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Sunday, July 5, 2026

Punishment or blessing? + 5 more

Baba
Punishment or blessing?

Namaskar,

Sadguru Baba states, “You are all my beloved sons and daughters. Sometimes I appear harsh to some. But that is for love. If I were indifferent, there would be no need for scolding or punishment...Leave all cares unto me. O be blessed.” (1)

Parents scold their own child because their own child depends on them 100%. And that scolding is done for the child’s all-round progress. But those parents do not take that same approach with their neighbors’ children. Parents do not scold the neighbors’ children because those kids do not depend on them.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Meaning of Baba’s punishment

Similar is the case with Sadguru Baba. He did not scold ordinary sadhakas and non-margiis. And for those with 1% of bhakti, He scolded them less than 1%. Because such sadhakas depend on Him just 1%.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (2)

In certain instances, Baba has limited scope to remove their filth and put such a sadhaka on a higher spiritual state quickly. Although Baba is impartial and treats everyone equally, when sadhakas have less bhakti they did not allow Baba to clean them quickly. The fastest and easiest way for Baba to clean their filth was to punish them. Yet Baba could not do that with those who had lesser bhakti. In that situation, Baba’s hands were tied. Alternatively, suppose a sadhaka has 90% bhakti then Guru’s responsibility increases. Because the bhakta is depending more on Guru to clean them. So He scolds them much more, for one reason or another.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (3)


Why Baba punished some sadhakas more & others less

The fundamental idea is that a parent has a greater duty to their own child. If your own child does something bad then with affection and scolding you will try and bring the child onto the right path as soon as possible. Because your own child depends on you 100%. But if the neighbor’s child has a similar fault, you will follow a different protocol. You will not scold them.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Those who were dependent and had surrendered fully to Baba received more scolding. Baba overlooked their good works and scolded them for their misdeeds. While those who could not surrender were not scolded. Baba overlooked their weakness and wrongdoing, and commented on their positive works saying, “Very good, very good.” Here the flaw was in the person who did not give full authority to Baba to clean them.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (4)

Nowadays there is a myth in AMPS that really Baba's scolding was something terrible and that it should not be talked about. Some uninformed people think that those who faced Baba's form of va'madeva really made a horrible mistake. But that is not true. Actually, what they got was Baba's divine blessing. Because Baba can only punish those who already have a high degree of love for Him.

Parents scold their own child because their own child depends on them 100%. And that scolding is done for the child’s all-round progress. But those parents do not take that same approach with their neighbors’ children. Parents do not scold the neighbors’ children because those kids do not depend on them.


Conclusion

The formula is very clear. Those fully dependent on Baba got more scolding. And after scolding, He showered more and more supreme affection and love upon the sadhaka. By seeing this, those watching dharma samiiksa did not feel jealous.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Suppose sadhaka A & B committed similar sins. Sadhaka A has 90% bhakti while sadhaka B has only 5%. Sadhaka A is depending fully on Parama Purusa Baba, and sadhaka B depended on Baba just a little. In this case, although sadhaka A did the same mistake, as a Guru, Baba takes a tough stand pointing out the defect of Mr A. Because sadhaka A has more surrender whereby Guru’s responsibility for sadhaka A increases. So He punished Mr A strongly for that mistake, in which case Baba will also shower great affection on Mr A after metting out the punishment.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (5)

Later on Baba called sadhaka B and although sadhaka B did the same mistake as A, but because sadhaka B has very little surrender, then Baba may overlook the matter and say, “You should follow the rules properly.” So Baba did not strongly punish Mr. B. But because Sadguru did not punish sadhaka B, He will not call sadhaka B close and shower His divine affection either. In the end, both bhakta A and sadhaka B are happy. Bhakta A is very happy because he got Guru’s supreme affection, and sadhaka B is happy because he was spared the scolding.

