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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Growing distrust + 4 more

Baba
Growing distrust 

Namaskar,

Here is one teaching from Baba that is highly related with the present-day humanity. The following is an English summary of Baba’s original Hindi teaching which is presented further down in this letter.

Give each person an aeroplane – very good. "I shall make efforts for each person to have an aeroplane." Happiness in collective life is very good, but in personal life there should be sacrifice. If there is no sacrifice in personal life, there can never be joy and happiness in collective life. If one person possesses one crore (10 million) rupees and others do not have even sattu (*) there can never be universal well-being in that society or country. One should renounce all luxuries in personal life - all should live happily together. All are the children of the Supreme Father, all should live happily. (1) (English summary)
(*) Sattu: Flour made from roasted gram (also called chickpea or garbanzo) or sometimes roasted barley or maize (corn).


सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो–बहुत अच्छा | “हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा”—- ख़ूब ठीक है | सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग, किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र का, कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए,—परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |” (2) (Discourse: Swastika Jhanda)


Why people have lost trust in one another in society

In His above guideline, Baba is teaching us that wherever there is (a) a great disparity of wealth, (b) economic exploitation, (c) the huge gap between haves and have-nots, and (d) the gross gulf between those in rolling in luxury while others scrounge to get a morsel of food, there will never be peace and harmony in society. Rather there will be rampant thievery, robberies, and a high crime rate.

Nowadays, in this era of extreme capitalism, security has increased multifold because people have lost trust in one another. There are cameras and surveillance systems on every corner, the police force has become huge, border agents secure all national boundaries, passports and identification are needed to go from place to place, and verily security has been heightened in all levels of society. There is always a camera watching what you are doing. In short, there is a blatant lack of trust in all directions. Everyone thinks the next person may harm or steal from them.

In the past, perhaps 40 - 60 years ago, such steps were not necessary. Because in those days, the wealth disparity was not so huge. But now when people think money and material wealth are everything, then they will do anything to accrue more wealth. That brings widespread distrust. What to think of the rich not trusting the poor, people do not trust their neighbors, and parents do not trust their children. Because when material wealth itself is finite and limited, then people become suspicious and fearful: They think that if they do not grab the wealth then someone else will. In this materialistic era, all other human values have become lost; they are but a distant memory. Money reigns supreme.

Conclusion


In such a condition where a privileged few hoard most of the wealth, and money is looked upon as everything, there can never be peace, safety, and security in society. Social harmony and happiness only come when importance is given to human cardinal values - and only when the rich renounce their wealth and live alongside the common people. Only when there is a rational distribution of wealth and the principles of Prout are in place will we have a true human society where all live cooperatively as children of the Supreme Father.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Nu’tan

References
1. Summary by TRS
2. Discourse: Swastika Jhanda

== Section: Important Teaching ==

What role to adopt when doing 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 ==

How remedy received from Causal Mind

"Q. 58. Who receives the answer or remedy at the time of staging a dhárańá?"

"Ans.: – Once the conscious and sub-conscious minds are inactive the remedy is received from the all-knowing Casual Mind. The ectoplasmic mind will take the shape of anything which is ideated upon with a specific aim, with sincerity and with proper concentration. While staging a dharńá the kamamaya and manomaya kośas become partially suspended and a vision of knowledge occurs (like a particular type of dream state) originating from the Causal Mind. In that dream state the person receives the answer to any question he/she may have asked about medicine or other matters."

"Those staging a dharńá are convinced that a certain deity will give the cure for a disease or answer any question they may ask. Therefore, when the answer comes, they naturally conclude that it was given by that very same deity. In fact, this vision of the deity, like the vision of the ghost, is simply a play of the mind. After being told about the greatness of a particular god or goddess a person will go to make offerings and will often receive the expected cure or answer. There is no question of a god or deity being involved here; God had nothing to go with what happened. It is purely a psychic phenomenon. The effectiveness of the cure or answer depends upon the degree of concentration of the mind." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B, Q & A #58

== Section: Comment ==

Re: Fast to death: Avt capitulates to Gandhian way

Dear brother,

Namaskar. What did you write is true. Baba observed fast in Jail to neutralize the bad effect of poison in His body, which had been injected in jail. Ideology can not be established through the hunger strike. We do fasting for our good health and mind. Fasting is not a way to fight against immoral leaders. To remove a thorn we need a stronger pin or needle. To fight against the hypocrites and cunning people we should apply different methods, same as Lord Krishna had been used to defeat enemies.

