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Friday, July 17, 2026

Materialism: all are suspects + 4 more

Baba
Materialism: all are suspects

Namaskar,

In this materialistic era, people basically do not trust one another. They do not answer the door without knowing who it is; children are taught not to talk to strangers; the wealthy employ bodyguards and security personnel; there are alarm systems everywhere, and even metal detectors at the entrances of schools, which was unthinkable fifty years ago.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

All this portrays a fundamental lack of trust. Tragically, this lack of trust is growing day by day and has led to so many other societal ills: isolation, depression, loneliness and other diseases. And this basic lack of trust is not just limited to our social life, but our personal lives as well. Spouses keep separate bank accounts; clashes occur dividing up inheritances and ancestral properties; even on the point of food, people lack basic trust. Friends feel, “I should eat more otherwise the next person will take it all.” And if a stranger offers them food people will not accept it as they do not trust that the food is ok, i.e. not poisoned etc. So this basic lack of trust is an issue in both individual and collective life.

In the past, police viewed all as innocent, until proven guilty. But now they think that all are thieves or criminals. That is their fundamental outlook. Such is the basic loss of faith in humanity that has occurred under the watch of materialism. Now the authorities frisk, scan, and fingerprint all; plus police want everyone's DNA data; and they revoke civil liberties. In their eyes, everyone has become a suspect.

Verily, the message of today's so-called civilised world is: "Don't trust". That is the underlying theme of modernity. Devoid of a common ethic of trust and brotherly love, strategies like fingerprinting, background checks, surveillance cameras, security alerts, and neighborhood crime watches are the norm. The overall situation has deteriorated to such a degree, that "sting" operations (i.e. undercover police & intelligence tactics) have become commonplace.

The question arises: How did modernity humanity arrive at such a place?

Suspicion among humans ruins the society

For any society to subsist, there has to be trust amongst its members. That is absolutely vital. Without trust, society cannot survive. From the earliest stages of civilisation, there has always been a certain level of trust. There has been a shared ethic or common code of morality that people followed. That brings stability and enables people to live together in a harmonious way.
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From the prehistoric era up till quite recently, the main ethic - or trust - was based on some type of supernatural force. Either out of fear or dutifulness, out of dogmatic faith or belief, people followed a certain code of living, thinking that there is some greater force watching over them. Whether they called it God, nature, fire, heaven, hell, or some other term, people thought that they were being watched and that they should not displease that supernatural power, lest they face the consequences. This was part of the basic mindset.

For this reason, there were shared values. Even during wars, they would not attack women or children; in day to day life a person would not steal from their neighbor; and so many other codes. That is not to say that nobody ever did anything wrong but people basically believed that there was a common and agreed upon ethic which one should not transgress.

Here it should be noted that this level of trust only extended to the boundaries of their own group. It did not transcend to all peoples everywhere. It was only because certain people followed the same dogmatic rituals of their group; that was the root of their understanding and trust.

Historically, such beliefs and values cultivated a sense of trust within a given community. Hence there was a social order or a society. And the overall proof of this is that there were far less police and security personnel. This was true even in the US. In the early 1900's, the US president hardly had any security agents around him. One hundred years later, the US Presidents are protected 24 / 7 by hoards and hoards of agents using all kinds of equipment and weaponry.

In prior eras, society was literally regulated by individual restraint - either due to fear or a good conscience. There was a prevailing ethic that kept people at peace with each other within a given social structure.


Vicious circle

In today's materialistic order, the common people are not psychically comfortable, but they do not know the root cause. And they do not know how to remedy the situation. Because when they do not realise that materialism itself is the problem, they can only think that the remedy is more security forces, more surveillance cameras, and more covert operations. Such is the materialistic response; yet that only breeds more crime which leads to more security personnel and spies. And the end result is heightened distrust.
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In our Ananda Marga, Baba has given the perfect solution. First and foremost, Baba has laid down the principles of yama and niyama. This brings a sense of morality; there is a common ethic. In addition, there is the shared belief that Parama Purusa is watching everything. In that case, no true Ananda Margii can knowingly commit a wrong as they do not wish to displease Baba and incur negative samskaras. Rather, each and every Ananda Margii wants to please Baba by serving the society. Even if a margii gets the opportunity to do wrong without getting caught, they will not do so as it is against their inner code of morality.

Conclusion: God-centered life is the answer

We can say that the only way to bring real trust is through neo-humanism. One should feel in their heart of hearts that all are part of their own family because the Father is one, Parama Purusa. Without this spiritual link, the idea of embracing the entire globe as one family cannot be digested and realised by common people. The slogan, “The entire universe is part of my family,'' cannot even be conceived of by materialists or atheists. When everyone is a family member there is no question of crime or fighting.

