Baba
Satya: for everyone’s well-being
Namaskar,
Satya (spiritual morality) is an integral ingredient for the welfare of society. Here we examine how satya brings well-being to others, as well as how a few speak falsely, yet deceive themselves by thinking they are speaking satya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Higher mind required to follow satya
In the olden days, people were not quite so developed, and in that condition they were incapable of following satya. All creatures like animals and plants follow rta. They never resort to falsehood. But since they are undeveloped, they are unable to adhere to the code of universal welfare. Comparatively, human beings are elevated and capable of following something better - i.e. satya. To follow satya, a higher state of mind is needed.
In His book, Discourses on the Mahabharata, Baba recounts numerous incidents where the leaders and people of that era followed rta (simple morality) - not satya (spiritual morality) - due to their undeveloped mind.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “What was the state of morality in the Mahábhárata period? You must remember that though people were ignorant, though their intellectual standard was not high at all, even in that period they were not immoral – this was their greatest quality. There was no spiritualism nor philosophy in support of the morality of the people of that time. They would accept the naked facts, and in that sense they were moralists. “I will say just what has happened” – this was their way.” (1)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “They had no intellect to ponder over the consequences of practising such satya. A crooked intellect is essential to deviate from satya, and this the people of the Mahábhárata period did not possess. Suppose a man thieves. To rescue himself, he will concoct statements in different ways with the police and in court. So cunningness is needed for any deviation from the path of satya. In the absence of cunningness, the people of the Mahábhárata period were naturally moralists.” (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “On the other hand those who tread the path of spirituality become moralists after grasping spirituality well. There is a gulf of difference between the moralists of the two types mentioned above. The people of the Mahábhárata period were supporters of the naked facts, and in just this sense were moralists. This does not mean that they were spiritualists.” (3)
Unable to adhere to the dharmic code
Due to their lack of spiritual growth, in the Mahabharata era the people were basically unable to adhere to the dharmic code of satya. But that era is gone. Now the human mind is more advanced, and it is Baba's guideline that in all circumstances human beings are to apply their vivek, serve others with heartfelt feeling, and bring everyone onto the proper path. For this satya is needed, i.e one must be concerned for the well-being of others. So, to follow satya, a refined intellect and an adequately elevated mind are needed.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Furthermore, to do pracara, follow the path of sadhana, and propagate Ananda Marga ideology, satya is a requisite. Satya means having an expansive mind where one is concerned about the well-being of others. Without that one cannot follow the path of sadhana. That is why Baba says without yama and niyama sadhana is an impossibility. So sadhana and satya are inherently linked.
Satya is beneficial to all
Here again Baba provides us with a practical example of how satya (benevolent truthfulness) is saturated in the spirit of welfare, whereas r'ta (factual truth) is often devoid of benevolence.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "For example, a person rushes to you for shelter. You do not know whether he is guilty or not, or perhaps you know for certain that he is not guilty. He is followed by a ruffian bent on torturing him. If this terrified man seeks refuge in your house, and then the ruffian comes and asks you regarding his whereabouts, what should you do? By adhering to rta ... you would inform the ruffian of his whereabouts. Then if he is murdered, will you not be responsible for this murder? Your mistake may have resulted in the murder of an innocent person. By adhering to rta ... you become indirectly guilty of this heinous crime. What would be your duty if you followed the correct interpretation of Satya? It would be not to reveal the whereabouts of the person and rather to misguide the aggressor so that the refugee may safely return home." (4)
Hypocrisy & satya
Unfortunately, a few liars speak falsely and deceive themselves by justifying to themselves that they are speaking satya. Some selfish persons fabricate fanciful lies to cover up their own wrongdoing. In this way, they deceive themselves by thinking they are speaking satya. Some naive Ananda Margiis can't differentiate between a lie and satya. They instead think that telling a lie is satya. So per their convenience they lie and think they are following satya. Satya must be followed in order to serve others, and at the same time those who lie for their personal gain should be dealt with and rectified.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba's guideline: follow satya not rta
Here following in this example, Baba clearly shows us the great use of satya in the practical sphere.
