Festival: the path of advancement + 4 more

Baba

Festival: the path of advancement

Namaskar,

Since prehistoric times, the human race has had an arduous and long journey up to this present era. Verily, it was long ago that humans first came onto this earth.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Human beings were born onto this earth about one million years ago." (1)

Yet those early humans were quite undeveloped in their ways. Due to so many hardships and the struggle for survival, those early humans could not advance.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In prehistoric times people were no better than animals. There was no difference between primitive humans living in caves and ape-men and proto-apes living in caves." (2)

So for tens and even hundreds of thousands of years, humans were just wallowing in animalistic ways, unable to develop mentally or live in a remotely civilised way.

First signs of progress

Considering that humans came on this earth so very long ago, it was only relatively recently that they could progress.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Humanity’s journey on the path of civilization started only 15,000 years ago. This can be inferred from the fact that human beings began evolving language about this time." (3)

So it was around 15,000 years ago, that those few early rishis and munis first propounded the vedas and began asking existential questions such as, “Who am I”, “From where have I come”, and “What is the goal of life.” Thus began the human quest for truth and divine realisation.

Advent of two Mahasambhutis

However, it would still take thousands of more years for the general society to also begin its advancement.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "A full-fledged civilization, with the four symbols of advancement – agriculture, the wheel, dress and script – started only about 7000 years ago. Human beings had grasped the rudimentals of these four inventions by this time. Pictorial letters were invented less than 7000 years ago, and philosophy was discovered about 4000 years ago." (4)

Thus it was only 7000 years ago with the advent of Lord Shiva that human beings could live in a more organised and civilised way. It needed the advent of a Mahasambhuti to pull human beings up to this respectable level where they could formulate the basis of a civilised society. And that progress continued for some time but then stalled. At that point, 3500 years later, the next Mahasambhuti took advent on this earth. With Shrii Krsna's advent, humans progressed in many ways, including how to make a more personal link with God. But even then the progress was slow as it took humanity hundreds and thousands of years to realise Sri Krsna's teachings. Not until the birth of great bhaktas like Mirabai and Caetanya Mahaprabhu could people get a glimpse of Krnsa's intimate guidelines - and even then many of His teachings were lost. And in due course once again the society fell into stagnancy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba's divine advent & Shravanii Purnima

And that stagnancy and depravity became worse and worse up until the 20th century. Materialism, communism, atheism, and religious dogmas covered the earth. There was no light in any direction, and even the good people could not find the way to pull society forward. In that desperate and bleak circumstance, where people were sunk in gloom, ignorance, and suffering, there was a dire need for the advent of a Great Personality.

So although the organisation Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha was not formed until 1955, the great ideological and bhakti-filled mission of Ananda Marga formally began years earlier in 1939 with the first initiation on Shravanii Purnima.

Humanity has new pathway

Hence the day of Shravanii Purnima bears great significance because it is this very initiation into Ananda Marga sadhana that marks the beginning of a new era for humanity.

Ananda Vanii says, "...The light of sa'dhana' shall dispel the thick darkness, notwithstanding the night of the pangs of humanity. Sunshine is destined in human life." (5)

So on Shravanii Purnima (1939), Baba graced humanity by founding His ideological mission and beginning the bhakti-inspired practice of Ananda Marga sadhana. We can say this day truly marks the inception of Ananda Marga. And each year we observe this special occasion as one of our Ananda Marga festivals. And it is not just a festival of Ananda Marga, it is a day that bears significance to all. Because Baba's teachings are for everyone-- the entire humanity. None will be left behind; all will be served and respected; and all will be given the opportunity and scope to advance on the path of spirituality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

By His divine advent and with the teaching of sadhana, Baba has given a pathway for all to progress onward and establish themselves in the highest glory and drift in His bliss.

Present & future vanguards of society

Thus Shravanii Purnima is the occasion that celebrates how the Lord has come with a mission and showed the path to all. And since 1939, those who have come onto the path of Ananda Marga sadhana and taught that dharma to others, they are the veritable vanguards of the society. They are the venerable ones. And those who are now following the ideological mission and bhakti-based practices of Ananda Marga today will one day be venerated by others. Baba has given the pathway, and those humans who share that with others and watch over society's progress are the true vanguards.

Sadguru's blessing

We are fortunate to have come on the path of Ananda Marga. It is this very path that will lead true sadhakas and the entire humanity to the apex of our human existence - life divine. And it is this very path which began on Shravanii Purnima day in 1939. As the festival of this day is again upon us, may we all experience His bliss and blessing on this most momentous and memorable occasion and share that love with one and all.

