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Friday, May 30, 2025

Balance needed: east & west + 4 more

Baba
Balance needed: east & west

Namaskar,

Both 'the East' and 'the West' have their own special strengths and strong points. That is why Baba guides us that the inherent attitudes of both the east and west should be utilised. Unfortunately, nowadays, in the height of this vaeshyan era, a lopsided effect is going on. Money and material wealth have become king and the west is more “wealthy” so the general feeling around the globe is that 'everything of the west is great'. This is the common misperception.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Everyone is aware that so-called third world countries do not have the material wealth of the west. Many of these eastern nations suffer from economic hardships or are just beginning to get the taste of materialism. In that case, seeing the display of the west, innumerable youths have become attracted and infatuated by everything in the west. They think that the west has what they need. So they blindly accept each and every aspect of western life as top notch. Those unsuspecting youths are willing to do and die to become western. Sadly it becomes the goal of their life as they use all their energy to emulate every sphere of life in the west.


East rushes to grab the trash of the west

Tragically, in the east, many youths and adults have begun filling their lives with western habits and conventions. And the ones they are unable to grab they dream about endlessly. And in that desperate state they soak up whatever they can, which is primarily all the degrading ways of the west.

Aside from material wealth, the materialistic west is full of poor living habits and pseudo-culture. Even then, those eastern youths are rampantly mad for anything western, and they copy all the points: fast food, coca-cola drinks, superficial living style, girlfriend & boyfriend relations, crude love marriages, pre-marital relations, 'night on the town', 'loose dress', less respect for one's parents and elders, western Hollywood movies, open sex-- all of it. These impressionable youths of the east think all these things of the west are the best. Because material wealth is given the highest standing.

So our east is 100% attracted to the west and they are ready to accept each and every thing that is western. Yet the west hardly has anything to offer other than material wealth. And that "material wealth" is usually used in such a way that leads to psychic degeneration. This is the ongoing tragedy nowadays.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Negative outcomes of western lifestyle

So, unfortunately, what most of the people of the east do not realise is that all these things which they are copying have created huge problems in the west. The large majority of the western population is suffering from depression and countless other psychic diseases. Plus the divorce rate is extremely high and sexually contracted diseases are rampant.

Children are suffering from attention deficit syndrome and various other learning and behavioral problems. Countless citizens are taking harmful medicines on a daily basis to offset their debased living habits. And physical health problems like obesity, cancer and heart disease are commonplace.

These are the hazardous and proven results in the west. And unbeknownst to them the eastern youths are running in this same tragic direction. So our young brothers and sisters in the east should be made aware and not blindly follow those things of the west. And it is an achievable result yet due to their inferiority complex - on the point of finances - it is difficult for people in the east to see the immense drawbacks of modern western living.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here it should also be said that the general western society does carry some good qualities. In the west, most of the population is 'hard-working', and there is scientific development as well. And there are other positive tendencies. But in the east, the people are not copying these few positive points. Instead, they are primarily running blindly after all the pseudo-culture, mass media, and diseased ways of western living. So the negative things they are copying but the good things they do not follow. This is the common way things are taking shape.


West rushes to grab dogma of east

At the same time - although to a much lesser degree - the west is also copying our east. But instead of getting that pure and blessed approach of spiritual life, most westerners are falling into various religious dogmas of our east or just emulating cheap spiritual life. Fake yoga is popular these days in our west. But on the whole many western youths and adults just superficially pick and choose which eastern habits they want to incorporate into their western luxurious lifestyle. They are not blindly running after everything of our east.

But in either direction, the result is similar. Both east and west are chasing after each others' negative points, and missing what good things the other has to offer. This is the chief tragedy that is befalling our eastern and western societies. And the ironic thing is that each is thinking that by copying those negative things they are becoming 'progressive'.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Our eastern youths are wearing jeans, smoking cigarettes, eating McDonalds, and having girlfriends etc. So they see themselves as being modern and progressive. And in our west, people are grabbing their yoga mats and paying high prices to go on dogmatic tiirthas and ritualistic religious trips in search of enlightenment. And by that way they also are seeing themselves as 'progressive'.

So both sides are thinking that they are doing something great. When in fact they are basically missing the boat. And seeing the scene now, it is our eastern brothers and sisters who will suffer more from all this. Since they are more rapidly soaking up the poisons of the west.


