Vital point: controlling baser propensities + 2 more

Baba

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

Namaskar,

One of the most important aspects of spirituality is knowing how to keep the mind moving in a sentient direction, as well as recognising when the mind is starting to degrade.


Four basic propensities

All human beings have four inborn or basic propensities: ahar (hunger), nidra (sleep), bhaya (fear), and maethuna (procreation). These are present within each and every person, and one becomes great by gaining control over these propensities-- because then the mind will flow swiftly and smoothly towards the path of dharma and one's spiritual ideal.
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Failing that, the mind will move outwardly towards the mundane world via the indriyas (motor & sensory organs) and will be expressed in the form of these 4 cruder propensities. Unfortunately, in today's materialistic society, nearly the whole population is involved in this degenerated way of life.

Of course, for sadhakas, our way is different. We are to direct the mind towards the atman or soul and from there to God-- never allowing the flow of mind to degrade and blindly run after these four basic propensities, or any other debased desires.


How to control these propensities

The question then is how to control these four basic propensities. Here, Baba Himself provides us with the answer.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The peculiar nature of these propensities is this: if they are given indulgence, they increase. And they easily come under control with a slight effort; only in the initial stage, one must struggle a little to control them." (1)

Thus, if we encourage these propensities-- if we act on them-- then that particular vrtti or propensity will multiply exponentially, and one will become a slave to that propensity.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As with any of the four vrttis, if sleep is encouraged, people can spend twenty-three out of the twenty-four hours of their day in sleep." (2)

Hence, just as one can sleep all day long, one can be totally dominated by any of the 4 cruder propensities, if they are encouraged. A man can eat 150 eggs if that is his choosing. A person can become extremely fearful of each and every thing in this universe if the fear vrtti is encouraged. Likewise, one's entire existence can be swallowed up by sexual lust if one is not careful. Here again Baba guides us with the basic step for how to proceed. 
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Ananda Marga philosophy guides, "They [the 4 basic propensities] easily come under control with a slight effort." (3)

So if we discourage those cruder propensities-- that is, by not acting on them blindly— then their effect on the mind will diminish, and the mind will be free to move towards a higher ideal.


How sex vrtti gets encouraged

Yet, in this crude era of extreme materialism, of degenerated capitalism, in almost each and every direction one looks, the sex vrtti is encouraged: in advertisements, on the internet, in movies, by risque dress on the street, and so many ways. Naturally then, the bulk of the population gets pulled in that direction, resulting in sexual diseases, unplanned pregnancies, ruined marriages, and the degeneration of mind such that peace and composure can never be found.

So all sadhakas should take proper care, and, if at any time, the mind accidentally gets exposed to even remotely sexually oriented things-- such as when browsing the internet-- then immediately we should close our eyes, take Baba's name, and see His image in dhyana. In a word, we are to ask His grace. That is the only way. Otherwise, that crude picture will flash in the mind again and again. So it must be dissolved and replaced or diverted with something else-- namely Guru's image.In this way, we will always get success because Baba's grace is far more powerful than those crude vrttis.
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Discourage & channelise

So the two-step approach in AM for overcoming sexual lust and the domination of any of the four baser propensities is (a) discouragement and (b) channelisation.

Discouragement, as discussed above, means not indulging in that direction whether it be excess sleep, overeating, fear complex, or lustful desires. If one does not mentally or physically move in that direction, then the mind will not be prone to flowing that way. Hence, the mind will be free to move in a sentient manner, which leads into the next point, i.e. channelisation.

As sadhakas, we are to cultivate an inner relationship with Parama Purusa through our sadhana and dhyana. As Baba explains in His book, Namami Krsna Sundaram, the sadhaka is to adopt one of the various bhavas-- friend, father, slave, innermost—whichever one feels natural. Through that relation, the mind will be able to run towards Parama Purusa. Then one's crude propensities will be wholly diverted and channelised towards Guru, and the degrading effect of those crude propensities will wane, diminish, and disappear.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In a nutshell, this is Baba's proven and scientific way for overcoming the bondage of the four crude vrttis and inviting bliss into one's life.


Special spiritual guidelines

Here are more key points for every sadhaka to be aware about:

* The way to divert sexual energy is by making a relation with Parama Purusa in sadhana. But when the eyes are open and one is walking down the street, then we are to look upon all females as mother. That is the tantric depiction of women. Then the feeling of lust will not arise because one will be involved in the sentient ideal that women are the mothers of men. Likewise, sisters should think that all males are their father; that will also discourage the sex impulse. But, far and away, it is brothers who suffer more from this problem as society exploits females and objectifies females as the tools of male enjoyment.

* In order to overcome crude propensities, Buddhists resort to negative ideation and hatred by thinking of females merely as a combination of biological parts such as the stomach with its undigested food or the bowels with its storage of waste. That is how the Buddhist doctrine advises practitioners to overcome sexual feelings. But this breeds disgust, revulsion, and hatred in the mind, which is why it is far more suitable and appropriate to adopt the tantric ideal that all women are to be looked upon as mother.
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* Avidya maya wants to keep each and every person in her clutch. That is why when she sees anyone adopt the spiritual path then she hurls thousands of obstacles in that person's way in hopes of derailing their progress. Indeed maya is just like a female spy that is sent into enemy territory to get information by using her sexual appeal. Those who fall prey do not understand what they are getting themselves into. Same with the sadhaka who falls prey to lust etc. That sadhaka does not realise that it is merely mahamaya trying to bind them in her clutch.

