Search This Blog

Friday, November 8, 2013

News Articles - Religious Dogma: Huge Waste of Food While Others Starve

Baba

Namaskar. Here are the three newspaper articles related with the posting: Religious Dogma: Huge Waste of Food While Others Starve



Tuesday, November 5, 2013

O' Parama Purusa You are the Essence of this universe.

Baba


PRABAHT SAMGIITA #4716

"A'kasher ta'ra' mor, ekata'ra' eki sure geye caleche..." (P.S. 4716)

The music of my heart and the stars of the sky are all singing in one tune and melody. O' Parama Purusa, You are and this world is also; it is revolving around You. Because You are the nucleus. You are the controller of everything. You are the Essence of this universe. Everything is dancing and revolving around You.

O' Divine Entity, in Your beautiful creation, everyone is wreathed together in one garland. Everyone's sweet heart is attracted to one and all. The illusion about mine and others is evaporating. Here in this world everyone has come to become one.  

Nobody is other; everybody is my own. Sadhus, good sadhakas, and devotees see unity in diversity. They see everyone equally and love all. Only the selfish and ignorant mind which is captured by avidya maya has brought all these problems of greediness, groupism, and other divisive tendencies.  

O' Parama Purusa Baba, You are everything, You are attracting one and all. Your whole creation is dancing and revolving around You. And everyone's heart and mind is wreathed together. Baba by this way You are playing liila...


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Addendum: Nervousness, Epilepsy, Or Samadhi


Baba

Namaskar,
Here is the addendum to the posting "Nervousness, Epilepsy, or Samadhi." For all information about this topic please reference the main posting...


Relevant Excerpt From "The Form of Sadana" - Subhasita Samgraha -1

We should strengthen ourselves by remaining in normal situations and endeavouring to become superhuman. By developing superhuman powers we can awaken the element of eternal humanity amongst us. This eternal human entity alone is Brahma. In order to attain this power, meanness must be shunned, because this is the sádhaná for the Infinite. Feelings of differentiation are a great impediment. The feelings that a particular person is a Muslim, another a Hindu, yet another a Brahman and the fourth a Vaeshya come from mean thoughts. When every living being is a manifestation of Brahma, how can you know yourself, without shedding these differentiating feelings? No one is high and no one is low. Of course, according to one’s virtues and vices one is happy, one is miserable, one is rich, someone is poor, one is a fool and another is erudite, but all human beings. Differentiating feelings are the principal obstacles in the path of sádhaná and an elevated position cannot be attained without annihilating them. There is a story in the Mahábhárata.

Both Yudhisthira and Duryodhana had invited Lord Krśńa to their respective houses for dinner. While on his way there, Shrii Krśńa entered the house of Vidura. At that time the great Vidura was not at his house. Vidura’s wife was of very limited means and became nervous on the sudden appearance of Shrii Krśńa. She did not know how to give a proper reception to Lord Krśńa and there was no food in the house except bananas. Therefore, after washing His feet she seated the Lord and began to skin the bananas, and feed Him as she inquired about His welfare. Meanwhile the great sage Vidura returned home. He saw the Lord Krśńa sitting and his wife, fully absorbed in feelings, feeding Him the skins of the bananas. Krśńa was eating so happily, that it seemed as if He had never tasted a more delicious food. Vidura was greatly pained to notice the folly of his wife and asked: “What are you doing? You are feeding banana skins to the Lord instead of bananas.” Vidura’s wife was taken aback and started apologizing for her faults. Vidura also implored. “O Lord, Thou hast taken a good many banana skins; do kindly oblige this poor woman by taking a few bananas.” But the Lord said, “Vidura! My stomach is full now. These banana-skins had such an exquisite flavour that there could be no superior food. So long as your wife, forgetting all differences, was feeding me, ‘I’ was there, but now that the difference between the banana and its skin has intervened, ‘I’ is not there.” This is a small story, but it is very instructive. There are no differentiations before the Lord. Lord Shankaracharya was an erudite scholar. He has over-thrown Buddhism and revived Brahmanya religion, but there was a lack of full harmony between his principles and practices. Once after having a dip in the Ganges at Kashii, he was returning towards the road and he saw an untouchable walking with a number of dogs. For fear of his body being touched he attempted to bypass them. Then the untouchable said: “O Lord! Is this the result of your principle that there is only Brahma and nothing else? You are known by the name Brahmajiṋáni. The feeling of differentiation is developed even by treating a pariah as mean.”

The Supreme Brahma resides within the feeling “I am” situated amidst the concealed intuition of the mind. Our existence is in him. He exists in the sun-rays. Due to Him the perception of the world is possible. Having created our ego and scattered innumerable toys around us. He has hidden Himself among them. When we come to see Him in all things created by Him, our ego gets lost. The feeling of unit “I” shall be merged in the Universal “I”.


Relevant Excerpt From "The Form of Sadana" - Subhasita Samgraha -1

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Quiz: Who is Baba talking about? Which Apostle of Peace?

Quiz:

Who is Baba talking about? Which Apostle of Peace?

Intro: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?

Now here is the quote from Baba's teachings and the question is Who is Baba speaking about in the below quote?

"We have seen many apostles of non-violence in this world of ours who gave the impression by their writings and speeches that they had come to transform the very dust particles of the earth into spiritual essence, into a spiritual paradise. People offered all the sweetness of their hearts, and all the benevolent thoughts of their minds, unto their feet. But later they discovered that those apostles, making an abrupt about-face, deserted them at the time of crisis. They polluted their tongues with their hypocritical statements, and the people felt helpless and betrayed." (NSS, Disc: 14)

Ok, it is good that you have read the quote, now see if you know the answer then see below. And if you are a new sadhaka and you do not know the answer the look below.

Answer: In His above teaching Baba is talking about M.K. Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi. In Ananda Marga we do not consider him to be a "mahatma" or great soul, so we just refer to him via his worldly name, MK Gandhi or Mohandas Karmachand Gandhi.

Specifically in the above teaching Baba is referring to when Gandhiji promised that "India will be divided over my dead body." But then when it was divided, then Gandhiji kept mum - he did not have the courage to say anything. In that critical moment where millions were needlessly massacred, butchered, and tortured, the people felt completely helpless and betrayed by Gandhiji's hypocrisy and cowardly approach.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Communists Missed The Point About Infatuation Vrtii




Communists Missed The Point About Infatuation Vrtii


Quiz: Who is Baba talking about?

"Those who believe in the equal distribution of the world’s wealth, naively underestimate the power of moha vrtti. The human mind can be sublimated only by spiritual ideation, not by any high-sounding philosophy. This utopian idea has proved ineffective in the past and in the present and will continue to prove so in the future." (Ananda Marga Philosophy - 8)

Answer: In His above teaching, Baba is indirectly referring to the communists. It was those communist leaders who underestimated moha vrtii, with regards to one's attachment to land. Those communists were fascinated with their own philosophy and hence could not understand that the people would not like giving up their land. So when it was taken from them, the farming suffered. Not enough food was produced; and the end result was widespread starvation and strife. The root cause of the problem was that those communists could not understand that the people were attached to their land, i.e. moha vrtti. Forcibly taking their land set off this entire negative chain of events.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Prabhat Samgiita #540: Purport + Song

Date: 24 Sep 2013 23:07:18 -0000
From: "Priyanath" pk34567@yat...form
To: ananda-marga-universal-forum-2@yogasamsthanam.net
Subject:
Prabhat Samgiita #540: Purport + Song

Baba

PS Intro: This below Prabhat Samgiita highlights the divine glory and greatness of Parama Purusa.

Note: The audio file for this song has been uploaded to our blogsite: http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

"Tumi kotha'y chile, kotha'y tha'ko, keu ta' jane na'..." (PS 540)

Purport:

O' Parama Purus'a, where were You - where have You been? I have been searching all over for You. Where do You reside - nobody knows. I have been looking everywhere for You. You are the smallest of the small and the most vast of the vast [1]. I have not been able to find you anywhere. Baba, those who want You, ultimately You make them Yours, You merge them into Your Divine Self [2]. O' Infinite Entity, You are boundless, You cannot be held. O' Parama Purus'a, where do You reside -
nobody knows.

O' my Dearmost, in this entire universe, no single manifestation can express Your full beauty. The moon's smile - the ocean breeze - the smiling flower - the sweet charming sky - all these beautiful things were created by You. You have filled this world with Your divine expressions, yet they are not Your True Self. They are not Your full expression nor can they express Your full sweetness. All these things are mere small reflections of Your infinite charm. O' Ananta, You are limitless. Your full glory cannot be expressed in words, shapes, or forms. O' Parama Purus'a, where do You reside - nobody knows.

O' Parama Purusa, You are so gracious. In my ideation and in my meditation, my every atom and molecule are dancing in Your flow - it is Your grace. You do everything for me. Baba, You have been playing the flute [3] since time immemorial and You will continue up to eternity. By this way, You have been attracting me and drawing me closer to You. O' my Lord, Your effulgence is infinite and unfathomable.

O' Parama Purus'a, where have You been, where do You reside - nobody knows. O' Baba, please grace me by coming close...


Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #540:

[1] Here below Baba explains how Parama Purusa is more vast than the vast and smaller than the small. Becuase of this one cannot find Him with their crude senses.

"On the one hand Parama Purus'a is very vast; on the other hand He is very small. He is so vast that you cannot fully see Him. In Sam'skrta, there are a few words to describe something very vast: visha'la, vira't'a, brhat, etc. Out of these, the words vira't'a and brhat are used to describe an entity which is immeasurably vast, and visha'la is used for an entity which may be vast, but can be measured. For instance, the Himalayan mountains are very vast in size, but still
they can be measured in terms of miles, from south to north and from east to west. In the scriptures it has been said.


Brhacca taddivyam acintyaru'pam'...

"Parama Purus'a is extremely vast: then how can you see such a vast Entity with your dim vision? It is impossible. And besides seeing such a divine effulgence, your eyes will be blinded; your vision will be completely lost."

