Story: after death experience + 3 more

Baba

Story: after death experience 

Namaskar,

Over the years Keshavananda jii has told this story at a variety of seminars, classes, and trainings. Hence, many of us are well familiar with Dadaji's portrayal. And, of course, he has even printed it in his book, "Mere Rahasyamay Baba" (2010, Hindi). Here following is that story.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(Note: This is not a direct translation from the original Hindi version, but an accurate summary of that story from the Hindi edition.)

During the jail period, there was a convicted criminal, nay murderer, who was given the duty by the jail officials to serve as Baba's personal caretaker. The convict's name was Ramchij Rajawa'r' of Chhapara' District - as you may recall. And he served Baba well.

In the greater liila, Ramchij was blessed with the opportunity to be with Baba - such are the loving ways of Parama Purusa.

One day while Keshavananda jii was along with Baba then Ramchij Rajawa'r' excitedly came up to them and asked if he could tell the story of one occasion how he (Ramchij Rajawa'r') had experienced his own death.

Baba gave His approval so Ramchij proceeded to give his account.

Ramchij Rajawa'r' said: 'Baba, one day I died - I experienced death. I was suffering from a fever lying there on my cot and two uniformed officials approached and told me in an authoritative voice that my time had come and that I must go along with them. With no other option, I followed their order and, step by step, they led me up to the kingdom of the god of death-- to Yamara'j.'

'I waited there with the guards and when my turn came then those two officials firmly brought me before the grand throne of Yamara'j. And they loudly announced my name to the god of death.'

'They said, 'Here before you we have brought Ramchij Rajawa'r---he is dead.'

'Immediately, Yamara'j became furious and he loudly shouted at his two officials.'

'Yamara'j scolded them, 'You neglectful fellows. I (Yamara'j) did not tell you to bring Ramchij Rajawa'r's soul here. I told you to bring Ramchij Ahir. You have confused the names and brought the wrong person’s soul. You completely misunderstood my command. Now go back and return Rajchij Rajawa's soul to his locale and bring me Ramchij Ahir’s soul. Immediately do as I say'.'

Ramchij Rajawa'r' continued on with his story:
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

'The next thing I knew I was now lying on that special type of stretcher used for carrying dead bodies to the cremation ground. And I was surrounded by all my family members and various persons from my village. I saw that they were all crying seeing my death. So when I opened my eyes and spoke to them they were startled and completely overjoyed.'

'And the first thing I said to them is where is Ramchij Ahir. I want to know about Ramchij Ahir. Right away two boys were sent to go get Ramchij Ahir.'

'They ran across the village and saw Ramchij Ahir milching his cows and then Ramchij Ahir looked over at them and then fell over - he died then and there, at that very moment.'

In that way, Ramchij Rajawa'r' recounted his story to Baba one night about how he died by mistake, and after some time had been brought back to life from the dead. And Keshavananda jii heard it all.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Dada K.'s (mis)understanding

Afterwards, when it was quiet, Keshavananda jii looked at Baba and asked if things like this really happen. Baba just smiled.

Seeing Baba's response, Keshavananda jii misunderstood and concluded in his own mind that Ramchij Rajawa'r's story is 100% accurate and stands as a realistic depiction about death. That's to say, Keshavananda jii concluded that such mistakes can happen: Sometimes the wrong person could be mistakenly made to die.

Thus thinking that he had heard a most amazing and incredible story, Dadaji began recounting this story in so many different lectures, seminars, and classes etc - all the while describing how due to an oversight or error in Yamara'j's system, sometimes the wrong person dies.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And indeed that is how he wrote about it on pages 46 - 48 of his book "Mere Rahasyamay Baba" (2010, Hindi).


Baba unlocks the mystery

However, some years after that initial event, in dharmic fashion Baba corrected and clarified the matter for one and all.

In His discourse "Yamara'j Ki Katha'" in Kolkata on 24 Feb 1980 (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (H) & (B)), Baba makes explicit and detailed reference to Ramchij Rajawa'r's story about the god of death. And the first thing that Baba says is that his helper - Ramchij Rajawa'r' - is not a liar and that he saw everything in a dream. This much Baba says to begin and then Baba goes on to tell the entire story about Ramchij's death-like experience.

And in the culminating section of that discourse, Baba directly states that such mistakes regarding death never happen. Baba tells that Parama Purusa is in control of each and everything in this vast creation, in His divine kingdom, and that one faculty of Parama Purusa is that of Yamara'j - god of death. Hence, since the Divine Controller Himself is the Yamara'j, Baba directly states that such mistakes about the wrong person undergoing death never happen. In the kingdom of Parama Purusa, such oversights never occur.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Thus, in His clear-cut, precise manner Baba unveils the truth about such types of mistakes, i.e. that they never happen. All this is clearly given in Baba's discourse - "Yamara'j Ki Katha'" in Kolkata on 24 Feb 1980.

