Diagnosing mental health

Baba

Diagnosing mental health

Namaskar,

In this present era, we are step-by-step witnessing the spread of various mental disorders etc. This outbreak is most drastic in our so-called first-world nations.

Around the globe, and especially in the materialistic communities, many medical professionals and psychologists are under the impression that all such disorders fall within the realm of brain diseases. Whether one has brain cancer or clinical depression, western medical specialists are treating all mental disorders as brain diseases, using traditional allopathic medicines.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Brain diseases & mental diseases are not the same

In Ananda Marga, however, our approach is different. Baba clearly guides us that within the realm of so-called “mental disorders” there are both (a) brain diseases and (b) psychic diseases. Yet these two problems are worlds apart. According to Baba, brain diseases and psychic diseases are not of the same nature.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Psychic disease and brain disease are not the same thing; they are quite different." (1)

So in His above teaching Baba is clearly differentiating between brain disease and psychic disease. And here below Baba explains how they are different.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Brain disease occurs due to some disorder in a part of the brain, or due to a congenital defect, or perhaps due to hereditary causes which hamper the proper formation of the brain. Mental disease is different. It arises due to a disorder in the objectivated mind." (2)

As per Baba's aforementioned teaching, brain disease means a physical disorder or biological defect in the brain such that the brain is unable to function properly. Some examples of brain disease are strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, brain cancer, metabolic brain diseases, autism, brain tumors, brain trauma etc. These all come within the scope of brain diseases.

In contrast, psychic diseases comes from a "disorder in the objectivated mind", or defective style of thinking, such as depression, mania, phobia, inferiority complex, hallucination, so called being 'possessed' by certain deities, superiority complex, fear complex, melancholia, schizophrenia, maha'many'ta' (superiority complex) melancholia etc. These are all due to a defective way of thinking.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So by these above examples it is evident that brain diseases and psychic diseases are two clearly different categories. Already it has been explained that brain diseases result from a structural defect or biological problem in the physical brain organ. Whereas mental diseases or psychic disease occur in the mind due to a defective style of thinking. So the root cause of a psychic disease is a defective way of thinking. And if this defective style of thinking persists over time, the brain chemistry is altered. In that state, that initial psychic disease has become both a brain disease and a psychic disease. This happens with long-term cases of depression, inferiority complex, and the psychic disease of hatred etc. But in all these cases, the trigger point was the mind. That is why doctors should provide both types of medicines to treat those patients: medicine for the brain and psychic medicine which is meditation.

You know the brain is a physical organ whereas the mind is not something physical. It is abstract. You can neither see it nor touch it. You can only feel it. Here below we will discuss more how psychic diseases develop.

Simple analogy: How your mind thinks & sees

In the mind, there are two chambers: The objectivated mind and the subjectivated mind. Now, suppose in real life you saw a cat walking in the grass. And then you closed your eyes and you recollected that cat. In that case, one part of the mind creates the image of the cat and another portion of the mind sees that image. So the part of the mind that took the shape of the cat is the objectivated mind, and the part of the mind that is watching that cat is the subjectivated mind.

Everyone has an objectivated mind: It is that chamber or part of the mind which contains one's object of thinking. So the first step is to look at how the objectivated mind works. If someone is thinking about the post office then the post office is in their objectivated mind. And if a frog is thinking about a mosquito then a mosquito is in its objectivated mind. So anyone's object of thinking is what comprises their objectivated mind.

This objectivated mind functions in two ways. Suppose your eyes are open and you see a cat in front of you. Then when you close your eyes and see the cat in your mind, then the picture of the cat in your mental sphere is your objectivated mind. The second way the objectivated mind works is as follows. Let's say you start imagining something that does not exist - like a ghost. That ghost has no basis in reality. In truth, it does not exist. Yet you start thinking that there is a spider monster in the room which has big fangs and twisted feet, and lives in the dark. This is completely imaginary, but when you start thinking of that spider monster then it takes shape in your objectivated mind. And your subjectivated mind is watching that fictitious image of the ghost.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Let’s take it a step further. Suppose you are awake and thinking that there is a spider monster in a dark room then in that awakened state you will rationalise with the help of your conscious mind that it is just a fleeting thought and you will not take it seriously. And you will not be terrified. But if that same thought occurs when you are “sleeping” then at that point the conscious mind is sleeping so without the help of your conscious mind you will think that it is real. You will see the fangs of the spider monster coming towards you. and you will be terrified. That is called a nightmare. The thought which was not so serious in the daytime due to the awakened stage of your conscious mind becomes deadly at night when you are dreaming, because the conscious mind is inactive or “sleeping.”

How mental 'ghost' becomes real 'ghost'

If you are thinking about a ghost in broad daylight when your conscious mind is active, then you will conclude this is just your imagination. Because your conscious mind is active, so you will not be terrified. But in that same awakened stage, if your thinking is strong due to the repeated thought, “There is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost,” then due to fear, your conscious mind will be stunned and stop functioning. Then that mental ghost will become a real ghost for you. And you will see that with your eyes open. That ghost could order you to do something, and you might end up committing a heinous act. For example, if that ghost orders you to beat your spouse then you will do that. So those diseased people who say they have seen a fake ghost are not liars. They are telling the truth. Because of the repetition of that defective thought, their conscious mind became stunned, and they started visualizing that ghost in broad daylight. Sadly, this is a very serious psychic disease, like schizophrenia. That can also be treated by both brain medicines and sadhana. Just doing one form of treatment is not enough.


