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Saturday, August 29, 2020

Most don't know + 2 more

Baba
Most don’t know

Namaskar,

Nowadays, within the general society, there is a basic misunderstanding and confusion about religion. Most think that religions themselves are ok - even good, and those who practice the religion in a loose way are also fine. According to the general populace, the problem only lies with those followers who strictly and blindly adhere to the tenets of a given religion.

To emphasize their point, regular citizens rightly label such strict adherents of religion as 'fundamentalists', 'radicals', and 'extremists' etc. But in their blindness they speak benignly or even appreciatively about normal members of the church or attendees of the temple etc. So the common people feel that only the radical fundamentalists are bad-- not the religion itself or standard attendees. As Ananda Margiis, though, we can easily see the defects of such an approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Following to any degree is negative


Without any ambiguity Sadguru Baba fully warns us about the defective nature and harmful effect of all the religions, as they are all rooted in dogma.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "On the basis of religion human beings group together and indulge in internecine feuds. Such religions are responsible for spilling the blood of innocent men and women. I don't want to single out any religion as most do not follow the path of logic. Instead they prefer to inject a certain type of cheap sentiment into the human mind to cripple the intellect and impair rational judgement." (1)

When religion itself is harmful, dogmatic and negative - then everyone associated with that religion is also of that mold. When religion itself is 100% negative then following it a little is also negative. Following it partially cannot yield any good results. It is just like if someone smokes 3 cigarettes or drinks half a bottle of whiskey - both those actions are harmful. So we cannot appreciate those actions simply because they did not smoke the whole pack of cigarettes or just because they did not drink the entire bottle of alcohol. That would be senseless. But unfortunately, with regards to religion, the common public fails to understand this simple equation.

Some in AMPS fall into this similar pattern


Tragically, some in our AMPS are also confused about this point of religion. There are a few so-called Wts who openly support going to church etc. And they admire how the church guides the people etc. And there are some so-called margiis who still attend "confession" with the Catholic church or consult other religious professionals etc. To the degree anyone does like this is the same degree to which they do not understand Ananda Marga teachings.

Even worse, a few so-called margiis in AMPS are so confused that they think that strict adherence to Ananda Marga ideology is also like some negative fundamentalists. This is the skewed viewpoint of a few so-called margiis. Due to their crude mind they react if someone is beautifully following all Baba's teachings.

Here the point is that strictly following dharma has not a single negative effect - rather it is all positive. Because adhering to dharmic, neo-humanistic principles will bring more and more sunshine onto this earth. So we should be strict in following dharma and not pay attention to any confused persons in our AMPS who might wrongly pass out their accusations. To obliterate any confusion about this, here following are Baba's dharmic words.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Spiritual fanaticism not religious fanaticism


Ananda Marga ideology states, "जानते हो हर कर्म के लिए एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत होती है | अच्छे कर्म के लिए भी, ख़राब के लिए भी | ख़राब कर्म के लिए जिन के मन ज़िद रहता है, वे दुनिया के लिए भयङ्कर मनुष्य बन जाते हैं, terror बन जाते हैं | ठीक वैसा ही अच्छे कर्म के लिए ज़िद है, वे दुनिया के सम्पद बन जाते हैं | उनकी तरक्की कोई रोक नहीं सकता है | तो, परमपुरुष की प्राप्ति के लिए भी, इसी तरह का एक ज़िद रहना चाहिए—”मैं अवश्य पाऊँगा, पा कर रहूँगा”—काम हो जाएगा | तो, यह ज़िद, ज़िद चाहिए | तो, यह एक प्रकार का spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism | Religious fanaticism ख़राब है, group बनता है | Spiritual fanaticism---“आदर्श के लिए मैं सब कुछ करूँगा—जीना, मरना, मेरे लिए समान है | मेरे लिए सबसे क़ीमती चीज़ है आदर्श |” तो, यही याद रखोगे कि  इस तरह की एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत है|” (2) (General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna)

Here is the overall gist, or English summary, of the above Hindi teaching:
Every work needs determination, not only good works but bad also. Those who are determined in doing bad work become dangerous and create terror for the world. In contrast, those who are dogged in doing good work become treasures for the world; no one can prevent their progress. Hence, there should also be a resoluteness to attain Parama Purusa: "I will get Him, certainly I will get Him," like this you will get success. So, one should have this type of determination, this is a type of spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism. Religious fanaticism is bad as it leads to the formation of groups. Spiritual fanaticism (teaches), "I will do everything for the sake of ideology. Whether I live or to die for my ideology, it is the same to me. The most precious thing for me is my ideology." So, remember, only this type of determination is necessary.

