Baba
Want to become sadvipra - 1
Ananda Marga ideology states, "How will sadvipras be created? They will be created in the continued endeavour to expand the self. By reciting holy scriptures or by acquiring a few Saḿskrta titles, one cannot succeed in spiritual pursuit. Brahma does not care who is of noble descent or high caste. The important thing is to continue sádhaná. One’s life can only be properly evaluated in the light of that struggle." (1)
Note: In His above guideline, Baba instructs us that sadvipras can only be created through their deep pursuit of sadhana. Educational attainment, scriptural degrees, and tattvikaship, acaryaship, or purodhaship have no bearing on becoming a sadvipra. Rather, such so-called accolades are a distraction and an impediment to one’s progress on the path of spirituality because they pollute the mind with vanity. So every aspirant should remain strict in their sadhana. That is the only way to get success in spiritual life and become a sadvipra.
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, The Macrocosmic Stance and Human Life
== Section 2: Main Topic ==
Fast track to fame
Namaskar,
In our human society, there is no dearth of "celebrities". In politics, Hollywood / Bollywood, big business, and sports etc, there are all kinds of heroes who are famous throughout the globe. They are thought of as being great and magnificent. They are revered all over and receive huge attention. What is the reason behind this? Why are self-engrossed stars embraced by the general public; whereas, selfless, well-wishers of humanity are overlooked by society.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Why drunkards appreciate drunkards
The main theme here is that to understand something more refined, a certain calibre of mind is needed. When that is lacking in common people, they cannot appreciate higher ideals and / or subtle thoughts. In general, people only develop an appreciation for those qualities or characteristics that they themselves desire. For instance, drunkards have regard for those who can drink more alcohol. The wealthy are awed by those who have more riches than they have. And every example works in this direction. Those drunkards and avaricious capitalists will not have great respect for a sadhu. Indeed, they will not even be able to recognise a sadhu. People can only appreciate those who have something that they themselves wish to gain.
Example: majority of people are close to animality
Everyone in this cosmos reaches out for what interests them. A dog appreciates a slab of meat; a cow runs toward the grass; vultures desire dead bodies; and alcoholics dream of getting more liquor. Or we can say people gather around and appreciate those who share their own values.
Neo-humanism states, “Within a gang of thieves, one of them says appreciatively, “Oh! The sleight-of-hand of such-and-such other thief is marvellous – he has made a fool of me!” Here one pickpocket is praising another, because they belong to the same group.” (1)
Or look at it this way: Illiterate folk do not revere those who are learned and scholarly. Because it demands a certain calibre of mind to recognise real greatness. Since the mentality of the majority of common folk is always comparatively lower, that means the people whom they revere are not really great. Just those famous people appeal to the public standard. In essence, the majority of the general society does not have the requisite quality of mind to see real greatness. Knowing the formula for achieving fame and social recognition, no one on the path of Ananda Marga should then get frustrated because the public does not recognise or support us. Our duty is to please Parama Purusa and serve Him - living according to His mandates.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Average human mind is lowly
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Suppose there is a virtuous discussion going on somewhere. If you invite two hundred people to this discussion, you will find that only sixty invitees have turned up, at the most. Out of these participants about ten or twelve people at most listen with patience and devotion to the talks; and out of these listeners, only some properly understand the subject discussed. Then again, out of this small group that has understood, only a very few may retain in their minds what they have understood. Lastly, only one or two persons of this last group may practice in their daily lives what they have learnt and understood. This is only due to the clash between vidyá and avidyá in the mind, and in this clash the triumph of avidyá or the extroversive force means running from the introversive bent of vidyá. It is because of the saḿskaras of animality that the introversive momentum is rare in the average human mind. The sensuous desires of avidyá continue to infiltrate into every thought process. Such a situation continues for a long time in a sádhaka’s life.” (2)
Two types of people revered by the masses
From era to era, there are two categories of people who get praise. The first and chief competition is between those acting in degrading ways - i.e. in this present era that refers to movie stars, rock stars, and pseudo-culture icons etc. Such persons indulge in lowly dealings and are hailed as supreme by the masses. They get the most adulation.
The second competition for praise and respect is amongst those who are just a little bit above the standard of the majority of people. This includes certain writers with literary talent who use their skill to excite the lower propensities. And then there are (a) certain caste, racial, communal leaders, (b) as well as leaders of certain movements that promote average ideas, and (c) pseudo-dogmatic gurus etc. These people are also revered by the masses but not nearly as much as those who are degenerated filmy or sensual beings.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Finally, Ananda Marga ideology is far above the public standard; so Ananda Margiis do not fall within either of these categories. That is why those strict in Ananda Marga ideals will never receive widespread acclaim. To get praise, one must be either very low or a little above the common standard.