In other words, we can say that those who have greater bhakti were entitled to more of Baba’s affection. To shower that affection, Baba used to punish them for one reason or another. And then He would shower His love. This was the only way otherwise people would have felt that Baba is partial. This was His divine liila and by this way He fulfilled the desire of the bhakta. The conclusion is that those who are great bhaktas got more punishment from Baba.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (6)

In Him,
Sudha’ Sa’gar

Even now Baba loves & punishes His disciples

Today also one can experience the love and punishment of Sadguru. Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is Taraka Brahma. So He resides eternally in the heart. And His role is to love and punish and bring sadhakas towards their supreme destination. Earlier it was comparatively easy when He was using His Mahasambhuti form. Now it is a little more difficult as one has to do sadhana. But if one is very sincere in their spiritual practices, then surely they will get His unfathomable grace along with His punishment. When any sincere sadhaka goes against 16 Points then they will be rebuked and scolded by Sadguru. And this might get expressed in various ways such as undergoing an adverse reaction, being chastised by someone, contracting a disease, or facing some severe obstacle. By this way He does not allow a sadhaka to commit wrongs and brings them back onto the dharmic path.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (7)

For instance, suppose a margii was very strict in taking sattvika food, and then on one occasion compromised and ate something tamasik. Then that sadhaka may undergo a violent reaction. Whereas if an ordinary citizen eats that same tamasik food then he might feel just fine. If one falls away from their dharmic conduct, then Sadguru helps you realise your mistake by punishing you. By this way, you are forced to again come on the path of righteousness. In all sorts of circumstances, sadhakas can feel His presence, i.e. His love and His scolding. And they feel that, “Sadguru is helping me.” When He was in His form of Mahasambhuti then it was comparatively easy to directly receive His scolding. Now one has to be more disciplined and communicate with Him in the mind.


~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (8)


All have committed sin in this life or previous life

In one of His discourses Baba repeated one Hindi phrase, Koi hiira’ chor, koi khiira’ chor. The sense is that all are thieves - some have stolen something meagre while others have stolen costly jewels. In that discourse, Baba says that you will not find any human being who has not committed any sin. All have done some type of sin, knowingly or unknowingly. In spite of knowing everyone’s present, past, and future, all the sins they have done and will do, Baba ignored many people’s wrongdoings and punished a few severely for their misdeeds. The reason has been explained above. The central idea is that Baba has more responsibility towards those who depend more on Him. So He punishes them more and loves them more also.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (9)

Those who experienced His va'madeva form really got His special blessing. Because He only scolds those who are fully depending on Him. And still this liila is going on. It is not that stories should only be written about those sweet experiences with Baba. Also those who faced His scolding should also come forward and share their tales.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Coming for worldly boons

A few may wonder what was the need for Baba to pretend to "harshly" scold others. Why could He not have said everything in a kind and gentle manner. The reply is that in those days word was spreading fast how Baba was the all-knowing, omnipotent God and could save any situation. Hearing thus, many new people / onlookers were intrigued and wanted to attend Baba's darshan for their own material gain etc. They had a type of superficial curiosity and were coming for worldly boons, i.e. to get their mundane problems solved.

So they were not coming out of genuine devotional longing for Parama Purusa and emancipation. This crowd of lookers made it difficult for Sadguru Baba to attend to His many works, plans, and projects. In response, Baba exhibited His feigned fury, or va'madeva form.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (10)


By drama of punishing Baba cured serious chronic disease

The secret behind Baba’s scolding is that He was removing the sin, curing their chronic diseases, shedding the samskaras of those sadhakas and quickly placing them in a higher spiritual state. On the outside it looked like Baba was mercilessly scolding the bhakta. But internally something vastly different was going on that was only known to Sadguru Baba and the bhakta. All those watching had no idea. If everyone understood that by scolding Baba was showering His blessing then the queue for scolding would have been very long. But Baba kept it a secret.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Dharma Samiiksa: Great example of Guru’s love & punishment

