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Thursday, November 20, 2025

Right surrender: take action + 2 more

Baba
Right surrender: take action
Namaskar,

Some think that doing nothing and being a passive witness is part of our surrender theory. They proclaim that 'prapatti vada', or surrender theory, means sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for someone else to do the job. According to Baba, the proper application of our surrender theory is to come forward and work according to our maximum capacity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Do your duty, your karma. Now, is this karma in conformity with prapatti or is it antagonistic to prapatti? ... in accordance with the spirit of prapatti, that the body is a machine, we can say that He has been kind enough to provide the body and mind, to be utilized for work only. Hence I follow the spirit of prapatti in using them. In the beginning, karma seemed to be against prapatti, but karma is not antithetical to prapatti. It is definitely in conformity with prapatti. So a boy or a girl who does work is surely following the path of prapatti..." (1)

According to Baba's teachings of prapatti vada (surrender theory), we are to fully utilise whatever strength He has given us. Each and every ounce of energy that we have should be expended toward coming up with a proper and just solution to any problem. That is our tantrika approach to prapatti vada. 

Proper way of prapatti: utilise one's strength


Baba clearly tells us that while on this earth we are to do something; we are to engage in good works.

"Kurvanneveha Karma'n'i..."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Why have we come to this world? Certainly to do some good work...Human beings have come to work...Therefore work must be done...Human beings have to do any good and noble work, any constructive or benevolent work when they are physically alive." (2)

So long as we are breathing, so long as we are alive, we are to involve ourselves in noble works, making this world better and better. As we look around, there are so many positive works that need to be done and so many negative elements - such as various types of exploitation - that need correcting. On both fronts, Baba's teaching is to keep ever active.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Vanii says, "The accumulated distortions of many lifetimes cannot be removed in the twinkling of an eye. The removal of these distortions requires prolonged cultivation of knowledge, selfless devotion and untiring action. The world expects tremendous work from you; so you must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia. Therefore awake, arise." (3)

According to Baba's above guideline, to remove the distortions and address various types of exploitations, one must engage in "untiring action" etc. Merely sitting idle waiting for time to pass by will not do. That will not solve the problem. To rid the world of the dirt of exploitations, one will have to leap into action. Per Baba's teaching, that is the only way to clean-up our AMPS. Baba's above guidelines are enough to show us that ours is the path of action and mobility. We are never to rely on "fate" or "the passing of time" to solve any problem such as numerous types of exploitations.

Why some get confused


Baba has beautifully explained each and every aspect of this expressed universe. He has given the answer to everything. There is no problem that lies untouched; nor is there any hazard which He has not warned us about. He has perfectly mapped out our entire pathway. Even then some are prone to get confused, primarily because they only see a small part or fraction of Baba's teaching - not the whole.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "If you tell a blind person to describe the parts of an elephant's body, can he do it? Before describing the elephant, one must have the vision to see it: so first the blind man's sight must be restored." (4)

Similarly, to understand Baba's divine teachings of Ananda Marga philosophy one must have a balanced mind and be able to clearly look at the whole body of Ananda Marga scripture; otherwise, with their incomplete understanding they will arrive at the wrong conclusion.  

Conclusion


If anyone wants to properly interpret Baba's teachings then first and foremost they should take the time to make their mind balanced and rational through sadhana and then, step by step, cultivate a facile and holistic understanding of the entire Ananda Marga ideology. Then they will be able to come up with a proper analysis of His teachings. Whereas, if they again and again resort to their own incomplete and imbalanced approach, they will just embarrass themselves in front of all. Unfortunately, that is what has happened with those proclaiming that the poison of various types of exploitation can be solved by the mere passage of time.

Namaskar,
Nira’dha’r

~ In-depth study ~

Who can interpret dharmic scriptures

Here Baba clearly describes who is capable of properly explaining His teachings and side by side He also warns us what happens when any pseudo fellow tries to do.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Without proper interpretation, the sha'stras remain difficult to understand and sometimes unintelligible. Thus the scriptures should always be interpreted by qualified scholars, competent philosophers, and penetrating thinkers. If one tries to interpret a profound scripture with superficial knowledge, the interpreter appears ridiculous and the audience is confused." (5)

References
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Krśńa and Prapattiváda – 2 (Discourse 5)
2. Ananda Marga Karma Yoga in a Nutshell, “Kurvanneveha Karmmáńi”
3. A'nanda Va'nii #5
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation
5. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc 14, 'Shivopadesha - 4


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Taught me sadhana

“Tumi na’ bole esechile, a’j na’ bole cale gele…” (Prabhata Samgiita #1327)

Purport:

Baba, without saying anything You came and appeared before me, and now today without telling anything You just left – disappeared. I was lying in the dust on the path, and with the showering Your karun’a’ You lifted me up and put me on Your lap with deep affection. You have done everything.

