Baba
Namaskar,
The entire world, more or less, is affected by superstition; it is everywhere, in various shapes and forms. In some places certain events are deemed as auspicious, and in other places that same occurence is inauspicious. In the past, superstition retarded the progress of society. Now, around the globe, educated people are giving up their superstitions.
Baba has given Ananda Marga philosophy based on logic and reasoning. By that way, the general society should be educated so that they can understand the how’s and why’s behind every happening. Then slowly, all these superstitions will die.
Ananda Marga philosophy discards all sorts of superstitions, but, unfortunately in AMPS, a few superstitions have taken root. Here is a partial list.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Examples of superstitions in AMPS
Here are some of the reigning superstitions in our AMPS nowadays:
Ananda Marga philosophy does not support these above or any superstitions. But the organisation AMPS which is made to propagate Ananda Marga philosophy is slowly drowning in superstition. We have to be alert. Now please see what Baba says about superstition.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Superstition feeds itself
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Fighting against superstition: The svabháva [natural tendency] of mind is to become like its object. Superstition of any kind – social, psychic or spiritual – influences the mind to such an extent that the mind, due to its worries, leads a person into trouble. The mental equilibrium of one believing in superstition is disturbed, and the result is that one not only loses peace, but one is also led to do some action which is detrimental to oneself. This only further strengthens belief in superstition. Any ordinary incident is magnified and attributed to some durlakśańa, or bad omen, by the believers of superstition." (1)
Superstition: nothing becomes something
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is only because of the mind’s nature to become like its object that people see ghosts, which are purely the mental creation of those who believe in this superstition. If only these persons had the courage and mental strength to catch the ghost, they would very soon realize that their mistake was believing nothing to be something." (2)
Superstition unsettles the mind
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Superstitions have not left any field uncontaminated. In the social sphere there is no dearth of superstitions. Witchcraft, discrimination against widows, etc., are curses in society only due to such superstitions. In the psychic sphere there are deep-rooted superstitions such as the belief in ghosts (bhút), etc. Not only this, but superstitions related to shráddha [funeral ceremonies], etc., have also bound down even the progeny of a person. In the spiritual field, also, ignorant people have been forced to do many things only because of the deep-rooted superstition of heaven and hell. All these only disturb psychic equilibrium and bring about discord and worry in society. For the preservation of peace, the fight against superstition is of prime importance." (3)
Conclusion
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In Ananda Marga none of these superstitions have been given any place. In the social field witchcraft has been discredited as only a psychic creation of some kusaḿskárii [evil] person. Widows have been given the same status as unmarried women, there being no restrictions on their dress, behaviour, living, etc. Exercising any influence on widows [to compel them] to adopt a particular pattern of life based on the social superstition of disallowing their presence in social functions, is strictly prohibited." (4)
Now as disciples of Baba it is our duty to open eyes of superstitious people with the magic stick of Ananda Marga spiritual ideology and make everyone realise that superstition is baseless and bogus.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Namaskar,
in Him,
Hemant Pal
Next please read the below colourful article that describes how superstition is all-pervading in the general Indian society. Rich or poor, highly educated or illiterate, most of the population is drowned in superstition up to their neck.
Indian scientists drowned in superstition
by Michael Patrao
~ Courtesy of The Media Project ~
Superstition in sports in the US
In US 50% of population is superstitious
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
3. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
4. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
Ritualistic worship & showy meditation
PS Intro: Throughout this entire song, the bhakta is speaking directly to himself.
Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.
"Balir e ba'ndha diye ki, ba'ndhabe tumi bha'loba'sa'y..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4912)
Purport:
My mind, do you really expect that with the dyke of sand you will be able to capture and obtain His boundless love. You should understand that the overflowing prema of Parama Purusa cannot be bound and attained by religious dogmas or superficial sadhana. You should know that by external, ritualistic worship and showy meditation, you can never get His infinite, ever-flowing grace. That is why after destroying all my crudeness and staticity with a big, loud bang, I am just staring at Him. To get His sweet compassion and boundless affection I am fully depending on Him. That is the only way to receive His krpa.
No matter how thick the fog, or the degree of negativity, or much hopelessness and despondency envelopes and grips my entire being and clouds my movement towards my Goal, I have only the singular desire that my longing may move me forward towards Him. By His mercy I only want that my yearning may push me ahead towards that very most cherished One - towards my Dearmost Supreme Entity.
