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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

How to rein in sexual crimes + 3 more

Baba
How to rein in sexual crimes

Namaskar, 

Long, long back, amongst those primitive human beings of 25,000 years ago, when their sex glands were active, women used to come closer to men, and when the glands were inactive then they did not desire to go close. Similar activities can also be observed in animals. 

Nowadays, the clothing for women is designed in such a way that a significant portion of the body is exposed and the overall sizing is made in a very scanty manner. The mini-dresses & mini-skirts etc are made to show the secret parts of the body. Materialists impose the overt and subliminal message that small sizing is a symbol of style and prestige. Women do get indoctrinated into such notions and run after buying and wearing such scanty dresses. As a result men get attracted towards women and may even attack them to fulfill their sexual desires. In today’s society we have to understand how materialists increase the rate of sexual violence against women.
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Why shorter dress for women but not men?


In our Ananda Marga system, according to Baba, when women are out and about in society then they should dress in a respectable manner. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “While going out of their house, women should wear simple and decent clothes and cover their bodies properly.” (1)

Unfortunately, in today’s materialistic society women are encouraged to roam the streets with their secret parts uncovered. Even in formal professional attire, women’s fashion is designed to highlight their curves and bare skin. Whereas men cannot enter a professional environment with maximum skin showing - they would be sent home or even lose their job. But a similar standard does not apply for women. Women should understand that these types of rules are set by men to make women vulnerable and to be seen as sexual objects. No matter how many men are arrested by police for sexual violence, as long as such rules exist sexual crimes will keep happening. Merely confronting the perpetrators will not solve the problem. Instead proper education and social norms should be imparted, and the mind should be trained appropriately as to what is right and what is wrong.
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How short dress recipe for sexual violence?

Sex vrittis (instincts) are higher in men than women. Influenced by fashion or becoming tools of the male-dominated society and diverted from human dharma, women wear short scanty dresses to show more of their bodies and highlight and even expose their private parts etc. By seeing this, men get attracted towards women, their sex glands become more active, and they cannot control themselves. Not only that, women and men get together these days —  they go to dance parties, drink alcohol, meet at private places, etc. As a result, sex violence is rampant, women are harmed and violated, and the men are found guilty and subjected to punishment. But such type of punishment is not the permanent solution, as the root cause is not being treated. The real solution is teaching and training men how to control the mind. Unfortunately up till now, since the root cause is not being treated, violence happens time and again.

Women viewed as objects for enjoyment


Again, in today’s materialistic society, women are viewed as sexual objects. That is how society is portraying women and that is how scanty dresses are designed, and rules are created. Viewing women as sex objects is not a high ideal of a human being. No matter how strong the punishment, the number of men involved in sex violence will not decrease. And punishment is not the only solution for transforming a human being. For example, in the United States severe punitive rules are in place for anyone who is involved in sex violence. Names are included in a sex registry when they are found to be involved in sex violence. And it is a very serious, life-altering offence. Even though such rules are in place, sexual violence in the US is on the rise. 
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Dress code for women & men


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us that both men and women should dress properly. Neither males nor females should be involved in indecent exposure. Nor should men and women spend time in idle gossiping, and baseless talks. Men should have male friends, and women should have female friends. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “They [men and women] should not engage in gossip as its results are not beneficial. It should be remembered that a woman’s friend is a woman and a man’s friend is a man.” (2)

But in today’s school system and social environment, the concept of boyfriend and girlfriend are visible in all levels of schooling, even in primary schools. Socially, for children, having a close relationship with the opposite sex, i.e. having a boyfriend or girlfriend, is a matter of prestige. Side by side, without looking into the root of the problem, people complain that sexual violence against women is rampant. What they fail to realise is that the current social milieu is a breeding ground for sexual crimes. Sadly, all the ingredients are present for women to be sexually violated and harmed. 
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Solution: controlling sensory organs


People should be taught (a) about their vrttis (instincts), (b) why the glands and organs are attracted towards sensuality, (c) how to control those tendencies, and (d) how to channelize them in a proper direction. This curriculum should be developed in classes, and people can be educated about how to control vrittis (instincts). 

The dress code should be based on sentient expression where both males and females dress in a comfortable, modest manner according to the climate, where they are covered from the neck down to the feet. That can help in reducing sexual violence against women. Education along with a dress code are important aspects of the solution, along with the idea that men should interact with men and women should interact with women. If proper rules and regulations are not in place, sexual violence will increase. Side by side there will be public protests against such sexual crimes but the solution will remain out of reach. 

Yes, attraction for the opposite sex is a natural phenomenon of this creation. If men and women will not interact then there will not be any newborns. But unnecessary mixing, treating females as sexual objects, and poor social values (i.e. loose talk, dance parties, alcohol drinking etc.) leads to sexual violence and that should be stopped.
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And the permanent solution is guiding people how to redirect their vrttis (instincts) towards the more subtle realm, redefining the current materialistic relationship between men and women, and implementing stricter social codes etc. Social punishment, jail sentences, and the threat of imprisonment are not enough to curb or solve the problem.

