Baba
Sensitive issues
Namaskar,
In this present materialistic era where pseudo-culture abounds, females are often seen wearing sleeveless garments. To make themselves seem elegant and alluring, shaving their underarm hair is a must. Same is the case with those who go to public swimming pools or the beach etc. They remove their underarm hair. Those who do this suffer the ill effects. Unfortunately, some pseudo-margiis also get swayed in this direction as they wish to live up to the model of beauty dictated by modern-day pseudo-culture. This letter has been written to help those who have fallen in this negative direction. They should have the courage to live up to Ananda Marga standards and set a new dharmic precedent regarding the dignity of women, by not giving in to pseudo-culture values and fashion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Women sitting fully exposed
Society has become so degraded, but it is more pronounced for females. In any formal setting where men are expected and required to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt, tie, and jacket, then at the same formal affair women are encouraged to wear a sleeveless, strapless, low-cut top whereby her arms and chest are bare. One clear example of this is TV news broadcasters. Men are dressed in a very upstanding manner while women are sitting there fully exposed. And the same is true with regards to office attire, professional appointments, fancy evening attire, and so much more. Sadly, women have become mere pseudo-culture showpieces, as per the desire of their male exploiters who lead the fashion industry etc.
Not only that, over the last 25 years, there has been a growing trend for males to shave their pubic hair. It is done in the name of "proper grooming". This trend took birth from the pornography industry which set the standard by highlighting and glorifying this in their films.
Joint hair & lymphatic glands
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The speed of movement is increased with the help of the lymphatic glands. In human beings the lymphatic glands are located at the joints of the arms and of the legs, and also at various other places. Depending upon the hormonal secretions of these lymphatic glands, one acquires the capacity to jump. Can humans jump as much as monkeys even after strenuous effort? Humans cannot even run like them. All this is due to the lymphatic glands. When the lymphatic glands in the armpits and leg joints are activated, hairs start to grow in those parts of the human body. If you find an absence of hair, it indicates that the lymphatic glands are underdeveloped, and that the individual will have less jumping capacity." (1)
If one regularly trims or shaves the joints region, then as soon as that hair begins to grow back then it will be extremely itchy - unbearably itchy. So again they cut it. Whereas if that hair is allowed to grow to its normal length, it is soft and comfortable for the person - plus they get all the health, and medical benefits.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Overall, it is just like how the human eye is extremely valuable so Parama Purusa does not keep it in an exposed position on the top of the head. Rather He has positioned the eyes in a very safe place - encased by the strongly built eye socket. Similarly the major lymphatic nodes are strategically placed at the joints where they are protected and kept cool.
Regarding the maintenance of joint hair we should clean it, comb it, and oil it. This helps keep the lymphatic glands healthy. So be sure to apply oil daily and comb that hair. Remember, this entire matter is a health issue.
Lymph is initial hormone
Here Baba explains about the deep significance of lymph:
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Lymph is a hormone. There are many lymphatic glands in the body which manufacture lymph. It is the initial hormone, and other glands use lymph to manufacture their respective hormones. Hormones are created when lymph comes in contact with an activated gland. The lymphatic glands supply the raw material to the glands, thus lymph is the raw material for the hormones manufactured by the different glands." (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There are so many glands and sub-glands in the human body which are dependent upon lymph, so lymph is an important constituent of the body." (3)
Hair on the head
The hair on the head is needed for the proper functioning of the brain, as the hair both warms and cools the head as needed. Most everyone knows that if you remove cut or shave your head then the head will become cold quite quickly. Because it is the hair that helps regulate (i.e. warm) the head in the wintertime. And in the summer season if you remove your hair and walk in the sun then, your scalp will become overheated and harmed. So the hair protects the brain and head from the heat.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
This further shows how body hair has two basic functions: to help keep you warm in the cold season, and to keep you cool in the summer. So hair is needed to keep the body proper and the glandular system healthy. Both the thyroid and parathyroid are very important And if the hair is removed in those regions those glands will not work properly, and one may suffer from various ailments.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Joint hair grows near the lymphatic glands in the armpits and leg joints. If this hair is removed, then the lymphatic glands tend to overheat, causing over secretion, and this in turn decreases the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. There is an inverse relation between the lymphatic glands and the thyroid and para-thyroid glands -- if one is more active then the other is less developed and it becomes weak. For this reason, the joint hair should not be removed." (4)
Spirit of valour in AMPS
From the very beginning Ananda Margiis have always displayed the great characteristic of valour, determination, and bravery. And this ancient art of paincagni (five fires) was inherently interlinked in our Sixteen Points as well. So the spirit of valour is infused in our Ananda Marga.