My Parama Purusa Baba always graciously resides in nitya'nityaviveka. He remains in my heart. And with His cosmic presence He beautifies all the jinana, bhakti, and karma of my entire being with the pure consciousness of samvit.
My Dearmost Parama Purusa stays in my heart. I am fully depending on Him. Without His kindness nothing is possible…
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #4912:
[1] Nitya'nityaviveka: Ananda Marga ideology says, "Nitya'nitya viveka [is] discrimination between permanent and impermanent). Whenever an intelligent person ponders over something, he or she discerns its two aspects-- the permanent and the impermanent. The attempt to accept the permanent aspect after due deliberation is called nitya'nitya viveka. The permanent is not dependent on the relative factors of time, space and person, whereas the impermanent is the collectivity of the relative factors. The best way to recognize the impermanent is that if one of the three relative factors is changed it will undergo an immediate transformation. Nitya'nitya viveka enables human beings to realise the necessity of observing dharma. It helps them to understand the fundamental differences between dharma and religion, or doctrine. Religion is something entirely relative whereas dharma is a permanent truth..."
"Nitya'nitya Viveka is an inseparable part of the practice of dharma. Dharma lays down clear guidelines for moving ahead in perfect adjustment with the prevalent situation. Dharma is the throbbing vital faculty of living beings. In dharma there is no scope for the accumulated inertness of staticity." (1)
[2] Samvit: "Samvit means spiritual consciousness, spiritual awakening. A man engaged in bad things all of a sudden feels that “No, I shouldn’t do all these things. No, I should be a good man henceforward.” Such an idea all of a sudden comes in his mind. And this thing, this change of mental tendency, is brought about by samvit shakti of Vidyámáyá. Do you follow? This is what is called samvit shakti. “No, henceforward I must be a good man. No, henceforward I must be a spiritualist. I must not encourage any depraving idea.” Samvit shakti." (2)
References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, 'Five Types of Conscience'
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Brahma Cakra
Beginning of meaningful life
Namaskar,
Those of a materialistic mindset think that power, post, money, and worldly relations are the base of life. They think, “I live and die for this - i.e. power, post, & money etc. For this, I have come on this earth to live happily and enjoy.” In this way, due to avidya maya they pass their whole life in drowsiness. They cannot comprehend this basic fact that what they are depending upon is not permanent. Those things cannot last forever.
In this universe, everything is moving and the speed of movement also varies. So when two people are moving at a similar speed then they are called a family. But no two persons can maintain a similar speed for long. Either one moves away, dies, divorces, or their liking or disliking changes. What they formerly cherished has now become useless in their eyes.
That is why nothing in this created world can be the base of life. None of those things can provide permanent happiness. Animals cannot comprehend this simple truth - but humans can understand it. Those who fail to comprehend it are worse than animals. Only that Eternal Entity Parama Purusa alone is the base of life. He was with you, He is with you, and He will always be with you up to eternity. So when you have one Entity who always remains with You then why not cultivate a close and intimate relation with that Supreme Entity. That will signify the start of gaining real meaning and fulfillment of life.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "That which is finite cannot be the base of your life, because it will be used up and will leave your mind unsheltered. Thrusting you in the abyss of darkness, it will pursue its course on the unending path. Therefore, no one except Brahma, the beginningless, endless and infinite can be the object of your mind and the base of your life.” (1)
In Him,
Dhrti
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Base of Life
Reason some animals can do sadhana
Ananda Marga ideology says, "In certain animals like dogs and monkeys, the 'doer' I is a bit more expressed or developed than in other creatures. That is why in the future they may be in a position to do this spiritual practice." (1)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity
Other topics of interest
Superstitions in AMPS
Namaskar,
The entire world, more or less, is affected by superstition; it is everywhere, in various shapes and forms. In some places certain events are deemed as auspicious, and in other places that same occurence is inauspicious. In the past, superstition retarded the progress of society. Now, around the globe, educated people are giving up their superstitions.
Baba has given Ananda Marga philosophy based on logic and reasoning. By that way, the general society should be educated so that they can understand the how’s and why’s behind every happening. Then slowly, all these superstitions will die.