Proutistic approach: best of both west & east

Baba's teaching is that there should be proper synthesis of east and west - each borrowing or adopting the other's good points. And that means to incorporate each other’s attitudes-- not to blindly accept and copy each others' dogmas and crude life practices. We should emulate the hard working style and reduce the laziness in the physical realm as in the west. But instead people are just copying the crude art, cinema, and all the pseudo-culture.

Likewise we should adopt the introversive science of the east, but instead people are just following crude dogmas like Hare Krishna type of movements etc. So the entire approach needs to be straightened out. Here Baba warns us that ultimately we should neither rely too heavily on the eastern approach nor too much on the western approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy says, "The East, throughout its development, has maintained a subjective approach, whereas western countries put great stress on objective development. Too much emphasis on either one of these approaches is not conducive to the all-round growth of the society." (1)

By this we can understand that the attitude of the west is toward materialistic development (objective) and the attitude of the east aims at spiritual development (subjective). So this should be synthesized and then a good outcome will result. 


Conclusion

Historical backdrop of subjective approach & objective adjustment

To truly understand the meaning of subjective approach and objective adjustment, one has to know the historical context. India was a land dominated by the teachings of Shankaracarya and his teachings of mayavada, or illusion theory. Shankaracarya preached that one should renounce this world and run off to the Himalayas and focus only on the Supreme. This proved to be disastrous for both the individual and the society. And the offshoot of this in the west was the hippy lifestyle that preached the slogan “Turn on [to drugs], tune in, drop out [of society]”. This too had a grossly harmful effect. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba’s special guideline of subjective approach through objective adjustment is based on rationality and gives the aspirant a proper way to advance on the path of spirituality, while still maintaining their worldly existence. The central idea is that one should make their life in such a way that their speed towards Parama Purusa is not hindered. That means the sadhaka has to continually mold and adjust their worldly existence to create a congenial environment for spiritual life. So the adjustment has to occur in the mundane sphere. 

For instance, suppose you are sitting next to someone who is smoking a cigarette. Then the answer is not to leave this world and go into the jungle. Rather, one should (a) stay in their locale, (b) arrange their food, living place, and job, and (c) proactively create an atmosphere for leading a dharmic life based on Sixteen Points sadhana etc. That means adjust the material world to your spiritual approach, and not run away. By this practical method, life becomes a perpetual endeavour to create a situation favourable for reaching towards Parama Purusa. That is what is meant by subjective approach through objective adjustment.

Namaskar,
In Him, 
Cinmay
Christopher Taylor

~ In-depth study ~

Subjective approach & upavasa

Baba says, "On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upavasa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one's mundane duties." (3) 

In Baba’s above teaching He gives us two basic pathways. First, He is guiding us that in our daily life there should be a proper balance between our worldly duties and spiritual life, i.e. subjective approach through objective adjustment. And second, on days of upavasa, Baba’s directive is that one should primarily focus on sadhana, i.e. subjective approach. There is no third approach. That means there are no days where we exclusively focus on worldly dealings, i.e. objective approach. So Baba’s above teaching wholly refutes the notion that one should “adjust” with the mundane world by compromising on one’s spiritual values. There is no scope to ever give up the subjective approach - i.e. God-centered outlook. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Our way in Ananda Marga

Sadguru Baba says, "Ananda Marga is a revolution. It is not only a spiritual revolution but also an economic, social and mental revolution. The economic system, the social structure, the trend of thinking, and the spiritual practices prescribed in our Ananda Marga are not only new but something quite different from the established ideas and practices in these spheres of life." (4)

Here Baba talks more about the differences and synthesis needed between east and west:

 Prout philosophy states, "The West is completely obsessed with physical development. It has made spectacular progress in the fields of politics, economics, science, warfare, etc. In fact, it has made so much material progress that it seems to be the sovereign master of the water, land and air. But for all that, it is not socially content and miserably lacks spiritual wealth. Unlike the East, in the West plenty of wealth has created a crisis. Therefore, it is abundantly clear that no country can progress harmoniously with only one-sided development."
 "Therefore, it behooves both the East and the West to accept a synthetic ideology that stands for a happy synthesis between the two. Here, the East can help the west spiritually, whereas the materialistic West can extend its material help to the East. Both will be mutually benefited if they accept this golden policy of give and take." (5)