Who can forget that during the period of Emergency when so many political prisoners were dragged into the jails of India, then always Ananda Margiis maintained high spirits during those difficult days. In the jail itself, Ananda Margiis were vigorously involved in all the aspects of Marga life and maintaining a strong sense of courage and optimism while so many other prisoners were depressed and in woe. Whereas we Ananda Margiis were relentless in our pursuit of truth - always tearing down the gates of injustice.
In Him,
Ra’ga’tmika’ Devi
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the armpits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region." (5)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the past many slaves were converted into eunuchs – known as khojas in Persian. If the ovaries of a female or the testes of a male are dissociated from the body, the person will become a eunuch. In a male, if the testes are separated from the body, there will be physical and psychological changes. The man will not die but he will lose the sense of dutifulness and responsibility. All the qualities associated with the testes, such as the sense of dutifulness and responsibility, will be wanting. A eunuch will not be able to grow any pubic hair or the pubic hairs will be few." (6)
Five places for hair: courage
About this above point, there are multiple benefits including one special aspect known as paincagni - literally meaning 'the five fires'. And the five fires means keeping the hair of the body to grow in 5 places - (a) on the top of the head, (b) mustache, (c) beard, (d) armpits, and (e) pubic region.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The inner significance of these paincagni is that these five fires kindle the spirit - or "fire" - of fearlessness, courage, valour, and bravery. Because allowing the hair to grow in these five places gives one the endurance in life to overcome all obstacles and defeat all enemies. That is why they are known as paincagni - the five fires.
At various times Baba has revealed this secret about paincagni and bravery. When He first gave 16 Points, in various reporting sessions, as well as in one special avadhuta meeting known as Kashi Avadhuta Sabha whereby Baba has given a special blessing. So on all these occasions and more Baba has given the special importance of paincagni.
History: importance of joint hair
In addition, there is a well-documented history how various religious communities and spiritual aspirants have made their mark because they knew the theory and benefits of paincagni.
Most notably is the Sikh religion. Although they may be dogmatic in various ways, but early on they knew well about paincagni. Centuries ago their leader– guru Govinda Singh - proclaimed that every single one of his fighters could defeat 100 invading soldiers. And sure enough his Sikh warriors pounded the invading army on numerous occasions and withstood their attacks. So, despite their various dogmas, this spirit of fight is more or less alive in Sikhs today as they hold many of the high posts in the Indian military. Plus it is well-known how the Allied forces took help from the Sikhs in World War II. Regardless of whatever defects they may have, all along they have been strong adherents of paincagni.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In our Ananda Marga, a monk must keep all body hair, but family margiis have the option to keep all their hair or only retain their joint hair. Removing the joint hair is against the code of Sixteen Points.
References
1. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
2. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
3. Yoga Psychology, Glands and Subglands
4. Yoga Psychology, Glands and Subglands
5. Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules, pt #5
6. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.
* * *
Comfort of women during festivals
Now and again the question arises, which side should sisters and brothers sit for dharmacakra? What is the proper system?