During dharma samiiks’a’, it was well known that thousands of margiis came before Sadguru Baba. They understood this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so they stayed for weeks and months under difficult conditions in order to get His blessing in the form of punishment. In result, their diseases were cured, their sadhana improved exponentially, and the occasion continued on and on. Not everyone was allowed for dharma samiiksa; only select people involved in social service were chosen. In that case they were aware of Baba’s working style. Even then, some reached with great enthusiasm and attraction and some under pressure of circumstances. But in dharma samiiksa the same equation was in vogue: The degree to which one surrendered was in direct correspondence with the degree of His punishment and blessing.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (11)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Surrender
2. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
3. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
4. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
5. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
6. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
7. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
8. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
10. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
11. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
12. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c


*        *        *

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 ==

When to ignore when not 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “If someone is engaged in unrighteous deeds, his neighbours should ignore his dark side, and should not repeatedly condemn him. One should say, “Well, I’m not bothered by what he says or does – that’s his own business.” But this attitude of tolerance can only be accepted to a certain extent. If the person’s sinful or wicked actions harm society and disrupt social life, one can no longer afford to be indifferent.” (1)

Note: Baba’s above teaching is extremely practical and meaningful on multiple levels. 
(a) There are all kinds of people on this earth, and we may well come across people on a regular basis whom we do not appreciate due to their various misdeeds and poor character. 
(b) So long as that person’s negative dealings are limited to their own personal lives, we should just let them be, and not address their behaviour directly. We should just let them exist in their own way, and essentially ignore them. That much tolerance we should have.
(c) However, if that person’s misdeeds cross the boundary into our social life, then one may no longer overlook that person’s wrongdoing. At that point, we have to take a strong stand and confront that individual. That is the dharmic approach. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Ego is anti-neohumanism

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Where people are guided more by ahaḿtattva [doer “I”, ego], they say: “I am doing, I am giving. This was done by me, that was done by me,” and so on. [The higher faculty of mahattattva, pure “I” feeling, is not affected by any sense of ego or vanity.] Though people at this stage are moving on the path of sádhaná, still there is some defect in them. Their minds do not inspire the lives of others, their minds do not touch the minds of others. They do not reach the sweetness of others' “I” feelings, for they are too preoccupied with themselves. Their approach is defective; their path is not the path of Neohumanism." (1)

Reference
1. Neo-Humanism in a Nutshell - 1, Perfect Spirituality and Neohumanism


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Mudras cure deafness

Note: If one deaf person arouses the feeling of bhakti listen to Sadguru’s discourses and spiritual teachings and meditates on either of His two mudrás (janusparsaha and varabhaya) then the deafness will be cured. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “If a deaf man sincerely wants to hear what the Sadguru is saying, the positive microvita radiated through these two mudrás are sure to help him – they will certainly help him....raising positive microvita from the lunar plexus to the occult plexus is called “krpá”. And raising them from the lunar plexus to the pinnacled point of human glory is called “karuńá”. Without krpá there cannot be karuńá, there cannot be any galloping jump. Raising negative microvita above the psycho-physical plexus is “rusti” or “risti”. You should always try to avoid rusti and always try to receive the glamour of krpá or karuńá.” (1) 

Reference
1. Questions & Answers on Microvita, Answer #17


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why useless dreams

Ananda Marga ideology states, "When certain impressions perceived by the sense organs, agitate the conscious mind and sensory or material thoughts are thereby vehemently awakened in the conscious mind, the nervous system, the crude receptacle of the Kámamaya Kośa and the mind itself becomes unsteady and restless. This leaves an impression on the cells that is short-lived or long-lasting depending on the degree of its intensity. Sometimes even a significant impression being compelled to give way to a newer one under the impact of some other sense-agitation or restlessness, loses its previously acquired permanence. In the sleep state, if a person's nerve-tissues are agitated due to some physical cause, often either as the result of this or on account of cerebral heat caused by some vehement thinking, the nerve cells also become tired and disturbed. Such agitations give rise in the mental sphere to desires similar to those impressions, accumulated in the nerve-cells. Thus the agitated citta (the sub-conscious mind) accepts as real the stream of thoughts arising from one or more such impressions. The crude organs having stopped functioning, the identical desire arising from the previously acquired desire, do not then seem to be imaginary but appear to be quite real. Such dreams often do not come true, for these are actually pure imaginations or a mere stringing together of different disjointed thoughts, a confused or inconsistent dream. Only those whose nerve tissues have become weak due to some ailments of the brain or head or to some protracted illness, or those whose digestive system are malfunctioning, generally experience such confused dreams, which we may call Sensual Dreams. These dreams, as I have already said, are the true reproduction of previously imagined objects or the disjointed expressions of previous thoughts. Excessive eating also gives rise to such dreams in a person. Those who have purity of thoughts and also restraint over their diet, are generally less susceptible to such dreams. Such dreams never occur during [deep] sleep.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 5


