Pitfall of free will + 8 more

Baba

Pitfall of free will

Namaskar,

Free will is the capacity to decide what to do and what not to do. Humans have this quality, not animals. People constantly decide what to do after weighing the pros and cons, the positives and negatives. Parama Purusa has given humans a lot of latitude and freedom, which animals do not have. 

Animals are guided purely by instinct. By seeing one particular dog then you can understand how other dogs of that breed behave. With humans, one cannot generalise in this manner. Everyone has their own unique way of making a decision, even under the same circumstances. This is due to free will. 
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The central idea is that God has given you the capacity to do wrong or right. And that is free will. And due to this freedom one is rewarded or punished. For example you have the capacity to beat or serve others. If you beat and abuse others you will be punished. And if you serve others you will be rewarded. The freedom to do whatever you wish is free will. Some people misuse and abuse it and some utilize it properly. For instance, after death there are many who get punished and have to return to animal life due to their bad decisions. They misused their free will. Whereas those who follow the path of righteousness become one with Parama Purusa, by His grace. This is the central idea of free will. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings have a fully-reflected consciousness which makes them capable of independent action and also of distinguishing between good and bad." (1)

So this capacity of free will is that unique and unknown power. With free will, every person can gain tremendous control over their life and avert so many disasters, by His grace. In one discourse, Baba has declared that 99% of human beings misuse their free will and invite negative samskaras. But it does not have to be like that. One can avert all these problems. The proper utilization of one’s free will can also lead to the apex of spiritual attainment, by His grace. So it is a double-edged sword. Free will can lead one to the heights of bliss or the depths of hell. It all depends upon how it is used.


Humans get what they desire

In so many discourses, Baba guides us that human beings get whatever they desire.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Suppose a person is obsessed with the thought of doing this or that, to harm another person. They will receive the body of a pig or a dog. One who desires to do something good and noble will receive a good physical body accordingly." (2)

Whatever good or bad things a person desires in this life affects their next birth also. Here are more examples of this phenomenon.
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Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Suppose someone has a desire to eat delicious food. Parama Purus'a will grant that wish, and the person may be reborn in the next life as a wolf or wild boar, to eat to his or her heart’s content. A woman who wishes to adorn herself with ornaments may be reborn as a colourfully-marked peacock. One day, however, a hunter may shoot the beautiful peacock with an arrow. As one desires, so one attains...So before wishing to attain something, one must be extra-cautious. Suppose a man wants to be a king. In the next life he may be born into the household of a poor man whose surname is “Raja” [“King”]. He wanted to be a Raja and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything." (3)

That is why this very special quality - i.e. free will - is a double-edged sword. If one desires Him, one will get Him. And if they desire something mundane, they will get that. Tragically, all too often human beings are not aware how powerful their desires are nor where those desires will lead them. In their shortsighted manner, people long for so many things - material wealth, name, fame, prestige, etc - which bind them more and more.

Negative pratisaincara only happens to humans

Animals are animals and follow their nature; they never get degraded and slowly move along the path of pratisaincara. In contrast, with free will, human beings may rocket ahead toward Him by His grace, or fall back into the depths of animal life or even be reborn as inanimate objects.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A human being in this life may well be reborn as an animal, plant or even a rock in the next life." (4)

It is due to free will that one may get caught up in negative pratisaincara. No other being falls in this way, only humans. Here below Baba graphically explains how one gets a body according to their desire.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Which animal is the greediest among the animals with which we are all very familiar? It does not like to give up greed in spite of ill treatment and humiliations. It is the cat. Yes, after moving a few steps ahead, the cat forgets that it was beaten. So that particular person is reborn as a cat after death, because that body affords an opportunity for the satiation of their greed. When the housewife looks around inattentively, the cat sneaks into the kitchen through the small opening in order to reach the milk." (5)

One may be reborn as a cat in order to fulfill their greed. All because when in human form they misused their free will and just indulged in greed. So the progress of living beings is very steady until one attains the human framework. Then, depending upon one's use of their free will and the nature of their desires, a person may degenerate (negative pratisaincara) and revert back to animal life or worse. Or one may ideate on the Supreme and attain Him.

Conclusion

Human beings have so many desires so if one is not aware about how to exercise their free will, they will suffer all the pains and agonies of degradation into a lower birth. Suppose one rushes after wealth, revenge, or greed etc, one will get a body accordingly. By Baba's grace, there is an easy answer. Those in human form have been blessed with an aspiration for the divine. With one's free will they should goad the mind in that direction and ask for parama'rtha.
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Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parama'rtha is that factor which brings about the permanent cessation of the triple afflictions. Here permanent cessation means cessation of those afflictions which, once removed, will never return again in the future. That artha which brings permanent relief from the pangs of hunger, which is the instrument of permanent cessation, is called “parama'rtha”." (6)

By desiring salvation, even a notorious sinner like the robber Valmiki can become a great saint. So when ordinary human beings seek paramartha naturally they will be blessed and escape this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth as a lower being, which leads to so much suffering and unrest. By His grace, one will walk this earth filled with His bliss and ultimately attain salvation, moksa. That is the proper use of free will and that is the proper use of our unique and often misused power.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahma Prakash