In Him,
Satyadrasta’

In 1939, the Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji began the holy mission of Ananda Marga. And it is this dharmic mission that will lead the entire humanity to unparalleled glory.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

First spiritual initiation

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "At the transitional point, human beings become confused: they lose the ability to discriminate between dharma and adharma, what they should and what they should not do. At that moment, the advent of a great personality becomes an imperative necessity... to teach people what dharma is and what adharma is, what to do and what not to do, and which path would bring the highest fulfilment in their lives. He arrived at the right time, the transitional period in history." (6)

Baba blessed us by taking advent and manifested Himself in 1921, this divine truth we all know. And it was only a short 18 years later, on the day of Shravanii Purnima in 1939, that He began the great mission of Ananda Marga by initiating His first disciple into Ananda Marga sadhana. It was His grace.

Baba says, "This is Shra'van'ii Purnima. It is an important day....That was the first spiritual initiation I ever imparted to anyone. And that same day, Shra'van'ii Purnima, has again returned." (7)

O’ followers of Ananda Marga

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Yours should be a glorious march towards the Supreme Goal, and you should remember that you are not to pause a moment during this movement. The entire human society is anxiously waiting for you, for your service. You will have to shoulder a great responsibility for this suffering humanity. You know that humanity is bleeding, and you will have to save it. You should remember that if you do not help humanity, who else will come and shoulder the responsibility? It is you, you are to do everything. You are the torch bearers of human civilization. You are the pioneers of the human march, you are the vanguards of the new civilization." (8)

Sadguru Baba says, "Oh! the followers of Ananda Marga, march along the path of satya and awaken the satya hidden in you. Develop the cosmic consciousness that is latent in you. In the same manner as Bhagiratha through his sagacious powers summoned the holy currents of the Gangottarii through the dark mountain-chasms. Through those currents of satya, enliven your society and carry it along on the path of the infinite ocean of inseparable souls which are awakening on the road to the Supreme Union – the holy confluence of the sea. When this is attained, there will be no mean wanderings or the externalized struggle for existence. There will be one Universal “You” who will forget is own self in the serenity of the serene, the serene, the exaltation of Consciousness and the holy touch of the supremely blessed." (9)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Psycho-Spiritual Evolution of Humans
2. Namami Krsnasundaram, Vraja Krśńa and Párthasárathi Krśńa – 2 (Discourse 2)
3. A Few Problems Solved - 9, Geology and Human Civilization
4. A Few Problems Solved - 9, Geology and Human Civilization
5. A'nanda Va'nii #39
6. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 16
7. A Few Problems Solved - 5, 'Shravanii Purnima' Discourse
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, The Glorious March
9. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Form of Sádhana

*        *        *

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 ==

Very precious

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

Eso prabhu a'ma'r ghare toma'y a'mi ceyechi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0946)

Purport:

My Prabhu, please come in my home. With deep yearning and longing I am calling You. I want You; without Your presence my life has no peace. Please listen to the desires of my inner core which is grief-stricken in Your absence. Only for You am I alive; my life is solely for You. There is nothing else I have to do but follow Your order.

Parama Purusa, You are the grand lighthouse on my dark path and the healing warmth of love for my broken heart. You are the quintessence of the sandalwood paste of my forehead; Lord, You are niśpápa - pure and filled with the divine refulgence.

Baba, You are that type of pure bliss which one feels after recovering something very precious that was lost long ago. By Your grace, I have understood You - Your essence. Kindly come close; You are my most dear. For You I have kept nectar filled in the inner recesses of my being.

Divine Entity, Baba, kindly shower Your krpa and bless me with bhakti so I can serve You forever.


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0946:

[1] Niśpápa: Parama Purus never commits any sin.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In the case of Parama Puruśa this question of reaction is not applicable, because there is nothing beyond Him – everything in this expressed universe is all created within Him, and He is dealing with His own created objects according to His own wishes. Thus no question of good or bad can arise, and that is why the matter of suffering the consequence of action also does not arise in His case. If you slap a decent person, that will be an undesirable action on your part; but if you slap your own cheek, will that also be considered an undesirable act? No, certainly not. No one will ever criticize you, or file a suit against you for this, because it is exclusively your personal matter. Likewise, whatever Parama Puruśa does, He does with His own created objects, and hence in that case the question of vipáka does not arise.” (1)

It is impossible for Parama Purus to commit any sin. He remains eternally pure.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Defining dogma

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “What is dogma? Dogma is also an idea, but there is rigidity of the boundary line. Dogma will not allow you to go beyond the periphery of that boundary line. That is, dogma goes against the fundamental spirit of the human mind.” (1)

Note: Any idea which has a boundary around it is a dogma. In that case, one is not allowed to debate this idea in an open and free manner. Rather, any and all debates are contrived or forbidden. For instance, if one religious leader says that the first Sunday of every month one must touch the dog’s tail to get virtue for heaven, then that becomes the rule for that religion. And no one can question it. Here is another example. A few years ago a discussion was going on about MPD. In trying to defend the existence of mahaprayan, Dada K responded that this is beyond logic and reasoning. By this way, unknowingly he accepted that MPD is a dogma.