Ananda Marga is far above average people
The standard of Ananda Marga is high - far above. Though yoga has become so popular with the masses as tens of millions attend classes everyday, yet still that is not translating into huge numbers of new people in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. If we get even a few new people who are serious about Ananda Marga sadhana and lifestyle then that is a lot.
So we must not be concerned with numbers or popularity. That is not where our value lies. Our worth to society lies in upholding the tenets of bhagavat dharma. We should always remember that life is not a popularity contest - i.e. a competition to garner the praise of others. Because the public standard is low, and they become easily swayed in either direction.
The overarching idea is that a person can express appreciation only according to their own understanding. So when the majority of the public is low-minded we should not expect them to start singing our praises. Rather we should know ahead of time that they are going to worship pop stars etc. Bearing this in mind, there is no chance we will become confused - rather we will remain unaffected by public praise and censure and we will move ahead in our dharmic works and spiritual practices.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Why great people never recognised in their lifetime
Baba has graciously blessed us with eyes to see. We should not care about public opinion and look only towards Him. Then we will keep a balanced mind and be ready to carry out His orders and dharmic teachings. Focusing on Him will lead us to greatness and the Goal. We are to serve and please Him. That will bring welfare to all. And while we may not get the respect and praise of the common people, in due course everyone will pay heed to what true margii / Wts have done on this earth, by His grace.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You should remember that those who are the actual pioneers, the real vanguard of the society, are always a microscopic minority, but it is they who are destined to be victorious. Those who once opposed, or are now opposing or will oppose in the future, will in the future admit: “Yes, we are now driving our vehicle safely and comfortably along the very path which that vanguard once opened by clearing the jungle.” This means that those who cleared the obstacles in the beginning will later be recognized as pioneers. The funny thing is this, that people do not give recognition at the time it is due. This is the natural law." (3)
If you appeal to their desires you will degrade yourself
The common people goaded by materialistic values do not have the capacity to understand the greatness of Ananda Marga ideology. And this is not just limited to the teachings of Ananda Marga. Those common citizens do not value so many who have done great works for society. Such pioneers are never recognised in their lifetime, rather often they are attacked and persecuted. In the past, so many great writers, social thinkers, scientists, and philosophers were mistreated in this way. Only centuries after their death were such pioneers revered.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Just as the owl cannot appreciate the beauty of the daytime, similarly common citizens cannot appreciate higher ideals. Those who want the respect of materialistic-minded persons will have to behave in a similar fashion, i.e. in accordance with the aims and desires of the majority in the general society. Remember, people have emerged slowly after passing through countless animal lives. So on the whole, they are far more familiar with those lower propensities than higher ideals. They prefer animality to humanity, what to speak of divinity.
So no sadhaka should stand in front of the common people and hope to be appreciated. They should not harbour this desire. Because what the common people appreciate is not what you have, and if you appeal to their desires then you will degrade yourself. So do not think about how much praise you are receiving from the common people, but rather how far you are leading a life according to the tenets of universal humanism and the great cosmic ideology.
Conclusion
Remember, people have emerged slowly after passing through countless animal lives. So on the whole, they are far more familiar with those lower propensities than higher ideals. They prefer animality to humanity, what to speak of divinity.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
By this entire letter and all of Sadguru Baba's divine teachings, we can understand that as sadhakas we should not seek out the praise of the common people. The general population is of a lesser psychic standard. To gain their adulation, one will have to plunge themselves in all kinds of degrading behaviour.
