Bhakta’s choice: stay with Him, or… + 4 more

Baba

Bhakta’s choice: stay with Him, or…

Namaskar,

Sadguru Baba benevolently guides bhaktas in all situations and in all circumstances. Sometimes that guidance comes in the form of sweet words and affection to help the sadhaka advance; and, other times that guidance comes in the form of mock scolding and feigned anger to fuel a sadhaka's progress. In both instances, His aim is the welfare of the sadhaka.

Externally, to the unknowing observer, His "scolding" and feigned anger may look like something terrible, but the bhakta knows that it is just His divine play. Baba's eternal stance is one of perfect composure and deep prema. Externally, He may act angry because that is the needed medicine to help that disciple. For this reason, He pretends to be angry.
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That is the way of Sadguru: to love unconditionally and make a show of punishment. That is the contrast. Yet both avenues are wholly grounded in the spirit of welfare. By this dual approach, He hastens one's journey towards that supreme stance.

Those whom He loves most

It happens, however, that some may misunderstand His dramatic show of punishment. Pseudo-sadhakas mistakenly view His form of Va'madeva - as being something really unkind. But His show of punishment and feigned anger and scolding can never exceed the prema and closeness which He has for that sadhaka. In that sense, He only expresses His feigned anger towards those whom He loves most. That is the special point to always remember.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)

So ultimately, whether He is using affectionate words or tough language, it is all an expression of His boundless prema - whereby He is bringing the sadhaka closer.

Here following is one beautiful story which perfectly encapsulates the above ideal. It is an account of one of Baba's visits to Jaipur, Rajasthan. By His grace, I was personally present on this magnificent occasion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The date was 12 October 1964, and we were blessed by Baba to receive Him in the evening time. Just prior, He had been in Allahabad and Agra. And on Monday, the 12th of October, Baba traveled via train from Agra to Jaipur. Many of us had the good fortune to receive Him that evening in Jaipur. The next day, Tuesday October 13, Baba blessed all in DMC. It was a grand event and we were all ensconced in His spiritual flow.

And then at midday on Wednesday, October 14, Baba was making His departure from Jaipur in order to take a plane journey to Bombay (Mumbai). And it is this momentous occasion that I am going to relay to you now in full detail.

Baba's unique query to margiis

Baba's farewell to Jaipur margiis: Do you want to remain with Parama Purusa and serve society or become one with Parama Purusa.

Firstly, it should be noted that during Baba's stay in Jaipur He showered immense grace, and He was also quite stern and strict with margiis on points of sadhana, service, and sacrifice. Some new margiis became affected by His feigned scolding. Yet, at the time of His farewell, Baba beautifully cleansed the mind and filled it with bhakti. It was His ahaetukii krpa'.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here then is a word for word rendition - from my journal of that day - of Baba's farewell from Jaipur on 14 October 1964. Baba spoke the following:

BABA: "There are some great bhaktas who want to remain with Parama Purusa in liila bhava always, and while with Him they want to serve the society. Wherever Parama Purusa goes and takes form as Taraka Brahma, then those bhaktas always want to accompany Him and perform service."

BABA: "And some other great bhaktas just want to become one with Parama Purusa."

BABA: "So it is up to a bhakta’s desire and accordingly Parama Purusa will bless them with what they want."

BABA: "But the true enjoyment is to be with Parama Purusa in liila bhava and serve the society. That is great and I also want that service to be done to the society. Ultimately though, it is up to the bhaktas to decide what they want."

MARGIIS: "Baba, we want to serve the society and be with You".

BABA: "Yes, that is also what I want."

"It is My duty to clean you"

Baba's farewell to Jaipur margiis: "It is My duty to clean your mind"

Then Baba said, "There is another point I want to tell."

BABA [referring to Himself]: "Baba sometimes can become very tough. He sometimes plays a very tough role. And also in this DMC, a few margiis were thinking that Baba is really tough. So we have to think, is it that Baba is really being tough, or is it that He is just playing to show His toughness. Is He just adopting a role of toughness. The answer to this is only known to Baba because otherwise people would not be afraid or take it seriously."

Then, with those still around Him and addressing one and all, Baba faced towards another margii and started talking.