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How future humans will look - & why

Ananda Marga Ideology guides us, "I have also said that in the future the number of vrttis may further increase. The more complicated social life, family life, the realm of thought and the realm of intellect become, the more vrttis will develop. For example, the vrtti, cunningness, may be expressed in many more ways. To fulfil their desires, people will develop different types of cunningness which may become different vrttis in future. For example, the cunningness required to procure an object by devious means, the cunningness needed to give a promise knowing full well that one will never keep it, and the cunningness required to trick someone into believing that one did not tell a lie when in fact one did tell a lie, may all become separate vrttis in future.”

"Thus, in the future, as people’s thought processes become more complicated, many new vrttis will develop. The number of vrttis may not stay at fifty. Just imagine the situation that will arise in the future as a result of humanity’s ever increasing thirst for knowledge. To meet these developments the nerve cells and nerve fibres will have to become more complex. Consequently, the human cranium will become larger and the size of the head will increase. The hands and feet will become weaker and weaker and human beings may even lose the ability to walk. Today, the human toes have almost stopped functioning – in spiritual actions we have almost no use for them – whereas at one time, when we used to walk on four legs, we used our toes as much as our fingers. The front legs were used less and less, and were transformed into arms, and thus these days it has become almost impossible for us to crawl on all fours.”

“There was a time when humans would run on four legs, but today they cannot do that. After a time, children feel uncomfortable crawling around on all fours and try to walk on their hind legs. In the initial stages, when they try to stand up, they soon fall down. Again they stand up, again they fall down. When they finally develop the habit of standing on two legs, there are corresponding changes in the physical structure so that the use of their arms becomes less. In the future, the legs will be used less and less and the capacity to move on them will decrease. The arms will become thin, and the head will become abnormally large.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam-8, Sádhaná, Abhidhyána and Kiirtana


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Psycho-economic exploitation is the root
   
   Prout philosophy states, “The exploited people are not even aware that they are being exploited. This is why it is easy to exploit them in the social sphere, then create inferiority complexes in their minds to keep them under prolonged administrative domination and perpetuate the exploitation. This is easily done by the cunning exploiters. And the tragedy is that the exploited mass do not try to understand – they cannot understand, and they even refuse to understand – that they are victims of exploitation. So this is more dangerous.”
   “When the exploitation takes place in economic sphere directly, the people easily understand it, but when the exploitation is perpetrated in the socio-economic sphere or the psycho-economic sphere, the situation becomes complicated. In the case of exploitation is the socio-economic sphere, the people raise a little murmur against the social exploitation, but they fail to take note of the economic exploitation which is the final result of such socio-economic exploitation. And in the case of psychoeconomic exploitation, the people feel a little aggrieved because they are being suppressed from the psychic point of view, but they are not aware that the ultimate result is also economic exploitation.”
   “As regards the psychic sphere, I can say this – there can be numerous modes of exploitation in the psychic sphere, and to comprehend all these, the people must be more educated and more intelligent.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Various Forms of Exploitation


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Who remembers their past life


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "After death the disembodied mind floats in the vast space with its unexpressed saḿskáras. Later on, with the cooperation of the mutative principle, the disembodied mind finds a suitable physical base. The memory of its past life remains awake for approximately the first five years of its new life. Although the child remains in a new physical environment, mentally it continues to live the joys and sorrows of its previous life. That is why children sometimes laugh and cry in their sleep, and their mothers often think they are talking with God. In colloquial Bengali this is called deola kát́á. In actual fact this laughter and crying is nothing but the reappearance of past memories. To re-experience past events one does not need the cooperation of the old brain. The newly-born mind has not yet had time to build a close relationship with the new brain. The revival of experiences of past lives is what we call “extra-cerebral memory”, and is principally the task of the causal mind." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Cerebral and Extra-Cerebral Memory