Baba, my dwelling was old and tattered – broken down. Not only that, I was also bereft of intellect and conscience. My condition was so pitiful that I did not have even one morsel to put into my mouth. With Your love and kindness, You bestowed everything - fulfilled my needs physical, psychic, spiritual  and also taught me everything from A to Z. 

My nearest One, I was not understanding the dharma of human life – how human beings should act, and what are the dos and don’ts, my duties and responsibilities. I was living like an animal, just eating and sleeping. To get You, I did not do any sadhana. Even then You graced me, taught me sadhana, and blessed me with perfection to move forward on the path of anandam.

My Supreme Father, Baba, previously in my existence I was not even up to the standard of a human being. All the teachings I had been given were full of dogma. My mental plate was polluted, it was like land drenched in salty waters. You have poured the sweetness, given me a voice, and lifted me onto Your Divine lap. You have done everything.

My most Intimate, You have arranged everything for me. Baba, Your mercy is unforgettable…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout: Charter of rights

Prout philosophy states, “The formation of a World Government will require a world constitution. A charter of principles or bill of rights should be included in such a constitution and encompass at least the following four areas. First, complete security should be guaranteed to all the plants and animals on the planet. Secondly, each country must guarantee purchasing power to all its citizens. Thirdly, the constitution should guarantee four fundamental rights – spiritual practice or Dharma; cultural legacy; education; and indigenous linguistic expression. Fourthly, if the practice of any of these rights conflicts with cardinal human values then that practice should be immediately curtailed. That is, cardinal human values must take precedence over all other rights. All the constitutions of the world suffer from numerous defects. The above points may be adopted by the framers of different constitutions to overcome these defects. (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 12, Requirements of an Ideal Constitution


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Ideal practice up waking up


Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, “Everyone may perform the practices below if they wish.”

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Utksepa Mudra: This Mudra should be practised in bed immediately upon waking. While lying on the back, one should flex both the arms and legs, bringing them over the chest, and then return them immediately to the extended position. After doing this three or four times, sit up in bed and drink a glass of cold water without allowing the water to touch the teeth. After this you should expose the navel area to the air, and walk up and down in this way for some time in the open air.” (1)

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 3, ‘Different Yoga Practices’, Point #1


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Wrong moon calculation could ruin fasting

Story: describing His beauty & charm

Sadhaka life over the ages

Who received this blessing

Remedy for debased thinking

Fame today

Prout's view of legalized cannabis



Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Against the practice of bhakti + 3 more

Baba
Against the practice of bhakti

Namaskar,

This letter addresses perhaps the most personal aspect of life for an Ananda Margii: That Is't'a is one and we should cultivate this ideal throughout the day, especially during our spiritual practices. One should not sing songs like Shivagiiti etc during paincajanya. There are many points related with this key spiritual topic outlined below.

We have to remember that Baba has given His teachings not just for Ananda Margiis, but for the entire humanity. For instance: Soon the whole world will be following the ways of Prout, whether they be margii or not. Likewise, Baba's remedies in Yogic Treatments are for everyone; and, His various grammar books are to be studied in all schools around the globe. In the same way, Prabhat Samgiita collection is for the whole humanity - not just for the relatively small number of people who are Ananda Margiis. Here then comes the crux of the matter.

There are some Prabhat Samgiita compositions that state, "O' Lord Krsna, please come in my heart." In that case that song is for non-margiis. And those songs which say, "O' Prabhu, please come in my heart, come in my mind", then that song is for Ananda Margiis. Because here Prabhu means Lord and that can easily be goaded to Is't'a (i.e. nearest and dearest One), Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The collection of Prabhat Samgiita compositions are for all kinds of people. As Ananda Margiis, we should only sing those songs which goad the mind toward Baba alone. In our personal spiritual life, we should only sing those songs that address Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, i.e. Baba. We may learn the songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna because by that way we can best introduce non-margiis to those compositions. But we should not use those songs in our own spiritual practices and programs.


