Why same mantra + 3 more

Baba

Why same mantra

Namaskar,

Why is it that only one hymn is used in all our Ananda Marga social functions? Whether it be baby naming, house blessing, marriage ceremony, tree planting or death ceremony, always the same hymn is used. The hymn being referred to here is "Omn madhu va'ta' rtaya'te...".
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "This [Omn madhu vátá] “mantra” has not been adopted here or elsewhere as the guiding “mantra” of the occasion. It is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (1)


Why this hymn of peace

After understanding why in Ananda Marga we have only one hymn for all social ceremonies, one might wonder why this particular peace hymn is used and not any other. The answer is quite straightforward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu hymn is very sweet and focuses our vision on the bright side of life. The hymn perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu hymn enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

"Anandaddhyeva khalvima'ni bhuta'ni ja'yante..."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss." (2)

The sense is that everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of bhaktas is therefore blissful. In the above teaching, Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the bhakta is always blissful. That's why this "Onm Madhu..." hymn, a hymn of peace, has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because it carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga - the Path of Bliss.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This is a special quality in our Ananda Marga way of life that each and every expression is blissful. It may be a child's birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases, irrespective of whether shra'ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and sit for sadhana in all these functions, and raise the "Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!" slogan, and use this blissful hymn. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

Even though the hymn may hold different meanings in the various ceremonies, in each and every circumstance the hymn reminds one and all that Parama Purusa is present. And verily there are countless reasons why we have only one hymn for our social ceremonies - some more of which have been outlined and expanded upon below.


"Omn madhu..." - the full hymn & translation

In Ananda Marga, at each and every social function the same hymn resounds. When anybody dies, this peace hymn is used in the shra'ddha ceremony. When a tree is planted, this peace hymn is used for the tree planting ceremony. For marriages, baby-naming, house blessing, and all social functions this peace hymn is used.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Oṋḿ madhu vátá rtáyate madhu kśarantu sindhavah;
Mádhviirnah santvośadhiih.
Madhu naktamutośaso madhumat párthivaḿ rajah;
Madhu dyaorastu nah pitá.
Madhumán no vanaspatirmadhumán astu súryah;
Mádhviirgávo bhavantu nah.
Oṋḿ madhu oṋḿ madhu oṋḿ madhu.

The literal meaning is:

May the winds bring blessings,
May the oceans bring blissful tides;

May our forests be beautiful,
May our plants be charming;

May our days and nights be sweet,
May every particle of this earth be radiant with joy;

May the sun shower rays of hope and happiness,
May the spiritual light shine on all;

May all the beings of this universe be blessed.
Let eternal peace prevail, let eternal peace prevail, let eternal peace prevail.

Why one hymn for all social functions

1. Accessible to All:

Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one hymn for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn so they can perform the ceremonies themselves.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where such priests are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When there is one hymn for all Ananda Marga ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it, and perform the social ceremonies as needed.


2. Importance of Participation:

There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observer. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer they do not feel part of what is going on.

With regards to our Ananda Marga social ceremonies like marriage or baby naming, those in the audience immediately become active participants as they too take a vow to watch for the growth and well-being of that new born child, and newly married couple. So in these ceremonies no one is a passive observer. Those witnesses must repeat this hymn, (Omn Madhu 3x), take a vow, and if there is no acarya available then senior family margiis may conduct the entire ceremony.

When family margiis are active participants in our Ananda Marga ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our Ananda Marga society. If one were to just watch the priest lead the program - as happens in the various religions - then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just "in the audience" as passive observers while the religious priests chant and lead the ceremony. Yet all along those attendees have no idea what is going on.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In contrast, in our Ananda Marga ceremonies, where people are actively participating, by repeating the hymn of peace - and taking an oath etc, then a greater bond is created and the occasion is far more meaningful - for everyone.


3. Emotional Link in Society:

When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example to demonstrate this fact.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. Such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation." (3)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja'takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as a bona-fide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching. Unfortunately, this feeling is lacking in today's materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do not feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Ananda Marga, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in Ananda Marga social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all. When there is one hymn for all Ananda Marga social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.


4. Why Saḿskrta:

The question might arise that why should the one hymn for our social ceremonies be in Saḿskrta. Well, most of the world's languages are connected with Saḿskrta. Saḿskrta is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world across the globe.


