Each section is demarcated by asterisks (*).
== PREJUDICE AGAINST ONE OF OUR
SPIRITUAL TREATISES ==
~ Part 2 ~
Namaskar,
With Ananda Purnima just a few days away, we should embrace Baba's
original and true Ananda Vaniis as part of our eternal spiritual
treatise.
(1) Baba chose to deliver His spiritual teachings directly to His
disciples through venues like DMC (Dharma Maha Cakra), GD (General
Darshan), and the reading and discussion of the Ananda Vanii etc.
For instance, He conducted a DMC in Varanasi on 29 October in 1979.
Every sadhaka clearly understands that that DMC discourse was not
just for residents of Varanasi nor were the teachings only relegated
for that particular day. Every rational Ananda Margii clearly
understands how that DMC discourse is part of our dharmashastra. It
is true across time and space and has been included in the Subhasita
Samgraha series and stands as part of our spiritual teachings. This
is indisputable.
(2) In the same way, Baba chose select days and places to put forth
His teachings of Ananda Vanii Samgraha. Those He delivered primarily
on the occasions of New Year’s Day & Ananda Purnima – as well as
once or twice on Shravanii Purnima and Sharadotsava etc. And just
like with His DMC discourses, those Ananda Vaniis are not at all
limited in scope to the particular day and place of delivery. Those
Ananda Vaniis are His timeless messages for all of humanity. That
means that Ananda Vanii #27 given on Ánanda Púrńimá 1967 is as true
and relevant today as the day it was given. No rational minded
margii can think that Baba’s Ananda Vanii was for that day only or
that place only.
(3) Here the point is that Sadguru Baba wanted to put forth Ananda
Marga ideology in front of His disciples and He created the system
by which to do so – i.e. by delivering public discourses and
messages during DMC, GD, etc. In that case, place and date have no
bearing on the value of the teaching. Those spiritual guidelines
exist across time and space. On those occasions, Baba’s motive was
to give teachings for all of universal humanity, and the actual
venue was merely a tool for doing so.
(4) Just as we consider His DMC discourse to be part of the dharma
shastra of Ananda Marga ideology; we should consider His Ananda
Vanii Samgraha collection to be the same, i.e. an integral aspect of
Ananda Marga dharma shastra. Why should one be prejudice against the
Ananda Vanii series. One should not fall prey to such illogical and
sentimental thinking. With a vast open mind, one should give Baba’s
True Ananda Vaniis the same unquestioned status as His DMC
discourses. There should not be any bias or favouritism. Both are
inherent aspects of our spiritual treatise. None should sit back and
think that the Ananda Vanii series is a social discourse or some
historical teaching and hence subject to time, place, and person.
Those Ananda Vaniis are bullets of inspirational truth for all
people of all ages.
(5) Ananda Marga shastra is tri-shastra: dharma shástra (spiritual
treatise), darshan shástra (philosophical treatise) and samája
shástra (social treatise). Both dharma shastra and darshan shastra
are eternal – and are not subject to change over time. The
collection of True Ananda Vaniis is clearly part of our spiritual
treatise; they are eternal; they are part of our dharma shastra,
just like Ananda Sutram, Subhasita Samgraha, and Ananda Vacanamrtam
are part of our spiritual treatise.
TRUE ANANDA VANIIS:
FACE PREJUDICE LIKE HARIJANS
(6) If anyone reads a DMC discourse and they see the date and place
printed at the end then they feel that it is validated as the time
when Baba graciously gave this universal, spiritual teaching. But
when some read an Anana Vanii and see the date at the end, they
think it is old, outdated, and without any charm. This is their
dogmatic and irrational approach. This is their prejudice. It is no
different than if one introduces a Harijan (so-called untouchable)
to someone in India, then people in the general population will
think that person is dirty. Likewise in the US, if someone
introduces a black man to someone they will think that man is a
thief or criminal. These kinds of stereotypes are the effect of a
dogmatic mind and are inherently biased. No good person should fall
prey to this outlook. Yet some in our Ananda Marga hold that very
same stereotypical thinking with regards to Baba’s Ananda Vaniis.