Reference:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Beware of Dogma

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Weakness of democracy

INDIA — During Rahul Gandhi’s political speech at a recent rally, a congressman was distributing money to rented citizens (i.e. voters) and flag bearers. Sadly, these simple folk do not understand the value of their vote; and, instead, they are selling their franchise for 100RS. In that case, who can think that this type of democratic election will be fruitful. Rather, it is wrought with purchased voters. Indeed there was a rally where those political operatives were actually handing out rupee notes to the voters.

In His below teaching, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar - the Propounder of Prout philosophy - warns us about the terrible weakness of democracy: the common people are not adequately educated or aware about the issues to properly participate in the democratic process. This is exemplified by the above scene. 

Prout philosophy states, “Democracy is defined as “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” But in fact it is the rule of the majority. Hence democracy means “mobocracy” because the government in a democratic structure is guided by mob psychology. The majority of the society are fools; wise people are always in a minority. Thus, finally democracy is nothing but “foolocracy”.” (1)

Here below is a link to the video of the rally where those political operatives are handing out rupee notes to the voters. 

https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/08/parrot-meditation-3-more.html

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, Discourses on Prout, Point #5

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Jinanis: no end of their justification

Here is an English summary of Baba’s Hindi teaching:

There is one defect in jinanis. Two jinanis cannot agree on any point. Among them, many jinanis believe that agreeing means accepting one’s defeat. Indeed there are some godly qualities in jinanis. Such as they can speak in flowery language. Or that with their grandiloquence they can prove day as night, and night as day. If in daytime one jinani tells to anyone that it is night, or if during the night they tell that it is day, and if the next person does not accept what the jinani is telling, then the jinani will use the their logic and reasoning to prove that person as a top-grade fool. And he (the jinani) will make it look like the next person could not understand this one simple thing. Because of this in the scriptures is it said, ‘Mathitva…’ Meaning: if an unfathomable amount of milk is turned into butter and whey, then jinanis argue and quarrel about the whey and in so doing the butter gets rotten and destroyed. (1)

Reference
1. Summary of Varna Victira (H), p. 49-50

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

हे परमपुरुष! जिन्हें  तुम प्रेम करते हो वे  छिपे  क्यों रहना चाहते  हैं

प्रभात संगीत 3333 तुमि जाके भालो बासो से केनो आराले ठाके....

भावार्थ

हे परमपुरुष! एक बात मेरी समझ में नहीं आती, कृपा कर बताओ तो सही कि जिन्हें  तुम प्रेम करते हो वे  छिपे  क्यों रहना चाहते  हैं , वे  नाम और यश  क्यों नहीं चाहते ? वे  किसी प्रकार से भी अपनी  तारीफ़ किया जाना  क्यों नहीं पसंद करते ? यदि कोई उनकी प्रशंसा  करता भी है तो वे उस पर ध्यान न देकर केवल मुस्कुरा देते हैं। तुम्हारी कृपा से वे जानते हैं कि मनुष्यों के पास घमंड करने  के लिये कुछ नहीं है सभी कुछ तो परमपुरुष की ओर से ही आता है अर्थात् प्राप्त होता है। इस प्रकार  के भक्त सोचते हैं कि वे जो कुछ करते हैं वह परमपुरुष की इच्छा से ही करते हैं इसलिये किसी चीज को वे  क्यों मांगें ? वे ऐसा क्यों करते हैं?

हे दिव्य सत्ता! तुम दूसरों को अर्थात् जो भक्त नहीं भी हैं, उनको धन और ताकत देते हो , उन्हें  भौतिक जगत की  अपार शक्तियाॅं , धन और सौभाग्य प्रदान करते हो | और भक्तों के लिये इसका बिल्कुल उल्टा ही करते हो। तुम भक्तों के सभी पाप आदि  छीनकर उनका मन भक्ति के आनन्द से भर देते हो! बताओ , तुम ऐसा  क्यों करते हो?