Why moderation is harmful in AM


Suppose a surgeon is not strict in following the codes of conduct and protocol for medical procedures. That surgeon is not fanatical - i.e. he is not strict but rather sloppy in his medical procedures. Then will you like to go to him for open heart surgery? No, never. Because you want a doctor who is fanatical in his medical work - very accurate and strict. That is the reason for fanaticism in Ananda Marga also: because Ananda Marga is rational. The followers of Ananda Marga are very strict in rational ideas then they, as well as the society at large, will be greatly benefited.

Fanaticism in religion is deadly, but fanaticism in dharma is very good. In religion, moderation is less poisonous  otherwise one will end up harming or even slaughtering others in the name of their dogmatic teaching. That is why moderation is needed in religion, but moderation is harmful on the path of dharma i.e. Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Think of it this way: If one is fanatical about taking a walk every day, or not smoking, or following a sentient diet, or exercising regularly, then that is very good. Because all those practices are healthy and beneficial. The basic rule is that fanaticism is good if the endeavor is just and noble. So when everything in our Ananda Marga is dharmic and righteous, then being fanatical about Ananda Marga practices is very beneficial.

Only by being ultra-strict in following bhagavad dharma can we bring relief and justice in society. The stricter the better - there is nothing to be lost in being more vigilant. Only there is something to be gained. The more strict we are in helping the needy or eliminating exploitation, the greater the result. There is no drawback by being fanatical in following the dharma of Ananda Marga. It will make the society pure and the sadhaka divine.

Namaskar,
In Him
Balakrsna

Pointing out religious loopholes


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others...If necessary, different views can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without being disrespectful.” (3)


~ In-depth study ~

Here Baba is giving the answer in black and white, AM is the true solution.

Baba says, "A'nanda Ma'rga is that path of progress, and that is why A'nanda Ma'rga is the only alternative for the preservation of human existence and civilization." (4)

Baba says, "Ananda Marga alone is dharma and all the rest are sectisms." (5)

Thus AM and dharma are one. And here following is Baba's mandate that dharma should always be followed:

Sutra 2-7: Tasmaddharmah Sada'ka'ryah
Meaning: Dharma should always be practiced

So when AM is dharma and when dharma should always be followed, then in all situations we should always follow the dharma of our Marga-- without exception.

Here Baba exposes again one of the central flaws of religion.

Baba says, "Religion cannot bring peace to humanity." (6)


Partially infected existence accepted as healthy

Around the world, people are mostly only concerned about those religious extremists and fundamentalists. And they think that those who mildly follow the teachings of the church / mosque / temple are good, pious people who are doing fine in life. So somehow despite all the negative aspects and bloody events associated with religious life, religion itself still has a respectable name amongst the common people. And general members of the temple or church or mosque can proudly speak of their overall association with their religion. And people will respect them for that. And not just common followers, but various high-ranking political leaders speak openly about their religious ties and they are honoured for that by the voting public.

The general public is only scared or concerned about the radical followers. They do not like those extremists, but everyone else has their approval. This then is the fool-hardy approach going on these days.

Here below, Baba points out the harmful effect of religious dogma.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Do you see how dangerous religious dogma was, and how dangerous it still is today? If you analyze each and every aspect of life which has been infected by religious dogma, you will find that the advocates of dogma are always motivated by the psychology of exploitation." (7)

There is no redeeming quality of these dogmatic religions. Their teachings are illogical; their approach is combative; and in their cruel way they divide the humanity. So from top to bottom the religions spell disaster for humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Defective approaches of religion

Here are more instances where Baba harshly condemns the dogmatic approaches of the various religions.

