How to measure bhakti
Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.
Namaskar,
We should take the time to objectively evaluate our own standard of bhakti and also remain aware of the fact that we can always heighten our standard, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Sign of excellent bhakta
Here is one of the main ways Baba has given us for measuring one's standard of bhakti.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The bhaktas of the lowest category think, "As Parama Purus'a belongs to all, so certainly He belongs to me as well because I am one of the multitude." Thoughts of this type are not very congenial for one's spiritual progress. The second category of bhaktas is slightly better than this. They think, "Parama Purus'a is mine, and thus He must belong to others also." That is, the bhaktas of both categories have no hesitation in sharing Parama Purus'a with others. But the bhaktas of the highest category think, "Parama Purus'a is mine only and He belongs to no one else." This is the sign of an excellent sa'dhaka, and the spiritual progress of this category is inevitable. "He is mine and mine alone and He does not belong to anyone else" - this assertion is undoubtedly true." (1)
So in His above guideline Guru acutely describes the three broad categories of bhaktas:
(a) Lowest think: "As Parama Purus'a belongs to all, so certainly He belongs to me as well because I am one of the multitude."By internalizing His teachings we can easily do self-analysis and figure out our own standard.
(b) Middle think: "Parama Purus'a is mine, and thus He must belong to others also."
(c) Highest think: "Parama Purus'a is mine only and He belongs to no one else."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Not for bragging their greatness in public
This type of feeling - of not wanting to share that which is most treasured - is very natural in any kind of worldly attraction as well. All might have had the mundane experience that one does not like to share those things which they are deeply attached with. For example, a mother has very strong attachment for her baby; so, the mother does not like to share that baby with others.
Similarly, that same theory applies with the highest realm of bhakti also. That stage comes where one feels that Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone. In that realm, one has the feeling in their heart not to share Parama Purusa with anyone else. This aspect is completely internal and the sadhaka gets that feeling intrinsically by His grace. It is not something external where one is bragging to others or showing off their greatness in public. Rather, when through bhakti one feels that 'Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone', then that is just a soft, sweet internal feeling in the core of one's heart. So every sadhaka should do self-analysis and ask themselves, 'If I want to share Parama Purusa with others or not.'
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Bhakti & intensive sadhana
Here again are the three categories or grades of bhaktas:
(a) The lowest bhaktas think that since Parama Purusa belongs to all then He also belongs to me also since I am part of the all. But this standard is not very desirable since one is willing to share Parama Purusa with others.
(b) The next category of bhaktas falls into a similar problem. They think that since Parama Purusa belongs to me then He must belong to others also. Here again though the sadhaka is willing to share Parama Purusa with others - that is the main weakness of this approach.
(c) Finally, those who are A-grade bhaktas lovingly feel in their heart that, “Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone.” Such bhaktas do not feel comfortable sharing Parama Purusa with others. They want the Divine Entity, Parama Purusa, all to themselves.
According to our dharmashastra, this is the highest standard and such bhaktas are sure to reach the Goal. Their success is guaranteed. Theoretically understanding all this is very easy but internally cultivating the feeling that “Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone” is very difficult. But bringing this idea in the domain of one's internal realisation is not impossible. Just as it is easy to intellectually think that “I am Brahma”, whereas to internally feel and realise that “I am Brahma” is completely different - i.e. it is not easy. It takes sincere effort - it takes sadhana.
Similarly, to develop the realisation that “Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone” demands intensive sadhana. That only comes from doing prolonged dhyana or sixth lesson.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Need of dhyana & other lessons
To achieve this rank, sincerity in sadhana is a must. All the lessons will pointedly help one to develop the requisite spiritual base. These lessons will clean the mind and with that purified mind one can pointedly rush towards Him in dhyana. Because actually it is sixth lesson, or dhyana, which ultimately enables us to become established in that highest grade of bhakti.