~ In-depth study ~

Suppose one does not have any concept of parama'rtha. And suppose one does not know how to use their free will correctly. Even then an ordinary person can achieve the highest stance. The way is to simply surrender to the will of Parama Purusa. One should merely request, "Let Your desire be fulfilled." That is the essence of Guru's below blessing.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Created beings, will have to move according to the Cosmic will; there is no other way. Learning, intellect and personal status become meaningless [and will goad one into bondage] unless they are directed towards Parama Purus'a. After realizing the Supreme truth intelligent people start moving according to Parama Purus'a’s desire, saying, “Oh Parama Purus'a. I have nothing to ask of You. Let Thy will be fulfilled. I want nothing else.”" (7)


Our unknown power

Every human being is born with a very special, innate capacity, but most of the time that special capacity goes unnoticed and misused. However, this quality allows one tremendous control over their future. Yet, because one is not aware about their unique and unknown power and unable to use it properly, things go awry. Consider the greatness human beings could achieve, and how many pains and troubles could be averted, if one becomes aware of and properly utilizes this innate gift.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In this modern era, researchers and scientists classify humans within the animal category. But, according to Ananda Marga philosophy, there is a significant difference between humans and animals. And this letter explores that unique difference. From the purview of Ananda Marga, human beings are wholly separate from animals and what distinguishes humans from animals is: free will. Parama Purusa has given humans free will - the power to think, choose, and decide.

References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
2. Ananda Vacnamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”
4. A Few Problems Solves - 8, The Origin of Existential Stamina
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Artha and Paramártha
7. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10, Bhágavata Dharma

*        *        *

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 ==

Rowing my boat

"Ámi tomákei jáni shudhu tomákei jáni..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0907)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, only You I know, no one else. By Your grace I only depend on You. You are my shelter. Since the creation of my mind, from the very beginning I have been with You. Now I am with You, and I know I will remain with You forever. By Your krpa, I understand, believe, and realise this eternal truth in the deep core of my heart. 

Unfortunately, I started running after the degrading attractions by the pull of maya. In this mad dash for mundane pleasures, I got swept off my feet by the flooded river of tamasika attractions - going towards who knows where. In spite of that, by Your compassion, in an isolated corner of my inner self, always I am singing Your songs and chanting Your name. The subterranean flow of my mental river always cascades with the water of bhakti. It is Your causeless and infinite kindness. 

Since the early dawn, I have remained absorbed in a stream of a dream about Your kindness. But now I am rowing my boat with a firm hand on the path of dharma, by remembering Your vanii. Your ideological teachings are my fuel for moving along the path of life divine and reaching the Supreme Entity. Friends, family, money, wealth, prestige, power, and post are all ephemeral. Such things are shelterless, and depending on them is ignorance. They cannot provide me a base. 

Baba, You fulfill all my longings as well as all of my physical, psychic, and spiritual needs. Besides You there is no one whom I can rely upon. In this universe only You are mine...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Who can lead society

   Ananda Marga teachings guide us, “When for age after age society spins in the murky eddies of evil and vice, when individual and collective knavery masquerades as intelligence, when hypocrisy, bribery and fraud are the yardsticks for measuring the ability to lead – it is then that the genuine followers of Bháratii [the goddess of learning] must struggle on in spite of constant humiliation. Only taunts and insults will be their fate. Those who are afraid of these insults are incapable of offering anything really lasting to humanity. How can people who lack moral strength, under whose feet the soil is not hard and strong, invite anyone into a cool, refreshing shelter and impart happiness to them? It may be possible to drag oneself through life by sucking the blood of others like social parasites, but this will not bring fulfilment to either sáhityikas or their readers.”
   “The artist or sáhityika who assumes the responsibility of leading humanity along the path to light from the caverns of darkness will have to heed the road signs on that path. It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. Rather it is necessary for the sáhityika or artist to have a keen and vigorous insight, without which all their endeavours will prove fruitless. Merely juggling words or depicting defects in society will not satisfy the hunger of the human mind – and such creations of art are indeed valueless for social progress as well. One must know the path, and one must also know how to move on it. If those who have not comprehended what the form of society will be, allow the trends of the past that have shaped the present to proceed unchecked, they can never lead society to the path of perfection. They will in fact thrust society into darkness in the name of social reform; they will encourage license in the name of freedom. Instead of modelling a woman after the ideal of a goddess, they will mould the image of the goddess after the ideal of a harlot.” (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Real utility of knowledge

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So why do people bother to cultivate knowledge or action? They do so to make their devotion more intense, not for any other reason. People do not eat pickles to fill the stomach, but only to whet their appetite so that they can enjoy their food more. Similarly, devotees cultivate knowledge and action not for their physical growth, but to acquire more strength to move along the path of devotion with greater acceleration." (1)

Note: Some people have gone astray from this above teaching. They acquire knowledge and do action for reasons of self-satisfaction and self-aggrandizement - so that they can brag to others. They want to misguide people, put simple folks in trouble, and create more dogmas. Yet all this inflates the ego and causes one's degeneration. It is rare that people cultivate knowledge and perform actions solely to serve humanity and increase their level of bhakti.