Conclusion

How to keep the mind free from psychic disease

For the situation to be remedied, allopathic medical science has to accept the existence of mind and then treat ailments related with the objectivated mind as psychic diseases - not brain diseases. Baba guides us that sadhana alone is the proper treatment for psychic diseases.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sadguru Baba says, "Most psychic diseases, if not all, grow out of the defective control over the objectivated mind. If one is alert, any trouble can be avoided. Those who regularly practise Iishvara pran'idha'na or dhya'na (meditation) can remain free from these diseases, as their minds will remain in a balanced state. One of the numerous benefits of sa'dhana' is that it keeps the mind free from psychic disease and encourages the natural growth of the mind." (3)

Namaskar,
In His Service,
Shriideva

By ideating on Him we can overcome all defects and become pure and pristine - physically, psychically, and spiritually.

Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, "In Brahma, the Entity who liberates one from all mundane ailments and the cycle of rebirth, lies the total cessation of all afflictions, the freedom from all ailments. He is the only dependable panacea for microcosmic distortions and imperfections; there is none other than Him - Na'nyah pantha' vidyate ayana'ya." (4)


~ In-depth study ~

Cure: role of psychologists & sociologists

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Psychologists cannot treat the mental diseases which inflict born criminals all alone; the cooperation of physicians and sociologists is essential. Psychologists will diagnose the mental disease and explain its origins, and they will also play a role in helping cure it as far as possible.”
   “Doctors will be responsible for curing the disease through medicine or surgery, insofar as it is caused by physiological abnormalities. Then sociologists will have to arrange for the social rehabilitation of the criminal after he or she has recovered. If psychologists only describe the nature of the disease, or if doctors only diagnose the physiological disorders and nothing more, it will not be possible to accomplish anything productive.” (5)

Both types needed - permanent cure

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A disease can be mental or can be physical. Similarly, medicine may be mental or may be physical; hence it is most desirable and productive if both kinds of medicine are administered simultaneously in all diseases, whether they are physical or mental. Those who only believe in psychological treatment for mental disease know from experience that such treatment will not permanently cure the disease and the patient will soon relapse. Only where, along with psychological treatment, guidance concerning diet, bathing and behaviour is given, and to normalize the diseased glands of the body medicines prepared from the five fundamental factors are prescribed, can the disease be permanently cured.” (6)

Ego is really a mental ailment

Ananda Marga ideology states, “After having analysed the various types of ahaḿkára and their evil effects, we need to examine the ways and means of getting rid of these defects. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has offered a psychological method to save oneself from the malady of ahaḿkára. Ahaḿkára is really a mental ailment, and a person suffering from this disease requires psychological treatment.” (7)

Cure epilepsy

Ananda Marga philosophy, “Epilepsy arises when a person comes in sudden contact with something or some event completely outside the realm of his or her experience. Through proper counselling, attacks of this disease can be checked and through psychic treatment along with the use of small amounts of medicine the disease can be treated.” (8)

How exorcists expel “ghosts”

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Knowing full well that a person who is possessed by a ghost is suffering from a mental disease and a disease of the nervous system, exorcists generally beat a "possessed" person to reactivate his or her nerves, make him or her inhale the smoke of burnt chillies in order to return him or her to consciousness.” (9)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
2. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
3. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 6, The Only Way to Salvation
5. Human Society Part 1, Justice
6. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Safeguards against the Defects of Jiṋána and Karma
8. Shabda Cayaniká Part 1, Disc: 2
9. Human Society Part 2, The Vipra Age

*        *        *

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 ==

Hide & seek

"Nabiina pra'te ei arun' a'lote..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0019)

Purport:

Baba, with the arrival of the new crimson dawn, You have illumined Yourself in the depths of my mind with the rhythm of forms. 

You know how to make us laugh and weep, and how to play hide-and-seek. You filled my life with Your radiant light. 

You know how to play the lyre, weave endless melodies, and make the world dance in Your tune and song. You know how to love the world with all its pains and pleasures. 

You are so gracious; You are the most loving One...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Value of AMPS ancestry

Namaskar, 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “With the noise of a bustling wind, people reminisce, “Oh, my grandfather accomplished this great feat… my aunt performed that marvellous work… our surname is Roychoudhury. For we were once great landlords…” Thus people always ruminate over their past and gloat over their ancestors, because they have no glorious present at all – everything is an empty void. When a community thus loses its inner wealth, then it tenaciously clings to the skeleton of its past and says, “I was this, I was that.” But they are unable to say, “I am this, I am that.” ... One must say, “Do not bother about what your ancestors have done. Why can’t you do...”” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Táttvika, ácárya, purodhá and such terms represent one’s individual ability and are not hereditary.” (2)

Note: In His above teachings, Sadguru Baba is guiding us that in our AM way of life there is no scope to stand on the coattails of one’s ancestors. Doing nothing in the present moment and gloating about past glories is not our way. Moreover, in AMPS we do not hand the post from one generation to the next on a hereditary basis. So if one’s father was a family acarya, that same title, post, glory, and respect is not automatically bestowed upon the son or daughter. In our Ananda Marga, everything is earned based on one’s conduct, not one’s birth. 