BABA: "You know I am your gula'm ("servant") and when I see any wrong or negative thing in your mind then it is My duty to clean your mind. It is just like a "servant" who wipes up the dirt from the house to make it clean. Similarly, it is My duty to clean your mind. So I am doing My duty."

BABA [citing one Urdu poem]: "I am your "servant" and you are my master...".

BABA: "So it is My duty to clean you."

BABA: "Having a human body and an animal mind, doing great work is not possible. You are sadhakas; you have to do something great - something meaningful. And a sadhaka can do anything and everything.”

Then Baba emanated a very strong spiritual vibration. And those present started crying in bliss and the air was filled and flooded with devotion and longing for Parama Purusa. The margiis all felt so blissful and they could not control their tears. And they started singing one song: "Baba, please do not go, You are mine. Please remain permanently mine..." Baba was sitting there quietly the whole time. In that highly-charged atmosphere, Baba took leave of us and went to catch His plane for Bombay (Mumbai).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For their welfare

Here below are some of Baba's special guidelines that a true Guru must "scold" as well as love. Only feigned punishment and only showering grace will not do. Both sides are needed.

Nigraha'nugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru...excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "A spiritual guru must be well-acquainted with all the processes of sádhaná, must have the capacity to convince others, must possess complete knowledge of the scriptures, must know many languages, and must have comprehensive knowledge and intellect, plus some extra qualifications. What are those qualifications? Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate – “the guru must possess the capacity both to punish, and to love, or bless, his disciples.” Punishment alone, without love, is not good. Love and punishment should go together, and the degree of punishment should never exceed the degree of love. Then only can one be called a real spiritual guru." (3)

Prabhat Samgiita #4528 expresses a similar idea: Lord, those whom You feel are very close to You, You discipline them for their welfare. In my day to day life and in my happiness and sorrow, You are always with me as my very close and intimate own person. In the pitch dark night, You are the jewel that provides the pathway and effulgence that makes my path and destination clear. But even then I do not look towards You. Your degree of discipline does not exceed the quantum of prema. You love so much and discipline just a little. Parama Purusa, You are very kind and merciful.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

The most magnificent aspect of Baba’s loving scolding and feigned punishment is that by this way He secretly takes away the sins and bad samskaras of His disciples. He removes all their physical, psychic, and spiritual bondages, ailments, and weaknesses which were hindering their path of progress - in all realms of life. By His feigned punishment one’s entire personality is transformed and enhanced. It is His boundless krpa.

History has witnessed that when He was doing dharma samiiksa then thousands and thousands of people underwent much discomfort and difficulties in order to stay in Kolkata in hopes of getting His blessing in the form of prema and feigned punishment. Sadhakas left their hearth and home, and waited 15 days - even months - without proper food and sleep, and with great difficulty, for the opportunity to have dharma samiiksa to get the prema and feigned punishment of the Sadguru.

Words lack the capacity to express the true beauty and joy of His love - and the blessing of His feigned punishment. After getting His grace, one’s whole personality was entirely refined. The sadhana one could not do earlier was now easily done. One’s status of mind increased exponentially in the subtle, spiritual sphere.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This is the special outcome of Sadguru’s prema and feigned punishment. Those who understand that He scolds due to His unfathomable love are the true disciples. Blessed are those who had this experience and realise this fact in their own life.

Namaskar,
At His feet,
Shriikant

Still happening today...

Some people think that now there is no opportunity to get that type of special blessing. But they should know that Parama Purusa is the Eternal Entity who exists always so His liila also goes on. Now and in the future, bhaktas are receiving and will receive His grace - always. For example, if non-sadhakas and bad people commit a mistake, they do not get atonement quickly. But in a sadhaka’s life, there is a special arrangement. For their mistake they will quickly get a serious punishment. Those practicing sadhana realise this. Baba is the Sadguru so He is helping His disciples in various ways. The way He was doing as Mahasamabhuti, now He is doing invisibly: He is helping. One can realise this in their life. If one is sincere in sadhana, they will feel that Guru’s love and punishment is for their progress.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Five faces of Sadguru Taraka Brahma

From this story we can understand that as a Guru Baba loves and pretends to punish - all done for our welfare. And in His teachings Baba describes how Parama Purusa has 5 faces or 5 personalities. From left to right they are Va'madeva, Kalagni, Kalyan Sundaram, Iishana, and Daksineshwar. And all are needed.