Reference
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Vraja Krśńa and Dvaetaváda (Discourse 17)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human victory

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The spirit to fight against all odds alone can solve the problems confronting human beings. March ahead and wage war against all difficulties, every impediment. Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encumbrances cannot be more powerful than your capacity to solve them. You are the children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a sadvipra and make others sadvipras also." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Future of Civilization

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Secret of service

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Every human being gets more or less opportunity for rendering services. If a poor man thinks that he cannot render Vaeshyocita type of service because he is devoid of money he is wrong. The charity of a few paise of the poor has the same value as a thousand rupees from a millionaire. Indeed the charity of these few paise is greater. Lord Krśńa attached greater importance to a handfuls of grains from Vidura than to the sumptuous royal dishes of Duryodhana. Even so, everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability. Perform viprocita type of service by projecting your convictions to others as best as you can. Let every person perform the four kinds of service as much as possible. Adhyátma yajiṋa is an internal yajiṋa and ultimately it terminates in Paramátman, the original self.”(1)

Note: The value of any service is based on how much a person sacrificed for others’ welfare - not the amount they give etc. 

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Kids & seniors bring life to a festival

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every human being likes utsava [festival]. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of devotees of knowledge.”
   “Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the utsava in social life. Excitement in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony. ” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva), Point #4 - Utsava

== Section : Important Teaching ==

Lack of refined intellect people become atheists

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Self-awareness develops through clash. The awareness that develops through physical clash is termed jadábuddhi [crude physical intellect] because it is associated with jadá [matter]. The consciousness of animals and undeveloped human beings is matter-oriented. But even in developed human society, if someone is an atheist or a materialist, we can only term their intellect as jadábuddhi. Such people deny the existence of spirituality in order to hide their intellectual deficiencies. Their denial betrays their moral and intellectual bankruptcy. It does not speak of their glory, nor does it diminish the value of spirituality."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Devotion plays a positive role in the process of clash. Had there been no factor to maintain the balance among all the objects created within the Macrocosmic Mind, the entire structure of the universe would have fallen apart. For the sake of harmony and balance within the universe, there is a mutual attraction among all the objects; each microcosm attracts the other microcosms. All finite microcosms – the innumerable manifestations of the Supreme Entity – are entitled to that universal love with which It has bound each microcosm to Itself, entitled to the wave of that universal love, in which Its divine ocean of bliss is perennially flowing. Attraction is the innate characteristic of microcosms. When this attraction is for finite objects, it is called káma [“physical longing”], and when it surges towards the Cosmic Entity, it is called prema [“divine love”]. Of course, káma is nothing but a limited form of prema. When microcosms rush towards Parama Puruśa [Supreme Consciousness] attracted by the irresistible force of divine love, it is termed “devotion”. Since clash drives the microcosms towards subtlety, it follows that clash must be the sustainer of devotion." (1)

Reference

1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult

== FURTHER READING ==

 You must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia - Ananda Vanii #5

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

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 ==

আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে

“উৎ + নতি = উন্নতি | উৎ মানে—উপরের দিকে | ऊपर की ओर | Upward | যেখানে উৎ, নম্‌, ক্তিন্‌ | যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, উপরে দিকের কোনও সত্তাকে---সেইটা হল তার উৎ নতি, উন্নতি | আর যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, শ্রদ্ধা জানাচ্ছে, “অব” মানে “নিচের দিকের, কোনও কিছুকেই, জড়কে, ভেদ-ৰুদ্ধিকে, মানুষের-মানুষের বৈসম্য তথা বৈমনস্যকে”, সখানে সে নিচের দিককে নমঃ করছে | সে নিচে নেমে যাচ্ছে |...

তো, সেই ব্যাপার, উন্নতি-টুন্নতি হয়নি, ৰাপু; মুখে যাই ৰলা হক | তা, এখন যে যুগ চলে গেছে, যে দিন অতীতের অন্ধকারে হারিয়ে গেছে, সে গেছে ভালই হয়েছে | এখন নূতন উষার দিকে তাকিয়ে, আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে” (1)

Reference
1. অপ্রকাশিত,আনন্দ নগর ১৯৮৪

== Section ==

When to skip following dharma

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them. One should always protect dharma, in both big and small ways. If one thinks that they will only follow dharma in some big events, and not in small ones, then those big events may not ever come in their entire life. It may be that in their whole life, besides their birth and death, not a single big event happens. Yet at the time of birth how can one protect dharma. At that time one is just a small infant and cannot do anything. That infant is totally unaware about the events going on around them. Then how can they protect dharma. And at the time of death, a person is senseless. In that case also how can they protect dharma. For this reason, dharma should be protected always. In small and big ways-- even in jokes and humor dharma should be protected. Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them: Dharma raksati raksitah." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 32 (H), p.86-7

== Section ==

Find out how many cultures in the world?

"Culture is a vague term. It is the collective name for different expressions of life. People eat, enjoy hospitality, laugh on some occasions and shed tears on others, and thereby express life through various actions. The collective name of all these actions is culture."

"According to PROUT all of society has the same culture. There are local variations in the mode or state of cultural expression, but the expression is universal. While everybody eats, some eat by hand, others by stick and still others by spoon. Indian dance is based on Mudrá or dance postures, and European dance is based on rhythm, but they do not represent two different cultures."

"Local variations will diminish if there is a close blending between different groups of people, because this will create common customs. In Nepal there is a blending of Hindu and Buddhist customs. In Bengal there is a blending of Aryan and Dravidian customs. These local variations are called customs. Thus local modes of expression bearing local or group specialities are customs, but the expression itself is culture. Therefore it is a mistake to readjust boundaries on the basis of language and culture. Indian culture and the culture of the world are one and the same." (1)

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

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Ista & sadhaka life + 2 more

Baba

Ista & sadhaka life

Namaskar,

There are some who normally keep pictures and photos of numerous religious dogmatic gods and goddesses on their puja table. They have photos and pictures like that of Ramakrsna, goddess Durga, mother Kali, Rama, Shankaracarya, Buddha, Christ, mosque, synagogue etc. So they do sadhana and also go to their church, synagogue, or the Buddhist or Hindu temple etc—or some other place of worship. In that case who can think that that sadhaka / Wt has one-pointed strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista, Parama Purusa. It means that the sadhaka’s / Wt's mind is also divided in that way i.e. his faith in Ista, Parama Purusa, is compromised—i.e. marginalised.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is more about those sadhakas / Wts who pray to multiple gods and goddesses: Their lack of faith and trust in Ista, Parama Purusa, is openly expressed by their keeping so many various deities on their own puja table and / or visiting certain houses of worship—whether it be a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue etc. In that case, they do not have firm faith and single-minded bhakti for Parama Purusa. That is why for them their sadhana becomes fruitless.

Everyone is aware that one of the aspects of Sixteen Points centres exclusively on Ista.

"Observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista." (Point #10 of Sixteen Points)

However, a few may wonder how it is possible to evaluate this - how can one know if someone is strong on the point of Ista - or not. In response, we can say that there are some key factors that indicate one's dedication and faith in Ista. 


Only their sadhana will bear fruit

The situation of multi-deity worshippers is most precarious—it is just like someone trying to stand on two different boats. Their base is very sketchy, unreliable. Any moment they can fall and drown. Similarly, those who worship multiple deities are living on a slippery slope because they do not have a strong foundation in Ista, Parama Purusa.

So this is one point for determining if one is strict in Ista, Parama Purusa. Does that person only rely on Parama Purusa or do they pray to all kinds of religious deities etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Those who in their heart truly follow the point of Ista, Parama Purusa, only think of Him. Their mind is one-pointed towards Parama Purusa in all circumstances and at all times. They remember one Divine Entity—not many. Always that sadhaka / Wt feels that Parama Purusa is along with them, solving their problems, listening to their difficulties, and taking care of everything. Such sadhakas / Wts are top-grade disciples. They alone are strict in Ista, Parama Purusa. Their sadhana will bear fruit while those who are not strict in Ista, Parama Purusa, always think their purodha pramukha, or their group leader, or their friend, or money, or their wife / husband will save and rescue them in their hour of need. Such persons are most degraded and they will not realise anything. Their sadhana will be dry.

“My goal is the Singular Entity”

In numerous discourses, Baba tells the story of the mythological monkey devotee Hanuman who would only worship Rama—not any other entity. Baba's teaching from this story is for every sadhaka to be very strict on the point of Ista. A sadhaka/ Wt must have faith in Ananda Marga sadhana. They must not go to church, mosque, synagogue, temple, durga puja etc.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Once upon a time some of the devotees asked Hanuman, “Hanuman, you are a great devotee and learned scholar also, and you know that Náráyańa means Shriinátha, (Shrii means, Lakśmii) Shriinátha means Náráyańa. Shriinátha, i.e. Lakśmiinátha, Náráyańa and Jánakiinátha i.e. Ráma are the same entity; but you never take the name of Náráyańa. Why?”"

“Hanuman said: You know fundamentally there is no difference between Náráyáńa and Ráma. Nára means Prakrti, Ayana means Shelter. Náráyańa means Shelter of Prakrti i.e. Cognitive Puruśa and Ráma, i.e. the most attractive entity of the entire cosmos is Parama Puruśa. “I also know”, said Hanuman, “that there is no fundamental difference between Ráma and Náráyańa, but you know my goal is a singular entity – singular in name, singular in idea, ideology and ideation. Ráma is my everything, I don’t know any Náráyańa.”" (1)

Those who do not adhere to this tenet will never get proper fruit from their sadhana. Their approach will be fruitless.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please pay attention to the yellow highlighted section below, that is the main teaching of this entire letter.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Iśt́a means the object who loves you the most. Because of this Iśt́a there is flow in your incantative form or incantative structure. Only under such circumstances can your existential emanation maintain a parallelism with your entitative structure. So, Iśt́a is a must for movement, Iśt́a is a must for all sorts of living beings in all strata of life. You cannot do anything concrete in even a single arena of your life without the help of your Iśt́a. So wherever there is Dharma, there must be Iśt́a. And Iśt́a is the primordial necessity for yoga. Nobody can exist without Iśt́a. The aspirant is a finite entity, but the Iśt́a of that aspirant is an infinite entity. If you practice yoga, then your finite existence will come in contact with that infinite Iśt́a and you will acquire infinity, you will acquire the infinite spiritual stamina and you will become victorious in all the arenas of your existence. So the wise people, the true yogiis should realize it clearly and definitely that their entitative existence along with the entitative force of their Iśt́a, moves towards the Supreme goal. The yogii should know the single name of his Iśt́a and not two names or three names. Wherever the Iśt́a is a singular entity in name, form, and idea, in ideation and also in ideology, success is sure, success is fully assured." (2)

Conclusion

The conclusion is that margiis / Wts must have faith in Parama Purusa—and faith in Ananda Marga sadhana. And when one is fully linked with Baba, they will not go to a church, mosque, temple, synagogue, or engage in religious ritualistic worship like durga puja etc. Nor will they give credence to other so-called gods and goddesses. If some new margii / Wt, due to their previously imposed negative samskaras, is continuing to indulge in multiple deity goddess worship, they will not get anything despite their entire life’s effort.

To proceed ahead in the field of spirituality, one must have full faith and trust in one Parama Purusa. There is no other way. That is why sincere margiis / Wts do not sing Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva songs in their personal spiritual practices. That would bifurcate and trifurcate the mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ista is a key aspect of 16 points. Every Ananda Margii must have only one Ista, Parama Purusa Baba.

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Ma’dhurii

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Thus we see that ideation is association with one or the other idea – knowledge, action or devotion – just as meditation is associated with ideology. Thus in meditation and ideology, the spiritual aspirant is moving toward the singular Supreme Entity, the pinnacled goal. If the mind accepts two goals, two Lords, the mind becomes bifurcated.” (3)


~ In-depth study ~

Photos of numerous deities throughout their abode

There are many good margii sisters of India who are very strict in ista—and do not indulge in multi-deity worship and do not keep photos of multiple deities etc.

But this multi-deity worship is very common throughout India. Many ignorant margiis—especially women—are deeply involved in this dogma. They do not like to give up their previous rituals despite coming onto the path of Ananda Marga. When you enter inside their house, it is all quite visible: There are photos of numerous deities throughout their abode.

All Wts know this contravenes the point of Ista, Parama Purusa. But if that family is wealthy, then those Wts who go there for money do not dare tell them that it is bad. Due to their own selfishness and lack of courage, such Wts remain mum and don’t open the eyes of that blind margii. They do not say anything. They know it is wrong but…
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Everyone should know that in India, the standard protocol is for non-margii females to continue their family’s ritualistic worship in their house, whereas many males do not do anything in this regard. So females do worship for the entire family. And when coming into Ananda Marga they continue those various pujas and add a photo of Baba. Many go to the weekly dharmacakra and then come home and do those dogmatic, religious rituals as well.

Their sadhana does not work

The central idea is that if one worships all kinds of gods and goddesses and also does Ananda Marga sadhana and attends dharmacakra, then they are wasting their time and they will get nothing—they will not realise anything. Their mind will be divided—it will ruin everything. In that case sadhana does not work. That is why sincere Ananda Margiis only do the sadhana which is taught by Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Those doing Ananda Marga sadhana plus other religious services like church sermons, namaz, Hindu rituals, and Islamic and Jewish call to prayer etc are wasting their time. They always think their purodha pramukha, or their group leader, or their friend, or money, or their wife / husband will save and rescue them in their hour of need. Such persons are most degraded and they will not realise anything. Their sadhana will be dry. Their sadhana will never bear any fruit because this type of toxic worship bifurcates or balkanises the mind.

Note: This below note section is not for everyone. So if you are not strict in Ista then do not read the below as it is not for you—it is for A-grade margiis and A-grade Wts.

Here in this letter, those pseudo-sadhakas / Wts might refer to ordinary margiis, or acaryas, or purodhas who do such type of aforementioned things. They are half-baked. There are some Wts who cross the ocean and move around various Hindu and fake yoga ashrams in India (Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, & Yoga Da in Ranchi) and learn and adopt their fake practices. And from India they go back to their posting areas and preach those dogmatic beliefs. They also fall in this half-baked category.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please forgive me if I have omitted any name

Ananda Marga ideology states, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone’s name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (4)

In His above teaching Baba is guiding us that those who subscribe to multi-deity worship can never do proper sadhana. For them, sadhana is useless.

Relation will certainly fail

Or think in this way. Suppose a husband has a photo of his wife on his desk, along with photos of so many other females whom he desires and loves. In that case, who can think that that person is a devoted husband. Never. Rather one will think he is unfaithful and lacks a basic level of respect and commitment for his spouse. And the same is the case if one wife has a collection of photos of the various male loves of her life on her bureau. In that case, who can imagine that she is a faithful and committed wife. It is impossible to think in that way. Rather, one will conclude that she fails to hold the requisite loyalty to be a proper spouse. In that case, the relationship will certainly fail.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Worshipping multiple deities: waste of time

There are some sadhakas / Wts who perform Ananda Marga sadhana, do Guru Puja, and sing kiirtan etc, but when a worldly problem arises they pray to some other imaginary god /goddess in hopes of being rescued.

For instance, some sadhakas/ Wts from a Hindu background who are struggling to find a suitable husband for their daughter may go to the Hindu temple and seek a boon from the mythological elephant god, Ganesh. They think that Ganesh will rescue them by granting them a handsome, well-educated, wealthy husband for their daughter without effort.

But this type of appeal to the so-called elephant god itself reveals that they do not have full faith and trust in Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. They do not have strictness and faith inIsta. Because if they had full faith in Ista then they would have not surrendered to the mythological elephant god, Ganesh etc.

Those who fall in this category can never do proper sadhana - they will not realize anything. Their sadhana is useless.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Some dilute their inner approach

Yet, this is what we see. In various times of trouble and difficulty, certain sadhakas seek out some other entity for help such as Kali, goddess Durga, monkey Hanuman or so many others. And this issue is not just related with those margiis from a Hindu background.

Margiis who grew up in the Catholic faith may go to confession to purge themselves of sin. They do not have the requisite faith in Ista, Parama Purusa. They do not feel that Parama Purusa alone can solve the problem or purify them, so they resort to their Catholic roots and go to confession etc.

And this situation also applies to those sadhakas who come from Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian backgrounds etc. Essentially, when anyone appeals to any other so-called entity - for any reason - then it means that they do not feel that Parama Purusa Baba alone can solve their problem or grant them the happiness that they seek. That shows that they lack faith and trust in Ista, Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This lack of faith in Ista, Parama Purusa is not limited to times of problem. There are some who express this lack of faith in their day-to-day living patterns. Sadly, their efforts in sadhana will be fruitless.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, The Spirit of Yoga
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, The Spirit of Yoga
3. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity Transcends All Colours

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Way to form a world government

Sadguru Baba guides us that the best way to form a world government is through tirelessly engaging in constructive activities and rendering selfless service. The states or regions which abide by and participate in this approach will be greatly benefited and will form a world government in a very just and peaceful manner. In contrast, those who choose a different route for forming a world government by indulging in the political power plays etc will give way to a bloody and harmful approach toward forming a world government. 

Here is Baba’s teaching from the book "Problems of the Day", Point #32: 

The question may arise, Is it possible to establish the world government and Ánanda Parivára without struggle? In reply I will say, “Yes.” The greatest social welfare for the human race will be accomplished if those who aspire to establish the world government or Ánanda Parivára engage themselves only in constructive activities and selfless service, instead of wasting their vital energy in the vortex of politics, or in political conflicts. They will have to go on rendering social service with steadfast commitment, without any ulterior motive in their minds.

Those states which cooperate with such missionaries in their social service activities will be considered to be desirous of establishing the world government or Ánanda Parivára. The common people of those states which do not cooperate will become agitated, and these agitated people will form the world government or Ánanda Parivára through revolution. For this, the missionaries need not enter the dirty arena of party politics.

Those who want to cure society of disease will have to keep an eye on every individual, because collective purification lies in individual purification. Otherwise, by delivering high-sounding speeches from political platforms, it will not be possible to raise the collective standard of living.

Only psychic and spiritual education can create sadvipras. Only those who are established in yama and niyama – who are imbued with Cosmic ideation – I call sadvipras.

Political leaders cannot create sadvipras by haranguing people from public platforms – this demands righteousness and the practice of self-purification in personal life. Furthermore, what type of people come to deliver lectures from these platforms? Are they not the ones resorting to mud-slinging for the sake of party politics? Most of them are blinded by their obsession for power, so what can they teach others?

Andhenaeva niiyamánáh yathándháh

(Problems of the Day, Point #32)

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Style of each Mahasambhuti + 3 more

Baba

Style of each Mahasambhuti 

Namaskar,

Parama Purusa is one, and from time to time He comes to guide humanity when society loses its way - i.e. when people become degraded and demonic forces get the upper hand and exploit the masses. In that case, not even pious people can solve the problem. So Parama Purusa takes advent as Mahasambhuti.

On this planet, the first Mahasambhuti was Lord Shiva, and then that same Parama Purusa came as Mahasambhuti in the form of Lord Krsna. And then again after 3500 years in the 20th century the third Mahasambhuti came on this earth as Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. In this letter, we are going to discuss how Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna established dharma, and how Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti has also established dharma - which will be visible to the common people soon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Yadá yadá hi dharmasya glánirbhavati Bhárata;
Cábhyutthánam adharmasya tadátmánaḿ srjámyaham.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Whenever dharma declines, whenever people feel helpless, at that stage it becomes imperative for Táraka Brahma to come to the world with the help of the five fundamental factors, to inspire the depressed people, to encourage them to move forward, to make them realize that they are not forlorn or helpless, that Parama Puruśa or Táraka Brahma is always with them and will continue to help them.” (1)

Lord Shiva’s action, Lord Krsna’s presence, & Baba’s wish

During Lord Shiva's historic advent, Sadashiva fought directly with the demons. He was physically fighting side by side with His bhaktas against any and all negative forces. At that time, His bhaktas were primitive in their understanding so they needed Lord Shiva's direct involvement and guidance. They were not going to be able to understand or follow anything other than the Lord's direct physical involvement to save them from the hands of the wicked people. So Lord Shiva helped them using His physical force, such as His rope and trident, and of course His psychic force as well.

During Lord Krsna's time the situation was different. He did not need to engage in physical combat in the Mahabharata. That is why He gave His word that He will not physically fight for either side - neither the Kauravas nor the Pandavas. Instead, Lord Krsna became the charioteer of Arjuna and psychically guided everything.

In actuality then, the Mahabharata victory was Lord Krsna's blessing. It was not the magic or ferociousness of Arjuna's bow and arrow. Otherwise after the Mahabharata war, how is it that Arjuna was defeated by those simple village folk, 'Bhiil' people. That is why it is understood that the victory of the Mahabharata came by Lord Krsna's mere presence. That alone was enough to grant victory.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This present era: His grace alone is enough

This time Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji has His own unique approach. He wants to teach His disciples that while in His Mahasambhuti form He fully established dharma. He created the vibration, and over time the results will manifest in the physical plane. We have seen this, are seeing this, and will see this more in the future. 

Long back in the Mahabharata era, the society was comparatively of a lower standard than today. That is why in the Mahabharata, Mahasambhuti Krsna was present during the battle - to encourage and guide the people. But now, because the overall standard of society is higher, Baba is teaching His bhaktas in a different manner.

Remember, when Arjuna was confused, then Lord Krsna removed all dilemmas from his mind. Lord Krsna showed Arjuna His vishvarupa (universal form). And Arjuna realised that even before the Mahabharata war, all the warriors had been killed. It was all done already in the mental sphere; that was Lord Krsna's will. So what Lord Krsna thought in His mind about the victory of dharma took shape on the physical plane in a few days. After taking physical expression, everyone saw that dharma was established. But in the true sense dharma was established as soon as Lord Krsna conceived the thought before the Mahabharata war.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

We all know that the Lord comes here on this earth as Mahasambhuti to establish dharma. And establishing dharma does not mean physically fighting with a bow and arrow against demons. Lord Krsna established dharma by virtue of His wish. But human beings could only see after the Mahabharata how dharma was already established, but they needed Lord Krsna's presence to guide them.

Slowly, slowly we will witness this with our own eyes

Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji has established dharma by His mere wish. We will see in the near future how it continues to unfold and take shape. Parama Purusa can change the entire psyche of humanity in a flash, but that would be unnatural. With His wish, Baba has established dharma. Slowly, slowly we will witness this with our own eyes in this physical world. We have seen this, are seeing this, and will see this more in the future.

Mahasambhuti Baba has come and created the vibration. And in time, that vibration takes form in the physical sphere. Verily, we see how in this transitional period so many new and monumental changes are taking place. Very quickly society is being transformed. From 1955 to today, there has been a huge shift in the human psyche, and countless revolutionary changes have occurred. We have seen this, are seeing this, and will see this more in the future.

Baba has come and given the path in the form of Ananda Marga ideology. By this way, everyone has been given the ingredients for how to conduct themselves in day to day life and progress fighting against exploitation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

After getting everything set and done, He withdrew His Mahasambuti form and remains eternally with us as Taraka Brahma. Over time we have seen and continue to see the results manifest physically. All along He is still living in each and everyone's heart and mind eternally as Taraka Brahma.

Conclusion

The whole idea being that Baba fulfilled His samkalpa while in His Mahasambhuti form, and for that reason dharma is established. The vibration was created, and step by step over time that is taking shape in the material world. We have seen this, we are seeing this, and we will see this more in the future.

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Satyadeva

The liila of Mahasambhuti: Each and every advent of Mahasambhuti has His own style of functioning and completing His samkalpa.

The transitional period, His advent to establish dharma

What Baba has promised, He always fulfills.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Such a figure or “Mahásambhúti”, infuses dynamism in the social body and accelerates the speed of movement. All the virtuous people in the world respond to his call and rally around him. He creates a polarization in the society: the virtuous versus the wicked. In the clash between the two groups, the virtuous people emerge victorious by dint of their special efforts coupled with the grace of that great personality. His advent itself signifies victory in the war. The mark of victory is sure to be imprinted on the forehead of the virtuous. The brave companions of this Mahásambhúti accompany him from age to age preferring to work with Him than attain their own liberation. They may or may not have great ambitions, they may or may not suffer from superiority or inferiority complexes, but there is no evil element in this world that can defeat these blessed people. Rather, in the last phase of the conflict, the evil forces are bound to accept total defeat. Therefore, to those of you marching forward on the path of virtue, the path of dharma, I say, “Keep marching on safely and without concern.”" (2)


Blessing by varabhaya & janusparsha mudra

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "No one need harbour any doubt that Parama Purus'a exists to promote the well-being of all created beings. If He was not concerned about the welfare of the living unit beings, He would have remained in His unqualified stance forever and would not have manifested Himself as Ta'raka Brahma or Sagun'a Brahma. But He did manifest Himself in this way and has just shown His intention of promoting the well-being of humanity. That is why He has given the assurance:"

"Paritra'n'a'ya ..."

"Now what is the necessity for His repeated advent into this world? To ensure human welfare." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Utilizing the vibrations created for eternal time by Shrii Shrii A'nandamurtiji through janusparsha and varabhaya mudras, take yourself and the entire universe ahead along the path of all-round welfare. Omn Shanti." (4)


Analogy of banyan tree

If you show someone a tiny seed - i.e. the size of the tip of a needle - and tell them one day it will become a great big banyan tree, then many people will not believe it. They will wonder how it is so. Yet that banyan seed contains within it the potential to grow to that size. Similarly, Baba has showered His grace and due to that dharma is already established - we are seeing this and will see it soon more fully. But if you tell an ordinary person they may stand there in disbelief. However, any sadhaka will easily realise this.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And that is verily what we see unfolding today. In the general society, every day, there are more and more practices and trends that reflect Ananda Marga ideals. All sorts of various ideas which Baba has given are getting established. This shows that it takes time to manifest on the physical plane. He has fulfilled His vow of establishing dharma, and soon it will be visible for all to see - even to the crude eyes.

Note: About the banyan tree

For those not aware, the banyan tree is one of the biggest trees on the planet - not in terms of height, but in terms of how much space it consumes. The branches grow out laterally and then back down into the earth. In this way the banyan tree spreads across the land. Just a little seed manifests into this enormous tree. That is the potentiality of the banyan seed. So we are to fulfill our roles with the energy He has given, and watch dharma take physical manifestation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba has given the path as well as the inspiration, stamina, and dynamism, and when He has showered His grace in His Mahasambuti form, then everything is complete.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, A Devotee's Object of Ideation
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The Transitional Period
3. Prout in a Nutshell - 11, The Physical, Psychic & Spiritual Strata
4. Caryacarya - 1, 'Concluding Words'

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Huge gap: relative vs absolute knowledge

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Common people usually live their lives according to absolute knowledge and become noble and great. That is why we see people like Kabir and Ramakrishna, who even without formal schooling, were highly regarded by tens of thousands of people. In fact, it is doubtful whether learned scholars could bring about even a small fraction of the spiritual progress these great people brought to society…”
   “Social progress is achieved to some extent through relative knowledge, but here also there is a great possibility of conflict between relative knowledge and absolute knowledge. Relative knowledge often encourages divisive ideas and the propagation of narrow sentiments such as casteism, nationalism, communalism, provincialism, etc., by extolling the greatness of caste, community, creed, colour, etc. It often tends to suppress other castes, communities, creeds, etc., or wants to annihilate them completely. On the other hand, absolute knowledge teaches human beings that the Dharma of all humans is one and the same. The Supreme Entity is the Universal Father. All the human beings of the world are brothers and sisters. All are equal – no one is low, no one is high.” (1)

Reference
1. Tattva Kaomudii - 2, Prápta Vákya and Ápta Vákya

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Heinous ways of religion

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "To stifle the progress of humanity, the followers of these religions play on human sentiments and other weaknesses. They want to perpetuate the hold of the vested interests by infusing an inferiority complex into the human mind. While preaching their religious ideas, some claim that the social, economic and political systems were direct creations of God and hence destined to be observed in all ages and all times with equal veneration. They pronounce that those who refuse to follow this divine decree will be doomed to burn in the scorching heat of God’s wrath, or dammed to suffer eternal hell-fire. To deny people the scope of verifying the rationality of different scriptures they declare that such-and-such scriptures are infallible and so nobody has the right to question their veracity. If the philosophical texts contradict the scriptures, then their propounders will be declared as atheists." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Through nityánitya viveka, human beings become aware of the fleeting nature of transient objects. They observe that with change in time, place and person, corresponding changes occur in social, political, economic, and all other spheres of life take to which they have to adapt themselves. Those who are reluctant to adapt themselves to the changed circumstances are doomed to destruction. A religion or an “ism” is created in a certain age which itself is a product of the three factors of time, place and person. However, the religion does not recognize the necessity of adjustment with the change in social life. It refuses to realize that the old rules and regulations of the previous age are now only mere historical records, having lost their relevance in the present dynamic society." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "So it is seen that in the absence of nityánitya viveka the propounders of religion want to thwart the intellectual progress of human society at large. They knowingly refuse to understand that any observation regarding the spatial, temporal and personal factors, from whatever person it might come, is bound to lose its relevance in a transformed situation." (3)

References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, The Five Kinds of Conscience (Viveka)
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, The Five Kinds of Conscience (Viveka)
3. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, The Five Kinds of Conscience (Viveka)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Delineation of forgiveness

This following teaching has two main parts:
(a) If someone harms you in personal life and their behaviour is rectified and they feel repentant then you should forgive them - highlighted in green.
(b) If some wrongdoer harms the society then you should force them to rectify themselves - highlighted in yellow.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “The faults of others should be excused as far as possible. If you find that the conduct of an individual is antisocial, you should try to reform his or her nature by resorting to whatever severe measures may be necessary. Remember, he or she is not your enemy, but his / her conduct is the enemy of your society.” (1)

Note: In His various teachings, Baba says that it is bad to prematurely forgive someone, i.e. if the wrongdoer’s conduct has not changed. However, if the person is repentant and they have truly transformed themselves then, in our personal life, it is incumbent upon us to forgive them. And that forgiveness should be done in the proper spirit. 

In the world, there are two types of forgiveness. One is real and one is pseudo. For instance, suppose there are two teenagers, Rob and John, and they get into an argument. Ultimately, Rob beats John and the police arrest Rob. For this crime, Rob felt repentant and his personality changed. Seeing this transformation, John said, “I forgive you for beating me.” But if John is just offering forgiveness to ease the hatred and pain in his own mind then that is just pseudo-forgiveness. Forgiveness is not done merely for one’s own comfort and relief. When forgiving anyone, one must have a genuine feeling for the next person’s welfare.

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, point #19

== Section 2: Links ==

Postings to Read

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Key point of pracara work

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2022/05/opposing-good-work.html

Not punitive but corrective

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/01/humans-cannot-punish-anyone-4-more.html