They read them and think those are old, just as some think that a
harijan must be dirty or a black man must be a criminal. Now is the
time to banish this stereotype from the mind and accept Ananda
Vaniis as part and parcel of the dharma shastra of Ananda Marga
ideology. The prejudice against Baba’s True Ananda Vanii must be
stopped. These are timeless teachings of truth and their inherent
glory must be recognised.
Fabricating Fake Ananda Vaniis as if that is the Ananda Vanii for
this particular occasion is completely wrong and misleading. It is a
direct attack on the veracity and greatness of Baba’s True Ananda
Vaniis.
WHO STARTED THE FAKE ANANDA VANIIS
As most know, Ac Sarvatmanandji started the Fake Ananda Vanii dogma.
It is his brainchild. And since 1990, the prevailing factions have
all - at some time or another - adopted this Fake Ananda Vanii
tradition. More recently, some of the groups have quietly chosen one
of Baba's original and true Ananda Vaniis instead. What cannot be
denied however is that no group has come forward and publicly
denounced the Fake Ananda Vanii dogma. What they are feeling inside
their hearts is another matter, but none have stood up on the public
platform and categorically rejected the Fake Anand Vanii dogma.
Each year, however, more and more margiis and field workers are
insisting that one of Baba's original Ananda Vaniis be read.
HOW THEY MAKE THEIR FAKE ANANDA VANIIS
Yet that is exactly what we see happening. In the name of Ananda
Vanii, certain group leaders are going against Baba by infusing
their own dogma and creating their own Fake Ananda Vaniis.
How do they do it?
They pull some quote out of context - that is obviously incomplete
as it is a small part of a greater discourse - and then label that
as an Ananda Vanii, as if that was meant to stand all along, by
itself. This is their method.
Not only that, they cut and paste words according to their own need
and desire - according to their agenda.
Their entire manner is just their dogmatic approach that has nothing
to do with the letter or spirit of Baba's sacred and divine messages
of Ananda Vanii.
SELECTING AN ANANDA VANII
In our unit we have chosen to select one of Baba's original A'nanda
Va'niis which we feel is quite fitting for today's world. And other
units and sectors have also selected one of Baba's original and true
Ananda Vaniis. And this is the best way: To select one of His
original Ananda Vaniis and highlight that for the day and the next
six months.
Certainly in the future, our united AMPS will select one of Baba's
true Ananda Vaniis.
Until that time, so long as everyone is choosing an original Vanii
and rejecting the Fake Ananda Vaniis that are being created, then on
this point dharma will be on the rise in our Ananda Marga.
Naturally, if we keep His divine teaching in the forefront of our
minds, this will give us the stamina and strength to move ahead on
the path of Supreme fulfillment. This is Baba's blessing upon one
and all.
MORE ABOUT WHY CHOOSE YOUR OWN TRUE ANANDA VANII
Certainly, the time will arrive when our organisation is united and
following all points of dharma. Naturally then only True Ananda
Vaniis will be used by organisational leaders, and Fake Ananda
Vaniis will have been eradicated.
But we have not reached that point yet. Still our organisation is
struggling on points of righteousness and power mongering. That is
why it is important for those in the various units to select one of
Baba's True Ananda Vaniis for the occasions of Ananda Purnima and
New Year's Day etc.
As mentioned, our unit we have taken to choosing one of Baba's true
Ananda Va'niis for this blissful occasion of A'nanda Pu'rnima'.
Other units are encouraged to select and read an original A'nanda
Va'nii given by Baba. On this point, there is complete freedom to
choose and select one which you wish.
This is important because not selecting one of Baba's True Ananda
Vaniis means accepting one of the Fake Ananda Vaniis fabricated by
those at the helm.
DOGMAS SHOULD BE ROOTED OUT
Just like the dogma of mahaprayan, the dogma of Fake Ananda Vanii
should also be eradicated by rationlly-minded Ananda Margiis. Baba
is the dharma Guru and it is a mockery for some so-called leaders to
invent and drag dogmas into this holy Ananda Marga mission. Hence,
the sooner such dogmas can be rooted out the better.
All in all, the days of the Fake Ananda Vanii are numbered. More and
more realise that the only real Ananda Vaniis are the ones which
Baba Himself has given. That is why some sectorial offices are now
selecting an original Ananda Vanii to celebrate Ananda Purnima.