And it is His face or form as Va'madeva that He strongly seemingly scolds and rebukes us. Whereas other times He is just a little bit angry, or more gentle, or more calm, or extremely sweet and charming etc. So He has various approaches yet all are needed-- and all are grounded in His deep and infinite love.

In the above story about Baba's departure from Jaipur, He is explaining the inner beauty and working of Va'mdeva. The inner spirit of Va'madeva: The all-knowing and all-benevolent Baba can only feign punishment to those who already have a high degree of prema for Parama Purusa, and vice-versa. To experience Baba's form in va'madeva shows that one has reached a certain qualification as a bhakta. Because to get His feigned anger, one must be deserving - one must love Parama Purusa dearly.

Baba loves those whom He pretends to punish - for them He has far more prema. That is the divine equation. That means He has to bestow in His role as Kalyan Sundaram.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Those who experienced His Va'madeva form were blessed to receive His special grace-compassion. And those who could not get scolded by Baba in those days were not up to the mark; so Baba had left it upon prakrti to reform them. Because He only scolds those who are really close to Him. That is His divine liila and the inner secret behind His feigned scolding.

Who can be called a Guru

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "You must try to arouse the seed of benevolence that lies hidden in the inner recesses of the human mind. How can this seed be aroused? Human beings will have to apply all sorts of measures – persuasion, scolding etc.; and at the same time you will have to continue your efforts so that the dormant seeds of psychic potentialities express themselves. And with their expression, the whole society will be benefited. Today human beings must be inspired and motivated, and thus discipline is essential. To impose discipline is not bad. It has been said in the scriptures: Hitarthe shásanam ityarthe anushásanam. “That discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings is called anushásanam.” Society requires enforced discipline. In the scriptures it is also said: Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate: “One who is capable of punishing or rewarding one's followers is called a Guru, a true teacher”. Only one who can discipline as well as love a person, can be called a Guru." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings are the progeny of Parama Puruśa and are thus the objects of His love and affection. Whatever might be the nature of the sins they commit, they will never be deprived of His affection. Parama Puruśa may scold them, but He can never hate them. He will simply shake the dust off their clothes and take them onto His lap." (5)

You are always very close as my own & intimate person

Prabhat Samgiita #4528 expresses a similar idea. To whom Sadguru loves, He punishes also to exhaust their samskaras or to make them better.

ápan bolei karo shásan
duhkhe sukhe ápanár jana
ándhár ráte mańir matan
álo jvalo tákáini,
bhuleo kabhu bhávini

The above stanza from Prabhat Samgiita #4528 says a similar thing. Lord, those whom You feel are very close to You, You discipline them for their welfare. In my day to day life and in my happiness and sorrow, You are always with me as my very close and intimate own person. In the pitch dark night, You are the jewel that provides the pathway and effulgence that makes my path and destination clear. But even then I do not look towards You. Your degree of discipline does not exceed the quantum of love. You love so much and discipline just a little. Parama Purusa, You are very kind and merciful.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
2. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 21, The Criteria of a Guru
4. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, A Few of Tantra's Special Characteristics

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.

*        *        *

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 ==

Origin of Nath dharma

Parama Purusa Baba says, "In Puranic Hindu yuga in India when Buddhism and Shaeva religions got mixed, then one blended religion got formed and it got called as Nath dharma. It is most prevalent in entire eastern part of India. They named it the Nath religion because at the end of their Guru's name the 'Nath' title is there, i.e. Adinath Miin, Matsyendranath, Goraksanath, Rohininath, Chaorangiinath, etc." (1)

Note: Even monks of the Nath religion and their followers do not know that the origin of Nath dharma was Buddhism and that those Buddhists accepted the Shiva cult. After the eradication of Buddhism from India, followers of Lord Buddha accepted Shaeava religion. They continued some of those Buddhist dogmatic rituals. The result being that one type of blending happened. Now followers of the Nath religions only know this much: that they are followers of Shiva. They are completely unaware about their past link with Buddhism. In eastern India, there are hundreds of Nath temples. Even then, neither believers of the Hindu religious sect of Nath nor followers of Buddhism know this fact about their history.