* The human mind cannot go in two directions. So if the mind adopts a particular bhava and links up with Parama Purusa, then that mind will be less susceptible to degradation because the mind can only go in one direction. And when the mind is wholly engaged in spiritual pursuit, then there is absolutely no chance of degradation. So it all depends on the degree to which one is involved in sadhana.

* The whole path of mysticism is to withdraw the mind from the physical organs (indriyas) and channelise the mind toward the atman or soul, and from the unit soul reach God. Unfortunately, nowadays, many travel the opposite path and their mind flows towards the indriyas and from there they crudely interact with the mundane world, thereby indulging in those crude propensities.

* Above all, the most important point is that when tempted in any negative direction, then immediately seek out and ask the sweet grace of Parama Purusa and request Him to save you from all sorts of problems and difficulties. Then surely He will respond by showering His grace, and you will be saved because His grace is more powerful than any force in this universe.


Conclusion

Baba has given us all the tools and inherent longing to cultivate more and more anurakti, or more precisely para'nurakti, in life-- thereby shedding the effect of the crude, basic propensities like sex etc, and developing greater closeness and love for Him.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When one’s psychic attraction is toward the crude, the mind has a downward tendency, which leads to one’s eventual downfall. But when the mind moves upward it is called anurakti [attraction for the Great]. The consummation of this attraction is devotion." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Anurakti is of two kinds. The anurakti for the Supreme Brahma or Infinite Cosmic Consciousness is para'nurakti. The anurakti for Brahma under the sway of prakrti or the anurakti for the crude manifestations is termed apara'nurakti. God is an object for para'nurakti. When the aspirant considers the Supreme Brahma to be his own, it is termed bhajana' or bhakti." (5)

In Him,
Jiivendra

Further research & review

In the book “Yogic Treatments”, Baba has given many direct and indirect methods in the physical sphere for controlling the sex vrtti. Further research and writing should be done to bring all those points to the fore. In the psychic realm, a key way to control the sex vrtti is to refine one’s values and sense of self, viewing oneself as a psychic being as opposed to a physical entity indulged in baser propensities. And in the spiritual realm, the way to control sex is to surrender oneself to Parama Purusa, as discussed above.  

References
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shivaʼs Teachings – 2 (Discourse 16)
2. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shivaʼs Teachings – 2 (Discourse 16)
3. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shivaʼs Teachings – 2 (Discourse 16)
4. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet
5. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 2, Bhaktitattva

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

I come close to You

"Tumi esechile maner nikhile, manke bhariya' royecho..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1514)

Purport:

The loving Parama Purusa, You came in my mental abode, arrived in my Guru cakra, and filled my inner world again and again with Your inexplicable bliss, by showering Your grace - satiating me with Your sweet touch. Each and every cell of my existence is ensconced in You. I am immersed in Your ideation. My Supreme Entity, with Your endless compassion, You have coloured my I-feeling with Your colour. I am completely engaged and riveted by Your resplendent glory and charm. You have stolen my existence. All my thoughts reside in You. It is Your mercy.

Parama Purusa, Jewel of my innermost self, You are in my heart, sadhana, and Guru cakra -  watching and keeping me under Your shelter. I have immense affection for You. From the outside You cannot be perceived. Externally, You are invisible and always remain hidden from the senses. You are hiding from all and cannot be seen. You can only be perceived from within, by the inner eye. In the refulgence of my mental lotus, You are emanating Your Magnificent Self. Baba, it is Your causeless krpa. 

Parama Purusa, I have so much prema for You. You are Parama Purusa - cosmic, vast, and infinite; and I am a human being - unit, meagre, and tiny. My Nearest, You are the Great Ocean, and I am a mere tiny drop of water. There is no comparison between the two of us. Even then, without any fear I come close to You. This is not due to my effort; it is due to Your sublime attraction. Because of Your stunning divine beauty, I have fallen in love with You.

Baba, O' Parama Purusa, my life is filled with countless ups and downs. So many of my hopes, aspirations, and desires have been shattered. Facing all these difficulties - amidst hundreds of sorrows - I smile because You are in my being. The Gopal who is the essence of grand benevolence, in the world of songs, and in the spectrum of ideation, it is Your blessing that I have been allowed to hold You.  

Baba, You are the most Merciful One and have brought me under Your eternal care. This is Your krpa’ I surrender unto You...

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Right cure of jealousy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/02/treatment-of-one-psychic-disease.html

Contrast: kiirtana & PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/communicating-with-personal-god-4-more.html

Sadhana first

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/social-service-why-some-doers-become.html

Story: taking one's life

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/11/baba-story-suicide-3-more.html

Preserving spiritual vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/donts-of-sadhana-baba.html

Ways of dharma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/02/ideological-fight-in-life.html

What to do with corpse

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-could-happen-after-your-death.html

Story: the birth of kiirtana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/10/kiirtan-day-celebrated-5-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects? + 6 more

Baba

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects?

