infinite and endless and filled with unknown melodies. There was an overwhelming  hopelessness and despair all around me that was covered by the dense fog. Baba, still, I continued my meditation, chanted Your name, and did manana on You.

O’ my Eternal Saviour, You showered Your causeless grace and continued to gaze at my hopeless face. In Your melodious voice, You compassionately told me that, “I love you and I will remain with you forever unfailingly, beyond time and space.” O’ Parama Purusa, You are so gracious.

Baba I do not ask anything from You. Only I want only Your causeless grace...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special recipe for longevity

Baba says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years." (1)

Note: By following the devotional cult of AM and abiding by general health rules every sadhaka is ensured a long and healthy life. That is Baba's guarantee.

References

1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, p.113

== Section: Bangla Quote ==

আরও ৰেশী বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ

“আর তৃতীয় জিনিসটা হচ্ছে কি ? না, সেবা | মনকে নির্মল করতে গেল, নিস্বার্থ ভাবে, সেবা করতেই হৰে | যারা মনে করেন যে---“মানুষের বিপদে, মানুষকে সেবা করৰ না | আরও ৰেশী           বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ | বিপদের মধ্যে ঠেলে দিলে, সে মরিয়া হয়ে, আমার ঝণ্ডা হাতে নিয়ে, আমার পিছনে-পিছনে ছুটৰে |” তারা মানুষের শত্রু | কারণ ? তাদের আচরণ সেবা ধর্ম বিরোধী | মানুষকে কেন মরিয়া করে তুলৰ ? মানুষকে কেন বিপদে ফেলে তাকে মরিয়া করে তুলৰ, আমার ঝণ্ডা বহন করৰে জন্য ? কিছুতেই এটা করৰ না | তার সামান্যতম দুঃখ দেখলেও, ওটাকে সেবা করে, তার দুঃখ দূর অরে দৰ | এইটাই মানবধর্ম সম্মত জিনিস |” (1)

References
1. অপ্রকাশিত, 28-Nov-1970

== Section 3: Links ==

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This email contains three sections:

1. PS #3669: I will remain with you forever unfailingly

2. Posting: Make your child Margii

3. Links