Sadguru Baba has given the clear-cut guideline that is perfectly universal in application. Baba’s dharmic system takes into consideration the overall comfort of sisters. Thus at our spiritual functions like dharmacakra etc, sisters should sit on the side that gives them easier access to the hall. They should not have to walk past or cross over the brothers. That is the way Baba always designed it at DMC. For instance, sisters always sat on the side that had easy access to the exit, and that is in perfect concert with His teaching from Caryacarya.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Special attention should be paid to the comforts of women during festivals, at spiritual conferences, and on other occasions.” (1)
Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Social Relationship between Men and Women
Joint hair & lymphatic glands
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The speed of movement is increased with the help of the lymphatic glands. In human beings the lymphatic glands are located at the joints of the arms and of the legs, and also at various other places. Depending upon the hormonal secretions of these lymphatic glands, one acquires the capacity to jump. Can humans jump as much as monkeys even after strenuous effort? Humans cannot even run like them. All this is due to the lymphatic glands. When the lymphatic glands in the armpits and leg joints are activated, hairs start to grow in those parts of the human body. If you find an absence of hair, it indicates that the lymphatic glands are underdeveloped, and that the individual will have less jumping capacity." (1)
If one regularly trims or shaves the joints region, then as soon as that hair begins to grow back then it will be extremely itchy - unbearably itchy. So again they cut it. Whereas if that hair is allowed to grow to its normal length, it is soft and comfortable for the person - plus they get all the health, and medical benefits.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Overall, it is just like how the human eye is extremely valuable so Parama Purusa does not keep it in an exposed position on the top of the head. Rather He has positioned the eyes in a very safe place - encased by the strongly built eye socket. Similarly the major lymphatic nodes are strategically placed at the joints where they are protected and kept cool.
Regarding the maintenance of joint hair we should clean it, comb it, and oil it. This helps keep the lymphatic glands healthy. So be sure to apply oil daily and comb that hair. Remember, this entire matter is a health issue.
Lymph is initial hormone
Here Baba explains about the deep significance of lymph:
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Lymph is a hormone. There are many lymphatic glands in the body which manufacture lymph. It is the initial hormone, and other glands use lymph to manufacture their respective hormones. Hormones are created when lymph comes in contact with an activated gland. The lymphatic glands supply the raw material to the glands, thus lymph is the raw material for the hormones manufactured by the different glands." (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There are so many glands and sub-glands in the human body which are dependent upon lymph, so lymph is an important constituent of the body." (3)
Hair on the head
The hair on the head is needed for the proper functioning of the brain, as the hair both warms and cools the head as needed. Most everyone knows that if you remove cut or shave your head then the head will become cold quite quickly. Because it is the hair that helps regulate (i.e. warm) the head in the wintertime. And in the summer season if you remove your hair and walk in the sun then, your scalp will become overheated and harmed. So the hair protects the brain and head from the heat.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
This further shows how body hair has two basic functions: to help keep you warm in the cold season, and to keep you cool in the summer. So hair is needed to keep the body proper and the glandular system healthy. Both the thyroid and parathyroid are very important And if the hair is removed in those regions those glands will not work properly, and one may suffer from various ailments.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Joint hair grows near the lymphatic glands in the armpits and leg joints. If this hair is removed, then the lymphatic glands tend to overheat, causing over secretion, and this in turn decreases the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. There is an inverse relation between the lymphatic glands and the thyroid and para-thyroid glands -- if one is more active then the other is less developed and it becomes weak. For this reason, the joint hair should not be removed." (4)
Spirit of valour in AMPS
From the very beginning Ananda Margiis have always displayed the great characteristic of valour, determination, and bravery. And this ancient art of paincagni (five fires) was inherently interlinked in our Sixteen Points as well. So the spirit of valour is infused in our Ananda Marga.
Who can forget that during the period of Emergency when so many political prisoners were dragged into the jails of India, then always Ananda Margiis maintained high spirits during those difficult days. In the jail itself, Ananda Margiis were vigorously involved in all the aspects of Marga life and maintaining a strong sense of courage and optimism while so many other prisoners were depressed and in woe. Whereas we Ananda Margiis were relentless in our pursuit of truth - always tearing down the gates of injustice.