Baba says, Those who incite that "'Your God is the only God. You are His blessed sons and daughters, and others will burn in hellfire'. By these sermons unity among humans can never be achieved".  (8)

Baba says, "Those who impatiently preach to their followers, "Our God is the only God -- others are false", encourage communal differences directly and indirectly. Such defective teachings, such baneful exhortations, have caused many bloody battles in the name of religion. Even today we find a reoccurrence of this distressing situation. The self motivated and wicked intellect of a handful of religious leaders is at the root of these abominable incidents." (9)

Baba says, "The scriptures of other communities proclaim that only the followers of their religion are the favourite children of God and others are damned heathens. To kill them is not at all a sin, rather one will attain a permanent place in heaven after their death. Such scriptures are very detrimental to human society." (10)

And below Baba guides how the socio-economic aspect of AM-- i.e Prout-- is the most practical and only way to advance.

Baba says, "PROUT is the only panacea. There is no other solution." (11)

Two basic misconceptions


There are two basic reasons why the common masses are misunderstanding this issue about religion. First, they are unable to understand what religion really is. Somehow for them, consciously or unconsciously, they continue to think that religion still offers something good.

And the second reason the general citizens have gentle appreciation for religion is because they are completely unaware about bhagavata dharma. Living in that void, they think that the church / mosque / temples etc is the only way for people to become pious etc. Whereas if they had even a little feeling for, or understanding of, dharma, then they would discard religion in a second.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Prout in Nutshell - 7, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 3
2. General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna
3. Human Society - 1, Moralism
4. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B
5. Subhasita Samgraha -1, The Call of the Supreme
6. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B
7. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B
8. Prout in a Nutshell - 14, The Ever-Expanding Domain of the Microcosm
9. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, Abhedajiṋána and Nirvikalpa Samádhi
10. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Prápta Vákya and Ápta Vákya
11. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Decentralized Economy – 2


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Your karuna everywhere

"Diip jvelecho álo d́helecho, tumi mukta tumi shuddha..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2673)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, You have lit the lamp of bhakti, filled everything with Your exquisite refulgence, and illumined every iota of this cosmos. You are not bound, rather beyond the gunas - Gunatiita. You are ever-pure and have pulled me close to You and removed all my attachments. Rudra, You are apápaviddha - unaffected by action and reaction and beyond samskara. 

My Supreme Entity Baba, You cannot be realised by worldly knowledge nor by memorising or studying scriptures. With the strength of mundane intellect no person can get You. You can't be held on the basis of terrestrial power and prestige, or name and fame etc. Rather those who have social status are dry in spirituality. You can only be pulled near with the depths of bhakti. When bhaktas call You, You come running. With material gains - money, reputation etc - nobody can get You. My Lord, to whom You wish, You grace and come within their grasp. Then only do they realise You. Without Your krpa, nobody becomes emancipated. Mayatiita, You are Mayadhiisha - beyond the binding principle of maya.

Cosmic Entity, You are indescribable; it is not possible to express Your glory in words. And the unit being cannot reach You. When the mind comes to You, it loses its existence. Lokottara, You are beyond the bondage of the three gunas and various lokas. Time to time by taking advent, You come on this earth to shower Your unfathomable kindness and affection. With Your pure love You spread Your karuna everywhere. All-Pervading Entity, You have lit the lamp of bhakti in my heart.

Baba Your liila is unfathomable. I surrender at Your lotus feet...

Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #2673:

[1] Rudra: Ananda Marrga ideology states, "Why call the Supreme Being “Rudra”? The word Rudra in Sanskrit means “weeping.” But the Supreme Being not only makes all weep, He also makes them laugh! In both the circumstances, that is, of extreme pain and pleasure, there are tears in the eyes. In pain the tears come from the middle of the eyes, in pleasure they come from the corners of the eyes. A mother weeps when her daughter goes to her in-laws' house. She also weeps when her daughter returns from the house of her in-laws. In one case she weeps for pain, in another she weeps for joy."
   "If living beings were to live in one state always, there would be extreme monotony and no one would want to continue life. If in a drama we know the end in the very beginning, there would be no interest in the play. We need suspense, ups-and-downs and eleventh-hour surprises to keep life interesting. God, that is, Rudra, is a first-class dramatist. He keeps life floating within the two extremes of joy and pain; hence His liilá, His play, goes on." (1)

[2] Apápaviddha: Parama Purusa is beyond action and reaction. He is unassailed by action and reaction etc.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 25, Rudra


== Section 3: Links ==
Recent postings
Other topics of interest

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Sign of zero bhakti + 2 more

Baba

Sign of zero bhakti

Note: This letter is for those with above average bhakti, otherwise one may not understand.