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human culture is one

Prout philosophy states, "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 3: Links ==






Labels: , ,

How dogma starts + 2 more

Baba

How dogma starts

Namaskar, 

Dogma is one of the most insidious things that pollutes and ruins our human society. The image appended below shows how a particular dogma takes birth and ultimately gets rooted in the minds of the masses. Here is the overall idea / English summary of the below scan. 

One day a person was walking down the street, and he accidentally tore his shoes. In frustration, he threw that ripped pair of shoes up in the air, and they got stuck on a tree branch; those shoes were just hanging from that tree. Then he attached a note there as well which stated that if anyone hangs their shoes from this tree then they will immediately gain full control over their wife. After reading that note, numerous husbands who had marital problems began hanging their shoes from that very same tree. Now that tree is completely filled with old shoes. 

The above tale perfectly embodies how so many dogmas have been imposed on this earth, most notably by the various religions. Baba's below guideline demonstrates this. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You all know that the most detrimental thing for human society and human progress is dogma. What is dogma? Where there is no logic, where there is no support of intellectuality, where there is no debate and free discussion, but there is only a severe imposition forcing people to accept something, there is dogma. What type of people preach this sort of dogma? The answer is: the blind followers of religion." (1)

In conclusion, Baba guides us that we are to be very strict and vigilant to outrightly reject all dogmas and establish human thought and erudition in a higher realm that is 100% from all dogmas. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba says, "You boys, you girls, you the spiritual aspirants, must always remember that you must never surrender at the altar of dogma. In the past, dogma committed so many nuisances, dogma created so many fissiparous tendencies in this human society. Your slogan should be “Dogma – No more! Dogma – No more!” Establish yourselves above the boundaries of dogma, and be established in the excellence of human glory." (2)

in Him, 
Purusottoma


image.png




References
1. Neo-Humanism in a Nutshell - Part 1, What Is Dogma?
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Dogma – No More


*        *        *

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 ==

Why no well irrigation

Prout philosophy poses the query: "Question – What are the drawbacks of well irrigation?"

Prout philosophy states: "Answer – Well irrigation causes the level of the water table to go down until the subterranean flow of water eventually dries up. Shortages of water due to well irrigation are not easily perceptible."

"The negative effects of well irrigation include the following:"

"(1) All neighbouring shallow wells dry up creating the problem of the lack of drinking water."

"(2) Trees, orchards and large plants don’t get sufficient water so they may wither and die. Green countryside will become a desert after 30 to 45 years of intensive well irrigation."

"(3) In some deep tube wells elements or minerals which are harmful to the soil get mixed with the water, causing salinity, for example. As a result the land becomes unfit for cultivation and eventually becomes infertile."

"(4) When the flow of well-water stops, irrigation tanks supplied by these wells also dry up."

"Well irrigation should be used only as a temporary measure because of the devastating effects it can have on the surrounding environment. Alternative methods of irrigation are river irrigation, irrigation from reservoirs, shift irrigation and lift irrigation." (1)

Note: There is a limited supply of underground water. Around the globe, people are using underground water for drinking and irrigation by using deep pumps etc. Using underground water for drinking is ok, but it is extremely harmful to use underground water for irrigation purposes. By this way, the water table is rapidly diminishing and a severe water crisis is threatening the earth.

Due to a lack of proper knowledge, serious problems are cropping up around the globe. Our duty is to follow Baba's guidelines and educate others. To overlook the problem is to invite disaster.

Because of deep well irrigation, the water table is dropping. Plants and trees become dry and brittle. Extreme dryness invites fires. The vegetation gets destroyed. Without trees, there is no more rain. This brings drought which then leads to starvation, and ultimately death. This is the eventual outcome wherever groundwater irrigation is in vogue.

So then what is the answer? How to irrigate? According to Prout philosophy, rain water should be collected in ponds and reservoirs and used locally. That will solve the problem and offer an environmentally sound, renewable resource for our water needs, most critically, irrigation.

In Chennai, one must drill down 2,000 feet for well water yet drilling to such depths has been forbidden by the government because of the inherent environmental hazards and dangers. While in Indore the wells have reached 1,000 feet, but the common citizens cannot construct wells that deep. 

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 14, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 3


== Section 3: Links ==



Labels: , ,

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Sadhaka life when very busy + 3 more

Baba
Sadhaka life when very busy

Namaskar,

Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. At some point or another, everyone faces uncertain times and tough conditions that make life overwhelming. However, as Ananda Margiis, we will never be at a loss for how to proceed. Sadguru Baba has given us all the right practices and solutions, and addressed every circumstance. In one particular discourse, Baba provides us with an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are in an extremely difficult moment. (1) By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and maintain proper adjustment and equipoise, even in the most challenging and unexpected situations.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba's system: how to prioritize

So many things occur that are beyond our ability to plan for and these things take us away from our daily routine. This can happen in the case of births, deaths, tragedies, or accidents etc. It could be anything where one is so busy that they are knocked out of their normal routine and do not have time for their regular sleep, eating, bathing, and sadhana routines etc.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life becomes difficult to manage. We cannot attend to our regular duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand. It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in the best position to gain success and serve others.

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due to a dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the first thing they do is eat. This is the common way most people proceed. Or if they are plagued by more undesirable habits, they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol). But this is not the proper method. Baba's guideline is something altogether different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In His highly unique discourse, Baba gives us the following formula for how to proceed in difficult circumstances. When overwhelmed by life’s myriad of twists and turns, and when thrown from our daily routine, Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is sadhana.


Sadhana is the #1 priority

Baba instructs us that even if we have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of unforeseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5 minutes free, we should do sadhana. We are spiritual beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5 minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. Baba gives top priority to doing sadhana.

Bath is the #2 priority

If we have a little more time then we should bathe. That means if we have 10 minutes time we are to address our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath, according to the Ananda Marga system will allow us to further revitalise ourselves. In that case we will do a 5 minute bath, and reserve 5 minutes for sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Taking a nap or getting a little sleep is #3

If we have 15 minutes, Baba says we should take some time to nap. The main point is that sleep repairs the body, so taking a few minutes to nap will restore the body and settle the mind. It allows a person to come back to their normal flow - reach a state of balance. This period of napping might just be for a few minutes, but it is very important to do in comparison to eating food. So in that case, take a 5 minute bath, and then do sadhana for 5 minutes, then nap for 5 minutes.


Eating is #4

If a person has 20 minutes or more, taking food should be incorporated into the plan. Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has given in this 1966 discourse in Chennai. By eating, Baba means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly, and keeping the mind in a positive state.

So these are Baba's stepwise guidelines for how to proceed when encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from their normal routine.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Managing life in hectic & busy period

Here is a brief outline and review of how to conduct ourselves when we get a short break when in the midst of a very hectic and busy period.

(I) 5 MINUTES: Do sadhana only;

(II) 10 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), and do sadhana (5 min);

(III) 15 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), and take a short nap (5 min);

(IV) 20 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), eat food (5 min), and then take a short nap (5 min).

So sadhana is the #1 priority because only sadhana is listed in all the above scenarios.

If we have no time for anything else, then at least sadhana should be done. If more time is available then we can add the following duties in this order or prioritization: #2 bath -> #3 nap -> #4 food.
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Much of the world's population is unaware of Baba's teaching(s) so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, they do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In that case, it is not just a single event, but their entire course of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do, they may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved one. All these things may happen in that crucial period.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind in a proper flow, whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The situation will not be compounded.

Why sadhana is first priority

By His system of prioritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives great importance to sadhana. As we know, in so many discourses Baba tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life. Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus, the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals. Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (2)

If a person is dealing with the passing of a family member or moving to a new region of the country or undergoing any sort of unexpected or big life change, then their routine may become disturbed. There might be a natural or man-made calamity such as a fire, flood, earthquake, accident, rescue and relief operations where one is deeply involved in serving others etc. Or one might be engaged in arranging a large-scale event or gathering like DMS etc.
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In all such instances, one may find themselves with a shortage of time. Instead of attending to their duties in a proper manner, they may just eat food when they get a moment's opportunity. For such persons who find themselves in unexpectedly busy circumstances, Baba has given the above teaching and system of prioritization.


Conclusion

As Ananda Margiis, as disciples of a Tantric Guru, our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By this way, we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by the tenets of dharma.

So always remember: first is sadhana; second is bath; third is relaxation; and, fourth is food. That is the hierarchy of importance. If we keep this system in mind and follow it, we will be in the best position to handle every and any situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhukar

~ In-depth study ~

Why methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period

 Ananda Marga ideology says, "In Tantra, sádhaná has been given the utmost importance. What is sádhaná? Sádhaná means practical effort. An effort to what? An endless effort to move towards Puruśottama, the Nucleus of the Cosmic Cycle." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "To attain Parama Puruśa, to become one with the Supreme Reality, He must be made the summum bonum of human life. But the attainment of the Supreme Reality is not possible overnight. For that the sádhaka [spiritual practitioner] will have to undergo the systematic and methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period, till every nerve-cell, nerve-fibre, every bit of his physical existence is divinized. Sádhaná, after all, is a scientific process by which the entire psycho-physical existence is divinized." (4)


How you can know everything

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "the very purpose of our human creation is to follow the true dharma; is to maintain spiritual practices in this very life, and to become one in Him. So dharma sádhaná [means that] by following dharma we follow our sádhaná, we follow our spiritual practices. By following the spiritual practices we become one with Him. That is the final victory. That is the final goal of all human beings on this planet. Men, women, everyone, we are all marching towards that unique goal. That goal has to be realized. In order to realize the goal, you have to continue your spiritual practices. You should practise what you have been asked to. So do not forget your nature. Do not try to follow animal nature. [But at the same time] you have got to eat, you have got to sleep; that is [your] nature too. Having proper restraint over your animal nature, try to follow the true human nature..."
   "So from this day you have been given the chance. Do not waste your time anymore. Do not waste your life anymore. Take it, this opportunity, and try to know that Supreme Consciousness which is in hiding. By knowing Him you know the whole universe; you know everything. That is the final goal of all of us. So dharma has to be practised in human life. Not tomorrow – today. Whether you are a family person or [a single] person, everyone will have to perform dharma sádhaná. Dharma has to be performed; sádhaná has to be performed." (5)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (Hindi), chapter 5, Discourse delivered in Chennai (25 June 1966)
2. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, Bhusuku and Brahmabháva
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná


*        *        *

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 ==

My intense desire

"Toma'ri deoya' pra'n'e, toma'ri deoya' mane..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3624)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, You are the Giver of Life. This very existence of mine has been bestowed upon me by You. This very mind of mine has been given to me by You. Now, by Your grace, my whole mind and heart, which have been given to me by You, are focused solely on Your meditation - ideating on You. O' my Lord, You are my Goal, and my sadhana revolves around You. I am thinking only about You. By Your grace, I understand that everything belongs to You. Except You, nothing exists. You are everything. 

O' unkind One, I love You so much and am crying for You. I have so much longing for You and want that You should come close to me - in my sadhana, in my dhyana. Besides You, there is no one who is mine. I do not have anyone. But You are not coming close. Why do You remain far away, O' Heartless One. Why do You remain forgetful of me? Why are You not coming near and instead going to some far distant place? O' Parama Purusa, please come close; those thoughts and feelings which I have kept in the casket of the inner core of my heart I want to whisper in Your ear. And among them, one is my intense desire to get You. I have so many intimate things to tell You. I have so many thoughts to share with You. My only request is that I should get You.