Su'ks'macca tat su'ksmataram' vibhati

"Parama Purus'a is not only vast. He is small as well – so small, so subtle that you cannot see Him with your physical eyes. Human ocular power is extremely limited: if an object is very vast it cannot be seen, and if it is very small and subtle it cannot be seen either." (SS-12)


[2] In these below quotes, Baba is telling that one cannot go close to Him and still remain separate. When one gets closer and closer, then by His grace, the bhakta will merge in Him - just like a piece of salt gets merged in the ocean, it can not longer remain a separate grain of salt.

"If a salt doll goes to fathom the sea, it will certainly melt and become the sea itself. Similarly, if the knower of the Supreme Consciousness goes to fathom the Supreme, he merges in the sea of Consciousness and becomes Supreme himself. Be constantly absorbed in the thought of the Supreme Consciousness and you too will become Supreme." (SS-2)

"If a salt doll goes to measure the sea, it will melt into it. Neither can it measure the sea, nor will it ever return, its existence will merge into the vastness of the sea, releasing it from all cares and worries. If one wishes to take the form of the sea, one will have to become the sea itself; there is no other way. None of His qualities has any limit. His fragmentary manifestations are all passing through unlimited forms, due to His ceaseless imaginative flow: none of them is an end in itself." (SS-3)


[3] Here below Baba explains the inner meaning of the sound of the flute and how the bhakta rushes towards Parama Purusa due to His divine attraction.

"The music emanating from Krs'n'a's flute shook the minds of the sa'dhakas, causing them to echo and vibrate. This resonance is nothing but prapattiva'da. Here there is scope neither for jina'na nor for karma. Here mobility is the only task, the only dharma. “The way He is calling me – I am to move accordingly.” This state of mind is one of the sweetest states, the madhura gun'a [sweet quality] of prapattiva'da. “I am rushing ahead due to the sweet call of His flute and entering into His sweet and blissful environment.” Hence for Vraja Krs'n'a, there is no need to interpret the faculties of knowledge and action. There is no scope for fighting over philosophical ideas. Only complete prapatti is there, and once it shakes the jiiva, he can no longer stay away. One rushes out and starts running after Him." (NKS, Disc: 4)

"The spiritual aspirant hears the various sounds of onm'ka'ra or pran'ava [like the sound of the flute] at various stages, during deep sa'dhana', during sweet sa'dhana'. The sound is called Krs'n'a’s muraliidhvani. The sa'dhaka becomes mad because of this sound and goes deeper and attains Ra'dha' bha'va more and more, and rushes headlong forward." (DKG)




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

You can only be seen from within

Baba


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi esechile maner nikhile, manke bhariya' royecho..." (PS 1514)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, You are so loving; You have graciously come in my mind, in my mental abode, in my mental horizon. You have come in my Guru cakra, in my dhyana. O' my Dearmost, You have filled my mind again and again with Your divine bliss, by showering Your grace. O' my Lord, You are filling my mind with Your sweet touch. Each and every cell of my existence is ensconced in You. I am immersed in Your ideation. O' Supreme Entity, with Your infinite compassion, You have coloured my mental plate with Your divine colour. I am completely immersed and riveted by Your infinite glory and charm. O' my Dearmost, You have stolen my mind. Baba, all my thoughts reside in You. It is Your grace.

O' Parama Purusa, O' Jewel of my mind, You are in my mind - You are in my heart. O' Divine Entity, You are in my sadhana and in my dhyana: Watching me and keeping me under Your shelter. From the outside You cannot be seen; externally, You are invisible. You always remain hidden from the senses. O' my Lord, You are hiding from all; nobody can see You. Only the mind can see You. You can only be seen from within. O' my Dearmost, in the effulgence of the jewel, in my mind, You are emanating Your Divine Self. It is Your causeless grace.

O' Parama Purusa, by Your grace I love You so much. You are Cosmic and I am unit. You are vast and I am meagre. You are infinite and I am tiny. You are Parama Purusa and I am a human being. O' my Dearest, You are the Ocean and I am a mere tiny drop of water. There is no comparison between You and me. Even then, without any fear I come closer and closer to You. This is not due to my effort; it is due to Your divine attraction. Because of Your causeless grace, I have fallen in love with You.

Baba, O' Parama Purusa, my life is filled countless ups and downs. So many of my hopes, aspirations, and desires have been shattered. Facing all these difficulties - amidst hundreds of sorrows - by Your grace I smile. Because You are in my heart. O' the Gopal who is Love Personified - O' the Gopal of Love - in the world of songs, and in the colour of ideation, You have blessed me and allowed me to hold You. 

Baba, You are Love Personified, You have brought me under Your shelter. This is Your causeless grace. Baba, I love You...

Monday, September 16, 2013

PRABHAT SAMGIITA # 392

Baba


PRABHAT SAMGIITA # 392

"Maner mayu'r meleche je pa'kha' krs'n'a meghe dekhe ca'nderi pa'she... " PS 392

Purport:

The divine Entity Parama Purusa has come and by His holy advent the whole creation is getting awakened. By seeing the clouds close to the moon, my mind has become like that peacock that is extending its feathers & spreading its plumage in a most beautiful and stunning manner [1]. By the effect of the divinely intoxicating and vibrating songs, the lyre of my heart is getting resonated.

The lost heart  has come back again, i.e. my most dear Parama Purusa has returned back. All those tunes which I had lost are again being played. O' Parama Purua, by Your grace my entire existence has been revived and awakened. In the deep blue sky, that divinely-inspired, heart-filled vibration has come.

With the advent of the ever-new Parama Purusa, everything which was lost has been transformed and rejuvenated. The rhythm which was gone has again returned, & now my whole body and mind are starting to dance to the tune which I had lost in the past. I have offered the entire basket of my heart at His alter; I have surrendered my whole existence at His lotus feet. The sweet breeze saturated with the flower fragrance is blowing.

Baba, due to Your blissful presence and causeless grace, everything has gotten new life...


NOTE FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #392:

[1] Line 1 Meaning - "By seeing the clouds close to the moon, my mind has become like that peacock that is extending its feathers & spreading its plumage in a most beautiful and stunning manner": This line is the expression of deep, deep joy. A peacock longs for rain and can sense by the formation of clouds when the rains will come. Seeing the clouds collect around the moon, the peacock becomes very happy as it knows that rain is soon going to fall. With great happiness, the peacock exuberantly jumps and dances with the expectation and arrival of rain. This scene of joy symbolizes the tremendous bliss devotees feel with the arrival of Parama Purusa. The devotee longs for the presence of Parama Purusa and desires the closeness of that Divine Entity. Thus His divine advent brings waves of bliss and spiritual vibration in the mind of the devotee. By the arrival of Parama Purusa, the sadhaka's mind is ensconced in bliss. Thus, this is a song of arrival as well as a song boundless joy. In this composition the peacock is an allegory for the mind of the sadhaka.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Baba's Deeply Moving Discourse


BABA'S DEEPLY MOVING DISCOURSE


Here below is the entire discourse available in AV-34, which Baba has given in Frankfurt Airport on the 19th of September, 1979. It gives deep inspiration to one and all - the entire humanity - present and future. .

Baba says, "Some people say that in the past there have been so many crises in human society. Crisis is quite natural for something moving. Wherever there is movement, there is struggle -- struggle against the inertia of the earth. In the past, there have been crises in the course of movement, crises in different branches of civilization, crises in the realm of education, and so on. But nowadays, the entire human society is facing the crisis of civilization as a whole, and particularly a crisis in the field of existence. Human society is now to decide whether to live or to die. If this mud-slinging and intolerance are encouraged, humanity has no future -- the future is dark, the future is sealed forever. But you know, I am not a pessimist. I am always an optimist. And I want all my sons and daughters to be optimists. And I want them to struggle against this death signal of humanity, and come out successful."

"And I am sure that you boys and you girls must be optimists; and it is your duty to save humanity. And I hope you will be able to save humanity, because, just like me, you are also optimistic. You should know that great, or good, people are few in number, they are not many. They do not come within the scope of millions or billions. They are always few in number. And these few, they are the torchbearers of human society, they are the pioneers, they are the vanguards of human society. So it is your duty to save humanity. And those who are unable to shoulder their own bags and baggages -- their responsibilities are to be shouldered by you. You should remember that the life of a spiritual aspirant is a mission. One's entire life is a mission, one's entire existence is a mission. And your mission is-- what? To save humanity from this crisis. I hope you will be successful. And I not only hope, I am sure that you will be successful." 19 September 1979 evening, Frankfurt (AV-34, "To Save Humanity")

Here Baba is speaking to the whole humanity and in particular to those who uphold the tenets of dharma. Thus no one should think that Baba is only addressing those physically present that day in the audience. Yet, some of those in attendance may have believed that Baba was talking exclusively to them and that they alone are the the real saviours etc. 

Click here to read more....








Thursday, September 12, 2013

Prabhat Samgiita Purport #227 + Prout Guideline

Date: Th 12 Sep 2013 8:03:47 -0000

Baba

PRABHAT SAMGIITA PURPORT #227

+ PROUT GUIDELINE

Namaskar,
With the upcoming Prabhat Samgiita Day (14 Sep), here below is one of Baba's divine compositions. May we always reflect upon His divine and gracious gift - Prabhat Samgiita.


PS Intro: Devotees always like to sing the glory of Parama Purusa - either through kiirtan & chanting His name, singing bhajans, or by raising the 'Jai' slogan etc. So when Parama Purusa has made His advent on this earth or when He manifests Himself in the mind of devotees, then naturally those devotees will call everyone close and tell others that the magnificent Parama Purusa has come.

Depending upon the degree of their realisation some devotees feel that Parama Purusa has come physically onto to the planet, while other sadhakas are more oriented towards His coming in sadhana, dhyana. If one only uses their external senses then they will not be aware of the existence of Parama Purusa in their mind. True realisation of Parama Purusa comes in the realm of spirituality.

