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Saturday, May 30, 2020

Riding coattails of deceased family acarya

Baba

Riding coattails of deceased family acarya

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “With the noise of a bustling wind, people reminisce, “Oh, my grandfather accomplished this great feat… my aunt performed that marvellous work… our surname is Roychoudhury. For we were once great landlords…” Thus people always ruminate over their past and gloat over their ancestors, because they have no glorious present at all – everything is an empty void. When a community thus loses its inner wealth, then it tenaciously clings to the skeleton of its past and says, “I was this, I was that.” But they are unable to say, “I am this, I am that.” ... One must say, “Do not bother about what your ancestors have done. Why can’t you do...”” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Táttvika, ácárya, purodhá and such terms represent one’s individual ability and are not hereditary.” (2)

Note: In His above teachings, Sadguru Baba is guiding us that in our AM way of life there is no scope to stand on the coattails of one’s ancestors. Doing nothing in the present moment and gloating about past glories is not our way. Moreover, in AMPS we do not hand the post from one generation to the next on a hereditary basis. So if one’s father was a family acarya, that same title, post, glory, and respect is not automatically bestowed upon the son or daughter. In our Ananda Marga, everything is earned based on one’s conduct, not one’s birth.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The various dogmatic religions and racist approaches pass down their titles and supremacy in a very nasty way from one generation to the next. Verily, they use the   inherently exploitative tactic of one’s birth to suppress and denigrate others. This occurs with so-called whites exploiting so-called blacks, and so-called brahmins exploiting so-called shudras. Casteism and racism are based on this horrific edict ordained by sub-humans.

Birth of new nasty dogma: AMPS India


Sadly, now this same disease is rearing its ugly head in our AMPS. A few are claiming that, “Since my uncle / great-grandfather / father was a family acarya, then I am of a special birth and fit to rule over AMPS.” And others say, “My family has been in AMPS for generations, and both my grandfather and my father were family acaryas etc, so on that basis I should also be granted a great seat in AMPS.” They think AMPS belongs to them due to their ancestry, and everyone else is a guest. Even though they themselves have not done anything in this life, they feel being the grandson of a family acarya is enough for all of AMPS to fall at their feet. This type of senseless, empty banter is crowding the airwaves on some forums.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Those who are true Ananda Margiis understand well that in our AM way of life, no positions of power are granted on a hereditary basis. All are the sweet children of Parama Purusa, and one is only able to lead our AM society by their sadhana, service, sacrifice and dharmic conduct.

In Him,
Harideva

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals
2. Caryacarya Part 1, Táttvika, Ácárya/á, Purodhá and Their Concerned Boards


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The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.


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== Section 2: Important Teaching ==


Origin of “bomb”

Namaskar,

In India, one dogma is quite prevalent with regards to the worship of Lord Shiva. In trying to satisfy Lord Shiva, dogmatic followers first pour holy water on certain stones as if by this way Lord Shiva will get the water that He needs. They think that Lord Shiva will be pleased. And while doing this penance those dogmatic Hindus chant, 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'. All the common people know this slogan well. They have heard it always in such religious practices. Because ritualistic followers call and address Lord Shiva as 'Hara hara, bomb bomb’ when they are involved in this type of penance.

This ritual is especially common in Bihar. Followers from the surrounding states come and wear special saffron cloth from head to toe, irrespective of whether they are male or female, and regardless of what type of clothes they are wearing. On this occasion, everything they wear must be the same color: saffron. In the days leading up to this ritual, the entire railway and all forms of transportation become full of saffron as millions and millions of people are wearing saffron and only saffron.


Do sastaunga pranam, get up, advance forward, and again do sastaunga

They travel from their pilgrimage in Sultanganj to the banks of the river Gaunga (Ganges) in Deoghar where they take holy water. Some get there by walking; some run 100 km to the temple in which case it takes a few days. And some special followers travel the 100 km by lying down in sastaunga pranam, getting up and advancing forward one body length at a time, and doing satsaunga pranam over and over again. They hope to please Lord Shiva by their strong penance by making the 100 km journey in this arduous manner. It may take them weeks and weeks to reach Lord Shiva's “holy” temple in Deoghar, Bihar. This ritual is done in the beginning of the Indian rainy season and goes on for 1 month. Along the way, all those dogmatic followers repeat the mantra: 'Hara hara, Bomb bomb'. This dogma is quite common and every year several million adherents participate in the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva. They repeat again and again: 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'.

But the interesting thing is that many do not know what is meant by the term 'bomb'. Centuries ago when this mantra was first started, bombs and sophisticated weapons had not yet been invented. But just in their ritualistic way, they all call out: 'Bomb, bomb'. They do not pronounce, 'Vyom, vyom'. They are not aware about the origins of this ritual.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Riddle solved

Here Baba has made it clear what this mantra is and what is the proper pronunciation. Because the common people do not understand that “bomb” is not correct, and that “vyom” is correct. Below Baba solves this riddle about bomb bomb.