Namaskar, 
In Him, 
Nira’ka’ra

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You can help someone become good by making him understand [moral values], but no one becomes good through the application of force [punishment]...If the sinner is engaged in sinful acts or keeps moving ahead on a sinful path, you can prevent that person from doing so by the application of force [punishment]. But you cannot transform [make moralist] in this way." (3)

References
1. Caryacarya, Part 1, Dress
2. Caryacarya part 1, Social Relationship between Men and Women
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam-10, The Witness-ship of Parama Puruśa Is of Supreme Importance


*        *        *

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 ==

With new hope

Intro: This song is spiritual. One may think it is about the summer season: the rains have come. The song, however, is a metaphor. The dry, hot summer season symbolizes the dry, intellectual mind – the mind that is away from Parama Purusa. When the rains come, they make everything fresh, fragrant and revitalised. Similarly, the mind is dry until Parama Purusa's rain of grace showers the bhakta. Bliss infuses his or her entire psyche. So this is not a seasonal song. The post-summer rains do not bring the type of bliss described in the last three stanzas. That bliss only comes with the arrival of Parama Purusa. He blesses the dry mind with His shower of grace.

"Ese chile prabhu megha garjane ghanaghor varśáy.." (Prabhat Samgiita #0298)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, in the form of the roaring of the clouds and the pouring rain, You came. Since ages this dry and barren earth has been waiting for Your auspicious arrival. The heat-stricken earth has received You today with new hope. After a long gap of time, my dry heart has been satiated by the showering of Your causeless karuna.

Parama Purusa, with Your grand arrival, my mind goes on singing countless tunes and melodies. The peacock of my mind is spreading its feathers and dancing in hundreds of ways. By Your presence, my speechless mind has been graced with the language to express its bhava to You. And now it is rushing headlong towards the Infinite Entity Taraka Brahma who is the embodiment of supreme love and bhakti.

Baba, in having You today very intimately, my heart is overflowing with bliss. All the directions are swaying in Your cosmic effulgence. The ten directions are drifting in bliss of Brahma bhava.

Parama Purusa Baba, today for me there is nothing else to do. Very intently I go on staring at Your most charming form without blinking. I am doing shravana, mañana, and nididhyasana; I am thinking, meditating, and ideating on You. Ensconced in You, I go on seeing Your form. Baba, the cravings of the triloka, and the nectar of the three arenas have mingled into one. All my physical, psychic, and spiritual hunger has been satiated, by Your grace.

Baba, it is Your karuna (divine compassion); today You have come and bestowed everything…

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0298:

Triloka:
There are 3 lokas: (a) sthu'la or crude mind, (b) su'ksma or subtle mind, and ka'ran'a or causal mind. The controller of all these lokas is Turiiya. So triloka means crude mind, subtle mind, and causal mind. These are the three lokas. Parama Purusa is the controller. Humans have three types of hunger as described in this song. With getting Parama Purusa, all the layers of hunger (crude, subtle, causal) are extinguished – i.e. fully satiated. Then that mind always wants to remain in His bliss. There is no desire for anything else. That is what is expressed in this song.


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

For those with linguistic sentiment

Prout philosophy states, “The problem of language is affecting human society like a chronic disease. Ignorance of the proper meaning of different languages has made the confusion worse. Language is a medium of expression. There are six stages in the process of expression. The seed of expression is called Parashakti and lies in the Muládhára Cakra (or basic plexus). In the Svádhisthána Cakra (or fluidal plexus), a person mentally visualises the expression. The mental vision of one’s expression is called Pashyanti Shakti. In the Mańipura Cakra (or solar plexus) this mental vision is transformed into mental sound which is called Madhyamá Shakti. The person now wants to express that feeling. This endeavour to express the feeling is called Dyotamáná Shakti. It works between the navel area and the throat. In the vocal cord it transforms an idea into language. This is called Vaekharii Shakti. After Vaekharii it is transformed into actual spoken language and is termed Shrutigocará. Thus linguistic differences are manifest only in the sixth stage of expression. In the first five stages there is no distinction or variation in the expression. A great deal of inter-community conflict could be checked if linguists and the mischief-mongers who create language disputes knew this fundamental fact. In essence, it is ignorance that brings untold miseries to humanity. It is a great folly on the part of prakrti to create so many languages, but diversity is the law of nature." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Root of hatred

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Your psychological reaction to a person's behaviour or action that creates pásha [external fetters] or provokes ripu [internal enemies] is called hatred. Since hatred is also a type of pásha, and it must be opposed through reasoning and intellect. The word ku can be used for this hatred." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Ku to Kuiṋjara (Discourse 27)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to preach universalism