O' Parama Purusa Baba, due to my crude mind, for ages and ages I remained oblivious about You. I was not keeping You in my mind. Baba, I do not know how long it has been that I have forgotten You. During that time, I just danced in the rhythm of this mundane, crude material world. I was just infatuated, intoxicated, and engrossed with the fleeting allurements of the relative sphere. O' my Dearmost, today You made me understand that I am only Yours. By Your infinite compassion, all my thoughts, plans, programs, aspirations, sorrows, happiness, desires - everything revolves only around You. Baba, You are my Polestar; You are my everything, I surrender at Your lotus feet...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How sadhakas are like goldsmiths

    Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Take the case of the precious metal gold. Whenever you say “gold” you refer to gold in general, the gold of the universe. To be of some practical use, the gold will have to be brought within the limitation of a certain form, such as a gold necklace, a gold bangle, or gold tiara. Women may get a certain pleasure by wearing these gold ornaments, but for the goldsmith has no practical use for them as ornaments. He is only concerned about one thing – gold. Likewise, due to the influence of the static principle, an infinite number of names and forms have emerged out of Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity. Most people enjoy using these finite names and forms, but to practical spiritual aspirants they have no special importance. Sádhakas are only interested in the original substance and not its finite forms. Thus, their only object of ideation is Parama Puruśa. They only accept Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity, as the goal of their lives, just as the goldsmith is only interested in the gold and not its different forms.”
   “How can one shake off the influence of static inertness? How can one get freedom from the bondages of names and forms? Just as the goldsmith uses a hammer and process of melting (in fire) to extract the real gold from the various ornaments, similarly a practical spiritual aspirant will have to break the bondages of names and forms in this expressed world through the cultivation of knowledge (which is mutative), devotion (which is sentient). By virtue of the heat of the fire of sádhaná and the strength derived from sustained intuitional practice, a sádhaka can overcome the static inertness, the apparent cause behind the quinquelemental universe. Life and the world will become effulgent with the resultant unfoldment of latent consciousness.” (1)

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Discuss this topic calmly

Generally when Ananda Marga philosophy is compared with the theology of other religions, even in a respectful manner, then some uninformed people get overwhelmed.  They forget that Baba encourages respectfully pointing out the defects of various religions. See Baba’s teaching below.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others...If necessary, different views can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without being disrespectful.” (Human Society - 1, Moralism)

Due to their unawareness they think, “Do not point out any harmful things practiced by other religions.” They believe Baba forbids this. To remove their confusion, the above yellow highlighted quote may help.

Without bringing the logical point and respectful discussion of loopholes of various religions, it is not possible to open the eyes of the common people that what they are doing is wrong and harmful to them. That is why religious loopholes should be highlighted in a respectful manner.

Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Moralism


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How unbridled accumulation of material wealth is harmful

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In this socio-economic [PROUT] set-up people are at full liberty in the spiritual and mental spheres. This is possible because the spiritual and psychic entities for which people can aspire are themselves unlimited, and the extent of possession in this sphere does not hamper the progress of others in their quests. But the supply in the physical sphere is limited, and hence any effort for disproportionate or unrestricted acquisition of physical objects has every possibility of creating a vast majority of have-not’s, and thus hampering the spiritual, mental and physical growth of the larger majority. So, while dealing with the problem of individual liberty, it must be kept in view that individual liberty in the physical sphere must not be allowed to cross a limit whereat it is instrumental in hampering the development of the complete personality of human beings; and, at the same time, must not be so drastically curtailed that the spiritual, mental and physical growths of human beings are hampered.”

“Thus, the social philosophy of Ananda Marga advocates the development of the integrated personality of the individual, and also the establishment of world fraternity, inculcating in human psychology a Cosmic sentiment. The Marga advocates progressive utilization of mundane and supramundane factors of the Cosmos. The society needs a stir for life, vigour and progress, and for this Ananda Marga advocates the Progressive Utilization Theory (Prout), meaning thereby progressive utilization of all factors. Those who support this principle may be termed “Proutists”.” (1)

Reference
1. Idea & Ideology, The Cosmic Brotherhood


== Section 3: Links ==




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