Baba
Sadhana focus & results
Namaskar,
This letter focuses on the practice of sadhana and our dhyana practice; various guidelines for dhyana are outlined below.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "The man who is intelligent should from his very childhood move along this path of psycho-spirituality. The sooner a man starts or moves along this path of psycho-spirituality, the better it is. He is the blessed one." (1)
Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy states: "With the practice of dhyana, the mind and the whole existence becomes one-pointed and ultimately becomes one with intuition. That is, the mind becomes completely pin-pointed and the entire personality becomes one. No longer will that jiiva have a balkanised personality." (2)
Sadhana: courage & memory power increases
For sadhakas, the practice of sadhana is a very significant event in their life. In day to day existence, sadhana is a mainstay. The following is directly related with our practice of sadhana-- what to do and what not to do etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You boys and you girls who have not yet learned dhyana yoga should learn as soon as possible from the acaryas. Because dhyana yoga contains many qualities. With the practice of dhyana yoga you can become one with Parama Purusa."
"With the practice of dhyana the memory power of a sadhaka increases, his courage also increases...if all the propensities of the human being become concentrated on one point and merge into the I-feeling, then that very human becomes a devata (god) in human form. This is not an impossible task. This is easily achieved with the practice of dhyana yoga." (2)
Confusion "I just do 10 minutes of dhyana"
In the past I have heard people say, "I do not have time for doing different lessons so I just do 10 minutes of dhyana. Because dhyana is the top most lesson. That is the best one. So I only do that lesson with what little time I have."
But we should all be aware that in our Ananda Marga system of meditation graciously given by Sadguru Baba, each and every lesson of sadhana has its own value and significance. In order to do proper dhyana and progress spiritually, it is necessary to strengthen the lower cakras.
On this point all sadhakas should be aware of Baba's following direction.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "In order to advance spiritually, one has to first establish control over these lower cakras, then finally over the sahasra'ra cakra." (3)
Wrong way to do
What will happen if someone only practices 6th lesson, dhyana, and neglects doing the other lessons of sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Here we have to remember the various lessons of Ananda Marga sadhana are important building blocks for doing 6th lesson. So if those lessons are neglected then the corresponding cakras remain dirty in which case dhyana will be adversely affected. The point is that if the lower cakras are not properly controlled then dhyana [on sahasra'ra cakra] will be disturbed.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "If one, conversely, tries to control the sahasra'ra first while the other cakras remain uncontrolled, spiritual practice on the sahasra'ra may be hampered." (4)
Meditation must be in motionless
It is important not to underestimate the importance of strengthening the lower cakras by sincerely practicing all the lessons of Ananda Marga sadhana. Because even if one can manage dhyana or 6th lesson and bring the mind to the sahasrara cakra, still if the lower cakras are not properly controlled the outcome will not be desirable.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Not only that, even if the sahasra'ra cakra can be brought under control, the final result will not be good if the subsidiary cakras are not brought under control." (5)
In the very same discourse Baba discusses the deep link between body and mind - and that it is essential to keep the body tranquil and still during meditation as that enables us to focus mind to a greater degree.
Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy states, "If the body is restless, the mind will also be restless. That is why during spiritual practice, the body should be kept motionless. One must practise seated in a certain posture, because if the body becomes calm and motionless the mind also tends to become calm and concentrated." (6)
Relation between body & mind
In our Ananda Marga system, sadhakas are taught to do sadhana in postures like padmasana or siddhasana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology states, "If someone is constantly thinking that he will have to sit down at a certain time, stand up at a certain time, catch hold of one's nose or ears at a certain time, the mind will automatically tend to become restless. Such is the intimate relation between the body and the mind." (7)
In such types of ritualistic prayers when the body is moving hither and thither, then the mind also gets restless. So altogether the idea is that the body should be motionless while doing sadhana. And in that condition naturally sadhana will be better. Also bear in mind that there should not be any confusion about our movement in kiirtan. Kiirtan is not sadhana it is sadhanaunga - a helping tool of sadhana. That is why after doing kiirtan we always sit for meditation.