Ananda Marga philosophy discards all sorts of superstitions, but, unfortunately in AMPS, a few superstitions have taken root. Here is a partial list.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Examples of superstitions in AMPS
Here are some of the reigning superstitions in our AMPS nowadays:
(a) If you are born in a particular caste then you will be in central office.
(b) If your mother tongue is of a particular language then only can you govern a unified AMPS.
(c) If you are born in a particular country then you can get a top or key post like SS or central.
(d) If you are born as a certain gender then you have to be subservient to the other gender.
Ananda Marga philosophy does not support these above or any superstitions. But the organisation AMPS which is made to propagate Ananda Marga philosophy is slowly drowning in superstition. We have to be alert. Now please see what Baba says about superstition.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Superstition feeds itself
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Fighting against superstition: The svabháva [natural tendency] of mind is to become like its object. Superstition of any kind – social, psychic or spiritual – influences the mind to such an extent that the mind, due to its worries, leads a person into trouble. The mental equilibrium of one believing in superstition is disturbed, and the result is that one not only loses peace, but one is also led to do some action which is detrimental to oneself. This only further strengthens belief in superstition. Any ordinary incident is magnified and attributed to some durlakśańa, or bad omen, by the believers of superstition." (1)
Superstition: nothing becomes something
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is only because of the mind’s nature to become like its object that people see ghosts, which are purely the mental creation of those who believe in this superstition. If only these persons had the courage and mental strength to catch the ghost, they would very soon realize that their mistake was believing nothing to be something." (2)
Superstition unsettles the mind
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Superstitions have not left any field uncontaminated. In the social sphere there is no dearth of superstitions. Witchcraft, discrimination against widows, etc., are curses in society only due to such superstitions. In the psychic sphere there are deep-rooted superstitions such as the belief in ghosts (bhút), etc. Not only this, but superstitions related to shráddha [funeral ceremonies], etc., have also bound down even the progeny of a person. In the spiritual field, also, ignorant people have been forced to do many things only because of the deep-rooted superstition of heaven and hell. All these only disturb psychic equilibrium and bring about discord and worry in society. For the preservation of peace, the fight against superstition is of prime importance." (3)
Conclusion
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In Ananda Marga none of these superstitions have been given any place. In the social field witchcraft has been discredited as only a psychic creation of some kusaḿskárii [evil] person. Widows have been given the same status as unmarried women, there being no restrictions on their dress, behaviour, living, etc. Exercising any influence on widows [to compel them] to adopt a particular pattern of life based on the social superstition of disallowing their presence in social functions, is strictly prohibited." (4)
Now as disciples of Baba it is our duty to open eyes of superstitious people with the magic stick of Ananda Marga spiritual ideology and make everyone realise that superstition is baseless and bogus.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com
Namaskar,
in Him,
Hemant Pal
Next please read the below colourful article that describes how superstition is all-pervading in the general Indian society. Rich or poor, highly educated or illiterate, most of the population is drowned in superstition up to their neck.
Indian scientists drowned in superstition
by Michael Patrao
~ Courtesy of The Media Project ~
In India, religion and the accompanying ceremonies and rituals are all encompassing and pervade every sphere of life - be it business, politics, launch of a film or even the launch of a satellite.
It may be a coincidence, but the launch of India’s first Mars orbiter Mission, named Mangalyaan (after Mars) fell on a Mangalvaar or Tuesday (November 5), the day of Mars, known as Mangala in Indian astronomy.
A day earlier, on November 4, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan offered pujas (worship) at Tirupati Venkateshwara temple, the popular South Indian temple, about 100 kms from the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
He was just carrying on a tradition followed by his predecessor G Madhavan Nair, who visited the temple just before every satellite launch. Rocket science and religion go hand-in-hand among many Indian scientists.
Religion also plays a big role in trade, business and the stock market. On November 3, the “muhurat” trading session will be conducted for 75 minutes on leading bourses National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, to pay obeisance to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It also marks the New Year for traders as per the Hindu calendar.
It is believed that “Muhurat’ is an auspicious time where the planets align themselves in such a way that the task you perform during this time duration, becomes fruitful and without the influences of evil forces. So trading in the stock market during the Diwali day, the festival of light, one of the biggest festivals of India, is held at a specific muhurat time (auspicious moment).