Namaskar,

Those who are true bhaktas and established Ananda Margiis always remember and rely upon Sadguru Baba in all situations. They feel that, “Baba is mine and He is always there to help me.” Those bhaktas will always call Him in a personal way, i.e. Baba.

Suppose a margii was buried in the rubble of a gigantic earthquake and they are rescued. Then in the euphoria of being freed from the rubble, they will cry out:

"Baba, it is Your grace, I am free, You saved me."

This above approach can only be done if one has a personal relation with Parama Purusa Baba. Otherwise they will not express themselves in the aforesaid way.

The following is the iconic example how the concerning party does not have a personal relation with Parama Purusa Baba, unfortunately. 

Cry of dry sadhakas for help from impersonal God

If one has an impersonal relation with God, or a far distant or theoretical relation with God, that means they have no bhakti. In that case, when they are freed from the rubble of the earthquake, the margii may cry out in euphoria in one of the following ways:

  • "Thank the Cognitive Faculty, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the Hub of the cosmic cycle, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank God almighty, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the Creator of the universe, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank Nirguna Brahma, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the Supreme Consciousness, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the All-Knowing God, I am free
  • Or they say, "Thank the Cosmic Consciousness, I am free
  • Or they say, "Thank the Omnipotent Entity, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank God the Nucleus of the creation, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the All-Pervading Entity, if any, I am free"
  • Or they say, "Thank the Supreme God living in the heaven, I am free"

Impersonal God of non-bhaktas (jiṋániis)

In the euphoria of being freed from the rubble of the earthquake, those who have an impersonal relation with God may express themselves in one of the aforesaid ways. Because their God is shapeless. Their God is a kind of nucleus of the energy that is most powerful and controls all things like electrical or magnetic energy, etc. That impersonal God does not have a human form. This type of theoretical concept they have of God, as the Controller. In their personal life they have not felt or realised anything, but theoretically they think that such a God may exist. So their God is impersonal, i.e. lower-most bhakti. But after long penance when bhakti grows then their relation changes and becomes personal. They think that their God has a human form, yet still controls everything. They feel that Supreme Entity, “listens to my cry and helps me in my troubles always.”

The litmus test for one’s standard of bhakti is whether they remember Baba in times of trouble or euphoria. Because in those times they will speak in an unguarded way and their true inner feeling will be expressed.


Conclusion

When a person is in trouble then their true level of bhakti is revealed. When one respected Dada recently came out from a tragedy, he never spoke the name Baba. Instead our Dada said, “Thank God almighty.” By this manner, we can understand that our respected Wt Dada does not have a deep inner link with Baba (personal God). Unfortunately, this Dada’s level of bhakti is not up to the mark, even after decades and decades of wt, purodha life.

In Him,
Jyoti
(Joan Reynolds)

~ In-depth study ~

Story: A typical parrot in India is taught the word “Ram” and repeats “Ram” all day long. But in times of duress, that parrot completely forgets Ram and just squaws and cries out like an ordinary bird. This shows that the parrot never really had an internal link with Ram. Just it was a word the parrot would mechanically say. There was no greater depth of understanding.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A parrot says so many things, without understanding the meaning, without understanding the spirit of what is meant. Japa kriyá becomes as meaningless as the talk of a parrot for those who do it without love or emotion. It even loses the value of internal suggestion, intro-psychic suggestion." (1)

One cannot be in love with an impersonal entity

Ananda Marga ideology, “In the realm of devotion He is purely a personal Entity. He is mine, He is my Father, He is my closest relative. He is my bigger self. He is not a second entity; that is, the relationship is purely a personal one. There cannot be any love with an impersonal entity. One cannot be in love with an impersonal entity. Love requires a personal entity.” (2)

See who this Dada is & what he did

Now if you want to see the case review related with one wt, and if you want to know who this Dada is, please click below to see the way he called out to God. See if when in tragedy he cried out to Baba, or not. After reading you will know that if Dada is calling out to Baba then he has a personal relation. And if Dada did not call out to Baba and cried out to another entity then he has an impersonal relation.

