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Friday, July 24, 2026

Shraddhá & success + Four types: happiness & suffering

Baba
Shraddhá & success

Namaskar,

Baba explains that if a father forces his son to become an engineer when the son’s real desire is to become a doctor, then Baba guides us that the son will not become a good engineer because that son does not have any regard for engineering.

Here the key point is that one must have a deep feeling for and give high importance to any particular endeavour in order to achieve true success in that arena. For instance, if a young girl wants to learn to play the flute, but her parents insist she learn the violin, then she will not become a great violinist because she does not hold that faculty in high regard. Likewise, if someone chooses or their mother forces them to become a lawyer in order to make a lot of money, yet they do not hold that faculty in high regard, they will never become a great lawyer. Because they do not have a high regard for that faculty. And verily, this type of scene plays out in so many spheres of life; there are numerous examples.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Examples in AM

This point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard) is an essential factor in our AM way of life. Specifically, in order to achieve success in sadhana, one must have full faith in the process, efficacy, and system of meditation. They must think that AM sadhana is perfect and will lead one to salvation. Without that inner feeling, success in sadhana will remain a distant dream. If anyone thinks that Buddhist meditation or the sadhana of Patanjali is better than AM sadhana, their entire practice of AM sadhana will be utterly useless. It will not be fruitful at all. Unfortunately, not everyone in AMPS has cultivated the requisite confidence; rather, some harbour innumerable doubts and insecurities, and that is why they remain spiritually dry their whole life. Here are a few case studies.

(A) There is one margii I know who was initiated nearly 50 years ago, but because he just thought that sadhana was a form of mental exercise or some type of psychic puzzle, he could not delve deeper into the practice. He actually could not believe that sadhana was a veritable pathway to come in contact with the Supreme Entity. Instead, he just felt it was a form of self-hypnosis or mental imagining. Thus, when he sat for sadhana, he did not experience any subtle vibration or spiritual pull. So his depleted practices only further cemented the feeling in his mind that sadhana was just some type of mundane hobby. Decades of his life have passed in this spiritual desert because he had a serious deficit on this point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).

(B) There is a Wt who feels that both AM sadhana and Baba are out of reach. So instead he likes to engage in all kinds of external, pseudo-culture pursuits and visits dogmatic Hindu and fake yoga ashrams. Sadly, for him, AM spiritual practices are like an anathema, and that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when he sits down for sadhana and nothing happens. That is why he fills his life with all kinds of silly activities - primarily because he is terribly lacking in this point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(C) Yet another Wt used to talk big about sadhana, but in reality his approach to sadhana was staring at an earthen lamp and watching the flame. He gave up on AM sadhana years earlier. The main cause was his own disenchantment and disbelief that sadhana really worked. Alas, he too could never progress and gain success in his dharma sadhana. And the root cause was that he was not up to the mark on the point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).

Conclusion

According to AM teachings, shraddhá is an essential component for getting success in any sphere of life. When one has great faith and deep regard for whatever one is pursuing, then they will quickly make tremendous strides and gain success. Without that inner belief and determination for a given pursuit, any real success will always remain elusive, completely out of reach. And this is true in all spheres of life.

In Him,
Jyotishvara

The keys to success in all spheres of life are embedded in Sadguru Baba’s unique guidelines of the “Seven Secrets of Success.” Here we have focused on point #2 and how it relates to both worldly life and one’s endeavour in the spiritual realm.

Needs high regard

In one of His discourses, Baba describes this point of shraddha /  high regard, in a very understandable and practical manner. Baba explains that if a father forces his son to become an engineer when the son’s real desire is to become a doctor, then Baba guides us that the son will not become a good engineer because that son does not have any regard for engineering. And by this way it becomes very evident what is meant by the second secret of success, i.e. shraddha (i.e. high regard).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Dvitiiyaḿ shraddhayá yuktam. A man must have shraddhá for his ideology. What is shraddhá? Shraddhá is a very old Vedic term. Shrat” means “recognized status of veracity”, and “dha” means “movement towards it”. That is, when the ideological goal has been accepted, all my might, all my propensities, should move unto that goal. This is shraddhá.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Dvitiiyaḿ shraddhayá yuktam. The second requisite factor of success is shraddhayá yuktam. One must have shraddhá for one’s desideratum. What is shraddhá? Shraddhá is a Sanskrit word having no corresponding word in any other developed language of the world. That is why I will have to explain this word. Shraddhá comes from shrat, meaning satyam, and dhá from the root verb dha. When one ascribes everything to one’s goal, or one’s object, or to the Supreme Subjectivity appearing as one’s object, and moves, or rather directs one’s everything towards Him, then that movement is shraddhá. First ascribing that supreme veracity to the object (actually it is the Supreme Subjectivity taken as an object) and then directing one’s everything towards Him, is that mental movement which is called shraddhá.” (2)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Shiva's Seven Secrets
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Seven Secrets of Success