This following song expresses the idea that devotees should spread the glory of Parama Purusa throughout each and every nook and corner of this earth.

"Shon'o go, shon'o go, shon'o go dhara'va'sii..." (PS 227)

Purport:

O' inhabitants of the earth, please listen, please listen, please listen [1], the Aja'na' Pathik [2] has come. His eyes are full of boundless love and He is graciously calling everyone to come close, near Him. That Divine Entity has fathomless love, attraction, and charm. He is graciously guiding all regarding physical, psychic, and spiritual upliftment.

The Love-Personified Parama Purusa has come. He is moving exquisitely - synchronized with the rhythm of dance & song. With His divine melody He is attracting all with the bond of His spiritual love [3]. O' devotees, behold, everyone look, Parama Purusa has come and He is expressing Himself in such a charming and magnificent way.

The Ajana Pathik has made His grand arrival. The divine sound of His omnkara is resonating in everyone's heart. With the magical display of His divine effulgence He has taken His place & made His abode deep inside everyone. With His boundless love, He is revealing that, "I have
brought a basketful of nectar to distribute to all My loving children."

O' the Parama Purusa Himself has come. His every movement is very graceful and He is showering His infinite love to all. This is His ahetuki krpa'...


NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #227:

[1] Human Psychology: It is the basic human psychology that when anyone experiences anything great then they always like to share the beauty of their experience with others. Similarly if they undergo any disappointment or hardship, then that also they will tell that to others. In contrast, if life is just moving along in a normal way, then most of the time they will not say much. Thus when devotees are fully charged and enamoured by the divine advent of Parama Purusa, then in that blissful mood those devotees are surely going to call everyone to come close and experience the darshan of Parama Purusa.


[2] Aja'na' Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe and Who resides everywhere and knows everything, and 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'. Means the name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'divine traveler'. 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 Divine Traveler." The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The the inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and by His special grace 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 expressed universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. Thus in their devotional approach devotees feel that wherever they go then the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, devotees can always get His intimate company & companionship. With this devotional link, by His grace 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 revealed this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. Hence 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.


[3] Love: When reviewing Prabhat Samgiita, invariably the term 'love' is used. And in this devotional setting, the English word 'love' means 'prema' in Sanskrit.

Baba says, "Regarding prema or selfless love, it is said:"

Samyaung masrn'ito sha'nto mamatva'tishaya'unkitah
Bha'va sa' eva sa'ndra'tma' budhaeh prema nigadyate

"The attitude which makes the mind smooth and placid, and radiant with the deepest love for the Lord, is called 'bha'va'. Wise people call this 'prema' or 'divine love'."

"Prema is the attraction for Parama Purus'a overcoming the attraction for all other finite objects. Those who are endowed with such divine love are bound to receive the grace of Parama Purus'a -- they need not worry about it." (SS-18)

Surely, most margiis understand that the use of the word 'love' in Prabhat Samgiita does not have anything to do with general worldly love - which is how the term 'love' is commonly used these days in the general society.

Plus in various English speaking countries like the US etc, you may often hear people say, 'I love hot dogs and beer', 'I love eating candy', 'I love going to the movies', or 'I love hunting', 'I love to read the newspaper', and 'I love eating bugs' etc. In such circumstances instead of using the term 'like' they use 'love'. This has become the custom. So in western / European countries this type of use of 'love' is quite prevalent.

And in various other countries & languages their word for 'love' such as amour in French is used primarily to express physical  attraction. They use 'love' in romance films. And in day to day life they often employ the term love when speaking about their laokik family relations also.

The point being that there are a very limited number of terms to express 'love' in the English language. So the word 'love' gets used in various ways - usually in the mundane sphere.

In Ananda Marga devotional life, love means prema, or divine love. But since many are not familiar with the term prema, then the English term love is used. And the sense is deep devotional longing for the Divine Entity.

That is why this entire explanation and clarification of the word 'love' was needed.


Every Proutist Must Know

Prout philosophy states, “The universe is the thought projection of Brahma, so the ownership of the universe lies with the Supreme Entity…Everything is the common patrimony of all, and the Father of all is Brahma…We must not forget, even for a single moment, that the entire animate world is a vast joint family. Nature has not assigned any portion of this property to any particular individual. Private ownership has been created by selfish opportunists, as the loopholes in this system provide them with ample scope for self-aggrandizement through exploitation. When the entire wealth of the universe is the common patrimony of all living beings, can the system in which some roll in luxury, while others, deprived of a morsel of food, shrivel up and starve to death bit by bit, be said to have the support of dharma?” (Problems of the Day, #1)

Note: So long as one does not feel this above teaching in the inner core of their heart then their understanding of Prout remains nothing but a dream. Only when this teaching is deeply embedded in one’s mind will a person be able to strongly oppose economic injustice.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Nityesha

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Prabhat Samgiita Purport #739 & More

Baba

"Toma'ke bha'lo bese ja'i ye bhese kon se aja'na'y..." (PS 739)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, by loving You, I go on floating towards one unknown divine land. O' my Beloved, even today, by Your grace I have become ensconced in the courtyard of the tunes - in the hide and seek of the pleasure of getting You and in the pain of not getting You.

O' Supreme Being, my sleepless, hungry eyes yearn to see You day and night. By Your grace, my eyes get lost in Your infinite divine world - in one far distant place in search of You, O' my dearmost.

O' Divine Entity, O' Parama Purusa Baba, if You want You can forget me, but please do not forget that I love only You. Please come, please come close; with Your love please be gracious and sit near me - by my side.  

Baba, O' my Lord, You are my dearmost, You are my everything...


== FURTHER READING ON KEY ISSUES ==

Respected Readers,

Namaskar. By Baba's grace you are well.

Here we would like to share some recent letters that deal with keen devotional and ideological issues.

(1) Negative Display in Caryacarya: Baba's books Caryacarya are our samaj shastra so it is quite surprising and concerning to see what they put on the cover of this book. See the photo and read the article.

(2) One Dada Sticks to His Confusion: Devotion is the greatest attribution of any sadhaka. The highest form of devotion is known as parabhakti. Unfortunately one Dada becomes confused in this arena. All should be aware so they are not misled by his book. Read this article.

Thank you for your readership and let us know if there are any aspects of Ananda Marga philosophy which you wish to see addressed.

We also invite you to send us email addresses of margiis from your area or around the globe.

In His service,
Brahmadeva
Ananda Marga Universal Moderators


 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Prout's Stand on Syria

04 Sep 2013 08:49:05 -0000

== PROUT'S STAND ON SYRIA
==

Namaskar,
As Ananda Margiis, it is our duty to know and apply Prout's policies to world events and conflicts like the present situation in Syria.


PROUT MANDATE ON INTERVENTION


   "Now, suppose a man seems to have good relations with his neighbours, but it becomes apparent that he is about to murder his wife, what should be the duty of the neighbours? Will they remain tight-lipped, sit quietly with their arms folded, and dismiss the situation as purely a domestic affair, thereby making the murder of the woman easier, and thus assist in establishing static peace? No, that is not the dictum of human dharma. On the contrary they should rush to the house, break down the door, save the woman, take suitable action against the male tyrant, and in this way come forward to establish sentient peace."
   "Likewise, if any country perpetrates atrocities on its minorities or attacks a weak neighbouring country, then the other neighbouring countries should, if necessary, resist the oppressor with the force of arms, and thereby come forward to establish sentient peace." (Problems of the Day, Pt #15)

All are aware about the tumultuous situation that has been going on in Syria. Now with talk and possible evidence that the Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, has used chemical weapons to kill his own people, the US and other nations are setting their sights on a possible attack. Great Britain has rejected the idea of an invasion, but other countries like France plan on supporting a surgical strike etc. Side by side, various countries like Russia, China, Iran & the Hezbollah community are supporting the ruling Assad regime.


THE PRESENT SITUATION WITH SYRIA:

US LED FORCES POISED TO ATTACK


By Baba's above teaching, it is clear that the stand of Prout is to invade the country and save the people from further annihilation. One must not sit back and watch the Syrian ruler commit more and more atrocities against his own people.


MOTIVATED BY US INTEREST - NOT HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS

At the same time, we must understand that the US-led coalition is not planning their attack out of broad-based humanitarian concerns. Rather they are goaded by "US interest": To demonstrate its hegemony over other nations. The US must show that it is still a super power and when it says a red line must not be crossed then that warning must be heeded. The prestige and power of the US is what is at stake so they can continue to exert political influence around the world.

That is what is motivating the US, not purely humanitarian causes. The proof is that the fighting, killing, and destruction has been going on for 3 years in Syria, but till now the US did not plan to intervene. Whereas, when there was an uprising in Libya years ago, then almost immediately the US jumped into action to help overthrow Qaddafi because Libya is an oil-rich nation. Thus the US has historically been motivated by selfish gains such as hegemony, and that continues today also.


ABOUT NATIONS SUPPORTING SYRIA

Those nations supporting the Syrian ruler like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea etc are also doing so out of their own economic and military interests.


ISLAMIC NATIONS SPLIT ALONG SHIA-SUNNI LINES

On a related front, Islamic extremist nations have also chosen their sides. For instance, pro-sunni countries like Saudia Arabia are supporting the rebel cause in Syria because sunnis are a majority population yet they are being decimated by the regime. Whereas, those Islamic communities that are Shia-based like Iran and Hezbollah are supporting the ruling regime in Syria.

So for one or another reason, every nation is taking sides based on their own selfish interests, whether they be economic, social, political, religious, etc.