When this ideal is embraced, all selfish and group boundaries vanish and a true bond of love develops. Then there is real trust, in which case crime will vanish. In a nutshell, that is the equation.

Right now society is at a cross-roads. Materialism has reached its height and Baba has graciously created the vibration where people are looking for something else. Now is the time for us to preach the gospel of neo-humanistic principles. This is our duty and by Baba's grace the people will respond.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "We have to divert physical longings to psychic and spiritual longings to avoid a fratricidal war, and thereby safeguard human rights." (1)

Namaskar,
In Him
Nrtyalata’

~ In-depth study ~

Materialism breeds more & more leeriness

Here below Baba is talking about how all the various dogmas like capitalism breed suspicion from one person to the next. When the preachers or leaders want to control the people they put forth myths and stories to support their crude political agenda. By this way they misguide the masses and implement their narrow-minded views. Today, many have swallowed the bait of capitalism and materialism.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Out of cowardice, selfishness or sinful propensities, humans and other creatures may resort to a crooked path, not only in the material world, but also in the mental world. That is, cowardliness, selfishness and sinful tendencies bring about curvatures in the world of thoughts. These curvatures breed mutual suspicion. Even innocent people are taught to think wrongly." (2)


Unbarred material possessions brings unjustified wariness

In the past police viewed all as innocent until proven guilty, but now they think that all are criminals and thieves. This basic loss of faith in humanity has occurred under the watch of materialism. Now they fingerprint all, spy on all, run DNA checks on all, and curtail the freedoms of all. In sum, everyone has become a suspect.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Individuals or groups or communities guided by this sinner’s psychology, become involved in various inhuman activities out of unjustified suspicion. Ultimately there comes a time when they no longer repent. Those doctrines and philosophies which teach people to suspect their fellow citizens, which teach people to treat their fellow humans as enemies, have done enormous harm to the world in the past, and if not restrained and controlled, will do so in the future also." (3)

Actually all the religions, factions, or groups adhere to this baseline message: Do not trust those not in our group. Capitalism is worse because in capitalism every person is their own separate group. Sinner's psychology is rampant: (a) suspect those in the other group; (b) do anything, even anti-social tactics, to protect members of one's own group.

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout
2. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10
3. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10


*        *        *

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 ==

Sadhana & becoming Brahma
 
Ananda Marga ideology says, “When the pleasure-seeking unit mind blindly runs after unit-objects, Puruśa also gets smitten by the same mental attributes. He appears to be as if in bondage. But when the unit mind shuns its attraction for mundane objects and accepts that Supreme Puruśa as its only pabulum, it gets an opportunity to become one with the Cosmic Mind, giving up its finitude. With the attainment of the witness-ship of the Integral Mind it becomes one with the Puruśottama. In the absence of bondage of enjoyership (Bhoktábhava) the unit mind attains emancipation from all kinds of fetters.” (1)
 
Note: This is the essence of human life. When one is no longer allured by worldly attractions and sincerely directs the mind towards Parama Purusa, then one can become one with Him. This is the aim of sadhana and the path of yoga - realising Him. He is within but people are not aware. When, through sadhana, this ignorance is removed, then one truly feels they are Parama Purusa. And that is realisation, i.e. the feeling in the heart and mind that, "I am Brahma." At first one must impose this idea in their sadhana, but as one involves more deeply in their meditation then, by His grace, that feeling develops from within. Then sadhana is very blissful and one has advanced along the path of spirituality, by His grace.
 
Reference:
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, The Primordial Cause of Creation


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Japa on enemy

Baba says, "If anyone's name is to be chanted in japa, it is the name of Parama Purus'a. What is japa? A word has a particular meaning; repeating the word inwardly again and again, after having understood its meaning, is what is termed japa. As a result of the prolonged repetition of a word, whose inner meaning is clearly understood, its ideation becomes permanently imprinted in one's mind, and consequently there occurs a radical change in one's mental arena. The extroversial tendencies of the mind gradually become introverted. This is the benefit of japa. And if anyone's name is to be repeated, it is the name of the Lord."

"Usually worldly people constantly repeat-- do the japa of-- their earthly joys and comforts, or do japa on the names of their enemies. But that is all useless. Only the name of Parama Purus'a should be repeated in the form of japa, for ultimately one will have to reach Him, to merge in Him. Ultimately one will have to reach Him. There is no other way. Hence wise persons take only the name of-- do the japa of-- the One and Supreme Lord, and never the name of any other entity." (12 November 1978 DMC, Kolkata)

Note: Usually people do not realise that they are doing japa of something which is meaningless, silly, or sometimes even harmful. But it happens because the general tendency of the mind is to degenerate towards crude thoughts. For example, if someone is plunged in worldly problems or a court case or in thoughts about their enemy, then in that case they are unknowingly doing japa of that problem or enemy etc.