*        *        *

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 ==

Live peacefully

“Ulká ashani bahiche vahni, saphańa kálo sarpa…” (Prabhat Samgiita #4599)

Purport:

O’ human beings, nowadays, the demons are destroying all of humanity. Meteors and lightning are striking from the sky and fire abounds in all directions. The anti-social elements are like hooded serpents and biting the common people. At present, society is in despair as human civilisation is at its nadir point. Everything is bleak. O’ moralists of the earth unite, let’s awaken our universal human family, destroy the devilish dealings, and annihilate all the demonic forces. 

O’ human beings, God has graciously bestowed the vast sky, air, and this entire cosmological system upon us all. It is not any individual's private property; the owner is Parama Purusa. The star-studded sky, the expansive land formations of this planet, the rich, grand savanna, verily all of the natural wealth of the world is for all. Parama Purusa has created these resources for everyone’s all-round progress. O’ human beings, let us come and cooperatively share and enjoy this wonderful abundance; we are proud and respectful of all and belong to one singular universal family. 

O’ human beings, the resources Parama Purusa has provided on this planet are more than sufficient to sustain all living beings. But due to the misguided, greedy hoarding of material wealth, there has been so much bloodshed and loss of life. This destruction was going on in the past and is unfolding at present also. It is a terrible loss for us all, and has led to untold suffering. Today, in the eastern horizon, the joyous new dawn has come. With that refulgence we will satiate our heart and mind. What humans could not accomplish in the past we will achieve today, by His grace. We will form one human society, live peacefully, and realise our spiritual Goal - Parama Purusa…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Four types: happiness & suffering

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga ideology says, “You know there are different divisions in propensities." (1)



Above, a cigar ash competition is going on. For more on this, please see note 1.                                                                                         

Humans beings have so many propensities (i.e. mental occupations)—up to 1000 vrttis. And these can be broadly divided into four categories.


Suffering in beginning and in end

#1 Kliśt́á vrtti (beginning suffering, end suffering): Those who choose to move on the path of kliśt́á vrtti engage in endeavours which are uncomfortable and painful from the very beginning up to the very end, and the end result is also bad.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “The propensities that become the cause of pain in the beginning and also in the end are called Kliśt́á. Suppose, for instance, someone is travelling without a ticket. There is a heavy rush in the train. Naturally he will have to undergo suffering and inconvenience. If the checking staff come, another misery befalls. So here the pain is in the beginning and also in the end. This action of his is Kliśt́á-vrtti.” (1)

Some squish themselves and battle the crowds to visit a holy land and then get trampled to death in a stampede. Likewise, suppose a thief was undergoing hardship walking in a hailstorm and then got arrested by the police. In both of these instances the beginning and end is bad—problematic. So these are related with kliśt́á vrtti.


Happy in beginning but suffering in end

#2 Akliśt́á Kliśt́á vrtti (beginning pleasure, end suffering): Those who choose to move on the path of akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti, engage in actions which start out as pleasant and joyful, but yield very bad results. There are many activities and works that fall in this category.

For example, if one is eating rasagolla (sweets) in their house but then later on they suffer from constipation, gas, and bloating. That act started out as enjoyable but concluded as something painful. Also smoking and drinking etc come in this category. So these are related with akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti.

Same is the case with those who enjoy dancing and partying all night, and then have to suffer the ill effects of fatigue and nausea the next day. So these are related with akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti.


Suffering in beginning but happy in end

#3 Kliśt́á Akliśt́á vrtti (beginning suffering, end pleasure): Those who choose to move on the path of kliśt́á akliśt́á vrtti, engage in actions which start out as uncomfortable or painful, but yield very positive and beneficial results.