Namaskar,

In the 1960's, Baba was placing a big emphasis on social service work. There was tremendous pressure to increase the number and quality of our social service projects. But, as an organisation, we lacked the requisite money to finance all these works. The projects were many, and the number of margiis was less. Our economic means were quite limited; lack of money limited what we could do.

Around that time, the Indian government started a lottery. I thought this was a very good way for us to increase our capital. My plan to purchase lottery tickets in the name of Ananda Marga, and Baba will use His mantra. By that way we will possess the winning ticket and gain huge money. Then we will be able to perform numerous social service projects. It seemed like the perfect plan. I told everyone that this was a great opportunity and that I would raise the matter with Baba to gain His approval, i.e. grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba rejects my plea for lottery

Soon thereafter, I was in Baba's presence and He gave me an opportunity to raise my query. I said, "Baba, the government of India has started a new lottery game, so I thought we should participate and purchase tickets. With the winnings, we could then do maximum social service."

Baba replied, No, this is very bad. True margiis will never participate in any type of lottery. It is just a waste of money. There will not be any gain. The only outcome is that people's greed will increase. This is a bad idea - never think of participating in the lottery, or indulge in gambling etc.

Sadguru Baba rejected the idea of playing the lottery. I told everyone of Baba's decision. Some were disappointed, but we were all keen in following Baba's order. True margiis will not gain or win anything if they buy a lottery ticket - only loss. By playing the lottery, the mind becomes stained and degraded. And one’s penchant for greed multiplies. As we all know, greed is an aspect of avidya maya which leads to psychic degeneration.


Takeaway: helping less, hurting more

This story gives us the guideline that as Ananda Margiis we should not engage in those activities which are detrimental for one’s own self or the general society. If a party or an institution within Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha is involved in lotteries or gambling to fund social service projects, then that will be disastrous and margiis will do the same for their personal gain. Verily, this disease and social ill of gambling will multiply. The black money earned from lotteries and gambling is harmful because it encourages this vice, and that leads to more problems in the society. For this reason, according to Ananda Marga ethical guidelines, certain jobs harmful to the collective are looked upon as lowly. No right minded person should do them, let alone Ananda Margiis.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For example:

• Earning money by selling drugs to contribute to a children’s home;
  
• Earning money by running a lewd (sensual) call center to support a leprosy clinic;
  
• Earning money by committing road robbery to build 15-story homeless centre;
  
• Earning money by selling adulterated, medicines for flood relief;
  
• Earning money by selling meat to help heart patients;
  
• Earning money by opening a prostitution home to help victims of human trafficking;
  
• Earning money by lending money at a high interest rate in order to run a free hospital.
  

This list of sinful jobs is very long. These activities and occupations are antithetical to Ananda Marga and they are self-defeating. On the one side you are harming society and earning money, and on the other side you are deceiving yourself that you are running a social service project like a children’s home or hospital. But this is just creating negative habits in society that are detrimental in all spheres of life. This is looked upon as abhorrent and sinful as well.

Unfortunately, in various corners of the globe similar types of despicable activities are going on in the name of funding social service projects by xyz organisations. It is so sad. Those running the show befool themselves that although they are earning money in a negative way it is alright because they are running a service project. May their mind open wherein they can realise their sin and stop that type of business.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A temptation such as lobha (avarice) is a principle of avidyámáyá. It can only be overcome by reducing the influence of avidyámáyá through intuitional practice (sádhaná). One will never be able to keep away from temptation without overcoming the influence of avidyámáyá. This is possible only through progress in intuitional practice." (1)

And here below Baba has clearly forbidden us to engage in any kind of gambling and lotteries.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The habit of making wagers is extremely undesirable. You must avoid lotteries and gambling.” (2)


Lottery ruins

The exploited, impoverished masses are goaded by the exploiters to purchase lottery tickets. The poor are brainwashed into thinking that by this way they will be able to overcome their poverty and become rich. And when they invariably do not win the lottery and their poverty multiplies, those impoverished people blame themselves for being unlucky. Side by side, the exploited mass believes that the rich are fortunate and that is why they have money. They do not realise that the rich have accumulated wealth by exploiting others.
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The poor believe that, “Due to my misfortune and bad luck, I do not have money.” They fail to realise that their poverty is the result of systemic exploitation, low wages, and numerous other tactics implemented by the wealthy. Wherever people are dominated by the idea that the lottery is their ticket out of poverty, it is extremely difficult to raise their awareness about economic exploitation. They fail to understand that exploitation is the driving force behind their poverty because they are engrossed in the notion that they are just unlucky and if a stroke of fortune comes their way then surely they will become rich.


Lottery gives negative message & self-blame

Some lotteries are worth huge sums of money. This gives the notion that societal systems are not founded on rewarding those who work hard and gain success, i.e. meritocracy, rather it is all just due to luck. People rely on the luck of the lottery to enhance their lot in life. A distinct portion of society operates in this way. When people think that chance and good fortune - not hard work and ingenuity - are the cause of one's success or lack thereof, they have fallen into a very dangerous and harmful outlook.