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Talks on Education – Excerpt C
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Talks on Education – Excerpt C
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Upavása
4. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Ananda Marga: A Revolution
5. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Talks on Education – Excerpt C


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Applying forgiveness

This following teaching has two main parts:
(a) If someone harms you in personal life and their behaviour is rectified and they feel repentant then you should forgive them - highlighted in green.
(b) If some wrongdoer harms the society then you should force them to rectify themselves - highlighted in yellow.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “The faults of others should be excused as far as possible. If you find that the conduct of an individual is antisocial, you should try to reform his or her nature by resorting to whatever severe measures may be necessary. Remember, he or she is not your enemy, but his / her conduct is the enemy of your society.” (1)

Note: In His various teachings, Baba says that it is bad to prematurely forgive someone, i.e. if the wrongdoer’s conduct has not changed. However, if the person is repentant and they have truly transformed themselves then, in our personal life, it is incumbent upon us to forgive them. And that forgiveness should be done in the proper spirit. 

In the world, there are two types of forgiveness. One is real and one is pseudo. For instance, suppose there are two teenagers, Rob and John, and they get into an argument. Ultimately, Rob beats John and the police arrest Rob. For this crime, Rob felt repentant, and his personality changed. Seeing this transformation, John said, “I forgive you for beating me.” But if John is just offering forgiveness to ease the hatred and pain in his own mind then that is just pseudo-forgiveness. Forgiveness is not done merely for one’s own comfort and relief. When forgiving anyone, one must have a genuine feeling for the next person’s welfare.

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, point #19


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Start of polo

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The well-known modern game of polo originated in Manipur's Kobe Valley...Originally, only royal princes used to play the horse-riding game of polo. For that a very hard ball was needed. The kind of bamboo that was used used to grow in the eastern portion of Rarh, in slightly salty soil. Still today the best bamboo for making polo balls grows in the Uluberia subdivision of Howrah District and in Midnapore District's Tamluk subdivision." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Discourse 17)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Olden days of agriculture

This is an English summary of the original Bangla discourse - Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (B) ‘80, chapter 11,:
In the primitive age people were not aware how to cultivate the land. Still in present day India there are many tribes who follow those primitive ways. In that pre-historic era they used to burn the forest as a means of preparing the ground for planting. And when those ashes were mixed with the soil then the soil would become more fertile. Afterwards, using pointed stones or some sharp wooden pieces, those primitive people would then scrape the top layer of topsoil and spread the seeds.

After the rains came the seeds would grow and the crops would come. Usually after 3 - 4 years of continuous cultivation, the fertility of the land would decrease. Then those tribes of the prehistoric era would leave that place and go to another part of that forest. And in a similar way they would burn that section of the forest and re-start their process of preparing the land. This type of cultivation is called "jum-cha's'a". When the age of jum-cha's'a finished then the age of the plough came and then people used to cultivate using the plough.

(English summary of Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (Bangla) ‘80, chapter 11, MGD, 30 March 80 Kolkata, History of Yajina - 7, p.126)
Note: Here above Baba is revealing the historical facts about how primitive tribes in the jungles used to live thousands of years ago. It was only after the mountain age that tribes started agricultural cultivation. Actually they were under pressure to do something because they had already killed most of the animal livestock of the jungle. So up to that time they were living in the mountains and hunting for the basic needs. But when there was a shortage of animals to eat, they came down to the plains area and started cultivating the land in the aforesaid manner. In that early era, they could not even invent a single simple tool. That is why they were scratching the land with sticks and pointed stones. Those days people also were moving naked and living in the trees making nest-type of houses. Animal skins were only used as the clothes in the winter season.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Herbal health remedies

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Antidotes of poison - green turmeric, spinach leaves, basil...mainly black basil and secondly white basil or any kinds of basil." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "If some negative effect is going on due to food poisoning or because of eating poisonous fish, then without any delay a sufficient quantity of spinach leaves should be eaten and by that way the poison will be antidoted."  (2)

Note: These above quotes are excepts from a particular discourse in Shabda Cayanika.

