Baba
Namaskar,
In our Ananda Marga the issue of abortion is very straightforward and clear. Here is irrefutable proof that Ananda Marga philosophy condemns the practice of abortion. Further down in this email please find the transcript and link to an audio file of this unpublished discourse.
Sadguru Baba says, “Abortion is killing the potentialities...there is hardly any difference between you and an embryo...he [the embryo] is now within the body of the mother. And you are outside the body of the mother...You have got no moral right to kill him.”
So the point stands unassailed. Ananda Marga philosophy staunchly opposes the practice of abortion. Following please find an “as-is” transcription. Side by side there is an English audio file so you can see for yourself how Guru clearly condemns the practice of abortion. A link to the audio file has been appended in the links section at the bottom of this email.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba discourse: abortion in sinful
To listen to the original audio file of the above see the links section at the bottom of this email.
Stand of Ananda Marga: no abortion
So Baba has made the issue crystal clear: Abortion is condemned by Ananda Marga.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Jayashrii
(Jennifer Boswell)
Note: In extreme cases when the mother will die due to the pregnancy, then only an abortion may be performed to save the life of the mother.
Guru's direction: During breakfast, Baba would regularly read Ananda Marga newspapers / bulletins. If an AM newspaper was not available He would not take food till He received one. At DMC gatherings, Baba used to tell everyone that they should first read AM newspapers and support its cause.
~ In-depth study ~
How we can end abortion
Here are the prevailing reasons why people abort the pregnancy nowadays:
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Margiis are kind, loving, and caring
In the general society people are guided by atma sukha tattva (principle of selfish pleasure) so they cannot grasp the depth of an issue. They are dominated by their own self-interest and self-centered approach. However, according to Ananda Marga philosophy, those guided by atma sukha tattva (principle of selfish pleasure) are viewed as lowly. The standard of Ananda Margiis is far above the mindset of atma sukha tattva. Ananda Margiis are upholding the banner of neo-humanism, i.e. guided by a spiritual outlook, not a selfish one.
For disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the issue of abortion is not up for debate because already Sadguru Baba has given His guideline about abortion. The duty of sincere disciples is to adhere to His teaching.
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Even if the practice of Bhágavata dharma brings pain and sorrow and the practice of paradharma (that is to say, the dharma of animals and plants) brings pleasure, humans will have to stick firmly to their svadharma, their mánava dharma. Humans should never allow themselves to descend to paradharma, the dharma of birds and beasts, of trees and plants. On no account should animal dharma be encouraged. The flag of mánava dharma must always be held high under all circumstances. Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah – “It would be better to die upholding human dharma, upholding the ideal of humanity; one should never allow oneself to fall back into a state of animality.”” (2)
Here above Baba is giving the teaching that bhagavad dharma is based on shreya (supreme benevolence). And that is the only path for Ananda Margiis. In contrast, we often see that the common people do not want to follow the path of shreya as it seems arduous and difficult; whereas the path of preya (mundane pleasure) appeals to all those animalistic instincts and brings instant gratification and pleasure. So the common people are allured towards preya but later on suffer as it gives burning pain. It is akin to scratching an itchy skin disease: At first it is pleasurable but then that creates huge irritation and burning pain.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
How abortion brings suffering to the sinner
Greedy people eat a lot of junk food as it gives them immediate satisfaction. But then they suffer from all kinds of diseases and undergo a thousand times more pain. In this way, most human tragedies are self-created. Initially people indulge and enjoy and then later on they get burned and destroy themselves. Similar is the case with abortion.
Initially for some mundane pleasure or preya, they are satisfied by ejecting the unborn and then later on they suffer from the sin created by that abhorrent deed. And they destroy themselves. So as a disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji our path is shreya. We should follow 100% what Baba says on this very point.
Note: Every so often a few sincere margiis engage in discussions about whether or not to do abortions. Because they do not know Guru's guideline on this matter. That is why this letter is important. To spread the gospel of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
Abortion goes against the tenet of Ahimsa
Those aware about this basic book of Ananda Marga - "A Guide to Human Conduct" - know that Baba spoke very clearly and conclusively on this matter with regards to ahimsa. If you reference various chapters from Guru’s books, Baba has said to adhere to the code of ahimsa under all circumstances.