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Suppose your mother is taking food. A letter is received about the death of your maternal grandfather. If mother enquires about the contents of the letter, what reply will you give? If you adhere to rta, you will reveal the news of her father's death, which will cause a great shock to her mind and she would not even be able to take her food. It would be preferable in this case to state that all is well in their family. After your mother has had her food, a mention of her father's illness would prepare the ground for her to bear the news of the tragedy. In this way, even though something other than rta was uttered, the dignity of satya has been maintained." (5)
In His above teaching, Baba guides how satya always brings welfare to others whereas r'ta can sometimes harm others. In that instance where r'ta creates an unfavourable or detrimental effect on others, then we are to follow satya. According to Baba, in all such instances we are adhere to the practice of satya.
Baba says, "There is an ideological difference between rta and satya. That which is a fact, which has happened or happens, is called rta. And the ideation used for the welfare of the people is called satya." (6)
Parahita'rtham' va' unmanaso yatha'rthatvam' satyam.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Using one's mind or speech out of a spirit of welfare for others is satya. It is said that one should take the shelter of satya, not rta." (7)
By His above teaching, Baba guides us that ours is the path of satya. As a reminder, in most circumstances satya and rta are the same. Or we can say, we should always follow rta. But when rta is harmful to others then one must not speak rta, rather one should follow satya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Supreme path of satya
Satya is the path of helping others. When one swerves from satya for their own narrow self-interest then that is the path of deception. In that case, one is lying and their mind is getting more restricted, contracted, and ultimately degenerated. So those who resort to lying cannot move on the path of sadhana, rather they are going in reverse, negative pratisaincara. Whereas if one is speaking with the intent of helping others then their mind is expanding and they are on the path of sadhana. So those who follow satya will swiftly advance along the path of spirituality and reach their Goal.
Baba says, "The only way to progress is to take shelter in satya (supreme truth) - there is no other way... the one who follows the broad path of truth... will be entitled to take shelter in the supreme truth, will surely attain the Supreme rank and become one with the Supreme Entity." (8)
Conclusion
As A'nanda Ma'rgiis, we have come onto this earth to help and serve others: To make our own existence pure so that we can bring welfare to the world. And in this grand endeavour, Baba has supplied us with one very great tool - satya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Satya implies proper action of mind and the right use of words with the spirit of welfare. It has no English synonym. The word 'true' or 'truth' would be translated in Sam'skrta as r'ta (to state the fact). The sa'dhaka is not asked to follow the path of rta. One is to practise satya." (9)
When our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect that spirit of welfare then that is satya. And that is what Baba directs us to follow in life. Verily, by adhering to the path of satya we can best serve others. Lowly people lie, mediocre people follow rta, and great people follow satya.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Gopa
~ In-depth study ~
90% time rta & satya is same
Most of the time rta and satya (benevolent truthfulness) coincide. That is, most of the time rta and satya are the same. We should always follow satya. Since satya will always result in bringing welfare. Only selfish, mean-minded persons who do not care about the welfare of society resort to r'ta, and overlook the practice of satya.
And in our own daily life experiences, always we are to follow satya. For example, suppose a person is looking a little dishevelled and running off to a job interview and a friend happens to meet them along the way - just a moment before the interview is to begin. Then in that split second if the person asks their friend if they look nervous, then the friend should not say: 'Yes, you look very nervous and unkempt'. Rather the friend should tell that, 'You look very good and just keep calm and everything will turn out well'.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
By this way - by following satya - one is able to best support the person and help them feel more prepared for their interview. Otherwise if you say, 'you look very nervous and unkempt' then that will harm them. That will not be satya; so it is important to follow satya.