As Baba has discussed in numerous discourses, when one gives way or indulges in a particular propensity, like greed etc, then that propensity increases. That is the theorem: A propensity gets stronger as it is activated. So if a person indulges in greed or anger, than that propensity or vrtti will gain a greater hold over that person. That is the way it goes.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The peculiar nature of these propensities is this: if they are given indulgence, they increase. And they easily come under control with a slight effort; only in the initial stage, one must struggle a little to control them." (3)

With regards to playing the lottery or gambling, as one thinks about winning money, then their desire increases and their greed multiplies. In turn, one will gamble more or buy more lottery tickets. One's psychic pabulum focuses more on money and in so doing the mind becomes stained - degraded. And one's penchant for greed goes on increasing. From beginning to end this is not good for sadhakas.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A person who is greedy for money becomes totally preoccupied with the thought of making money;...." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The mind becomes so infatuated with its crude objects that ultimately it becomes converted into matter. It follows the path of negative pratisaincara." (5)

Sadguru says, "When the tendency towards acquisition in the physical world is extremely strong, people's tendency to assimilate spiritual or intellectual things is usually noticeably weaker. In that condition, their thirst for the material world becomes very intense." (6)


Lottery: the poor loses & indulge more vices

  Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this predicament. Its consequences are dreadful. The irrational thirst for acquisition of material things is termed “greed”; ….. the tendency to acquire the objects of material enjoyment in ever-increasing quantities."
   "So whether in the material world or in the intellectual world, the predominant tendency that makes today's people, both individually and collectively, rush headlong without control, is the instinct of greed. The propensity of greed, if not controlled by rationality, or benevolent intellect, or spiritual practices, will lead to premature death. Nothing can save human beings from this. This instinct of greed has brought the present humanity to such a state that people no longer consider anything as sinful. Rather, they consider the “sin psychology” as a mental weakness, and the worst of sins are being glorified as the height of intellect, not only indirectly, but also openly...Lobhah pápasya hetubhútah [“Greed is the root cause of all sins”]." (7)

So greed / avarice is one of the six internal enemies and part and parcel of avidya maya. The disease behind the lottery and gambling is found in the sadripus because greed for material wealth is one of the six internal enemies. So this penchant for lottery and gambling is embedded deep within the human psyche. If this tendency or enemy of greed is encouraged it will grow and grow. It can swallow one's entire existence where a person even destroys their family and commits suicide - all due to greed.

Encouraging people to participate in lotteries and gambling is extremely dangerous - it can easily ruin their entire existence. Now that we have uncovered the root cause of the problem, we should investigate the treatment as well.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Lotteries enable the powerful politicians and wealthy shareholders to further exploit the masses because instead of demanding an end to socio-economic exploitation etc, the common people just bask in the false hope of winning the lottery and joining the ultra-rich.  Instead of pushing for social change and justice, the sedated masses avoid revolutionary approaches and sit back and play the lottery. By this maneuver of creating lotteries, political leaders maintain the status quo - they are not pressured to respond to social ills.


Conclusion

So wherever lotteries are embraced by the people, Prout can never be established. In order to propagate Prout, the first step is to open the eyes of the common mass. They have to realise the presence of exploitation and give up their bad habit and false hope of lotteries, gambling, and stocks etc. Only then will they be able to understand that capitalist economic exploitation is the cause of their poverty and suffering. Their economic woes are not because of not winning the lottery but due to  extremely low wages.

The central idea is that nobody should earn money in sinful ways and justify that, “I earned the money in a dark manner, but it is ok because I am funding this or that social service project.” One should never commit this act. That is what Baba teaches us in the above story.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Giitiishvara

The above story was recounted by a margii from Varanasi, Shrii Narendra Vikram. Hence the "I" refers to Shrii Vikram ji.

All sorts of gambling including lotteries are forbidden in Ananda Marga as it brings psychic degeneration and creates a whole host of social problems. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
2. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #38
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 16)
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, Cognitive Force and Psychic Practice
5. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, Cognitive Force and Psychic Practice
6. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 1 (continued) (Discourse 10)
7. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 1 (continued) (Discourse 10)

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 ==

Where is it that You go

“Sabár mane rayecho gahane, gopane tháko, keno bolo?...” (Prabhat Samgiita #1845)

Purport: 

O’ Lord, You are in the depths of everyone's mind. But why do You remain there secretly, please tell me. In the sound of the trees, in the horripilation of love, why do You go on dancing exuberantly? 

You go on dancing from far to farther, and then You come back only to then go away again. Where is it that You go? The mirages of the desert represent Your fury. In the delight of the ocean waves, You are dancing.

O Lord, please grace me by removing this boundary line and bringing Yourself closer in front of me. In the drowsiness and laziness, with the obsession of beauty, O' Sthita Dhii, please become vibrant. 

O’ Parama Purusa, You are always with everyone. It is Your blessing…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Culture & customs

Prout philosophy states, "Culture is a vague term. It is the collective name for different expressions of life. People eat, enjoy hospitality, laugh on some occasions and shed tears on others, and thereby express life through various actions. The collective name of all these actions is culture."