Dada Keshavananda misinterprets

By reading and hearing Baba's perfect clarification, we can all understand that from the very beginning Keshavananda jii misunderstood Baba's reaction to the story when it was first told to them by Ramchij Rajawa'r' in the jail.

That time Keshavananda jii thought that since Baba smiled therefore He was insinuating it is true and that such mistakes can and do happen at the time of death. But that was the wrong conclusion entirely. Keshavananda jii was off the mark.

So this is one clear-cut example of how someone was telling a Baba story that was clearly shown to be incorrect. Because it is Baba Himself who corrects the story. Even then, Dadaji's book (2010 Hindi edition) was published 30 years - 3 entire decades - after Baba's discourse on this topic and still Dadaji got it wrong. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

The natural question is why did this happen. Why after all these years, after all it was 30 years between Baba's 1980 discourse and the 2010 publishing of Dada's book, did Dada tell the story incorrectly.

We can only conclude that although Dada was Baba's PA still he could not understand Baba's simple gesture. That is one part. And the second aspect is that most Wts wrongly think they know all of Ananda Marga ideology, and therefore do not read Baba's books, and do not understand AM philosophy, so they cannot come up with the right answer.

Sadly, many Dadas suffer from the myth that they know everything about Ananda Marga ideology and Baba's teachings. For this reason, they stop studying Baba's books and unwittingly preach false things for years and years, not realising that they are wrong. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Jayadeva

Common problem

We should all be aware that there are serious mistakes in so many books written and published by Dadas. The above is but one example of many. More are coming. The overall spirit is that Baba's personality and teachings should be properly portrayed and if any book written - by a Dada or anyone at all - goes against this ethic, then the wrong needs to be pointed out and corrected.

Hindi edition still wrong

The printed English edition of this book has been updated properly, but the original Hindi version of this book has yet to be updated and is still wrong. So as it stands now, Dada’s book (Hindi edition) is erroneous, and still today it is misleading readers.

When hearing any dadas recount a Baba story orally or in print, we should always ensure that the story and teachings are in concert with Ananda Marga ideology. And the best way to corroborate this is to confirm with Baba’s books and discourses etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


All personal accounts must be ideological

What Baba has told on the public platform and in His discourses is the word of dharma. When others tell us "this" or "that" about their personal experiences with Baba then we have to think in multiple directions how far this is correct or not.

Individual people have their own limited way of understanding and interpreting things. So we cannot always depend on their individual reports as being accurate, perfect, and dharmic.

We can only accept those accounts which are consistent with His divine discourses - i.e. which follow the code of rationality etc. Otherwise, without that, we cannot accept any single individual's report or interpretation as being Baba's actual universal guideline for humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

          
Baba's discourses are dharma, not Dadas' books

At a minimum, we should always evaluate how far any Baba story or account is wholly consistent with Ananda Marga ideology. We should keep this in mind when reading any book written by a Dada. All too often their books are off the mark. This has been and continues to be a problem. Dada Keshavananda's book is a clear-cut example. Please watch for further letters in this series about books by other Dadas that strayed from the path.

Dada Keshavananda's book is not an isolated case. So many books written by Dadas veer off in the wrong direction. If you want to get the right guideline, read Baba's books.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

How karmiis behave

Ananda Marga ideology says, “People of action are also not free from vanity: “I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department” – this is how people become mad for their little “I”. Thus we see that although action is free from lethargy, it is not altogether free from vanity.”

“Pure devotion, parábhakti, is free from both [lethargy & vanity]...Those who ask for parábhakti or shuddhá bhakti will certainly acquire the things they need also. Thus due to their devotion, the devotees are always intelligent. You should be an intelligent devotee like this.” (1) 

Note: Bhaktas know that Parama Purusa is the real Doer and they will engage in all kinds of actions knowing that it is He who has blessed them with the capacity to serve. In contrast, karmiis suffer from vanity and are quick and eager to boast about the works they did. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Quiz: what teaching is this?

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

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Cunning vipras [religious priests], whom I call intellectual satans, tried to turn the minds of the people from practical reality towards an imaginary void by preaching contrived philosophies. The essence of their voluminous treatises and verbose annotations to lengthy aphorisms was: the world is an illusion; therefore renounce the world and do not be attracted to its illusions. Become desireless, detached and self-abnegating by offering all your wealth at the feet of the vipras [religious priests]. Of course such philosophies did not preach that the world was also illusory for the vipras [religious priests] who received the offerings – clearly because it was through such ploys that they were able to achieve their objectives.” (1)


Question: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?

Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, read on below for the answer for the answer

Answer: In His above teaching, Baba is talking about the dogmatic, exploitative priests from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Those Buddhist priests (a) preach the doctrine of nihilism and (b) misguide people to empty the mind and meditate on nothingness. In a similar vein, Hindu priests imposed their faulty view that this entire world is an illusion, mayavada. Thus people were indoctrinated into the idea that they should not protest against exploitation, but rather focus only on the afterlife etc.

References
1. Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age

== Section: Update ==

Re: BP election commission: scam [2019] 

Namaskar,

The role of the the bhukti pradhana holds a significant and meaningful role in our Ananda Marga society.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The Ánanda Márga Pracáraka Saḿgha (AMPS) secretary of such a bhukti will be known as a bhukti pradhána. [Pradhána means “head” or “principal person”.]” (1)

Since the inception of the BP system, whenever DMC was held in a given bhukti, Sadguru Baba recognised the BP in the following ways:

(a) Sadguru Baba always bestowed a special place and honour to the bhukti pradhan;
(b) The bhukti pradhan would sit on the dais next to PA Dada, quite close to Baba every day of that DMS visit;
(c) Daily, on both occasions when on the dais, Baba always received the garland first from the BP;
(d) Before beginning His DMC address, in His exquisite liila, Baba would ask the bhukti pradhan about the subject of discourse and inquire whether the assembly would be DMC or general darshan;
(e) After varabhaya mudra was given, the bhukti pradhan would personally approach Baba and directly request Him for permission to do Guru puja;
(f) The local DS / Dit S Wts did not have this type of status that the BP had.

Continue reading... BP Election scam

in Him,
Viplava

Reference
1. Caryacarya, Part 1, Bhukti Pradhána

- Here is a link to the entire updated letter on this topic: BP Election scam

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Prout's answer to global economy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/local-vs-global-prout-3-more.html

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-have-his-darshan-3-more.html

Understanding bird-crocodile relation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/crocodile-bird-and-service-3-more.html

Story: He cares for all His children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/incident-babas-grace-that-child-5-more.html

Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/09/mahaprayan-of-mahaprayan-3-more.html

History of marriage: the defeated party

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/01/marriage-those-old-days-3-more.html

Prout’s answer to global economy + 5 more

Baba

Prout’s answer to global economy

Namaskar,

Capitalist puppets beat the drum that people are getting wealthier and wealthier each and every day. When in fact, the truth is that all the gold and riches of capitalism 'benefits' only a few. Never before in the history of the world has the gap between rich and poor been as wide as it is now. And now, finally, more and more are beginning to understand this fact as they bear witness to this widening chasm between haves and have-nots. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The US can boast of its great financial power, but as a nation it has failed to provide the minimum requirements to the working people due to low wages. In result, 42 million Americans are depending on government food handouts, otherwise they will go hungry, and there are millions of people without healthcare. And the disparity is even greater in so-called developing nations like India and across much of Africa. The reason being that capitalism breeds poverty, not financial stability.

There is a Proutist slogan: 'capitalism makes the man a beggar', as it robs people not only of their soul, but their wallet as well. All fall prey to the greed of the wealthy, and all turn into the exploited mass.

It is just a dogma that wealth is created and poverty is diminished by capitalism. This is the false hope of the global economy. Because in such a system, the human brain is geared towards money-making and exploitation and not towards the distribution of wealth. In consequence, the mass of people do not get the minimum requirements in capitalism.

Only a local economy will work

Here Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, the Propounder of Prout, points out that only a local economy-- not a global one-- will create a suitable way for everyone to live on this earth.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy says, "In a decentralized economy the commodities produced by a socio-economic unit will be sold in the local market itself. As a result, there will be no uncertainty in the local economy or the economic life of the local population. In addition, money will be circulated within the local market so there will be no outflow of local capital. The possibility of an economic catastrophe in the local economy will be largely eliminated. In such a system, people’s income will have an upward trend and their purchasing capacity will continuously increase. No economic system in the world has been able to continuously increase the purchasing capacity of the people, because economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few." (1)

Thus, we should never fall into the dream now circulating around the earth that a global economy will bring riches to all. That will never, ever happen. Rather, the more the so-called global economic growth, the more destitute and in-debt the people will become, until that financial turmoil breeds utter hopelessness and chaos in the world-wide society.