Dogmatic Gandhian way
Unfortunately, some selfish people get confused and fall into the dogmatic Gandhian way of thinking that rta is everything in life. They say things even if those words go against the spirit of welfare. They don't care about the wellbeing of others. As sadhakas we should always adhere to Baba's guidelines and think, speak, and do for the welfare of others.
Baba graciously guides us that by following the path of satya then the whole world will be cleansed and benefited.
Baba says, “O' the followers of A'nanda Ma'rga, march along the path of satya and awaken the Satya hidden in you. Develop the cosmic consciousness that is latent in you...Through those currents of satya, enliven your society and carry it along on the path of the infinite ocean of inseparable souls which are awakening on the road to the Supreme Union - the holy confluence of the sea.” (10)
References
1. Discourses on the Mahábhárata, The Moral Standard of the Age
2. Discourses on the Mahábhárata, The Moral Standard of the Age
3. Discourses on the Mahábhárata, The Moral Standard of the Age
4. A Guide to Human Conduct, 'Satya'
5. A Guide to Human Conduct, 'Satya'
6. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Disc: 11
7. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Disc: 11
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, 'Treading that Broad Path of Spirituality'
9. Guide to Human Conduct, 'Yama Sadhana'
10. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, 'The Form of Sadhana
* * *
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 ==
"Nandanvane ese gele kotha'y balo kotha'y..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2364)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, You came in this heavenly park which became pure by Your august advent. But afterwards, where did You go? Please tell me where, so I can see You. You showered Your grace by allowing me to hold You and then immediately brushed me off - I left in tears. My days are passing in sadness and misery in Your longing.
O’ Divine Entity, since then You have not blessed me with Your karuna and also have not allowed me to hold You again. Who has the capacity and strength to be with You by their own power - no one. For that, Your karuna is the only way. Somehow I feel that due to not following strict morality my mind is polluted with vanity. With that bourden of the heavy load of my own ego, my whole existence is getting bent and exhausted. Now, I am drowning in sadness and do not ever find any peace in the absence of holding Your lotus feet.
O’ my Dearmost, You are the base and abode of perfect peace. Only You are going to destroy whatever attachments of blackness have accumulated in my mind, and free it from all pashas (bondages) and ripus (enemies). Parama Purusa Baba, in the roaring stormy winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunder and lightning bolts of my life, Your divine effulgence always dazzles my existence and saves me all along the way.
Baba, You are grace personified...
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #2364:
[1] As't'a'pa'sha: Baba says, "As't'apa'sha means the eight fetters. Anyone bound by fetters will lose his capacity of movement. In the creation we find the movement of human beings is from the crude to the subtle. That is, human beings have to move towards the subtle, but by their leaning towards the eight fetters such as lajja', bhaya, and ghrn'a', they get absorbed in crude things only and their progress towards the subtle is stopped. Bhaya (fear), lajja' (shame), ghrn'a' (hatred), shaunka' (doubt), kula (high descent), shiila (complex of culture), ma'na (vanity) and jugupsa' (backbiting) are the eight fetters." (1
[2] Sa'dripu: Baba says, "S'at' means 'six' and ripu means 'enemies'. These six faculties in human beings are termed as enemies, as they absorb the mind in crudeness and stop its march towards the subtle. The supreme rank for unit consciousness is subtle, and anything which holds it back from reaching the supreme rank, is its enemy. These six faculties are, therefore, termed as six enemies. Ka'ma (longing for earthly objects), krodha (anger), lobha (avarice), moha (blind attachment), mada (vanity) and ma'tsarya (envy) are the six enemies." (2)
References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, How Should Human Beings Live In This World?
2. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, How Should Human Beings Live In This World?
