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Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Tilted life + 3 more

Baba
Tilted life

Namaskar,

Prama means balance. And it is an essential component in the life of any sadhaka.

Loss of prama in today's world


Nowadays, most suffer from a lack of prama in the physical realm. In some cases they lack the basic necessities of life such as food and medical care etc. And in other instances, they suffer from a gross excess in the physical realm which causes imbalances in other spheres of life. As they blindly lust after material gain, they do not place sufficient emphasis on the psychic and spiritual realms.

Wherever materialism has taken hold, the masses take matter to be the be-all and end-all of life. Even after acquiring all sorts of the material possessions they still feel: “I am hungry for more material gain.” They may even live week-to-week barely paying their basic bills, yet waste their limited financial resources on junk, pseudo-culture items. This is the iconic example of imbalance in mundane life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Imbalance in life is bad


Some mistakenly think that those living in materially wealthy countries are not suffering from any problems; but, that is not correct. In those lands of material wealth, psychic suffering is rampant, and their spiritual life has become a wasteland. So most everyone is suffering in one way or another. In both the cases - i.e. where there is physical want and where there is physical excess - there is a serious problem. Prama needs to be attained by supplying the physical necessities to the have-nots, and placing greater emphasis on psychic and spiritual pursuits.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Now, what is the actual meaning of pramá? The word pramá is derived as the root má prefixed by pra and suffixed by d́a and t́á. The meaning of the root verb má is “to measure”, “to fathom”. So the etymological meaning of pramá is “balance”...pramá is indispensable in individual life.” (1)

Here the psychic realm means proper study of rational ideas. A deficiency of the prama in the psychic sphere means wholly absorbing oneself in mundane and material allurements and having no inclination towards dharmic, psycho-spiritual life. The spiritual field means cultivating a rational outlook based in bhakti and embracing Parama Purusa as the Supreme Goal of life. Lack of prama in the spiritual sphere means just involving in religious dogma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


Surveying the scene, Baba has given all the requisite teachings to achieve prama  - perfect peace.  Those who strictly adhere to Sixteen Points achieve prama' in life - and do not incur any such suffering. Even then, some Wts become overly involved in mundane affairs and lose prama and fail to give proper attention to dharmic practices like sadhana. So regardless of one’s dress, all should pay heed to Guru’s warnings and bring prama in life by becoming more and more sincere in Sixteen Points.

In Him,
Jyoti

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 8, Pramá – 1 / Dynamic Equilibrium and Equipoise


*        *        *

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

*        *        *


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Tattoos & negative microvita

Namaskar,

Shabda Cayanika says, "Kinnara microvita is that category of microvita which creates a thirst for beauty – a strong desire for beautification and decoration. The word kinnara means “receptacle of beauty” or “a beautiful and graceful structure”. This category of microvita creates a tendency in the human mind to make the human body as beautiful as the many forms and figures it observes in the external world. This tendency or propensity is called “kinnarii vrtti”. If the kinnaras direct the mind towards crude matter instead of leading it towards the subtler layers, they are considered to be enemy microvita or negative microvita." (1)

Under the spell of the negative / enemy aspect of kinnara microvita, these days many are trying to glorify themselves by decorating their bodies with tattoos. The popularity of tattoos is at an all-time high in materialistic countries. This type of approach is indicative of a degraded, extroverted mind - as Baba guides us in His above teaching.

In addition, recent surveys and research has shown that there are numerous health risks associated with tattoos. And that is the central theme of the  news articles appended below.

Tattoos & complications

 ~ Courtesy of FDA gov(dot)org ~

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks.

Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush. While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, ink and ink colorings (pigments) used in tattoos are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives.

FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing or even years later. Some people report itchy or inflamed skin around their tattoos in the summer when they've been out in the sun. Recent reports associated with permanent make-up inks have prompted FDA to study tattoo ink safety.

What are the Risks
  • Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another.
  • Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported and can cause problems.
  • Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
  • Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
  • MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (2)

Dermal conditions

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

Keloid formation at the site of a tattoo.

The most common dermal reactions to tattoo pigments are granulomas and various lichenoid diseases. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, and keloids. (3)

~ Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic ~
  • Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
  • Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after tattooing.
  • Other skin problems. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink. Tattooing also can lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
  • Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • MRI complications. Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image. (4)

In Him,
Jagadiish
(John Waters)

References
1. Microvitum in a Nutshell - 11, Crude and Subtle Microvita
2. FDA. Gov
3. Wikipedia
4. Mayo Clinic

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

मैं अब उस दिन की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हॅूं

प्रभात संगीत 3866 आज पड़े मने,गोधूलि लग्ने, तुमी एशेछिले मोर घरे...

भावार्थ

हे प्रभु! मेरे मन में आज भी उस सुनहरी मधुर शाम की स्मृति ताजा है, जब तुम मेरे घर आये थे। तुम्हारी उपस्थिति से वातावरण मधुर हो गया था, पक्षी चहचहाने लगे थे और आकाश  में सफेद बादलों के झुंड अपनी आकर्षक शोभायात्रा में आनन्द का स्वागत समारोह निर्मित कर मुस्करा रहे थे।  आकाश  में पक्षियों के झुंड तैरते हुए उड़ रहे थे।

मेरे समीप तुम्हारी उस दिव्य उपस्थिति, तथा तुम्हें पाने की मधुर स्मृति को, मैं कैसे भूल सकता हॅूं। तुम्हारे मधुर आकर्षक रूप ने, मेरे मन और हृदय को भीतर तक, इतना प्रभावित किया है कि, उसके स्मरण मात्र से मैं आज भी उस आनंद में डूब जाता हॅूं। बाबा! तुम प्यार से मेरे पास आये, और मुझे अपना बनाया... यह तुम्हारी कृपा है।

वह स्मृति मेरे मन में आज भी ताजा है। मैं अब उस दिन की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हॅूं, जब वही घटना फिर से घटित हो। 



Almanac journey + 3 more

Baba

Almanac journey
 
Namaskar,

My wife had traveled to her father’s house for a family visit and later on I went there to accompany her for the return trip back to our home. All along it was my plan that from her father’s house we would return home via Jamalpur so we could see Baba.

Dogma: starting journey by consulting almanac


While at my father-in-law’s, I made the plan that we would leave there on Saturday and head to Jamalpur. When my father-in-law heard this, he adamantly protested our leaving on Saturday as he insisted that according to the stars and the almanac, Saturday would not be an auspicious day to go in the direction of Jamalpur.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Although I partially disagreed with his premise and thought his whole plan was dogmatic, I decided not to leave on Saturday as I did not want to go against the almanac. So I canceled our program to depart on Saturday and opted to leave on Sunday instead. My father-in-law approved of the new plan and said it would be a very favourable day to travel in the direction of Jamalpur.

When Sunday arrived, my wife and I got ready and headed out the door, and a lizard fell on my wife’s head. My wife took this as a very auspicious sign and felt assured that this would be a particularly good journey. In addition, as we were leaving, my wife saw a fisherman catch a fish and noted that this too was a good sign - as it indicates that the trip would be smooth.

When we arrived at the bus station we found that the bus drivers had gone on strike just a few hours earlier. So none of the buses were in operation. We waited there for hours and hours to see if there would be a change, or if we could get an alternative form of transportation. Finally, we got the opportunity to board a cargo truck. It was extremely uncomfortable and slow. The back-breaking experience on the cargo truck came to an end when we reached the train station - only to find that the trains to Jamalpur were quite delayed. We sat at the station for some time and boarded a late evening train. In sum, what should have been a 2-hour journey from my father-in-law’s to Jamalpur turned into a 12-hour nightmare. The whole day was wasted and lost.

Baba’s darshan & guidance

Ultimately, we reached Jamalpur in the very late evening hours. We did not say anything to anyone about our arduous journey. Just we arrived in Jamalpur, went to the hall, and did sastaunga pranam to Baba as He was leaving after concluding general darshan in the late evening.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba noticed our arrival and said, “Ok, you have come so your journey was an auspicious one.”

Then He sweetly told, “When planning a trip do not consult the stars or the almanac. Look at how many problems you faced today.”

We felt so blessed to have the all-knowing Entity as our Guru, Who dispels all sorts of dogmas and superstitions and only guides us towards dharmic pursuits etc. We felt completely bathed in His love and care - which words cannot describe.

Baba proceeded on and immediately all others present came up to us and asked what it all meant. So we explained about how our trip was planned and all the difficulties we encountered and then they all understood why Baba had spoken in that way. For us, we could only think how gracious Baba is and how blessed we were to have His darshan.

From that day forward, I clearly understood that I should never compromise with dogma in any way - regardless of whom I was interacting with. Never again did I pay heed to my father-in-law’s requests to travel on certain days based on the almanac readings. Just I would take Guru mantra and embark on my journey.