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 20 Bangla, disc 156
2. Shabda Cayanika - 20


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read
Surrender for show
Chooses not to do
Baba’s mandate for initiations 
 How Mr. M.K. Gandhi harmed India + Asanas: so many benefits
“Early bird” fallacy + Prout: preventing ecological disasters
When money is tight - what to do


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Thursday, May 29, 2025

Lasting service + 3 more

Baba
Lasting service

Namaskar, 

Here is an important topic in question and answer format related with life, death, and serving humanity. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


#1: QUESTION: Can a deceased person perform seva (service)?

ANSWER: From a purely literal or structural perspective a person cannot. But a person, while alive, can do service that helps people far into the future, long after their own death.

For instance, suppose a terrorist removed a key section of train track from a bridge and then committed suicide by eating poison. Then an hour later the train came and fell into the river and three thousand people died. In that case the terrorist cannot escape the sin of those deaths just because he died before the accident happened. He will have to undergo the reaction for having caused all those deaths. This shows how people are held accountable for the repercussions of their actions even after their death. 

Similarly, a person can do some great work in their life that has a recurring positive effect on society for generations and generations. The doer gets the benefit in their own life, and even after their death they can get the result. Because by their action people are served long after the death of that person. And of course it is true that after death a person cannot do any new or fresh action to help others. Just they can acquire virtue based on the recurring positive reactions of their original good deed. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is the English summary of Baba’s Hindi discourse,  प्रवृत्ति और निवृत्ति, Pravrtti aor Nivrtti, SS 17-01 प्रवृत्ति और निवृत्ति, DMC 26 Feb 1984 Mehraulii Delhi:

When one no longer has a body, then one cannot do work. Since the body no longer exists, the mind cannot engage in any action or work. When there is a cranium and a brain, then only the mind will work. When there is no physical body after death, then the human mind cannot work. Only the soul remains and surely it can work. The soul surely can do something because it has power, but in a subtle form. (English summary)

So great people perform acts in their lifetimes that serve humanity far, far into the future. That is why Baba guides us to do something that has recurring nature.

Strictly speaking, one cannot do service after they've died, because they cannot do a new act; but, in a poetic way, surely one can continue serving society by doing something that has a lasting, recurring positive effect.
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Direct & indirect virtue 

Baba's following teachings lead us in this way.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Pratyakśa puńya, or direct virtue, is acquired when one performs an action such as feeding the hungry or serving the infirm. Indirect virtue is acquired when one's service has a recurring effect, such as service to the society, planting trees, etc. If banyan trees are planted beside a hot and dusty road they will continue to give shelter to weary travellers for one thousand to two thousand years. Virtue acquired in this way is indirect virtue." (1)


If misdeed had its effect of recurring nature

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The shástra says that the proper atonement for such a mahápátaka is – what? The first thing is that he has got no right to live in society. He must sacrifice his everything for society and serve society from outside. But that is not enough: that is the atonement for an atipátakii. So what should he do? He should invent something new, and that invention should have a recurring nature of effect. Its effect should be of recurring nature. Because his misdeed had its effect of recurring nature, his good deed should also have an effect of recurring nature." (2)


Way to be free from bondage

#2: QUESTION: Since both good and bad actions are binding, what action is not binding?
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

ANSWER: When the goal is to please Parama Purusa then that action is not binding. 

in Him,
Liila’manohar

Mr. A shot his family members in a rage and then committed suicide, while his family members actually survived. They all became paralyzed and bedridden. So the suffering undergone by those surviving family members will be deposited on an ongoing basis in the account of the culprit who committed suicide.


Recurring good effect on society

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The result of mahápátaka is of recurring nature. If a businessman, for instance, discovers a new method of adulteration, he commits mahápátaka. Mixing papaya seeds with the black pepper is bound to deceive purchasers. The discoverer of this new method shows the world a new path in the sphere of adulteration. The effect of this act is bound to be of recurring nature. The atonement for mahápátaka is like atipátaka, that is, this person also should renounce his or her worldly life and should offer himself or herself in the service of mankind. There is, however, a difference. Since this person's act is more serious, this person will have to invent something that will have a recurring good effect on society. The invention of penicillin would be a case in point. There is no other way out for the mahápátakii." (3)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 1
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Sinners and Their Rectification
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Mysticism and Spirituality


*        *        *

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 ==

Serve all

"Tamasár pare áshár áloka, púvákáshe raunga eneche, ár ghumáiyo ná, 
bhulok dyulok mánavatá d́eke caleche...." (Prabhat Samgiita #4699)

Purport:

Now, after the long darkness, there is a ray of hope. The crimson colour is appearing in the eastern horizon, and the auspicious dawn is approaching. O’ human being of the physical and psychic worlds, humanity is calling you. Arise, awaken, do not sleep any longer; leave the rotten dogma and groupism and become a neo-humanist.