Another feature of the mind is that when the mind is empty then the tendency is to start thinking of something which is meaningless, stupid, or harmful etc. Or it will think of something that will bring degeneration.

Hence, without even their own awareness, countless people are getting adversely affected and poisoned by doing the japa of crude things. In His above teaching, Baba says that at any cost this should be avoided-- averted. Repeated thinking or japa should only be done on the name of the Lord. That will bring ultimate salvation and bliss.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Which mother has such a cruel heart

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The mother who feels so much love and affection for her child that she sacrifices everything in life for its comfort and welfare, mercilessly slices young kai fish [walking fish] into pieces without the slightest emotional feeling. The young kai fish cry out in the agony of death, but the cruel heart of the human mother does not melt.” (1)

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Requisite steps for attaining samadhi

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “As a result of sádhaná all three organs, i.e., motor, sensory and práńa, gradually attain composure. When all the organs attain steadiness and composure and are absorbed in the bearing of the Supreme Being, we call it the state of samádhi or trance or absorption. Without this attainment of steadiness samádhi is impossible, for without steadiness meditation (dhyána) is not possible and without meditation samádhi is not possible. The practice of meditation is nothing but the proper control over the mind-like rein with the help of a super-knowing charioteer. In the human body there are approximately fifty vrttis or propensities of minds. The degree of intensity of these fifty vrttis depends upon the different glandular secretions of the body. Thus proper functioning of the mind depends upon the different glandular secretions of the body, upon the afferent power of the nerve-fibres and upon the capacity of the nerve cells to vibrate thought. In other words, with the acceptance or rejection of any of the sentiments, both the human body and mind are influenced.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, The Chariot and the Charioteer


== Section 3: Links ==

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Thursday, July 16, 2026

Baba’s guideline during Emergency & beyond + 3 more

Baba

Baba’s guideline during Emergency & beyond

Namaskar,

In countless discourses, Baba guides us that bhakti lies within. That sweet, close devotional proximity with Him is achieved internally. This is Baba's eternal teaching on bhakti. We also know that everything Baba has given is 100% clear, consistent, and conclusive. In that way, His every thought, word, and deed are perfectly accordant with His AM ideology. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Sixteen Points & Emergency

In those weeks and months before going to jail, Baba beautifully introduced His divine system of Sixteen Points. Now, in retrospect, we can clearly see that this was His special timing. Being the omniscient Parama Purusa and knowing that the unjust jail period was upcoming, Baba introduced Sixteen Points with the intention that even during His physical absence –  i.e. jail period – all margiis would be able to endure and have ample resilience to face the difficulty of the Emergency. By strictly adhering to Sixteen Points, margiis would have the strength, vigour, and bhakti to overcome all obstacles.

So, in that pre-jail period around 1970, Baba was living in Patna, and, on a regular basis, He began checking up on everyone's Sixteen Points, ensuring that all were following properly. Baba knew that without those special guidelines it would be impossible for sadhakas to survive the Emergency. Whereas, by following Sixteen Points, every margii would have the requisite bhakti to withstand any and all difficulties. This was Baba's unique and special planning.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ananda Vanii guidelines

And, during the Emergency period itself, Baba graciously issued these below dharmic mandates about Sixteen Points in His eternal and timeless teachings of Ananda Vanii Samgraha.

Ananda Vanii says, "Be firm on Sixteen Points. Unite all the righteous forces. All the tall talks of the evil forces will be silenced." (1)

Ananda Vanii says, "In order to march ahead on the road of human welfare, we will have to strengthen ourselves in all the arenas of life. The complete seeds of welfare in all the spheres -- physical, mental, moral, social and spiritual -- are embedded in the SIxteen Points. Hence be firm on the Sixteen Points." (2)

So this is one special aspect of that jail period, and that universal teaching holds true for today and eternity: By strictly adhering to Sixteen Points, one's level of bhakti will blossom.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba’s special reply to sadhakas

During the jail period, many margiis visited Baba, and Baba graciously gave countless guidelines to all those who came — often directing people in their personal lives and answering their various questions about how to proceed. All through His incarceration this was going on. But, over the course of this entire period, there was one query that was asked again and again. And that question was, “How to best manage during this difficult time?” After all, each and every Ananda Margii was facing many challenges, and every disciple was also keen to keep the flag of AM upright in this hostile environment. Baba’s reply was, “Tell everyone that they should be very strict and sincere in following Sixteen Points.”

