Search This Blog

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Raising margii kids + 4 more


Baba

Raising margii kids

Namaskar,

This letter is not easy for me to write as the growth and development of our children has been quite trying for us. On the one side, our eldest child is fine in many regards, but admittedly he is not an Ananda Margii, and at this point it seems that it will take nothing short of a miracle for this to happen.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The main mistake we made


Here is the main mistake we made. With our eldest - a son now 32 - we just naturally assumed that as he got older he would see the value and rational approach of Ananda Marga. We thought that he would organically understand how doing meditation and eating vegetarian was the best way to go - but it did not turn out like that at all. This was a big blow to our psyche, and to this day I regret the choices we made in raising him.

I naively thought that I should not push him onto the path of Ananda Marga and that it would be "healthier" if this was something he decided on his own. After all, that was how my husband and I came into AMPS. So we let our son grow up in a "normal manner" - play, homework, video games, etc - without forcing him to attend Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha functions or going to AM retreats or doing sadhana together etc. He would go to friends' houses while my husband and I went to dharmacakra or any Ananda Marga function.

However, once on that loose leash, my eldest child just strayed farther and farther from the path. Today he drinks alcohol, eats meat, and is covered by multiple tattoos. I love him dearly, but I see that without my pushing and insisting when he was young (i.e. in his early childhood years), he just got pulled into the dirty current of materialism. It is those values and choices that govern his day to day life - not the ways of Ananda Marga.

This has been the cause of so much tension, arguing, and regret in our household. Now he even criticises us for following Ananda Marga way of life - he thinks we are ignorant. It is a headache to live together or even visit. In the kitchen he eats meat and smokes cigarettes in the house. I cannot even begin to tell you all the problems. I really wish I knew back then what I know now.

It is very painful to see and even more painful to admit. What was the point in my becoming a parent if I could not raise my child(ren) according to the precepts of dharma. Somehow it all got away from us.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In those early years (0 - 12 years)


One of the reasons I am writing about this is to recount the day Dadaji stayed with us for an entire week. Dada came at our request when I told him that our child could not be controlled. At the time our eldest was 14 and he was not listening to anything.

We had known Dadaji for years and had complete trust in his evaluation. He could see very clearly what transpired within our family - with respect to our eldest. And he pointed out one key misstep that my husband and I tripped over long ago.

Dada reminded us that inborn samskaras play a huge role in life. That is not to say that everything is predestined and that we should just be passive observers. Rather the opposite is true. Without a very positive inborn samskara then coming into Ananda Marga is not easy - a lot of help is needed. This is the point we missed.

Rather than doing lots of kiirtan and sadhana with our oldest child when he was young, and always taking him to dharmacakra, we just let him play etc. We were too relaxed, when it was in those years (from 0 to 12) that we needed to instill the values and practices of Ananda Marga.

On that occasion, Dada warned if we are not strict with our second child then our youngest will also fall into problem, but if we instill Ananda Marga values early then everything will be fine. That was 18 yrs ago. And I have to say that Dadaji was absolutely right. Today our youngest is 22 and all is well, whereas I still regret how I raised my eldest, now 34.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

To bring children onto the path of Ananda Marga


Here is more of Dada's explanation - via a short synopsis. Then I will tell more of my story...

All over the globe there are millions and billions of people who get caught up in the social norms of the day, and comparatively few who break away from those dogmatic traditions and steer clear of pseudo-culture and come onto the path of Ananda Marga. Dada told that those not born in margii families and enter into Ananda Marga is due to their extraordinary inborn samskara combined with Baba's divine grace. These sadhakas had such a remarkable inborn samskara that no matter what life situation they were born into, they would have come into Ananda Marga.

Then Dadaji explained that most of the population is not like that - including many of our margii children. For such persons to enter the path of Ananda Marga, it will take a huge amount of support and guidance, i.e. imposed samskara, from the parents from infancy through their childhood. Regular kiirtan, telling spiritual stories, coming to dharmacakra, making friends with other margii children - all of these things and more are needed in order to bring our own children into AMPS. When I heard this it was as if I swallowed a rock.