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "He who takes away all your sins, He who takes away all our umbers and cumbers is Hara. He is Hara, because He takes away all your sins, all your propensities. Now, This Hara. One cannot attain salvation without coming in contact with this Hara. He [the aspirant] will have to pass through the realm of Hara because Hara is the sublimest rank of His Cognitive Self and that's why in ancient times it was a system, rather a usage amongst the spiritual aspirants to chant a mantra, which was a very favourite mantra : Hara Hara Vyom Vyom."  
   "Think of that Hara, think of that Hara, He will take away  all your sins; think of that Hara, Meditate on that Hara. Hara Hara Vyom Vyom. Vyom is the subtlest form of matter. Ether is called Vyoma i.e., your mind should go from crude towards subtle. In the realm of physicality it will think of Vyoma and in the realm of spirituality it will, think of Hara' "Hara Hara Vyom Vyom, Hara Hara Vyom Vyom".”  (1)

In Him,
Sunil

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha -18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It


== Section 3: Links ==
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Other topics of interest

Friday, May 22, 2020

Mahaprayan of Margii professor


Baba

Mahaprayan of Margii professor

Namaskar,

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the professor Shrii Bipin Bihari Pandey, a very senior margii originally from Pirpaiti, Bhgalpur, Bihar. Prof. Pandey's mahaprayan occurred yesterday, 21 May. He had been sick for months leading up to his mahaprayan. And his body was cremated also on the 21st at Bansghat (Patna).

Pandey ji was a strong sadhaka eager and ready to follow the teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. He has used his academic and intellectual acumen for propagating AM ideals. Pandey ji was a counselor and friend to many, and his compassion and kindness will be missed.

May we all take solace in the fact that Shrii Bipin Bihari Pandey was a bhakta of Sadguru Baba. Certainly he will attain mukti or moksa, accordingly. Baba will lovingly bestow His infinite grace.

in Him,
Caetanya Deva

Note: Here is an alert for those cremating a dead body in India or Indian managed cremation homes around the world. Their custom is to put the fire in the mouth of the deceased to initiate the burning of the body. This is prohibited in AM as it is uncivilised. So watch out; do not allow this. If you are not careful, they will end up cremating the body in this manner. Make them aware ahead of time. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The practice of putting fire into the mouth of the dead body is repulsive, it should not be encouraged." (Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of the Dead Body)


~ In-depth study ~

We have seen that when somebody dies then in offering their condolences people say now Mr So-and-so is sitting on Baba's lap. On other occasions when telling a Baba story people also say, "Such and such person sat on Baba's lap." But these days the trend is that "sitting on Baba's lap" is used more in connection with death. And that causes some confusion in reader's mind. To unknot the situation please read below.

Dogma: if "on Baba's lap" only used for death

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:

- "May Parama Purusa Baba accept her in HIS divine lap"

- "We pray to Baba - please give him shelter in his lap... "

- "May his soul rest in the lap of our beloved BABA"

- "Now she is taking rest in Baba's Lap."

- "May Baba accept him in HIS divine lap....."

- "May he rest in HIS loving lap of eternity."

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap forever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in Bábá's loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

- "May BABA accept him in HIS divine lap!"

- "May Baba take him in his eternal loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in peace taking shelter in Baba's lap."

- "Please keep him on Your lap forever."

- "We all collectively pray to Baba to take him on Baba's divine lap forever.”

All of the above lines are commonly written in eulogizing the deceased. These days mostly it is used in a eulogy and rarely used to recount one's intimate spiritual experiences - unfortunately. By this way, the phrase "in Baba's lap" is being misused and step by step the real meaning is being forgotten as now people more commonly use the phrase to eulogize those who have died, and much less so to express their inner feelings of bhakti. Unfortunately, the meaning and inner spirit of the phrase is getting lost.


Baba story: "sitting on Baba's lap"

Some time ago after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba. He said, "After being lovingly scolded by Baba for my wrongdoings, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his factual and historical event, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries. Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this. The new sadhaka sensed that something was wrong He said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was quite eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if in order to sit on Baba’s lap one has to die. But that is false. Sincere sadhakas regularly sit on Baba’s lap in their meditation. It is His grace. It is just like a child need not die in order to sit on his father’s lap.

The idea is that this phrase - Baba's lap - has been linked with death due to extreme overuse. So for some time if sadhakas use this phrase exclusively for spiritual purposes, that will be best. The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its pure spiritual quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.


Baba would bless bhaktas and place them on His lap

There are tens of thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply mystical value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and sadhana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply intimate experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a spiritual practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in sadhana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.


"Mahaprayan" means death of mortals - confirm for yourself
from the Samsad Bengali-English Dictionary

Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in our Bengal to describe the death of any human being, even ordinary people. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily term of bhakti to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no bhaktas ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

Here it should be known that the convention of an annual death day ceremony (i.e. shraddhainjali or mahaprayan) is a foundation of the Islamic tradition. Muslims are well known for this, and their approach of an annual death day ceremony was adopted by the leader of a particular group in AMPS. So no one should think that mahaprayan is some type of sacred event. It is done on the death day anniversary of Muslims.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary 3rd edition on page 848. Checking there it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it is used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens. And that is the case in this letter also. The term mahaprayan means death and this is the ideal term for this purpose.


Mahaprayan is only for humans not for Sadguru

Here it should be qualified that there is both real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being, just like the aforesaid news. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the meaning of the mahaprayan term and that is the standard way the term is used in Indian languages.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan. That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa. This is grossly inappropriate because when Parama Purusa Sadguru Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is entirely wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa. Those doing mahaprayan for Sadguru are hypocrites. On the one side in meditation they ask His grace thinking that He is ever-present, and on the other side they think that Baba has passed away. That is their hypocrisy.



== Section 2: Links ==

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