PROUT'S APPROACH

Prout does not support such an approach. Proutists will never give way to whim or follow such narrow sentiments. Rather, Prout leaders will be motivated by neo-humanistic ideals and aim to protect the public from further harm by establishing sentient peace. The way things are moving now, with the various countries taking sides and with mass killing going on, it is a most tragic situation where the common people, even innocent children, are being uprooted, tortured, and annihilated. It is a shocking and horrific scene.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Alok


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Ananda Marga Universal Forum" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to ananda-marga-universal-forum-1+unsubscribe@yogasamsthanam.net.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/a/yogasamsthanam.net/groups/opt_out.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Baba Story: Celebrate The Occasion or Not

Tue 03 Sep 2013 22:33:41 +0530

Baba

== BABA STORY: CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OR NOT ==

Namaskar,

The story starts here, which I received.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .


I was with Baba in Delhi those days. Once He blessed me with the special opportunity to go in His room and personally see Him, to serve Him. Then Baba graciously started recounting many aspects of Lord Krishna's life. In particular, He the whole incident of how Lord Krishna left His physical body. When describing Lord Krishna's last breath, Baba told that a poisonous arrow pierced Lord Krishna's foot and that was the end...

By listening to this long story, I was feeling pained and concerned.

Then Baba asked me, "Why are you feeling disturbed and upset? You know, I also have to leave My physical body and you people must not become unhappy."

Hearing this, I could not refrain myself. As Baba was speaking, I just put my hand over His mouth, and I requested Him not to say such things: "I don't want to hear You talk about when You are going to leave Your physical body. Please do not speak like this."

Then Baba started smiling and gently took my hand away from His mouth. Then in a very sweet and loving manner He gently said, "Don't worry my boy, first, stop crying and I will tell you something."

When I stopped crying Baba began speaking, "All the rules of nature are made by Parama Purusa and under that rule, one day I too will have to leave this physical body. That day will come when I have finished the work I have decided to do with this physical body. When Lord Krishna wanted to make the Great India, the Mahabharata, He used the the Pandavas as His medium. And when His work was finished, with His own desire, He left His physical body. You all are my mini-Babas. When you become capable of executing My samkalpa, then I will automatically understand that you can fulfill My work. In that case, what will be the use of My physical body? When the work of this physical body is finished then I will leave My physical body, yet I will remain always with you and help you."


IDEOLOGY AND DHARMA ARE MOST IMPORTANT

Baba then said, "I only took this physical body to practically teach and establish My ideology. If Parama Purusa so desires He can do anything and everything. But when He has created this physical world He also made the rules to control this physical world. Prakrti is directing everything. So this physical body also has to follow the natural laws that Parama Purusa Himself created. Otherwise how will nature carry out its duty properly?"

"Parama Purusa has given certain rules and authority to nature, for the operative principle to follow. So He is also obeying those rules when He comes in physical form. If Lord Krishna had so desired, dharma would have been established even without the complete destruction of the Kaoravas; but, it would not have been effective or inspiring display. Actually, Lord Krishna wanted to teach people that they should come forward to save dharma. That is the lesson He put forth."

After Baba concluded His talk, I was again crying and I put my hand over His mouth and requested Him, "Baba, please do not say such painful things. Hearing all this has made me cry; so do not say such things. If you so desire, You may leave Your physical body, but promise me that You will not go before me. You must not leave me."

Listening to my plea, Baba assured me, "Just know this. I was with you, I am with you, and I will ever remain with you. You people are to be the medium of My ideology; the world will know Me by your actions."

Before leaving the room, I asked Baba if He would answer some questions.

On this point, Baba warmly smiled and said, "Whatever you want, you may ask."


BABA BECAME FURIOUS ABOUT MY QUERY

MAHAPRAYAN OF LORD SHIVA AND KRSNA

SHOULD BE CELEBRATED OR NOT

I (Parasattananda) asked Baba, "Why is it that people do not celebrate the day of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna / Krsna left their physical body yet people celebrate the birth ceremony of Lord Krishna?"

When I asked Baba this question He expressed His sentient anger (see note 1) and in a loud voice, Baba scolded me, "Does Parama Purusa die any time? He is an eternal entity, He never dies."

When I saw the expression on His face I started trembling and sweating. I felt very repentant for asking such a question.

Then Baba said, "Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva came as Mahasambhuti for doing great work. To establish dharma, They came in physical form and when dharma was established, They left their physical body. I too have come on this earth to establish dharma and when I am satisfied then I will leave this physical body. Remember this, I will remain always with you and help you.

"Lord Krishna did this same thing. With His desire, He left His physical body when His work was finished. Because He is Parama Purusa and eternally present all the time, then how one can celebrate the day He left the physical body. He is Omni-Present. He is Parama Purusa. So there is no question of celebrating the day Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna left their physical body."

In the last, with a strong voice Baba asked me, "When I (Baba) leave My physical body will you people try to celebrate that day?"

Listening the commanding voice of Baba I was scared and replied slowly, "No, Baba."

After that Baba was very gently, and He told me "It is getting late - go and take rest."

And after I did sastaunga pranam, I quickly left His room and took a deep breath. Immediately I started pondering how Baba expressed His sentient anger over my question. The idea was coming in my mind again and again how Baba mounted His fury with His sentient anger.

Because of that still I remember the whole episode and know that His so-called mahaprayan must not be celebrated. That is why in my personal life I have never participated in that programme. How can I participate and disobey His command and make Him unhappy.

Since a long I have been telling this story to all who I see on different occasions. That is why since the beginning I have strongly opposed this so-called mahaprayan gathering.

------

Here I am quoting some Baba's direct lines which are highly significant.

Baba says, "Guru rus'te na kaschan...."

'The meaning of the whole sloka is that when Guru is unhappy then nobody in this universe can save the person.'

That is why it is also said,

"Mantra mulam...
'Guru's words are mantra..."

This is the same reason that happened that Dada Sarvatmananandji disobeyed Baba on this above said story and look at his fate. All know well that Dada Sarvatmanandji held tremendous respect when the organisation was united in the early 1990's, yet because he disobeyed Baba and implemented the mahaprayan dogma, look at his situation now. It is sad.

Note: This story is translated from Dada Parasattanandaji's book 'Manavrata ka Sunahala Bhavishya', which means "The Golden Future of Humanity".

Dada Parasattanandji is posted in India most of the time. These days postings and transfers are so common in our Marga but as far as my awareness in the recent past Dadaji was posted in Bihar. He is a very respected and good Dada and he is WT since 1967.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

Namaskar,
In Him,
Girish


Note 1: SA'TTVIKA KRODHA


The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Baba - Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never became angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach and impress upon others the severity of a particular situation. By this way He would express sentient anger. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc. Just He would display anger externally in order to lovingly guide His devotees.


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Pa'che dhara' par'o ta'i anant hoyecho..."  (P.S. 718)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, everybody wants You. Yet in order to avoid being caught You have become infinite. Lest You be caught, You go on playing Your divine liila of hide and seek - and You become invisible. Who cannot understand that this nothing but Your divine play. O' Divine One, You are so fearful of getting caught that You have dissolved Yourself in this entire creation. You have hidden Yourself by becoming one with this expressed universe. O' my dearmost Lord, Your liila is unique. You have so much fear of being held by Your devotees that You are concealing Yourself in the various forms and shapes of Your divine creation. O' Parama Purusa Baba, Your liila is beyond the realization of any mortal being. Baba, please shower Your causeless grace on me so I can see You and feel Your presence everywhere...

Monday, September 2, 2013

आनन्दमार्गसाधना में: परमपुरुष और भक्त के बीच सीधी बातचीत, तीसरा कोई नहीं। // In Ananda Marga: 2-Way Communication, Not 3

Date: 02 Sep 2013 17:34:28 -0000
From: "Vara'bhaya Deva" <varabhaya.deva@synergy...>
To: anandamargauniversal1@yogasamsthanam.net
Subject:  आनन्दमार्गसाधना  में: परमपुरुष और भक्त के बीच सीधी बातचीत, तीसरा कोई नहीं। // In Ananda Marga: 2-Way Communication, Not 3

Baba

This email is for all bhaktas but primarily for those who read Hindi script, though there is an English translation at the bottom of this letter.

This Email Contains 3 Sections:
1. Hindi Purport of Prabhat Samgiita #3013 - Translation by Dr T.R. Sukulji
2. Hindi Purport of Prabhat Samgiita #3013 - Second Version
3. English Purport of Prabhat Samgiita #3013


आनन्दमार्गसाधना  में: परमपुरुष और भक्त के बीच सीधी बातचीत, तीसरा कोई नहीं।

बाबा

आनन्दमार्गसाधना  में: परमपुरुष और भक्त के बीच सीधी बातचीत, तीसरा कोई नहीं।

प्रभात संगीत का परिचयः प्रभात संगीत भक्त और परमपुरुष के बीच प्यार भरा संवाद है। अधिकांश   रचनाओं में भक्त द्वारा ही गीत गाया गया है,  परमपुरुष की ओर से भक्त को बहुत कम संबोधित किया गया है, वह भी या तो प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष भाषा में। परंतु हर बार गीत में केवल भक्त और  के बीच की स्नेहपूर्ण वार्ता है, तीसरा कोई नहीं।

परंपरागत हिंदु आध्यात्मिक भजनों से यह भिन्न है जिनमें दो लोगों, भक्त और परमपुरुष या तीन लोगों के बीच वार्ता होती है। इनमें जहाँ  तीन लोगों के बीच वार्ता होती है उनमें दो भक्त तो मित्र होते हैं और वे तीसरे के बारे में बात करते हैं जो परमपुरुष होते हैं। जैसे , एक भक्त पूछता है,‘‘ तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? क्या इसलिये कि परमपुरुष नहीं आये? भारतीय परंपरागत विरह भजनों में साधारणतः इस प्रकार का द्रश्य  होता है।

परंतु प्रभात संगीत में विशिष्टतः भक्त और के परमपुरुष के बीच सीधे ही बातचीत होती है- तीसरा कोई हस्तक्षेप नहीं करता । कभी कभी भक्त परमपुरुष से बातचीत करता है और कभी परमपुरुष भक्त को संबोधित करते हैं। प्रत्येक दशा  में वार्ता की विधि प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष होती है। कुछ विरले विरहगीतों में परमपुरुष भक्त को बहुत परोक्ष रूप से या छद्म रूप से संबोधित करते हैं जिसमें भक्त जान ही नहीं पाता कि वह परमपुरुष से बात कर रहा है।

उदाहरणार्थ, विरहगीत में मानलो कोई भक्त परम पुरुष की चाह में रो रहा है तो परमपुरुष छद्मरूप में आ जाते हैं जिससे वह उन्हें पहचान नहीं पाता। अपनी पहचान छिपाये हुए वे पूछते हैं, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? तुम किसकी चाह में रो रहे हो?