Conclusion

To eradicate priest exploitation Baba has given this hymn. Our Ananda Marga is the path of bliss and this hymn - "Omn madhu va'ta' rtaya'te..." - helps us view all events in life in a spiritual and blissful manner. Using  this same hymn for all kinds of occasions facilitates the coming together of people from different backgrounds and participating in the same ceremony. So this hymn provides us with a positive vision and acts as a unifying force in our universal human society.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Liila’
(Lynn Channing)


~ In-depth study ~

Two keys of this hymn

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "This [Omn madhu vátá] mantra has not been adopted here or elsewhere as the guiding mantra of the occasion. It is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (4)

1. Not Guiding hymn: That means that although this hymn is chanted at all our social ceremonies, it does not contain the actual specifics of that particular event. For instance, this hymn does not contain the marriage vows or the baby blessing etc. For the specific meaning of each social festival one is to reference Caryacarya and then those vows will be read aloud in the mother tongue so all involved clearly understand that required oaths and vows etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

2. Hymn of Peace: Our hymn - "Oṋḿ madhu vátá rtáyate..." - is really a peaceful hymn that brings a certain sweet feeling and spiritual vibration to each and every social ceremony. Thus it fulfills a very unique and important role. This hymn creates a common bond amongst all attendees.


Vows in mother tongue

Here Baba distinctly warns us what happens when the specific vows and oaths of a particular ceremony are not given in one's local language or mother tongue.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "It has been prescribed to spell the “Mantra” in one’s mother tongue, because to read out the words of an oath in some other language without understanding their meaning is nothing but a farce. It is not possible to realize the responsibility of uttering oaths without knowing their meaning." (5)

By this way Baba ensures that by using one’s mother tongue the sanctity and understanding of every Ananda Marga social function will be clear to all participants and attendees. There will be no scope for dogma or ritualism or blind following to come into our Ananda Marga social ceremonies and gatherings. Each and every person present will comprehend the oaths taken and at the same time joyfully chant the hymn thereby creating a common bond amongst all attendees.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ananda Marga is dharma, & dharma is for all

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way. The reason is that this enables everyone - literate and illiterate -  to understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all. The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. That is why only one hymn is used.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Nityánanda and Liilánanda
3. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
4. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
5. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Resonance of Your flute
 
“Ba’hir vishve dhara’ da’o na’ko, marme lukiye tha’ko…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3857)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, in the external world You can’t be held. You are hiding in everyone’s heart and cannot be found outside, nor held in this mundane world. Searching for You externally - in various, so-called holy lands and ostensible tiirthas like Ananda Nagar, Tiljala, Jamalpur, or Varanasi, Jerusalem, Puri, Mecca, Rome, and at the top of the so-called holy Himalayan mountain ranges, Mount Sinai  etc - is just a waste of time. You always reside in the deep core of my heart and remain eternally in that golden vessel in the inner recesses of my being. Regardless of who is crying for You, longing for You, or is oblivious of You, You lovingly shower Your compassion and grant shelter at Your lotus feet to one and all - never making any distinctions. Everyone is part of Your creation; You call and bring all jiivas under Your timeless care. With Your infinite charm and the resonance of Your flute, You draw everyone nigh, and attract all living beings near by the pull of Your karuna. This is Your special call.

Baba, Parama Purusa, the planets, stars, sun, mountains, forests, eye-captivating images, dry desert, and deep green trees, everything one can imagine - all You fill with Your nectar, Your karun’a’.

Parama Purusa, I feel this mutual affection of ours is eternal. You soak the dust of the earth and the chirping and dancing of the birds with Your loving, causeless grace-compassion and divine nectar.

Parama Purusa Baba, You are eternally present - always smiling in my inner self. My Dearmost, You are so gracious...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

What to consider before eating

   Ananda Marga ideology states, “All-round restraint is indeed necessary. It will not do to simply eat what you get or do what you desire. When you eat you must consider if it is sentient, mutative or static. While eating you must think carefully as to what influence it will have over your body and your mind. You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get. You have to think when you act.”
   “Śaśt́haiṋca pramitáháro. There is a Bengali saying: uno bháte duno val, bhará pet́e rasátal. If one eats less, then one’s strength increases and one does not fall sick, but if someone overeats, then they fall sick. Here it has been said: pramitáhára. Pramitáhára and parimitáhára are not the same. Parimitáhára means that I have not eaten a lot, nor have I eaten a little. That is called parimitáhár. And pramitáhár means that I have eaten little but I have eaten nourishing food. That is pramitáhára. You have the custom of eating sentient food. If you follow that then you meet the objective of pramitáhára.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success