Danger of sitting back


It seemed so plainly obvious when Dada explained this, but somehow as parents we missed the boat on this one. My entire adult life I assumed the opposite. I figured, "Oh, of course our child will choose Ananda Marga" - and I waited and I waited and I waited, but it never happened. And now my oldest is far past his formative years, and he is making his own life decisions, and AM does not even come into the picture.

When he was a teenager I tried to guide him but by then it was too late. I would give advice and he would argue and quarrel. It was then that Dada told me that I had to teach all this when he was young - then he would listen. During his teenage years when he was rebelling was not the time to teach - it just created more fights.

Thus it was when my oldest was 13 and my youngest 3 that I made the switch in my approach. The result being that now nearly 19 yrs later, my oldest is far, far from the Marga and our younger son is an inspired and true Ananda Margii. I will tell the story about my youngest down below.

So now I clearly understand that had I adopted a proper parenting approach then both my children could have become margiis. By Baba's grace that is what has happened with our youngest. And it could have been that way with our oldest, but I naively assumed that he would come on his own. I have now realised that if as a parent I had been more vigilant and fortified my children with strong guidance - i.e. imposed samskara - they would both have entered onto the path of pure spirituality, by His grace. In spite of how good an inborn samskara may be, without proper company then it does not bear fruit. Proper guidance is needed, one cannot just rely on inborn samskaras.

Start sadhana in childhood


Baba guides us that we are to guide our children along the path of morality and spirituality from a very young age.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "One should follow bha'gavata dharma from one’s very childhood, because human life is rare and is very precious...So a wise person should get initiated and should start sa'dhana' in his very childhood, or kaoma'ra." (1)

So Baba's guideline is that from the very birth of their child, parents should be very sensitive to the needs of the child and guide them along the path of sadhana.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child." (2)
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba welcomed mothers with infants at DMC


And indeed, during DMC and general darshan, Baba always welcomed mothers who brought their young infants. Baba's teaching is that from the earliest age children should be raised along the tenets of dharma and when they are old enough to go to school, then they should go to an Ananda Marga school. Because the mind is very impressionable at the tender age of 5. What they are taught they will remember and follow with implicit faith and trust.

For these reasons and more Baba guides us that parents must introduce their child to spiritual ideals very early on - further down in this email is that very beautiful account from Baba about how the great saint Madalasa raised her children.

Importance of Ananda Marga primary schools

Then in addition to parenting, a proper education is needed that instills the right values in life.

    Sa' vidya' ya' vimuktaye

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The real meaning of education is trilateral development – simultaneous development in the physical, mental and spiritual realms of human existence." (3)

For this reason Baba is vigilant that Ananda Marga should establish primary education schools all over this earth, in every country, region, city and village. Baba's point is that from their birth right up through their childhood is when our children formulate their ideas and visions about the world and how they will live their life. What our children see and hear at that age makes a huge impact on who they become later in life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


Here the whole point is that as parents we have a huge effect on what our children become in life. It is our duty to do right by them and bring them along the path of dharma, otherwise they will meet all kinds of troubles and even blame us for their problems - and rightly so.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "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)

Baba's guideline is that from the very birth of their baby, parents should be very sensitive to the needs of the child and guide them along the path of sadhana.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sulekha

~ In-depth study ~


Qualification for family acaryaship: more kids


Baba wants margiis to have many children, and if you do not have more than 4 - 5 children (of both gendera) you will not be considered for Family Acarya training. Those margiis of good standard and strict in 16 Points should have many children as that way society will grow. And on the other side, thieves, swindlers, and degraded and sick people should not have children. Those with only 1 - 2 children of the same gender will not get family acaryaship. And in His 1990 discourse, the point is given that Parama Purusa is against family planning because many souls are waiting to receive a human body in order to get moksa.