"According to PROUT all of society has the same culture. There are local variations in the mode or state of cultural expression, but the expression is universal. While everybody eats, some eat by hand, others by stick and still others by spoon. Indian dance is based on Mudrá or dance postures, and European dance is based on rhythm, but they do not represent two different cultures."

"Local variations will diminish if there is a close blending between different groups of people, because this will create common customs. In Nepal there is a blending of Hindu and Buddhist customs. In Bengal there is a blending of Aryan and Dravidian customs. These local variations are called customs. Thus local modes of expression bearing local or group specialities are customs, but the expression itself is culture. Therefore it is a mistake to readjust boundaries on the basis of language and culture. Indian culture and the culture of the world are one and the same." (1)

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

The slippery slope of tolerance

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings will have to practise tolerance. But this spirit of tolerance must be developed only in individual life; in collective life it must not be expressed. If a country illegally grabs even one inch of your land you must take one mile of the aggressor’s land; no spirit of tolerance in this regard is permissible. If you show your tolerance then they will take one inch today and one mile tomorrow. However, you can practise toleration as much as possible in individual life, and that will be considered a sign of greatness." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle

== Section : Important Teachings ==

Longing for power & post is deadly

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings take form according to the characteristics of their object of ideation...Those who have an ambition for power, are called raks'a. Suppose a man has grown old but still has an ambition for power. He thinks he should become this, he should become that, he thinks he should attain this status or that status. After death what shall this person become? He shall become raks'a-- that is raks'as'a." (1)

Note: Unfortunately those running after post, power, prestige status etc will ultimately become lowly microvita. As sadhakas - as well-wishers of the humanity - we should guide and teach such persons not to crave after worldly status and degenerate themselves. It is our duty to help them. We should serve them and teach them to think about Parama Purusa - and not lust after  power, prestige, social status, post etc. This should be our approach. Thus when some of our Central Dadas and others are craving for post and power we should intervene and save them from their terrible fate. They should be taught the ways of neo-humanism, otherwise they will plunge themselves into a dark future and face so many negative consequences.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Psycho-Spiritual Evolution of Humans

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

तू वहाँ जा

 "ऊतामृतत्वस्येशानो"---”अगर परमात्मा decide करें ऐसा कि---"मैं पापियों का नहीं हूँ | पापी निकल जाए |” तो, पापी पूछेगा---"कृपया यह तो बताओ, मैं कहाँ जाऊँ ?" देखो उनके बाहर में तो कुछ नहीं है | वे बाहर जाने के लिए अगर बोलें, तो बोलेंगे कि---"मेरा जो area है, सरहद है, उसके बाहर चले जाओ |” “तो, तुम्हारे सरहद के बाहर कौन जगह है, बता दो ज़रा ? बताओ ?” वे तो नहीं बता सकेंगे | तब उनको क्या करना पड़ेगा ? अपना ही थोड़ा-सा portion को अलग करके बोलना पड़ेगा---"तू वहाँ जा |" तब थोड़ा-सा area जब बाहर उनसे चला गया, तब वे तो सर्वव्यापी नहीं रहे | उनके बाहर में वे पापी लोग चले गए |”
[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. S24-06

== Section: Bangla Quote ==

কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের

“এই বারাণসী বা কাশী এখানে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়ে গেলে মনকে খুৰ দ্রুত উপরে তুলে ফেলতে হয় | এবং তন্ত্র সাধনা, কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের কেউ কেউ শিখেছ, এর ফলে মনে সেই দ্রুতি আসে, বেগ আসে | তখন এই যে বারাণসী তত্ত্ব এতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে একটু সুবিধা হয় | তা না হ’লে, পারৰে সৰাই | কেন পারৰে না ? যে মানুষের শরীর পেয়েছে, সেই পারৰে |" (1)

Unfortunately, the below English translation from the Electronic Edition of Baba's books (2009) is not up to the mark. It does not accurately portray Guru's original teaching given in Bengali featured above.

“To establish the mind on this point of Váráńasii or káshi, one has to quickly elevate the mind. Those who have learnt the technique of Tantra sádhaná or kápálika sádhaná, know what joy can be derived from this. It helps to establish the practitioner in the cult of Váráńasii. Those who have not yet mastered it, will one day be established in the cult of Váráńasii. Why not? Those who have acquired a human structure will surely be established in Váráńasii.]” (1)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Where Is Varanasi

== Section: Prout ==

Capitalism can be eradicated

"Considering the collective interests of all living beings, it is essential that capitalism be eradicated. But, what should be the proper method to achieve this end?"

"It cannot be denied that violence gives rise to violence. Then again, nothing can ensure that the application of force without violence, with the intention of rectification, will necessarily bring good results. So what should be done under such circumstances?"

"Nothing would be better, if it were possible, than the eradication of capitalism by friendly persuasion and humanistic appeals. In that case the peace of the greater human family would not be much disturbed. But can it be guaranteed that everyone will respond to this approach? Some people may say that a day will come when, as a result of repeatedly listening to such appeals and gradually imbibing them over a long time, as well as through proper mental and spiritual education, good sense will prevail among the exploiters. This argument is very pleasant to hear. Such attempts are not reprehensible. But is it practicable to wait indefinitely for good sense to prevail among the exploiters? By then the exploited mass will have given up the ghost!"