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Human beings also know that Parama Puruśa is their source of impetus, is their Father, and that they are all His children. As His children, they have a brotherly relationship with all other jiivas, or unit beings. Due to this knowledge of brotherhood, the human is superior to all other beings. Parents are greatly pleased when they find that their children have been loved and helped by someone. Similarly, Parama Puruśa will be pleased when you serve His creation – not only human beings, but also plants, animals, and the rest of creation. That is, bhúta yajiṋa, pitr yajiṋa and nr yajiṋa are to be performed. Those who have this feeling are in the real sense of the term human beings. Just having the body of a human does not make a person a real human being, a rational being. Those in whom this feeling has arisen will be called followers of Bhágavata Dharma. They are doing the sádhaná of Bhágavata Dharma.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “All beings are made of the same consciousness. So although we may find ourselves at different stages of psychic elevation, a Bráhmańa and a Kśatriya, an Indian and an Englishman, a sweeper and a scavenger, a Zulu and a Maori, and even a tiny ant, are all linked by the bonds of fraternity. If we remember this fact, if we work for the well-being of all, then undeveloped human beings will be able to develop their spiritual potentiality when they come in contact with us. Even cows, dogs, tigers and bears who come in close contact with us will develop psychic wealth and gradually acquire spiritual treasures.” (2)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “He is the Supreme Progenitor, and everything in this Universe is His progeny. He is the Supreme Father, and others are His children. Then, when all are the children of the Supreme Father, the relationship between man and man is that of fraternal bond. You have got a universal tie of brotherhood because everything created has got the same father. The source is the same. When the spiritual aspirant knows this fact, he cannot get any kind of inferiority complex or superiority complex in his mind. He is not inferior to anyone, as he is one with his brothers and sister.” (3)

The editors wrote: “Our first step is to realize that the true goal of humanity, the ultimate goal of evolution, is not the amassing of more and more material wealth but the expansion of consciousness. Through proper education and practical techniques of mental expansion, humanity will come to realize that the hoarding of wealth and all the ills of corruption and scarcity it creates, are nothing but the misdirected longing of the human soul for infinite happiness – a longing which cannot be satisfied by money but only by internal bliss. Thus as human attention and activity is directed more and more toward subtler pursuits such as artistic endeavour and spiritual practice, the selfishness and greed which dominate people’s minds today will be replaced by a new feeling of love and brotherhood. As we expand our minds toward the Infinite and learn to share our mundane treasures, we will realize more and more that we are all indeed one humanity, that we are all the sons and daughters of one Infinite Intelligence Who is guiding us all to perfection. Instead of being based on competition and mutual hostility, society will be operated through mutual cooperation and love.” (4)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Sádhaná
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets
4. The Great Universe, Introduction


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Now is the time for asanas & pranayama

Ananda Marga ideology guides, "Our social code provides clear guidelines on how members will adapt to this modern, rapidly changing world. There have been more changes in the past 200 years than in the 800 years prior to that. In education, culture, dress and food habits major changes have taken place. Old, outdated wooden shoes, turbans, etc. have been replaced by modern shoes, hats and clothes made from scientific fabrics with contemporary designs. Primitive bullock carts, horse-drawn carriages, hackney coaches, etc., have been replaced with fast-moving cars, trains, and aeroplanes. In the past, people used to travel by elephant, but now they can travel to other planets by rocket. There should be a proper adjustment between the body and the mind to keep pace with the fast speed of the development in the world. For this reason, Ananda Marga spiritual practices place much importance on ásanas, práńáyáma, etc.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Our Social Treatise


== Section 4: Links ==

Monday, June 8, 2026

Religion & food: hypocrisy + 4 more

Baba
Religion & food: hypocrisy

Namaskar,

A human mind can store information obtained from the present life as well as earlier lives in a layer-by-layer fashion. Animals, on the other hand, can hardly remember anything from their present life, let alone from their past lives. Baba has given many demonstrations in which He would enable people to access their past life information for a limited period. A child is ever curious to learn things at a very high rate and collect a lot of information.

Those who come to Ananda Marga at a more mature stage of their lives inevitably bring many things they learned in their childhood. Many such childhood learnings and memories may be helpful in one’s spiritual life, but then there are many childhood lessons that can present obstacles.
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For example, if one is indoctrinated into idol-worship, casteism, apartheid, etc during one’s childhood then they drag those dogmas into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Such dogmas need to be overcome, otherwise one’s spiritual progress will be blocked. It is easy to teach a child new things, but very difficult to teach an aged person. Due to this, Baba says that spiritual teachings should be imparted at as young an age as possible.

What is the dilemma of “good food”?


Every Ananda Margii is bound to propagate the teachings of Ananda Marga, and it is important to know the wrong teachings that are present in society, as well as the ways to educate common people to help them unlearn such teachings. This is very important particularly in the case of food as in different parts of the world people have a different conception of what is “good food”.