Conclusion

Prout philosophy says, "There must be close correlation amongst PROUT, Neohumanism and spiritual practices. The balance amongst these three will elevate the structure of human beings to its existential status. We cannot neglect PROUT, Neohumanism or spiritual practices. This balance is to be maintained for all. It will create good will and elevate the standard of human beings." (2)

Only those immersed in the world of sadhana can bring about that new socio-economic era. Thus we should not sit back and think that others are going to do it. Only true sadhakas can lead the world out of the darkness of the capitalistic global economy and into the light of a Proutistic local economy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Dayasagara

Spiritual base

Drawing up a new economic system without having the key for knowing how to transform human consciousness will never yield a proper result.

In the past, "progressives" & "luminaries" like Karl Marx and Adam Smith felt they had the solution to the world's problems with their economic theories, but we can see how they misled humanity. So talking up the progressive notions without having a proper spiritual ideology can never quell the waves of social unrest. The two must go hand in hand, otherwise the package is not complete.

So we should never think that various intellectuals boasting of a local economic structure will establish Prout on this globe. Only activist sadhakas can bring about the needed changes to heal humanity's woes, not pseudo-progressives.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Tragic outcome of global economy

Manufacturing a global economy is inherently problematic, but no one likes to look at it this way. That is why people constantly sing the chorus that the global economy is making the world a richer and richer place. So while the bulk of the population is duped by this false thread, at least as Proutists we should know the truth and be ready to lead and facilitate humanity's changeover to a local economy.

The world is now headed towards big bank accounts for some, and the pangs of starvation for most. Due to the global economy, poverty will abound on this earth, and those destitute souls, with nowhere else to turn, after getting exploited to shambles by greedy vaeshyas, will destroy the peace and tranquility of one and all. That is where this global economy is headed-- tragically. So we should intervene at the earliest.

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Decentralized Economy – 1
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 17, Prout and Neohumanism

*        *        *

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 ==

Song of Your reception

Note: Only those bhaktas who feel a spiritual vibration in their heart can understand this song in the depths of their core.

"Khunjiya ber'a'i toma're sada'i...ogo sakhá..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0548)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, my Sakhá, I am desperately searching for You always in my mind, in my mental garden. My eyes are saturated with tears of love in Your longing and waiting. My collyrium eyes long to see You. My eternal Sakhá, in my sadhana I am always trying to get You.

O’ Baba, all the creepers and shrubs are laden with flowers and fruit. Their heavy branches have come down to touch Your feet, in complete surrender. Whatever good things I have in my life, all that sweetness I am offering at Your lotus feet. The flowers of my mind are saturated in their aroma. They are waiting with nectar-filled hearts to surrender that sweetness to You. My ever-present Sakhá, please come.

O’ Parama Purusa, the sandalwood forest is spreading its sweet fragrance all around. The whole atmosphere is charged with Your divine bliss. The nightingale is busy singing the song of Your reception. The beautiful peacock is dancing alone to the melody and rhythm of its ankle bells, spreading its colourful feathers all around.

Baba, my whole existence, my entire being is ready to receive You. I am searching for You with bhakti and yearning in my heart, in my mind to have your darshan...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0548:

[1] Sakhá: Ananda Marga philosophy states, "'Samapranah sakha smrtah'. Where love and devotion are so overwhelming that it appears as if there is only one entity in two bodies, such a pair is known as 'sakha'. The bhakta, the devotee, is the sakha of Parama Purusa, because the bhakta can never think of Him as a separate entity from Him. Here he altogether forgets that he is separated from God. That is why Parama Purusa is also a sakha to His bhaktas and the bhakta is the sakha of Parama Purusa...You should also know-- you should remember this truth - that the only well-wisher that you have in this universe...the only sakha is Parama Purusa." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanartam - 6, Parama Puruśa – the Only Bandhu

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Mystery of Hindu dogma explained

Namaskar,

In India, one dogma is quite prevalent with regards to the worship of Lord Shiva. In trying to satisfy Lord Shiva, dogmatic followers first pour holy water on certain stones as if by this way Lord Shiva will get the water that He needs. They think that Lord Shiva will be pleased. And while doing this penance those dogmatic Hindus chant, 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'. All the common people know this slogan well. They have heard it always in such religious practices. Because ritualistic followers call and address Lord Shiva as 'Hara hara, bomb bomb’ when they are involved in this type of penance.