हे परमपुरुष बाबा! आठ प्रकार की सिद्धियाॅं, जो लोग पा लेते हैं  वे उनकी बुद्धि और निर्णय करने क्षमता अर्थात  विवेक हर लेती हैं।  इस प्रकार के लोग इन शक्तियों का दुरुपयोग कर  अपनी तारीफ़  पाने की लालसा में  या बहुत बड़े योगी कहलाने और पूजे जाने की इच्छा से  सीधे सादे लोगों को बड़ा ही  नुकसान पहुंचाते हैं। ऐंसे लोगों का अहंकर जल्दी ही धुएं में उड़ जाता है, अपनी सूझ बूझ खोकर पतन के गहरे गड्डे  में जा गिरते हैं। वे वह करते हैं जो  नहीं करना चाहिये इसलिए  प्रकृति के प्रवाह के विपरीत अर्थात ऋणात्मक प्रतिसंचर में पड़ कर पत्थर (जड़ पदार्थ) बन जाते हैं। हे प्रभु! इन दिव्य शक्तियों का उचित उपयोग केवल तुम ही करते हो और तुम्हारी कृपा से तुम्हारे भक्त तुम्हें पाकर दिव्य आनन्द में हर  क्षण मग्न रहते है। उनका मन दिव्य संसार में ही लीन रहता है और उनकी सभी इच्छायें पूरी होकर तृप्त हो जाती हैं। उनके लिये सुख और दुख में कोई अन्तर नहीं रह जाता । वे हमेशा  वृन्दावन में रहते हैं अर्थात् परमपुरुष के आनन्द में ही  डूबे रहते हैं। वे तुम्हारी  लीलानन्द अवस्था में दिव्य आनन्द और नित्यानन्दअवस्था में तुम्हारा आशीष  पाते रहते हैं। वे तुम्हारी कृपा सें तुम ही  में मिलकर अपना जीवन सफल कर लेते हैं।

हे परम पुरुष बाबा! भक्तगण अपनी प्रतिष्ठा और यशकीर्ति के लिये क्यों नहीं भटका करते ? (4)

टिप्पणी- 0 - भक्तगण परमपुरुष से उनके अलावा कुछ नहीं माॅंगते। साधारण लोग उनसे नाम ,यश , कीर्ति, धन वैभव और शक्ति माॅंगते हैं। यही कारण है कि बाबा उनकी वही इच्छायें पूरी कर देते हैं।
१-विवेक-  श्रेय अर्थात् पुण्य और प्रेय अर्थात् पाप कर्म के बीच निर्णय लेने की क्षमता को विवेक कहते हैं।

२-बृन्दावन- यह भौतिक जगत का बृन्दावन नामक स्थान नहीं है वरन् भक्त के हृदय का बृन्दावन है जहाॅं भक्त और भगवान दोनों ही रहते हैं और लुका छिपी का खेल खेलते हैं। जब कभी वह आकर्षित करते हैं तो भक्त उनकी ओर दौड़ता है और फिर अनुभव करता है कि वह तो मेरे पास में ही हैं। इसीलिये कहा गया है कि ‘‘बृन्दावनम् परित्यज्य पदेकम न गच्छाामि,‘‘ अर्थात् बृन्दावन को छोड़कर मै एक पद भी अन्यत्र नहीं जाता हॅूू।

३-लीलानन्द और नित्यानन्द- जब कोई साधक ब्रह्म की संचर और प्रतिसंचर धाराओं में आपने को इतना तल्लीन कर लेता है कि वह उनके इस द्रश्य  प्रपंच में उन्हीं का भाव लेकर आनन्दित होने लगता है तो इसे लीलानन्द भाव कहते हैं। इस भाव से स्पंदित होकर वह कभी नाचता है कभी गाता है कभी रोता है । परंतु नित्यानन्द भाव में केवल पुरुषेत्तम ही रहते हैं अतः लीलाभाव में प्रदर्शित  होने वाले अनेक स्पंदनों और रुपों का उन्हीं में विलय हो जाता है और अविचल दिव्यानन्द की अनुभूति होती है इसे नित्यानन्द भाव कहते हैं।

References:
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, The Five Kinds of Conscience (Viveka)
2. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 27
3. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Sadhana

== Section : Important Teaching ==

What about suffixing family name

Baba says, "Casteism is a burden on the Hindu society. All the year round they preach casteism but on the polling days they decry it. This is wholly undesirable. It is better to avoid all titles. Titles signify the caste. If casteism is to be wiped out, it is incumbent to discard the titles. It is commendable if everyone adopts uniformity on title – Deva. Persons using a particular word more often will influence their minds with the meaning of that word. People are reluctant to use the word dása because this word signifies slavery. Whenever the so-called low caste people catch an opportunity, they declare themselves as belonging to the so-called elevated caste, etc. It is an ideal to become deva and for this reason Deva title should be adopted." (1)

Baba says, "Titles of the present society have undergone considerable changes during the past fifty years, the cause being that everyone aspires to pertain to an elevated caste. The so-called Shúdras also use the sacred thread. This is only an effort towards the concealment of one’s identity. By this means, they conceal only their disregarded status. This is to be regretted. It is consequent on social debility that they harbour the desire for changes in their situations. It is out and out purposeless to convene All-India Conferences or particular castes. All of them desire to assert and establish their rights. This is simply misuses of energy and money." (1)

Baba says, "The consent of those embraced must be sought for before renaming them in Saḿskrta. Language has got nothing to do with religion and as such, there is no reason for anybody depreciating the use of Saḿskrta. In this connection it may be added that the great emperor Aurangzeb used the term sudhárasa (juice of nectar) for mango (original Saḿskrta term for mango is ámra) and saddharma for Islam." (1)

So many areas of the globe are affected by caste, race, and communal feeling. Here above Baba gives the perfect antidote and solution to such narrow-minded and harmful thinking.

Reference
1. Tattvika Diipika, 5th part, Ánanda Púrńimá 1957

== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming Festival: Shravanii Purnima - 09 Aug 2025

#3: Margiis also tantrikas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-cemetery-sadhana-for-all-4-more.html

#2: Upcoming festival Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/getting-sadguru-is-beginning-of-end-of.html

#1: Meaning behind Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/shravanii-purnima-repentance.html

Postings to Read

Realizing your spiritual power

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-sincere-sadhaka-is-asset-to-society.html

Story: new bhakta hiding from Baba

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-shyness-due-to-low-devotion-3-more.html

Maximizing sadhana time

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/sadhana-sadhanaunga.html

PS & prayer

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/begging-in-am-3-more.html

Early days before Wts

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/07/how-baba-started-ananda-marga.html

For all sadhakas: the gunas + 4 more

Baba

For all sadhakas: the gunas

Namaskar,

When you feel inspired to do more sadhana and be more vigilant in 16 Points then in that phase you are more dominated by sattvaguńa; and, if you feel lethargic to do asanas but eventually do them in a halfway sort of manner, then you are more dominated by rajoguńa; and, if you feel a complete lack of interest in spiritual life and are instead attracted to mundane and sensual pleasures, then you are more dominated by tamoguńa. If most of the time you are dominated by sattvaguńa then you are a sattvaguńii.
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How guńas affect a person's life choices

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A sattvaguńii person always finds sattvaguńa in everything. Similarly, a rajoguńii finds rajoguńah, and a tamoguńii finds tamoguńa. On visiting Káshi a righteous person [sattvaguńii] shall associate with the sages and saints on the bank of the Ganges and will find Káshi to be the most sacred place. A tourist [rajoguńii] will go round the city and find it a city like all others, while a cheat [tamoguńii] will find this city a proper place for his operations. The same city is visualised in three different ways by three persons according to their respective temperaments." (1)

Thus, sattvaguńa will lead one along the path to the Divine; tamoguńa pushes one along the path of severe degradation; and rajoguńa is more of a neutral enterprise, neither high nor low.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "With the help of prakrti’s sattvaguńa, the aspirant can gain access into the universal, imperishable consciousness. When his mind merges in universal mind, this state is called “savikalpa samádhi”. According to natural principles, if the aspirant takes something limited and perishable as the object of his attainment and adopts it as the goal of their life, they unconsciously proceed toward tamoguńa – toward crudeness, and eventually towards animality. Tamoguńa alone is crudeness, and rajoguńa can be called dynamism, and sattvaguńa the harmonious enlightenment." (2)

So, there are three guńas, i.e. binding principles governed by prakrti; and all three guńas are present within each and every human being - and every entity of this cosmos - but to varying degrees. Accordingly, they influence the mind of each and every sadhaka in various ways. And the aforementioned teachings provide a background about the nature of the three guńas and how they affect human thought and action.
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Which guńa is dominating you?

As noted, everything in this universe is bound by all three guńas, yet one is usually more dominant than the other two. For instance, if a normal person one day wakes up with the ardent desire to learn meditation, then it can be said they are now dominated by sattvaguńa. And if after some months or years on the path, they get tempted by alcohol and plunge themselves into a drunken stupor, then it means they regressed and became dominated by tamoguńa.

Not all examples are quite so stark; this whole process exists along a continuum and you may recognise in your own life when you feel more dominated by the sentient principle (sattvaguńa), and when more dominated by the mutative principle (rajoguńa), and when more dominated by the static principle (tamoguńa).

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "All the three attributes operate together in everything, although in varying proportions. Those things where sattvaguńa predominates are called “sattvika”, those where rajoguńa dominates are called “rájasika”, and those where tamoguńa is dominant are called “támasika”." (3)

But whatever may be, ultimately these three guńas are all binding principles operated by prakrti - the cosmic operative principle. They have their own limitations. These guńas themselves cannot liberate you from bondage. They cannot grant you mukti or moksa, not even sattvaguńa. And they can't bring you to the abode of Parama Purusa.
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To best illustrate this in a clear manner, Baba has recounted the story of the three thieves in various discourses. Here below is a summary of Baba's story.


Story of the thieves

Once a general citizen, i.e. an ordinary man, lost his way and found himself crossing a deep, dark, forested jungle. While meandering through the jungle - lost and confused, the man was accosted by three thieves - Mr. Tamoguńa, Mr. Rajoguńa, and Mr. Sattvaguńa.

The thief named Mr. Tamoguńa wanted to kill the man and steal everything he had. And verily Tamoguńa was about to murder him when the thief named Mr. Rajoguńa intervened. Mr. Rajoguńa was not in favour of killing the person; instead, Mr. Rajoguńa merely wanted to tie him up and rob him. Mr. Sattvaguńa remained quiet and watched.

Mr. Tamoguńa and Mr. Rajoguńa then harassed and tied up the traveler, and then all three thieves went hunting in the jungle. While the other two thieves were still out hunting, the thief named Mr. Sattvaguńa returned to the scene of the crime. With much remorse he looked at that helpless man and said, "Oh dear, you are in terrible trouble. I am so sorry. I wanted to help you earlier, but with those other two guys around I could not intervene. So I had to keep quiet."

Then Mr. Sattvaguńa quickly untied the man and gave him back his belongings. He then led the innocent victim through the dark jungle and stopped at the very edge. From that vantage point, Mr. Sattvaguńa showed the person the path to the city of lights - he helped him become a sadhaka. But Mr. Sattavguńa himself could not leave the darkness at the edge of the jungle, as he was, after all, a thief. So the helpless traveler was saved from the dangers of the jungle by Mr. Sattvaguńa, and was brought onto the path of sadhana, but then still had to advance further to the city of lights.
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Significance of each of the three thieves

(A) We can liken the thief named Mr. Tamoguńa to that aspect of maya that leads one to utter degeneration: drinking liquor, harming others, eating meat, torturing animals, etc. When one is dominated by tamoguńa, their degradation is sure.

Many, many non-margiis fall in this category as they are quite satisfied with mundane allurements and lesser tendencies, and altogether oblivious about spiritual life. Within this camp, there are definite degrees. Some are just animals in human form deluged in primal instincts whereas others might be demons in human form as they wish to undermine the welfare of others.

That is why Baba paints such a gruesome picture of the thief tamoguńa in his above story. Because those dominated by tamoguńa get ruined, even destroyed. They are just like the living dead, killed by tamoguńa.

(B) Mr. Rajoguńa is not quite as nasty or mean-minded as Mr. Tamoguńa, but we cannot think that Mr. Rajoguńa is very helpful either. Mr. Rajoguńa did not want to kill the traveler, rather he robbed him and left him tied up to suffer in the dark.

In the practical sphere, we can think of human beings dominated by rajoguńa as those who run after name and fame, are bound largely by their ego, and are mostly living for their own self-indulgence. They are neither service-oriented nor interested in higher ideals. Nor though are they plotting another's complete destruction. On occasion, those dominated by rajoguńa may even do decent works in life, but those works will still keep one in bondage.
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(C) Then we come to the thief Mr. Sattvaguńa. In the above story, Mr. Sattvaguńa is basically portrayed as the hero. He helps the traveler get out of the dark jungle and march towards the city. He helps people out of the shadows of avidya maya and with the help of samvit shakti brings one onto the path of self-knowledge. He turned that lost traveler into a veritable sadhaka.

However, one should not then think that sattvaguńa can then liberate any person from all bondages. It cannot. Sattvaguńa itself is a binding principle - it keeps jiivas in bondage. As the story shows though, sattvaguńa will bring human beings onto the right path. Those dominated by this binding principle will find the Guru, get initiation, have an appreciation for spiritual life, and live a sentient, God-centered existence.

Sattvaguńa can help you just little bit only

Even then a person who is 65% sentient, 20% mutative, and 15% tamasik may fall prey, on occasion, to the ways of tamoguńa. So being dominated by sattvaguna is not liberation. Still one is bound and prone to downfall.

Only if one is fully immersed in the thought of Parama Purusa - day and night, i.e. 99% sattvaguńa - are they not prone to degrading activities. Then they are still in bondage to some degree (i.e. food, death etc), but they have almost zero chance of falling into the mire of tamoguńa.

Crossing the bhavasa'gar

So the three binding principles - sattvaguńa, rajoguńa, and tamo'guńa - have their own agendas and function and keep the jiiva bound to the cycle of life and death. We must not forget that even good and noble actions are binding. Good actions reap good samskaras that then have to be exhausted.

Here Baba describes how maya can deliver one to the doorstep of the kingdom of Parama Purusa, but it cannot grant liberation. For that, one must cross one last hurdle, and to cross that bhakti is needed.
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Ananda Marga ideology guides us "Ma'ya' has three guńas – operative principles through which it works – viz., sattvaguńa (sentient principle), rajoguńa (mutative principle) and tamoguńa (static principle). They work and lie in an ascending order on the road to the Absolute. The sentient principle (sattvaguńa) has the capacity to take the sa'dhaka very near Him (Nira'ka'ra Brahma) by making the mind more and more subtle. But there still lies a gap between this point and Nira'ka'ra Brahma. This gap is known as bhava or bhavasa'gar. This gap can only be bridged with the help of devotion. Thus we see that ma'ya', channelized properly (in its sentient operating principle) can take the sa'dhaka to a point very near Ishvara, from which point the domain of devotion begins." (4)

So there is only one way to free oneself from the three thieves or three binding principles. And that is to develop a link with the Supreme Entity, for only He is beyond the binding faculties. Only by ideating on Parama Purusa can one cross the ocean - bhavasa'gar - and reach unto Him.


"One will have to depend on God"

Ananda Marga ideology says, "So one must remember that one may or may not attain salvation by dint of one’s own spiritual practices: one will have to depend on His Grace. And because He is one with each and every expressed entity through His ota and prota yoga, He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharan'a'gati. This sharan'a'gati is the only reply to all spiritual questions. Thus He clearly says,

Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k
So'pi pa'pavinirmukto mucyate bhavabandhana't.
Daevii hyes'a' guńamayii mama Ma'ya' duratyaya'
Ma'meva ye prapadyante Ma'ya'meta'm' taranti te.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “This ma'ya' is a dangerous force. The dexterous hands of ma'ya' create so many problems, and these problems are dangerous: Aghat'ana ghatana pat'iiyasii ma'ya'. It is very difficult for human beings to surmount the effect of ma'ya'. But I am there. Those who have resorted to sharan'a'gati, who have taken shelter in me, will easily surmount these waves of difficulties, of worries and anxieties in life. Even sinners should depend upon me – I am here to help them.” U'ta'mrtasyesha'no: He is not only the Lord of heaven, He is the Lord of hell also. U'ta' means hell. So even a sinner of hell should not become mentally disturbed because the Lord of hell is with him. Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k. “Even if the sinner of sinners resorts to sharan'a'gati, to complete surrender, then so'pi pa'pavinirmukta – they will be freed from all kinds of sins”: mucyate bhavabandhana't. “They must attain salvation, for I am the granter of salvation.” (5)

Namaskar,
at His altar,
Tiirthapati Deva

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Máyá and Mokśa
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, Who Is the Liberating Entity of Human Society

*        *        *

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: Important Teaching ==

Still from monkey era

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "“Monkey”. On the slightest occasion, either due to fear or excitement, a monkey grimaces with clenched fist. So it is called kikhi. This habit of the monkey is prehistoric. Although the ancestors of human beings and monkeys are the same, they were separated at least one million years ago. So a human being also, when frightened or excited, clenches the fist and grimaces. A small child keeps its fist clenched most of the time, and the habit of grimacing also remains predominant in childhood." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When people become agitated they clench their fists and gnash their teeth. These are examples of the traditional legacy or structural legacy of human beings. They have been passed down from preceding stages of evolution. Grimacing and grinning are other examples, but these can be gradually controlled." (2)

Even today, one million years later, still humans carry those same monkey characteristics and instincts. For instance, monkeys bite and scratch when they are angry or fighting one another. That's why infants keep their fists clenched. And some humans also bite and scratch as their chief method of attack / self-defense. Hence the proverb: Fight tooth and nail. Because those days humans were using their teeth and fingernails as their primary weapons, just like monkeys do. And still today some humans resort to these monkey tactics.