Illogical beliefs of religious meat-eaters


For example, Jews consider their food as ‘kosher’ / holy wherein there are elaborate guidelines with respect to slaughtering animals and storing the meat and other food. Muslims consider their ‘halal’ food as holy. It should be known that kosher and halal are defined based on the way the animal is slaughtered. In such a “holy” way of slaughtering, the animal is slowly cut using a serrated knife, while some hymns are uttered. The animal wails in pain and dies a slow and painful death. Sikhs consider “jhatka” as holy in which the animal is slaughtered in a quick and sharp blow. If the animal does not get beheaded in a single blow then the meat is considered impure and not eaten. Both methods include the killing of an animal for food, but one considers slow slaughtering as holy while the other considers quick slaughtering as holy. The so-called holiness in the aforementioned cases contradicts each other and is questionable due to the meat-eating involved. Those who have come from such backgrounds need to be taught what is proper food before coming onto the path of AM, otherwise they may still cling to their old beliefs.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The illogical beliefs of Jains

Jains are vegetarians and prohibit killing even small insects, but their rules were developed around 2500 years ago when science was not developed. They still hold onto those unscientific beliefs. For example, they tie a cloth mask on their nose thinking that it will prevent the killing of microbes while breathing. It is now well known that microbes cannot be filtered by cloth masks as they are very small compared to the mesh in the cloth mask. Those same Jains also sweep their pathway before taking each step to prevent killing any insects. It is well known now that there are many organisms that are not visible via the naked eye. Jains hold many other unscientific beliefs like not eating roots such as potatoes because while harvesting them insects die. They prohibit eating red-coloured vegetables like tomato and beetroot as their colour resembles blood.


Universal guideline of Ananda Marga: food

Ananda Marga presents a scientific way to discern between edible and inedible food. Ananda Marga defines food as sentient that helps in the nourishment of both body and mind. Food that is not good for the body or the mind is prohibited. A Jaini is permitted to eat white eggplant as it is not blood-coloured and is vegetarian, but for an Ananda Margii, white eggplant is not permitted as it has a negative effect on one’s mind. There are other vegetables, like snake gourd and mustard greens etc, that are not permitted in Ananda Marga due to their negative effect on the mind. Only vegetables  that have a positive effect both on the body and the mind should be eaten. Milk is sattvik, but the milk obtained from a newly calved cow is tamasik. For one week after the birth of a calf, the milk of a cow is tamasik. The Hindu religion outrightly rejects all fermented food as rotten. However, fermented food can be sattvik and extremely good for the body and the mind. For example, lime pickles are fermented yet sattvik. In contrast, alcohol is bad for the body and mind and hence tamasik, not just because it is fermented.
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Conclusion

Food should be selected based on its short-term, as well as its long-term, effect on the body and the mind. The food that causes the mind to be guided by animal vrittis like hunger, fear, sleep, procreation is tamasik and should be avoided. Unscientific dogmatic ideas, such as selecting food based on its colour, should not be the determining factor. Red meat should not be eaten because it is not good for the body as well as the mind. However, one can eat red-coloured tomatoes because they have a good effect on the body and the mind. In the future, the earth may not remain habitable and people may have to explore other planets wherein the vegetation can be entirely different. Even then, the universal technique of food selection in Ananda Marga is based on their effect on the body and the mind, and that will apply to new vegetation or even chemically synthesized foods. Ananda Marga provides a list of sattvik food for the present conditions, and also provides a fundamental and universally applicable rule to select new items based on their suitability on the body and mind.

In Him,
Bhakti

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose a physician says, “As a human, you require animal protein for your health;” but suppose dharma says, “No, a human should not take carnal food;” then in that case you will have to follow dharma and not the physician, because the order of dharma is above all other orders. Dharma is the highest Lord, the highest authority." (1)


~ In-depth study ~

Sáttvika, rájasika, & támasika áhára

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “In every object of the universe, one of three attributes – sattva, rajah and tamah – will always be predominant. So food is also divided into three categories according to the dominancy of the attributes.
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(1) Sáttvika Áhára: All the staple food-grains such as rice, wheat, barley, etc.; all the pulses except masúr [an orange-coloured lentil] and khesári; all fruits and roots; all kinds of vegetables except violet-coloured carrots, white brinjals [white eggplants], onions, garlic and mushrooms; milk and milk products; all green and leafy vegetables except red puni and mustard.

All varieties of spices except garam masalá and all kinds of sweets, can be taken.

A sáttvika diet is required for those who practise ásanas. Those who find it difficult to give up the habit of rájasika food all of a sudden may eat a piece of haritakii [myrobalan] after the meal. Those who take sáttvika food should avoid taking a large quantity of mustard or mustard products. Rájasika food-eaters should gradually try to change over to sáttvika food and támasika food-eaters should try to give up such food as early as possible.

For the avadhútas and avadhútikás of Ananda Marga there is only one kind of food, sáttvika food.

All foods that are beneficial to both body and mind are considered sáttvika.

(2) Rájasika ahára: Any food that is beneficial to the body but is neutral to the mind, or vice versa, is called rájasika. Foods that do not fall into the sáttvika or támasika categories are of rájasika nature. In certain countries where there is a heavy snowfall, rájasika food can be treated as sáttvika and támasika food as rájasika.