This ritual is especially common in Bihar. Followers from the surrounding states come and wear special saffron cloth from head to toe, irrespective of whether they are male or female, and regardless of what type of clothes they are wearing. On this occasion, everything they wear must be the same color: saffron. In the days leading up to this ritual, the entire railway and all forms of transportation become full of saffron as millions and millions of people are wearing saffron and only saffron.

Do sastaunga pranam, get up, go forward, & repeat

They travel from their pilgrimage in Sultanganj to the banks of the river Gaunga (Ganges) in Deoghar where they take holy water. Some get there by walking; some run 100 km to the temple in which case it takes a few days. And some special followers travel the 100 km by lying down in sastaunga pranam, getting up and advancing forward one body length at a time, and doing satsaunga pranam over and over again. They hope to please Lord Shiva by their strong penance by making the 100 km journey in this arduous manner. It may take them weeks and weeks to reach Lord Shiva's “holy” temple in Deoghar, Bihar. This ritual is done in the beginning of the Indian rainy season and goes on for 1 month. Along the way, all those dogmatic followers repeat the mantra: 'Hara hara, Bomb bomb'. This dogma is quite common and every year several million adherents participate in the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva. They repeat again and again: 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'.

But the interesting thing is that many do not know what is meant by the term 'bomb'. Centuries ago when this mantra was first started, bombs and sophisticated weapons had not yet been invented. But just in their ritualistic way, they all call out: 'Bomb, bomb'. They do not pronounce, 'Vyom, vyom'. They are not aware about the origins of this ritual.


Riddle solved

Here Baba has made it clear what this mantra is and what is the proper pronunciation. To date, the common people do not understand that “bomb” is not correct, and that “vyom” is correct. Below Baba solves this riddle about bomb bomb.

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "He who takes away all your sins, He who takes away all our umbers and cumbers is Hara. He is Hara, because He takes away all your sins, all your propensities. Now, this Hara. One cannot attain salvation without coming in contact with this Hara. He [the aspirant] will have to pass through the realm of Hara because Hara is the sublimest rank of His Cognitive Self and that's why in ancient times it was a system, rather a usage amongst the spiritual aspirants to chant a mantra, which was a very favourite mantra : Hara Hara Vyom Vyom."  
   "Think of that Hara, think of that Hara, He will take away  all your sins; think of that Hara, Meditate on that Hara. Hara Hara Vyom Vyom. Vyom is the subtlest form of matter. Ether is called Vyoma i.e., your mind should go from crude towards subtle. In the realm of physicality it will think of Vyoma and in the realm of spirituality it will, think of Hara' "Hara Hara Vyom Vyom, Hara Hara Vyom Vyom".”  (1)

In Him,
Sunil

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha -18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Age-old problem: libertine life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The Sanskrit equivalent for marriage is viváha (vi – vah + ghaiṋ): it means, after the ceremony, the man and woman can no longer live as libertines or as irresponsible so-called family people. They have to discharge their full obligations as bharttá and kalatra, responsible husband and responsible wife.”

“Another Sanskrit equivalent for “woman” is nárii, which is feminine gender. But Shiva used the term kalatra, in the neuter; for to her husband a woman is a wife, but to her children and other members of the society, she is as dignified as her male counterpart. So by declaring a married lady to be kalatra, Shiva gave her special status, and addressed her in neuter terms.”

“The liberal meaning of the term viváha is “live one’s life in a new way with a special type of responsibility”. This is the underlying significance of the Shaeva system of marriage.”

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In His life, Shiva Himself married with this commitment. We can say without the least hesitation that Shiva was the first person in this world to marry in the proper sense of the term..” (1)

Note: That which was common 7000 years ago has now again come into vogue: That same disease has become prevalent today. A huge percentage of people around the globe are leading libertine life - especially in the materialistic areas. They produce children and neglect to take any responsibility. They do not like to be bound in conjugal relations and shoulder the responsibility of helping the child. The ones who suffer the most are the children and the mother. Often such children wind up in foster care - mentally and physically scarred. It is a serious crisis - watch out. Where capitalism is growing that disease will spread. Our duty is to propagate this teaching - if we bring even one libertine onto the path of responsibility then at least to some small degree the problem is solved. 

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 9

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Origin of ball

In the following quote Baba reveals the history of the "ball" which is nowadays commonly used in innumerable games and sports. The ball is originally invented in India.
The following Baba's teaching reveals this fact.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The meaning of the root verb kand is 'to wallow'. We get the word kanduka (ball) by adding 'uk' to 'kand' or adding 'u' + 'ka' to kand. Its etymological meaning is 'that which rolls'; colloquially it refers to 'ball'-- a ball rolls. It should be remembered that the kanduka (ball) originated in this country. Originally, balls used to be made from cloth, but since cloth balls did not last very long people in ancient Bengal started making balls from the shoots of young bamboo." (1) 

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Discourse 17)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Origin of the Vedas

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The meaning of the verbal root rc is “to glorify” (through song or through ordinary language). Rk means “hymn”. In ancient times, with the beginning of civilization, the sages used to look upon the various manifestations of nature as the play of one God and they composed hymns for that god. When they used to sing in the name of Úśa, Indra, Parjanya, Mátarishvá, Varuńa, that singing was called sáma. At that time script had not yet been invented, so the disciples used to learn by listening to the verbal teachings of the guru. These were all words of truth, words of knowledge and since they were words of knowledge, since they elevated the uncultured human beings towards the light of culture, they were called veda, or knowledge." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Discourse: 11

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-have-his-darshan-3-more.html

Understanding bird-crocodile relation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/crocodile-bird-and-service-3-more.html

Story: He cares for all His children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/incident-babas-grace-that-child-5-more.html

Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/09/mahaprayan-of-mahaprayan-3-more.html

History of marriage: the defeated party

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/01/marriage-those-old-days-3-more.html

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca + 3 more

Baba

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

Namaskar,

Every human being wants anandam or bliss. But due to their confusion, they run hither and thither for worldly acquisitions and never get satisfied. Those who are fortunate land on the spiritual path. They want to realise Parama Purusa. In the following teaching, Baba uses the example of muddy water to guide sadhakas how they can realise Parama Purusa.
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Dirty water analogy

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Suppose there is some article in water, and the water is stirless and clear. Then you will be able to see the article. But if the water is not transparent, you will not be able to see the article even if the water is stirless. So to see Parama Puruśa within the mind, the mind should be transparent and acaiṋcala [calm] – there shouldn't be any movement in it. In order to check that movement one is to practise concentration [sadhana], and for purifying the mind and making it transparent, one is to render selfless service to the society. A sádhaka must remember this fact.” (1)

If the water is muddy and calm then a person cannot see their face in the reflection. And if the water is clean and choppy then also you cannot see your face. So both are needed; the water should be clean and calm. Then you can see your face in the water’s reflection. And this analogy is related with the sadhaka who wants to see Parama Purusa in their mind. If the mind is dirty and filled with all kinds of junk thoughts, then one cannot see the reflection of Parama Purusa. So cleaning is needed. And to clean the mind, as the above quote says, one has to do service.

Unfortunately, some are commonly confused by what it means to do service. They think that, by definition, feeding the poor or giving a donation is service. But that is not the determining factor. If an atheist gives money or food to the beggar that is not service or seva according to Ananda Marga philosophy.
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Requirements for doing seva

To do seva the following ingredients are required:

(a) One should think that their energy is coming from Parama Purusa, and that whatever money or strength one has is His - not theirs.

(b) One should view those being served not as a beggar but as a manifestation of Parama Purusa. He has come before you in the shape of a beggar.

(c) One should view themselves also as a representation of Parama Purusa.

So with His strength you are His agent serving Him, with His energy. If you have this ideation then ego will not develop. And if all the above ingredients are enlisted then it is true service. Unfortunately, most of the people do fake service. They think they are doing everything: they are serving beggar, and they are doing it with their own strength and money etc. By this way they create negative samskaras and ego, and ultimately they degenerate.

Fake service has a negative effect. If you are old enough and have several decades of experience in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, then you can understand how those busy in fake service did not progress as human beings. Rather, they became arrogant, self-centered, and crude. They became aged, but their mental standard went down. They became quite degenerated in comparison to when they first joined the Marga. Sadly, they went in the reverse gear, i.e. opposite direction. And, as you know, Baba has declared Ananda Marga as a man-making mission. But those people could not get the benefit because they were doing fake service. If they had been doing true service they would have progressed a lot.
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Example of hypocrisy in sadhana

Some do not do sadhana regularly in their home, but at retreats or at some public gathering where others are around, they like to show how they are above the level of a normal sadhaka. On that occasion, they sit for long hours in sadhana harbouring the strong desire that others should regard them as a great sadhaka. To this end, they sit in some visible place for an extended period in their meditation posture. The sole motive is to project the image that, “I should be revered as a great bhakta.” By playing this external facade, they get “success” to some degree; a few might hold them with great regard. But in the psycho-spiritual field this type of behaviour is terribly detrimental for mental progress.

In sadhana, satya is of utmost importance. So when hypocrisy, external show, and the tendency to glorify oneself are at the forefront, then the mind degenerates. You can easily recognise if one is a fake or top-grade sadhaka by their overall behaviour. It is also meaningful to find out how that person lives in their own house when no one is around.

So there are two classifications: fake sadhakas and true sadhakas. True sadhakas should be venerated, whereas fake ones should be avoided. Those who effortlessly sit for long sadhana feel a strong spiritual surge which gives them the psychic strength to sit for an extended period, and they never feel tired. Because when doing sadhana internal stamina is generated. In contrast, if a person is trying to do sadhana but their mind is not concentrated then soon they will feel very tired. You know sadhana is a science and if one practices sincerely and deeply engages in mantra japa etc, the entire personality will become very positive.
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Those indulging in hypocrisy in the name of sadhana know they are hypocrites and Parama Purusa also knows. So that is not spiritual service. By their hypocritical display of sadhana, they cannot please Parama Purusa.

How to clean & calm the mind

To see Parama Purusa, one has to clean the mind with the help of service. There are three types of service:

(a) Physical service to Parama Purusa: Serving the various manifestations of this expressed universe with the ideation of Narayan (God)

(b) Psychic service: Singing and dancing kiirtan is psychic service to Parama Purusa.

(c) Spiritual service: Doing the various lessons of sadhana with the ideation that, “I am doing sadhana to please Him.”

In practicing these three services the mind will be clean. And now we come to the point of how to calm the mind. According to Baba, to calm the mind one has to do dhyana.
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When the mental mirror is both clean and calm, then one can see and realise Parama Purusa and become one with Him. When a sadhaka becomes pure, they will merge into and become one with Him. They become part and parcel of Cosmic Mind, as there is no difference between unit and the Supreme Entity. All feelings of differentiation are due to the dirt of the mind. When the dirt is removed, the unit mind becomes one with the Cosmic Mind.

Conclusion

That is the overall approach for how to clean and calm the mind and see Parama Purusa. On this point Baba says why should one wait for the time of their death, rather one should realise Parama Purusa with this body and this mind. Why wait for the future.

In Him,
Jyotirbrahma

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Unit Spirit and Cosmic Spirit

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

That time of crisis

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.

Prabhat Samgiita Intro: The following song paints the picture of one bhakta in the midst of a big calamity - some serious circumstance has occurred like a tragic accident, serious illness, or even death. In that situation, people often feel isolated. They think nobody is there to help. That brings complete misery. Yet, in this world everything is always changing; the days do not remain the same. After tragedy, good times come. 

Those lacking above-average bhakti feel completely lost when a serious crisis befalls them. Their situation is just like a parrot under attack by one cat. When the cat is not around, the parrot repeats the name Rama over and over again like a mantra. Some naive people really think the parrot is a bhakta but when a cat enters onto the scene and stalks the parrot, then in that time of crisis that parrot stops repeating the name Rama. It completely forgets its mantra and just cries. It has no inner connection with that mantra. The sense is that when there is no love for Parama Purusa, then in times of difficulty one forgets their mantra and gets terrified and feels helpless. This is what lower bhaktas do. For great sadhakas the situation is 100% different. 

So this following song depicts the feeling of lower bhakti. When immersed in problems, the bhakta forgets Parama Purusa and sadhana becomes difficult. So this song should be sung by those who have this internal feeling. At the same time, it is important to remember that not every song is for every sadhaka. In this song the bhakta is confiding in Parama Purusa that when a tragedy came then, “I could not think about You, so now I humbly request You, Parama Purusa, to please come in the abode of my mind.”

In the below song, the thunderstorm is a metaphor for tragedies undergone in life. 

"Jhaŕer rate ándhárete, kende chilum vano majhe, 
kaite kathá bujhate vyathá, keu chilo na mor káche..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3199)

Purport:

O’ my Parama Purusa, on that very dark night when a big thunderstorm was raging, I was crying alone in the deep forest. Nobody was there to talk to - to console me - to understand the tale of my suffering. No one was nearby, and I could not feel Your presence. So I felt like I was all alone in that cyclone. 

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, in the height of that wild storm, so many big branches were breaking off the trees and crashing down on the ground. And those tender buds and beautiful flowers were also completely blown off from the limbs of the trees. That very dark, horrendous night was so disastrous. Those blossoms and branches were wailing loud lamentations; every tree was crying bitterly in that raucous, windy night with pouring rain.

O’ my Parama Purusa Baba, the hail is over. With the end of this deadly night, a soft, gentle breeze is in the air. Will you please come in the madhuvan of my mind, in my mental grove, with Your sweet, attractive form? After all, the bad days are over, would You come with Your soft smile. Please bless me and give Your darshana...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3199:

[1] Madhuvan: Literally meaning "nectar forest"; But it refers to that remote, isolated, grove in the mind that is filled with spring blossoms, sweet fragrance, aromatic flowers, and a gentle & fragrant breeze. It is that tranquil mental abode where nobody is present except the devotee and the Lord. And there the bhakta and Parama Purusa sit together ensconced in that very divinely intoxicated atmosphere and they share the loving feeling of their heart in a very close, intimate, and loving way.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Expecting moms

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Pregnant women and female animals may work half of what they usually do at other times; but under no circumstances should they be allowed to do strenuous work, as it may lead to premature delivery or stillbirth." (1)

Unfortunately both in the east and in the west expecting mothers are often put in physically challenging and compromising situations. For instance, many expectant women who have career jobs in the US might work full-time right up until their delivery day. They are often compelled to work, either due to financial or professional pressures. In many countries, expectant women are often forced to engage in strenuous work throughout their pregnancy. These types of critical situations are neither healthy, nor sustainable, nor humane; yet they are pervasive around the globe. In comparison, women in economically wealthier families in the east, generally do not work and are less physically active during pregnancy.

Coerced to return to work

Systematic steps need to be taken to ease the workload of all expectant women. Failing that, the well-being of both mother and baby will remain precarious, at best. When the aim should be to provide a very comfortable and safe environment for all expectant women, especially those in the latter stages of pregnancy. Not only that, a maximum amount of job leave should be given to those moms who recently delivered. But unfortunately, often working mothers return to work as quickly as possible.

One can easily imagine that when mothers do not get resting time before giving birth, then how will that same mother provide love and affection to newborn infants if they are in a rush to return to work. This is a very sad state of affairs and related with the future of the people all over the globe, not just in those local areas. Because without proper love, their child's development is severely hampered and their full psychic growth will be impeded.  So this is a universal issue that needs everyone's attention.

Baba says, "Pregnant women and female animals may work half of what they usually do at other times; but under no circumstances should they be allowed to do strenuous work, as it may lead to premature delivery or stillbirth." (2)

Situation of mothers in so-called developed countries

Those who are forcing or allowing expecting mothers to do engage in physically demanding work or chores during their pregnancy may be developed materially but are not developed on humanitarian grounds - with regards to understanding others' problems. That is why nearly everywhere in the western world, in all offices up to the last stage of pregnancy, women are working as they did when they were in 100% fit and healthy condition. That is why nowadays the most affected on this point are females in western countries. And, in result, serious damage is done to the fetus. One can easily imagine that when mothers do not get resting time before giving birth, then how will that same mother provide love and affection to newborn infants. Because in one week or so they will again join their career jobs. This is a very sad state and demands our attention. Because this is related with the future of the people in those affected areas. And indirectly the whole globe is seriously affected. Because without proper love, their children's development is severely hampered-- the flowering of their psyche and the growth of their brain is impossible because of this problem. Baba addresses this tragic situation in His book, Namah Shivaya Shantaya.

Financially poor mothers in so-called third world countries are also suffering from the same problem of being overworked in the late stage of their pregnancy.

In Him,
Lata’

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 20
2. Shabda Cayanika - 20

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Watching crime films: outcome

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The base propensities which lie dormant in everyone are easily stimulated by constant association with bad people. Through the united efforts of parents, people living in the locality and educators, it may be possible to save children from bad company. But it is very difficult to save them from the evil influences which reside in their own homes or preponderate in their neighbourhood. The only way to overcome such influences is to popularize the ideals of dharma, spread moral education and train an honest police force." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls, adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities, the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad company causes depravity. Many cinema-goers imagine that the characters that they see on the screen are their actual acquaintances, but when they try to emulate these characters, they discover that the real world is much tougher than the world portrayed by the cinema. If their family ties are weak, if they are their own guardians or if they have no high ideals to inspire them, it will be extremely difficult, although not impossible, to save them from bad influences." (2)

Note: Now read about the below incident. Then it will be quite clear how the very thing Baba is warning about has taken shape, tragically.

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Conclusion

Allowing children to watch such films, and play degrading games etc means knowingly harming them.

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References

1. Human Society Part 1, Justice

2. Human Society Part 1, Justice

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Story: He cares for all His children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/incident-babas-grace-that-child-5-more.html

Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/09/mahaprayan-of-mahaprayan-3-more.html

History of marriage: the defeated party

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/01/marriage-those-old-days-3-more.html

Our role as pracarakas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/02/who-is-qualified.html

How to manage vrttis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-this-disaster-happened-4-more.html