निम्नलिखित गीत इस सूक्ष्म तरीके से ही गाया गया है।  परमपुरुष भक्त के सामने छद्मरूप में खड़े हुए हैं, वह नहीं जान पाता कि ये परमपुरुष ही हैं जो इन प्रश्नों  को पूंछ  रहे हैं। इस प्रकार परमपुरुष अपनी लीला करते रहते हैं।

“A’nkhiro ba’dal mucheche ka’jal, ka’r katha’ mane par’e balo na’…” (PS 3013)

प्रथम पद

 लाइन का अर्थः कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह ने इस अश्रुप्रवाह से तुम्हारी आखों के काजल को धो डाला है? तुम्हें नींद क्यों नहीं आ रही है? मैं तुमसे पूछ रहा हूँ  कृपया बताईए। तुम इतने परेशान  क्यों हो? किसने तुम्हें इतना कष्ट पहुँचाया  है, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? कृपया बताईए क्या गड़बड़ है। मुझे बताइये, तुम क्या अनुभव कर रहे हो?

भावार्थः ए भक्त!  कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों  में इतने आँसू  भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया। तुम्हारी आँखों  में नींद क्यों नहीं आ रही है- मैं तुमसे पूछ रहा हूँ  कृपया बताईए । तुम इतने परेशान  क्यों हो? किसने तुम्हें इतना कष्ट पहुँचाया  है, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? कृपया बताईए क्या गड़बड़ है। मुझे बताइये, तुम्हें कैसा लग रहा है?

टेकः ए भक्त!  कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों  में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।

द्वितीय पदः

लाइन का अर्थः  इस चमकीली पूर्णिमा की अत्यंत मनभावन, मदहोष करने वाली मधुर, षान्त, कष्टहर, सुगंधित समीर में जहाँ  प्रत्येक वस्तु प्रकाश  में स्नान कर रही है, तुम इतने उद्विग्न क्यों हो? किसकी चाह में निराशित होकर जाग रहे हो? भय और लज्जा को छोड़ मुझे बताओ तो, किसने तुम्हारे साथ ऐंसा किया है।

भावार्थः ए भक्त! यह अत्यंन्त मनभावन पूर्णिमा की मधुर सुगंधित वायु  - जहाँ  कि सभी दिशाओं   में सब कुछ चंद्रमा की चमक से प्रकाशित हो रहा है - प्रशान्त वातावरण निर्मित कर दुखदर्द दूर कर रही है, और पूरा परिद्रश्य  दिव्यता में मदहोश  है, तुम फिर भी इतने निराश  क्यों हो? तुम निराशा  में, किसकी चाह में जाग रहे हो? भय और लज्जा को छोड़ मुझे बताओ तो, किसने तुम्हारे साथ ऐंसा किया है। तुम्हारा दिल किसने तोड़ा है?

टेकः ए भक्त!  कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों  में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।


तृतीय पदः

लाइन का अर्थः मन के काले बादल लंबे समय तक नहीं रह सकते। धारणा और ध्यान के अभ्यास से वे धीरे धीरे हट जावेंगे। तुम्हें जानना चाहिए कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिन स्वाभाविक रूप से आने वाले हैं। इस सत्य को जान कर मैं तुमसे कहता हूँ  चिंता मत करो।

भावार्थः ए भक्त! मन के काले बादल लंबे समय तक नहीं रह सकते- यह दुखदायी समय और परमपुरुष को न पाने का कष्ट हमेशा  नहीं रहेगा। यह निराशा , विरह और दुख समाप्त हो जावेंगे। धारणा, ध्यान, आसन, प्राणायाम, कीर्तन और धार्मिक जीवन जीने से  ये काले बादल हट जावेंगे और तुम्हारे दुखों का अन्त हो जावेगा। तुम्हें जानना चाहिए कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिन स्वाभाविक रूप से आने वाले हैं। यह सत्य है। तुम किसके लिये रो रहे हो , तुम्हारे प्यारे परमपुरुष आयेंगे और तुम्हारी इच्छायें पूरी करेंगे। आगे का समय आनन्ददायी है। इस सत्य को जानकर ही मैं तुम्हें चिन्ता न करने के लिये आष्वस्त करता हूँ । सबकुछ ठीक हो जावेगा। वह तुम्हारे पास आयेंगे।

टेकः ए भक्त!  कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों  में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।

निष्कर्षः ए भक्त! तुम्हें जानना चाहिये कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिनों का आना अनिवार्य है। यह निश्चित  है। तुम किसके लिये रो रहे हो, तुम्हारे प्रिय परमपुरुष तुम्हारी ओर आयेंगे और तुम्हारी इच्छाओं की पूर्ति से हृदय भर देंगे। आनन्ददायी समय तुम्हारी प्रतीक्षा कर रहा है। इस सत्य को जानकर ही मैं तुम्हें आश्वस्त  करता हूँ  कि चिंता मत करो , सबकुछ ठीक हो जावेगा।


*****************
Note:
The above transcription of PS #3013
- “A’nkhiro ba’dal mucheche ka’jal, ka’r katha’ mane par’e balo na’…” -
was done by Dr. T.R. Sukulji.


Here below is a second Hindi transcription that stands as
another way of presenting this same song.

*****************

बाबा

आनन्दमार्ग भक्तिधारा में: भक्त और भगवान से सीधी बात, तीसरा कोई नहीं।
प्रभात संगीत 3013, परिचयः-
प्रभात संगीत, भक्त और भगवान के बीच प्यार भरा संवाद है। अधिकांश रचनाओं में भक्त ने भगवान को संबोधित कर गीत गाया गया है | भगवान की ओर से भक्त को बहुत कम संबोधित किया गया है | और जहां है भी, वह भी या तो प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष भाषा में भगवान से संवाद है। अर्थात हर बार गीत में केवल भक्त और भगवान के बीच की स्नेहपूर्ण वार्ता है, तीसरा कोई नहीं।
परंपरागत हिंदू आध्यात्मिक भजनों से यह भिन्न है जिनमें दो लोगों, भक्त और भगवान या तीन लोगों के बीच वार्ता होती है। इनमें जहां तीन लोगों के बीच वार्ता होती है उनमें दो भक्त तो मित्र होते हैं और वे तीसरे के बारे में बात करते हैं जो भगवान होते हैं। जैसे , एक भक्त पूछता है,‘‘ तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? क्या इसलिये कि भगवान नहीं आये?” भारतीय परंपरागत विरह भजनों में साधारणतः इस प्रकार का दृश्य होता है।
परंतु प्रभात संगीत में विशिष्टत: भक्त और भगवान के बीच सीधे बातचीत होती है- तीसरा कोई नहीं। कभी कभी भक्त भगवान से बातचीत करता है और कभी भगवान भक्त को संबोधित करते हैं। प्रत्येक दशा में वार्ता की विधि प्रत्यक्ष या परोक्ष होती है। कुछ विरले विरहगीतों में परमपुरुष भक्त को बहुत परोक्ष रूप से या छद्म रूप से संबोधित करते हैं जिसमें भक्त जान ही नहीं पाता कि वह परमपुरुष से बात कर रहा है।
उदाहरणार्थ, विरहगीत में मानलो कोई भक्त परम पुरुष की चाह में रो रहा है तो भगवान छद्मरूप में आ जाते हैं जिससे वह उन्हें पहचान नहीं पाता। अपनी पहचान छिपाये हुए वे पूछते हैं, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? तुम किसकी चाह में रो रहे हो?
निम्नलिखित गीत इस सूक्ष्म तरीके से ही गाया गया है। भगवान भक्त के सामने छद्म रूप में खड़े हुए हैं, वह नहीं जान पाता कि ये भगवान ही हैं जो इन प्रश्नों को पूंछ रहे हैं। इस प्रकार परमपुरुष अपनी लीला करते हैं।
“A’nkhiro ba’dal mucheche ka’jal, ka’r katha’ mane par’e balo na’…” (PS 3013)
प्रथम पद
पंक्ति का अर्थः-
परमपुरुष बाबा, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—हे भक्त! कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह ने इस अश्रुप्रवाह से तुम्हारी आखों के काजल को धो डाला है? तुम्हें नींद क्यों नहीं आ रही है? मैं तुमसे पूछ रहा हूँ कृपया बताईए। तुम इतने परेशान क्यों हो? किसने तुम्हें इतना कष्ट पहुँचाया है, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? कृपया बताईए क्या गड़बड़ है। मुझे बताइये, तुम क्या अनुभव कर रहे हो?
भावार्थः-
भगवान, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—हे भक्त! कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया। तुम्हारी आँखों में नींद क्यों नहीं आ रही है- मैं तुमसे पूछ रहा हूँ कृपया बताईए । तुम इतने परेशान क्यों हो? किसने तुम्हें इतना कष्ट पहुँचाया है, तुम क्यों रो रहे हो? कृपया बताईए क्या गड़बड़ है। मुझे बताइये, तुम्हें कैसा लग रहा है?
टेकः
भगवान,परमपुरुष बाबा, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—ए भक्त! कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।
द्वितीय पदः -
पंक्ति का अर्थः-
भगवान, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—इस चमकीली पूर्णिमा की अत्यंत मनभावन, मदहोश करने वाली मधुर, शान्त , कष्टहर, सुगंधित समीर में जहाँ प्रत्येक वस्तु प्रकाश में स्नान कर रही है, तुम इतने उद्विग्न क्यों हो? किसकी चाह में निराश होकर जाग रहे हो? भय और लज्जा को छोड़ मुझे बताओ तो, किसने तुम्हारे साथ ऐसा किया है।
भावार्थः-
भगवान, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—ए भक्त! यह अत्यंन्त मनभावन पूर्णिमा की मधुर सुगंधित वायु , चंद्रमा की चमक से प्रकाशित वस्तुओं सहित सभी दिशाओं में प्रशान्त वातावरण निर्मित कर दुखदर्द दूर कर रही है, और पूरा परिदृश्य दिव्यता में मदहोश है, तुम फिर भी इतने निराश क्यों हो? तुम नैराश्य में, किसकी चाह में जाग रहे हो? भय और लज्जा को छोड़ मुझे बताओ तो, किसने तुम्हारे साथ ऐंसा किया है। तुम्हारा दिल किसने तोड़ा है?
टेकः-
भगवान, भक्त से पूछ रहे हैं—ए भक्त! कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।
तृतीय पदः-
पंक्ति का अर्थः-
भगवान, भक्त से—ए भक्त! मन के काले बादल लंबे समय तक नहीं रह सकते। धारणा और ध्यान के अभ्यास से वे धीरे धीरे हट जावेंगे। तुम्हें जानना चाहिए कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिन स्वाभाविक रूप से आने वाले हैं। इस सत्य को जान कर मैं तुमसे कहता हूँ चिंता मत करो।
पूरे प्रभात संगीत का भावार्थः-
परमपुरुष बाबा भक्त से—ए भक्त! मन के काले बादल लंबे समय तक नहीं रह सकते- यह दुखदायी समय, और भगवान को न पाने का कष्ट, हमेशा नहीं रहेगा। यह निराशा , विरह और दुख समाप्त हो जाएगें। धारणा, ध्यान, आसन, प्राणायाम, कीर्तन और धार्मिक जीवन जीने से ये काले बादल हट जाएगें और तुम्हारे दुखों का अन्त हो जावेगा। तुम्हें जानना चाहिए कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिन स्वाभाविक रूप से आने वाले हैं। यह सत्य है। तुम किसके लिये रो रहे हो , तुम्हारे प्यारे परमपुरुष आयेंगे और तुम्हारी इच्छायें पूरी करेंगे। आगे का समय आनन्ददायी है। इस सत्य को जानकर ही मैं तुम्हें चिन्ता न करने के लिये आश्वस्त करता हूँ । सबकुछ ठीक हो जाएगा। वे परमपुरुष तुम्हारे पास आयेंगे।
टेकः-
ए भक्त! कृपया मुझे बताईए कि किसकी चाह में तुम्हारी आँखों में इतने आँसू भर आये कि काजल ही धुल गया।
निष्कर्षः-
ए भक्त! तुम्हें जानना चाहिये कि बुरे दिनों के बाद अच्छे दिनों का आना अनिवार्य है। यह निश्चित है। तुम किसके लिये रो रहे हो, तुम्हारे प्रिय परमपुरुष तुम्हारी ओर आयेंगे और तुम्हारी इच्छाओं की पूर्ति से तुम्हारा हृदय भर देंगे। आनन्ददायी समय तुम्हारी प्रतीक्षा कर रहा है। इस सत्य को जानकर ही मैं तुम्हें आश्वस्त करता हूँ कि चिंता मत करो , सबकुछ ठीक हो जावेगा।