(3) Támasika áhára: All kinds of foods which are harmful to either the body or mind and may or may not be harmful to the other are called támasika. Stale and rotten food, the flesh of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, and all types of intoxicants, are categorized as támasika. Small amounts of tea, cocoa and similar drinks which do not excite a person to the point of losing his/her senses are in the rájasika category. The milk of a newly-calved cow, white brinjals, khesárii dál, green vegetables of the type of red puni or mustard are támasika. Masúr dál cooked for one meal will become támasika by the next meal.” (2)


Sentient, mutative, & static food

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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.

Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter.

In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do.” (3)


Not all fermented food is tamasik

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “When wine ferments it is transformed into vinegar, losing its intoxicating power and developing a few sentient qualities. The sediment from the production of wine is called “yeast” and is particularly useful in the bakery industry.” (4)

References

1.  Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
2. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 3, Áhárya
3. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
4. Prout in a Nutshell Part 21, Intoxicants


*        *        *

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 ==

Of greatest import
 
"Tumi kata na' liila'i ja'no, tumi kata na' liila'i ja'no..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0272)

Purport:

Baba, so many liilas You know. You have infinite ways to play Your divine game. Nobody can understand. Without any obstacle or impediment, You effortlessly move around the entire universe, everywhere-- and keep everything within Your control. Your chariot is moving around in all the 10 directions-- including the blue sky and deep ocean. You love everyone. You cry in the pain of others, and You smile seeing others' joy. When there is agony, pain, and suffering, You shower the blessing of Your varabhaya mudra. Of greatest import, the most beautiful thing is that when You look towards me, You always smile in a sweet and loving way... 


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Prout’s stand on capital punishment
 
Prout philosophy states, “You know that nothing is perfect in this universe of relativity. So it is quite natural that the judicial system of the world, whether in the past, present or future, can never be perfect. Therefore nobody should be given capital punishment on the basis of this imperfect system.”
 
“Each and every individual, whether they are a criminal or not, can claim a chance to rectify their conduct from society. So in PROUT’s legal structure everybody should get ample scope for rectifying their character and conduct. If a person is condemned to capital punishment, he or she won’t get such scope, so PROUT denounces this sort of punishment.”
 
“But in very special cases, where a person has become a demon and is going against the collective interest and there is no chance of rectification, circumstances may arise which warrant capital punishment. For example, during war this exception may sometimes be permissible. But generally we should not support this punishment on principle. Punishment should be appropriate to the offense.” (1)
 
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Recipe for success - 4


Namaskar,

Every human being wants to be successful. Who does not want to be successful? Whether in the realm of art, law, medicine, schooling, business, literature, science, or architecture - or any other field or endeavor - everyone wants to be successful. Knowing how to be successful then is an important recipe.

Baba has graciously given us His special guidelines wherein He explains how the 'Seven Secrets of Success' apply not just to spiritual life, but to worldly life as well. Here we examine the fourth secret of success: samatábhávo, which essentially means keeping a balanced mind or psychic equipoise.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “A man must not labour under any sort of complex – that is, a man, a spiritual aspirant, must be free from all complexes; he must have neither superiority complex, nor inferiority complex, nor fear complex, nor defeatist complex. That is, the mind should be completely balanced.” (1)

Samatábhávo: In the spiritual sphere, this means complete mental balance. And this same type of psychic equanimity is needed in worldly life. For instance, if a student or interviewee is very nervous or shy, then they will not be able to perform well. A student may become so nervous that they even get easy questions wrong, because they have lost their mental composure. Likewise, a professional seeking employment or putting on a presentation may be so shy that they are unable to convey their skill-set or knowledge to others in the room. And there are so many other examples. For instance, one's marriage may end in misery, if one constantly gets angry or acts in an erratic manner toward their spouse. So mental balance is highly needed in all aspects of worldly life.

Baba has blessed us all with great teachings which lead us to success, including how to utilize the Seven Secrets of Success in our worldly endeavours. So we should pay heed to this doctrine not just in spiritual life but in all our worldly dealings as well.

Baba says, "You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success." (2)

Here below in this next passage Sadguru Baba outlines some of the various complexes: (a) superiority complex, (b) inferiority complex, (c) fear complex, and (d) defeatist complex.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Now when you are suffering from a superiority complex, you think that you are a better person and others are worse persons; as a result of which you are unable to accept the external waves in proper style. So your thinking gets polluted, gets distorted, as a result of which the refracted portion, that is, the memory, also gets distorted, becomes defective.

"So you must not have any superiority complex. You should remember that you are not superior to anybody else. All are children of the same Supreme Father, all are progeny of the same Supreme Progenitor. Nobody is superior to anybody.

"The second complex: Sometimes you may think that “I am an ordinary man, and that man is so big, so learned, such a big scholar – so rich, and I’m poor” – like this. If you think like this, what will happen? There will not be proper expression of your mind, there will not be proper emanations of your thought-waves; as a result of which the thought will become distorted and the refracted thought, that is, the memory portion, will become defective.