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Abhimánaḿ surápánaḿ. Gaoravaḿ raoravaḿ dhruvam – – “self-aggrandizement has got its abode in naraka [hell].” Pratiśt́há shúkariiviśt́há – “pratiśt́há, that is, love for a social position, is the worst thing, and you should give up this thing.” (4)
Namaskar,
in Him,
Bhaktidha’ra’
~ In-depth study ~
Majority of fools
Prout philosophy states, "There are several forms of governmental structure, and among them the democratic structure is highly appreciated [by some persons]. Democracy is defined as “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” But in fact it is the rule of the majority. Hence democracy means “mobocracy” because the government in a democratic structure is guided by mob psychology. The majority of the society are fools; wise people are always in a minority. Thus, finally democracy is nothing but “foolocracy”." (5)
Great people are always very few in number
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose there is a virtuous discussion going on somewhere. If you invite two hundred people to this discussion, you will find that only sixty invitees have turned up, at the most. Out of these participants about ten or twelve people at most listen with patience and devotion to the talks; and out of these listeners, only some properly understand the subject discussed. Then again, out of this small group that has understood, only a very few may retain in their minds what they have understood. Lastly, only one or two persons of this last group may practice in their daily lives what they have learnt and understood. This is only due to the clash between vidyá and avidyá in the mind, and in this clash the triumph of avidyá or the extroversive force means running from the introversive bent of vidyá. It is because of the samskaras of animality that the introversive momentum is rare in the average human mind. The sensuous desires of avidyá continue to infiltrate into every thought process. Such a situation continues for a long time in a sádhaka’s life." (6)
Very few humans learn & embody dharmic ideals
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Even after getting human life, only a few get the opportunity to listen to dharmika discourses. Among those, only a few develop the desire to practise dharma sádhaná. And even among these, only a few actually grasp the spirit of Sádhaná. Those rare ones who understand, perform sádhaná, and reach the goal are truly blessed. In the effort to perfect oneself, even if one faces obstacles and hindrances from one’s elders and near ones, one must ignore them. This is not a sin, not a crime." (7)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Among so many people in our human society, very few get the opportunity to acquire spiritual knowledge. And among these, a still smaller percentage get the chance to undergo practical training. Why? Because the science is rare, the aspirants are rarer, and the teachers are rarer still." (8)
References
1. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Exploitation and Pseudo-Culture
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure (Shreya and Preya)
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Physical, Psychic and Spiritual Strata
4. Subhastita Samgraha - 24, The Cosmological Order
5. Discourses on Prout, Point #5
6. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure (Shreya and Preya)
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, The Three Prerequisites for Spiritual Knowledge
== Section: Important Teaching ==
New spiritual era
Baba says, "To move ahead from physicality to intellectuality is the Proutistic order. It is the surest movement of human life -- it is the surest movement of human destiny...human beings will be making tremendous progress in the realms of intellectuality and intuition. The human beings of that future age will be very sensitive. The efferent nerves will be more active than the afferent nerves, and subtle experiences will be more common than they are now. Today human beings seldom have subtle experiences, but in the future they will occur naturally and spontaneously." (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 17, Minimum Requirements and Maximum Amenities
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Is patriotism positive?
Prout philosophy states, "According to PROUT, there are two types of sentiments – positive sentiments and negative sentiments. Positive sentiments are synthetic in nature. They unite society and elevate humanity, enhance collective interests and encourage progressive development. Negative sentiments are narrow in scope and divide society...Some negative sentiments include communalism, patriotism, nationalism, provincialism, lingualism, and racism." (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Nuclear Revolution
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
प्रभात संगीत 3780: की दोष कोरेछि बोलो ना, केनो आमार घरे एले ना...
भावार्थ
हे परम पुरुष! तुम मेरे घर क्यों नहीं आए ? मेरी क्या गलती है? तुम तो सब कुछ जानते हो, फिर यह क्यों नहीं समझते हो कि मैं तुम्हें अपने पूरे हृदय और मन से कितना प्रेम करता हॅूं?
हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम्हारे न आने से, इस प्रभात संगीत का लय तान और स्वर व्यर्थ ही रहा, तम्हारे लिये बनाई गयी फूलों की यह माला भी किसी काम की नहीं रही। तुम्हारे न आने से अब इस माला के बनाने और इस गीत की तैयारी करने का कोई अर्थ ही नहीं रहा। हे परमपुरुष! तुम्हारे बारे में सोच सोच कर कभी तो मैं रोता हॅूं और कभी मुस्काता हॅूं, कभी मन में मैं तुम्हारी छवि बनाता हूँ और कभी उसे मिटा डालता हॅूं, यह सब मेरे मन में ही चलता रहता है।
हे बाबा! जब मैं अपने मन मंदिर में तुम्हारे ध्यान में बैठता हॅूं, तो तुम वहाॅं पूरे आकर्षण में बैठे मुस्कुराते रहते हो। तुमने मुझे अपने दिव्य आध्यात्मिक रंग में रंग लिया है। तुम्हारी कृपा से मैंने तुम्हारे गीत और नृत्य में अपने को डुबो दिया है। मेरा हृदय तुम से दूर रहना ही नहीं चाहता। मैं तुम्हारे निकट, बहुत ही पास में रहना चाहता हॅूं , मैं तुम से दूर नहीं रह सकता हॅूं। यह तुम्हारी कृपा है।
बाबा! मैं तुम्हें प्रेम करता हॅूं , कृपा कर मेरे घर में आओ, आजाओ....
== Section 3: Links ==