The various dogmatic religions and racist approaches pass down their titles and supremacy from one generation to the next. Verily, they use the inherently exploitative tactic of one’s birth to suppress and denigrate others. This occurs with so-called whites exploiting so-called blacks, and so-called brahmins exploiting so-called shudras. Casteism and racism are based on this horrific edict ordained by sub-humans. 

Beware of new dogma: AMPS India

Sadly, now this same disease is rearing its ugly head in our AMPS. A few are claiming that, “Since my uncle / great-grandfather / father was a family acarya, then I am of a special birth and fit to rule over AMPS.” And others say, “My family has been in AMPS for generations, and both my grandfather and my father were family acaryas etc, so on that basis I should also be granted a great seat in AMPS.” They think AMPS belongs to them due to their ancestry, and everyone else is a guest. Even though they themselves have not done anything in this life, they feel being the grandson of a family acarya is enough for all of AMPS to fall at their feet. This type of senseless, empty banter is crowding the airwaves on some forums. 

Those who are true Ananda Margiis understand well that in our AM way of life, no positions of power are granted on a hereditary basis. All are the sweet children of Parama Purusa, and one is only able to lead our AM society by their sadhana, service, sacrifice, and dharmic conduct. 

In Him, 
Harideva

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals
2. Caryacarya Part 1, Táttvika, Ácárya/á, Purodhá and Their Concerned Boards

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Crystal-clear notion of mission

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Human life is a mission; life itself is a mission; one’s very existence is a mission. A’tmamoks’a'rtham’ jagaddhita’ya ca: ‘Whatever one is to do, one is to do for a’tmamoks’a– for their own liberation– and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society’. One is to do both of these things; that is, these two things are one’s mission.” (1)

Note: By Baba’s above teaching it is clear that the AMPS organisation is not the mission. But for certain reasons, some try to misguide or take advantage of the margiis by making them think that AMPS is the mission. But that is not correct. In His above guideline, Sadguru Baba explicitly tells us what is the mission.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 30, The Four Kinds of Service

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Key tip for pracara

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Even in private life when a person behaves with you badly or uses harsh words, don't behave with him in the same manner. You shall explain to him his duties gently. In case, anyone has a wrong impression, you shall show him the right path without scolding (abusing) him. Make it clear to him if possible with practical demonstration how harmful may be the effect of such habits. But always keep this in mind that in such cases your behavior must be like that of a friend, and never like that of an instructor. Your only object will be to get your advice accepted by him. The idea that he is fool and you are wise is not desirable in any party." (1)

Note: In His above teaching Baba is outlining an important pracar technique. Specifically, when speaking with non-margiis, we should talk with them in a soft and gentle manner, using a friendly, supportive tone. By this way they will gradually learn Ananda Marga ideals. Baba also addressed non-margiis in this manner. And then with more established sadhakas - i.e. experience Ananda Margiis - Baba was more firm to best enhance their progress. 

References
1. Ta'ttvika Diipika': Dvitiiya Parva

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Find out what is needed to make a flower garland

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Not only the gods are fond of the fragrance of flowers; devotees also want to string garlands for their beloved Iśt́a with the fragrant flowers of the devotion of their hearts. If a flower has no fragrance, it has no value for a devotee. One should remember that the fragrance of a flower and the tender sweetness of a devotional heart together make a perfect combination. What does the perfume of the flower represent? The worldly activity which a devotee does with a heart filled with love is the perfume of the flower, and the overflowing devotion for one's Iśt́a is the tender sweetness in the devotee's heart. With these two together, the devotee makes a garland. Now, if there are fragrant flowers, but there is no sweetness in the devotee's heart, then the devotee cannot make a garland for his or her Iśt́a – then there is no question of garlanding Him at all, and though the flower basket may be full of flowers, they wither with the pain of emptiness and the agony of unfulfilled yearning. Then if the Beloved does not accept the garland, what is the use of holding the basket full of flowers." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva in the Light of Philosophy

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Analogy of string instrument and human life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The common people, let alone the master artists, know that sound is not emitted if the strings are loosened too much and the soft and delicate strings snap if they are tightened too much. Human life is also like this. If one practises too much austerity (in some cases, if one makes a parade of austerity), tender human sensitivities snap and break into smithereens’ the soft, delicate parts of the mind get charred and petrified. On the other hand, if life is made akin to a loose string, the nobler yearnings of life will never be fulfilled. In other words, that kind of life degenerates into the life of an animal characterized only by bathing, eating and sleeping. Hence one must never allow the string of life to be loose. But also the string of life should not be left to snap due to excessive strain. The ideal course of life is neither left-oriented nor right-oriented. This kind of life will be conspicuous by the absence of strife, mayhem or horror of the leftists and of toleration of injustices by the rightists in their loose, careless and sloppy life. It is this ideal course that will usher in a life worth yearning for a super-human existence, divinely exquisite and shining brightly on the banner of gold.” (1)

