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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Baba story: Are you reading AM books? + 3 more

Baba

Baba story: Are you reading AM books?

Namaskar,

Here begins the story recounted by one margii…

By Baba's grace, I was initiated in 1963. A few years later in 1966, DMC was held in Nagpur. At the time, due to His pull of bhakti, I had a very strong desire to have Baba's personal contact. Numerous margiis had told me that Baba knows everything but I wanted to have my own first-hand experience of this. So this is what I planned to do: I decided that when Baba asks me anything, I will not answer until He asks me the question in my mother tongue. That was my plan. And I did not tell anybody about this. By that way I would be confirmed that Baba knows my thoughts and mother tongue.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


What happened in my PC?

As per the system, I waited in line for PC (personal contact). When my turn came, I entered Baba's room and immediately did sastaunga pranam. After a short while, I heard Baba say in a soft voice, "Get up, get up."

I got up and stood before Baba.

Baba asked me, "What is your name?"

I kept quiet because He spoke in English, not my mother tongue. That was my plan so I did not say anything. I just stood there. Although I understood English, I was waiting for Baba to speak to me in my mother tongue. That is why I was not responding. Then Baba asked me other questions - all in English. Still I did not respond. I continued to remain quiet.

Baba started smiling. Then in a very gracious and sweet way He began asking me those same questions in my mother tongue (Bundel Khandi). We talked together for a few minutes. I was so happy.

While in His presence, I was thinking, "Yes, Baba indeed knows everything. He spoke in my mother tongue which is not widely known; and, He understood my desire without my saying anything."  I also realised that those things about myself which only I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba asks, "Are you reading AM books?"

On that same occasion of PC, Baba pointed out many of my mistakes, i.e. times I failed to adhere to Ananda Marga conduct rules. In follow-up, Baba inquired, "Are you reading Ananda Marga books?"

I replied, "No, Baba."

Then Baba told, It is very important to read our Ananda Marga books and study the discourses in order to practice those points on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise you will not know about those things, in which case how will you follow them in your practical life.

Previously, I was thinking just the opposite. I had heard from many sadhakas that bhakti is everything. So I had formed a very negative opinion about jinana (knowledge) and thought that there was no need to review and study Ananda Marga books. Because of this defective mentality, I had no idea about those conduct rules and teachings; therefore, Baba had to point out my mistakes.

Baba then explained, "It takes a lot of effort to bring these books in printed form. So much time and energy are invested, yet you are not reading them. That is why you do not even know the basic dos and don'ts of life."

At that point, I realised that reading Ananda Marga books is highly important and mentally I took the firm determination to study all of the Ananda Marga literature. Due to my lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals and conduct, I was not aware about right and wrong, virtue and vice, as described in various publications and literature. I was not following those codes properly and thus committed sin and acquired negative samsakaras. For the requital of my sins, Baba punished me for my wrongdoings, and I accepted. Afterwards, I felt completely light and blissful, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


Reading Ananda Marga books is invaluable and necessary for every Ananda Margii. Due to a lack of knowledge of Ananda Marga ideals, some margiis and Wts preach dogma unknowingly.

Namaskar,
At His lotus feet,
Mahadeva

~ In-depth study ~

Relation with Sadguru

Baba then asked me, "Who is your father?"

I replied that …. is my father.

Baba told me, "Mr.… is your worldly father.”

Baba continued, “I am asking about your spiritual Father.”

Hearing this, I remained quiet; I did not know the answer.

Then after some time, Baba smiled and blessed: “I am your Father - not only for this life but up to eternity."

Then Baba graced me and I felt His sweet touch in every cell and pore of my existence. Still today I cannot forget His proximity, guidance, and love. Even now when I think about this it gives me goosebumps. Since that time I became very regular in studying Baba's books so I could best adhere to and propagate the principles of Ananda Marga. I also realised that those things about me which only I knew and no one else knew, Baba also knew. Indeed Baba knows everything and He loves me very much.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba is still present


A few people think that Baba is the subject of history and believe they lost their opportunity to communicate with Him directly or personally. They think that the opportunity to be with Baba has passed. Indeed such persons feel that the privilege is gone and Baba is no longer accessible. They think that they cannot have His proximity and can only talk about His greatness. Thinking thus, they feel sad. Those who think in such a manner are mistaken. They could not realise that Baba is Parama Purusa and He remains with everyone always.