== Section: Important Teaching ==

One will have to take shelter in Him

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose you meet a great karmi and ask him if he is successful in everything he undertakes. He will certainly say, “No.” If you ask him if he ever gets tired of working, he will say that he definitely gets tired on different occasions. And when he gets tired does he not ask Parama Puruśa to give him more strength? No matter how great a karmii one might be, one will have to eventually take shelter in Parama Puruśa, one will have to eventually surrender to Him." (1)

Note: In the life of a sadhaka on the spiritual journey, the first and foremost ingredient is surrender. In so many ways it is used. In the above quote, surrender is explained in a very simple way.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Be ready for Prout

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/05/prout-east-west-germany-3-more.html

Baba story: are you reading AM books?

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/story-my-pc-with-baba-3-more.html

Prout on education & crime

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/04/widespread-violence-remedy.html

Prout's strategy to avert ecological catastrophes

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-stop-man-made-disasters-2-more.html

Science of essential AM practice

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/12/asana-longevity-all-around-health.html

Baba story: Are you reading AM books? + 3 more

Baba

Baba story: Are you reading AM books?

Namaskar,

Here begins the story recounted by one margii…

By Baba's grace, I was initiated in 1963. A few years later in 1966, DMC was held in Nagpur. At the time, due to His pull of bhakti, I had a very strong desire to have Baba's personal contact. Numerous margiis had told me that Baba knows everything but I wanted to have my own first-hand experience of this. So this is what I planned to do: I decided that when Baba asks me anything, I will not answer until He asks me the question in my mother tongue. That was my plan. And I did not tell anybody about this. By that way I would be confirmed that Baba knows my thoughts and mother tongue.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


What happened in my PC?

As per the system, I waited in line for PC (personal contact). When my turn came, I entered Baba's room and immediately did sastaunga pranam. After a short while, I heard Baba say in a soft voice, "Get up, get up."

I got up and stood before Baba.

Baba asked me, "What is your name?"

I kept quiet because He spoke in English, not my mother tongue. That was my plan so I did not say anything. I just stood there. Although I understood English, I was waiting for Baba to speak to me in my mother tongue. That is why I was not responding. Then Baba asked me other questions - all in English. Still I did not respond. I continued to remain quiet.

Baba started smiling. Then in a very gracious and sweet way He began asking me those same questions in my mother tongue (Bundel Khandi). We talked together for a few minutes. I was so happy.

While in His presence, I was thinking, "Yes, Baba indeed knows everything. He spoke in my mother tongue which is not widely known; and, He understood my desire without my saying anything."  I also realised that those things about myself which only I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba asks, "Are you reading AM books?"

On that same occasion of PC, Baba pointed out many of my mistakes, i.e. times I failed to adhere to Ananda Marga conduct rules. In follow-up, Baba inquired, "Are you reading Ananda Marga books?"

I replied, "No, Baba."

Then Baba told, It is very important to read our Ananda Marga books and study the discourses in order to practice those points on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise you will not know about those things, in which case how will you follow them in your practical life.

Previously, I was thinking just the opposite. I had heard from many sadhakas that bhakti is everything. So I had formed a very negative opinion about jinana (knowledge) and thought that there was no need to review and study Ananda Marga books. Because of this defective mentality, I had no idea about those conduct rules and teachings; therefore, Baba had to point out my mistakes.

Baba then explained, "It takes a lot of effort to bring these books in printed form. So much time and energy are invested, yet you are not reading them. That is why you do not even know the basic dos and don'ts of life."

At that point, I realised that reading Ananda Marga books is highly important and mentally I took the firm determination to study all of the Ananda Marga literature. Due to my lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals and conduct, I was not aware about right and wrong, virtue and vice, as described in various publications and literature. I was not following those codes properly and thus committed sin and acquired negative samsakaras. For the requital of my sins, Baba punished me for my wrongdoings, and I accepted. Afterwards, I felt completely light and blissful, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

Reading Ananda Marga books is invaluable and necessary for every Ananda Margii. Due to a lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals, some margiis and Wts preach dogma unknowingly.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Mahadeva

~ In-depth study ~

Relation with Sadguru

Baba then asked me, "Who is your father?"