"Similarly, the fear complex: Sometimes people suffer from a fear complex. The psychological side of the fear complex is as follows: Due to the presence of something stronger, or due to the presence of something which is imaginarily stronger, not actually stronger, what happens? Mental flows are blocked, are choked. They cannot find the proper avenue of expression; as a result of which thoughts also get polluted. There cannot be free thinking. A man suffering from a fear complex cannot think properly. And if the thought is defective, the memory will also be defective. So you must never suffer from any sort of fear complex.

"Why should you suffer from a fear complex or an inferiority complex, when the Supreme Father is your father, when you all are the children of the same Father; why should you suffer from any inferiority complex or any fear complex, when the Supreme Father is with you? You are not weak. You are very strong, because the Almighty Father, the omnipotent Supreme Father, is with you to help you – so you must not encourage the psychology of weakness, or an inferiority complex or a fear complex. He is with you, always He is with you to help you. You are never alone.

"And sometimes there is a defeatist complex. “Oh, I am defeated in this world,” “Oh, I am defeated in this struggle for existence.” Such a sentiment, such a psychology, sometimes goads a man to commit suicide even. “I am defeated, I am defeated in the struggle for existence.” You must not encourage this type of psychology. When your father is the Supreme Father, your father is the most powerful entity in the entire universe, why should you think that you have been defeated in the struggle for existence? No, a bright future awaits you. Your future is glorious, your future is luminous, your future is effulgent.

"So you must not suffer from this psychology of helplessness or hopelessness or of despair. This defeatist complex may also be called “sinner’s psychology”.” (3)

Namaskar,
Bhakti Bhusana

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 34, Be Free from All Complexes
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 34, Be Free from All Complexes


== Section 4: Links ==

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Raising children to be margiis + 4 more

Baba
Raising children to be margiis

Namaskar,

It is so important to bring our children onto the path of Ananda Marga and for them to become strong Ananda Margiis. Yet we all also know how challenging this is in this present era. This letter identifies some of those difficulties and presents nurturing ways to bring our young ones onto the spiritual path.

So the focus of this mailing is how our margii children can develop into strong, dedicated A'nanda Ma'rgiis. Whether one is an acarya or family person, an LFT or a margii parent, this is something we all certainly want to see: our margii children becoming strong sadhakas. However, in this grossly materialistic era, so many times our tender margii children drift away and get pulled into the murky waters of capitalism and materialism.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Fortify kids with deep understanding of AM way of life

While there are any number of factors that may contribute to this, perhaps first and foremost is that it is simply a numbers issue. Our margii children get lost in the vast sea of the degenerated public. Surrounded by the pull and allurement of pseudo-culture such as TIk Tok and other social media sites, Hollywood and Bollywood movies, as well as mundane newspapers and fashion magazines etc, margii children see that their parents are part of a tiny, minuscule minority, whereas the whole entire society is moving in this very enticing flow. This is the struggle they face.

Another factor that pulls children in that direction is that they often lack a philosophical base and deeper understanding of Ananda Marga practices. By the time a child becomes an adolescent, they should be fortified with proper logic and reasoning about our Ananda Marga way of life. They should be taught the how's and why's of their life practices. Whereas smaller children, i.e. those who have not yet entered puberty, should be taught through stories, fantasy, and imagination. Young children should be told great stories to indirectly teach them about dharma, and yama and niyama etc. They should not be allowed to read stories or books that depict a degrading theme. And to emphasize again, adolescents should be taught using logic and reasoning. Then they will less likely be swayed by others.

Unfortunately, oftentimes our children may not understand the deeper value of a sentient diet or the practical value of sadhana and spirituality. Without this philosophical conviction, they just think it is all dogma and they get swayed by the glitter of pseudo-philosophies. In that case, our children get confused and conclude that “it is not the society that is blind, rather it is my parents who are blind.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Special efforts to impart education to margii children


While we may not be able to change the overwhelming numbers of society immediately, we can directly affect the quality and degree of our children's internal understanding of Ananda Marga. This is a positive step we can make.

As far as possible we should give our children a margii education. This is the obvious solution, yet it stands as one that is not always available. The reasons are numerous: (a) margii schools may not be not nearby; (b) we margii parents do not have time to do this on our own; (c) as parents we generally have to work long hours; and (d) we are often struggling with more mundane parental issues. So in this present era, special efforts should be made to impart a margii education to our children.

A proper education is the pathway to bring youth into a particular way of life and social outlook. That is why the dogmatic religions put such a huge emphasis on developing their parochial schools to indoctrinate their children into their beliefs. They use schooling as a means to draw their children deeper into dogma.