Brotherly yours,
Dada Shuddhatmananda

- Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic - Fast to death: Avt capitulates to Gandhian way


== Section 4: Links ==



Saturday, November 24, 2018

Mahaprayan of very senior margii


Baba
Mahaprayan of very senior margii

Namaskar,

It is with much sadness to share the news of the mahaprayan of Shrii R.D. Singh. Unfortunately, Singhji breathed his last and his mahaprayan occurred on 24 November at Rohini, a residential city in North West Delhi.

Shrii R.D. Singh was a very senior Ananda Margii who led a life of service and dedication to Sadguru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and was very active in and around the Delhi area, involving in various projects and service work.

Singh ji was always ready to help all and truly embraced the spirit of neo-humanism in all that he did. With his mahaprayan, the entire Ananda Marga society in and around Delhi and beyond, and especially his laokik family members will deeply miss his kindness and giving nature.

May we all take solace in the fact that our dear, respected R.D. Singh ji was a bhakta of Sadguru Baba. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His infinite grace.

in Him,
Diindayal

Note: Alert for those cremating a dead body in India or Indian managed cremation homes around the world. Their custom is to put the burning fire /hot coals in the mouth of the deceased to initiate the burning of the body. This is prohibited in AMPS as it is uncivilised. So watch out do not allow this. If you are not careful they will end of doing it. Make them aware ahead of time.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The practice of putting fire into the mouth of the dead body is repulsive, it should not be encouraged." (Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of the Dead Body)


~ In-depth study ~

We have seen that when somebody dies then in offering their condolences people say now Mr So-and-so is sitting on Baba's lap. On other occasions when telling a Baba story people also say, "Such and such person sat on Baba's lap." But these days the trend is that "sitting on Baba's lap" is used more in connection with death. And that causes some confusion in reader's mind. To unknot the situation please read below.

Dogma: if "on Baba's lap" only used for death

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:
- "May Parama Purusa Baba accept her in HIS divine lap"

- "We pray to Baba -please give him shelter in his lap... "

- "May his soul rest in the lap of our beloved BABA"

- "Now she is taking rest in Baba's Lap."

- "May Baba accept him in HIS divine lap....."

- "May he rest in HIS loving lap of eternity."

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap forever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in Bábá's loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

- "May BABA accept him in HIS divine lap!"

- "May Baba take him in his eternal loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in peace taking shelter in Baba's lap."

- "Please keep him on Your lap forever."

- "We all collectively pray to Baba to take him on Baba's divine lap forever.”
All of the above lines are commonly written in eulogizing the deceased. These days mostly it is used in a eulogy and rarely used to recount one's intimate spiritual experiences - unfortunately. By this way, the phrase "in Baba's lap" is being misused and step by step the real meaning is being forgotten as now people more commonly use the phrase to eulogize those who have died, and much less so to express their inner feelings of bhakti. Unfortunately, the meaning and inner spirit of the phrase is getting lost.


Baba story: "sitting on Baba's lap"

Some time ago after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba. He said, "After being lovingly scolded by Baba for my wrongdoings, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his factual and historical event, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries. Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this. The new sadhaka sensed that something was wrong He said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was quite eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if in order to sit on Baba’s lap one has to die. But that is false. Sincere sadhakas regularly sit on Baba’s lap in their meditation. It is His grace. It is just like a child need not die in order to sit on his father’s lap.

The idea is that this phrase - Baba's lap - has been linked with death due to extreme overuse. So for some time if sadhakas use this phrase exclusively for spiritual purposes, that will be best. The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its pure spiritual quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.

Baba would bless bhaktas and place them on His lap


There are tens of thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply mystical value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and sadhana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply intimate experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a spiritual practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in sadhana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.

"Mahaprayan" means death of mortals - confirm for yourself
from the Samsad Bengali-English Dictionary


Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in our Bengal to describe the death of any human being, even ordinary people. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily term of bhakti to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no bhaktas ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

Here it should be known that the convention of an annual death day ceremony (i.e. shraddhainjali or mahaprayan) is a foundation of the Islamic tradition. Muslims are well known for this, and their approach of an annual death day ceremony was adopted by the leader of a particular group in AMPS. So no one should think that mahaprayan is some type of sacred event. It is done on the death day anniversary of Muslims.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English             dictionary 3rd edition on page 848. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it is used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens. And that is the case in this letter also. The term mahaprayan means death and this is the ideal term for this purpose.

Mahaprayan is only for humans not for Sadguru


Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being, just like the aforesaid news. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the meaning of the mahaprayan term and that is the standard way the term is used in Indian languages.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan. That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa. This is grossly inappropriate because when Parama Purusa Sadguru Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is entirely wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa. Those doing mahaprayan for Sadguru are hypocrites. On the one side in meditation they ask His grace thinking that He is ever-present, and on the other side they think that Baba has passed way. That is their hypocrisy.


== Section 2: Links ==

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