In Him,
Ra’ga’tmika’ Devi
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the armpits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region." (5)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the past many slaves were converted into eunuchs – known as khojas in Persian. If the ovaries of a female or the testes of a male are dissociated from the body, the person will become a eunuch. In a male, if the testes are separated from the body, there will be physical and psychological changes. The man will not die but he will lose the sense of dutifulness and responsibility. All the qualities associated with the testes, such as the sense of dutifulness and responsibility, will be wanting. A eunuch will not be able to grow any pubic hair or the pubic hairs will be few." (6)
Five places for hair: courage
About this above point, there are multiple benefits including one special aspect known as paincagni - literally meaning 'the five fires'. And the five fires means keeping the hair of the body to grow in 5 places - (a) on the top of the head, (b) mustache, (c) beard, (d) armpits, and (e) pubic region.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The inner significance of these paincagni is that these five fires kindle the spirit - or "fire" - of fearlessness, courage, valour, and bravery. Because allowing the hair to grow in these five places gives one the endurance in life to overcome all obstacles and defeat all enemies. That is why they are known as paincagni - the five fires.
At various times Baba has revealed this secret about paincagni and bravery. When He first gave 16 Points, in various reporting sessions, as well as in one special avadhuta meeting known as Kashi Avadhuta Sabha whereby Baba has given a special blessing. So on all these occasions and more Baba has given the special importance of paincagni.
History: importance of joint hair
In addition, there is a well-documented history how various religious communities and spiritual aspirants have made their mark because they knew the theory and benefits of paincagni.
Most notably is the Sikh religion. Although they may be dogmatic in various ways, but early on they knew well about paincagni. Centuries ago their leader– guru Govinda Singh - proclaimed that every single one of his fighters could defeat 100 invading soldiers. And sure enough his Sikh warriors pounded the invading army on numerous occasions and withstood their attacks. So, despite their various dogmas, this spirit of fight is more or less alive in Sikhs today as they hold many of the high posts in the Indian military. Plus it is well-known how the Allied forces took help from the Sikhs in World War II. Regardless of whatever defects they may have, all along they have been strong adherents of paincagni.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In our Ananda Marga, a monk must keep all body hair, but family margiis have the option to keep all their hair or only retain their joint hair. Removing the joint hair is against the code of Sixteen Points.
References
1. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
2. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
3. Yoga Psychology, Glands and Subglands
4. Yoga Psychology, Glands and Subglands
5. Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules, pt #5
6. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
* * *
The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.
* * *
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Comfort of women during festivals
Now and again the question arises, which side should sisters and brothers sit for dharmacakra? What is the proper system?
Sadguru Baba has given the clear-cut guideline that is perfectly universal in application. Baba’s dharmic system takes into consideration the overall comfort of sisters. Thus at our spiritual functions like dharmacakra etc, sisters should sit on the side that gives them easier access to the hall. They should not have to walk past or cross over the brothers. That is the way Baba always designed it at DMC. For instance, sisters always sat on the side that had easy access to the exit, and that is in perfect concert with His teaching from Caryacarya.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Special attention should be paid to the comforts of women during festivals, at spiritual conferences, and on other occasions.” (1)
Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Social Relationship between Men and Women
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Best is not to ask
Ananda Marga ideology says, “Suppose a man wants to be a king. In the next life he may be born into the household of a poor man whose surname is 'Raja' (king). He wanted to be a raja (king) and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything. In this regard there is a nice story. Once a certain person asked Shiva to grant him the boon of immortality. Shiva told him, 'It's impossible to become immortal. You should think more intelligently before asking anything.' So the man said, 'Alright, please grant me the boon that I will never die at night or during the day.' He died in the evening! In fact, the best thing is not to ask Parama Purus'a for anything." (1)
Note: First thing is that it is best not to ask mundane things from Parama Purusa because one does not know what is going to happen even after one second - whether one will survive or die. In that case, asking for something will be useless as we ourselves do not know our future needs. That is why one should say, "O' Parama Purusa, please act according to Your wish." Finally, if one has so much desire to ask something from Parama Purusa, then the only thing one should ask for is parabhakti - the highest devotion.