Manovákkáyaeh sarvabhútá námapiidá namahiḿsá.
Ananda Marga Yama and Niyama says, “Ahiḿsá means not inflicting pain or hurt on anybody by thought, word or action.” (3)
So Ananda Marga philosophy is adamantly against the dogma of abortion because it goes against the tenet of ahimsa.
Those involved in animal dharma reborn as animal or plant
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah – that is, “If human beings die while following the path of Bhágavata dharma, that death will open up the path to liberation.” Paradharmo bhayávaha. And the mind of a person following animal dharma will become degraded – and that person, after death, will be reborn as an animal or plant. So, paradharmo bhayávaha [“do not live as an animal”]. Here svadharma does not mean Shákta Dharma, Vaishnavite Dharma or Hindu Dharma.” (4)
Ananda Marga ideology states, “If adherence to svadharma brings about pain and suffering, or even leads to one’s death, one should remain firm in one’s svadharma. “If death comes while following svadharma, let it come, but I will never deviate from the human ideal, from mánava dharma.” This thought has been perfectly expressed here – Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah.” (5)
Note: An audio file related with this posting has been uploaded to the blogsite, where you can listen to it or download it. A link to the blogsite has been appended in the Links section at the bottom of the email.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga has the solution for every problem
Along with abortion, Sadguru Baba has addressed each and every problem confronting humanity - Ananda Marga philosophy is complete in all respects.
Prout philosophy states, “A correct spiritual ideology is the only solution to the problems confronting the world. From this perspective we can call Ananda Marga ideology the philosophers’ stone. Just as the philosophers’ stone is meant to transform everything into gold, Ananda Marga ideology can, most definitely, find a just and rational solution whenever it is applied to any problem.” (6)
Why discourse is unpublished
Some may naturally wonder, “Why is the above discourse unpublished?” The reply is that at present there are close to 500 discourses that have never been published in any form. Our elders have all those Baba audio cassettes; but if you raise the point with them why those discourses have not been published, then to hide their --- they will give you their “ready-made” answer: “The cassette was stolen.”
Here is a link to the audio: https://archive.org/details/BabaCondemnsAbortion
References
1. Unpublished Discourse - 8/22/70
2. Discourses on Krśńa and the Giita, “Better to Die . . .” – 2
3. Guide to Human Conduct, Ahimsa
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, It Is Better to Die While Following Bhágavata Dharma
5. Discourses on Krśńa and the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 3
6. Problems of the Day, Point #36
You ignored me
Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.
"Ámáre phele gele, dhuláy avahele, e jeno jhará phule, karile hatádar..." (Prabha Samgiita #4815)
Purport:
Parama Purusa, You graced me in my dhyana and then disappeared. With disdain You left me, leaving me lying there alone in the dust. You discarded me as if I am just like one wilted flower. This is how You ignored me.
My Lord, I was at the altar, the crown, day and night, always. I was very close to You. And now I have fallen to the ground, covered in dirt. I am all alone.
My Supreme Guide, You showered Your krpa on me. You were in my heart and mind, satiating my existence. The Supreme One, the Great Ocean of infinite qualities and attributions, You shall remain in my meditation and dhyana forever. You are so gracious.
Parama Purusa Baba, I do not seek anything transitory from You. And even if You give me something mundane, I will not accept it. Those things will not remain forever. My Lord, I have only one singular longing: Please smile in the depths of my sadhana, my Manohar.
Baba, You blessed me by coming in my dhyana...
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #4815
[1] Manohar: The Entity who captivates the mind. Due to His infinite charm Parama Purusa attracts everyone. And when any human being does sadhana and sings His name then they feel more attraction, by His grace. The mind becomes ensconced in Him and the bhakta does not want to do anything else other than sing His name. The mind is not in the bhakta’s control it is rushing constantly towards Parama Purusa. That is why the scriptures say Parama Purusa is Manohar, as He captivates the mind. Those who have dry bhakti cannot fathom this spiritual secret.