After the Emergency period ended, many of our dedicated Ananda Margiis (Wts and general margiis) were pardoned and released from jail. However, Sadguru Baba's case was still pending so He had not yet been released. Naturally, everyone was eagerly asking about how they could best carry on while He was still in jail. Here again, Baba’s guideline was to strictly adhere to Sixteen Points. And this lesson was not just applicable for that juncture, but stands as an eternal guideline for those on the spiritual path. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Even CBI agents will be transformed

Each and every Ananda Margii knows in their heart that bhakti transcends the physical sphere as it is a psycho-spiritual quality. And Sixteen Points is essential for developing bhakti. After all, so many communist spies and CBI agents were planted here and there, physically watching Baba intently during DMCs and His fieldwalks etc. But such communists and CBI agents did not have an iota of bhakti in them. Rather, they were totally against AM and did not understand anything about Baba's divine advent. So, even though they were watching physically, they could not get the real nectar. Even Jyoti Basu-- the crooked communist leader of West Bengal-- who lived in the same city for years, did not have any inkling of bhakti. However, had those same nefarious people become strict in Sixteen Points they would have been wholly transformed and become great bhaktas. 

Central dadas had to do sadhana

Here is the other half of the equation. Various central workers were around Baba 24hrs a day, but they still had to do sadhana and follow Sixteen Points. Baba never said to them that since they were in His physical proximity they did not have to do sadhana or follow Sixteen Points. This was never Baba's instruction. Instead, even if a Dada had been working all morning with Baba then, before lunch, that Dada still had to do half-bath, sadhana etc. It was not that he could skip sadhana and eat just because he had been physically close that morning. Rather, the rule was always, 'No sadhana, no meal'. So sadhana (i.e. following Sixteen Points) always had to be done regardless of the degree of one's physical proximity to Baba.
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We can say then that bhakti is such a unique force that is not limited to the physical sphere. Rather we know-- and in numerous discourses Baba guides us-- that the secret to the higher stages of bhakti is dhya'na; and, that dhya'na is not possible without strict adherence to Sixteen Points. So Baba’s guideline is to be very strict in Sixteen Points, as by this avenue one will become an elevated sadhaka and gain those deep spiritual realisations and samadhis etc. 

Here, Baba beautifully describes how internal bhakti and sadhana are the key ingredients for attaining Him. Thus, strictness in Sixteen Points is needed. 

Ananda Marga ideology says, "It is wrong to think that Parama Purus'a is realizable by man through empirical knowledge...To attain Brahma you shall have to do sa'dhana' or spiritual meditation. You should make Him the only goal of your life. For this you require integrity, devotion and singular and earnest love for Him. He is not attainable without reverence and unflagging and unflinching devotion. When the devotional depth will come, love, too, will be out-brimming with high sentiments - will be full and over-flowing... In that state alone will come your final realization of the Supreme Consciousness." (3)


Conclusion

Sixteen Points is essential. It is vital towards our well-being in all fields of life. And by being strict in Sixteen Points one gains that crown-jewel of life: bhakti. So no matter what phase of life one is in, and no matter the circumstances one is facing, every sadhaka should be very strict in Sixteen Points. And one will feel Baba’s divine presence always. That is His great blessing upon us. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

At His lotus feet,
Gurubhakti

To understand AM books requires the mind of a sadhaka and that’s why non-margiis do not understand our AM books. AM books are the theoretical side, and the practical side is spiritual practice. Those who do not do sadhana will not understand Baba's teachings. For example, the Indian CBI had all our books, including the acarya diary, but they did not understand anything. Rather, they became paranoid by reading the word sadvipra leadership.

References
1. Ánanda Váńii #44, 1 January 1976
2. Ánanda Váńii #45, Ánanda Púrńimá 1976
3. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 3, Desire and Detachment


*        *        *

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 ==

The sublime brilliance

"Bhálobese chile tumi ámáy, vinimaye kichu cáo ni..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3811)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, You are so kind. Since ages You have loved me, but in return You have never wanted anything. You do not wish to receive anything from me; only You want to go on pouring Your divine compassion on me. Whatever I have offered unto You, You have politely refused to take - You only shower Your affection.

Baba, my Supreme Entity, Your kindness knows no limit. It is just like the moon which suffuses its sweetness by pouring its soft moonlight on everything. The moon does not consider the good or bad quality of those entities, just the moon goes on shining its refulgence. In the same way, You pour Your karun’a’ upon all incessantly, everywhere. You never consider or look into who is high, or who is mean and low. You lovingly see everyone as Yours - worthy of Your infinite kindness.