Reference:
(1) Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Invention of Various Musical Instruments

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Which songs to play at paincajanya

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2021/05/how-to-drain-out-bhakti-2-more.html

What to ask for

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/06/desire-of-those-two-women-3-more.html

Saluting Divine Entity

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/05/most-remain-oblivious-3-more.html

From fearful to fearless

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/03/gradual-steps-in-sadhana.html

How Europe may become majority Muslim 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/05/islam-will-outnumber-eurpean-locals.html

Which songs to sing at paincajanya + 3 more

Baba

Which songs to sing at paincajanya 

Namaskar,

Everybody is aware that paincajanya is one very beautiful, dharmic, and spiritual program. Indeed, paincajanya is about oneness with Ista, Baba. So if someone is singing the Shivagiiti, i.e. about Lord Shiva, in the morning then that goes against our basic spiritual approach. The reason being that in the sweet, sentient mood of the early morning dawn, we should only remember our Parama Purusa Baba. He is our most loving and closest One. This is the common, sentimental feeling of the heart for every Ananda Margii: That Baba is our nearest and dearest One.

In that case, why would we want to wake up in the morning and sing: ‘Lord Shiva, victory is yours, Lord Shiva, victory is yours, Lord Shiva, victory is yours…’ Why should we sing like this when it goes against the basic inner feeling of the heart. All night we dream about Baba and then in the sweetness of the early dawn we want to sing exclusively for Him, a song related with Baba. Yet the Shivagiiti is something different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

A sadhaka should have bhakti for Ista and ideate on Ista in sadhana. For Ananda Margiis, we lovingly call Ista as Baba. For Ananda Margiis, only Baba is Ista.

If all your life you have been calling your mother as mom, and then one day you call her by her legal name, Madam Elizabeth Walton, she will not feel comfortable and she will wonder why her own child is calling her in this way. Hearing this, the mother will feel annoyed and irritated – as she will prefer her own child to call her “maa” etc.

Similarly, we should be very keen to always call our Ista in a personal and intimate way as Baba. The yearning of the heart only knows One. For Ananda Margiis, that singular and most loving Entity is Baba. Hence, in the deeply personal mood of the early morning dawn during paincajanya, we should only sing songs that are for Him.

Story of great mythological bhakta Hanuman

Here is a very significant story that is highly related with this entire matter: Pointed ideation on Ista.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "When Hanuman was asked why he was so insistent on taking the name of Ráma and never taking the name Náráyańa, he promptly replied:

Shriináthe jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani
Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocana.

“I know by philosophical analysis that there is no difference between Náráyańa and Rama, and yet I will channelize my mind towards One Entity and not many. For me there is no Náráyańa, there is only Ráma.”

"Likewise for the genuine spiritual aspirants there is only One Entity, and they rush only towards that Supreme One. Their minds move only in one direction, not in a thousand directions." (1)

In that discourse, Baba's pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka's feelings of bhakti must be linked with one Ista - for Ananda Margiis that Ista is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For non-margiis it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Without this idea firmly set in the mind, one cannot reach the Goal. Ananda Margiis should not say, "O' Lord Shiva come and grace me" - that will not help, rather hinder. The mind will be bifurcated or trifurcated. Some part of the mind will go to Lord Shiva, and another portion to Lord Krsna, and some portion to Baba. That mind is broken, retarded - it will go nowhere. There is one ista - that is our Guru's teaching.


One-pointed bhakti

If one margii is singing this song - Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara (Prabhat Samgiita #2526) - it means you are paying homage to Lord Shiva, requesting Him to "please come in my meditation and come in my dhyana." But then when you conclude the song and start your actual meditation practice, you are pointing the mind towards your Guru, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. So that bifurcated approach is not at all good; it will not be helpful.

Why? Because you are addressing both Lord Shiva and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji; the mind is not at all pointed, rather bifurcated. Yet sadhana can only be done with a pointed mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed." (2)

Sick father & medicine story

There was a father who had one son, and the father needed his help because he was sick. In fact, he called out to his son to bring his medicines. The son’s name was John, but that father did not call him that. Instead his father called him by his professional title, i.e. as inspector. And the father was calling and calling but his son did not respond as he was not even aware that he was being summoned. All because he expected his father to call him John. And when his father found that his son was not coming then he tried so many other epithets like sir, mister, friend etc, but all those were to no avail. The key word was John.

Similarly, in the field of spirituality, one must know how to call their Ista. And the name should be singular in nature, not many. And by that way the sadhaka can get success. So this same theory holds true in our spiritual lives: Worshiping multiple deities is not going to bring the proper outcome. How is one going to be graced when one's focus is divided and split in multiple directions. The mind must be pointed in one direction. In the field of spirituality, the sadhaka must be singular in approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

The conclusion of this entire letter is that the Shivagiiti song should not be sung at the time of paincajanya or for any spiritual gathering of Ananda Margiis. For Ananda Margiis, the Ista is Baba, and we should only sing for Him, our most-loving Baba.