Reference:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Do you know so many invisible things going on around you
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Living beings receive the vibrations of tanmátras according to their respective mental and physical constitutions. Take, for instance, a very tiny particle like an atom. From this also form tanmátras or vibrations emanate, but human eyes normally cannot perceive these extremely minute vibrations. So human beings have to bring them within the scope of visibility of their sight organs with the help of a microscope or other such instruments. Thus apprehending the vibrations of these minute entities is beyond the capacity of the human sensory organs. Remote sounds or inarticulate vocal expressions may not be normally heard by your ears; for this you will have to take the help of a microphone or a loud speaker, because perceiving these sounds is beyond the range of your ear-organ. There are several tiny creatures that produce faint noises: they are hovering all around you, yet you cannot hear their sounds. You cannot hear the sounds of Calcutta with your crude acoustic power, but through a radio you can receive them very easily, for your radio receiver has a far greater power than yours to receive distant sound-waves. You receive from the aerial vibrations what had been received by the radio receiver and then transmitted by it again into the ocean of air. So it is clear that there are distinctive differences in the vibrational reception of different instruments, and humans and animals receive tanmátras according to the respective capacities of their different sensory mechanisms.” (1)
Note: Commonly people think that they can see and hear everything in their own personal room or office etc. They think that everything is unfolding before their eyes. But that is not true. Actually what they see and hear is limited. There are so many things they cannot see or hear etc. The human organs are limited in scope. In comparison, animals see and hear so many things which humans cannot. If the room is too dark for any human being to see, there are so many creatures that thrive in that environment. Similarly, there are numerous animals that can hear sounds that are inaudible to humans. Not only that, if somebody speaks softly it often cannot be heard, and if one is exposed to loud noises then they will become deaf. Verily, this limited capacity of perception applies to all humans in all places.
Only ignorant people think that all they see or hear everything. There are some philosophers like Carvak who think that the reality is based in sense experience, and that nothing exists beyond the senses. Yet there are so many crude things which humans cannot grasp or detect, what to speak of subtler things. To perceive those subtler things, one’s indriyas are incapable. To understand others’ feelings, one has to use the mind, not the organs. Those who are not mentally developed cannot understand others’ feelings. So to perceive subtler events, one has to refine the mind.
Parama Purusa is subtler than the subtlest. To realise Him, a pointed intellect is needed: agreya buddhi. With the help of sadhana, that quality develops.
in Him,
Harikrpa
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha-3, Vibration, Form and Colour
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Guru puja is a sadhana lesson
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Question: What is pratyáhára?"
"Answer: Pratyáhára is derived: prati – á – hr + ghaiṋ. The word áhára literally means “assimilating” or “taking something within”. As a yogic practice, pratyáhára means “withdrawal of the mind from external objectivity and goading the withdrawn mind toward Parama Puruśa”. (1)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour. In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga. The word Pratyáhára means “to withdraw” – to withdraw the mind from its object." (2)
Note: In astaunga yoga, there are 8 limbs - one of which is pratyahara. We practice that as Guru puja, and that is part of our regular sadhana routine. Guru puja is very important. After sadhana, one should always do Guru puja, and Guru puja can also be done on its own. After all, it is a lesson. By this way, one's attachment for mundane things slowly fades away. It is a perfect science. If, after practicing Guru puja, one is unable to get rid of their worldly attachments and / or a particular mental weakness, then best is to consult an acarya. In the Acarya Diary, Baba has given a detailed science and method for practicing Guru puja. One should learn how to do this from any acarya, one on one.
in Him,
Karuna
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
References
1. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #10
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour
== Section 4: Links ==