My divine One Baba, in the pouring rain of the pitch dark night, the smiling fragrance of the ketaki flower permeates the entire atmosphere all the 24 hrs, regardless whether there is darkness or light. Similarly, You also do not care about the proper or improper time, or who is qualified for Your mercy or not. Your affection never ceases. Even in the wake of meteor strikes in Your beautiful sky, still Your prema shines forth on all. You are most gracious to everyone - all the time. Your blessing is like the sublime brilliance which removes all the darkness in the blink of an eye.

Baba, You are the most compassionate One. I surrender everything at Your altar; please accept me and keep me under Your shelter...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

All are blessed

Ananda Marga ideology guides, "Those who have fallen today may become evolved people, great personalities in the future – mahápuruśas. This is why no one should ever be disappointed in life. Parama Puruśa is calling everyone and He will continue to call everyone: all shall find a safe shelter on His loving lap. He does not hate or neglect anyone. Hence the only answer to the question, “kasya tvam” – “Whom do you belong to?” – is: “I belong to Parama Puruśa, to Him and Him alone, because I have come from Him and I am in Him, and finally I will return to Him.” And the only answer to the question, “Kuta áyátah” – “From where have you come?” – is: “I have come from Parama Puruśa and I will go back to Him. He is my permanent abode.”" (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, To Whom Do You Belong? Where Do You Come From?


== Section 4: Links ==


Labels: , ,

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Devious selling tactics nowadays + 4 more

Baba

Devious selling tactics nowadays

Namaskar,

Hoarding is a big issue nowadays in the materialistic, capitalist societies, especially in the west. Essentially, hoarding is a disease of the materialist, i.e. those trying to derive unlimited happiness from finite objects. We should help cure our brothers and sisters who suffer from this with proper spiritual practice & Baba's teachings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is one trick employed by the business community in cahoots with doctors in order to ensure that people keep on purchasing new products. They try to stigmatize "hoarders" so consumers throw away old items and purchase new ones. See how the entire cycle works.

1. At the outset, companies pay huge money to create advertisements that encourage common people to purchase more and more of their products - promising that this will bring satiation and contentment. In turn, those common people buy that merchandise.

2. At the same time those big business executives know that if people buy and buy and accumulate more and more, the people will not have space to purchase new products.

Now see the trick that those corporations do

3. Those companies give a moderate-sized group of psychologists and doctors large sums of money (i.e. payoffs) to conduct research and conclude that those who keep all their old things are diseased - they are "hoarders". The companies do this to stigmatize such persons - then people will be less inclined to keep older products, in which case they will have more space in their house for purchasing new items. This is the trick that is played.

4. Drug companies also get involved in this scam. Their aim is to name or create new diseases for those who "suffer from the over-accumulation of products", i.e. hoarding. The drug companies want doctors to formally label this as a disease so then they (the pharmaceutical companies) can sell drugs for this disease and make a profit. Is it any wonder then that so many "new mental illnesses and diseases" are discovered and identified each year. One report mentioned that 250 new psychiatric illnesses were identified - some or more of which are related with hoarding. When in fact we know that the real disease behind hoarding is materialism itself. With a proper mental outlook people will not purchase so many things which they can never even use in this lifetime like 400 pairs of pants, 75 pairs of sandals, etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

5. So see the irony or cheating tactic: Those wealthy people who purchase new products and throw away their old ones are deemed as being fine and ok by the medical world. They do not suffer from any psychic disease - so say the doctors and the psychologists - because those wealthy patrons have space to buy more products. In comparison, those less wealthy people, who accumulate and hold onto their old products, are termed as "hoarders" and are labeled as mentally ill. Because they do not have space to purchase more products. For this reason companies do not like them. So such poorer people are branded as being "diseased" by the medical field. When in fact their mental condition is no different from those who are purchasing new items and throwing old ones. The only superficial difference is that the business corporations want to glorify those who have space to buy new items and stigmatize those who hold onto old items and do not have space for new ones.


Disease of hoarding & santos’a

6. The whole thing is one big scam to stigmatize hoarders and convince others to purchase new items and throw away old products. Those who purchase new and throw away old are "OK". Psychologists do not have any problem with the ultra wealthy buying more than they can use, whether it be 500 shoes, 2000 saris, 100 cars, etc. So long as they are buying and supporting those capitalist companies, they do not suffer from any disease.