In this new era of neo-humanism, no one will remain downtrodden, suffer from a lack of hope, or hang their head in despair. No person will lie in the dust, neglected. All will feel that their life has become meaningful. There will not be any stains of dogma or injustice in society. The hue of the new dawn, the era of peace and freedom, has appeared. The days of cimmerian darkness are fading away.

With fear and panic, let the owls and demons of darkness go away. There is no scope for remaining depressed and hopeless. The most close, the nearest and dearest Entity, Parama Purusa Baba has come. With His divine blessing we have to serve all, marching forward, by His grace….


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Beggar of praise

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Those who work with the motivation that they will attain intellectual victory are slaves to words of praise. They can never become great people. It is bad to be a slave to worldly words of praise. The sounds raised by jackals and those raised in praise of some intellectuals are similar. Hence remaining engrossed in váda, vitańd́á and jalpa will lead to nothing.” (1)

Note: In the life of a sadhaka, neither praise nor censure have any value. Sadhakas should focus on their conduct and adhere to Ananda Marga ideology. Praise and censure are just a distraction. Those hungry for praise cannot do anything great. There are many important works to be done for the society and the welfare of the people, but the public often does not understand the import of those projects. That is why initially they abuse those dharmikas, but one should not be perturbed and continue on disregarding those naysayers.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Devotion and the Realm of Intellectuality


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Grace & samskara

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The reaping of consequences of original actions performed by a human being occurs mainly in the psychic sphere. And if a person attains the blessings of evolved beings and the Cosmic grace in that same psychic sphere, the problem is solved. Pain and misery is bound to come. Depending upon one's inborn sam'ska'ras and the actions performed, tortures and afflictions are bound to be undergone - the expression of one's own samskara [reactive momenta]. Tortures and afflictions will not be as severely painful as before; with the blessing and grace, the psychic afflictions will be removed. Well, when there is pain and the pain is not felt as such, should it then be called pain? In this case, in the psychic sphere, one will remain in a state of bliss. Let the afflictions come. When the affliction and pain are not felt as such, one should not worry about it." (1)

The only way to permanently relieve oneself of any suffering is not to run after worldly allurements but rather get His divine grace. Just a tiny portion of His grace is enough to free the mind of any suffering. Then one will just be in a state of peace - bliss.

    
Sadhaka not feel the suffering

According to Ananda Marga philosophy, nobody can escape the reactions of their past deeds. When the all-benevolent Guru wishes then He showers His grace and the mind becomes elevated. In that state Mr X is not undergoing any suffering; but, others will see Mr X’s plight and think that Mr X is suffering. But because Mr X does not feel any pain then for him there is no suffering of that bad samskara. For bhaktas, they are in bliss by His grace whenever they have to face any bad samskara.

For example, suppose a bhakta and a non-devotee are both facing their own individual samskara and became sick with tuberculosis. Physically both are suffering. But the bhakta is not undergoing any psychic suffering. If one is not in mental agony they may remain in a blissful state. The end result is that although both are suffering from the same disease physically, but only the non-bhakta is suffering psychically. In that case the bhakta’s mind may remain ensconced in bliss.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Physical, Psychic and Spiritual Strata


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Warning: trendy fake yoga

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Suppose, one is a great Yogii but if there is no love for his goal, then those suspended propensities will finally be converted into crude matter. That is, the subtle human existence becomes like iron; it becomes like wood; it becomes like sand. What a deterioration! What a downfall! This particular type of yoga where a yogii does not bear love for the Supreme Entity is called 'Hatha Yoga' in Samskrta. It is dangerous for human elevation." (1)