For success, pointed bhakti a must

This above guideline from Sadguru is extremely important point: If one sings for and ideates on Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva before doing sadhana and dhyana, then they are goading their mind in the wrong direction - not towards Is't'a - and they will not get success. For this reason, Ananda Marga ideology guides us that Is't'a must be one, i.e. singular in nature.

The misnomer of multiple Is't'as or multiple gods and goddesses is prevalent in almost all the dogmatic religions like Hinduism, and some of the Semitic religions. Such followers worship numerous gods and goddesses: Ganesh, Durga, Kali, Sarasvati, Santoshi Ma, Vishnu, Brahma, Mahadeva, Jagadnath, Ram, Sita, Shankar, Mahesh, Smashan Kalii, Vaedyanath, Hanuman, etc. There are hundreds of gods and goddesses, and Hindu worshipers indulge in various rituals to please them all. There are other religious followers who also think in this faulty manner. And now some have dragged this misguided approach into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. But no Ananda Margii should fall in this way - this will only hinder your progress.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As Ananda Margiis, we must harbour a one-pointed, spiritual approach, i.e. one Is't'a.


Shiva & Krsna songs are not for margiis

During cultural programs we might sing such songs - i.e. songs for Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna - when members of the general public are in attendance, but those songs are not for our own personal sadhana and spiritual practice. We learn those songs only to teach them to the general public etc.

It is just like when we are conducting medical camps. Then those medicines we bring to the camp are not for us, but rather for those patients who are in need. We bring those medicines and conduct the camp in order to serve and help others. Same is the case with those Prabhat Samgiita compositions about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. We present those songs in order to help others with their bhakti. They are not for our own use in our personal practices.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "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)


First cause


When those songs about Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna are meant for non-margiis and devalue our inner longing towards Baba, then the natural question is why some in AMPS get caught up singing those songs. A key reason why some fall in this way is due to language and region. The following examples reflect a few prevailing trends, though certainly do not reflect the overall standard of the entire margii population of that area.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For instance, in South India, the people are most often followers of Lord Shiva and most of the people know English and Sanskrit, not Hindi and Bangla. So when certain songs about Lord Shiva have been given in Sanskrit, then naturally a few of those margiis from South India gravitate towards the Prabhat Samgiita written in Sanskrit about Lord Shiva. Certainly there are many who are not inclined in this way, but some are. And in their innocence, they do not realise that this is undermining their love for Is't'a and their sadhana.


Second cause

In North India, many of the people speak Hindi and related languages. They do not all know Bangla. So they are often attracted toward those Prabhat Samgiita compositions composed in those languages that they are familiar with, i.e. Hindi, Urdu, Angika etc - especially those songs in their mother tongue. Not all are set in this way, but certainly some margiis. Of those comparatively few songs, some are about Lord Krsna, and some fall in the genre of samaj songs. In their sincerity, a few margiis adopt those songs as their favorites. But this only diminishes and bifurcates their attraction for Is't'a.

Of those born in Bengal, there are some who are often most attracted to the tune, not the meaning of the song. They are most apt to select songs based on the melody, rhythm, and music etc, in which case they do not form an emotional link with Parama Purusa. This happens to some in Bengal, certainly not to all margiis of that area.

Another factor in all of this is that because Shivagiita was given before the start of Parbhat Samgiita, some became habituated with this song and use it for the practice of paincajanya etc. That means in their personal spiritual practices they are singing to Lord Shiva, not Baba.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If one oblivious margii is singing this song - Jaya shubhavajradhara shubhra kalevara (Prabhat Samgiita #2526) - it means they 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 Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji in dhyana. So that bifurcated approach is not good; it will not be helpful.

Lastly, there are some who sing songs in Bengali without really understanding the language. In that case it is hard to make an inner connection with Is't'a. All these aforementioned points dampen one's personal link with Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.

Remember: One cannot sing and divert all their energy towards Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna and then expect to get success in Ananda Marga sadhana and dhyana.  For successful sadhana and dhyana, one should goad the mind towards Is't'a the entire day. A true bhakta of Ananda Marga is only to sing those Prabhat Samgiita compositions that focus on Baba only.


Key teaching


As Ananda Margiis, Baba is our Guru; He is our Goal (Is't'a), so we should not sing those few Prabhat Samgiita compositions that focus on Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna. Those songs are not appropriate for our own spiritual practice - i.e. not at paincayana nor at any time before sadhana or bhakti programs. These songs like Shivagiiti are for others, i.e. non-margiis such as followers of Lord Shiva etc.