Why is it that dhyana is necessary? Why is it that dhyana is the secret to becoming an A-Grade bhakta? Because in dhyana one comes in very close proximity with Parama Purusa. So much internal communication happens that is completely personal. And as this feeling grows more and more intense through dhyana then one internally starts feeling that, “I do not want to share Parama Purusa with anyone; Parama Purusa is mine and mine alone.”
So dhyana is the only lesson which gives us the training and requisite bhakti to develop a more personal and intimate link with Parama Purusa. There is no other lesson like this. But to do dhyana or to reach up to that heightened stage of dhyana, other lessons are needed. All the lessons will serve as support pieces for strengthening dhyana. And then with dhyana an intimate feeling for Parama Purusa will grow more and more.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
The regular practice of all the lessons and doing dhyana will bring Parama Purusa in a very close and intimate way. In which case that will make this highest stance of bhakti attainable. At the same time, nothing can come about without His grace. So His blessing is needed. And verily a sadhaka may ask Him for His grace.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Divyesh
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You should remember always that you have come here for a short span. You won’t remain in this world for a long period. You may remain here say for ninety or hundred years or say for one hundred and fifty years. Some saints like Traelaunga Sva'mii lived here for three hundred and fifty years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations – limitations of time, space and person."
"So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here for a very short span."
"You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short span and I won’t remain here for a very long period. My home is elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent home, won’t require a passport." (2)
Your wife may cry out for you for few days
Sadguru guides us, "The ideation on Brahma should be done scrupulously, or else you will later regret and bemoan the futility of your life with the last drop of your tears at your last hour. You should make your life worthwhile through your sadhana. How much can your worldly friends and relations do for you? After your death your relatives may perhaps ask, 'How much money has he left behind?'. Your friends may go to the crematorium and indulge in flattering reminiscences about you. Your husband or wife may cry out for you for about ten or twelve days and then regain their normal composure. Your lot will be only a profound sigh-- a record of the futility and frustration of your life. So do not waste your time lest you later have to repent." (3)
The aim of human life is to become one with
In this ultra-modern, materialistic era, the mass of people thrust their minds in various directions. Their mind gets stained with the mundane colours of this world. This we all understand well and we all witness such events throughout the day. In contrast, as Ananda Margiis we know that we are to spend our human life involved in spiritual pursuits. In innumerable discourses, Baba has told us that human life is something very special - very rare. And the aim of this human life is to become one with Parama Purusa. And the only means we have for achieving this is through sadhana. And the chief ingredient for doing proper sadhana is bhakti - and His grace. This formula is known to every Ananda Margii - whether they be wholetimer or family margii or LFT etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, 26 February 1971 DMC, Jammu
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hours
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 3: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.
Prabhata Samgiita Intro: This song reflects A-grade bhakti. The sadhaka was intensely involved in contemplation, and Parama Purusa was present in a close and intimate manner. But then Parama Purusa left the bhakta’s mental plate. In that desperate and painful condition, with deep melancholic longing, the sadhaka is yearning for Parama Purusa to come back. From the depths of the bhakta’s heart, this song has emerged.
"Varaśár ráte niirave nibhrite, bandhuá giyáche more phele, more phele o go more phele..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0360)
Purport:
On a torrential rainy night, silently my Bandhuá deserted me, O' how He has deserted me, O' how He has deserted me. That very time, in the midst of rain-filled clouds and menacing lightning, before leaving, my Bandhuá was coaxing and cajoling me with various excuses. He was trying to convince me that He would come back soon.
My Bandhuá, my pearl-necklace, has deserted me. He has left me, wringing my heart to its core. What a tragedy has befallen me. Today, amidst lightning strikes, what a calamity has unfolded before my very eyes. It is a great disappointment and tragedy. My Dearmost has disappeared in the midnight hour of this terrible stormy night torched by lightning bolts and left me all alone
He has gone, devastating my heart. Day and night, every moment, I think of Him – always I meditate on Him. O’ tell me, whether He will return again?
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0360:
[1] Torrential rainy night or stormy night: This refers to a time of worldly tragedy or a period of bad sadhana.