Note: Nowadays, all around the globe and especially in the west, in the name of teaching yoga certain pseudo-yoga people are becoming entrepreneurs and selling their unholy ways to the public by opening so-called yoga and meditation centres. But in those places, they do not do bhakti yoga; theirs is not a God-centered approach. Rather they teach bogus lessons such as misguided pranayama etc. Sadly, when the goal is not Parama Purusa then that type of fake yoga, meditation, and pranayama ultimately bring terrible degeneration. Neither is the unassuming public aware nor do these culprits realise what dangers they are inviting. It is our duty as far as possible to warn everyone for their welfare.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanartam - 2, Love – the Essential Prerequisite


== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read
Surrender for show
Chooses not to do
Baba’s mandate for initiations 
 How Mr. M.K. Gandhi harmed India + Asanas: so many benefits
“Early bird” fallacy + Prout: preventing ecological disasters
When money is tight - what to do


Labels: ,

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Baba’s guidelines for modern sadhakas + 3 more

Baba
Baba’s guidelines for modern sadhakas

Namaskar,

There were three of us along with Beloved Baba. Baba was teaching us how to manage sadhana and spiritual life while maintaining one's family existence. This was a big issue those days. It was around 10pm on a spring (phalguna) night.

Baba told that in the past yogis were leaving the society and family, and going away from their town and village and living in the Himalayas where they were doing long sadhana and dhyana etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Isolated place under a tree or in a field

Baba was saying that naturally then the general public thinks that sadhana is not possible while maintaining family life and living in the house. And He said that leaving the society and family is not practical. Our Ananda Marga process of sadhana is easy; you can do it anywhere. There is no need to go to the Himalayas.

Baba continued. For instance, it is not so difficult to go out from the house and sit in one lonely place nearby. Doing sadhana in any isolated place under a tree or in a field or in any natural place will be much better than doing meditation in the house. And if it is nighttime, then one need not search any special place - because during the night there are many lonely and dark places.

Only Baba emphasized how the place should surely be a little isolated, clean, and have plenty of fresh air. Being in an open-aired environment allows for more oxygen and that helps greatly with concentration. Stale air inside the house invites drowsiness and causes one to fall asleep in sadhana. So fresh air and oxygen are important elements for doing sadhana outside. And most importantly, whatever spot is selected, it should be away from the house and petty interruptions. These were the key parameters that Baba laid down. Baba concluded by telling that then the quality of sadhana will be improved.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Outside sadhana is far better than inside

After reflecting on this Baba story, I changed my approach. Now whenever I get time I go outside my house to practice my sadhana. I only face difficulty when it is pouring down rain. Otherwise I like to go out.  And I always find that sadhana is far better outside in comparison to practicing sadhana in the house where there are interruptions and disturbances.

Even if my house is quiet, still my mind gets diverted from my sadhana, especially when I open my eyes and look towards my books, files, and personal items. Whereas, in a lonely field outside and away from the house, such obstructions are not there.

Sometimes when I find that going to a more isolated spot is difficult then I just sit behind the house etc. Because just being outside is far better than being inside with all those distractions.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Absorbed in meditation & forget about the time

With each and every step I found that my concentration improved and the devotional flow in sadhana was enhanced, by Baba's grace.

All in all, sadhana was far easier because when the mind is restless then merely sitting in one posture and closing the eyes is difficult whereas when sadhana is good then time passes quickly.

Although doing cemetery sadhana is best, but when it is difficult to go there then I go to any other conducive place outside the house. It might a deserted field, or some small forested area, or some place in a natural surrounding without any human disturbances. All those places are very good.                           

The only problem I face is I tell my family members that I am going out for sadhana for a 1/2 hr or so, but always I come very late. Sometimes 1 hr delay, sometimes two, and sometimes even 3 hrs delay. The reason is that by Baba's grace I become absorbed in my meditation and forget about the time. Then my family members become upset with me being delayed in taking my food. However, now they have gotten habituated and they no longer worry if I am late etc, rather they are also going out for meditation on some occasions.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How to select your spot

Doing sadhana in a conducive environment is very important. Some disturbances that arise in a collective family and / or joint family living environment include: the noise from the television or radio etc, the smells emanating from the kitchen, general talking amongst family members, etc. In that case it is important to leave the house and do sadhana outside.