It is a tradition to trade during the Muhurat. Trading on this day, which is also the day when the Hindu financial years begins and is considered to bring blessing for the year ahead. The stock market trade at Bombay Stock exchange, Asia’s first stock exchange, is dominated by the Gujarati community. Stock brokers' offices wear an ethnic look with traditional folk decorations. The time for Muhurat trading changes every year. The auspicious time is decided in accordance with Hindu astronomy.
Trading done on this day is only symbolic and is more for traditional and religious reasons. Brokers and investors make token investments and usually hold the stock for a year or so.
In Indian films, including films in all the languages of India, the muhurat shot is the first shot (take) of a film marking the commencement of the film. It is preceded by a pooja (worship).
Politicians too begin their election campaign by first visiting the prominent place of worship in their constituency, despite the criminal and corruption charges against many of them. Sometimes they visit more than one place of worship of different religions.
Even marriages are sanctified by the priest at an auspicious time. It is believed that a favorable time assures prosperity in your marriage and love, and so you become and remain happy in your marital life. The auspicious time is mentioned in the wedding invitation, so that the invitees arrive in time to bless the couple.
There is also an auspicious time for most activities and events, such as embarking on a major journey, taking a new job and house warming, which are accompanied by ceremonies and rituals. Some calendars and diaries carry the details of auspicious timings for every day of the year.
The neighboring country of Nepal, comprised largely of Hindus, shares many similar customs, rituals and ceremonies with India. Ganesh, the elephant-faced god of good luck and prosperity is the object of the most prayers in India and Nepal. (Courtesy of The Media Project (dot) org)
themediaproject(dot)org/article/religion-and-rocket-science-india?page=full
Superstition in sports in the US
~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~
Here are some superstitions in US sports:
(a) The coach of a basketball team demands that his players eat the same meal of steak and salmon before every game.
(b) Some coaches wear the same sweater every game without washing it during a winning streak.
(c) Some players demand that their sandwich be cut the exact same way diagonally during their pre-game meal.
(d) Some players will not shave so long as the team wins.
From Wikipedia: "People are more likely to attribute an event to a superstitious cause if it is negative than positive. This is called negative agency bias. Boston Red Sox fans, for instance, attributed the failure of their team to win the world series for 86 years to the curse of the bambino [Babe Ruth], a curse placed on the team for trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees so that the team owner could fund a Broadway musical." (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
In US 50% of population is superstitious
~ Courtesy of Yahoo ~
If you knock on wood when you say something presumptuous or freak out when you see a broken mirror, you’re not alone — Americans are still very superstitious. Here’s why. (Image: Nadeen Nakib for Yahoo Health/iStock)
They may seem old-fashioned, but superstitions are still alive and well, according to a new survey. Crowdsourcing website Ranker.com polled 18,000 people on the superstitions they believe in and found that, as a whole, people are still very superstitious.
Here are the top 10 most widely believed superstitions, per the survey:
- 1. Knocking on wood
- 2. Wishing on a star
- 3. Breaking a mirror
- 4. Four-leaf clover
- 5. Bad news comes in threes
- 6. Don’t open an umbrella inside
- 7. Lucky penny
- 8. Beginner’s luck
- 9. Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes
- 10. Wishing on a wishbone
The top superstitions also varied by age and gender: Women ranked tossing salt over your left shoulder after you spill it as one of their top superstitions, while men and millennials said wishing on a star was theirs. People from Generation X and baby boomers said the lucky penny (getting good luck after you find a heads-up penny) was their No.1 superstitious belief.
Psychologist Stuart Vyse, PhD, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, tells Yahoo Health that superstitions are more common than we think. “Some polls have found that over 50 percent of Americans consider themselves at least a little superstitious,” he says.
Many people believe in superstitions because life is uncertain. “When we really want something to happen yet we can’t make it happen for certain, we grasp for things that seem unlikely,” Vyse says. “Superstitions offer a feeling of control where control isn’t possible.” (Courtesy of Yahoo)
yahoo(dot)com/beauty/whats-behind-these-common-superstitions-174203195(dot)html
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
3. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
4. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Ritualistic worship & showy meditation
PS Intro: Throughout this entire song, the bhakta is speaking directly to himself.
Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.