[2] Bandhuá: বঁধু, বঁধুয়া - ban̐dhu, ban̐dhuẏa - [ban̐dhu, ban̐dhuẏā] n (poet.)
In the above song, the bhakta is expressing how his Divine Entity has left him. Yet, all the while, the very entity the bhakta is communicating with is Parama Purusa. But the bhakta is unaware because Parama Purusa has come to Him in a disguised manner. The bhakta is referring to Parama Purusa as Bandhua - a very intimate relation.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Important for all parents to know
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In some families the parents have lost their peace of mind due to poverty or some other cause and oppress their children with or without reason. Naturally the children lose respect for their parents, which further aggravates family indiscipline. The parents have to put up with more unrest, adding to their lack of peace."
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents who are middle- or high-level officials in the public works or police departments have to get work done through others or supervise manual labourers or subordinates, so they often forget to talk sweetly. Some become accustomed to using abusive language, and some to issuing commands. Due to this their children do not have an opportunity to learn to speak with restraint. Such children suffer from a superiority complex, even within their circle of friends. In their future lives it will be extremely difficult for them to love people and create a congenial social environment."
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Some parents may claim that it is impossible to maintain a balanced life in an age full of problems, where they are extremely busy with numerous activities. I maintain, however, that it is possible for an intelligent parent to avoid the mistakes I have discussed. If parents fail to carry out their basic duties, I am compelled to say that, although they live in society, they are guilty of encouraging an antisocial mentality. By encouraging their children to develop a criminal psychology, they give unnecessary trouble to the police. The main point is this: for want of a little care, children are deprived of the opportunity to become complete human beings, even though they have a human structure." (1)
Reference
1. Discourses on Neohumanist Education
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How to exhaust your saḿskáras
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Learned people know that the requitals or consequences of deeds (karmaphala) are inevitably bound to follow one's actions, and so they do not waste time uselessly thinking about them. Fortified with courage and instilled with Brahmabháva they face all calamities of retribution bravely. They always consider themselves pure, for they have purged their minds of the past. Those who have tasted even a little of the flowing nectar of Brahma, know that they can never be impure. This constant thought of self-purity greatly helps to exhaust their saḿskáras or reactive momenta, as a result of which the saḿskáras held in the sthirabhúmi of their práńa are gradually destroyed. With the help of sádhaná or spiritual practice the spell of pleasurable and painful requitals ceases both internally and externally. Sádhakas call it the combustion of the seed of action in the fire of sádhaná." (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, The Chariot and the Charioteer
मौका मिल गया
“तो, मनुष्य में ये जो तीन तरह की तकलीफ़ हैं, इन तीनों तकलीफ़ों से बचानेवाला है कीर्त्तन | क्यों ? कीर्त्तन तुम्हें परमपुरुष की ओर चलने में मदद करेगा | इसलिए, गपशप में time बरबाद नहीं करके, वृथा काम में time बरबाद नहीं करके, जब मौका मिल गया---दो मिनट, पाँच मिनट, कीर्त्तन करो | क्योंकि कीर्त्तन केवल साधना में मदद करेगा, सो नहीं | तुम्हारे मन को भी निर्मल करेगा | और, तुम हमेशा महसूस करते रहोगे, कि तुम छोटे आदमी नहीं हो, तुम हीन-नीच नहीं हो, तुम तुच्छ नहीं हो | कीर्त्तन हमेशा तुम्हें याद दिलाता रहेगा कि तुम परमपुरुष की सन्तान हो, परमपुरुष के बेटे हो, परमपुरुष की बेटियाँ हो | इसलिए, स्थान-काल-पात्र का कोई विचार नहीं; विद्या-अविद्या का कोई विचार नहीं; विद्वान-मूर्ख का कोई विचार नहीं; काले-गोरे का भी कोई विचार नहीं | जब जहाँ मौका मिल गया, जब जिस समय में मौका मिल गया, कीर्त्तन करो |”
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] (1)
Reference
1. हिंदी, अप्रकाशित,15 May 1982 Calcutta
Quiz
Intro: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What a horror! Such false philosophies have taught, “Well, if we exploit the people with our intellect, what’s the harm? It is also a labour to apply the intellect, and we have the right to do so!” On the basis of this argument a handful of parasites have gorged themselves on the blood of millions of people, while countless people have been reduced to living skeletons." (1)
Quiz: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?
Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, then click here for the answer.
Greedy, blood-sucking capitalists
Answer: As we know in our Proutistic outlook, Parama Purusa is seen as the Cosmic Father and all are part of His creation. Flora and fauna, plants and animals, and humans, all are part of His universal family. And we must not infringe on the rights and well-being of others, whether they be human, animal, or plant. All have their intrinsic right to live and progress. There is no scope to exploit those who are less strong or less intelligent.
Capitalism works in the exact opposite direction. Top capitalists commonly use their intellect to exploit, cheat, suppress, and oppress the masses. This is the standard approach in capitalism. Those using their intellect to profit off the backs of others are lauded.
Prout wholly rejects this greed-based approach of capitalism as immoral and unjust.
In answer the the quiz, Baba is talking about those greedy, blood-sucking capitalists.
Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14
“तो, मनुष्य में ये जो तीन तरह की तकलीफ़ हैं, इन तीनों तकलीफ़ों से बचानेवाला है कीर्त्तन | क्यों ? कीर्त्तन तुम्हें परमपुरुष की ओर चलने में मदद करेगा | इसलिए, गपशप में time बरबाद नहीं करके, वृथा काम में time बरबाद नहीं करके, जब मौका मिल गया---दो मिनट, पाँच मिनट, कीर्त्तन करो | क्योंकि कीर्त्तन केवल साधना में मदद करेगा, सो नहीं | तुम्हारे मन को भी निर्मल करेगा | और, तुम हमेशा महसूस करते रहोगे, कि तुम छोटे आदमी नहीं हो, तुम हीन-नीच नहीं हो, तुम तुच्छ नहीं हो | कीर्त्तन हमेशा तुम्हें याद दिलाता रहेगा कि तुम परमपुरुष की सन्तान हो, परमपुरुष के बेटे हो, परमपुरुष की बेटियाँ हो | इसलिए, स्थान-काल-पात्र का कोई विचार नहीं; विद्या-अविद्या का कोई विचार नहीं; विद्वान-मूर्ख का कोई विचार नहीं; काले-गोरे का भी कोई विचार नहीं | जब जहाँ मौका मिल गया, जब जिस समय में मौका मिल गया, कीर्त्तन करो |”
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] (1)
Reference
1. हिंदी, अप्रकाशित,15 May 1982 Calcutta
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Rich people gorged on blood
Intro: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What a horror! Such false philosophies have taught, “Well, if we exploit the people with our intellect, what’s the harm? It is also a labour to apply the intellect, and we have the right to do so!” On the basis of this argument a handful of parasites have gorged themselves on the blood of millions of people, while countless people have been reduced to living skeletons." (1)
Quiz: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?
Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, then click here for the answer.
Greedy, blood-sucking capitalists
Answer: As we know in our Proutistic outlook, Parama Purusa is seen as the Cosmic Father and all are part of His creation. Flora and fauna, plants and animals, and humans, all are part of His universal family. And we must not infringe on the rights and well-being of others, whether they be human, animal, or plant. All have their intrinsic right to live and progress. There is no scope to exploit those who are less strong or less intelligent.
Capitalism works in the exact opposite direction. Top capitalists commonly use their intellect to exploit, cheat, suppress, and oppress the masses. This is the standard approach in capitalism. Those using their intellect to profit off the backs of others are lauded.
Prout wholly rejects this greed-based approach of capitalism as immoral and unjust.
In answer the the quiz, Baba is talking about those greedy, blood-sucking capitalists.
Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14
== Section 4: Links ==
