Baba
Live & let live
Namaskar,
In Ananda Marga, murder is looked upon as a most dastardly deed; it is sinful. Under no conditions are we to murder anyone, especially not an innocent, defenseless babe. We should never knowingly terminate the life of any living being. That is a violation of ahimsa, i.e. to not inflict harm upon others.
As all Ananda Margiis know, ahimsa is part of yama and niyama; and, “without yama and niyama sadhana is an impossibility.” That is the guideline from the Supreme Command. All should be vigilant to adhere to the points of yama and niyama, including that of ahimsa. We must not harass, harm, or kill other beings. We are to adopt the theorem, “Live and let live.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The courts or prevailing governing bodies cannot override this. Regardless of what the laws may say, to knowingly and intentionally destroy the life of a living being is nothing short of murder - and therefore a sin.
Killing aged & diseased
If an abortion is performed, then the parents and doctors accumulate the very negative samskara of having killed that unborn babe, and they will have to undergo the harmful consequences. Not only that, if it is deemed OK to abort unhealthy children in the womb, the day will soon come when unhealthy people outside the womb will also be put to their end. People will think that diseased and maimed people should be destroyed as they are a liability. And not only the diseased and the maimed, but the elderly and the disabled will be prematurely eliminated as well. Verily, all thought of as compromised in any way will be put to death. Such is the mentality behind aborting developmentally disabled unborn babes.
Whenever a person's existential value is thought to be compromised or deficient, they too will be eliminated: The elderly, disabled war vets, those who suffered car accidents, and those with degenerative diseases etc. So putting the logic in motion to abort a disabled unborn child is a slippery slope. It puts in place the factor that anyone thought of as a liability in any way can simply be "put down", i.e. disposed of, or killed by injection etc.
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Conclusion
With the further advancement and proper use of science, birth defects can be wholly eliminated. And, verily, Baba points to this outcome in His many teachings. So great efforts should be made to ensure every baby conceived and born on this earth is healthy in all respects: physically, psychically, and spiritually. This is not an impossibility in our present age and coming times.
This entire notion of abortion is the wrong way to look upon human life. We are to help the weak and suffering, and, at the same time, take strong steps to create a vibrant more perfect humanity by adhering to Baba's dharmic guidelines.
In Him,
Rtambhara’
~ In-depth study ~
No matter what the doctors may say, no matter what the social workers may say, no matter what the judges in the court may say, each and every abortion is a violation of cardinal human values. To abort a baby is to commit a sin.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the religious code, it is termed as 'sin'. If the violation is against the legal code it is known as 'crime'." (1)
Baba's teaching: how conception occurs
Here below Baba describes in detail how life is formed in the womb.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If the sperms of the male and the ova of the female get together, they constitute one physical structure. When the physical structure commences formation, there is no question of extra seminal fluid or seminal wastage, and that is why in the stage of pregnancy there is no menstruation. All the seminal fluid is utilized in forming the body of the embryo..."
"Since the physical structure starts from spermatozoa, which has a positive motion and, therefore, a wavelength, the physical structure thus formed must have a wavelength accordingly. We have already seen that the dissociated mind also has a wavelength (in a potential form) and a momentum which has to be expressed. The dissociated mind needs physical parallelism for proper expression, and therefore the Cosmic mutative force causes the dissociated mind from eternal space to enter the adjustable physical structure, assuming a form in the mother’s womb."
"This is how life comes into physical creation." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "That mind moving in the universe with the mutative power of the Cosmic Operative Principle is not visible, and at the same time, for want of a nucleus, a seat for the mind, and nerve cells, the mind cannot function properly. For proper functioning it requires ectoplasmic stuff, a body of ectoplasm. So even for ectoplasmic expression it requires a new body. In proper time, due to the mixture of ova and spermatozoa, what happens? The mind becomes associated with a new structure [embryo], and the original minds and lives of both the ova and the spermatozoa cease to exist. But those ova and spermatozoa are selected to suit the purpose of this detached mind with its reactive momenta." (3)
Life starts with conception
Ananda Marga ideology states, "When an old man dies and a new babe takes a place and sits in a mother’s womb, we cannot find the link. And that’s why we say, “That old man has died.” This is also an ordinary change. Do you follow?" (4)
This quote indirectly affirms that life starts with conception. In one place, an old man dies, and in another place the old man comes back in the form of a living, breathing fetus. People cannot form a link or fathom that the same old man is now alive in the form of a fetus. The conclusion is that life starts at the time of conception - and grows from there.
Everyone holds their life dear
Here Baba guides that to be a true sadhaka we must follow the codes of yama and niyama including ahimsa and respect the rights of all living beings - even those of the unborn child. Everyone wants to survive and live their life; no one should put an end to this inherent desire by aborting unborn babies.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Have mercy on all living beings."
Práńáh yathátmano’bhiiśt́áh bhútánám api te tathá;
Atmaopamyena bhútánám dayáḿ kurvanti sádhavah.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows mercy on other creatures is really a sa'dhu, or virtuous person." (5)
Should not destroy your future
Ananda Margiis should not destroy their future by involving in the heinous and deplorable act of abortion. Because, regardless of who you are, whether a doctor, an expecting mother, or the biological father, in all cases to choose the dark ways of abortion is to invite a serious black cloud in the future.
Beware: Every action begets a reaction. Harming and killing an unborn babe is the equivalent of murder (unpardonable sin), and one will have to undergo that very negative samskara. By being aware of Baba's guideline on abortion, we can save ourselves from such heinous reactions in the future.
So all should be aware - make the right choices in life - and stay clear from abortion. By that way one can ensure that their future remains bright. That is the policy of Ananda Marga. To go against it by aborting babies is to invite all kinds of problems and suffering.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Setting legislation for the abortion of deformed or developmentally disabled babes in the womb is by no means ideal, rather harmful.
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Three Causes of Sin
2. Idea & Ideology: Life, Death, & Samskara
3. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 33, Brahmacakra
5. Yoga Psychology, 'Instinct & Devotion'
* * *
The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.
* * *
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
No difference between You & I
"Shrit́i dhárá dháy tomári karuńáy, liilá racanáy tumi advitiiya..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3600)
Purport:
My Parama Purusa, this flow of creation is moving ahead by Your endless karuńá. Because of You, everything is formed, nourished, and withdrawn back to its origin. This entire cycle of brahmacakra is nothing but Your causeless grace on everyone. In the generation of Your cosmic liila, You Yourself are unparalleled; You have no comparison. You are Alaks'yaca'rii, Cittaviharii, Sarvadukhaha’rii, my adored One.
Supreme Entity, there are many similarities between us - between You and I - even though I am 'unit' and You are 'Cosmic'. In Your vibration with the most charming aroma of candan permeating all around, and with Your beautiful Presence, my atoms and molecule, my entire being has started dancing in bliss.
Baba, You are so gracious, we are so close; there is no difference between You and I. My existence is depending solely on You. Because You are, that is why I am. My Infinite Entity, if You would not have been, then I would have floated away somewhere into the vast oblivion.
Baba, You are the nucleus of this vast cosmological order. Because of You, everything is existing and flowing around You in bliss. You have no equal...
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #3600:
[1] Alaks'yaca'rii: This is one of the names of Parama Purusa and refers to His attribution as the Entity who always moves invisibly - secretly - around the entire universe. The following explains why He moves around secretly:
Ananda Marga ideology says, "He [Parama Purusa] can never be fully discovered; He has concealed most of Himself. If He were to express Himself fully, He would face many difficulties in carrying out His work and thus the collective interest of humanity would suffer. In the interest of human society, He will have to keep Himself secret." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, p. 30)
[2] Cittaviha’rii: This denotes one of the beautiful attributes of Parama Purusa whereby He lives in each and every unit mind, ensconced in His eternal bliss. In this divine & playful stance of His, Parama Purusa is called: Cittabiharii.
[3] Sarvduhkhaha’rii: This name of Parama Purusa represents His great compassion wherein He takes away & removes all the sufferings and pains from each and every being of this entire creation. In that role, His presence serves as a balm of bliss. That is why Parama Purusa is often called: Sarvadukhaharii, (Sarva= all; dukha= sorrow; Harii= He who takes).
[4] Candan: sandalwood.
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
The Supreme Command states, "...Every Ananda Margii will have to perform sadhana twice a day invariably; verily is this the command of the Lord..." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Dharma is the assemblage of all your conduct” – the way you eat, the way you speak, the way you perform sa'dhana'. If your conduct is good, dharma is with you; if your conduct is not good, dharma is not with you. And if dharma is not with you, what comes about is your sarvana'sha, or sarva'tmaka vina'sha – that is, your physical, mental, and spiritual ruin....Conduct is the principal factor in dharma.” Be a sadácárii, a person of good conduct, and you will surely attain Paramátman." (2)
Note: If one donates 2% of their income to Ananda Marga service projects then it does not mean that they are therefore an Ananda Margii. Donating money or paying tithes also does not make one an Ananda Margii. To be a dharmika (an Ananda Margii), one’s lifestyle should be wholly consistent with the ideals of Ananda Marga, i.e. bhagavad dharma. Those who give money and live a different sort of life can be thought of as sympathizers, but not as dharmikas, i.e. as Ananda Margiis.
Greatest donor
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The most important point to consider is who has utilized his or her ability and to what extent. Hanuman [the mighty monkey, a bhakta of Rama in the mythological epic the Rámáyańa] fetched huge boulders to build a bridge across the sea, while the squirrels collected small pebbles. Yet intrinsically both these actions have the same value. We have no right to question anybody's sincerity, nor can we scoff at it. We cannot give more appreciation to those who have not utilized their potentialities properly but have done more work than to those who have fully utilized their talents." (3)
References
1. The Supreme Command
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Niiti and Dharma
3. Human Society - part 1, Social Justice
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Careful: these greens are tamasik
Here Baba guides us that the red, leafy puin shak (vegetable) is "bad for the mind" and hence tamasik.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Some of you have possibly seen that there is a creeping leafy vegetable plant called puiṋ shák [Indian spinach] … slightly wild, and its leaves are small and blackish. This kind of puiṋ is called buno puiṋ [wild variety]. Although its nutritional value is as good as that of any other puiṋ, it is not good for patients suffering from acidity. Although all kinds of puiṋ have more or less the same qualities, it is the white puiṋ or puiṋ with light green large leaves that is relatively easy to digest. The wild puiṋ is bad for acidity, as the red puiṋ is bad for the mind." (1)
This red, leafy vegetable (puin shake) is found throughout Asia and is sold around the globe in Asian vegetable markets. However, as Ananda Margiis, we should not ingest puiṋ shak as it is tamasik.
Why tamasik
The key point to keep in mind is that it grew out of rotten matter. So, although many communities treat this as a good leafy vegetable, but, for Ananda Margiis, red puiṋ shak is tamasik and should therefore be strictly avoided. This is commonly missed because sadhakas think that every leafy vegetable is sentient, but that is not true. Red puin shak is one such example of a tamasik leafy green.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static. Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter. In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose a physician says, “As a human, you require animal protein for your health;” but suppose dharma says, “No, a human should not take carnal food;” then in that case you will have to follow dharma and not the physician, because the order of dharma is above all other orders. Dharma is the highest Lord, the highest authority." (3)
Spelling
It should also be noted that in our Ananda Marga books, it is spelled two different ways:
(1) Puiṋ
(2) Puni
The first spelling is correct, i.e. puiṋ, and that is the way it is spelled in the above quote. The second listing - i.e. puni - is not correct. That is not the proper spelling, yet it is written that way in some of our publications. See the below quote as an example.
Here in the below photo both varieties are shown. The red is tamasika and the green is sentient.
References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Disc: 24, pt #33
2. Ananda Marga Philosophy In A Nutshell: Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
== Section: Comment ==
Re: How occult powers are harmful
BABA
Namaskar, Surjit,
This applies not just to what we think of occult powers, but all gifts of sadhana. Sadhana can give great energy, ideas, a lot of power in all sorts of ways. Westerners, particularly, with a materialistic mind, think,"Oh, I will do this. I will learn to meditate. Then it will give me xyz." The bhakta looks at this another way. All the gifts of sadhana are colors of the mind to return back to Paramaparusha. One does not meditate to get anything. Rather, the bhakta does sadhana only to give. It is service to Him.
Freedom from the noose of all powers comes when we recognize that all our actions are for Him and done by Him, this, through our love as devotees. Ego wants powers. Crush the ego and give back to God all the powers.
in Him,
Bhaskar
== Section 4: Links ==
Other topics of interest