7. Certainly we all know that anyone looking for peace in the external plane by constantly buying new things is a hoarder. The root cause of their problem is materialism, not how messy or organised their house is, nor how often they throw things away. Buying more products than one can use in order to satisfy their mental longing is the definition of a hoarder, and their disease is materialism. Until we show such persons the path of santosa, aparigraha, and sadhana, they will continue to try to fulfill their infinite desires by mundane avenues like accumulating material possessions. But their approach will be futile and they will suffer.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here Baba describes how collecting material items can never bring lasting happiness or contentment, i.e. santosa.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Contentment is not at all possible if the individual is running after carnal pleasures like a beast. As a result of extroversial analysis, the objects of enjoyment go on increasing both in number and abstraction and that is why one’s mental flow never gets any rest. Under such circumstances how can one attain perfect peace of mind? Achieving the desired objects may give one pleasure for an hour or so, but that will not last long. The mind will again run in pursuit of new objects, leaving behind the objects already tasted – the long-cherished objects will lose their importance. This is the rule; this is the law of nature." (1)


Conclusion “I need more, I am hungry”

Human beings have infinite longing - they want more and more. They are never satisfied by a limited amount. They think, “I need more, I am hungry.” This feeling permeates the mind. Regardless how much one gets, their hunger remains. If a beggar becomes a billionaire still he will not be satisfied; he will want more. To satisfy this voluminous, insatiable hunger, ignorant people choose to devour material things. They waste their whole life and never get satisfied. Those who are a little intelligent goad this longing towards the psychic world. They also never get satisfied. If they are selfish they harm others also. And those who are most intelligent goad this longing towards spirituality. In due course they feel completely satiated. The instinct of accumulation is good. The problem arises when it is diverted to the material sphere. That incites all kinds of problems and ultimately the hoarder gets killed by the load of their accumulated objects. So watch out if anyone around you falls in this category, then steps should be taken to help them and guide them onto the right path.  
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar, 
In Him,
Cinmay

Sinful ways of hoarders 

Baba outlines how over-accumulation of physical wealth leads to a debased mental state and mean-minded dealing.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Where there is over-accumulation of physical wealth several problems occur. Human beings do not have many needs. Primarily they need satisfying meals and clothing, according to their necessities. Most people do not even want many things. The desire to accumulate money is actually a mental disease. The accumulators do not accumulate to fulfil their basic needs as human needs are few. For instance, if a person has a mango grove which yields 500 mangoes and a family of five [with no option to sell them], what will he do with so many mangoes? In cases of over-accumulation there is very little chance of utilization. Hence, if the sadvipras are not vigilant, where there is over-accumulation, non-utilization will occur. Moreover, where there is over-accumulation people tend to misutilize wealth by indulging in their baser propensities rather than their finer ones. Therefore you will mark, as I am making it crystal-clear to you, that most of the kings and Nawabs of ancient times were, and most of the aristocrats and wealthy people of today who have nothing to do are generally wicked and mean-minded. In addition, you will see that government officers who do not have psychic and spiritual interests also become mean-minded. When we have to judge, we must be frank. It can be observed that it is natural for people to move towards sin if over-accumulated physical and psychic pabula is not utilized. If people have developed intellects which are not properly directed, and there is no administration of the Sadvipras, people become polished satans and inflict sufferings on others." (2)

Baba's story about wealthy mundane hoarders 

Here below is the story from Baba’s story book. The story depicts how one lady was very addicted to material hoarding. After her death she became a so-called, and she continued to hoard, i.e. accumulation.

This is a wonderfully humorous and satirical story that is related with this entire topic of hoarding. The remarkable story - from "In the Land of Hattamala" - examines the disease and degrading ways of the hoarder / materialist. The villain of the story is one witch who just wastes her money and time accumulating things. She is a real hoarder who collects saris and other items for her so-called psychic satisfaction. You can say that Baba's below story is a hilarious satire on hoarding / materialism.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here then is story:

The witch said to Bodha Mukherjee: “Today, I’m going to Dhaka. I shall board the plane wearing my sky-blue, saffron and violet coloured sari. When I get off the plane I shall wear my cream, green and red coloured sari. Bodha Mukherjee, is it clear?”

[The villain] Bodha Mukherjee said, “M’Lady, as soon as I got word of your intended trip to Dhaka, I went and purchased 700 different types of sari from the boutique. Your 7,32,432 saris in the cupboard will remain untouched.”

[The heroine] Madhumita listened in utter amazement. One person needs so many saris? She asked Bodha Mukherjee: “Hey, brother, how can someone possibly need such a large quantity of saris? Where do they all come from?”

[The villain]  Bodha Mukherjee said: “Every year 20 million rupees are budgeted for purchasing saris.