I replied that …. is my father.

Baba told me, "Mr.… is your worldly father.”

Baba continued, “I am asking about your spiritual Father.”

Hearing this, I remained quiet; I did not know the answer.

Then after some time, Baba smiled and blessed: “I am your Father - not only for this life but up to eternity."

Then Baba graced me and I felt His sweet touch in every cell and pore of my existence. Still today I cannot forget His proximity, guidance, and love. Even now when I think about this it gives me goosebumps. Since that time I became very regular in studying Baba's books so I could best adhere to and propagate the principles of Ananda Marga. I also realised that those things about me which only I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew. Indeed Baba knows everything and He loves me very much.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba is still present

A few people think that Baba is the subject of history and believe they lost their opportunity to communicate with Him directly or personally. They think that the opportunity to be with Baba has passed. Indeed such persons feel that the privilege is gone and Baba is no longer accessible. They think that they cannot have His proximity and can only talk about His greatness. Thinking thus, they feel sad. Those who think in such a manner are mistaken. They could not realise that Baba is Parama Purusa and He remains with everyone always.

As Baba is Parama Purusa - His existence is beyond time. Now, even in this very moment, you can have His grace and serve Him. You can do anything that bhaktas have done in the past. So one should not feel and say with a deep sigh that, "Those days are gone and it is now impossible to have His close proximity." Instead, remember that Baba is always with you - now, in the future, always.

Bhaktas realise this divine truth and others do not. If you want to say something to Him then say it mentally - there is no need even for vocal chords. If you say or ask mentally, He listens. His ears are ready to listen. If you want to offer something, His hand is ready to receive. If you want to do pranam - go ahead. He will receive your pranam.

In all the ways, Baba is present with you because Baba is that eternal Divine Entity, Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

About all these bhavas and their importance in the life of a bhakta, Baba has beautifully written about and described in Namami Krsnasundaram.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Brahma, the author of this vast cosmic imagination moves everywhere within the universe, His vast Macropsychic arena, with His mental feet. He catches all the objects of this universe with His all-pervasive mental hands. He is the intellect, the intuition and the witnessing faculty of the innumerable created objects and hence we can say that He has His all-pervasive mental heads. Similarly, as the witness of all the macropsychic entities, He has innumerable mental eyes; and to hear their words, spoken or secret, and every loud or soft sound, He has His all-pervasive ears. He exists surrounding all objects with His own identity. You can keep nothing secret or private from Him - He knows more about you than you know about yourself. Behind all His pervasive faculties of knowing, understanding and hearing lies His Macropsychic stance." (1)

Note: The above is the first-hand account of Shrii Vrajbasi Lal from Bhopal (MP) whereby he recounts his PC with Baba.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm

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: Important Teaching ==

Cause of useless dreams

Ananda Marga ideology states, "When certain impressions perceived by the sense organs, agitate the conscious mind and sensory or material thoughts are thereby vehemently awakened in the conscious mind, the nervous system, the crude receptacle of the Kámamaya Kośa and the mind itself becomes unsteady and restless. This leaves an impression on the cells that is short-lived or long-lasting depending on the degree of its intensity. Sometimes even a significant impression being compelled to give way to a newer one under the impact of some other sense-agitation or restlessness, loses its previously acquired permanence. In the sleep state, if a person's nerve-tissues are agitated due to some physical cause, often either as the result of this or on account of cerebral heat caused by some vehement thinking, the nerve cells also become tired and disturbed. Such agitations give rise in the mental sphere to desires similar to those impressions, accumulated in the nerve-cells. Thus the agitated citta (the sub-conscious mind) accepts as real the stream of thoughts arising from one or more such impressions. The crude organs having stopped functioning, the identical desire arising from the previously acquired desire, do not then seem to be imaginary but appear to be quite real. Such dreams often do not come true, for these are actually pure imaginations or a mere stringing together of different disjointed thoughts, a confused or inconsistent dream. Only those whose nerve tissues have become weak due to some ailments of the brain or head or to some protracted illness, or those whose digestive system is malfunctioning, generally experience such confused dreams, which we may call Sensual Dreams. These dreams, as I have already said, are the true reproduction of previously imagined objects or the disjointed expressions of previous thoughts. Excessive eating also gives rise to such dreams in a person. Those who have purity of thoughts and also restraint over their diet, are generally less susceptible to such dreams. Such dreams never occur during [deep] sleep.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 5