For instance, eating bitter foods like neem leaves may not be a pleasant experience but the overall effect is very good as the blood, gums, liver, and kidneys are greatly benefited. Similarly, studying hard for an examination is not easy and may likely involve discomfort and even suffering. But in the end, getting success in the exam is a very positive outcome. So these are related with kliśt́á akliśt́á vrtti.


Happy in beginning & bliss in end

#4 Akliśt́á vrtti (beginning pleasure, end pleasure): Those who choose to move on the path of akliśt́á vrtti engage in actions which are blissful right from the start, and yield blissful results. Which endeavour is like that? Sadhana or intuitional practice. Sadhana with bhakti is very soothing and filled with anandam. It starts blissfully, continues blissfully, and concludes blissfully; and the final outcome is also blissful. So these are related with akliśt́á vrtti.

Most often, human beings involve in such types of works and hobbies which fall in the first three groups. And due to this they suffer a lot of pain in their life.  But those who are fortunate utilize their human potentiality to pursue dharmic engagements that fall in this fourth category. They learn sadhana, practice it, and see everything as Brahma. By that way, they always do good things and make their lives happy through spiritual practice. If worldly works are done while ensconced in brahmacarya, then that makes even worldly works blissful. But the main thing is to keep a sadhana oriented life—that is the best utilization.


Conclusion

For Parama Purusa everything is blissful beginning to end. Humans have all four of these types of vrttis or mental occupations. But Parama Purusa only has one. For Him everything is blissful from beginning to end. If one does sadhana, that comes in the category of aklista vrtti because the beginning, middle and end—everything is blissful. By doing sadhana life becomes full of anandam.

In Him,
Dharmadeva


Note 1: About the above photo

The person in the above photo falls in the first category—kliśt́á.  That man chose to involve in a cigar smoking competition. A contestant participates in the longest ash competition during the annual cigar festival in Havana, so he is forced to inhale a lot of smoke. Due to the pressure of this competition, contestants push the limits. This man is uncomfortable smoking that cigar, but he is doing it in hopes of getting victory. The goal is to generate the longest ash in the shortest time, without letting the ash break and fall down. But the end result of such a competition is lung cancer. So that activity is problematic from beginning to end. This is the worst category. So many human engagements fall in this category, unfortunately.

Those who misuse their bodies in the actions of categories 1-3, they directly degenerate to animal life after their demise. No one should misuse their body by work which is illustrated in these first three categories.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Salvation and Devotion


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Simple health solution

Sadguru Baba says, "To maintain the internal functions of the body without hindrance and to maintain the internal liquid balance, everyone should drink a sufficient quantity of water every day. A healthy person can consume three or four seers of water a day, a sick person four or five seers, and a person suffering from skin disease, five or six seers. These amounts of water help cure disease to a great extent." (1)

Note: One seer is very close to one liter.

Reference
1. Yogic Treatments, Appendix, A. Water Drinking


== Section 3: Links ==

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Thursday, July 23, 2026

When science skews society + 2 more

Baba
When science skews society

Note: In AM, we view the human race as one and indivisible. In some instances in this letter, the term “race” is used in the plural form to accommodate the current social milieu and common understanding. When in fact they are really so-called races as we do not subscribe to the notion that there are multiple races within our singular humanity. 

Namaskar,

Many have deep faith that modern science, not religion, is based on the search for truth and that it is modern science which is the greatest tool of humanity. Science is often regarded as the god of modern day society, and that it is science which will solve all of our global problems.

However, science does not exist in a vacuum: the guiding force behind it is the human mind. And so long as a capitalist mentality, or racist mentality, or naive mind is pushing science forward, there are bound to be loopholes in scientific knowledge. So the way science is used today is far from this ideal. And one of the main problems is that in numerous cases science is manipulated to promote so-called in-born racial differences.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Of course, as Ananda Margiis, we deeply respect the value of science. Baba guides us to advocate for more and more scientific research. So in our AM society, science is also highly honored—under one condition: so long as it is guided by the rational and benevolent intellect.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Science is also for service and blessedness. Science should always be utilized for the proper progress of human society." (1)


Cause of your skin color

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The greater the heat of the sun, the greater the amount of ultraviolet rays in the sunlight. A study of geography tells us why there are differences in the degree of heat of the sun’s rays. Where the sun’s rays fall on earth obliquely, there is less heat of the sun, and where the sun’s rays fall straight on the earth, the heat is greater. In very hot countries white-skinned people find it very hard to live, because their skin, having less of the chemical substance called melanin, is unable to stand much heat. Body skin with a great quantity of melanin in it turns jet black, and obviously a lesser quantity of melanin makes one’s skin white. If ever white people are forced for some reason to live long in a hot climate, their colour turns brown. In 1939-40, when British soldiers came to India for war purposes, their colour became brown due to the great heat. Naturally, as the skin of these soldiers had to adjust with the hot climate of India, there were some necessary changes in their skin to effect acclimatisation." (2)

A tool to promote racial exploitation

Unfortunately, often the way science is used today does not meet Baba's ideal. Much of science is used by war mongers for crude weaponry and many scientific findings are put forward which promote racial differences.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

There are innumerable studies released by scientists which give findings based on race alone such as: blacks do not live as long; blacks have higher cholesterol; blacks are less intelligent based on the shape of their head; Hispanics have more difficulty learning; lung diseases disproportionately affect minorities; whites have a higher IQ than blacks; etc.

Especially in the western world where "scientific studies" are used to measure each and every aspect of life, the idea often creeps in - in subtle and not so subtle ways - that there are inborn differences between the various races. That some races have a greater proclivity for certain endeavours. But such findings only promote racial divisiveness, impose an inferiority complex on a particular race, and give the idea that 'God' created one race better than another.

A few decades back, such types of blind studies were the absolute norm. They were trying to scientifically prove so-called racial superiority, especially of whites over blacks. Yet even today—in this modern 21st century—there are studies which point in this direction: As if there is an inborn qualitative difference between one race and another.


Socio-economic factors ignored

So even in today's modern era, studies might show that 'blacks have a 75% greater chance of being arrested and put in jail'. And all too often the how's and the why's are overlooked, or just given minor review.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Because, in this era of capitalism, where the caucasian European races have distinct control, so many factors, from schooling to economic gain to social standing, play a distinct role in differences of human development. Those races that have less economic might, or less opportunity to attend university etc will surely be more prone to stealing and other crimes—not because of race, but due to social and economic factors.

So although science has shown some signs of breaking out of this slump—as compared with decades ago—still it is lagging far behind. And performing studies solely on the basis of race is bound to create more and more division. Saying that blacks are more prone toward teenage pregnancy and making it into a racial issue as a headline is as ridiculous as saying that white overseas Margiis have a longer lifespan than Margiis of Nairobi sector or that Indian born Margiis have a greater rate of becoming acaryas etc.

Here the whole point is that making conclusive statements based on race is the blindness of modern science. Social and economic and cultural conditions should only be taken into account, not so-called race. However, still today the differences found in socio-economic conditions are talked about in the small print, and the headlines of countless studies point towards inborn racial differences. Of course, in our AM way of life, we give no credence to such findings.


All races have equal merits & demerits

In all these following quotations, Baba clearly advances the notion that the existential value of all human beings is the same. And surely all in AM hold this ideal in our heart. Yet this remains one point of serious division in the general society. And until modern science wholly adopts this idea, racist theories on the point of health, wealth, intelligence, longevity etc will continue to pollute scientific findings, to some or more degree.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here then are the neo-humanistic ideals that must enter into the thinking and vision of today's scientists—then and only then can we consider that science has entered the modern age. Till then it will still be hounded by racial and social blindness.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Let us consider the case of race. Many people identify themselves with a particular race. If we look deeply into the subject we come to the conclusion that the human race is one. Some people have black skin, some people have yellow skin, and some people have white skin. Does it make any difference to the inner human being? No, none whatsoever." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In our Ananda Marga the first step that a person takes is to forget their race or sect and to no longer identify with their race, caste, or sect. … Racial prejudices are very predominant...In our Ma'rga there are no such considerations: these petty differences among human beings are not given any importance.” (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Tantra does not recognize any racial, [or] genealogical...differences among human beings." (5)

By all His above teachings, Baba clearly guides us that there are no differences between human and human—all are one.

So until scientists—and those capitalists funding scientists—stop looking for trends in racial qualities and instead look entirely at social and economic factors, modern science will continue to suffer from a certain degree of blindness—thereby promoting divisiveness in today's global society.


The solution lies in lifestyle—not race

The reason why there is a tendency for the US black population to be prone towards hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, obesity, and other related illnesses has nothing to do with their race / colour etc, and everything to do with their lifestyle and living conditions. Due to a lack of education, lower economic standing, unemployment, lack of access to medical care, and other socio-economic factors, a greater percentage of black Americans tended towards eating junk food, using alcohol / drugs, and living a stressful, unhealthy existence etc. And this led to their decline in health. Indeed, if those factors improved then their overall condition would radically improve.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So race was and is not the cause. Those who blame race only wish to perpetuate the problem and extend the ongoing exploitation of the black American community. Such researchers are shirking their responsibility. Just as caste should not be mentioned as a cause, so too race should not be mentioned. All are human and when one’s lifestyle choices are positively enhanced, their state of health undergoes marked improvement. So there is no question of blaming any particular so-called racial community in this overall equation. If common, uneducated people resort to stereotyping that can be passed off as ignorance, and if high-level, powerful academics resort to stereotyping in the name of research that is an inexcusable and shocking breach of their responsibility.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sundar
(Sam Owens)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Although according to perfect logic the culture of all humanity is one and indivisible, the exponents of isms do not understand this. They prefer to assert that the different sets of script and language, behaviour and habit, and local variations in expression, are actually the constituents of human culture.” (6)

Why some have jet black skin

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The greater the heat of the sun, the greater the amount of ultraviolet rays in the sunlight. A study of geography tells us why there are differences in the degree of heat of the sun’s rays. Where the sun’s rays fall on earth obliquely, there is less heat of the sun, and where the sun’s rays fall straight on the earth, the heat is greater. In very hot countries white-skinned people find it very hard to live, because their skin, having less of the chemical substance called melanin, is unable to stand much heat. Body skin with a great quantity of melanin in it turns jet black, and obviously a lesser quantity of melanin makes one’s skin white. If ever white people are forced for some reason to live long in a hot climate, their colour turns brown. In 1939-40, when British soldiers came to India for war purposes, their colour became brown due to the great heat. Naturally, as the skin of these soldiers had to adjust with the hot climate of India, there were some necessary changes in their skin to effect acclimatisation." (7)

Because of their inferiority complex, many around the globe want to whiten their skin. They do not know that one's skin colour is for the wellbeing and safety of their body. God has specially designed and protected them in this way. In hot climate areas, melanin is a natural chemical in the skin that makes the skin dark. And that dark skin tone protects them. But due to their imposed inferiority complex, some people want to become white. They do not know that they are destroying themselves and may die a premature death due to skin cancer. Because dark skin is good for health in those hot regions. The solution is that those with dark skin suffering from an imposed inferiority complex should understand that dark skin has specific benefits. Even in colder areas, it gets warm for a few months each year, so in that case also those with dark skin get direct medical benefits—e.g. protected from getting skin cancer etc. This is especially the case when involved in outdoor activities. While white-skinned people do not get those benefits. So dark skin is a plus.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Note: About skin cancer if anyone lives in hot countries then their skin becomes darker and they develop an immunity towards skin cancer. So this also is not a factor of race. For black Americans, their blood, heart, and lungs are no different from anyone else’s. And their skin colour is different due to climatic conditions. But if anyone moves to a warm climate then slowly their body will adapt—over generations—to living in that region and develop a resistance to skin cancer etc.

Dangerous pseudo scientists

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

Charles White (1728–1813), an English physician and surgeon, believed that races occupied different stations in the "Great Chain of Being", and he tried to scientifically prove that human races have distinct origins from each other. He believed that whites and Negroes were two different species. White was a believer in polygeny, the idea that different races had been created separately. His Account of the Regular Gradation in Man (1799) provided an empirical basis for this idea. [courtesy of Wikipedia]
 
Christoph Meiners (1747–1810) was a German polygenist and believed that each race had a separate origin. Meiner studied the physical, mental and moral characteristics of each race, and built a race hierarchy based on his findings. Meiners split mankind into two divisions, which he labelled the "beautiful white race" and the "ugly black race". In Meiners' book The Outline of History of Mankind, he said that a main characteristic of race is either beauty or ugliness. He thought only the white race to be beautiful. He considered ugly races to be inferior, immoral and animal-like. He said that the dark, ugly peoples were distinct from the white, beautiful peoples by their "sad" lack of virtue and their "terrible vices".
 
Meiners said the Negro felt less pain than any other race and lacked in emotions. Meiners wrote that the Negro had thick nerves and thus was not sensitive like the other races. He went as far as to say that the Negro has "no human, barely any animal, feeling". He described a story where a Negro was condemned to death by being burned alive. Halfway through the burning, the Negro asked to smoke a pipe and smoked it like nothing was happening while he continued to be burned alive. Meiners studied the anatomy of the Negro and came to the conclusion that the Negro have bigger teeth and jaws than any other race, as Negroes are all carnivores. Meiners claimed the skull of the Negro was larger but the brain of the Negro was smaller than any other race. Meiners claimed the Negro was the most unhealthy race on Earth because of its poor diet, mode of living and lack of morals.
 
In Meiners' large work entitled Researches on the Variations in Human Nature (1815), he studied also the sexology of each race. He claimed that the African Negroids have unduly strong and perverted sex drives, whilst only the white Europeans have it just right. [courtesy of Wikipedia]


So-called superior Aryan race

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Members of a particular race who consider themselves [so-called] superior to others also very frequently inflict injustices on other sections of society. The expulsion (see note *) of the Jews from Germany by Hitler’s so-called superior Aryan race is a glaring example of racial injustice in society. In this country, also, injustices on Harijans by the so-called superior races have caused a tremendous amount of disruption in society. To obviate this type of social injustice, the first attempt should be to do away with racial distinctions in society. In Ananda Marga the first step that one takes is to forget one’s race or sect – to no longer identify oneself with one’s race, caste or sect.” (8)

(*) “Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.” (Wikipedia)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Renaissance in All the Strata of Life
2. A Few Problems Solved —2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 1
3. A Few Problems Solved - 3, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 3
4. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 3, Social Psychology
5. Discourses on Tantra - 2, Tantra and Its Effect on Society
6. Prout in a Nutshell - 4, Ism and Human Progress
7. A Few Problems Solved —2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 1
8. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 3, Social Psychology


*        *        *

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

*        *        *


== Section: Important Teaching ==

The basics for sadhaka life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every object of the world is dominated by one of the three principles – sentient, mutative, and static. Food is no exception, and according to its intrinsic nature, is divided into the same three categories."

"Sentient food: Food which produces sentient cells and is thus conducive to physical and mental well-being is sentient. Examples of sentient food are rice, wheat, barley, all kinds of pulses, fruit, milk and milk products."

"Mutative food: Food which is good for the body and may or may not be good for the mind, but certainly not harmful for the mind, is mutative."

"Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static." (1)

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development


== Section 3: Links ==


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Mindless repetition, not sadhana + 4 more

Baba

Mindless repetition, not sadhana

Namaskar,

When a sadhakha does sadhana and repeats their mantra, then it may happen that the mind goes somewhere else. As soon as the sadhaka realises that their mind has run far away, they bring it back and again start repeating their mantra. Then again, the mind might drift off elsewhere. In this way, the mind runs away - again and again - and time passes. This is a very bad situation, yet not uncommon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Parrot repeats words meaninglessly

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "A parrot says so many things, without understanding the meaning, without understanding the spirit of what is meant. Japa kriyá becomes as meaningless as the talk of a parrot for those who do it without love or emotion. It even loses the value of internal suggestion, intro-psychic suggestion...Where the Supreme Cognition is not loved, where the Supreme Cognition has not been accepted as the only object of adoration, withdrawing one's propensities becomes meaningless, because they are not guided unto Him." (1)

The crucial point is to cultivate love for Parama Purusa. Then the bhakta's mind naturally runs in that direction - i.e. towards Him - and one's mantra japa flows smoothly. Otherwise, without love for Parama Purusa, one's mind runs hither and thither. In that case, the sadhaka's mantra japa is like a parrot's talk. The parrot does not have any feeling for what it says. It just repeats those words meaninglessly, and when a problem comes that parrot cries out and forgets what it was repeating earlier. Such is the situation of a sadhaka whose mind wanders in sadhana. The key point for keeping the mind focused is love for Parama Purusa.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Where there is no love, the mind will not run after Him. So dhyána also becomes meaningless...So, if people practice all these things without having love for the Supreme, they won't be able to get anything. But, if there is an iota of love, if there is a wee bit of love, they gain everything." (2)

Attraction towards Parama Purusa is bhakti

The requisite love or bhakti can be cultivated if one tries to engage in more and more spiritual endeavours. Then the mind will become accustomed in that way. For example, the first day parents send their child to school, the child does not want to go. After much pain and effort the child goes. Yet once the child is habituated to going to school, then it likes school more than staying at home.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The same is the case with sadhakas. When the mind is down then it does not like to do sadhana. Rather the mind just runs away. Yet as the mind engages more and more in spiritual endeavours, it becomes more attracted in that manner and likes to do sadhana. It is just like the child who gets accustomed to being in school. Likewise, the mind becomes accustomed to being in a spiritual flow.

That liking or attraction towards Parama Purusa is bhakti, whereas the allurement towards worldly things is asakti. When one engages in sadhana oriented endeavours like svadhyaya, kiirtan, sadhanaunga, japa, and thinks about Him off and on throughout the day, then the mind will develop a greater and greater proclivity towards spiritual life. In turn, one will develop more attraction towards Parama Purusa, by His grace. That is love or bhakti.

When that happens, the mind will not run away unknowingly and uncontrollably during sadhana and engage elsewhere. Rather it will stay fixed towards that spiritual Goal. That is the key ingredient and solution. Then this disease of absent-mindedness in sadhana will be resolved. That is the stage when the mind will not run away in sadhana but rather become fixed on Parama Purusa.

Conclusion

Due to a lack of understanding the parrot does not have any feeling for what it says. It just repeats those words meaninglessly. Without love for Parama Purusa, one's mind runs hither and thither. The key point for keeping the mind focused is cultivating love for Parama Purusa during meditation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

in Him,
Sadhu Deva

References
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, Who Is Gopa?
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 1, Who Is Gopa?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Today’s materialism is recipe for crude samadhi

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Persons who are self-centered (Khuda parasta), don't have Paramatman as their goal, but something else. Outwardly they say that Paramatman should be obtained but in their inner mind they have the desire for something else. Such people who outwardly say that Paramatman should be obtained but in the inner mind they desire for fame, riches, have the crude object as their goal. Whatever the inner mind says is the goal of the Jiiva (microcosm). Whatever is the feeling in the external mind is not the goal. But in the inner mind, because of his goal being the crude object his ultimate achievement is known as Prakrtiliina. Prakrti means the phenomenal world. Their existence will be transformed into the phenomenal world i.e. the conscious man gets transformed into crude object. There is one more word for the Samadhi in the Prakrta Shakti and that is Jada Samadhi. Jada Samadhi is very much below human existence and to be free from that is also very difficult. After crores of years there will be human life. Just see how dangerous it is! So with Parama Puruśa, don't have two personalities, inside something and outside something else. Become the same as you are within. Entire mental structure, entire ectoplasmic stuff will be converted into the quinquelemental world." (1)

Note: Unfortunately, these days under the negative influence of capitalism, human beings have degenerated to the level of animals in that they are equally self-centered, living only for themselves, and not caring about others. In (a) capitalist countries and (b) metropolitan cities around the globe, this problem is prevalent. People are so self-centered that they never care about others - not even their own offspring. Such selfish people are worse than animals. This entire scene is the negative outcome of capitalism, which itself converts humans into beggars and beasts. Their selfish mentality is the root cause of all the problems. In the end they will be metamorphosed into crude objects.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 20, Astitva and Shivatva


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

আগেকার জন্মের কথা মনে করা খুৰই সহজ হৰে

“এই extra-cerebral knowledge ওটাও একটা natural জিনিস হিসাৰে স্বাভাবিক জিনিস হিসাৰেই ক্রমশঃ মানুষের মধ্যে develop করতে থাকৰে | এটা সাধারণ মানুষ যে তার মধ্যেও extra-cerebral memory অনেক খানি ৰেশি করে জাগতে থাকৰে | ওটাকার অস্বাভাবিক কিছু মনে করা হৰে না | মনের পরিধি ৰাড়ছে, মনের পরিধি ৰাড়ার সঙ্গে-সঙ্গে এটাও হৰে | সুতরাং যে কোনও মানুষের পক্ষে গত জন্ম বা তার আগেকার জন্মের কথা মনে করা খুৰই সহজ হৰে | হয়তো ছয়-সাত জন্ম আগেকার কথা মনে করা সক্ত হৰে | কিন্তু এক দুটো জন্ম সে সহজেই মনে করতে পারৰে | আঁঽ ? আর দুজন মানুষে দেখা হয়ে গেল, পরিচয় নেই, কিছু নেই | এক জনের মনে হ’ল---”আরে, তুই তো আমার মাসতুত ভাই ছিলি” | ৰলে, “হ্যাঁ, হ্যাঁ তুই তো আমার মাসতুত ভাই ছিলি” |