Baba’s guideline: future became reality
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Human beings will definitely be able to increase human longevity by scientific techniques. In certain special cases they will even be able to restore life to dead bodies. The endeavour to expedite the advent of that auspicious day of science is certainly an important part of social service.”
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “One day human beings will also learn how to produce human babes in science laboratories. Perhaps then it will be possible for human beings to place an order for their children and to get children according to their choice. Why should these laboratory babes lag behind modern humans with respect to intellectual and spiritual wealth! Those opposed to science today challenge, “Let human beings demonstrate that they can produce living entities!” By producing laboratory babes, the human beings of the future will give a befitting reply to this challenge.”
“The development of intuition will make human beings more spiritually inclined. What Saguńa Brahma [the Qualified Supreme Entity] is directly doing today will be done increasingly by the human beings of tomorrow. In that age the reproductive capacity of the human body will gradually cease to exist.” (1)
Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #25, 1959
Scripture series: Recent postings Other topics of interest
AM & abortion
Namaskar,
In our Ananda Marga the issue of abortion is very straightforward and clear. Here is irrefutable proof that Ananda Marga philosophy condemns the practice of abortion. Further down in this email please find the transcript and link to an audio file of this unpublished discourse.
Sadguru Baba says, “Abortion is killing the potentialities...there is hardly any difference between you and an embryo...he [the embryo] is now within the body of the mother. And you are outside the body of the mother...You have got no moral right to kill him.”
So the point stands unassailed. Ananda Marga philosophy staunchly opposes the practice of abortion. Following please find an “as-is” transcription. Side by side there is an English audio file so you can see for yourself how Guru clearly condemns the practice of abortion. A link to the audio file has been appended in the links section at the bottom of this email.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba discourse: abortion in sinful
[Ma'rgii--- "Should abortion be considered crime always?]
BABA: “Abortion is killing the potentialities, taking the potentiality of a living being is certainly a sin. It may or may not be crime. Crime depends on different countries, depends on certain conditions prevailing in different countries.”
…
BABA: “Do you follow?”
BABA: “But there are certain cardinal human values, cardinal human points. Those points remain unassailed. As a matter of principle, abortion is a crime. But, when it is done to save the life of the mother, it is not a crime.”
…
[Ma'rgii—Is it a living body, the embryo.?]
BABA: “Yes. You see, fundamentally, there is hardly any difference between you and an embryo. You have come here outside, and [the] embryo is [inside the body of the mother]…”
[The cassette is cut here for a moment.]
BABA: “That is the difference. And why should you deprive that little man from the joys of life?”
[Ma'rgii---"Means, living man.]
BABA: “Yes. It is not desirable. You are a man, he is also a man; he [the fetus] is now within the body of the mother. And you are outside the body of the mother, that is the difference. You have got no moral right to kill him. When he is not your enemy. It is not at all a crime to kill the enemy, but that embryo is not your enemy. How can you kill him? How can you kill him? You can’t kill him. You have got no moral right to kill him.”
...
BABA: Spermatozoa is a living being with its peculiar samskara. Ova is a living being with its peculiar samskara. And the combination of the two creates a third xxx with its own sam’ska’ra. And according to its physical structure, having parallelism with a certain mental sam’ska’ra that is, sam’ska’ra, the departed soul along with its sam’ska’ras, comes in contact with that newly-born embryo. The ova, dies. That ova is also a living creature that takes place, mental death of the spermatozoa; it is also a living creature. And the third entity with its own mental samskaras, is created. (1)
To listen to the original audio file of the above see the links section at the bottom of this email.
Stand of Ananda Marga: no abortion
So Baba has made the issue crystal clear: Abortion is condemned by Ananda Marga.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Jayashrii
(Jennifer Boswell)
Note: In extreme cases when the mother will die due to the pregnancy, then only an abortion may be performed to save the life of the mother.
Guru's direction: During breakfast, Baba would regularly read Ananda Marga newspapers / bulletins. If an AM newspaper was not available He would not take food till He received one. At DMC gatherings, Baba used to tell everyone that they should first read AM newspapers and support its cause.
~ In-depth study ~
How we can end abortion
Here are the prevailing reasons why people abort the pregnancy nowadays:
(a) Couples lack the financial resources to raise the child after pregnancyIt is the duty of society to address and resolve these social problems. Then abortion will be a non-issue.