The current chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, the monk Yogii Adityanath, is a follower of the Nath religion.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam 11, Chapter 2

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Exploitation & language

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “People must raise their socio-economic consciousness, know who their exploiters are, expose psycho-economic exploitation and become imbued with fighting spirit. While you should encourage the use of all tongues, this does not imply opposing the study of other languages. Language in itself is of secondary importance; of primary importance is the cultural and socio-economic consequences of linguistic imperialism. (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Some Aspects of Socio-Economic Planning

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Daughters safeguarded by inheritance system

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Sons and daughters will inherit in equal shares the movable and/or immovable property of their parents. The daughter will enjoy the immovable property during her lifetime, but will not have the right to transfer it to others. The property will revert to her father’s family after her death.” (1)

#1: The AM system of inheritance follows the patrilineal order wherein the father's land is passed down to his sons. That is the baseline. 

#2: At the same time, the AM system of inheritance makes the very unique stipulation that as long as the daughter is alive she has her given right to access her father's property. This is very important as suppose the daughter is married with children and living with her husband's extended family, and then suddenly her husband undergoes an untimely death and she is widowed and the children are fatherless. In turn, the husband's family may no longer welcome her on their land etc. In that case, given the AM system, the daughter has every right to go back with her children to her father's property where she will have access to her fair share. By this way, the daughter and her children will be safe and secure. And, of course, if her husband was himself a landowner, independent of his extended family, then the wife will inherit that land as well. 

#3: The son's situation is different. If he is married and his wife does then he will not have access to any land owned by his wife's extended family. So the son must rely exclusively on his paternal property, and / or whatever property he may have acquired on his own. 

#4: So in our AM system, in any family both the sons and daughters will be safe and secure and have access to land / property. 

#5: it goes without question that if there are no sons then the father’s property will be divided accordingly amongst his daughters. And those daughters can one day leave that land unto their children according to the AM system of inheritance. 

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Ideal System of Inheritance

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Careful when using fans

Shabda Cayanika states, "If a hand fan is used in a small room it certainly generates some breeze but that breeze does not give much relief from the fatigue of summer. Such a breeze within those small confines becomes more and more injurious to health with every passing moment. The breeze of an electric fan within a closed environment is even more harmful. If a person sleeps with this kind of a breeze they feel heavy when they wake up; a weak or sick person feels feverish. The breeze generated by a fan within a confined space is called kut́heru; since ancient times it has been considered as something which should be avoided." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 5, Disc: 29

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Most misused Ananda Vanii- Ananda Vanii #54

Ananda Vanii states, “The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate. In no situation, except during the struggle for Dharma, should you indulge in diplomacy or duplicity. In other words you must keep yourself straight in all other strata just as in Sastáuṋga Prańáma, and remain vigilant that the fire of your spiritedness is under no circumstances buried beneath a heap of ashes.” (1)

Note 1: This Ananda Vanii is extremely misused. For example when thieves do a burglary they use this vanii and justify that they are involved in the struggle for dharma. And when group organisers go against neo-humanism and form their groups then they console themselves that they are playing diplomacy for dharma. Even murderers use this for their work - murdering for dharma. Because of the severe twisting of the teaching contained in this vanii, such persons get severely punished by nature. So everyone should be aware.

Note 2: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis. 

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Misuse of omnkara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/04/wild-dogma-of-onmkara.html

AM teachings: for the present moment

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/am-present-future-generations.html

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/lower-vrtti-control-2-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/baba-story-lottery-5-more.html

When sadhaka becomes iishvara + 3 More

Baba

When sadhaka becomes iishvara

Note: Every sadhaka on the path of Ananda Marga knows that Parama Purusa is the Goal, and that siddhis (occult powers) are like the dust on the path.

Namaskar,

All come into this world looking to become great. But where to find that greatness – people do not know. They try so many endeavours in the material realm only to realise that those engagements will not make them great. Countless persons struggle in this way. The moment it dawns in the mind that they must take up the path of spirituality, then their true journey begins. Diiksa, or initiation, marks that starting point. When any ordinary person is blessed to receive tantrika diiksa, then the seed of greatness is planted.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Path of progress

Once one receives initiation, then rigorous efforts must be made. A person has to learn and follow the codes of yama and niyama. The sadhaka must make strict efforts in the practice of sadhana. Moreover, one must adhere to various rules and regulations such as Sixteen Points etc. So by one’s sincerity – along with the cosmic grace of Parama Purusa – one makes strides forward. Sometimes the progress is swift and steep, and other times it is slow and gradual. That is why Baba guides us that one’s progress is systaltic – not linear.