*****************
Note:
Here below is an updated English version of this
song which was posted earlier and you may have read;
so you may like to read this improved edition.
*****************


UNIQUE PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: Prabhat Samgiita is the loving communication between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. In most compositions, the song is sung by the devotee; less frequently Parama Purusa is addressing the devotee, either using direct or indirect language. But always the song is the loving sharing between Parama Purusa and the bhakta. Never is there a third entity in the song.

In contrast, traditional Hindu devotional bhajans and writings might employ 2 characters, i.e. bhakta and Parama Purusa, or 3 characters. In those instances where there are 3 characters, then 2 of the them are devotees who are friends talking about the third character - i.e. Parama Purusa. For example, one devotee might ask, "Why are you crying? Is it because your Lord has not come?" This is a common scenario in melancholic, traditional Indian bhajans.

But in Prabhat Samgiita, the communication is exclusively between the bhakta and Parama Purusa - there is no 3rd  party. Sometimes the devotee is talking with Parama Purusa, sometimes Parama Purusa is addressing the devotee. In either case, the style of communication may be direct or indirect. In some rare melancholic compositions, Parama Purusa addresses the bhakta in a very indirect and disguised manner wherein the devotee does not even recognise that it is Parama Purusa.

For example, in a melancholic song, if a devotee is crying in longing for Parama Purusa, then Parama Purusa might come in a disguised way so the bhakta does not even realise it is Parama Purusa. Keeping His identity hidden, Parama Purusa then asks, "Why are you crying? In whose longing are you crying?"

The following song proceeds in this subtle manner. Parama Purusa has come to the devotee in a disguised way and the devotee has no idea that Parama Purusa is the One next to him addressing him and asking these questions. In this way Parama Purusa plays His divine liila.


"A'nkhiro ba'dal mucheche ka'jal, ka'r katha' mane par'e balo na'..."   (PS 3013)


1ST STANZA

Note: Here Parama Purusa Baba is addressing the bhakta.

Line Meaning: Please tell me whose longing brought the showering of tears in your eyes that washed away the collyrium.  Why is sleep not coming in your eyes - I am asking you, please tell me. Why are you so upset? Who has given you so much pain. Why are you crying? Please tell me what is wrong. Tell me what you are feeling.

Purport: O' devotee, please tell me whose longing brought the showering of tears in your eyes that washed away the collyrium. Why is sleep not coming in your eyes - I am asking you, please tell me. Why are you so upset? Who has given you so much pain. Why are you crying? Please tell me what is wrong. Tell me what you are going through.

Refrain: O' devotee, please tell me whose longing brought the showering of tears in your eyes that washed away the collyrium.


2ND STANZA

Note: Here Parama Purusa Baba is addressing the bhakta.

Line Meaning: The sweet, tranquil, pain-relieving, aromatic breeze of this most charming, divinely intoxicating, effulgent full-moon night where everything basks in the light, why are you feeling so distraught? In whose longing are you remaining awake in hopelessness? Putting aside all feelings of shyness and fear, just tell me who has done this to you.

Purport: O' devotee, the sweet, aromatic breeze of this most charming, full-moon night - where everything in all directions is illumined and basking in the moon's effulgence - brings tranquility and removes the burden of agony and pain. When the entire scene is so divinely intoxicating, then why are you still so despondent. In whose longing are you remaining awake in hopelessness? Why are you feeling so distraught? Putting aside all feelings of shyness and fear, just tell me who has done this to you. Who has broken your heart.

Refrain: O' devotee, please  tell me whose longing brought the showering of tears in your eyes that washed away the collyrium.


3RD STANZA

Note: Here Parama Purusa Baba is addressing the devotee.

Line Meaning: The black clouds of the mind cannot remain for a long time. With the practice of dharana and dhyana, gradually they will go away. You should know that after bad days naturally good days are going to come. Knowing this fact, I tell you not to worry.

Purport: O' devotee, the dark, black clouds of the mind cannot remain for a long time - this period of suffering and the pain of not getting Parama Purusa will not last forever. This despondency, melancholia, and sadness will diminish. With the practice of dharana, dhyana, asana, pranayama, kiirtan and engaging in spiritual life, gradually those dark clouds will go away - your troubles will be over. You should know, after the bad days naturally good days are going to come. That is sure. For whom you are crying, your loved one Parama Purusa will come and fulfill your desire. Blissful days are ahead. Knowing this fact, I assure you not to worry. Everything will be alright. That Divine Entity, your Dearmost Parama Purusa will come to you.

Refrain: O' devotee, please tell me whose longing brought the showering of tears in your eyes that washed away the collyrium. Please tell me.


CLOSING

Note: Here Parama Purusa Baba is addressing the bhakta.

O' devotee, you must know, after the bad days, good days are bound to come. That is certain. For whom you are crying, your Beloved Parama Purusa will come by your side and satiate your longing to your heart's content. Blissful times await you. Knowing this fact, I assure you not to worry. Everything will be alright...


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Rebirth Is Not A Myth; It Is Reality; Here Is The Proof

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 19:49:05 -0000

Baba

== REBIRTH IS NOT A MYTH; IT IS REALITY; HERE IS THE PROOF ==

Namaskar,
In His discourse appended below - "Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory" - Baba clearly describes how young children can and do have vivid memories of their past life.

"The memory of its past life remains awake for approximately the first five years of its new life. Although the child remains in a new physical environment, mentally it continues to live the joys and sorrows of its previous life." (Yoga Psychology, Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory)

In that circumstance, the child will talk about its past life, and if the parents ask the child questions then the child will feel encouraged to speak even more. Because when the child is not yet strongly associated with its new personality, it relives and thinks about past life experiences.


WHY INFANTS CRY AND LAUGH, SEEMINGLY MEANINGLESSLY

AND

WHY THEY FORGET THOSE MEMORIES AS THEY GROW OLDER

A young 6-month old infant is often lying in its crib with its eyes closed, just smiling or crying, or perhaps lost in thought. Most of the time those smiles and tears have nothing to do with the present circumstances. Certainly when it is hungry it may cry etc, but all those numerous moments in between feedings when that child is just lying for hours in its bed, that infant is fully absorbed with its past life experiences.

Those remembrances are reality for that child. That's because the infant's brain is not yet adequately developed and, even more importantly, their personality is not yet formed in their current life. So their entire psychic association and I-feeling is related with a prior life. As they review those memories in the mind, that child smiles about its happy recollections and cries about past times of trouble, pain, and agony.

So those past life memories have nothing to do with a child's brain. Rather the infant's subconscious mind is filled with stored memories from their past life. Those memories are wholly independent from the brain. That is why Baba terms such recollections as extra-cerebral memory - because they occur outside the brain.