Who should have children


Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Keeping in view the progress of society, fit persons should have more children and unfit persons should have less.” (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Good varieties of seed, fertile land, adequate nourishment, light, air and water are all essential for good reproduction in both the plant and animal kingdoms. In this respect human beings are no different from other creatures. In human society the selection of suitable males and females is desirable for reproduction of a high order. Until human beings are produced in scientific laboratories, it will be detrimental to society if this matter is neglected. If people of sublime intelligence and brilliance reproduce more offspring, it will be very beneficial for society. The responsibility for nurturing and bringing up these children will have to be taken by the society or the government. Similarly, it will be harmful for society if mentally deficient, naturally delinquent or insane persons produce many children. In fact, society will be benefited by the permanent destruction of their reproductive capacity, providing this does not cause any harmful reaction.” (6)


Personal reflection

We all want our AMPS to grow and every parent in Ananda Marga wants for their child to become a dedicated sadhaka. After all, who does not want to have a beautiful spiritual and ideological flow under their own roof. My husband and I certainly did. Unfortunately, with our eldest child, we could not gain success - by Baba's grace with our second, things have been much better in that regard. Perhaps other parents have experienced or are experiencing similar results as our family. The reality is that raising a margii child is no easy feat, especially in this ultra-materialistic era. But it is not impossible either. There are some excellent examples in our AMPS, all over the world. There are however, no shortage of cases where things did not turn out too well. That is why I shared some of the errors which we made due to ignorance - we were not aware. I write today in hopes that others will avoid such issues. Also I will offer what has worked for us with our youngest.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
2. Human Society - 1, Education
3. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Talks on Education – Excerpt F
4. Human Society - 1, Education
5. Caryacarya - 3, Physical Restraint
6. A Few Problems Solved - 9, Population Growth and Control


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special way to remedy deafness

Note: If one deaf person arouses the devotional feeling to listen to Sadguru’s discourses and spiritual teachings and meditates on eitehr of His two mudrás (janusparsaha and varabhaya) then the deafness will be cured.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “If a deaf man sincerely wants to hear what the Sadguru is saying, the positive microvita radiated through these two mudrás are sure to help him – they will certainly help him....raising positive microvita from the lunar plexus to the occult plexus is called “krpá”. And raising them from the lunar plexus to the pinnacled point of human glory is called “karuńá”. Without krpá there cannot be karuńá, there cannot be any galloping jump. Raising negative microvita above the psycho-physical plexus is “rusti” or “risti”. You should always try to avoid rusti and always try to receive the glamour of krpá or karuńá.” (1)

Reference
1. Questions & Answers on Microvita, Answer #17

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

तुम्हें अँधेरे समुद्र  के उस पार पाया।

हे  बाबा,  अँधेरे  के उस  पार सत्य लोक में तुमसे मेरी भेंट हुई, तुमने  मुझे दर्शन दिए।

प्रभात संगीत 2976 तुमाय आमि ..., सागरे पारे.......
भावार्थ
 हे परमपुरुष! बाबा ! तुम्हारी कृपा से मैंने, तुम्हें अँधेरे  से भरे  समुद्र  के उस पार अर्थात "हिरण्मय लोक" को  पारकर  सत्य लोक में  एक सुनहरी किरण पर पाया। तब मेरी  भेद बुद्धि  और जड़ता  की गहरी नींद  तुम्हारी लगातार चलने वाली  संगीत लहरों से टूट गई।

मेरे बाबा ! तुम दयालुता से परम आनन्द   के शुरू होने वाले बिन्दु  से तैरते हुए मधुर लय और स्वर की सुंदरता के रूप  में आये। तुम्हारी विशेष प्रकार की  आभा  ने अँधेरे  को दूर भगा दिया।