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, point #2

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Solution to inertness

“We are proceeding from darkness towards effulgence, from imperfection along the golden steps to perfection. No obstacle on the way will be able to stop our advancement. Pushing aside and smashing all obstacles and impediments we will move along our destined path. Our ideological rationality is our valuable asset; the blissful glow of Macrocosmic effulgence is our goal and the inherent desire to bring well-being to all living creatures is our way.”

“Moving ahead is the very want of life. Wasting valuable time in lethargy is nothing but inertness; hence we must keep moving. The chant of our forward movement will be our vocal expression, the very pulsation of our life.” (Ananda Vanii #72)

Note: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Contrast: kiirtana & PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/communicating-with-personal-god-4-more.html

Sadhana first

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/social-service-why-some-doers-become.html

Story: taking one's life

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/11/baba-story-suicide-3-more.html

Preserving spiritual vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/donts-of-sadhana-baba.html

Ways of dharma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/02/ideological-fight-in-life.html

What to do with corpse

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-could-happen-after-your-death.html

Story: the birth of kiirtana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/10/kiirtan-day-celebrated-5-more.html

Contrast: kiirtana & PS + 4 more

Baba

Contrast: kiirtana & PS

Namaskar,

Prabhat Samgiita beautifully fulfills one important role in our spiritual life. After half-bath and before starting kiirtan, Prabhat Samgiita serves as one special practice whereby the sadhaka can share the feeling of their heart with Parama Purus'a.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prabhat Samgiita: expression of one’s intimate feeling

Kiirtan itself is the expression of one idea: singing the glory and greatness of Parama Purus'a. And it is to be done out loud with a maximum number of people. Every Ananda Margii yearns to sing His name and dance kiirtan. And our kiirtan mantra is a siddha mantra. Certainly, we are blessed to have our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan. At the same time, as sadhakas we are not wholly satisfied with just the singing of kiirtan. Because every bhakta also wants to express some personal, intimate, sentimental feelings of the heart to their most loving Parama Purusa. Because He is the Dearest One, the Heart of hearts, and the Soul of souls. So it is natural that a sadhaka wants to pour their whole inner wealth unto Him. And this can only be done by sitting in a lonely place, singing to Him directly, and communicating with Him. And in this way Prabhat Samgiita is the perfect medium.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Prabhat Samgiita is the feeling of the heart, and the expression of the heart, and it has been written with the ink of the heart." (1)

In the life of a sadhaka, a wide range of personal feelings arise and those need to be expressed and goaded towards Parama Purusa Baba. And every bhakta has their own way in which they wish to communicate their personal longing for Him. It depends upon a person's standard and relation with Him. Some bhaktas have a special intimate relation with Parama Purusa and some practice another type of bhava with Parama Purusa. (For details about bhava kindly refer to chapters 25, 26, & 27 in the book, Namami Krsnasundaram.) This bhava varies from one sadhaka to the next. And the vast world of Prabhat Samgiita compositions enable every sadhaka to express their own unique personal feeling for Parama Purusa Baba.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prabhat Samgiita: an intimate communication

At the same time, not every song is appropriate for every aspirant - one has to choose those compositions that match their mental feeling of that moment. Because everybody has their own personal relation with Parama Purusa Baba - and that waxes and wanes as well. So in individual life, every sadhaka is encouraged to select songs that best suit their bhava, or personal feeling, at that time. And it is also true that some songs are collectively oriented like social songs, festival songs, and seasonal songs, as well as some of the mystical songs. By and large though, the vast majority of the grand collection of Prabhat Samgiita is comprised of personal songs, i.e. the heartfelt sharing between the bhakta and Parama Purusa.

Prabhat Samgiita makes an intimate link between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. It is the ideal practice for sadhakas to express their unique personal feelings for Him. It is a way for bhaktas to feel Him more close. Although Parama Purusa is infinite, but true bhaktas do not feel that He is infinite. They feel that: “He is mine and mine alone.” In that case, there is a deep need to communicate their inner feeling with Him, otherwise how can there be intimacy. Without intimacy, one cannot progress in sadhana. Such a feeling is bhakti. And that only comes with the pouring of the heart to Him - He who is most close. To this end, the gift of Prabhat Samgiita is the ideal medium for sadhakas.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Why Parama Purusa is dearest

Parama Purusa is Dearest because He is that Permanent Entity; He does not come and go. Many run after mundane objects thinking those things will satisfy them. They do not realise that those are just fleeting allurements - nothing more. Only Parama Purusa can satiate infinite human longing. So one's real longing is for Parama Purusa Baba, not any material object or temporary allurement.

Even then some misplace their inherent bhakti for Him with mundane allurements. Not realising this, they rush after worldly objects. And when they are not satisfied by a particular object they move on and pick up another one. In this way they move from one mundane allurement to another.  It is just like if you are searching for a particular object, mistake it for something else, and then later realise your mistake; in that case, you drop what you got and continue on in your search.