Yet, with practice, progress is made. By doing sadhana and repeating one’s personal ista mantra the mind gets vibrated and subtle shifts occur deep within. The mind and body become more adjusted and suited towards a sentient, spiritual lifestyle. These are the common stages for anyone who sincerely embarks on the spiritual path, by His grace. By this way one accelerates ahead.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The first benchmark: aeshvarya

Beyond these initial stages and as one becomes more established in spiritual life, there are numerous other benchmarks that lay ahead. These benchmarks also delineate one’s forward movement on the path of progress.

One such benchmark is aeshvarya which is comprised of the following 8 factors:

• 1. Ańimá
  
• 2. Mahimá
  
• 3. Laghimá
  
• 4. Iishitva
  
• 5. Vashitva
  
• 6. Prápti
  
• 7. Prakámya
  
• 8. Antaryámitva
  

They are called occult powers because through the practice of cult – i.e. sadhana – any ordinary person can gain these powers. Once the rank of aeshvarya is attained, one is known as iishvara.

So by doing sadhana – practicing the cult of tantra – a regular, ordinary person can become extraordinary and possess the 8 occult powers. Over the course of human history, many persons have risen to this rank. And indeed many sadhakas gain these powers unknowingly – without realising it.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Aeshvarya is one distinct level of achievement that anyone can attain if they are sincere. At this point one is known as iishvara because they possess aeshvarya, i.e. the 8 occult powers: ańimá, mahimá, laghimá, iishitva, vashitva, prápti, prakámya, and antaryámitva.

Everybody knows that iishvara, bhagavan, and Parama Purusa are not the same. Of these three, the lowest is iishvara. The next letter will address the stage of bhagavan.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Anandaraj

Parama Purusa is the Goal - not aeshvarya

Every sadhaka of the Marga knows that Parama Purusa is the Goal, and that siddhis (occult powers) are like the dust on the path.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, "While practising spiritual cult, it should be remembered that spiritual aspirants must not practise in order to acquire these occult powers. The goal of spiritual practice is to realize the Supreme Entity. To search for any other thing is wrong. Occult powers are just like the dust on the roadside. The attraction for Parama Puruśa is the most valuable object – all else is only the dust of the earth." (1)


Leave occult powers by wayside

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Hence the spiritual aspirant must not run after these inconsequential occult powers, although while prasticing spiritual cult they may develop. You must not forget that all your achievements must maintain adjustment with the main propensities of the mind, and in the process of adjustment, all these eight types of occult powers present themselves to the spiritual aspirant.” (2)


Parama Purusa is more than Iishvara

Ananda Marga ideology states, “All the qualities that are present in Saguńa Brahma or Iishvara (Qualified Consciousness) are of course also present in Parama Puruśa, with some other qualities as well. So we see that Parama Puruśa is both Iishvara and Bhagaván, and something more than that.” (3)

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity
3. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Pull me closer

“Ke go tumi ei abeláy, ele cale ámár ghare…” (Prabhat Samgiita #1844)

Purport:

O’ Divine Entity, is that You who has come to my home in this untimely manner? Without any prior hint or warning, You came and then went away with the flow of love.

I know that You know maya', divine magic. I also accept that You play Your grand liila'. I am aware and accept that You make Your cosmic play and perform Your mystical magic. Does this resonate in Your sweet sound?

Baba, You know how to make me laugh and cry; You know how to pull me closer with Your love. You have created Yourself as a collection of contrast.