Ananda Margiis should not sing those songs that directly address Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. Those songs give way to this type of expression, "O' Lord Shiva, O' Lord Krsn, I salute Thee." Those songs are not for margiis but for non-margiis. Those singing such songs are not following 16 points - unfortunately. They are not following one of the points. They are contravening the point #10: Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista.

There are many hundreds of inspiring Prabhat Samgiita that are not for Lord Krsna nor Lord Shiva that focus fully on Baba. Whereas, there are only a few compositions for Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva - other than that, so many songs are for Beloved Baba.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Dharmaraj

Choose from many hundreds of songs

An Ananda Margii should only sing those bhakti-oriented compositions that point the mind towards Baba; whereas those Prabhat Samgiita compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva are for the general public. In spiritual life, a sadhaka of Ananda Marga is to choose from the many hundreds of songs about Baba and sing only those songs, and not sing or use compositions about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva during paincajanya etc. That does not mean we should discard those songs about Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva, rather we are to learn them so we can teach to non-margiis. But, in one's own personal practice, a bhakta of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Baba) is to only sing songs about Him. That is the key guideline - and the pointed mandate to follow.

Baba wrote Shivagiiti for non-margiis

So Baba wrote the Shivagiiti song for non-margiis. We margiis are responsible for learning this Shivagiiti song in order to share with those non-margii sadhakas who have not yet come onto the path of Ananda Marga and are involved in worshipping Lord Shiva etc. So that song is Baba's gift to those non-margii aspirants. In Baba's divine kingdom no one is left out or forgotten.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Importance of Ista

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Spiritual aspirants should remember that they will have to become dedicated to their Is't'a. They will have to establish a relationship of exclusive bhakti to Is't'a. If there is not intense attachment to Is't'a in one's heart, then one cannot do anything". (3)

Here is another of Baba's key and colorful teachings on this matter.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A person used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone's name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (4)

So although Baba has given 5,019 Prabhat Samgiita songs, one must have the required viveka to use the songs in the right way. We are only to sing those songs in our spiritual practices like paincajanya that focus on Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Faulty approach of Semitic religions:
worshiping multiple godheads

In their day-to-day practical manner, the Semitic religions worship not one god but many. Those followers ask boons and grace from numerous godheads. In theory, they may try to deny this and give their own justification; but in their practical life that is what they do. It is quite evident.

Nowadays, most Christians and Muslims are in so-called 3rd world countries. And those believers follow multiple religions plus local gods and goddesses. They are involved in numerous belief systems. One single person might worship Allah, a Christian God, and their own local or native gods / goddesses and ritualistic deities. This is prevalent all around Africa and the Asian nations. Next is Buddhism which has adopted multiple deities. And the worst is Hinduism where there are countless gods and goddesses.

Those who come into Ananda Marga from such backgrounds often have a hard time understanding that Ista must be one, i.e. singular. Those who come into Ananda Marga at a young age easily understand. Age aside, those with adequate bhakti readily and absolutely understand.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Every bhakta in Ananda Marga must be singularly pointed on Ista and only ideate on Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. There is no other way.

References
1. Ananda Marga Way of Life - 11, Relativity and the Supreme Entity
2. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Liberation of the Devotee
3. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 10, The Supreme Entity Transcends All Colours

*        *        *

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 ==

Intoxicates my heart

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

PS Intro: Here the bhakta is immersed in His infinite love and he is thinking to himself in the following way.

"A'ma'y d'a'k diye ja'y kon aja'na'y, kii snigdhata'r bha's'a'..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2343)

Purport:

Which unknown Divine Entity is calling me in my core? What sweetness saturates His voice and intoxicates my heart with divine love. That Supreme Entity is coming and floating with His exquisite, attractive form, along with His infinite rhythm and melody.

I was hoping to get Him and go on doing His task. With His inspiration and grace, I will continue moving forward forgetting the pain and pleasure of this material world.    

In the deep corner of my mind, and in the sacred place of my being which holds all my inner desires and ideation, I only long for You. O’ Parama Purusa Baba, please come in my mental lotus and fill it with Your colour. Please come…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Can purodhas act / dance on stage?

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "An a'ca'raya or purodha' cannot actively participate in any acting." (1)
 
Note: Keeping Baba's above guideline in view, see the standard of certain Wts (acaryas and purodhas) who have acted on stage at various retreats and seminars. Every margii should be aware of the rules so that when something like this occurs they can come forward and help rectify the situation - thereby upholding Baba's teaching and the code of Caryacarya. Some purodhas were violating this rule in the past by singing and dancing rap music etc on stage at the annual overseas retreats etc - hopefully they have since mended their ways.
 
Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Social Relationship between Men and Women

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Racism explained

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 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

What to ask for

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/06/desire-of-those-two-women-3-more.html

Saluting Divine Entity

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/05/most-remain-oblivious-3-more.html

From fearful to fearless

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/03/gradual-steps-in-sadhana.html

How Europe may become majority Muslim 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/05/islam-will-outnumber-eurpean-locals.html

Evolution of bhakti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/12/bhakti-animals-and-humans.html

Source of our suffering

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/answer-to-why-various-incidents-occur.html

From fearful to fearless + 4 more

Baba

From fearful to fearless

Namaskar,

This letter addresses some key aspects of spiritual life and dhyana, and how we can cultivate a deeper, more intimate relation with Parama Purusa. In Sadguru Baba's teachings, it is given that sadhana is the journey from fearful love for Parama Purusa to fearless love for Parama Purusa. All should put their knowledge of this to proper use so they can move towards Him with ever-increasing speed, by His grace.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Examples of fearful & fearless love in spiritual life

Still today most of the religions preach about living in fear of God. In some extreme cases of fear-based relations with God, dogmatic followers think that, "God is ferocious and can curse and destroy me. I have done sin and He will leave me to burn in eternal hellfire." Some dogmatic religions adhere to this extreme tenet. In that case there is only fear or terror - no love.

Natural progression with sadhana

Those early humans were very primitive and viewed natural disasters - i.e. cyclones, hurricanes, or wildfires etc - as the wrath of God. They had a fearful relation with the Supreme. In particular, the Semitic religions (Judaism, Islam, & Christianity) maintained a fear-based, and very distant relation with God. Those followers could not communicate with God directly. They must go via a priest, mullah, rabbi, or some type of intermediary. In that case the relation with God is distant - there is no family feeling, rather fear only. People thought that, “If I do not follow the religious commandments then I will burn in eternal hellfire.” This was the terrifying feeling they had and it was injected from their very infancy so it was deep-seated. And still those religions are locked in that relation.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Love for mother

Case 1: Suppose a father punished his child and the child runs away and does not come back home. The child instead is hiding at the neighbour's house. The father is calling and calling for him to return home, but the child does not return. Rather, the child is quite despondent and unhappy. Whatever may be the reason, in this case the child's relationship with the father is based only on fear with hardly any love. It is just like one’s relationship with the police.

Case 2: Suppose a child breaks something in the house, and that child feels very badly and repents for their mistake. The child picks up the broken pieces and brings them all to his mother. In that case, we can say that the child has some fear but mostly love for his mother.

In the case of ideal parents, kids generally have some fear but mostly love for their mother.

Those prehistoric humans had only a fear-based relationship with God. That continued for thousands of years. It was only with the divine advent of Lord Krsna that a monumental shift occurred. Then bhaktas began having a loving relation with Parama Purusa. This is evidenced by the poetry and writings of Surdas, Miirabai, Caetanya Mahaprabhu, Vidyapti etc.

Some bhaktas think that, "If I do wrong then Parama Purusa will be unhappy with me." Actually they have yet to engage in any wrongdoing, but the very thought of that is enough for them to think that the Lord will be displeased with them. They have some fear, but mostly love for Parama Purusa.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com


Loving relation sprouts

As society developed, and aspirants broke free from the prevailing religious dogma, that fear receded and a loving relation sprouted. They started to relate with God as a Father etc. And verily, on the whole, the era is changing. Those who are a bit elevated spiritually feel that the Supreme Entity is close and within the periphery of their family. And steadily this feeling grows until one day the sadhaka becomes very close and intimate with Him. And ultimately the sadhaka reaches the destination and becomes one with Parama Purusa.

According to Ananda Marga philosophy, sadhana starts with fearful love and culminates in fearless love. For instance, in the initial stages, Ananda Marga sadhakas have some love, but more fear, for Parama Purusa. As they progress, the feeling arises that, “If I do not follow 16 points and the conduct rules then Parama Purusa will scold me etc.” In that case, the sadhaka does not want to displease Parama Purusa. They do not want to do anything that goes against His wishes. This type of idea comes in the mind. And when the sadhaka reaches the higher stages then more and more fearless love develops. The zenith state is 100% fearless love.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Conclusion

And this all unfolds very naturally and spontaneously in sadhana. A feeling arises in the mind - it is not imposed from without. If one sincerely does their sadhana then this stage comes - one will have attained the apex state of fearless love for Him. Then one is not afraid to go close to  Parama Purusa.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Kripal

~ In-depth study ~

2nd grade bhaktas

Some sadhakas think they are unable to follow all the rules and codes of conduct and they will never be up to the mark. So they opt not to go close. Instead they prefer to do pranam from a distance. They have love for Parama Purusa, but do not want to go close and talk etc. They prefer to sit in the back for general darshan and DMC; and internally they vow to themselves never to go to any meeting or reporting, or dharma samiiksa, or PC etc. In that smaller venue, they may be pointed out, so they prefer not to attend, but they want to hear about it from others. There were some margiis and Wts who followed this pattern. They did not wish to go close but they had love for Baba so they came and stayed on the path of Ananda Marga.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Fearless love for Parama Purusa

(a) When bhaktas experience strong sadhana and potent mantra japa by His grace, then their fear automatically reduces. They think, "My Parama Purusa loves me and whatever mistakes I have made will not be cause for Him keeping me away, rather because He loves me He will take me on His lap, regardless of my past wrongs." Such a bhakta has mostly love along with a very small degree of fear for Parama Purusa. They request Parama Purusa, "Ok, I have committed many mistakes but it is Your duty to make me alright. It is up to You to cleanse me and give me strength." Such bhaktas have very little fear.