Out of their naivety and simplicity, there are still a few margiis and acaryas who sing Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna songs before sadhana. What they fail to realise is that this diverts their mind away from the Goal - away from Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. In that case, those songs weaken their bhakti for Him. Every sadhaka should pointedly understand that those songs are against the yearning of true Ananda Margiis.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The main fault lies with some Wts who are committing a double-blunder. They are doing this faulty practice of singing Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna songs before sadhana etc, and they are teaching this faulty approach to others.


Conclusion

In our personal, spiritual life, we should only sing those songs that address Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, i.e. Is't'a. For true Ananda Margiis, there is one Is't'a and that is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji only.

Ultimately, this is a big topic and there are many points to discuss. But if one understands nothing else from this letter than they should know that singing Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna Prabhat Samgiita compositions bifurcates the mind and hinders the spiritual progress of true Ananda Margiis.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Jyoti Deva

~ In-depth study ~

Can the mind become concentrated in this way?


Here following Baba is recalling one incident when one dogmatic worshiper is doing puja, singing the glory of Parama Purusa, and saluting Parama Purusa by calling out so many names. That completely undermines his approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, 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." (2)


Is't'a is one


As an Ananda Margii, one must have one-pointed bhakti for Baba - He alone is the Is't'a. not Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Is't'a." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If people constantly think of their Is't'a with undivided attention and repeat their Is't'a mantra with conceptual understanding, their future is certainly glorious." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed." (5)

Ultimately, this is a big topic and there are many points to discuss. But if one understands nothing else from this letter than they should know that singing Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna Prabhat Samgiita compositions bifurcate the mind and hinders the spiritual progress of true Ananda Margiis.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, "They [sadhakas] 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 one’s Is't'a in one’s heart, then one cannot do anything. Thus during sádhaná you should think that as you are thinking of Parama Puruśa, He is also thinking of you. This is the proper bhakti to one’s Is't'a." (6)


Prabhat Samgiita is the expression of the heart


In His morning general darshan on 02 January 1983, Baba told following about Prabhat Samgiita in Hindi and below is the English summary:

Prabhat Samgiita is the feeling of the heart, and the expression of the heart, and it has been written with the ink of the heart.

Thus Baba has graciously given these songs for bhaktas to communicate with the Lord. It is the loving expression of the heart. (Note: A link to the full account of this darshan is appended below.)

Unfortunately, those Ananda Margiis who sing songs for Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna miss out on the deep inner spiritual value of Baba's divine compositions. A few fall in this category and that is unfortunate.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Sign of bhakti in animals


As all know, Baba has explained that every human being in this cosmos has bhakti; not only that, but even developed animals have bhakti. Undeveloped animals have bhakti too, but it is in latent form. So even developed animals have their animal bhakti and desire to be great. When they see something or someone bigger and stronger than they are, then they stop and look with awe at that entity. That means they accept that entity as greater than themselves. Reverence towards someone great is their bhakti. You can visibly see this in all kinds of tamed animals. That is the main reason why intelligent animals have accepted human beings as their masters and have taken shelter under human care and direction. For them, their master is everything. They have bhakti toward their master - just as intelligent human beings have bhakti for Parama Purusa.

Actually, those animals do not know that there is someone greater than their human master - they do not know there is Parama Purusa. The moment they know about Parama Purusa they will salute Him and develop loyalty and surrender to the Divine Entity.

Similarly, every human being also has bhakti and an innate longing to become great. Plus, everyone has the very sincere desire to satisfy that longing. Unfortunately, along the way, some get caught up in undesirable activities.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For instance, take the case of some Hindus sacrificing goats to the gods. They do this as a sincere expression of their bhakti. Though we know that this is just a dogmatic ritual that will not get them any closer to God. Rather, their harmful ways lead them in the opposite direction. Even then, these worshipers think that their practice of sacrificing goats is good and will allow them to reach God. So they are sincere, but misguided.

Such static rituals and traditional forms of worship are present in all the dogmatic religions. Thus, even though all have bhakti, vivek, and knowledge are needed to express that bhakti in a proper way.


Not sing PS about Lord Krsna & Lord Shiva


In that discourse, Baba's pointed teaching in this story is that a sadhaka's feeling of bhakti must be linked with one Is't'a - for Ananda Margiis that Is't'a is Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. For others it may be Lord Krsna or Lord Shiva. But for Ananda Margiis it is Baba.