Or it is like how a child wants food but in their search for food that infant will put so many other items in their mouth - like toys, pencils, rubber, paper, etc. And the child will go on trying until finally it gets food. That is how human life gets expressed in this material world: People move on from one longing to the next - until they finally long for and attain Parama Purusa. Humans want infinite happiness and bliss and when they run toward something transitory and do not get that lasting happiness, they move on until ultimately their journey culminates in the attainment of Parama Purusa. Then and only then are they satisfied. Only then has their longing been quenched. That is why Parama Purusa Baba is Dearest - not any other entity. And Prabhat Samgiita is the ideal way to communicate one’s intimate longing for that Supreme Entity.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

The spiritual compositions of Prabhat Samgiita are one of the ways to express the feeling of the heart. So that is why Prabhat Samgiita is much needed. Sadhakas have always had an inner feeling for Him, and by the diverse offerings of Prabhat Samgiita they can proceed. That is His special gift which graciously began on 14 September 1982.

Here is an English summary of a paragraph from the Bangla edition of Subhasita Samgraha part 16, chapter 4: 

In order to be one with Him, what is required is one must ask for His grace. And because He is within your mind in the smallest form, He hears whatever you think. And so certainly your desire and your hopes and aspirations are heard by Him. And as He is your nearest relative He is your greater self.  So certainly He is to fulfill your logical demands. (English summary)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ananda

~ In-depth study ~

Prabhat Samgiita stands as an ideal personal practice for each sadhaka - whereas kiirtan is more applicable to a collective flow. This is another essential difference between bhajans (i.e. Prabhat Samgiita) and kiirtan. One’s sentimental feeling and unique tales of the heart cannot get expressed in the collective flow. Only Prabhat Samgiita satisfies this special need.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For instance, although philosophically, every bhakta will admit that, "Parama Purusa, You are great and infinite"; but, at the same time, it is Prabhat Samgiit that lends itself to the feeling of their heart, "Toma're ca'i ye ekante...": My Dearmost, I want to have Your closeness in an isolated place. Infinite Parama Purusa, I want to have You in a very personal way - in a secluded place - so I can open my heart, and share my feelings with You. Parama Purusa Baba, You are mine and mine alone.

So Prabhat Samgiita fulfills a distinct need as it expresses the yearning of the human heart. Even then we can say that kiirtan is even a little higher because there is only one idea: Name of  Parama Purusa is everything. That is the singular central theme of our kiirtan.

Parama Purusa Baba is mine & mine alone

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The bhaktas of the highest category think, “Parama Puruśa is mine only and He belongs to no one else.” This is the sign of an excellent sádhaka, and the spiritual progress of this category is inevitable. “He is mine and mine alone and He does not belong to anyone else” – this assertion is undoubtedly true." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The bhaktas say, “No, no I can share all my belongings with others, but not my Parama Puruśa. He is mine and mine alone – He belongs to no one else. I cannot even think of sharing Him with anyone.”" (3)

References
1. 02 Jan 1983, Morning General Darshan
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, What Is the Way?
3. A Few Problems Solved Part 3, Verse, Mythology, History and Itihása

*        *        *

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 ==

Your remarkable feats

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.

"Tumi, álo cháyá khelá khelite jáno, kheyál khushiite sabe nácáte jáno..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0428)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You can do everything. You know how to play Your divine liila of hide and seek, light and shadow, sorrow and bliss, as well as how to make all dance in the bliss of supreme anandam, the way You like. By Your mere wish, an infinite array of things are possible. Baba, there is nothing which You cannot do. 

Supreme Entity, You can shower refulgence in the cimmerian dark night. And You can cast darkness in broad daylight. There is no end to Your remarkable feats. Baba, You know how to transform a dumb person into a great orator by giving him language, voice, and making them laugh happily. You play the strings of the viina of life and can make anything happen. You have the capacity to do it all. 

Parama Purusa, by Your grace, not only this earth but the entire universe has become colourful. Due to Your cosmic liila, all are the slaves of maya, vidya and avidya, i..e the cosmic operative principle. Baba, by removing the bond of maya, You grant mukti and moksa and bring emancipation in a flash, with a wee-bit of Your krpa. Those in bondage are freed from the shackles of maya. There is nothing You cannot do. You are the granter of salvation...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why government help is not needed in pracára

Ananda Marga ideology states, “If a person who takes bribes starts an anti-bribe campaign he will become an object of ridicule. One will have to make an earnest endeavour to develop oneself thoroughly; mere rhetoric will not do. Only those endowed with sincerity and devotion can be called righteous, and can successfully propagate dharma. For the propagation of dharma, government help is not required." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, The Macrocosmic Stance and Human Life

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Racism: root cause & why still rampant

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "As human beings were not able to unravel the mystery of this diversity, they wrongly preached the doctrine of racial supremacy, resulting in hated of their fellow human beings and heartless cruelty, and indulged in savagery and bloody warfare - these were the darkest and the most lamented chapters in human history."

"Sometimes people are wrongly led to believe that the white people are perhaps superior to the black population, and that the blacks are only a little higher than our animal ancestors on the scale of evolution."