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Kálii to Kikhi (Discourse 25)
2. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Psychology

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Effects of deforestation

Prout philosophy says, "Ecologists claim that some deserts are essential for keeping the global ecology in a balanced state. The high day temperatures and the cold night temperatures that occur in desert regions create a useful effect. The hot, dry desert air rises and creates a vacuum which sucks in cool air, generating a chain reaction. Moist air is sucked in from the sea and formed into clouds which then rain on the land. If deserts vanish entirely, the overall rainfall will be reduced." (1)

Note: Nowadays with the rapid increase of deforestation, there has been the rise of desertification across many land masses. This has had a horrific effect on the ecological balance and the fortune of human survival. However, one should not think that all deserts are inherently bad. Those regions that are natural deserts have a highly beneficial effect on the ecological balance. 

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Integrated Farming

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Adopted communist strategy

Ananda Marga philosophy: "Question – Why is everything in the communist countries done under the dark veil of the iron curtain?"

"Answer – Because they are conscious of the inherent defects and loopholes in their system and they do not want the world to know what they are doing." (1)

Note: A similar thing is going on in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha these days. To hide their hypocrisy, group leaders adhere to this same approach.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 4, Question #12

== Section: Important Teaching ==

8 jumps: kundalinii & kiirtana

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The kulakundalinii rises upward in eight jumps or phases, so with two syllables in a siddha mantra, the kundalinii will jump four times. But a general, or publicly-given, siddha mantra will make the kulakundalinii jump eight times or in eight phases. That is why such a siddha mantra has eight syllables. So you should understand that a proper kiirtana must have eight syllables, never seven or nine syllables." (1)

Note 1: Everyone knows there are eight syllables in our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra.

Note 2: The reason why the kundalinii jumps eight times is because it moves from the muladhara cakra all the way to sahasrara cakra - passing through one cakra after another until it reaches that final point. After it reaches the Guru cakra then one final jump is made to the sahasrara cakra. In total, 8 jumps are made - one for each syllable.
         
Reference
1. Discourses of Krsna and the Giita, Krśńa Unparalleled

== Section: Important teaching ==

Story: revolution

“O prince! Now there is no way to recede or retreat. Now we will have to fight with him face to face. Don’t worry at all. We four will create a stir among the young people 14 and they will help you in large numbers. Though the demons are powerful, they are very few in number. If human beings have a proper understanding of their rights, and unitedly stand to establish these rights, all the strength of the demons will disappear just like a piece of straw before a current!”

The four friends of the prince then set out on their respective duties. They sent the message of a famous poet of the Kingdom of Light to all the young people of that country. “Awake, brothers and sisters! Today you will have to awake and stand up against the tyranny of the demons! You will have to stand unitedly to fight against them. The hollow message of peace is meaningless today. As long as the demons are alive, the message of peace is sweet to hear, but is of no use to the society.

“The forces of destruction are spreading venom in all directions. The sweet gospels of peace have been reduced to mockery. Before I depart I send my clarion call to those who have been preparing themselves, in every home, for the battle against the demons.

“The huge wastes of the villains will never add any glorious chapter to human history.”

Young people joined the struggle in large numbers. They said, “We have promised our everything to bring an end to the reign of the demons. We have borne tyranny for a long time – but no more! Wearing ragged clothes we have supplied the commodities of enjoyment for the demons – but no more. We want to lead a life worth living. All the wealth of this universe is the common property of all living beings. We won’t tolerate deception any longer! We want food, clothes, shelter, medicine and education. We want to lead an honourable life.”

The prince said, “These are the very words I wanted to hear from you. We want the end of the Demonic Rule. But before discharging the final blow, the opponent party should be given a chance to amend itself; that’s why we want to give the Strange Demon a chance.”

Reference
1. The Golden Lotus of the Blue Sea

== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming Festival: Shravanii Purnima - 09 Aug 2025

#3: Margiis also tantrikas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-cemetery-sadhana-for-all-4-more.html

#2: Upcoming festival Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/getting-sadguru-is-beginning-of-end-of.html

#1: Meaning behind Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/shravanii-purnima-repentance.html

Postings to Read

Realizing your spiritual power

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-sincere-sadhaka-is-asset-to-society.html

Story: new bhakta hiding from Baba

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-shyness-due-to-low-devotion-3-more.html

Maximizing sadhana time

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/sadhana-sadhanaunga.html

PS & prayer

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/begging-in-am-3-more.html

Early days before Wts

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/07/how-baba-started-ananda-marga.html