In our Ananda Marga, we have a dharmic philosophy and way of life, but at present we do not have such a developed formal education system. In this intermediary period, there are some distinct steps we can take. And already around the globe there are margii parents and acaryas who are implementing excellent programs for our margii children, like the camps etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


Despite our best intentions and rigorous attempts, sometimes we find that as parents we get more concerned about the physical health and intellectual training of our children - and we forget about or overlook their spiritual growth. This can sometimes happen. But Baba does not appreciate this and in fact warns us that even animals impart that much education to their offspring. Those animals train their offspring how to survive in their animal society, but not more than that.

Similarly, we should not just ensure that our children can survive in this materialistic world. That is not enough. We should ensure that they grow spiritually as well. In this regard, we should not just resort to pressure and force children to sit in sadhana for x amount of minutes. That type of pressure and externally imposed discipline is not enough. Side by side, our children should be patiently given the logical and rational understanding and explanation about our Ananda Marga way of life. This should be done gently and in creative ways to stir their interest. Then when such an inner understanding is cultivated, they will surely move along the path of Ananda Marga.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Diipali

Why Margiis should reproduce more

Baba wants margiis to have many children, and if you do not have more than 4 - 5 children (both gender) you will not be considered for Family Ac training. Those margiis of good standard and strict in 16 Points should have many children as that way society will grow. And on the other side, thieves, swindlers, and degraded people and sick people should not have children. Those with only 1 - 2 children of the same gender will not be granted family acaryaships. In a 1990 discourse, Baba guides us that Parama Purusa is against family planning because many souls are waiting in queue for a human body so they can complete their journey and attain moksa, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~ 

Here are some of Baba's important teachings on education which we should contemplate and apply to the raising of all our children in the Marga.


Teach younger children through stories & imagination

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The child’s mind is filled with fanciful imagery, and so the sáhityikas will also have to spread their wings and soar in the sky of imagination. However, they cannot afford to indulge in intricacies and complexities during their visionary ascent. The thirst for the distant and the earnest zeal to know the unknown that abides in the child’s mind must be satisfied by drawing pictures of magical lands and relating colourful fairy tales. What is “real” or “natural” is not so important. What is more important is to carry the child’s mind along in the current of joy, and in the process to acquaint the child with the world in an easy and simple manner. The harshness of reality should not be portrayed – the child will not want to read about it or listen to it. “The prince of the mind with his wings outstretched in the azure sky, soars to the kingdom of the old witch beyond the worlds of the sun and the moon. He ties his Pegasus to the golden branches of the pearl tree and heads off in search of the sleeping princess in the silent, serene palace. He gets a tip as to where to find the magic wands of life and death, and rouses the princess from her centuries-old sleep. Then he finds out everything he can about the den where the demons sleep and sets off into the world to become a hero...” Picture after picture, colour after colour, must accompany the words; this is what the child’s mind craves.”
   “Among those who are a little older, that is, boys and girls in their early teens, farces and satires are quite successful. In these children can find ideals that are conducive to the formation of their characters. But for those who are comparatively young, simplicity will be the guiding principle in whatever is written. Overindulgence in wordplay, flowery language, figures of speech, or long, didactic preaching will turn children’s literature into trash." (1)


The special qualities needed of a teacher

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The first and most important factor is to select teachers carefully. Those who have the required academic qualifications do not have an automatic right to become teachers. Teachers must possess such qualities as strength of character, righteousness, sense of social service, unselfishness, an inspiring personality and leadership. They are the preceptors of society, and that is why it is not possible for everyone to do this job." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Another thing that flashes across my mind is the moral character and conduct of teachers. There are many teachers, who after discussing the abuses and evils of intoxicants in the class, indulge in smoking outside it immediately after the class is over. This sets a very bad example...This double faced behaviour will naturally cause indiscipline in the students' minds." (3)

So the whole point is that exemplary conduct is an integral aspect of education in Ananda Marga and teachers must be of proper character. And their conduct must also be proper; academic credentials alone is not enough. Teachers must have all sorts of superlative qualities otherwise they will be deemed unfit for the position.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Parents should be proper role-models

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child. It should be the duty of society as a whole to ensure that the children of immoral and unrighteousness parents are brought up as virtuous citizens. If possible such children should be removed from the unwholesome environment of their parents." (5)

In various discourses, Baba warns parents not to perform bad deeds or unhealthy habits in front of their children. Best is for parents to rectify their behaviour in all respects. Where weakness remains such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, then at least those parents should never do this in front of children. Then those kids will not be inclined to emulate that behaviour. This is a very important point in raising children.