"Even today in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal, and in the U.S.A., South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), one unmistakably notices the curse of this ignorance. But is racial supremacy..." (1)

Note: The same disease is working with caste dogma. 

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 1

== Section: Important Teaching ==

About real Guru

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru. Rather he or she is an enemy, for excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps. Medicine is not necessarily always sweet; sometimes bitter medicines are necessary as well. Patients often refuse to swallow bitter medicines; they cry in protest. But the ideal physician will force the patient to swallow the medicine. This is the proper way.” (1)

Reference:
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

हे प्रभु! सभी लोग तुम्हारे दिल को छूने वाले गीतों से बहुत आनन्द पा रहे हैं

प्रभात संगीत 0385 तोमारी सुरेते तव करुणाते तोमारी आलोते सबे...

भावार्थ

हे परमपुरुष! सभी तुम्हारी रागिनी में नहा  कर तुम्हारी करुणा में डूबे हुए हैं ।  वे तुम्हारी सुन्दर  आभा, और आकर्षण  की शरण में  हैं। हे प्रभु! सभी लोग तुम्हारे दिल को छूने वाले  गीतों से बहुत आनन्द पा  रहे हैं।  सभी लोग तुम्हारे अपार  प्रेम के आकर्षण में डूब कर  आशीर्वाद से लबालब भर गए  हैं।

हे परमपुरुष! बाबा! अंधेरे कोहरे से छाये हुए  महासागर के उस पार  से, तुम्हारी अमृत की वर्षा करती हुई  आभा झिलमिलाती है।  सभी तुम्हारे मधुर प्रेम से मोहित हो गये हैं। तुम्हारी यह हमेशा नई  लगने वाली  अनोखी  लीला क्या है?

बाबा! हे परम सत्ता! बहुत दूर के  सुनसान स्थान से  तुम्हारी लहराती  रागनियाॅं बार-बार आगे बढ़ रही हैं । तुम्हारे रथ का पहिया इन्ही मोहने वाली  और मन को आनन्द से बेसुध  कर देने वाली धुनों में चलता है। सभी ने अपने आप को उन मधुर राग रागिनियों में पूर्णतः खो दिया है।
बाबा! तुम बहुत कृपालु हो, तुमने सब पर अपार  स्नेह और आशीर्वाद  की वर्षा की है। (1)

टिप्पणी

१-  कृपा और करुणा एक समान नहीं हैंः-

जब साधक 16 विंदुओं और आचरण नियमों का पालन करते हुए साधना करता है और परमपुरुष उसके प्रयासों से सन्तुष्ट हो आशीर्वाद देते हैं तो इसे कृपा कहते हैं । गुरु की शिक्षायें पालन करते हुए गुरु का आशीर्वाद प्राप्त होना उनकी कृपा है। इसलिये उनकी कृपा पाने के लिये साधना का अभ्यास करना ही होगा।  परंतु  फिर भी, कृपा पाने की कोई गारंटी नहीं दे सकता । कृपा करना बाबा की इच्छा पर निर्भर करता है।  हाॅं यह अवश्य  कहा जा सकता है कि हे परमपुरुष! बाबा, आप चाहें तो कृपा कर दें।

२- करुणा इससे भिन्न है। मानलो साधक कुछ नहीं करते अर्थात न तो वे १६ विन्दुओं का पालन और न ही उनकी शिक्षाओं के अनुसार चलते हैं और  कष्ट पा रहे हैं। इस स्थिति में यदि  उनके अपार कष्ट को देखकर, बाबा आशीर्वाद देकर कष्ट दूर कर देते हैं तो इसे उनकी करुणा कहेंगे। ध्यान रहे यह भी उनकी इच्छा पर ही निर्भर है ।  कोई यह नहीं कह सकता कि मैं अपार कष्ट पा रहा हॅूं  इसलिये हे बाबा! मेरे ऊपर करुणा की बौछार कर दो। हाॅं यह अवश्य  कहा जा सकता है कि हे परमपुरुष! बाबा, आप चाहें तो करुणा कर दें।
कुल मिलाकर कृपा और करुणा अकारण, अहैतुकी ही होती है।

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Women: status of caged birds

Ananda Marga philosophy, “The social and religious rights of women were curtailed in numerous ways so that they would be kept forever in thrall to the men. They were even forbidden walking in the open space under the open sky. Covered in burkas and veils, they were reduced to the status of caged birds living on seeds and water. It was decreed that they were not entitled to their ancestral property. The girls were given much less than the boys. It was categorically declared that they were not entitled to mukti or mokśa; that women go to heaven, it’s true, but the men get all sorts of privileges there that women cannot get. These rubbish ideas have died out due to various circumstances. In some places they are in the process of extinction, and in other places they are totally extinct.” (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 10, “Kramalaya”

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Sadhana first

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/social-service-why-some-doers-become.html

Story: taking one's life

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/11/baba-story-suicide-3-more.html

Preserving spiritual vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/donts-of-sadhana-baba.html

Ways of dharma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/02/ideological-fight-in-life.html

What to do with corpse

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/04/what-could-happen-after-your-death.html

Story: the birth of kiirtana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/10/kiirtan-day-celebrated-5-more.html