O’ Parama Purusa, are You the one who has come without announcing Yourself?...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Gregarious beings

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Some animals are gregarious and others are not. The tiger is not a gregarious animal – it prefers to move alone. Goats are not gregarious, but sheep, elephants and lambs are. Human beings are social beings. They do not like to remain in isolation." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You know that humans are gregarious beings. There are some living beings who live in groups or clans, and some who live in isolation. In very olden days, human beings lived in clans" (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “You are social beings. One cannot live in isolation. When you feel thirsty, you can’t manufacture a spade, dig a well, and draw water yourself. One person will make a spade, another will add the wooden handle, and another will dig the well — this is how we work collectively. This is the way for human beings to live. In all spheres of human existence, in the aesthetic sphere as well, humanity should live collectively. You should live in unison. You should vibrate together to the same music. You should move in a common psychic flow. You should fight collectively against your common enemies. Unitedly you should face all problems, mundane and supra-mundane. In a word, you must reflect the spirit of harmonious collective living in conformity with the spirit of the Vedic mantra Sam’gacchadhvam’ sam’vadadhvam.” (3)

Note: This is Baba’s special guideline which is lacking these days in the society. All should understand they do not exist alone, by themselves, in isolation. With collective spirit, all have to work together. By that way, many works can be done for the great cause, by His grace.

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Plants, Animals and Human Beings
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Disc 8
3. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 26

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Long long punishment for lusting after money

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "There are seven kinds of luminous bodies: yakśa, siddha, gandharva, kinnara, vidyádhara, Prakrtiliina and videhaliina. They are categorized according to their respective psychologies. Suppose there is a very elevated person who often ideates on the Supreme Consciousness, but who has some greed for wealth. He does not, however, express it openly to the Supreme, nor does he even think of it directly. He thinks indirectly, "Oh, since I am a devotee of the Supreme Consciousness, He will certainly give me enormous wealth and make me immensely rich." Those who harbour this sort of covert desire are reborn as yaks'as." (1)

Note: Yaksas are one type of degraded being - i.e. those unfortunate ones who cannot get human framework because they are under punishment. Only after their extreme punishment, only after exhausting so many negative samskaras, only then may they again get human life. Once they attain human form they will need to get tantric initiation, adhere to the code of yama and niyama and do maximum sadhana. Then after much effort, only by His grace they may get moksa. So theirs is a long and arduous journey as they must suffer for millions of years. That is why meditating on money is very bad.

Some sadhaka businessmen and money-minded sadhakas who are indulged day and night in money matters will suffer in this way. They will be degenerated into yaksas. After facing punishment for millions of years, then who knows on which planet they may get the opportunity to live human life and do proper work and service. But if they again indulge in money matters, they will become yaksas (degraded beings) and this cycle will be repeated. They will spin round and round in this torturous pattern.

That is why Baba is warning that when one has a human body then the goal must be Parama Purusa - not money.

in Him,
Parvati

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Are Ghosts Hallucinations?

Section: Important Teaching ==

Why Buddha & Mahaviira Jain failed

Prout philosophy states, “"Mahaviira's philosophy of nirgrantha vada never gained mass support. Secondly, he placed too much emphasis on forgiveness and mercy. He taught people to forgive their worst enemies, even if they were as deadly as scorpions and snakes. As a result of this teaching, people lost the will to fight against the enemies of society. So, although the teachings of Buddha and Mahaviira Jain were not based on dogma and did not deliberately mislead people, they failed in the course of time because they were not sufficiently comprehensive and well-balanced." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell, Part 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Recipe to never be sad

   Ananda Marga ideology states, "During the enactment of a drama, all the characters, the dramatis personae (some are acting as great scholars, some fools, some as extremely happy and some as wretched beings) should bear in mind that they are simply playing the roles allotted to them. They should always think, “In reality, I am neither very happy nor very miserable, I am not an erudite scholar nor a fool. I am merely acting a particular role-be it Emperor Shahjáhán or Aurangzeb.” If people remember this, they will neither be afflicted with sorrow nor elated with joy. This is what is called cosmic inheritance, cosmic heritage."
   "All have come from one and the same Entity; no one is inferior, no one is small, mean or untouchable. No one is born high or low: all are bound by fraternal and sororal bonds." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Supramundane Heritage and Supramundane Desideratum

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Misuse of omnkara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/04/wild-dogma-of-onmkara.html

AM teachings: for the present moment

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/am-present-future-generations.html

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/lower-vrtti-control-2-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/baba-story-lottery-5-more.html

Key point about “bright side” + 5 more

Baba

Key point about “bright side”