Thus, as margiis, as mothers and fathers, as acaryas, and as sadhakas, it is our combined and collective responsibility to bring each and every child into a spiritually inspired and devotional way of living. All should come into our Ananda Marga society and become the pillars of the future humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The great importance of neo-humanistic primary education


Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what should be done? We will have to educate the mind properly, along the lines of neohumanism. This neohumanist education will impart proper training to the mind. And at the same time there should be spiritual practice for proper psychic transformation. This is what we require most. There is no alternative." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Education is a part of cultural life. Education should be free, and education must be based on universalism." (7)

Here is Baba's key guideline about the importance of early childhood education, i.e. inculcating the ideals of Ananda Marga to children at an early age.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world." (8)

Children learn lying & obstinacy from their parents


   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When the parents are about to go on a trip or go to a show, or when they are invited to a pleasant function or a social outing, the children may start whining or nattering to accompany them. At such times many parents tell lies without a qualm; somehow they dupe their children and leave. When the children realize what has happened, they also learn to tell lies; and to hide their intentions or their actions from their parents, they gradually start lying more and more."
   "Parents deceive their children in many ways. By calling sweet things bitter and pleasant things unpleasant, they prevent their children from enjoying them. But by disregarding parental injunctions and prying inquisitively, as is the wont of human nature, children discover the truth. Then they realize that their parents have been deceiving them. As a result they start deceiving not only their parents, but their friends and classmates as well. So it is abundantly clear that children are taught the first lessons in the arts of lying and deception by their own parents at home."
   "In a family it is natural that differences of opinion will arise among the adults; when they do, the adults should reconcile their differences considering each other's opinions. Unfortunately they often lack the requisite mental make-up to reach an amicable agreement – each tries to convince everybody else of his or her viewpoint without caring about the opinions of others. The result is an outburst of unreasonable obstinacy – the adults lose all self-control and behave in a gross and vulgar manner. The effect on the minds of the children is disastrous. Children thus learn obstinacy from their elders. If the mother or those with whom the children spend most of their time is obstinate, the neglected children will, in most cases, become noticeably obstinate, and they will have to carry this psychic ailment around with them for a long time. If, on the other hand, as is sometimes the case, the wishes and desires (if they are not unreasonable) of children are fulfilled, the children will not have the opportunity to learn obstinacy." (9)

Start ideating on Brahma at age 5


Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Proper attention should be paid to the physical, psychic and spiritual development of small boys and girls. Just as they sit and study to develop their intellectual capabilities, they should also sit to do their spiritual practices with their parents. That is the way they will develop their spiritual practices. They should take diikśá [spiritual initiation] from an ácárya(á) [spiritual teacher] when they grow up. They should practice the lessons of sádhaná – japa, dhyána, ásana, práńáyáma, etc. – along with their regular academic lessons. All that is necessary for their trifarious development, and it must be perfectly balanced. One should remember that the absence of a proper balance will harm not only the individuals, but also the society as a whole." (10)

By starting early in life, we can bring all our margii children into the spiritual flow of Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In our Ananda Marga the seed for a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a child's life. At the age of five when children have acquired only a preliminary understanding of their surroundings, they are given the idea of Brahma or the Supreme Entity. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal, the goal of becoming one with Brahma." (11)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
2. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 9, (‘87 Edition)
3. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 16-7, (‘87 Edition)
4. Human Society - 1, Education
5. Human Society - 1, Education
6. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Education and Neohumanism
7. A Few Problems Solved - 7, 'Renaissance in All Strata of Life'
8. Discourses on Neohumanist Education: Prama - 4
9. Human Society - 1, Education
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22, Táńd́ava and Kaośikii
11. Tattvika Praveshika, Social Psychology


*        *        *

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 ==

Everything revolves around Him

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

Purport:

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

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

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

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1550

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

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

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

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

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

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


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Singular aim of life

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So humans were created only to do sadhana and attain emancipation. Those who do not do sadhana for their mukti (emancipation) even though they were created for this purpose, go against the wishes of the Supreme Entity. They defeat the very purpose of the creation of human beings." (1) 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, What Is This World?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special recipe for longevity


Baba says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years." (1)

Note: By following the devotional cult of AM and abiding by general health rules every sadhaka is ensured a long and healthy life. That is Baba's guarantee.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, p.113


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

আরও ৰেশী বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ

“আর তৃতীয় জিনিসটা হচ্ছে কি ? না, সেবা | মনকে নির্মল করতে গেল, নিস্বার্থ ভাবে, সেবা করতেই হৰে | যারা মনে করেন যে---“মানুষের বিপদে, মানুষকে সেবা করৰ না | আরও ৰেশী           বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ | বিপদের মধ্যে ঠেলে দিলে, সে মরিয়া হয়ে, আমার ঝণ্ডা হাতে নিয়ে, আমার পিছনে-পিছনে ছুটৰে |” তারা মানুষের শত্রু | কারণ ? তাদের আচরণ সেবা ধর্ম বিরোধী | মানুষকে কেন মরিয়া করে তুলৰ ? মানুষকে কেন বিপদে ফেলে তাকে মরিয়া করে তুলৰ, আমার ঝণ্ডা বহন করৰে জন্য ? কিছুতেই এটা করৰ না | তার সামান্যতম দুঃখ দেখলেও, ওটাকে সেবা করে, তার দুঃখ দূর অরে দৰ | এইটাই মানবধর্ম সম্মত জিনিস |
” (1)

References
1. অপ্রকাশিত, 28-Nov-1970


== Section 4: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS