Baba
Prerequisite of sadhana
Namaskar,
At dharmacakra, we repeat the Supreme Command. And one of the special teachings of our Supreme Command is: "Without yama and niyama sadhana is an impossibility." About this, people have their various perspectives. Some sadhakas think: "Yama and niyama is very easy; I am certainly following that." Or, in contrast, others think, "Yama and niyama is impossible to follow; it is too vast."
Whatever the case may be, here the main question is why has Baba given so much emphasis and importance to yama and niyama and given the warning that, "Without yama and niyama sadhana is an impossibility." The question naturally arises, "What does yama and niyama have to do with sadhana?"
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How yama & niyama linked with sadhana
There are ten components of yama and niyama. But here we are primarily concerned with one central aspect. Namely, how is yama and niyama so deeply interlinked with success in sadhana. As an experiment, let's take the point of santos'a. The practice of santos'a (mental contentment) is very important for doing proper sadhana.
When one starts sadhana the mind must be calm, quiet, and tranquil. The sadhaka should have only one single desire: To reach Parama Purusa. If prior to sadhana, the mind is flickering and the nerve cells and nerve fibres are conveying an unfavourable vibration to the mind then the mind will obviously be disturbed. One will not feel content. For example, suppose the mind receives the message that something is needed or missing, then, in place of yearning for Parama Purusa and getting Him, one gets drawn towards thinking about that mundane object. Ironically, most often these "needs", which distract one in sadhana, are trivial concerns.
For instance, a person who already has a fully functional motorcycle may dream of getting a fancier motorcycle; and, a person with a proper computer may long for getting the latest laptop etc. The reason is that in materialistic communities, stature and importance are given to mundane objects; in turn, people yearn for those things. Generally they do not really need those items - just they are allurements imposed from society. People latch onto the desire to accumulate. All this Baba has beautifully described at length in various darshans and discourses.
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One other interesting feature is this: Those living in so-called poor countries "need" less than those living in so-called rich countries. Reason being that they are content with what little they have; whereas, people in so-called wealthy regions have what they need, but, side by side, think they need 20 times more.
Relationship between bank account & spirituality
The question arises, “Does the amount of money one has indicate their spiritual inclination or degree of santos’a?” And the answer is “yes”, but it must be qualified:
(a) If someone is of modest means and repeatedly rejected high-powered financial jobs in order to pursue a yogic lifestyle then clearly that person’s life is guided by their spiritual inclination. Because their mental feeling is that, “I do not need more money; I only need Parama Purusa.”
(b) If a person spent their entire adult life pursuing business opportunities in hopes of earning more and more money, then it is apparent that person is not inclined towards spirituality because they were a beggar and yearned for money their entire life. The dominant idea in their psyche is that, “I need to increase my income - I need to make more money.”
(c) If a person became wealthy due to an inheritance etc, and they spend most of their time in service and sadhana, then we can understand this person is keen to lead a spiritual life. In their inner mind they think, “What can money do for me - nothing, only I should dedicate myself towards realizing and serving Parama Purusa.”
(d) If a person was highly successful on Wall Street but later on rejected the financial sector and began leading a truly meditative, service-oriented life, then it is clear that person has been transformed and they are indeed on the path of spirituality. In their mind they think, “I have no need for money, rather what money I have I will use in service of others, and I shall dedicate my time for dharma sadhana.”
The key point in this equation is what is the dominant idea in their mind. If they feel they do not need money and instead feel they need Parama Purusa, then that person is fully immersed in santos’a. One’s mental feeling is the main thing. So the inherited dollar figure in one’s bank account is not the sole indicator if someone is leading a spiritual life or not, rather the operative factor is what is their quality of mind in the present moment, and what ideas do they harbour and yearn for in life.
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True santosa
The key point in this equation is what is the dominant idea in their mind.
(a) If they feel they do not need money and instead feel they need Parama Purusa, then that person is fully immersed in santos’a.
(b) One’s mental feeling is the main thing.
(c) So the inherited dollar figure in one’s bank account is not the sole indicator if someone is leading a spiritual life or not, rather the operative factor is what is their quality of mind in the present moment, and what ideas do they harbour and yearn for in life.
(d) If however, one has been greedy for and hoarding huge money their entire life - and still they feel they need more - then that is clearly against the code of santosa. Again here the main point is the driving idea in the mind.
(e) The only way to experience true santosa is if one feels, "I just need Parama Purusa."
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Conclusion: who is rich
The conclusion is that in order to do proper sadhana yama and niyama are needed. Although all the points of yama and niyama are very important, santosa has its own special beauty. Real satisfaction in life comes with the wealth of santosa. Devoid of this wealth, even a king becomes like a beggar: always terribly hungry, desiring more and more material things.
So this is the secret. That is why Baba says: Who is rich? Those who have santos'a. And who is poor? Those who do not have santosa. That is the real definition of rich and poor. But those who are confused do not think in this way; rather, they calculate this based on their bank balance.
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But the spiritual approach for determining who is wealthy is based on how much a person thinks they need. If someone does not need anything, they are the most wealthy person. And, if they need more and more things, they are a beggar. That is a beautiful definition. It has nothing to do with how much money one actually has. It depends on one's psychic outlook and spiritual realisation. So we should never forget Baba's special teaching that santosa and aparigraha are inextricably linked together and both are highly needed for doing better sadhana.
Namaskar,
In Him,
Ananda
Human beings always want more
To teach sadhakas, Baba has given the example of animals and insects. Day and night bees collect honey; yet, they do not need such a massive amount of honey. Even they have more than they can store, as the extra honey is oozing out from the honeycomb. There is a huge overflow, yet those honey bees are restless and desperate to collect more honey. In contrast, dogs are easily satisfied with the food they get. They do not spend their life collecting food which they will never use.