As the years go by and that child's personality grows, their brain and nerve cells strengthen, and their individual identity becomes highly associated with the physical surroundings and circumstances of this present life. Then those past life memories quickly fade. Till that time however, in those early years that child is consumed with memories of its past life via their subconscious mind. And again Baba terms that as extra-cerebral memory.


WHY PARENTS CANNOT UNDERSTAND

WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE TALKING ABOUT

That past life is not limited to life on earth nor for that matter to life as a human being. Those who are entering human life for the first time will recall their past life experiences as an animal. And those whose past life was on a different planet where they had a different form will recall those memories. Because, after all, the earth is not the only planet where living beings exist. This creation is vast and there is life across the spectrum.

Another aspect to the equation is the time factor - among others.

When thinking about a past life, a child might be recollecting an incident that occurred thousands of years ago. In that case, the parents have a hard time understanding what the child is talking about. Because when the time reference, geographical region, or language base are dramatically different from one life to the next, then it is extremely difficult to make a link between the two lives. In contrast, in those rare circumstances when one is reborn very quickly and in the same area as well, then it is much easier to communicate with the child and perhaps even make a link with past life experiences.


SPAN OF TIME BETWEEN LIVES IS IRRELEVANT

ONE REMEMBERS THEIR PAST LIFE LIKE YESTERDAY

Regardless of the duration between the two lives, for the child there is not any gap in memory. Because at the time of death the mind stops functioning and the mind only begins functioning again once rebirth occurs. Between those two times there is no awareness - that period of time is a big blank.

So whether the span of time between one's death and the next birth is 5 days, 50 years, or 1,000 years, it is completely inconsequential. Since the mind is not operable in that interim period, there is absolutely no awareness of the passage of time. It is a big zero - no matter the actual number of years.

It is akin to a person going into a coma, whether that be for 15 days or 20 years. Then the patient in the coma does not feel any passage of time.

Same is the case with the span of time between one's death and their next life. At the time the mind is in a state of pause. That is why regardless of the circumstances, no matter how much time has passed, the young infant will recall its previous life memories as if it was only yesterday.

So every child has quite clear recollections of their past life. It is only as the brain develops and their personality grows that those memories fade.


POSSIBLE DANGER:

DEVELOPMENT OF A DUAL PERSONALITY

Complications only arise if one grows and still associates with a past life. In that case a double personality develops. That is dangerous as one may become sick, diseased, and even die. But again in most cases those memories fade by the age of 4 or 6 years of age, and certainly by the age of 13 years of age.


WHY BABA NAMING CEREMONY IS NEEDED

Baba's recommendation is to give the baby a name and help cultivate the development of their new personality as soon as they are developmentally able. Then one will have a very healthy and natural childhood - and those past-life memories will fade. Such type of forgetfulness is the blessing of Parama Purusa. No one can endure walking around with the burden of their past life memories.

   "Forgetfulness is a providential decree. Usually human beings forget their past lives. Is this forgetfulness a blessing or a curse? It is a blessing because human beings feel burdened by the weight of one life. It would be impossible for them to carry the burden of many lives together."
   "The human mind is sentimental – full of love, affection, camaraderie, etc. People have a deep attraction to this world; they remain preoccupied throughout their lives with fears and anxieties for the safety of their families. So many problems have to be confronted. The problems of one life alone are enough to make people restless. If they had to face the problems of several lives, they would be unable to lead a natural life. The problems of the past lives, compounded by the strife of the present life, would drive them to the brink of insanity. Secondly, it is difficult for people to be detached from love and attachment for one life. So much effort is required to overcome the bondages of attachment and march towards Parama Puruśa. If the memory of the past lives is revived, the bondage of attachment will tighten its grip, putting a halt to spiritual advancement. One will be caught in the grip of worldly attachment. Thus the decree of merciful providence is, “Let human beings be oblivious of their past lives”." (Yoga Psychology, Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory)


VERY COMPELLING VIDEO:

A CASE STUDY OF ONE YOUNG BOY AND REMARKABLE PAST LIFE MEMORIES

In the west, although reincarnation (i.e. rebirth) is not a widely accepted theory, there is growing interest and research about it. Step by step, there is mounting evidence about the veracity of reincarnation and past lives.

At the bottom of this posting is a link for more info about a 14 minute video: A case study of one small boy in the US who has very vivid memories of being a fighter pilot in World War II. His skeptical parents did not know what to think at first, until the child's memories created such a compelling account that they could no longer doubt the fact that their child was indeed the reincarnation of that fighter pilot.

Thus we see how modern day researchers are validating ancient yogic ideals and Baba's teachings.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Dharmendra


Note 1: BABA'S DISCOURSE ON PAST LIFE MEMORIES IN CHILDHOOD

Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory
30 December 1970, Ranchi

Anubhútaviśayásampramośah smrtih [“The re-creation of things already perceived by the mind is called memory”].

The objects or incidents that one recollects are called anubhútaviśayá or things already perceived. When the same objects or incidents are recreated in the mind, they are called smrti or memory. For instance, a person may not always recollect what he or she ate the previous day, but if he or she thinks hard, the items that were eaten will flash in the mind. In our daily life, we are constantly recollecting things perceived in the past.

How does one activate the memory? There are two ways: internal and external. The internal way is to revive the undistorted image of perceived incidents in the nerve cells. Perception in the primary stage is registered in the unit mind through the nerve cells, and the vibrations of those perceptions remain embedded in the nerve cells. The nerve cells in the brain differ according to the different vibrations they carry. Some carry vibrations of knowledge, others the vibrations of action. Microcosms with brains do not have much difficulty in creating ideas at the psychic level carried through inferences because the vibrations in the nerve cells remain undistorted for quite some time. For instance, if someone happens to see a white cow, he or she can easily say after five minutes what the colour of the cow was because the image of the cow imprinted in the nerve cells is still clear and distinct. That is why it is not difficult for the brain to recollect a memory by recreating ideational waves. But if we ask the same person to describe the cow after a few days, he or she will have more difficulty recollecting its colour because by then the impression of the cow in the nerve cells will have become indistinct. At that stage the perceived image is stored in the citta or ectoplasmic mind-stuff and not the brain. Hence the mind will have to labour hard to reformulate the image of the cow from the accumulated saḿskáras or the mental reactive momenta of past actions. The ability to do this depends on one’s psychic power.

If the external factors necessary for the revival of memory remain undisturbed for some time, one can more easily recreate events already perceived. For instance, if one happens to go to the spot where the cow was seen, one suddenly remembers that a white cow was tethered there. But, after a lapse of much time, when the external factors necessary for the re-creation of that image change drastically, it becomes difficult for the brain to remember the details of the event. At this stage, to recollect the image, one has to penetrate the citta of the unit mind. Of course, once an incident is recollected, its impression remains understood for some time before it finally disappears.

Thus the brain is nothing more than a worldly machine for mental recollection. Its various parts assist the mind in various ways. But the permanent abode of memory is the citta. So even though an impression has faded from the nerve cells, the mind can recreate the impression by its own power. When the brain assists in the recollection of any event or fact it is called “cerebral memory”.

The human mind has three stages: crude, subtle and causal. There are also three states in human existence: wakeful, dream and sleep. The crude mind remains active during the wakeful state and the causal mind remains active during sleep. The causal mind is the repository of infinite knowledge. Whatever saḿskáras we recreate in the wakeful and dream states remain stored in the causal mind. When the causal mind sleeps we call it “death”. Kárańamanasi diirghanidrá marańam [“Long sleep in the causal mind is death”].

After death the disembodied mind floats in the vast space with its unexpressed saḿskáras. Later on, with the cooperation of the mutative principle, the disembodied mind finds a suitable physical base. The memory of its past life remains awake for approximately the first five years of its new life. Although the child remains in a new physical environment, mentally it continues to live the joys and sorrows of its previous life. That is why children sometimes laugh and cry in their sleep, and their mothers often think they are talking with God. In colloquial Bengali this is called deola kát́á. In actual fact this laughter and crying is nothing but the reappearance of past memories...


 
 
PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: When the devotee progresses in sadhana then the mind moves upwards, one stage to the next. The sadhaka in a lower bhava - like sakhya bhava etc - gradually moves upwards, closer to Parama Purusa, and reaches a higher bhava like madhura bhava etc. When one enters into this higher bhava - which is a new, closer relation - then at first the sadhaka does not feel comfortable expressing this new feeling to His Lord due to fear and shyness. That mentality is beautifully expressed in the following song.

"Udvela hiya' ka're ca'ya, shayane svapane nide ja'garan'e..." (PS 708)

Purport:

My melancholic, restless heart longs for the Loving One during sleep and dreams, when drowsy, and while awake - always. Who is that unknown, divine, charming Entity calling me - I do not know.

In this peak spring season, the atmosphere is charming and intoxicating. Everything is so sweet. The soothing ocean breeze is gently blowing in all directions. My heart longs for that unknown loved One. The sky is very attractive: The clouds are floating and the sun's rays peep through in between the clouds. The scene is very alluring; it is so beautiful. Who is that Divine Entity, drenched in the sweet aroma of flower nectar, sitting distant, singing such captivating songs. Listening to these melodic songs, my heart is very restless.

My mind is restless for Him. It rushes towards Him every moment - it is beyond my control. It does not know how to respond to the call of that Loved One. Without smashing the obstacles like shyness and fear etc, how can I tell Him all the accumulated feelings of my heart, I do not know.

O, my Dearmost, please do not remain distant. Come before me and grace me so I can surrender at Your lotus feet...


End Note for Prabhat Samgiita #708:

The sadhaka wants to express the feeling of their heart but it is difficult due to shyness. With this closer proximity to Ista everything feels very charming, but also very new. That is why the sadhaka feels shy. This song expresses the feeling of the arrival into that intimate stage when Parama Purusa is the Dearest One.