"Balir e ba'ndha diye ki, ba'ndhabe tumi bha'loba'sa'y..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4912)
Purport:
My mind, do you really expect that with the dyke of sand you will be able to capture and obtain His boundless love. You should understand that the overflowing prema of Parama Purusa cannot be bound and attained by religious dogmas or superficial sadhana. You should know that by external, ritualistic worship and showy meditation, you can never get His infinite, ever-flowing grace. That is why after destroying all my crudeness and staticity with a big, loud bang, I am just staring at Him. To get His sweet compassion and boundless affection I am fully depending on Him. That is the only way to receive His krpa.
No matter how thick the fog, or the degree of negativity, or much hopelessness and despondency envelopes and grips my entire being and clouds my movement towards my Goal, I have only the singular desire that my longing may move me forward towards Him. By His mercy I only want that my yearning may push me ahead towards that very most cherished One - towards my Dearmost Supreme Entity.
My Parama Purusa Baba always graciously resides in nitya'nityaviveka. He remains in my heart. And with His cosmic presence He beautifies all the jinana, bhakti, and karma of my entire being with the pure consciousness of samvit.
My Dearmost Parama Purusa stays in my heart. I am fully depending on Him. Without His kindness nothing is possible…
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #4912:
[1] Nitya'nityaviveka: Ananda Marga ideology says, "Nitya'nitya viveka [is] discrimination between permanent and impermanent). Whenever an intelligent person ponders over something, he or she discerns its two aspects-- the permanent and the impermanent. The attempt to accept the permanent aspect after due deliberation is called nitya'nitya viveka. The permanent is not dependent on the relative factors of time, space and person, whereas the impermanent is the collectivity of the relative factors. The best way to recognize the impermanent is that if one of the three relative factors is changed it will undergo an immediate transformation. Nitya'nitya viveka enables human beings to realise the necessity of observing dharma. It helps them to understand the fundamental differences between dharma and religion, or doctrine. Religion is something entirely relative whereas dharma is a permanent truth..."
"Nitya'nitya Viveka is an inseparable part of the practice of dharma. Dharma lays down clear guidelines for moving ahead in perfect adjustment with the prevalent situation. Dharma is the throbbing vital faculty of living beings. In dharma there is no scope for the accumulated inertness of staticity." (1)
[2] Samvit: "Samvit means spiritual consciousness, spiritual awakening. A man engaged in bad things all of a sudden feels that “No, I shouldn’t do all these things. No, I should be a good man henceforward.” Such an idea all of a sudden comes in his mind. And this thing, this change of mental tendency, is brought about by samvit shakti of Vidyámáyá. Do you follow? This is what is called samvit shakti. “No, henceforward I must be a good man. No, henceforward I must be a spiritualist. I must not encourage any depraving idea.” Samvit shakti." (2)
References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, 'Five Types of Conscience'
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Brahma Cakra
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Beginning of meaningful life
Namaskar,
Those of a materialistic mindset think that power, post, money, and worldly relations are the base of life. They think, “I live and die for this - i.e. power, post, & money etc. For this, I have come on this earth to live happily and enjoy.” In this way, due to avidya maya they pass their whole life in drowsiness. They cannot comprehend this basic fact that what they are depending upon is not permanent. Those things cannot last forever.
In this universe, everything is moving and the speed of movement also varies. So when two people are moving at a similar speed then they are called a family. But no two persons can maintain a similar speed for long. Either one moves away, dies, divorces, or their liking or disliking changes. What they formerly cherished has now become useless in their eyes.
That is why nothing in this created world can be the base of life. None of those things can provide permanent happiness. Animals cannot comprehend this simple truth - but humans can understand it. Those who fail to comprehend it are worse than animals. Only that Eternal Entity Parama Purusa alone is the base of life. He was with you, He is with you, and He will always be with you up to eternity. So when you have one Entity who always remains with You then why not cultivate a close and intimate relation with that Supreme Entity. That will signify the start of gaining real meaning and fulfillment of life.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "That which is finite cannot be the base of your life, because it will be used up and will leave your mind unsheltered. Thrusting you in the abyss of darkness, it will pursue its course on the unending path. Therefore, no one except Brahma, the beginningless, endless and infinite can be the object of your mind and the base of your life.” (1)
In Him,
Dhrti
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Base of Life
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Reason some animals can do sadhana
Ananda Marga ideology says, "In certain animals like dogs and monkeys, the 'doer' I is a bit more expressed or developed than in other creatures. That is why in the future they may be in a position to do this spiritual practice." (1)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity
== Section 4: Links ==
Recent postingsOther topics of interest