Head hit squarely on the back
During sadhana some margiis keep their cats or dogs or their pets on their lap when sitting for sadhana. But that should not be treated as real sadhana, but rather as a show of sadhana. I also know of one margii who was even keeping his two little monkeys on both his legs during meditation. But as I say this is not proper.
In various units during dharmacakra when sadhana starts some margiis start yawning and some in half sleep start waving back and forth. And others are hunched over and then they straighten their backs and then again they become hunched over. But all these types of movements are not good.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
There was one incident in dharmacakra when all of a sudden the front side of one Dada's head hit another Dada squarely on the back. Then the Dada whose head hit the other dada woke up and again he sat up straightened and made his back straight.
Conclusion
Baba guides us that human life is for sadhana. So keen attention should be paid to follow all the lessons and guidelines of spiritual life. Failing that one may fall into poor habits and lose their sadhana flow, without even realising it. That is why it is important to routinely review Baba’s teachings and do self-analysis to ensure one is adhering to the path and following Sixteen Points. Then one may experience proper dhyana, by His grace, and reach the Goal.
At His lotus feet,
in Him,
Nirlipt
~ In-depth study ~
As we all know, sadhana is very important. And in the following teachings Baba is giving tremendous emphasis and value to sadhana, our spiritual practice'.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "When you come in close contact with the Supreme Entity, you will find that you have no wealth superior to devotion. All worldly possessions will prove of no avail. Only devotion enables you to come into close contact with Him. This is the goal of human life. This is true progress. You have been wandering through the labyrinth of a myriad of lives. You have been ever advancing toward this stage. Knowingly or unknowingly, you are being drawn unto Him. This is the summum bonum of life. As long as you have not realized Him, there is no siddhi in your life." (8)
Ananda Marga ideology states,"Those human beings who do not perform spiritual practice are under the influence Prakrti...I have said before that there can be no progress either in the realm of physicality or in the realm of intellectuality. Those who are hankering for progress in these fields are indulging in a self-cheating business. Whether they admit it or not, they know that they know nothing. Ask them whether they are getting pleasure in the realm of physicality. They will admit that they are not. Ask a good business man whether he is earning good profits. His reply will be, 'What profit? I am incurring losses'. This will be his reply whether you belong to Income Tax Department or not! To run after progress in the realm of physicality and intellectuality is utter foolishness, a waste of time, as there is no progress in these fields." (9)
Foolish decision: leave sadhana for old age
Here in this next series of quotes Baba guides us that we are to do sadhana in the prime of our life.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Some people consider that one should start intuitional practice in old age when a person has more leisure." (10)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Whoever is born is bound to die and one is constantly approaching death, not knowing when it will come. It is never certain if one will live to grow old. Yet people reserve the most important work of practising sa'dhana' for the time when the body has become completely enfeebled and the fatuous mind of old age." (11)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There is no value in remembering God in old age, when it is not possible to concentrate the mind due to the weakness and disease of the body and its preoccupation with the reactions (sam'ska'ras) of the deeds of this life. The mind then is caught up in the infirmities of the body, in the diseases of old age, impending death, and most of all, in memories of past incidents, and it is impossible to concentrate the mind. For these reasons one is incapable of intuitional practice." (12)
Reminder
To reiterate, the lower cakras are building blocks and for practicing dhyana in the crown cakra. Proper attention has to be paid to those lessons that strengthen the lower cakras.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "If one, conversely, tries to control the sahasra'ra first while the other cakras remain uncontrolled, spiritual practice on the sahasra'ra may be hampered." (13)
In our Ananda Marga system, sadhakas are taught to do sadhana in postures like padmasana or siddhasana. This very science is not known to common people. That is why in their rituals they move about: Sometimes standing, then kneeling, then sitting, then placing their hands on their head etc. On other occasions they talk the entire time so their jaw and tongue are moving, and other times they move up and down and all around. But all these movements are distracting to the mind. For more about those religions that move about when they pray and workshop, read more about them here.
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 34, Beyond Temporary Experience
2. 26 July 1980, Udaipur
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, 14 Jan 1980
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17: 14 Jan 1980
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
8. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Mantra Caetanya
9. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Mantra Caetanya
10. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
11. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
12. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
13. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17: 14 Jan 1980
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section: Important Teaching ==
AM marriages: do not display Baba’s photo
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The pratiika [emblem of Ananda Marga] should be placed in an elevated place in the marriage hall." (1)
In His above teaching, Baba gives clear reference that the pratiika should hold a prominent place in the hall during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. At the same time, there is no mention in Caryacarya of having Guru's photo on display.