[হাসি]

এটা অসম্ভব কিছু নয় | বা কষ্টকর কিছু নয় | এওগুলোও হয়ে যাৰে |” ধীরে-ধীরে দেখো |” (1)

Reference
1. MGD,11-Jan-79, অপ্রকাশিত, ১১ জানুয়ারি  ১৯৭৯


== Section: Topic ==

बाबा कथा : जन्मान्ध को दिव्य दृष्टि

बाबा

नमस्कार,
गोविन्दपुर के बगल में ही एक छोटा सा गांव है – कुम्हारडीह (धनबाद जिला)। इस बस्ती में आनन्दमार्ग का अच्छा प्रचार हुआ। बहुतों ने दीक्षा ली और उन्ही में एक जन्मजात अंधा व्यष्टि भी था जिसका नाम श्री गोपाल कुंभकार था। गोपाल जी जन्मांध होने के कारण किसी भी वस्तु का दर्शन नहीं किये थे। उनका काम था - कीर्त्तन करना – “हरे राम, हरे कृष्ण|” वे मृदंग बजाते थे और उनकी टोली उनके साथ कीर्त्तन करती थी|

एक दिन हम लोगों की प्रेरणा से श्री अर्जुन पंडित तथा कुछ और मार्गी बन्धु एवं गोपाल जी भी बाबा का दर्शन करने रांची गए। बाबा उस समय रांची में रह रहे थे। ‘जेनेरल – दर्शन’ के समय बाबा आकर मंच पर बैठे। गोपाल जी भी बाबा – दर्शन हेतु वहाँ उपस्थित थे। लेकिन इन्हें तो आँखे थी ही नहीं कि वे बाबा श्री श्री आनन्दमूर्ति जी के दर्शन करें। गोपाल जी पर प्रभु की कृपावृष्टि हुई। प्रभु की कृपावृष्टि के फलस्वरूप उनको वहाँ दिव्य-दृष्टि  प्राप्त हो गयी। अब गोपाल जी बाबा को अच्छी तरह से देख रहे थे। वे खुशी में पागल हो साथ के मार्गियों से धीरे धीरे कहने लगे – “अरे हम बाबा को देख रहे हैं|” “चुप रह“ - अन्य मार्गियों ने यह झूठ समझ कर डांट दिया फिर श्री गोपाल बोले – “अरे हम देख रहें है उन्हें। वे धोती कुर्त्ता पहने हैं, चश्मा लगाये हैं। इस तरह पालथी मार कर बैठे हैं” – आदि-आदि। बाद में मार्गियों ने उनसे पूरी तरह पूछ-ताछ की-- अब बाबा कैसे हैं ? फिर १० मिनट बाद उनसे पूरी तरह पूछ-ताछ की “अब बाबा कैसे हैं ?” फिर १५ मिनट बाद उनसे पूरी तरह पूछ-ताछ की “अब बाबा कैसे हैं ?” सही उत्तर पाकर तब मार्गी बन्धु घोर आस्चर्य और आश्वस्त हुए कि जन्मांध श्री गोपाल, पर बाबा ने कृपा कर दर्शन शक्ति दी । साथ के मार्गियों से यह समाचार सुनकर मैंने भी उनसे इस सन्दर्भ में पूछा। श्री गोपाल ने कहा – “अब मत पूछिये हमसे। अभी भी हम कभी-कभी स्वप्न में देखते है कि बाबा हमारे सिरहाने खड़े है|” मैंने सुना कि बाबा दर्शन से पहले गोपाल को बायें या दायें – किसी एक ओर चलने पर ज्यादा अंदाज मिलता था। लेकिन, बाबा दर्शन के बाद उन्हें दोनों ओर अंदाज मिलने लगा।

परम प्रभु, बाबा चरण में
देवकुमार

Shrii Bhakti jii presents this story:
- We are very grateful to Shrii Bhakti for his immense contribution of putting the hardly legible material into a usable electronic format. Without his efforts it would not have been possible to publish this story. - Eds

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

No one can arrest the speed of human progress

“Clouds cannot overcast the sun for a long time. The creatures of darkness never want the expansive exaltation of human society. Even then, human beings shall march ahead. No one can arrest the speed of their progress. You must be the harbingers, you must be the pioneers of this victorious march. See that not a single individual lags behind.” (Ananda Vanii #36)

Note: 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 which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.

== Section 3: Links ==



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