(b) Women / parents feel that after the pregnancy raising the child would interfere with professional aspirations /schooling;
(c) Women / couples who became pregnant want to hide that they were having premarital relations;
(d) Women / couples who became pregnant want to hide that they were having extra-marital relations;
(e) After their pregnancy comes to term, women do not want to be a single parent;
(f) Parents did not want their pregnant daughter to have a child;
(g) Women / couples did not feel that after pregnancy they would be mature enough to raise a child;
(h) A woman became pregnant due to rape and does not want to have the child.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Margiis are kind, loving, and caring
In the general society people are guided by atma sukha tattva (principle of selfish pleasure) so they cannot grasp the depth of an issue. They are dominated by their own self-interest and self-centered approach. However, according to Ananda Marga philosophy, those guided by atma sukha tattva (principle of selfish pleasure) are viewed as lowly. The standard of Ananda Margiis is far above the mindset of atma sukha tattva. Ananda Margiis are upholding the banner of neo-humanism, i.e. guided by a spiritual outlook, not a selfish one.
For disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the issue of abortion is not up for debate because already Sadguru Baba has given His guideline about abortion. The duty of sincere disciples is to adhere to His teaching.
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Even if the practice of Bhágavata dharma brings pain and sorrow and the practice of paradharma (that is to say, the dharma of animals and plants) brings pleasure, humans will have to stick firmly to their svadharma, their mánava dharma. Humans should never allow themselves to descend to paradharma, the dharma of birds and beasts, of trees and plants. On no account should animal dharma be encouraged. The flag of mánava dharma must always be held high under all circumstances. Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah – “It would be better to die upholding human dharma, upholding the ideal of humanity; one should never allow oneself to fall back into a state of animality.”” (2)
Here above Baba is giving the teaching that bhagavad dharma is based on shreya (supreme benevolence). And that is the only path for Ananda Margiis. In contrast, we often see that the common people do not want to follow the path of shreya as it seems arduous and difficult; whereas the path of preya (mundane pleasure) appeals to all those animalistic instincts and brings instant gratification and pleasure. So the common people are allured towards preya but later on suffer as it gives burning pain. It is akin to scratching an itchy skin disease: At first it is pleasurable but then that creates huge irritation and burning pain.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
How abortion brings suffering to the sinner
Greedy people eat a lot of junk food as it gives them immediate satisfaction. But then they suffer from all kinds of diseases and undergo a thousand times more pain. In this way, most human tragedies are self-created. Initially people indulge and enjoy and then later on they get burned and destroy themselves. Similar is the case with abortion.
Initially for some mundane pleasure or preya, they are satisfied by ejecting the unborn and then later on they suffer from the sin created by that abhorrent deed. And they destroy themselves. So as a disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji our path is shreya. We should follow 100% what Baba says on this very point.
Note: Every so often a few sincere margiis engage in discussions about whether or not to do abortions. Because they do not know Guru's guideline on this matter. That is why this letter is important. To spread the gospel of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
Abortion goes against the tenet of Ahimsa
Those aware about this basic book of Ananda Marga - "A Guide to Human Conduct" - know that Baba spoke very clearly and conclusively on this matter with regards to ahimsa. If you reference various chapters from Guru’s books, Baba has said to adhere to the code of ahimsa under all circumstances.
Manovákkáyaeh sarvabhútá námapiidá namahiḿsá.
Ananda Marga Yama and Niyama says, “Ahiḿsá means not inflicting pain or hurt on anybody by thought, word or action.” (3)
So Ananda Marga philosophy is adamantly against the dogma of abortion because it goes against the tenet of ahimsa.