2000 kinds of saris // collecting clothing

“There are muslin saris from Bishnupur, grey-coloured saris from Burdwan; close knit, wide red bordered saris from Contai; finely woven saris from Antpur; finely striped saris from Phorashdanga; 500 kinds of old-fashioned saris from Dhonekhali made of cotton interwoven with silk; cotton saris from Santipur with wide silver and golden coloured borders; 100 kinds of Santipur saris for casual wear; fully embroidered saris from Murshidabad with traditional multi-patterned designs; the Baluchor  varieties of heavy silk saris, all kinds of saris from Dhaka, saris from Bajitpur, 2000 kinds of saris from Tangail. Besides all these there are pure silk saris from Murshidabad; coloured, pure silk saris from the loom; saris with very bright borders from Boshoa-Bishnupur; the best kind of silk sari from Bankura-Bishnupur; raw silk saris from Tatipara. And besides all these there are the most modern saris which earthly beings have yet to see.”

[The heroine] Madhumita asked Bodha Mukherjee: “What sorts of saris are those, brother?”

[The villain] Bodha Mukherjee said: “For example, one sort is Ding-Dong sari. Do you know what it is?”

[The heroine] Madhumita replied: “Of course I don’t.”

[The villain] Bodha Mukherjee said: “That sari, when worn by the witch, makes a ‘ding… dong…’ sound just as if someone is striking a bell. There are also cymbal saris which when worn, sound just as if someone is playing the cymbals in accompaniment to a kiirtan 34 song. And there are also sitar saris, asraj saris, tampura 35 saris, and so many more I could tell you about! ”

[The heroine] Madhumita listened in astonishment. Bo-Bo-Bo-Bodha Mukherjee further added: “The latest discovery of them all is the cricket sari. We bought one only yesterday. While this sari is worn the musical sound of that produced by crickets is constantly heard.”


Stored in a huge cupboard that scrapes the sky 

Madhumita asked: “Where are all those saris kept, brother.”

[The villain] Bodha Mukherjee said: “In a huge cupboard whose top scrapes the very sky itself.”

[The heroine] Madhumita asked: “What do you do when you want to take a sari out of the cupboard?

[The villain] Bodha Mukherjee said: “We use a ladder. We have 3 or 4 mile-long ladders for the purpose.”

[The heroine] Madhumita asked: “Doesn’t the witch ever give a sari to anyone as a gift?”

[The villain] Bodha Mukheriee said “If anyone goes to ask her for one, the old witch screams out ‘Kak… kak… kak…’ just like a jackal. She says: ‘I need every single sari. Some for wearing when I go to Dhaka, others for wearing to London, some for wearing during my evening strolls, and some for wearing when I go down to Hell to give a lecture.’ If anyone comes to get a sari from her she says: ‘Since you don’t possess any saris and come from a poor family why don’t you go and drown yourself in the River Ganges? These days there’s plenty of water in the Ganges at Calcutta.’” (3)

Note: In this story the witch has a stutter or stammer so when she says her servant’s name, she says, Bo-Bo-Bo-Bodha, when in fact the name is simply Bodha. 

References
1. A Guide to Human Conduct, Santosa
2. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Three Causes of Sin
3. From "In the Land of Hattamala", Part 1


*        *        *

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 ==

Gently let me know

"Ajáná pathik alakár kathá, shonáo bárek ese..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1580)

Purport:

O’ Ajana Pathik, kindly, just once, come to me and whisper in my ear, the tale of the divine spiritual realm. Let me know how You have created this colourful universe. How is it that nebulae and galaxies are floating in the vast blue sky; and, to which unknown world and direction are they floating away.

O’ Supreme Father, prithee guide and recount to me: Are those perceptions that I receive through my inferences -  eyes, nose, ears, touch, and tongue etc - the only truth? And are those things which I do not perceive with my motor and sensory organs just an illusion? Are those false? Baba, I request You to tell which is unfounded and false and which is the unchanging truth. Make me aware about those things of the past that are no longer here in the present.

O’ my Supreme Guide, gently let me know, are those so-called God’s words that have been written in the so-called scriptures? And, are those ideas that are not in the so-called scriptures meaningless? Baba, enter in my mind, sit on my mental lotus, and whisper the truth to all my queries which I have kept in my mind since long. Merciful Taraka Brahma, move closer and apprise me of the stories of the spiritual land - the sphere of bhakti...