हे परमपुरुष बाबा! तुम ने अपने को व्यक्त कर सभी दिशाओं में फैला दिया और फूलों की कलियों में  अमृत भर दिया। तुमने मेरे मन में माधवी फूल की सुन्दरता की तरह चकित करने वाले सुन्दर और आकर्षक रूप में आने की कृपा की ।

हे बाबा! तुम्हारी कृपा  से मैंने तुम्हें, अपने  निकट पाया।


== Section 2: Links ==






Friday, August 30, 2019

Sexual crime: cause + 2 more


Baba

Sexual crime: cause

Namaskar, 

At present, life in materialistic communities suffers from an absence of higher values wherein degraded behavior thrives. Even good people are pulled into the ways of sin and crime. One of the most glaring manifestations of this equation is sex offenders. Offenders are rampant and their crimes horrific. But, the manner in which the authorities handle the situation makes the matter even worse.

All understand that perverted conduct and sexual crimes are some of the most disastrous and revolting incidents. Authorities and agencies primarily differ on how to address those situations. 

The root of the problem

In Ananda Marga philosophy, Baba has given the solution to each and every social problem: From the most complex to the most basic. Here below Baba has given the exact answer as to why there are sexual crimes being committed in the materialistic nations. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls, adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities, the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad company causes depravity." (1) 

Whether in the films or in advertisements or in whatever arena, Baba clearly guides us that a depraved environment is the root cause of sexual crimes. Here again Baba identifies the problem.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There are glaring examples that honest people can become dishonest as a result of environmental pressures...Nearly all deceitful acts, such as swindling, fraud, gambling, looting, seducing women, and travelling without a ticket, are commonly a result of the influence of bad company." (2) 

By His precise evaluation, it is clear that the degrading environment - not the individual - is the root cause of the rash of sexual crimes in materialistic societies.

Materialism breeds criminals & sex offenders

Lacking any higher goal or proper vision, life in grossly materialistic nations moves along the degrading path of sensual pleasures. The general flow of society is matter-based and most life according to their baser propensities - animal life. Often sexual overtones and sensual expressions are rampant. Plus the media and big business use sex as the way to lure people to their messages and products. Sexual display is such a prevalent and rampant problem that half-naked bodies have become accepted as the norm - both in real life and in advertisments and films etc. This has become the very pulsation of life in materialistic societies. 

That is why people have become numb to it. No one blinks an eye at overt sexual display; no one is shocked by seeing this. Rather everyone expects to see sexually revealing dress & behavior everywhere: On the TV, in the restaurants, in the banks, everywhere. Obviously such a morally degrading environment breeds temptation and adversely affects both the individual and collective psyche. 

Yet this is not regarded as a problem - until the worse-case scenario occurs and a sexual crime is reported. Then the authorities become very strict and condemn the guilty party to the depths of hell. Indeed once one gets labeled as a sex-offender they will never get a job, never find an apartment, never be able to survive. Just they are outcaste to the dungeons of the prisons or the outskirts of society. And with no process of rectification etc, and sexual temptation rampant, such convicts inevitably become repeat offenders. At the next opportunity they commit another sexual crime.

Analogy: mosquitoes & swamp

If anyone walks into a hot, muggy swamp then they expect to encounter an onslaught of mosquitoes. This is the expectation. Because everyone with an iota of common sense understands that swamps breed mosquitoes. Similarly, when a society is deluged with sexually provocative scenes in each and every direction. And when overt references to sex are part of the ebbs and flow of life, then in that degenerated state surely there will be a rash of sex offenders. Because the very environment breeds such criminals. 

That is why it is not at all surprising to read a statement such as this on one of their websites: 

"A sex offender could be a person across town, your neighbor across the street, or someone you know very well."

The point here is that sex offenders are everywhere in the materialistic countries. Because everyone's lower vrittis are constantly getting stimulated and lacking any proper guidance people commonly lose control of their senses. This happens even to good people. That is why the large bulk of the population in the US is either actually committing sexual crimes or they have a strong desire to do so but out of fear of the police they refrain and end up just being frustrated and depressed. 