== Section: More on plagiary ==

Please read and convey this to story thieves

Namaskar,

Some thieves have been (a) stealing Baba stories from this network, (b) posing that it was their original writing (c) and printing in their publications, magazines, or ​ posting it to their Facebook account, or What's App, blog, Google +, Tumbler, or any other media profiles etc. This type of blatant thievery / plagiarism discourages bhaktas from writing new stories. Because those bhaktas think someone is going to steal their work. The fault here lies with only a few select people.

 Yet, even after repeated warnings they continue to indulge in stealing stories whenever the opportunity arises. They refuse to write new stories. Such lowly thieves don't care about yama and niyama, Sixteen Points, or the code of asteya (non-stealing). In DMS and large gatherings etc, such story thieves would steal others belongings and chapels (sandals) as well. You might have encountered this. They wait for large gatherings and procure shoes and chapels for the whole year. By this way they become shoe thieves. And others suffer. This especially happens at Ananda Nagar or any large Ananda Marga gathering, whenever the opportunity arises.

The tragic outcome is that there are thousands of bhaktas who have stories to tell but there is a dearth of writers. Yet time marches on, and sadly those bhaktas will leave this world and their stories will be gone forever.

Our humble request then is to be creative and write new stories. The sole motivation is to publish the maximum amount of Baba stories. Everyone should work hard and try to contribute original material in this respect. All unpublished stories should be written.

In addition, by following this code then fake stories will not be circulated as everyone will be responsible for demonstrating the authenticity of each story.

Thank you for abiding by this ethic and code that is both today's international standard as well as Baba's given system. Again, it is our formal request not to plagiarise this story or any published writing on this network.

So please do not circulate any letter or story letter on any other network without keeping the full and complete letter including the header, signature, and all related notes and references. In addition, it would be proper to introduce the letter as "Courtesy of Ananda Marga Universal". Then everyone will clearly understand from where you got the letter. This is the accepted standard.

Baba says, "It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. " (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming pseudo-culture event: 01 April 

Hurtful humour & pranks

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/enjoying-by-harming-others-4-more.html

Degrading tradition: April Fools’ Day 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-pranks-should-always-be-condemned-3.html

Postings to Read

Prout on education & crime

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/04/widespread-violence-remedy.html

Prout's strategy to avert ecological catastrophes

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-stop-man-made-disasters-2-more.html

Science of essential AM practice

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/12/asana-longevity-all-around-health.html

Hurtful humour & pranks + 5 more

Baba

Hurtful humour & pranks

Note: In many western countries, the pseudo-culture event known as April Fools' Day occurs annually on 01 April.

Namaskar,

There are numerous occasions and dealings in materialistic communities that are founded upon degrading tendencies of mind. For instance, Halloween is based on injecting a fear complex wherein little children may even suffer their whole life - scared to death of imaginary ghosts. And the daily grind of capitalism itself encourages greed, sensuality, and selfishness. Likewise, on April Fools’ Day, the aim is to trick or deceive someone so they feel embarrassed, nervous, or ridiculed etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The end result is the loss of trust in society whereby people harbor tremendous suspicions towards one another - even between best friends, or husband and wife. This casts a long shadow on humanity because distrust, doubt, fear, and anxiety become dominant. And verily that is why we see so many psychic diseases wherever materialism thrives. In the end, people feel stressed, depressed, lonesome, and helpless.

In materialism: negative propensities flourish

That is why we can say that materialism is the polar opposite of tantra. Materialism stands for the injection of degrading propensities. Sadly, when the mind is overrun by degenerating thoughts then sadhana is not possible, as one will just dwell on those dark thoughts and degrade themselves further. Whereas tantra wholly encourages higher propensities and goads the mind towards Parama Purusa. In tantra, negative propensities do not get scope to grow as each and every engagement and practice in tantra aims at elevating the mind. By this way the mind is well-prepared to do sadhana and reach the Supreme rank.

As far as possible, as Ananda Margiis, we must always follow Sadguru Baba’s divine teachings and goad the mind towards higher pursuits - and never give way to materialistic traditions and daily rituals which erode the human psyche - both individually and collectively. What may seem like harmless and innocuous pranks and expressions etc often serve to undermine one’s well-being. Not only that, such types of pranks are against our sadhana oaths.
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As materialism takes root around us, we should be even more vigilant to hold firm to the traditions of tantra and only encourage those elevating qualities of mind. By this way we will reach the Goal and help others progress as well.

Seeing John’s face sunk in woe

“Hey John, I need to talk to you about something personal. As you know your marriage with Carol has been rocky of late, and our wives are best friends. Well, last night Betsy and Carol had a sit-down chat, and Betsy tells me that Carol is thinking of leaving you and ending the marriage - she will probably pack-up and leave by the end of the month. As a friend, I just felt I needed to tell you this.”

Hearing this, John becomes quite shocked and devastated. Seeing John’s face sunk in woe, an instant later Gary cries out, “April Fools!! I was just kidding - not to worry - Carol still loves you - she tells Betsy that the marriage has gotten much better - but you sure did get fooled!! I had you believing it all - you should have seen the look on your face!!”
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Distrust, doubt, fear, & anxiety is outcome

So the above is yet another example of how the traditions and norms in a materialistic society degrade the mind. The entire premise of the pranks and practical jokes made on April Fools’ Day stem from a sadistic mentality (pishunatá) where one derives pleasure by seeing others suffer - even if it is their good friend.

Of course, those submerged in materialism will justify that, “It was all done in good fun” and “everyone got a good laugh out of it” etc, but the underlying tendency of mind is sadistic and cruel (kruratá).

Conclusion

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us that our life is dear to us; similarly, the next person’s life is also dear to them. So, as far as possible we should help others, and not create problems in anyone else’s life. But unfortunately pranksters do the exact opposite of the aforesaid idea. Yet they themselves do not like to have pranks played on them; but, still they enjoy playing pranks and putting others in trouble. Those who have such a mentality cannot do sadhana. Human beings should realize their potentiality to provide relief to suffering people. That’s why they never play pranks on others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Satya

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When human beings do sádhaná, the kulakuńd́alinii, an ideative entity, rises upward through the spine. It pierces through cakras one after the other, and simultaneously the thoughts or propensities controlled by their respective cakras are brought under control. As soon as the kulakuńd́alinii pierces the múládhára, svádhiśt́hána and mańipura cakras, it brings under control all the propensities up to and including those of the mańipura cakra. The mańipura is the controlling cakra of ten propensities – shyness, sadistic tendency, envy, staticity, melancholia, peevishness, yearning for acquisition, infatuation, hatred, fear. When after rising and rising the kulakuńd́alinii reaches the sahasrára, it becomes one with Paramashiva. This is the state of liberation.” (1)

We must discourage depraving ones

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Tendencies are of either a degenerating or an exalting nature, that is, they are either of a depraving or an elevating nature. We should encourage the elevating tendencies and discourage the depraving ones. In certain parts of this world, depraving tendencies such as pornography exist. Simply protesting will not stop these things: we will have to do something positive to check it. Such positive action will create a new stir in the human mind. Pornography and other depraving tendencies will be completely discouraged and checked. That will be our course of action. We have to create new literature, new books, new music, new songs… We have to chalk out a programme and act accordingly.” (2)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga.” (3)

References
1. Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
2. A Few Problems Solved - 8, The Rule of Rationality
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

*        *        *

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 ==

For You only

"Prabhu a'ma'ra priya a'ma'ra, toma'ra tarei a'ma'ra jiivana..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1439)

Purport: 

O’ my Parama Purusa, the Dearest One of my heart, my life is only for You. I live only in the hope of getting You. That is my dream. 

Baba, in the stream of  Your causeless karuńá, each day I am floating closer toward You with rhythm and songs. You alone are the one who fulfils everyone’s desire. 