(b) If a sadhaka experiences deeper and more intimate relations with Him in dhyana, then naturally their fear will reduce and love for Him will grow.

In the last chapter of Subhasita Samgraha – 25 (H), "Iishvar Prem Tatha' Usake Sa'th Bhay", it states that it is appropriate and natural for sadhakas to begin their spiritual journey having a mix of fear and some love for Parama Purusa. By this way they will be careful to follow all the dos and don'ts. Then, slowly over time, or depending upon their approach in sadhana, they become more mature and focused and strictly abide by all those codes of conduct. Their inner link with Him deepens and their fear fades away as they attain that highest stance.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Ananda Marga ideology, "As long as human minds dwell on the duality that "I and my Lord are separate entities," they keep on moving around the periphery of Parama Puruśa. Instead of this, people should think, "Parama Puruśa is my Father – He may be great and wise, but after all I am His child." Now in the worldly sphere, if a father is learned and the son or daughter is illiterate, this does not at all undermine the sweet and loving relationship between the father and his child; rather instead of going away from Parama Puruśa, it is better to come close to Him so that the influence and wisdom of the Supreme can elevate His sons and daughters. And those who are wicked and sinful also need not be worried because they are also equally His children." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “This sádhaná which is sádhaná for complete merger, for unification, starts with fearful love. Love must be there. Unless and until there is love, there can not be unification. So love must be there but it starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love: and the space between fearful love and fearless love is the space of Sádhaná. What is Sádhaná? Sadhaná is transformation of fearful love into fearless love. Do you follow?...”
   “When the attraction is for the non-integral entity, for money, for family, for land, it is called Káma; when it is for the integral entity it is called Prema and the mental tendency during Káma i.e., the mental tendency during attraction for a non-integral entity is called Ásakti in Saḿskrta and the mental tendency during attraction for that Integral Entity is called Bhakti. Do you follow?”
   “I said it starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love and the process of transformation of fearful love into fearless love is called Sádhaná (Intuitional Practice). Now it starts with fearful love…”
   “Everybody starts his sádhaná with fearful love but that Sádhaná ends in fearless love because unless and until one becomes fearless one cannot become one with Him. One will try to keep oneself away from Him out of fear. So finally one will have to become fearless.” (2)

Can’t do highest lesson without pra'n'a'yama

Here is Baba's sadhana guideline for enhancing one's practice of dhyana.

In His discourse, ‘Chariot and the Charioteer', Baba explains about pra'na wherein He specifically guides us that pranayama and dhyana should be done in sequence – i.e. when the mind is very calm then one can do pranayama, and, directly thereafter, one should do dhyana. That's to say, pranayama should always be followed by dhyana.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Pranayama and dhyana are very important and closely linked as Baba has written the significant aspects of the practical process in His books. Here is one of the special and unique ways in which pranayama and dhyana are related. Here Baba guides us that pranayama is a necessary complement for proper dhya'na.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Pra'n'a'yama is the scientific process to control the respiration and hence the mind, as a result of which sadhana is especially facilitated. The practice of dhya'na becomes a time consuming affair if pra'n'a'yama is not adequately practised." (3)

By the above teaching it is clear that pranayama plays an important role in the practice of dhya'na. And through sustained effort in dhyana the sadhaka develops fearless love for Him and ultimately becomes one with Him, by His grace.

Baba's teaching on dhyana

In many places Baba guides us that dhya'na is our highest practice which has no comparison.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Dhyana is the unbroken flow of the mind-stuff, or citta, in one continuous stream, like the flow of oil, where all the propensities of the mind are fixed on the Goal." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Dhya'na yoga which elevates human beings through constant self-analysis, obliterates the very existence of the non-spiritual, and expedites one's elevation into the supreme spiritual stance." (5)

By these sadhana teachings it is clear that dhya'na is that distinct practice which leads us unto Him.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

Transforming fearful love to fearless love

In this passage Baba vividly tells us that sadhana – dhya'na – is the process of yojana't, whereby we move from the stage of fearful love to fearless love for Him.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Yojana means unicity with Him. The final goal of a sa'dhaka is to become one with Him...The spirit of sa'dhana' is to get oneself unified with the hub of this universal wheel, not united but unified."

"Now this sa'dhana' which is sa'dhana' for complete merger, for unification, starts with fearful love. Love must be there. Unless and until there is love, there cannot be unification. So love must be there but it starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love : and the space between fearful love and fearless love is the space of sa'dhana'. What is sa'dhana'? Sadhana' is transformation of fearful love into fearless love."

 "When this attraction is for any non-integral entity, or for any small entity this is called ka'ma. When that attraction is for that integral entity, and the integral entity is only one and that one is Parama Purus'a — it is called Prema."

"Yojana't starts with fearful love and ends in fearless love and the process of transformation of fearful love into fearless love is called sa'dhana' (Intuitional Practice)."