As Baba is Parama Purusa - His existence is beyond time. Now, even in this very moment, you can have His grace and serve Him. You can do anything that bhaktas have done in the past. So one should not feel and say with a deep sigh that, "Those days are gone and it is now impossible to have His close proximity." Instead, remember that Baba is always with you - now, in the future, always.

Bhaktas realise this divine truth and others do not. If you want to say something to Him then say it mentally - there is no need even for vocal chords. If you say or ask mentally, He listens. His ears are ready to listen. If you want to offer something, His hand is ready to receive. If you want to do pranam - go ahead. He will receive your pranam.

In all the ways, Baba is present with you because Baba is that eternal Divine Entity, Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

About all these bhavas and their importance in the life of a bhakta, Baba has beautifully written about and described in Namami Krsnasundaram.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Brahma, the author of this vast cosmic imagination moves everywhere within the universe, His vast Macropsychic arena, with His mental feet. He catches all the objects of this universe with His all-pervasive mental hands. He is the intellect, the intuition and the witnessing faculty of the innumerable created objects and hence we can say that He has His all-pervasive mental heads. Similarly, as the witness of all the macropsychic entities, He has innumerable mental eyes; and to hear their words, spoken or secret, and every loud or soft sound, He has His all-pervasive ears. He exists surrounding all objects with His own identity. You can keep nothing secret or private from Him - He knows more about you than you know about yourself. Behind all His pervasive faculties of knowing, understanding and hearing lies His Macropsychic stance." (1)

Note: The above is the first-hand account of Shrii Vrajbasi Lal from Bhopal (MP) whereby he recounts his PC with Baba.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.


*        *        *

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 ==

Cause of 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 is 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: More on plagiary ==

Please read and convey this to story thieves

Namaskar,

Some thieves have been (a) stealing Baba stories from this network, (b) posing that it was their original writing (c) and printing in their publications, magazines, or ​ posting it to their Facebook account, or What's App, blog, Google +, Tumbler, or any other media profiles etc. This type of blatant thievery / plagiarism discourages bhaktas from writing new stories. Because those bhaktas think someone is going to steal their work. The fault here lies with only a few select people.

 Yet, even after repeated warnings they continue to indulge in stealing stories whenever the opportunity arises. They refuse to write new stories. Such lowly thieves don't care about yama and niyama, Sixteen Points, or the code of asteya (non-stealing). In DMS and large gatherings etc, such story thieves would steal others belongings and chapels (sandals) as well. You might have encountered this. They wait for large gatherings and procure shoes and chapels for the whole year. By this way they become shoe thieves. And others suffer. This especially happens at Ananda Nagar or any large Ananda Marga gathering, whenever the opportunity arises.

The tragic outcome is that there are thousands of bhaktas who have stories to tell but there is a dearth of writers. Yet time marches on, and sadly those bhaktas will leave this world and their stories will be gone forever.

Our humble request then is to be creative and write new stories. The sole motivation is to publish the maximum amount of Baba stories. Everyone should work hard and try to contribute original material in this respect. All unpublished stories should be written.

In addition, by following this code then fake stories will not be circulated as everyone will be responsible for demonstrating the authenticity of each story.

Thank you for abiding by this ethic and code that is both today's international standard as well as Baba's given system. Again, it is our formal request not to plagiarise this story or any published writing on this network.

So please do not circulate any letter or story letter on any other network without keeping the full and complete letter including the header, signature, and all related notes and references. In addition, it would be proper to introduce the letter as "Courtesy of Ananda Marga Universal". Then everyone will clearly understand from where you got the letter. This is the accepted standard.

Baba says, "It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. " (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature


== Section 3: Links ==

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Hurtful humour & pranks + 5 more

Baba
Hurtful humour & pranks

Note: In many western countries, the pseudo-culture event known as April Fools' Day occurs annually on 01 April.

Namaskar,

There are numerous occasions and dealings in materialistic communities that are founded upon degrading tendencies of mind. For instance, Halloween is based on injecting a fear complex wherein little children may even suffer their whole life - scared to death of imaginary ghosts. And the daily grind of capitalism itself encourages greed, sensuality, and selfishness. Likewise, on April Fools’ Day, the aim is to trick or deceive someone so they feel embarrassed, nervous, or ridiculed etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The end result is the loss of trust in society whereby people harbor tremendous suspicions towards one another - even between best friends, or husband and wife. This casts a long shadow on humanity because distrust, doubt, fear, and anxiety become dominant. And verily that is why we see so many psychic diseases wherever materialism thrives. In the end, people feel stressed, depressed, lonesome, and helpless.

In materialism: negative propensities flourish


That is why we can say that materialism is the polar opposite of tantra. Materialism stands for the injection of degrading propensities. Sadly, when the mind is overrun by degenerating thoughts then sadhana is not possible, as one will just dwell on those dark thoughts and degrade themselves further. Whereas tantra wholly encourages higher propensities and goads the mind towards Parama Purusa. In tantra, negative propensities do not get scope to grow as each and every engagement and practice in tantra aims at elevating the mind. By this way the mind is well-prepared to do sadhana and reach the Supreme rank.

As far as possible, as Ananda Margiis, we must always follow Sadguru Baba’s divine teachings and goad the mind towards higher pursuits - and never give way to materialistic traditions and daily rituals which erode the human psyche - both individually and collectively. What may seem like harmless and innocuous pranks and expressions etc often serve to undermine one’s well-being. Not only that, such types of pranks are against our sadhana oaths.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As materialism takes root around us, we should be even more vigilant to hold firm to the traditions of tantra and only encourage those elevating qualities of mind. By this way we will reach the Goal and help others progress as well.

Seeing John’s face sunk in woe


“Hey John, I need to talk to you about something personal. As you know your marriage with Carol has been rocky of late, and our wives are best friends. Well, last night Betsy and Carol had a sit-down chat, and Betsy tells me that Carol is thinking of leaving you and ending the marriage - she will probably pack-up and leave by the end of the month. As a friend, I just felt I needed to tell you this.”

Hearing this, John becomes quite shocked and devastated. Seeing John’s face sunk in woe, an instant later Gary cries out, “April Fools!! I was just kidding - not to worry - Carol still loves you - she tells Betsy that the marriage has gotten much better - but you sure did get fooled!! I had you believing it all - you should have seen the look on your face!!”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Distrust, doubt, fear, & anxiety is outcome


So the above is yet another example of how the traditions and norms in a materialistic society degrade the mind. The entire premise of the pranks and practical jokes made on April Fools’ Day stem from a sadistic mentality (pishunatá) where one derives pleasure by seeing others suffer - even if it is their good friend.

Of course, those submerged in materialism will justify that, “It was all done in good fun” and “everyone got a good laugh out of it” etc, but the underlying tendency of mind is sadistic and cruel (kruratá).

Conclusion


Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us that our life is dear to us; similarly, the next person’s life is also dear to them. So, as far as possible we should help others, and not create problems in anyone else’s life. But unfortunately pranksters do the exact opposite of the aforesaid idea. Yet they themselves do not like to have pranks played on them; but, still they enjoy playing pranks and putting others in trouble. Those who have such a mentality cannot do sadhana. Human beings should realize their potentiality to provide relief to suffering people. That’s why they never play pranks on others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Satya

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When human beings do sádhaná, the kulakuńd́alinii, an ideative entity, rises upward through the spine. It pierces through cakras one after the other, and simultaneously the thoughts or propensities controlled by their respective cakras are brought under control. As soon as the kulakuńd́alinii pierces the múládhára, svádhiśt́hána and mańipura cakras, it brings under control all the propensities up to and including those of the mańipura cakra. The mańipura is the controlling cakra of ten propensities – shyness, sadistic tendency, envy, staticity, melancholia, peevishness, yearning for acquisition, infatuation, hatred, fear. When after rising and rising the kulakuńd́alinii reaches the sahasrára, it becomes one with Paramashiva. This is the state of liberation.” (1)

We must discourage depraving ones


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Tendencies are of either a degenerating or an exalting nature, that is, they are either of a depraving or an elevating nature. We should encourage the elevating tendencies and discourage the depraving ones. In certain parts of this world, depraving tendencies such as pornography exist. Simply protesting will not stop these things: we will have to do something positive to check it. Such positive action will create a new stir in the human mind. Pornography and other depraving tendencies will be completely discouraged and checked. That will be our course of action. We have to create new literature, new books, new music, new songs… We have to chalk out a programme and act accordingly.” (2)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga.” (3)

References
1. Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
2. A Few Problems Solved - 8, The Rule of Rationality
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour


*        *        *

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 ==

For You only

"Prabhu a'ma'ra priya a'ma'ra, toma'ra tarei a'ma'ra jiivana..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1439)

Purport: 

O’ my Parama Purusa, the Dearest One of my heart, my life is only for You. I live only in the hope of getting You. That is my dream. 

Baba, in the stream of  Your causeless karuńá, each day I am floating closer toward You with rhythm and songs. You alone are the one who fulfils everyone’s desire. 

Your wish is why I exist. I have forgotten all my shyness, hatred, and fear. Baba, O’ my Eternal Shelter, come close into the core of my heart…


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

He does not have occult powers

Ananda Marga ideology says, "For living beings, omniscience (evedaḿ) is certainly a recognized occult power. That is right. But for the Supreme Entity it is not a recognized occult power; He does not get it as a result of cult…To know everything is His nature. That is why He is omniscient." (1) 

Note: The entire creation lies within the mind of Parama Purusa so Parama Purusa sees everything because it is all within His own psychic arena. Whereas human beings acquire knowledge from outside themselves. For humans, knowing something entails the psychic assimilation of external objectivity. According to the definition of the faculty of knowledge, for a person to know something then they must look outside the scope or periphery of their own mind. But with Parama Purusa nothing is outside His mind. That means that He does not 'know' anything per se; rather, He intrinsically sees everything as it is all going on within His own mind.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Omniscience of the Causal Matrix


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Consequences of sleep & flatulence

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In sleep if the flatulent gas moves upwards on account of stomach trouble or if there is some nervous disturbance, the brain and the sub-conscious mind will become agitated. Our previously imagined or felt objects reappear in our subconscious mind in a disjointed form. This we call a dream. Obviously such a dream is of no consequence. Not only that, the story formed therein will not be well-knit as it consists of merely the re-appearance of the objects, stored in the different parts of the brain. There is yet another type of dream. The Atimánas kośa (supramental mind) is the store-house of all knowledge. At times a premonition of a coming be great happiness or sorrow, which only the omniscient causal frame can visualize, is created during deep slumber in the subconscious mind of an individual, who is deeply concerned with that particular happiness or sorrow. Such dreams do not take place very often. Nevertheless such a dream does carry the prognosis of a true event.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 4


== Section: Important Teaching ==
About the 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: Prabhat Samgiita ==

बाबा! तुम मेरे जीवन में तुम दिव्य प्रेम की फल्गु-धारा बहाते रहते हो

प्रभात संगीत 327 सौम्य शान्त  चेतनानन्द, चरण... दाओ गो आमाय...

भावार्थ

हे परमपुरुष बाबा! तुम सदा शान्त और आनन्द हो ! तुम  शुद्धचेतन , प्रेमस्वरूप! हो, तुम कृपा कर अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो और मुझे आशीष  दो ।  हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम हतास की आशा  हो, व्यथित हृदय के लिये प्रेम हो, आश्रयविहीन भटकने वालों के तुम्हीं अंतिम आश्रय हो।

बाबा! तुम सभी लोकों  में प्रारंभ से अंत तक रहते हो, और मेरे जीवन में तुम दिव्य प्रेम की फल्गु-धारा बहाते रहते हो । तुम्हारी असीम करुणा लगातार सभी दिशाओं में बहती जा रही है। तुम सबके अति  प्रिय हो, और सबके सर्वाधिक पूज्य हो। तुम मनुष्यों की विद्या और बुद्धि से परे हो। हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो.

हे मेरे प्रभु, बाबा! मेरी पैदाइस इस सीमित जगत में, तथा मैं हूँ भी  इस सीमित जगत में, परन्तु तुम तो सीमा से परे हो, और मैं सीमा से परे अनंत सत्ता को सोच भी नहीं सकता। जब मैं तुम्हारा चिंतन करता हॅूं तो मेरा मन तुम्हीं में मिलने लगता है, खो जाता है । हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो.

हे मेरे प्रभु, बाबा! मेरे मन की मंजूषा , मधुर केवड़े के पराग के सामान है। मेरा मन सबकुछ मधुरता लेकर, तुम्हारी ओर दौड़ रहा है। बाबा!  हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम अपने चरण कमलों में मेरा समर्पण स्वीकार करो, और मुझे आश्रय दो। 


== Section 4: Links ==


Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Degrading tradition: April Fools’ Day + 4 more

Baba

Degrading tradition: April Fools’ Day

Namaskar,

There is a tradition in some countries like the US to perform pranks or practical jokes on April Fools’ Day. The only motive is to startle and harass the next person by conveying horrifying, concocted news to them. In turn, the prankster derives sadistic pleasure by seeing the traumatic reaction that news has caused the other party.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In the human mind there are fifty main vrttis. And these fifty vrttis fall in two categories: positive and negative. And amongst the negative vrttis, some are extremely bad. And one of those extremely bad and negative ones is the sadistic mentality. To harass and mentally torture others by making pranks is the work of a sadistic mentality. Those who indulge in this and enjoy seeing others suffer are demons in human form. Ananda Margiis are sadhus. They feel other’s suffering as their own. So they cannot create problems for others. Rather they want to solve people’s problems. It is absolutely unthinkable for them to play a prank on someone.

“The police are impounding your vehicle”


Here below it is shown how this venomous propensity takes form to harass others:

#1: Mark walks up to Jason and says, “Hey, you own that black vehicle that is parked behind the building - right?” Then Jason replies in the affirmative, and Mark responds, “Well, you better do something quick because right now the police are impounding your vehicle.”

#2: Or they say, “I am very sorry to inform you that your son was found unconscious in the bottom of the swimming pool and he is now in the hospital.”

#3: Or they say, “There was a company recall on the food that you just ate. I am sorry I did not tell you earlier. It was announced all over the radio. People are dying of food contamination from this product.”

As an April Fools’ joke or prank, people say all sorts of untrue, outrageous things to others. In turn, the victim, or recipient of those outlandish claims, becomes unnerved and worried. And, with their heart beating fast, they become overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. And then the joker - upon seeing that their prank was successful - will cry out, “April Fools!!”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And not just on April Fools’ Day, but at various times people perform such types of pranks on others. Most often they do it with their close people, i.e. those who completely trust them. Because a prank works best when the person has implicit faith and trust in you. Such pranks are naively looked upon as being funny, or mischievous etc. The reality is that all these types of pranks are very harmful as they undermine a person’s trust. They erode that most basic human quality that is needed to form a bond between two people.

Punched by thugs on a dark night


For instance, Johnny was pulling pranks on his bosom buddy Kenny over and over again, until Kenny finally lost all trust inJohnny. And then look what happened when these following incidents transpired:

(A) One night when Johnny was cycling home from work, thieves attacked Johnny and punched him in the stomach numerous times and left him by the roadside. Johnny was keen to go home and see his bosom buddy Kenny and recount to him the horrors that he (Johnny) had been through. With the hope and expectation of finding solace and a sympathetic ear, Johnny speedily arrived home. Johnny was anxious to see Kenny and called out to him and they sat down together. With full feeling, Johnny conveyed to Kenny all that had happened and how terrible it was. And Johnny requested Kenny to accompany him to the police station to file a report. But, alas, Kenny did not believe one word of what Johnny said. All because Kenny thought this was yet another of Johnny's pranks.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(B) After a few months, on the first of February, Kenny lost his wallet and asked Johnny about its whereabouts. Johnny replied that he had no idea where Kenny’s wallet was. Kenny did not believe Johnny. Rather, Kenny was quite frustrated and irritated with Johnny's response. And the dominant thought in Kenny's mind was that, "Johnny hid my wallet somewhere." Kenny figured that this was yet another one of Johnny's useless and foolish pranks. Since that day their friendship dissolved and they moved apart.

What is the operating factor? In the past Johnny did many pranks to Kenny and in result Kenny lost all trust in Johnny. And that distrust divided them and made them suspicious of each other. Such is the deleterious effect of pranks.


Conclusion

This sadistic propensity has no positive quality. Verily it is painful and bad from beginning to end. It harms others and ultimately creates suspicion and distrust amongst people. And one day, if some serious incident really does happen, then people think that the next person is joking. Just like the boy who always cried wolf and then when the wolf really came nobody believed him. So these types of pranks are very bad and one should never do them.
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In Him,
Turiiya
(Tom Edwards)

These types of pranks fall within the realm of avidya tantra as their sole intent is to cause harm to others.

~ In-depth study ~

Our Ananda Marga is focused on building a bright, new human society. And for that, maximum trust between people is indispensable. And trust is built and maintained in all kinds of small and big ways. It takes time to build trust, yet it can be shaken and destroyed with pranks.

These days materialism has come to the forefront, and with that people have become highly suspicious with one another. All trust has been lost as people will do and say anything to get ahead of others on the point of material wealth and prestige etc. Even neighbors may not trust one another. Such is the ill effect of materialism. The very basic building block of humanity is lost.

As Ananda Margiis, we are to be lighthouses for a life based on human unity - where people have inherent trust in their fellow human beings. And for that we have to develop ourselves in all sorts of ways, and especially through sadhana and service. And we have to conduct ourselves in all kinds of ways that engender trust. And that means refraining from and not supporting any type of prank or practical joke.
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Sadguru Baba says that dharma must even be reflected in our humour.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When the tendency towards acquisition in the physical world is extremely strong, people’s tendency to assimilate spiritual or intellectual things is usually noticeably weaker...Separated by the iron walls of suspicion, people cannot trust each other. The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this predicament. Its consequences are dreadful.” (1)

Ananda Marga Vanii states, “People have great expectations from their fellow human beings. In order to fulfil those expectations, go on working without the least respite. Remember that a healthy human society, free from exploitation, hatred and malice, must be built. In this great task, the blessings of Parama Puruśa are sure to be with you.” (2)

References
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 1 (continued) (Discourse 10)
2. Ananda Vanii #35


*        *        *

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 ==

Sleep eases sense of loss & pain

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Although bodily pleasures are perceived by the mind in the wakeful state, the objects of such pleasures always come from without, with the result that the privations of the external world will always stand in the way of real happiness, as the external world cannot always supply objects in accordance with the desires and wishes of the mind. Due to this the mind has to run up and down in search of them. It becomes very agitated in the process and peace becomes an impossibility. The influence of the external world is absent during the dreamful state, accordingly the amount of pleasure is due to want of efferent desires in the mind or increased organs (for that matter here the desire is not afferent either). In the state of sleep, as the internal activities of the mind are substantially less, the amount of happiness (Static happiness) is proportionately increased.” (1)

Note: In life, sometimes tragedy comes. This happens to everyone. And you might have experienced what Baba explains in the above teaching. If you lost your wallet and after that you fell asleep then at least during that time of sleep you got some relief. For this reason, those whose life is inundated with problems want to sedate themselves by sleeping a lot.