However, just going anywhere outside will not do. For instance, if you go to a famous or popular local park, then you will encounter all kinds of problems from those visiting there to play games and sports, or have a picnic, or play an instrument etc. In that case, there are a few options. Try going to that same park in the off-hours when it is not so crowded such as in the early morning or in the later part of the evening etc. During lunchtime also it might be quiet. Another option is to seek out a different place that is less known, perhaps just a small patch of trees somewhere etc. It need not be some grand park; any simple location can work. The key factor being that the outdoor location should be an isolated, quiet place. But it needn't necessarily be far from the home. Finding a place locally that is close by is best.
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Once you have selected your spot: (a) spread your tarpaulin or ground cloth, (b) place your sit pad or mat on top of the tarp, (c) get seated in the proper asana,  and (d) begin sadhana.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "It is desirable to practise various lessons of sadhana alone, in a lonely place." (1)


Conclusion

One more aspect I can say is that before I began doing outdoor sadhana, the people in my village mistakenly thought that Ananda Margiis did not do puja at all. They were thinking that way because Ananda Margiis do not participate in idol worship related with different temples, mosques, and church rituals or pujas or ceremonies, i.e. Durga puja, Kali puja, Ganesha Puja, Shiva Puja, Sarasvati Puja, Laksmii puja, Rama Puja, Krsna Puja and hundreds of gods and goddesses related dogmatic rituals, etc. So dogmatic people had the belief that Ananda Margiis don't do anything, and that we may be atheists.
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But when I started doing my sadhana outside the village under some tree, then the negative feelings they held about Ananda Marga vanished because in their own way they thought, "Ananda Margiis are doing something, remembering God."

And in those predominantly materialistic societies where yoga has recently become popular, if people know or see you going to do meditation outside, they may inquire about learning or at the very least come to understand that yoga is not just about twisting the body but includes meditation as well.

So these are a few of the public / social benefits of outdoor meditation.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Prabha’

Reference
1. Guide to Human Conduct, final page


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

You are beyond everything
 
PS Intro: This Prabhat Samgiita is the song of madhura bhava where the bhakta has a most intimate and loving relation with Parama Purusa. 

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the 6th lesson of sahaja yoga meditation can realise this song in the depths of their heart.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "One of the many bhávas is madhura bháva. Madhura bháva is a very exalted bháva, for this bháva fills the mind with sweetness and bliss and leads the aspirant to the closest proximity of the Lord. To a person who is predominantly a devotee of the Lord, everything tastes sweet, there is nothing bitter in the creation of Parama Puruśa. He is attracting you through the ectoplasmic world, binding you through the bonds of love." (1)

"Tomáy ámáy gopan dekhá, hobe priyo maner końe..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2129)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, my Dearmost, our intimate meeting, our sharing of the heart, will happen in the remote corner of my mind. There, I will talk with You and whisper my tender feelings. Nobody will know, see, or understand about this special relation of ours. It is Your ahaetukii krpa’.

Divine One, You will arrive decorated with fragrant flowers in my most exhilarated and overflowing madhuvan in my core. You will come adorned by garlands and graciously take Your seat. In the sweet atmosphere of that illuminating, full moon night, we'll be together in the abode of nectar (madhuvan) of my Guru cakra.

Supreme Entity Baba, whatever little I understand and comprehend of You, I know that You are the Infinite Entity, who is beyond words and language. You can't be held by thinking or the mastery of knowledge. You are above limited expressions. Nobody can sing Your glory with their own voice. You are transcendental and beyond everything. Is that why You come secretly?

Baba, I will meet You in my inner abode, in the sweet and divinely vibrated place deep in the recesses of my being. Please shower Your causeless krpa by giving me parabhakti…

Reference
1. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Krśńa and Supra-Aesthetic Science (Discourse 27)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Not needed for spiritual progress

Ananda Marga ideology states, “What is it that is of utmost necessity for spiritual progress? The most important thing needed for spiritual progress, for uniting the individual self with Paramátmá, is bhakti.” (1)

Note: Knowing the text, Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy (AMEP), is not at all essential for becoming an Ananda Margii and following the path of dharma. Those who are intellectually trained, i.e. are highly educated and / or have an intellectual bent, hunger for the rational explanation of this cosmological order works. And that is explained in the book AMEP. But truly, if we think of the common person in the world, the ideas expressed in AMEP are above their ability to comprehend, or not of interest to them. And that does not at all mean that becoming an Ananda Margii is beyond them. The main teaching, ethic, and essence of Ananda Marga is: “Parama Purusa is with me and within me; He loves me and I love Him; He is not some distant God in the sky, but He is my personal God, and no one can take that away from me; and, I am to realize Him through the practice of sadhana.” This is the foundational concept for treading and advancing on the path of Ananda Marga. And this needs no formal education whatsoever. 