Without this idea firmly set in the mind, one cannot reach the Goal. Ananda Margiis should not say, "O Lord Krsna 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 Krsna, and another part to Lord Shiva, and some portion to Baba. That mind is broken, retarded - it will go nowhere. There is one Is't'a - that is our Guru's teaching.

An Ananda Margiis should only sing those compositions of deep bhakti 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. 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 others. But, in one's own personal practice and sadhaka life, a bhakta of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Baba) is to only sing songs about Him. That is the key point - and the pointed mandate to follow.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Relativity and the Supreme Entity
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity Transcends All Colours
3. Caryacarya part 2, Sixteen Points, Point #10
4. Namami Krsnasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Pariprashna (Discourse 24)
5. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 6, Ekendriya – 7
6. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation


*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Beggars of respect

In this teaching, Ananda Marga philosophy graphically describes the state of one who desires prestige.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Pratiśt́há – the desire to make oneself known. A person influenced by [the desire for] pratiśt́há expects respect from everyone, and hankers after name and fame. This mental state can be easily compared with the mental condition of a beggar. The beggar asks money from others, while the person craving for prestige begs others to give him respect. [The person desires something that] is really meaningless and possesses no value, something that has been fitly compared to the excrement of a pig." (1)

Sadguru says, "Human beings are made of flesh and bones. If their heart or lungs stop functioning, in that case they will be lifted onto the shoulders of 4 other people in order to get thrown onto the funeral pyre. When this is the situation of human beings, where is the scope for self-glorification?" (2)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam Part 23, Safeguards against the Defects of Jiṋána and Karma
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why such patients are always thirsty

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The debility of the mańipura cakra is the main cause of diabetes. Amongst the pancreatic juices, one secretion helps in the digestion of food, and another separates the sugar content from non-vegetarian and starchy types of food. The sugar is then stored in a particular section of the liver and according to body requirements it is dissolved to generate heat and vital power to run the body mechanism. Chronic indigestion, constipation (here also the stool usually turns into pellets), mental exertion without any physical labour, use of intoxicants, and excessive seminal waste – all weaken the vitality of the liver. When such weakening takes place, the sugar contents of the food, failing to find a storage place in the liver, are assimilated into the blood and gradually accumulate. As a result, the blood gets polluted and loses its immune properties to a great extent. The natural reaction of the body in such a situation is to try to purify the blood by separating out its sugar content and expelling it with the urine. To dissolve the sugar, the human body needs plenty of water, and that is why diabetes patients suffer from a continuous thirst. Sugar emitted with the urine in a large quantity gradually reduces the vital energy of diabetes patients." (1)

References
1. Yogi Treatments, Diabetes



== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Wrong moon calculation could ruin fasting

Story: describing His beauty & charm

Sadhaka life over the ages

Who received this blessing

Remedy for debased thinking

Fame today

Prout's view of legalized cannabis




Monday, November 17, 2025

Wrong moon calculation could ruin fasting + 2 more

Baba

Wrong moon calculation could ruin fasting

Namaskar, 

As we all know, the Ananda Marga system of fasting brings amazing regenerative and recuperative benefits for the physical body - and for the mental body as well. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

10 hours to enter fasting mode


To maximize the curative powers in the physical realm, there is a key point to know about: 
  • The body does not enter a condition of fasting until ten hours after one completes their last meal. 
So it is in that post-10 hour period that the body is operating under fasting conditions. The ramifications of this point are quite meaningful as it will actually affect which day is most advantageous for us to fast, i.e. to derive maximum benefits for the body. 

Consider this: Each and every fasting day - whether it be ekadashii, amavasya (new moon), or purnima (full moon) - has a beginning time and an ending time, as per the moon / lunar calendar. And, the fasting day is selected accordingly. However, if we account for the fact that the body does not enter into a true state of fasting until 10 hours after the last meal, that can actually alter the day that we ought to fast - if we wish to get the greatest regenerative effect. 

After all, it is quite common and a regular daily habit for people to eat food in the evening time and not eat again for another 10 hours when they take their breakfast. That is a standard routine for ordinary citizens all over the globe; and, many may even go longer until they eat their breakfast. So as Ananda Margiis we really cannot think of those initial 10 hours as part of our fasting regimen, as per the moon calendar.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Case study: fasting day changes


For example, take this as a case study from May 2023 for the time zone of Lima, Peru (-5). 