Reference
1. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 4


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Divine communication or psychic phenomenon

Ananda Marga philosophy states:

"Q. 58. Who receives the answer or remedy at the time of staging a dhárańá?"

"Ans.: – Once the conscious and sub-conscious minds are inactive the remedy is received from the all-knowing Casual Mind. The ectoplasmic mind will take the shape of anything which is ideated upon with a specific aim, with sincerity and with proper concentration. While staging a dharńá the kamamaya and manomaya kośas become partially suspended and a vision of knowledge occurs (like a particular type of dream state) originating from the Causal Mind. In that dream state the person receives the answer to any question he/she may have asked about medicine or other matters."

"Those staging a dharńá are convinced that a certain deity will give the cure for a disease or answer any question they may ask. Therefore, when the answer comes, they naturally conclude that it was given by that very same deity. In fact, this vision of the deity, like the vision of the ghost, is simply a play of the mind. After being told about the greatness of a particular god or goddess a person will go to make offerings and will often receive the expected cure or answer. There is no question of a god or deity being involved here; God had nothing to go with what happened. It is purely a psychic phenomenon. The effectiveness of the cure or answer depends upon the degree of concentration of the mind." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B, Q & A #58


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Shockingly dangerous people


Ananda Marga ideology states, “The vanity expressed by the so-called civilized human beings of today is extremely dangerous. These people hide the cruder propensities of the mind under the cloak of sweet words and decent behaviour. They are more harmful to the well-being of the human race than the so-called uncivilized humans, because they are hypocrites. The defects of the uncivilized humans pale into insignificance before their abominable hypocrisy. The uncivilized humans of the past may have killed twelve people at most in the battles they fought with bows, arrows, sticks and spears, but the so-called civilized human beings of today kill millions of unarmed, innocent people indiscriminately with their dreadful and lethal weapons. Human society of today is being exploited by the so-called civilized people. Such people should not make themselves look ridiculous by claiming otherwise.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Struggle and Progress


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout against capital punishment

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Who is aware of their intellectual limitations

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Undeveloped human beings consider themselves to be very intelligent and thus at every step they invite innumerable obstacles in the material world. Later on, after climbing some rungs up the ladder of evolution, they realize form the core of their hearts the hollowness of their psychic capabilities. It is the natural rule of the universe that those who possess immense knowledge are quite conscious of their intellectual limitations, whereas people with superficial knowledge think just the opposite. The genuine way of learning for seekers of knowledge is to consider always that they know nothing.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, The Cardinal Spirit of Action and the Supreme Stance of Devotion

== Section: Bangla Quote ==

ৰার-ৰার ভাবলে
“মন্ত্র জিনিসটা আসলে হচ্ছে কি ? আমি উপায় না পেয়ে, ইংরেজিতে মন্ত্রের জন্য incantation শব্দটা ব্যবহার করেছি | কারণ যদি মূল ৰাংলা ব্যবহার করতাম, তাহলে মন্ত্র-শব্দটাই ব্যবহার করতাম | কারণ, ইংরেজি incantation শব্দটা ঠিক মন্ত্রের প্রতিভু নয় | ইংরেজিতে বা Roman-এ আমি ঠিক উপযুক্ত শব্দ কোনও খুঁজে পাইনি | Incantation শব্দটা হচ্ছে এমন কোনও একটা জিনিস যা মানুষ ৰার-ৰার ব্যবহার করে | এর ৰেশি কিছু ৰলা যায় না | কিন্তু সংস্কৃত বা ৰাংলা মন্ত্র শব্দটার মানে ৰলা হচ্ছে-- “মননাৎ তারয়েৎ যস্তু সঃ মন্ত্রঃ পরিকীর্ত্তিতঃ” | যাকে মনন করলে অর্থাৎ ৰার-ৰার ভাবলে, মানুষ ত্রাণের রাস্তা পেয়ে যায়, তাই  হ'ল মন্ত্র |” (1)

Reference
1. Morning General Darshan, 14 Nov 1979, Silchar, W.B



== Section 3: Links ==





SUBJECTS TOPICS