There are many Margiis in the villages of India who are very, very simple and not educated in the formal sense; they do not care about AMEP. They never read it, and they never will. But when Baba gives the truths about bhakti in a brief discourse in the Ananda Vacanamrtam series that speaks to their inner heart and they feel that, "Yes, Baba is Parama Purusa, and He is mine." That is the most important and essential quality about being an Ananda Margii, and that is the central message of the Ananda Vacanamrtam and Subhasita Samgraha series of discourses. 

In AMEP, there is no discussion of bhakti. Whereas bhakti is the main teaching of Ananda Marga ideology. That is why the discourses given in Ananda Vacanamrtam and Subhasita Samgraha are AM ideology. AMEP is an elucidation of ontology and cosmology: Baba's teachings on (1) personal existence, and (2) the origin and organization of the universe, and on the purpose of these two aspects, i.e. what is the meaning of our existence in this universe. So for intellectually inclined people around the world, the teachings in AMEP are deeply meaningful and fulfilling. But for those very same people, as well as for the rest of the people in the world, i.e. as a common denominator for all, the discourses in Ananda Vacanamrtam and Subhasita Samgraha provide the seed teachings which give sustenance and provide the spark for embarking on, as well as continuing, the spiritual journey.

Reference
1. Discourses on Krsna & The Giita, “Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá” – 2


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Essence of spiritual life

Ananda Marga ideology guides, "Those who have fallen today may become evolved people, great personalities in the future – mahápuruśas. This is why no one should ever be disappointed in life. Parama Puruśa is calling everyone and He will continue to call everyone: all shall find a safe shelter on His loving lap. He does not hate or neglect anyone. Hence the only answer to the question, “kasya tvam” – “Whom do you belong to?” – is: “I belong to Parama Puruśa, to Him and Him alone, because I have come from Him and I am in Him, and finally I will return to Him.” And the only answer to the question, “Kuta áyátah” – “From where have you come?” – is: “I have come from Parama Puruśa and I will go back to Him. He is my permanent abode.”" (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, To Whom Do You Belong? Where Do You Come From?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout: way to manage mechanization & labor market

Prout philosophy states, “In fact, the use of advanced scientific technology means rapid mechanization. Conservative people vociferously criticize this mechanization. Actually, such mechanization within a capitalistic structure inevitably brings more misery, in the form of unemployment, to the common people. That is why conservative people oppose it."

"Those who want to promote public welfare without antagonizing capitalism will have to oppose mechanization. This is because when the productive capacity of machinery is doubled, the required human labour is decreased by half, so the capitalists retrench large numbers of workers from their factories. A few optimists may say, “Under circumstantial pressure other ways will be found to employ these surplus labourers in different jobs, and the very effort to find these alternatives will accelerate scientific advancement, so the ultimate result of mechanization under capitalism is, in fact, good.” This view, though not useless, has no practical value, because it is not possible to arrange new jobs for retrenched workers as quickly as they become surplus labourers due to rapid mechanization. Surplus labourers are ruined, bit by bit, due to poverty and hunger. A few among them try to keep body and soul together by resorting to petty theft, armed robbery, profligacy and other sorts of antisocial activities, but this situation is certainly not desirable."

Prout philosophy states, "In a collective economic system there is no scope for such an unhealthy situation; in this system mechanization will lead to less labour and more prosperity. With the double increase in the productivity of machines, the working hours of labourers will be reduced by half. Of course, the reduction in working hours will have to be determined keeping in view the demand for commodities and the availability of labour."

"In a collective economic system the benevolent use of science will bring about human welfare. It is possible that as a result of mechanization no one will be required to work for more than five minutes a week. Not always being preoccupied with the problems of acquiring food, clothing, etc., people's psychic and spiritual potentialities will no longer be wasted." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #9


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read
Surrender for show
Chooses not to do
Baba’s mandate for initiations 
 How Mr. M.K. Gandhi harmed India + Asanas: so many benefits
“Early bird” fallacy + Prout: preventing ecological disasters
When money is tight - what to do


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