After years and years of following the dogma of Fake Ananda Vanii,
various regional and sectorial offices have turned over a new leaf
and chosen one of Baba's original Vaniis. That is indeed a good and
welcome turn of events.
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS ENCOURAGED
If any group is recommending that people come “to their place” –
such as Tiljala or Ananda Nagar, insinuating that theirs is best
place for Ananda Purnima etc, then in our hearts and minds we should
all know that Baba’s system is for Ananda Purnima to be celebrated
locally in every unit, as His divine grace and presence is felt
throughout this entire universe.
ROOT OUT DOGMA
"All dogma must be rooted out. You should start a revolution against
dogma. But to start a revolution you need courage. So gather that
courage and start a revolution against dogma." (1)
SAMPLE OF ANANDA VANII
"The humans of today are possessed of spirited intellect and
accomplished wisdom. They are keen to advance with rapid step
shattering the shackles of dogmas. They will no longer be entrapped
by the illusion of opportunism. The rays of the crimson dawn of a
new humanity on the eastern horizon have started weaving textures of
colours on their eyelids and in the subtle recesses of their minds.
As for those who have been dreaming of keeping humanity imprisoned
by dogmas, their days are numbered; their blissful dreams are being
shattered to pieces. I call upon all enlightened people and say: “Go
ahead with courage. The humanity has been awaiting you. Establish it
in the excellence and grandeur of glory.”" (2)
CLEAR-CUT INJUNCTIONS
"In the realm of dharma, the only true guide and controller,
motivating force and protector of the people, is an excellent and
comprehensive ideology which provides definite, clear-cut and bold
directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s personal daily
routine, to one’s social activities and collective motivation, to
the spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and closer to God.
A scripture which does not fulfil these conditions is not worthy of
being called a scripture at all. Such a scripture does not contain
the light of consciousness according to the definition Shásanát
tárayet yastu sah shástrah parikiirttitah [“That which liberates
through discipline is called shástra, scripture”]. We should also
remember that in the realm of dharma there must be clear-cut
injunctions in the form of dharma shástra [scriptural treatises]."
(3)
FINAL REFLECTION
Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis are His divine gifts for one
and all as they encapsulate the spirit of Ananda Marga and the
spirit of humanity. Thus, they are truly timeless and eternal
treasures of humanity. Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis are
discourses unto themselves – complete, pointed, and stand alone as
eternal truths and as spirited messages for the humanity. They are
not mere quotes, adaptations, cut-and-paste jobs from some other
place. Baba's every Ananda Vanii is veritably unique and original.
Just as fake medicines will not cure an illness or disease, but
rather create more harm, similarly, the Fake Ananda Vanii will not
quench the dharmic thirst of sadhakas - nor will it guide them
properly. It will not lead towards immortality rather it will lead
them elsewhere. So keep away from such Fake Ananda Vaniis and
embrace Baba's original and true Ananda Vaniis.
Happy Preparations for A'nanda Pu'rnima!!
Namaskar,
In Him,
Ashiis'a
REFERENCES:
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Religious Dogma - B
2. Ananda Vanii #53
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
Note: LINK TO EARLIER LETTER
The section below demarcated by asterisks
is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its
own as a point of interest.
********************************************
Questions & Answers on Microvita
"Question: What is the difference between the effect of microvita on
developed creatures and the effect of microvita on undeveloped
creatures?"
"Answer: Microvita make no difference or find no difference amongst
different living beings. In living beings with complex structures
there are different glands and sub-glands which secrete different
types of hormones. Microvita develop, invigorate, increase or
decrease the hormone secretions of these glands and sub-glands,
therefore developed beings – physically and psychologically complex
beings – have greater scope to progress through the aid of microvita
than undeveloped creatures. This is the difference between the
effect of microvita on developed creatures and the effect on
undeveloped creatures. Let us take an example. On a moonlit night
light is showered equally on one and all, but not everyone can
utilize that light properly. The moon cannot be blamed for this.
Similarly, microvita emanating from the cosmic factor are for one
and all." (Microvita in a Nutshell, Questions & Answers on
Microvita - Excerpt G, #20)
********************************************