With a friend, one may not tell everything - but when one is very close then nothing is hidden. This song is close to that stage. This song will be realised by those doing regular dhyana and getting Baba's grace. They can understand well.

The very subtle and intimate feelings of love cannot be written directly; that is why this song is given in an indirect manner.

To learn more about the various bhavas, please refer to Namami Krsnasundaram discourses 7 & 27.

Addendum: Rebirth Is Not Myth; It Is Reality; Here Is The Proof


Addendum:

Rebirth Is Not Myth; It Is Reality; Here Is The Proof

Here is the main letter...

This blog post contains two distinct sections.
(1) Baba's discourse on Cerebral and Extra Cerebral Memory;
(2) A link to the compelling video


Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory
30 December 1970, Ranchi

Anubhútaviśayásampramośah smrtih [“The re-creation of things already perceived by the mind is called memory”].

The objects or incidents that one recollects are called anubhútaviśayá or things already perceived. When the same objects or incidents are recreated in the mind, they are called smrti or memory. For instance, a person may not always recollect what he or she ate the previous day, but if he or she thinks hard, the items that were eaten will flash in the mind. In our daily life, we are constantly recollecting things perceived in the past.

How does one activate the memory? There are two ways: internal and external. The internal way is to revive the undistorted image of perceived incidents in the nerve cells. Perception in the primary stage is registered in the unit mind through the nerve cells, and the vibrations of those perceptions remain embedded in the nerve cells. The nerve cells in the brain differ according to the different vibrations they carry. Some carry vibrations of knowledge, others the vibrations of action. Microcosms with brains do not have much difficulty in creating ideas at the psychic level carried through inferences because the vibrations in the nerve cells remain undistorted for quite some time. For instance, if someone happens to see a white cow, he or she can easily say after five minutes what the colour of the cow was because the image of the cow imprinted in the nerve cells is still clear and distinct. That is why it is not difficult for the brain to recollect a memory by recreating ideational waves. But if we ask the same person to describe the cow after a few days, he or she will have more difficulty recollecting its colour because by then the impression of the cow in the nerve cells will have become indistinct. At that stage the perceived image is stored in the citta or ectoplasmic mind-stuff and not the brain. Hence the mind will have to labour hard to reformulate the image of the cow from the accumulated saḿskáras or the mental reactive momenta of past actions. The ability to do this depends on one’s psychic power.

If the external factors necessary for the revival of memory remain undisturbed for some time, one can more easily recreate events already perceived. For instance, if one happens to go to the spot where the cow was seen, one suddenly remembers that a white cow was tethered there. But, after a lapse of much time, when the external factors necessary for the re-creation of that image change drastically, it becomes difficult for the brain to remember the details of the event. At this stage, to recollect the image, one has to penetrate the citta of the unit mind. Of course, once an incident is recollected, its impression remains understood for some time before it finally disappears.

Thus the brain is nothing more than a worldly machine for mental recollection. Its various parts assist the mind in various ways. But the permanent abode of memory is the citta. So even though an impression has faded from the nerve cells, the mind can recreate the impression by its own power. When the brain assists in the recollection of any event or fact it is called “cerebral memory”.

The human mind has three stages: crude, subtle and causal. There are also three states in human existence: wakeful, dream and sleep. The crude mind remains active during the wakeful state and the causal mind remains active during sleep. The causal mind is the repository of infinite knowledge. Whatever saḿskáras we recreate in the wakeful and dream states remain stored in the causal mind. When the causal mind sleeps we call it “death”. Kárańamanasi diirghanidrá marańam [“Long sleep in the causal mind is death”].

After death the disembodied mind floats in the vast space with its unexpressed saḿskáras. Later on, with the cooperation of the mutative principle, the disembodied mind finds a suitable physical base. The memory of its past life remains awake for approximately the first five years of its new life. Although the child remains in a new physical environment, mentally it continues to live the joys and sorrows of its previous life. That is why children sometimes laugh and cry in their sleep, and their mothers often think they are talking with God. In colloquial Bengali this is called deola kát́á. In actual fact this laughter and crying is nothing but the reappearance of past memories. To re-experience past events one does not need the cooperation of the old brain. The newly-born mind has not yet had time to build a close relationship with the new brain. The revival of experiences of past lives is what we call “extra-cerebral memory”, and is principally the task of the causal mind. The child’s mind being unacquainted with the outside world and the new-born brain being inexperienced, his or her crude mind does not function much.

The experiences of the crude mind are not reflected in the child’s subtle mind. In the case of a child, since the crude experiences are relatively few, the subtle mind remains tranquil. Thus the waves of the causal mind easily surface in the child’s subtle mind. As a result, the accumulated experiences of the child’s previous life can easily be recollected. As the child’s crude mind is not yet mature enough to work externally, the dream experiences are not expressed in the wakeful state.

This extra-cerebral memory begins to fade after five years. The more one advances in age, the more the new environment leaves its impressions in the child’s mind. The more a child sees new things before its eyes, the more restless it becomes to know each and every object of this world. Hence the child asks a multitude of questions – it seems there is no end to its inquisitiveness. The more it receives the answers to its questions, the more its mind gets acquainted with the mundane world. The experiences of the crude mind then begin, and get reflected in the dream state. As a result, the vibrations of the causal mind cannot come to the surface any more. Hence, the more the child advances in age, the more it forgets its past life.

Sometimes children can remember their past life even after the age of five. In this case the mind of the new body remains free from environmental influences. That is, the waves of the external world are unable to influence the mind. Such people are called játismara or one who remembers one’s past lives. Normally, the extra-cerebral memory of such people remains active up to the age of twelve. If one still remembers one’s past life after that it becomes difficult to survive, because two minds will try to function in one body – the mind of this life and that of the previous one. A single body cannot tolerate the clashes of two minds, hence psycho-physical parallelism is lost leading to eventual death.

Forgetfulness is a providential decree. Usually human beings forget their past lives. Is this forgetfulness a blessing or a curse? It is a blessing because human beings feel burdened by the weight of one life. It would be impossible for them to carry the burden of many lives together.

The human mind is sentimental – full of love, affection, camaraderie, etc. People have a deep attraction to this world; they remain preoccupied throughout their lives with fears and anxieties for the safety of their families. So many problems have to be confronted. The problems of one life alone are enough to make people restless. If they had to face the problems of several lives, they would be unable to lead a natural life. The problems of the past lives, compounded by the strife of the present life, would drive them to the brink of insanity. Secondly, it is difficult for people to be detached from love and attachment for one life. So much effort is required to overcome the bondages of attachment and march towards Parama Puruśa. If the memory of the past lives is revived, the bondage of attachment will tighten its grip, putting a halt to spiritual advancement. One will be caught in the grip of worldly attachment. Thus the decree of merciful providence is, “Let human beings be oblivious of their past lives.”

It is also true that nothing in this universe is lost or destroyed, so the history of a person’s hopes and frustrations [of this life] remains stored in their subconscious mind [subtle mind]. Due to restlessness of the crude and subtle minds, the causal mind cannot give expression to its omniscience. But all knowledge, one’s entire past history and flashes of one’s previous lives, remain stored in sequential order in the causal mind, just like a colourful panorama, one layer representing one life, followed by a gap, followed by another layer representing another life, and so on. That is why the great poet Rabindranath Tagore said, Bhule tháká se to nay bholá [“To remain in oblivion is not to forget completely”].

Human beings, if they so want, may try to relive those experiences in their memories. This endeavour is called sádhaná or spiritual practice. Sádhakas or spiritual aspirants, by dint of sádhaná, suspend their crude mind in the subtle mind, and the subtle mind in the causal mind. They can then clearly visualize that panorama of sequential events in the causal mind. As they have full control over the time factor they can easily transcend the intervening gaps between two lives and establish a link between them. A series of lives slowly and gradually unfold themselves like a moving panorama before their eyes.

Should one strive to see one’s past lives? Through sádhaná human beings attain a certain degree of control over the relative factors. After a long journey of hundreds of years one begins to visualize the saḿskáras of one’s past lives. To visualize other’s saḿskáras is relatively easy for a sádhaka, but to visualize one’s own saḿskáras is very difficult. Behind this also there is the decree of merciful providence. Imagine a person was a sinner in his or her past life, but in this life has got the opportunity to lead a spiritual life, by His Grace. Now, if the person happens to discover his or her past sinful life, he or she will lose all inspiration to continue spiritual sádhaná. The dominant thought in his or her mind will be, “I am a sinner. I have no saḿskára for sádhaná and will be unable to do it.” This sort of negative thought will thwart his or her spiritual progress. One’s past life will pull one back. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore:

Adrśt́ere shudhhálem emani niśt́ur bale
Ke more tániche pashcáte.
Se kahila, “Phire dekh,”
Dekhilám ámi,
Pashcáte tániche more pashcáter ámi.

[I asked the Lord of my life, “Who is pulling me from behind with such irresistible force?” He told me to look back. I did, and found that my own mental reactive momenta were pulling me back.]

The pashcáter ámi [the “me” behind me] of the poem refers to the extra-cerebral memory.

Conversely, if a sádhaka happened to be a great spiritualist in his or her past life, then through the powers of his or her extra-cerebral memory he or she will be further inspired to continue the spiritual life. He or she will think, “In my previous life I was unable to complete my spiritual practice. Now in this life Parama Puruśa has given me the opportunity to attain my cherished goal.” He or she will intensify his or her spiritual practice and advance rapidly towards Parama Puruśa with His sweet attraction. He or she will recite: Sammukhe t́heliche more pashcáter ámi [“My own reactive momenta are pushing me forward”].

30 December 1970, Ranchi


Link to Compelling Video Documentary:

14 minute video: A case study of one small boy in the US who has very vivid memories of being a fighter pilot in World War II. His skeptical parents did not know what to think at first, until the child's memories created such a compelling account that they could no longer doubt the fact that their child was indeed the reincarnation of that fighter pilot. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0B4V_kowo

SUBJECTS TOPICS