The reason is that some non-margiis may be attending the marriage and Baba's photo should not be displayed in front of those who do not have utmost reverence for Him. That is why we should strictly follow Caryacarya and not put His photo on display during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. Whereas, with the pratiika, non-margiis will positively accept it as a tantrika symbol and will have respect for it - just as every religion and organisation has their own symbol. So even if non-margiis do not know the full significance of the pratiika, they will accept it at face value and not degrade it. But that is not the case with the photo.
To preserve the sanctity of the photo, at our Ananda Marga marriage ceremony we must not put Guru's pratikrti [photo] on display. On this matter, we must strictly abide by the dictates of Caryacarya, and not show the photo.
Reference
1. Caryacarya - Part I, Marriage Ceremony
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Shame on such types of artists
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Here it must be noted that artists must seek to exhibit to people the simple form of truth, sweetened with the sweetness of their hearts. But it is a matter of great regret that a class of modern artists, in the realms of poetry, novels, cinema, drama, etc., employ all their artistic talents for the sole purpose of kindling people’s crude sensuality, instead of portraying human propensities with the idealistic outlook of a true artist – what to speak of portraying their subtle human feelings. Without supporting conservatism, I would say that this class of artists is truly a blot on society." (1)
Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved -1, The Practice of Art & Literature
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The path of the vipras [cunning intellectuals] is crooked and so is the path of the vaeshyas [greedy capitalists]. The difference between them is that since the vaeshyas' crooked intellect has no trace of spiritual consciousness, it often proves to be suicidal."
"A dreadful calamity will befall society if those who have intellectual capacity squander it by running after mundane pleasures instead of utilizing it to realize spiritual bliss – if they utilize all their intellect to fatten themselves by sucking the vital juice of others. So there can be no social welfare until this type of mentality is eradicated or rendered ineffectual through circumstantial pressure. No political leader or governmental or social system can build a welfare state, a socialistic state or an ideal society if they neglect this fundamental disease. If those who go around looking for opportunities to enlarge their stomachs by sucking the vital force of others continue to control society or the nation through their own group of sinners, what can one expect to see in such a society except a horrid picture of hell!" (1)
Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vaeshya Age
== Section: Hindi Quote ==
अगर किसी को गाली दिया
“प्राचीन भारत में नियम था कि कोई अगर किसी को गाली दिया, निन्दा किया, अपभाषा का व्यवहार किया, तो जिनके प्रति किया गया, वे तो अपभाषा का व्यवहार नहीं करेंगे | वे उस वक्त कहते थे---"शिव, शिव, शिव |” माने, “तुम्हारा कल्याण हो, कल्याण हो, कल्याण हो | तुम्हारे मुँह से अपभाषा नहीं निकले |"
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] (1)
Reference
1. नृसिंहतत्त्व रुद्रतत्त्व और शिवतत्त्व, S25, DMC, 1 August, 1967, Raipur
== Section: Prout ==
Three reasons for dowry
Prout philosophy states, "Another glaring instance of social injustice is the custom of dowry. This is a real disgrace in a civilized society. If we go deeply into the reasons for such an injustice it will be clear that there are two main reasons behind it."
"First, dowry occurs where males and females earn disproportionate incomes. The Náyyár and Izave communities of Kerala follow the matrilineal order and hence no dowry is claimed by the males. The Khasia community of Assam follow a similar system. In Burma, though the patrilineal order is in vogue, women are economically independent so they get a dowry."
"Secondly, dowry occurs where there is a disproportionate number of males and females. If the number of males is more, females get dowry and vice-versa. In Punjab, the number of males is more than the number of females so the females get a dowry. The situation is similar for Muslims. The false vanity of the aristocracy also causes dowry. Aristocratic people think, “Our family is a high class family, hence we should get a dowry.” In a Proutistic structure there will be no scope for dowry." (1)
Reference
1. Talks on Prout
== Section 3: Links ==
Other topics of interest