Namaskar,

In His elaboration of "See the bright side", Baba has explained that everything in this universe is a mix of the three gun'as: sentient (sa'ttvika), mutative (ra'jasik), and static (ta'masik). Everyone and everything contains at least some amount of both sentient qualities, along with mutative and static qualities. If sattvagun'a is more dominant, we call that person or thing "good"; and, if tamahgun'a is more dominant, we call that person or thing "bad".
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Take the case of sentient food like rice, bananas, or spinach. That food is dominated by the sattvika quality, but it is not 100% sentient. All sentient foods have lesser quantities of mutative (rajasik) and static (tamasik) qualities. And when the static property dominates it means those sentient foods have become wilted, slimy, or rotten etc. In a similar manner, every inherently tamasik food item has some small degree of sentient aspects.

When one wishes to study painting and realizes that the top painting teacher is an opioid user then one has to overlook that drug habit of that teacher and embrace their unparalleled quality as a painting teacher. That is what is meant by, “See the bright side.” And, by this way, one will be able to learn a lot about painting from that teacher.

The great benefit is that ignoring the bad qualities and focusing on the good qualities allows us to learn easily.

Conclusion

Sadguru Baba has given us this great teaching, "See the bright side." If one wishes to learn something from anyone then one should overlook their bad qualities and try to find some good even in bad people. That is how to utilise, “See the bright side” formula. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

At the same time there are occasions when “See the bright side” should not be applied, such as when you want to bring someone on the right path or make that person better. Then don’t use, “See the bright side”, rather point out their flaws and sins, and force them to change.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Mahesh

Where to use “see the bright side” & where not

Above an example was given where “See the bright side” enabled a person to learn. But there are many instances where “See the bright side” should not be used. Those who are naive think it should be used everywhere. And they invite misery.

Here is one tiny example. Take the case of an intruder who forcibly entered Tom’s house using military weapons. Seeing this, Tom was mesmerized by their shiny weapons. When reporting this incident to the police Tom showered effusive praise upon those the intruder for having ultra-modern weapons etc and forgot to tell what they stole. Everyone immediately understood that Tom is so foolish. The intruder took away all Tom’s money and still he is praising their weapons, talent, and ammunition.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So bear in mind that “See the bright side” is not used everywhere. The teaching, "See the bright side", should only be used when you have to learn from that person; and, it should not be used in other circumstances. But naive people do the opposite.

*        *        *

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: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Build a new world

“Mánavatár ketan sammukhe dhari, egiye calechi tava pathe…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0878)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, raising the flag of neohumanism at the forefront, on this beautiful morning with the golden sunrays, holding the weapons of satya and cardinal justice, I march forward on Your path.

Baba, the refulgent lamp of hope glows in my consciousness. With Your grace, I shall build a new world based on the principles of neo-humanism. The wealth of Your krpa and karuna is with me, so I shall not fear any obstacles.

Parama Purusa, Baba I must confess that some delay has happened in establishing the era of neo-humanism. Still humanity is suffering. I have wasted time in lethargy and worthless actions. Today, holding a wee-bit of Your grace on my head, I advance onwards on Your path without looking back. My eyes are fixed on that lofty goal of building a new world based on neo-humanism…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Boundless knowledge

  Ananda Marga philosophy states, “On the practical level, what happens is that the unconscious mind is all-pervading, integral and immeasurably vast. Through spiritual practices the riches of the unconscious mind are brought down into the subconscious mind. The spiritual aspirant then understands everything; he discovers the secret signs of knowledge. Then, according to his or her needs, he or she is able to bring this acquired wealth of the subconscious mind into the conscious mind and use it in the external world.”
   “How much can book knowledge help a person! It goes in one ear and out the other. If, by means of sádhaná [spiritual practices], a person can bring into the subconscious mind the boundless knowledge that resides in the unconscious mind, then that becomes transformed into lasting riches which then are, or can be, employed extensively for the welfare of humanity.” (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Indukamala to Iyatta (Discourse 7)