"Sa'dhana' starts with fearful love:..One name of God is bhiis'an'a because everybody is afraid of Him. Everybody starts their sa'dhana' with fearful love but that sa'dhana' ends in fearless love – because unless and until one becomes fearless one cannot become one with Him." (6)

It is Baba's grace. For all bhaktas, the transition is from fearful love to fearless love for Parama Purusa.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It
3. Caryacarya, Sadhana, Point #4
4. Ananda Marga Caryacarya – 1, Sadhana, Point #7
5. Microvita in a Nutshell, Smell and Microvita – Excerpt C
6. Subhasita Samgraha – 18; Salem, Madras, D.M.C. 9-12-64

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Off the track 

“Tomáre cineo cená dáy, cineo cená dáy tomáre…” (Prabhat Samgiita #1056)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, even after recognizing You, realising You is very difficult.

Just when I think that I have understood You, and feel that on the strength of my intellect I understand everything, You make me realise my foolishness by secretly giving a blow to my ego.

O' Divine One, whenever I think I have everything and that on the strength of my mundane wealth I have bought all that I needed, then by showing me the “priceless jewel”, supreme spiritual wealth, You make me understand my extreme poverty.

Baba, O' Parama Purusa You can only be realized by bhakti...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1056:

[1] Amu'ly Man'i: Literally means priceless jewels. The inner spirit and greater meaning is that supreme spiritual wealth which can't be purchased with worldly riches.

Prabhat Samgiita summary: In this above song, the overall teaching is that Parama Purusa cannot be understood with one’s intellect or by physically seeing Him; the human intellect and one’s physical organs have their inherent limitations. This is evidenced by some of the “great” Wts. They lived around Baba physically, and with their intellect they thought they understood Baba, but they remained very far spiritually. That is why, motivated by narrow sentiments, they split the organisation into pieces and created many dogmas and treated Parama Purusa Baba as a mere mortal. All in all, by their entire dealing, they have proven that physically seeing Baba is not enough to understand Parama Purusa.

In contrast, countless margiis and wts, even those sitting far away, could realise that Baba is Parama Purusa, by His grace.

In this song, another primary teaching is that material wealth also has its inherent limitation. One cannot fulfill all the longings nor all the desires by material gain. Money is not the be-all and end-all of life. With the strength of worldly wealth one cannot get Parama Purusa.

So people should be alert: With their little intellect (jinana marga) and worldly wealth they will not be able to get the summum bonum of life, i.e. Parama Purusa. In the spiritual sphere, one must do sadhana, surrender unto Him - and seek His grace. Only by this way can one truly satiate all their innate yearning and realise Him. Only then can their life become successful. 

== Section: Important Teaching ==

These types of people are most harmful

Ananda Marga ideology states, “The vanity expressed by the so-called civilized human beings of today is extremely dangerous. These people hide the cruder propensities of the mind under the cloak of sweet words and decent behaviour. They are more harmful to the well-being of the human race than the so-called uncivilized humans, because they are hypocrites. The defects of the uncivilized humans pale into insignificance before their abominable hypocrisy. The uncivilized humans of the past may have killed twelve people at most in the battles they fought with bows, arrows, sticks and spears, but the so-called civilized human beings of today kill millions of unarmed, innocent people indiscriminately with their dreadful and lethal weapons. Human society of today is being exploited by the so-called civilized people. Such people should not make themselves look ridiculous by claiming otherwise.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Struggle and Progress

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Rend asunder the mists of sinful deeds

“The despondent humanity, in the monumental task of searching for veracity, sees the beacon leading to the path of effulgence. This immense task makes humanity’s existence resplendent and illumines its path of movement with the blazing tenderness of humanism. You are the blessed travellers on that effulgent path. Let the unique blending of your profound wisdom and intense urge for action rend asunder the mists of sinful deeds and smash to dust the jagged rocks of hypocrisy, and establish you in the realm of supreme fulfilment. This is my wish for you...” (Ananda Vanii #71)

Note 1: True Ananda Vaniis have a number whereas Fake Ananda Vaniis do not - just as a fake car license plate has no number. By this way, you can easily recognise a Fake Ananda Vanii.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Relation between language and religion

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “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).” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)

== Section 3: Links ==

Posting to read

Famous family acarya

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2026/09/famous-family-acarya-3-more.html

Demise of AM Mexico: all properties lost

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2026/09/demise-of-am-mexico-all-properties-lost.html

Dogma of Mahaprayan - Oct 26

#17: Why alluring non-margiis to campus

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2013/09/history-how-margiis-brought-to-mpd.html

#16: Annual Islamic mahaprayan

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/10/khan-saroyar-murshids-mahaprayan-tomb.html

#15: Bait kiirtana: drawing attendees

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2016/09/bait-kiirtana.html

#14: Annual program: adopted from Islam

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/10/mahaprayan-of-young-avt-52nd-mahaprayan.html

#13: Adding "mahaprayan" to AM books

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2019/11/b-group-befools-bangla-readers-3-more.html

#12: Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2015/08/baba-story-changed-my-psyche-4-more.html

#11 Teaching from Acarya Diary

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2022/07/devoid-of-bhakti.html