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "For the very existence of speed, a sentimental support, a sentimental propulsion is an indispensable necessity. Now, this sentimental support must be based on rationality. Sentimentality based on rationality is the strongest force in the universe. And sentimentality without rationality takes the form of, or rather the distortion of, dogma." (1)
In the above teaching Baba says that sentiment is very delicate: If sentiment is guided by rationality then that is very useful and meaningful. And if sentiment is guided by dogma or any narrow interest like groupism etc then it is extremely harmful and dangerous. That is why human sentiment is very precarious. By sadhana and following Sixteen Points, one’s sentimental feeling will become aligned with rationality, i.e. ideology.
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, The Noumenal Cause and the Personal God
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Veil gone in AM
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Perhaps you know that in ancient India, there was no custom of using veils among the women. During the last part of the Pathan rule and in the early days of the Mughal period [16th-19th c.], the veil was forcibly imposed on the women of some aristocratic families in Burdwan, so that others could not see the ladies’ faces. Burdwan was the capital of Bengal.”
“Over a period of time, the use of the veil spread to other areas. Muslim rule was not firmly established in south India, so the veil was not introduced there. You will notice that even today the women of south India use garbhakas in the evenings.”
“I remember some years ago at Anandanagar I said that my daughters coming to Anandanagar need not cover their heads because it is the home of their father. Girls do not use veils at their parents’ house. I remember that it was the first time for the married women of north India to give up their veils. Many years have passed since then. The custom of using veils has disappeared from many urban areas of north India and is fast disappearing from the rural areas as well. That particular incident at Anandanagar set a healthy trend in this regard. This was a step forward in the direction of women’s emancipation [in north India]. An auspicious beginning indeed!” (1)
Note: Many countries in Europe have passed and implemented laws banning veils.
Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 20, “Garbhaka”
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Shiva did not have four or six arms
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Shiva had only two arms, not four or six. Párvatii also had two arms. But Durgá is a Puranic goddess, and the author of puráńa [educative fiction] can create in his imagination as many arms of Durgá as he likes." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "No goddess having eight or ten arms can be the wife of Shiva: He had only two arms. Similarly the Káliká Shakti having four arms cannot be the wife of Shiva." (2)
References
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, The Pervasive Influence of Shiva (Discourse 4)
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, The Pervasive Influence of Shiva (Discourse 4)
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Inevitability of surrender - 3
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Some so-called bhaktas – those who do not have genuine devotion - pretend to be devotees just to cheat others. That is, they ring the bells as they should be rung and light the candles as they should be lit, but without any feeling, so that after some time they become like machines. A person lacking devotion becomes like a machine. There is no more joy; only the mechanical turning of the parts. A heart devoid of joy is as barren as a desert. When one becomes as dry as the desert sands, one is compelled to cry out, “Oh Lord, save me. Protect me from the scorching heat of the desert.”" (1)
Note: In the life of a sadhaka on the spiritual journey, the first and foremost ingredient is surrender. Yet surrender itself is defined and described in a multitude of ways. In the above quote, surrender is explained in a very simple manner.
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2
== Section: Ananda Vanii ==
Our ideological rationality is our valuable asset
“We are proceeding from darkness towards effulgence, from imperfection along the golden steps to perfection. No obstacle on the way will be able to stop our advancement. Pushing aside and smashing all obstacles and impediments we will move along our destined path. Our ideological rationality is our valuable asset; the blissful glow of Macrocosmic effulgence is our goal and the inherent desire to bring well-being to all living creatures is our way. Moving ahead is the very want of life. Wasting valuable time in lethargy is nothing but inertness; hence we must keep moving. The chant of our forward movement will be our vocal expression, the very pulsation of our life.” (Ananda Vanii #72)
Note 1: True Ananda Vaniis have a number whereas Fake Ananda Vaniis do not - just as a fake car license plate has no number. By this way, you can easily recognise a Fake Ananda Vanii.
== Section 4: Links ==
Postings to Read
Unique story about dhyana
About Prout leadership
Raising dharmikas
Power of kiirtana
Importance of pranayama
How we should live 120 years