== Section 4: Important Teaching ==

Hidden repository

Ananda Marga ideology states, “The remedies for illnesses or answers to questions that a person receives at the shrine of different gods and goddesses is not due to the greatness of those gods and goddesses. As a result of sincere longing a state of one-pointedness arises in the mind and if, at that time, that person falls into deep sleep because of physical tiredness then the answers to his or her questions may descend from the unconscious mind into the subconscious mind. There the person receives the answers to his or her questions about illness or other questions according to his or her mental conceptions and beliefs. The person thinks that he or she has perhaps received these answers due to the grace of such-and-such god or goddess. Actually, thanks to the grace of the Supreme Consciousness, his or her unconscious mind is the hidden repository of infinite knowledge. Due to one-pointedness, the person has been able to temporarily submerge part of his mind within the boundaries of that profound knowledge.” (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Indukamala to Iyatta (Discourse 7))

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Really, unite the various religions?

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Some intellectuals are in favour of respecting all religions. I say that such people cannot do anything to promote the solidarity of the human race, for most religions demand blind faith rather than rationality from their followers. “Don’t argue,” they proclaim. “Accept the teachings of the scriptures for they are the direct word of God.” The cunning intellectuals of the past imposed the importance of blind faith on the minds of their gullible followers. They told them to obey the teachings, rational or irrational, otherwise there would be no respite from the endless suffering of human life, no other path to take them to the eternal bliss of heaven.” (1)

Note: These days it is looked upon as great to respect all the religions. Especially when a tragic event occurs, the government organises various multi-faith prayer gatherings and rituals etc in an attempt to cultivate social harmony. But, as per Baba’s above teaching, that is the wrong approach. Indeed, these multi-faith types of gatherings featuring all the religions bring a fleeting tinge of good-feeling that is as temporary as a bubble of water. It will burst in a second. And then their internecine feuds and acts of exploitation rage on. 

The root cause is that those who strictly follow a religious doctrine do not use logic and reasoning, and they do not develop genuine love for humanity. Rather, they misguide their followers into believing that their outlandish belief and faith is the greatest, i.e. they alone have the real God, and all others are fake, just lowly heathens. So their approach is wholly defective. 

Then what is the way to proceed? The only way to unite all the peoples is to guide them that they must use their brain and become true human beings. Animals and religious followers do not use their rational intellect, only true humans do. So one should not follow any illogical precepts, regardless of the religion. If people understand and adhere to this fundamental code, the religions will fade away. People will realise this truth that humans evolved from chimps. And chimps have no race caste, colour, or difference; they are all one. With this understanding, there will not be anymore massacres on the basis of caste or race. The problem of human infighting will be solved. Unifying all the religions is a mirage. Religion will only bring disharmony in society. So the well-wishers of humanity should be keen to discard religion. As a dharmika, don’t try to unite the various religions.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, Form and Formless

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Capitalists are diseased & Prout’s cure

Prout philosophy states, “The aspiration to become rich by exploiting others is always a kind of psychic ailment. Capitalists argue, “We amass wealth through our intellect and labour. Let others also amass wealth in the same way if they have the intellect or capacity to work. Who will stop them?” They do not want to accept that the number of consumable commodities in the world is limited, but all need their basic necessities. If one person is rolling in wealth this will generally mean that others will be deprived of even their minimum requirements. The failure to recognize the needs of others is itself a disease. But the victims of this ailment are also our brothers and sisters, members of the same human family. Either through human appeals or circumstantial pressure, these people must be cured of their psychic ailment. In order to do this we will have to channelize their obsession with material wealth in a mental and spiritual direction. At the same time as people’s physical hunger and thirst are being satisfied, everyone should be freely taught scientific processes to fulfil their psych[o-spiritual] longings.” (1)

Note: Here above Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar is pointing out the psychic defect of capitalists. They amass a huge amount of material wealth by exploiting others and justify their haul by inviting everyone else to do the same. Yet, the materials object of this world are finite. So their justification has no merit. It is not possible for each and every person to accumulate a huge amount of wealth, i.e. far more than they need. Ultimately these capitalists exploiters have to be cured of their mental disease. The solution is to divert the minds away from material wealth and towards the psycho and spiritual realms.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, The Responsibility of Society

== Section 5: Links ==

Postings to Read

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Misuse of omnkara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/04/wild-dogma-of-onmkara.html

AM teachings: for the present moment

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/am-present-future-generations.html

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/lower-vrtti-control-2-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/baba-story-lottery-5-more.html