The suggested fasting day was May 30 (Tue) for ekadashii. And the start time was 05/29 at 15:38 (3:38pm), and the ending time was 05/30 at 16:16 (4:16pm). Thus, by basic calculations, it looks like May 30th will be the ideal fasting day as there are more hours of the fasting period on the 30th (more than 16 hours) in comparison to the 29th (just over 8 hours). 

However, if we take into consideration the 10-hour period after the last meal when the body finally enters into fasting mode, the calculation changes. 

* Let's say one eats dinner on the 28th at 8p, then their true fasting will start at 6a on the 29th, and since the ekadashii starts at 3:38pm they will get 8 hrs and 22 min of peak time on the 29th plus another 8 or 10 hours or (maybe more) on the 30th, depending upon when they break fast, which means at least 16 hours of fasting during ekadashii. 

* Whereas if one eats dinner on the 29th at 8p, then their true fasting will start at 6a on the 30th and since the ekadashii concludes at 4:16pm they will get 8 hrs and 16 min of peak time fasting on the 29th - and that's it. The rest of their fasting is outside of those ekadashii hours. 

By the above analysis, clearly the 29th of May 2023 was the more advantageous day to fast, not the 30th of May. And this is not a one-time affair. If you take into consideration the 10-hour window for allowing the body to enter into fasting mode, there are numerous occasions where the suggested fasting for ekadashii, amavasya, and purniima will change. 
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Conclusion

Sadguru Baba has given all the systems and guidelines to lead an ideal life. And the AM process of fasting clearly gives great benefits. As Ananda Margiis, it is incumbent upon us to deeply study His divine guidelines, use our rational intellect, and apply His teachings properly in our practical lives. If we follow this comprehensive approach with regards to the selection of our fasting days, it is quite evident that the best way to calculate the ideal fasting day is to take into consideration the 10-hour window after the last meal. Then we will truly derive the maximum benefits of the fast. 

In Him, 
Purusottoma

In a succinct manner, Baba outlines the overall physical benefit of fasting.

Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments states, “During fasting the body’s organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid.” (1)

References
1. Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies, Appendix F


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Tales of lowly sadhaka

"Tomár káche ámár prashna, shono ogo bedardii,
Práńii keno kende áse, hese báncalo ná yadi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0726)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa I have a few questions for You. Please listen: O’ "unkind" one.

What a liila You have made. When infants are born, instantly they cry. Why did You not make it in the opposite way. Do You think that if they were born smiling they could not survive? When You create everything by Your mere thought, then what is the reason for not making it so everyone is always laughing, full of smiles, and feeling happy. Please tell me O' "unkind" One.  

The tender new bud blossom gets bitten by insects and destroyed. Such a “callous” liila You play. You fill the heart of the sweet, soft flower with nectar but that very honey is eaten away by the ugly black bumble bee. Why do You do like this, and not do the exact opposite?

When smiles and laughter bring new charm and rejuvenation into the life of everyone, then why is it not available in the market, so rich persons also can purchase some and become happy? My next query is, “Why is it that the small, little baby, which is as gentle as a flower, cries bitterly all the 24 hrs. Such a painful liila You have created. To what end do You not make them smile always.

My Parama Purusa, I have some more questions for You.

You have created this entire creation then why have You made so much disparity. A small few are enjoying their dainties and delicacies by exploiting others while the exploited mass is starving without even a plain meal to eat. Why don’t You make the world a place where no one exploits anyone else.

At the time of the evening sunset, everything is very beautiful, charming, and so attractive, and then within a very short time the evening is lost in deep darkness. Why do You not allow this sweetness to last forever.

Parama Purusa, it is the cosmic truth that You are eternally living with each and everyone through Your ota and prota yoga. In spite of this, why does my mind often go in a negative direction. Why does this happen? Why don't You just do the exact opposite.

My Parama Purusa, please reply to all these questions whispering the answers  in my ears…


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0726:

Only when some sort of relation exists can one accuse someone.

This song is the expression of 3rd class bhaktas. Such bhaktas are better than atheists in that they have a relation with Parama Purusa and they are communicating with Him, but their mind is not elevated. So they cannot think above mundane loss and gain. After doing long sadhana and a lot of selfless service they progress and forget about all these mundane questions.

When one’s relation with Parama Purusa is very high and based on a deeper personal relation, they become a first class bhakta. Then they only ask for bhakti from Parama Purusa. Because Prabhat Samgiita is for everyone it carries all kinds of colours and shades. This song is for 3rd class bhaktas.


SUBJECTS TOPICS