Note:

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

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

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

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

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

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


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

True use of knowledge

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

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

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Kettle drum not in kiirtana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "It is advisable to play some instrument during kiirtana. A mrdanga [a kind of drum] or some similar instrument should be used, but one should not play any heavy sounding instrument like a dhak [a large drum played with sticks], a dhol [a loud drum] or a gong. The mind prefers to hear a sweet sound, like that of the mrdanga, than a harsh sound. Some time ago I mentioned that Bhola Mayra said that when the cawing of crows and the beating of drums stop, human ears get some relief. People do not like to hear such harsh, unpleasant sounds. The sound of the mrdanga may not be perfect, but it has one quality: it is very sweet. Thus, whenever a distracted mind hears the sweet music of a mrdanga, it returns to the proper place. A remarkable science lies in kiirtana." (1)

Here are two points regarding Baba's above teaching:
(a) During kiirtan, the mind becomes sentient and does not appreciate rajasik sounds.
(b) During kiirtan, sometimes many indriyas are involved: The mouth, ears, hands, feet, nose, eyes, and tongue. When the indriyas are involved in this way, they help keep the mind focused and bring the mind back when it runs away. Here is the philosophical and practical explanation.

In general, the mind runs towards external physicality via the indriyas, i.e. 10 motor and sensory organs. So when those indriyas are fully involved in a spiritual endeavour like kiirtan, then the mind is forced to engage in kiirtan via one or another organ. The mind always wants to run - either by thinking a disparate thought or by stimulus received via the organs. As Baba explains above, when the organs are positively involved in a spiritual practice like kiirtan, then if the mind wanders away from the kiirtan those organs will help bring the mind back to a spiritual flow.

For instance, let's say someone doing kiirtan starts thinking about the market and what they will purchase there. Yet when the sweet sound of the mrdangam is received via the sensory organs, i.e. the ears, then that sound will bring the mind back the sweet spiritual ideation of the kiirtan.

The mind can think any stray thought at any time but if the indriyas are engaged in a spiritual manner, then that will help bring the mind back. That is the special import of singing and dancing kiirtan, along with the sounds of the mrdangam and other low-pitch sentient musical instruments.

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Some equal some unequal: Prout

Prout philosophy says, "No two things in the world are alike. So I do not suggest recasting everything into one mold. Still, for humanism and justice, equitable distribution of the resources of the universe is indispensable; co-ownership of the world’s resources is the birthright of every individual. Even a small attempt at depriving someone of this right is gross selfishness. Except when a special favor becomes necessary to give certain individuals impetus and inspiration, all persons must be given equal rights and opportunities in all spheres. Every individual must have equal rights regarding food, clothing, housing, medical aid and education — those things that are absolutely necessary for existence." (1)

Here above you read from the 1987 edition of the boo "Human Society".

Now please read from the same passage from the latest Electronic Edition of Baba'a books 7.5. Some say the previous version is good and some say this one is better. Let us know which version you prefer.

Prout philosophy says, "No two things in this world are identical, so I am not suggesting that everything should be recast in the same mould. However, for the sake of humanism, for the sake of social justice, equitable distribution of all the wealth of the universe is indispensable, and co-ownership of the world's resources is the birthright of every individual. Even the slightest attempt to deprive anyone of this right amounts to gross selfishness. As long as certain difficulties, both great and small, exist in the practical world, however, it will not be possible to grant perfectly equal opportunities to everybody in all instances. Apart from this, all people should be granted equal rights and opportunities, except where it is necessary to inspire some people to undertake activities which will directly benefit society, or as a temporary reward for their distinguished contribution to society. In addition, every individual must have equal rights concerning things such as food, clothing, housing, education and medical care, which are absolutely essential for existence." (2)

References
1. Human Society, Social Justice, Social Justice, 1987 Edn
2. Human Society - Social Justice, Electronic Edition of Baba's books 7.5


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Three types of suffering & solutions

According to Baba, human beings generally suffer from the three types of afflictions: (1) a'dhibhaotika, (2) a'dhidaevika, and (3) a'dhya'tmika.

If a person is undergoing hardship in the mundane sphere and not getting their minimum requirements met, that is a'dhibhaotika suffering. If one is suffering from mental tension and psychic stress, that is a'dhidaevika suffering. And, if one is in despair, feeling separate or distant from Parama Purusa, that is a'dhya'tmika suffering. These are the total afflictions of all humans.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The jiiva experiences three types of suffering-- a'dhibhaotika, a'dhidaevika, and a'dhya'tmika. A'dhibhaotika suffering is mundane, that is, it derives from shortages of food, clothing, medicine, education, shelter, etc. If we change the structure of society this misery will be ended. So we must do this, we should do this. Regarding a'dhidaevika suffering -- if we prepare our minds through sa'dhana', all the mental cares and worries that result from a defective mental structure will come to an end. The feeling of separation [from Parama Purusa] is a'dhya'tmika suffering. This can be eliminated by spiritual sa'dhana', that is, by dhya'na, dha'ran'a', pra'n'a'ya'ma, pratya'ha'ra, etc." (1)

Reference
1. Discourses on Krsna & the Giita, Krśńa Unparalleled


== Section 4: Links ==

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