Your wish is why I exist. I have forgotten all my shyness, hatred, and fear. Baba, O’ my Eternal Shelter, come close into the core of my heart…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

He does not have occult powers

Ananda Marga ideology says, "For living beings, omniscience (evedaḿ) is certainly a recognized occult power. That is right. But for the Supreme Entity it is not a recognized occult power; He does not get it as a result of cult…To know everything is His nature. That is why He is omniscient." (1) 

Note: The entire creation lies within the mind of Parama Purusa so Parama Purusa sees everything because it is all within His own psychic arena. Whereas human beings acquire knowledge from outside themselves. For humans, knowing something entails the psychic assimilation of external objectivity. According to the definition of the faculty of knowledge, for a person to know something then they must look outside the scope or periphery of their own mind. But with Parama Purusa nothing is outside His mind. That means that He does not 'know' anything per se; rather, He intrinsically sees everything as it is all going on within His own mind.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Omniscience of the Causal Matrix

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Consequences of sleep & flatulence

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In sleep if the flatulent gas moves upwards on account of stomach trouble or if there is some nervous disturbance, the brain and the sub-conscious mind will become agitated. Our previously imagined or felt objects reappear in our subconscious mind in a disjointed form. This we call a dream. Obviously such a dream is of no consequence. Not only that, the story formed therein will not be well-knit as it consists of merely the re-appearance of the objects, stored in the different parts of the brain. There is yet another type of dream. The Atimánas kośa (supramental mind) is the store-house of all knowledge. At times a premonition of a coming be great happiness or sorrow, which only the omniscient causal frame can visualize, is created during deep slumber in the subconscious mind of an individual, who is deeply concerned with that particular happiness or sorrow. Such dreams do not take place very often. Nevertheless such a dream does carry the prognosis of a true event.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 4

== Section: Important Teaching ==

About the ball

In the following quote Baba reveals the history of the "ball" which is nowadays commonly used in innumerable games and sports. The ball is originally invented in India. The following Baba's teaching reveals this fact.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The meaning of the root verb kand is 'to wallow'. We get the word kanduka (ball) by adding 'uk' to 'kand' or adding 'u' + 'ka' to kand. Its etymological meaning is 'that which rolls'; colloquially it refers to 'ball'-- a ball rolls. It should be remembered that the kanduka (ball) originated in this country. Originally, balls used to be made from cloth, but since cloth balls did not last very long people in ancient Bengal started making balls from the shoots of young bamboo." (1)

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

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

बाबा! तुम मेरे जीवन में तुम दिव्य प्रेम की फल्गु-धारा बहाते रहते हो

प्रभात संगीत 327 सौम्य शान्त  चेतनानन्द, चरण... दाओ गो आमाय...

भावार्थ

हे परमपुरुष बाबा! तुम सदा शान्त और आनन्द हो ! तुम  शुद्धचेतन , प्रेमस्वरूप! हो, तुम कृपा कर अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो और मुझे आशीष  दो ।  हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम हतास की आशा  हो, व्यथित हृदय के लिये प्रेम हो, आश्रयविहीन भटकने वालों के तुम्हीं अंतिम आश्रय हो।

बाबा! तुम सभी लोकों  में प्रारंभ से अंत तक रहते हो, और मेरे जीवन में तुम दिव्य प्रेम की फल्गु-धारा बहाते रहते हो । तुम्हारी असीम करुणा लगातार सभी दिशाओं में बहती जा रही है। तुम सबके अति  प्रिय हो, और सबके सर्वाधिक पूज्य हो। तुम मनुष्यों की विद्या और बुद्धि से परे हो। हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो.

हे मेरे प्रभु, बाबा! मेरी पैदाइस इस सीमित जगत में, तथा मैं हूँ भी  इस सीमित जगत में, परन्तु तुम तो सीमा से परे हो, और मैं सीमा से परे अनंत सत्ता को सोच भी नहीं सकता। जब मैं तुम्हारा चिंतन करता हॅूं तो मेरा मन तुम्हीं में मिलने लगता है, खो जाता है । हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो.

हे मेरे प्रभु, बाबा! मेरे मन की मंजूषा , मधुर केवड़े के पराग के सामान है। मेरा मन सबकुछ मधुरता लेकर, तुम्हारी ओर दौड़ रहा है। बाबा!  हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो, और मुझे आश्रय दो। 

== Section 4: Links ==

Upcoming pseudo-culture event: 01 April 

Degrading tradition: April Fools’ Day 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-pranks-should-always-be-condemned-3.html

Postings to Read

Prout on education & crime

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/04/widespread-violence-remedy.html

Prout's strategy to avert ecological catastrophes

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-stop-man-made-disasters-2-more.html

Science of essential AM practice

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/12/asana-longevity-all-around-health.html