Conclusion


This below guideline is certainly related with embarking a journey; plus it is also related with all other endeavours in life. That's to say, no one should engage in any type of activity thinking, "This star will help me or this star will thwart my progress." Baba's below guideline can be taken in a very broad scope. This directive applies to all kinds of work, plannings, and programs. In no case should we consult the stars. These stars have no role in controlling our future.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga social scripture states, “You shall not take into account the dates and stars while setting out on a journey. You may, as necessary, set out for your destination after ascribing Brahma-hood to your journey through guru mantra. If you are to consult the dates and stars at every step, you are to carry an almanac with you all the time – something which is truly contrary to nature.” (1)

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Shyam

The above account was told by Family Acarya Kamalakant. He was the one who had heeded his father-in-law’s wishes and arranged his travel plans according to the almanac etc.

Stars do not control you; your original actions control you


Ananda Marga ideology states, "So-called astrologers say that because you were born when the moon and such-and-such star or planet were within the jurisdiction of such-and-such zodiac [sign,] you took birth in this way. No. Because you committed this type of action, you were born within such-and-such structure or such-and-such zodiac [sign]. It is because of [your] actions that you were born on the earth and should suffer like this; not because of the [influences of] the stars. Do you follow? These actions brought you within the structural limits of such-and-such zodiac [sign] and such-and-such planets. So the stars do not [control] you; your original actions control you. And where [the original action] is not known to you, but the result is known to you, the result is experienced by you, you say it is niyati. It is also called adrśt́a in Sanskrit. Adrśt́a means “not-drśt́a, not seen”. Where you feel the reaction, where you witness the reaction, but you cannot see the original action, it is called adrśt́a, that is, unseen. You do not know what the original crime was that you committed, but you are [driven by] the reaction. So you say, “It is my adrśt́a.”" (2)

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, ‘Commencing a Journey’
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, The Causal Matrix


Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



*        *        *

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 ==

You came into my abode

"Uttál sindhu utkrami, tumi ese chile mor ghare..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1077)

Purport: 

Parama Purusa Baba, after crossing the stormy ocean with very high tidal waves, You came into my abode. You have come to my home. As the traveler of the straight path which goes from infinity up to eternity, You never pause due to any fear because You are the controller of everything.

Parama Purusa, that time at my home there was no preparation. I did not have any of the necessary arrangements for Your reception like a grand dais or a garland bouquet etc. So I could not receive You properly according to the standard protocol. I only had an aching heart filled with supreme attraction. When You came my mind was full of longing for You; it was grief-stricken, and my core was soaked with tears of divine love.

Baba, I have done nothing for You, neither sadhana, nor Sixteen Points, nor service. In vain, I wasted my life running after mirages, mundane achievements. My life was diverted towards useless pursuits. But You forgave me. And now in the new dawn with a loving heart and a loud trumpet sound, You came to me and by holding my hand, You showed me the direction and path of sadhana and bhakti. I have not done anything for You, but You have done everything for me. Baba, You are grace personified.

Baba, You are ever-gracious...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Way to build society

Prout philosophy says, “The method of utilization should vary in accordance with the changes in time, space and person, and the utilization should be of a progressive nature. Take a particular example. Suppose a physically strong person serves the society as a rickshaw puller or a market porter. As the rickshaw may become outdated some day, the method of utilizing their physical strength should vary. If a person is intellectually developed but has the same physical strength as others, their intellectual potentiality should be utilized. Thus the process of utilization will not be the same for all people. Better methods of utilization should be continually developed, but the process of utilization should be progressive in nature.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section: Prout ==

Unholy alliance between religious leader & rich to exploit public

Prout philosophy states, “In ancient times powerful rájas and mahárájas used to perform yajiṋas or sacrifices to declare that they were heroes, but this was also a form of exploitation. They erected many temples to hide their ill-deeds, not out of devotional spirit. There was an unholy alliance between physical exploiters and intellectual exploiters. Intellectuals have praised these rájas and mahárájas in all ages. Another form of exploitation is the priesthood. Capitalism will never go against the priesthood nor will priests go against capitalism. In order to create inferiority complexes in the minds of the people, intellectuals have composed many stories and myths. These stories are illogical and concocted to exploit the sentiments of the common mass. One glaring instance is the following verse composed by satanic opportunists.”

Bráhmańásya mukhamásiit váhurájano’bhavat
Madhya tadasya yad vaeshyahpadbhyaḿ shudrojáyata.

“Brahmins came out of the mouth, Kśatriyas were born out of the arms,
Vaeshyas came out of the trunk of the body, and Shúdras were born out of the legs.”

“In the capitalist structure, industry or production is governed by the profit motive, but in the Proutistic structure production will be governed by the motive of consumption.” (1)

Reference
1. Talks on Prout

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