Even then, the authorities do not consider the matter-centered environment to be the problem. Rather they think the only solution is more and more databases to identify the ever-growing number of offenders.

Duty of the judge to remove them from that environment

In His perfect and thorough approach, Baba then gives the next mode of action to overcome this problem of sexual crimes. 

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "If, after thorough investigation, it is discovered that particular people or circumstantial pressure have caused these criminals (whatever their age) to take part in antisocial activities, it will be the duty of the judge to remove them from that environment." (3) 

As Baba explains above, if the negative environment is the cause then the judge's duty is not to just throw the offenders name on some public database. That will not help the situation. Instead Baba guides us that the offender should be removed from that negative stimuli. Then they can grow in a proper way.

Solution

Here Baba gives the final-steps in solving this problem of sexual crimes. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Civilized people today should be more interested in preventing base criminal propensities from arising in human beings in the first place, than in taking corrective measures." (4) 

By His above guidelines it is clear that the best way to overcome this systemic problem of sexual offenses is by removing the negative influences in the environment and inculcating a new set of values in the society. Building countless electronic databases listing the offenders will not yield any fruit. Rather the depraved sexual overtones of society must be eradicated and a bright new mental outlook is needed. This all must happen on the collective level. In this next guideline, Baba gives an easy comprehensive way for everyone to proceed in their individual lives. 

Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments states, "Mental purity helps particularly in keeping a person healthy...That is why every human being should make a strong as habit as possible of selfless service and Iishvara Pran'idha'na (meditation). The best way to attain mental purity is to follow the principles of Yama and Niyama." (5) 

By His above guidelines anyone can understand that shifting from a sexually oriented materialistic society to a spiritually based society with high ideals is the ultimate solution.

Ananda Vanii says, "...Your endless efforts to broaden and smoothen the path of human movement will render your present existence, and your future history inestimable." (6) 

Namaskar, 
In Him
Smita’

~ In-depth study ~

Encourage criminals onto the proper path

   Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "There are many petty criminals in today’s society. If you keep calling them sinners, they will develop a complex deep in their minds. “I am a sinner. I am a wretch. I am mean and vile. I have no future,” they will think. You must not do anything like this. Rather, you should find their good qualities and praise them. This praise will encourage them to cultivate their attributes and move along the path of virtue. They will concentrate more on their good qualities than on their wickedness, resulting in the gradual diminishment of their sinful tendencies. Finally the day will come when they will be so preoccupied with doing good deeds that they will cease to commit any crime. That is why I say, “Praise the good qualities in human beings.”"
   "But if these criminals are neglected, their progress will be checked and they will become even more sinful. If they are repeatedly called sinners, if they are subjected to social punishment, their habit of committing crimes will become stronger."
   "Even the worst sinners have some good qualities. If you appreciate their good qualities, they will be encouraged to take to the righteous path – there will be a great change for the better in their lives. This is the right approach. If, instead, so-called sinners are ostracized or criticized by society, they will no longer strive to cultivate their inherent good qualities but will stick to the path of vice so tenaciously that one day they will become a great burden on society."
   "As most people do not know basic human psychology, their actions result in the so-called criminals becoming a greater burden on society. Having been subjected to much social injustice and criticism, some people think, “Now that I have stepped onto the path of vice, now that I have fallen down, I will not stop until I reach the deepest hell.” You should not do anything, even unconsciously, which goes against fundamental human psychology, and you should ensure that other people do not get any scope to make such mistakes either. If so-called sinners are repeatedly scolded, they will never become transformed into good people. Even bad people, under indirect pressure, or external attraction, or urge for Parama Puruśa, can turn into good people." (7)

Craze against sex offenders

Right now in materialistic nations like the USA, there is a mad dash to identify and lock-up every sex-offender. People act as though there is a full-blown war against sex criminals-- as if those offenders are the source of the problem. To that end, the various authorities have created on-line databases that identify thousands and millions of sex offenders who are moving around the USA. This is their materialistic approach to manage the situation. To put full blame on the sex offenders and expose them in front of all.