Those involved in animal dharma reborn as animal or plant
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah – that is, “If human beings die while following the path of Bhágavata dharma, that death will open up the path to liberation.” Paradharmo bhayávaha. And the mind of a person following animal dharma will become degraded – and that person, after death, will be reborn as an animal or plant. So, paradharmo bhayávaha [“do not live as an animal”]. Here svadharma does not mean Shákta Dharma, Vaishnavite Dharma or Hindu Dharma.” (4)
Ananda Marga ideology states, “If adherence to svadharma brings about pain and suffering, or even leads to one’s death, one should remain firm in one’s svadharma. “If death comes while following svadharma, let it come, but I will never deviate from the human ideal, from mánava dharma.” This thought has been perfectly expressed here – Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah.” (5)
Note: An audio file related with this posting has been uploaded to the blogsite, where you can listen to it or download it. A link to the blogsite has been appended in the Links section at the bottom of the email.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga has the solution for every problem
Along with abortion, Sadguru Baba has addressed each and every problem confronting humanity - Ananda Marga philosophy is complete in all respects.
Prout philosophy states, “A correct spiritual ideology is the only solution to the problems confronting the world. From this perspective we can call Ananda Marga ideology the philosophers’ stone. Just as the philosophers’ stone is meant to transform everything into gold, Ananda Marga ideology can, most definitely, find a just and rational solution whenever it is applied to any problem.” (6)
Why discourse is unpublished
Some may naturally wonder, “Why is the above discourse unpublished?” The reply is that at present there are close to 500 discourses that have never been published in any form. Our elders have all those Baba audio cassettes; but if you raise the point with them why those discourses have not been published, then to hide their --- they will give you their “ready-made” answer: “The cassette was stolen.”
Here is a link to the audio: https://archive.org/details/BabaCondemnsAbortion
References
1. Unpublished Discourse - 8/22/70
2. Discourses on Krśńa and the Giita, “Better to Die . . .” – 2
3. Guide to Human Conduct, Ahimsa
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, It Is Better to Die While Following Bhágavata Dharma
5. Discourses on Krśńa and the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 3
6. Problems of the Day, Point #36
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
You ignored me
Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.
"Ámáre phele gele, dhuláy avahele, e jeno jhará phule, karile hatádar..." (Prabha Samgiita #4815)
Purport:
Parama Purusa, You graced me in my dhyana and then disappeared. With disdain You left me, leaving me lying there alone in the dust. You discarded me as if I am just like one wilted flower. This is how You ignored me.
My Lord, I was at the altar, the crown, day and night, always. I was very close to You. And now I have fallen to the ground, covered in dirt. I am all alone.
My Supreme Guide, You showered Your krpa on me. You were in my heart and mind, satiating my existence. The Supreme One, the Great Ocean of infinite qualities and attributions, You shall remain in my meditation and dhyana forever. You are so gracious.
Parama Purusa Baba, I do not seek anything transitory from You. And even if You give me something mundane, I will not accept it. Those things will not remain forever. My Lord, I have only one singular longing: Please smile in the depths of my sadhana, my Manohar.
Baba, You blessed me by coming in my dhyana...
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #4815
[1] Manohar: The Entity who captivates the mind. Due to His infinite charm Parama Purusa attracts everyone. And when any human being does sadhana and sings His name then they feel more attraction, by His grace. The mind becomes ensconced in Him and the bhakta does not want to do anything else other than sing His name. The mind is not in the bhakta’s control it is rushing constantly towards Parama Purusa. That is why the scriptures say Parama Purusa is Manohar, as He captivates the mind. Those who have dry bhakti cannot fathom this spiritual secret.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Baba’s guideline: future became reality
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Human beings will definitely be able to increase human longevity by scientific techniques. In certain special cases they will even be able to restore life to dead bodies. The endeavour to expedite the advent of that auspicious day of science is certainly an important part of social service.”
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “One day human beings will also learn how to produce human babes in science laboratories. Perhaps then it will be possible for human beings to place an order for their children and to get children according to their choice. Why should these laboratory babes lag behind modern humans with respect to intellectual and spiritual wealth! Those opposed to science today challenge, “Let human beings demonstrate that they can produce living entities!” By producing laboratory babes, the human beings of the future will give a befitting reply to this challenge.”
“The development of intuition will make human beings more spiritually inclined. What Saguńa Brahma [the Qualified Supreme Entity] is directly doing today will be done increasingly by the human beings of tomorrow. In that age the reproductive capacity of the human body will gradually cease to exist.” (1)
Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #25, 1959
== Section 3: Links ==
Scripture series: Recent postings Other topics of interest