==> Click here to find out about this Dada

---
How to grow bhakti

Namaskar,

The key question arises, “Why is it that some aspirants lack bhakti?” Here we have to remember that the requisite ingredient for having bhakti is having a personal relation with Parama Purusa. That means seeing Him in form and having a loving link with Him, thinking that, “He is my Father, I am His child and fostering a personal relation. In contrast, bhakti does not grow if one thinks that Parama Purusa is formless, or that He is just a Controlling point, or if one has a vague notion of Him as a Nucleus, or as energy, or effulgence. One cannot have a loving relation with air, water, waves, magnetism, gravity, or electricity etc. If one thinks that Parama Purusa is some impersonal, faceless entity then love for Him will never grow.

One cannot have bhakti towards something that is formless. Bhakti itself means having love and affection for Parama Purusa in His personal form. And without bhakti, without love for God, no matter how much sadhana one does or how often one practices asanas etc, they will never feel quenched or satiated inside. Their heart will always be like a dry, sandstorm - parched and thirsty.

Whereas if one has even the small beginnings of a personal relation with Him, then the situation is the polar opposite. In that case, the aspiration will certainly have an intimate, loving link with Him in His form - either today or in the near future. Baba has said this in so many discourses. It is just like if you have very arable land, good seeds, and plenty of sunshine, but if there is no water then nothing will grow. Water is the requisite factor. Similarly, in spiritual life, bhakti is everything and bhakti depends upon one’s relation with a personal God, imbibed with the idea that “He is my Father, and I am His child”, or one may adopt any other type of relation.

Ananda Marga ideology, “In the realm of devotion He is purely a personal Entity. He is mine, He is my Father, He is my closest relative. He is my bigger self. He is not a second entity; that is, the relationship is purely a personal one. There cannot be any love with an impersonal entity. One cannot be in love with an impersonal entity. Love requires a personal entity.” (3)

In Him
Daya’nidhi

References
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, Who Is Gopa?
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 12, A Purely Personal Entity
3. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 12, A Purely Personal Entity



*        *        *

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 ==

Behold, look, He has come

"Ánkhi mele ceye dekho, ajáná pathik eseche..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1550)

Purport:

O' human beings, behold, look, Parama Purusa the Aja'na' Pathik1, has come. With His sweet, charming smile and infinite grace, He is pouring His endless compassion and love unto all. He is showering everyone with His exquisite blessing. All are getting bathed in His prema. He is radiating tenderness and exuding His sweet smile. O' brothers and sisters, see, Baba, the Aja'na' Pathik has appeared and He is bestowing His causeless krpa upon all.

Due to His auspicious arrival and august presence, the darkness which was in the mind has vanished somewhere - to one far distant place. In the past, where there used to be blackness, one stream of effulgence has emerged and blossomed into the colour of one rose. By His brilliance, the dry mind has become buoyant and blissful. Baba, the Ajana Pathik is before us and has granted His infinite care.

Everyone is near and dear to Him. With His great mercy, everyone has a sacred place in His heart. Parama Purusa holds each and every being in His bosom. O' brothers and sisters, do not waste your time running after name and fame, money, prestige, or any other transitory allurement. Do not hasten after mundane longings. March unto the path of bliss, and fulfill your hopes and aspirations by reaching unto Him. Ajana Pathik Baba is here. Only He can quench your immense yearning with His boundless joy. O' sadhaka, your life and death - your coming and going - on this earth is dancing in His Cosmic rhythm. Everything is connected; everyone revolves around Him - nobody is alone. All are an inseparable part of Him. This is His grand liila and ultimately each person is sure to become one with Him, by His supreme countenance...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1550

[1] Ajana Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe, and resides everywhere and knows everything; irrespective of where one goes, He remains along with you'. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name 'Ajana Pathik'. The name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'traveler' or ‘tourist.’ But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist', or Unknown Vacationer', or 'Unknown Backpacker', or 'Unknown Visitor', or 'Unknown Globetrotter', or 'Unknown Daytripper', or 'Unknown Hitchhiker.’ The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and He is constantly present with everyone, all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere - carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja'na' Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. In their spiritual approach bhaktas feel that wherever they go the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, bhaktas can always get His intimate company and companionship. With this mystical link, sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja'na' Pathik.

Overall the name Aja'na' Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A'nanda Ma'rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja'na' Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has shown this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as - Aja'na' Pathik. In true sense, as the omnipresent Entity, He does not go anywhere because He is everywhere; but in a more literal manner He goes from place to place.

Those who use ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist’ in place of Aja'na' Pathik are naive and ignorant.


== Section 3: Links ==

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