How a teetotaller becomes an alcoholic

Here below Baba shows how a wrong environment affects even good people with good habits. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Suppose a teetotaller mixes regularly with a group of alcoholics. The frequent anti-teetotaller gibes and the positive portrayals of the wondrous virtues of wine by the alcoholics will one  day tempt the teetotaller to taste a little wine. His drinking friends will say, "We don't want you to become drunk. But what's the harm if you just taste a little! This surely won't make you a bad person! What a moralist you are! Oh friend, to be such a moralist in the world today is ridiculous!" So one day the teetotaller tastes wine and this becomes the cause of his downfall. But on the day the unsuspecting teetotaller took wine, he did not realize that from that very day wine would become the cause of his degeneration." (8) 

Similarly those people who are normal and good people get goaded into sexual crimes due to the degrading ways of society. Either by watching lewd movies, seeing porn websites, or by drinking liquor etc, then even upstanding citizens may fall and commit a sexual offense. All due to the negative environment of materialism.

References
1. Human Society - 1, Justice
2. Human Society - 1, Justice
3. Human Society - 1, Justice
4. Human Society - 1, Justice
5. Yogic Treatments, Appendix, Sect. G
6. A'nanda Va'nii #55
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Exploitation – No More
8. Human Society - 1, Justice


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

When democracy becomes a joke

   Prout philosophy states, “The fact that voters without political consciousness weaken the governmental machinery cannot be denied. In the interests of the general public, it is desirable that uneducated and less-educated people do not have the right to vote.”
   “Democracy is a mockery in a country of uneducated people. In such a country cunning, fraudulent persons very easily secure or purchase the votes of illiterate people. Moreover, the general public in such a country is easily misled by the propagation of casteism or communalism.” 
   Prout philosophy states, “The success of democracy depends upon educated, sensible voters. Hence, in a democratic country, the spread of education is of the highest priority. For the convenience of the general public, the educational system must be free of cost. No overbearing government pressure should be exerted on the educational system, otherwise the party in power will continue to propagate its ideas through the medium of education.” (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #33


== Section: Important Topic ==

Historical backdrop to washing

Ananda Marga philosophy states, ”Regarding the Sixteen Points, it was said that ácárya/ás or senior persons would see if you were observing them properly or not. Similarly, I gave a directive to all that they should keep watch on one another. No one will exempt anyone else regarding the Sixteen Points.” (1)

Because Sixteen Points is an essential part of our existence, it is helpful to have more information about these pointed guidelines. Here below are some of the historical, social, and practical aspects of the first point of 16 Points.

Long ago in India, thousands and thousands of years ago, various rishis and seers of the society introduced the idea that water plays an important role in life - especially for health, hygiene, and proper maintenance of the human body. And people introduced the idea to the old Indian society that water should be used for washing before and after meals, before cooking, and those rishis also told that one should wash with water after passing stool as well as after urination etc.

And we have to remember that this was all given in that pre-historic era  when the general population around the globe was hardly even aware about hygiene; rather people were more involved in animalistic ways of living. In that historical context, those rishis introduced certain sentient habits.

So since long these these practices were established in India. Yet over the course of time, degeneration occurred and the general populace lost the idea of using water after urination. But the practice of washing the backside with water after defecation did not get lost - primarily because people understood that it was obviously dirty. So people were conscious about that aspect. That was the case in old India and that continued up to the present time.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, ”Regarding the Sixteen Points, it was said that ácárya/ás or senior persons would see if you were observing them properly or not. Similarly, I gave a directive to all that they should keep watch on one another. No one will exempt anyone else regarding the Sixteen Points.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Silent Action



== Section 3: Links ==


SUBJECTS TOPICS