As human beings, we actually need very few things to survive. After all, how much can one eat? But people collect so many food items - far more than they can ever eat. And, ultimately, it becomes rotten. Likewise, just a small place is needed to live. The human body is 6 feet long and certainly not more than 7 feet tall. But people are restless to acquire larger domiciles and houses. To this end, they are willing to indulge in cheating and deception - and worse. Or they just waste their whole life hankering for that big house and in the end they die.
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The basic theorem is that when the nerves send negative vibrations to the mind; the mind becomes restless. If someone thinks, “I need more prestige and respect”, an unfavourable message gets sent to the mind. And this makes the mind jumpy, uncomfortable, and unhappy. One can look at those running after worldly allurements as a mad dog. By seeing their situation, one can easily understand how restless and uncomfortable they are. In such a condition, sadhana is completely impossible.
What is needed to begin sadhana
To start sadhana, the mind needs a basic level of tranquility and composure. It needs to be balanced. This is the prerequisite factor. The message from the nerves should be given to the mind: "I do not need anything; I have enough. Whatever material things I have are enough; more than that I do not need. I need only Parama Purusa."
When the mind gets this type of message from the nerves then the mind feels calm and quiet and it is ready to do sadhana. And in the opposite case, the mind remains restless and disjointed. To do proper sadhana the mind should be fed a positive message: "I do not need anything; I have enough. Whatever material things I have is enough; more than that I do not need. I need only Parama Purusa." And that positive message is only possible when one has santos'a.
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One interesting thing which Baba tells us is that without aparigraha, achieving a state of santosa is just a dream - i.e. it is impossible. So we can say that aparigraha and santosa are intimately linked together. If one wants to follow santos'a they have to follow aparigraha strictly. And if one is already following aparigraha then maintaining santos'a is easy.
So one has to train their mind that, "I do not need useless things; my needs are limited." Sadhakas should not blindly copy people from the general society on the point of mundane acquisition. If one keeps the Goal in the mind, and if one thinks, “I am a human being and I have come here to reach Parama Purusa”, then success in sadhana is sure.
Key points for success
To this end here are some key points to keep in mind:
(a) life is very short;
(b) material possessions are not the aim of life;
(c) there are also the psychic and spiritual realms;
(d) spiritual wealth is the most significant attribution;
(e) only spiritual wealth remains with you life after life. That is the special nature of spiritual wealth.
If these types of ideas are fed to the mind by auto-suggestion then the practice of aparigraha becomes far easier. And when aparigraha is easy and attained, then one will not unnecessarily run to accumulate worldly things at the cost of their spiritual practice. In that case, the feeling of santosa arises; and, when there is santosa, the mind will receive the favourable message: "I am satisfied; I do not need anything, I need only Parama Purusa." With this strength and pointedness the sadhaka will then yearn for Parama Purusa and sadhana will be blissful, by His grace.
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Ananda Marga ideology states, "On your plane of morality, there are two divisions: psycho-physical emanation and physico-psychic movement. In Sanskrit, this psycho-physical emanation is called Yama and physico-psychic movement is called Niyama." (1)
~ In-depth study ~
When one is truly established in santosa, then all mundane things become like the dust of the earth. One must not forget this guideline from Baba. By this way, one can really understand if they have a deep sense of santosa or not. If one has true santosa then this idea must come. Next Baba says that without santosa - if one is aimlessly running after crude desires - then they cannot maintain a peaceful or balanced mind.
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Santos'a, therefore, means a state of proper ease. Contentment is not at all possible if the individual is running after carnal pleasures like a beast. As a result of extroversal analysis, the objects of enjoyments go on increasing both in number and abstraction and that is why one's mental flow never gets any rest. Under such circumstances how can one attain perfect peace of mind?" (2)
In the following teaching Baba shows how without aparigraha one cannot achieve a state of mental ease and satisfaction.
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Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Millionaires want to become multimillionaires, because they are not satisfied with their million. Ask the millionaires if they are happy with their money. They will say, 'Where is the money? I am somehow pulling on'. This answer indicates their ignorance of aparigraha. But such feelings have another adverse effect on body and mind." (3)
And if anyone reads “A Guide to Human Conduct”, they will find many more quotes on the importance of both santosa and aparigraha.
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
2. A Guide to Human Conduct, Santośa
3. A Guide to Human Conduct, Santośa
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Engrossed in ephemeral pleasures
"Tumi pather dhu'loya nebechile, shudhu a'ma're upare tulite..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1384)
Purport:
My Parama Purusa, You came down on this dusty path only for lifting me up; it is Your grace. You have done so many things for me, yet I remain oblivious about You. Even then You do not mind and You go on blessing me.
Baba, You made the path beautiful and lit the lamp to make my spiritual pathway crystal clear. On both sides of the path there was the chasm of vanity. In my blindness, I deviated and fell into that abyss. I did not use my eyes to see properly. Instead, I was covering my eyes with both of my hands and I kept moving until inevitably I lost the way and fell down into the deep, dark gorge of dogma.
Baba, You then guided me and told, “Look towards the path and be fixed on the Goal.” And You also told me that with a pointed mind I should love that Ista, Taraka Brahma. But I did not care and instead remained oblivious and indulged in my lustful pursuits. I was completely engrossed in ephemeral pleasures in the mirage of my temporary and useless hobbies - even then You saved me.
Baba, You descended on this dusty earth to lift me up from the dungeon and onto Your lap. You are so very gracious....
"Tumi pather dhu'loya nebechile, shudhu a'ma're upare tulite..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1384)
Purport:
My Parama Purusa, You came down on this dusty path only for lifting me up; it is Your grace. You have done so many things for me, yet I remain oblivious about You. Even then You do not mind and You go on blessing me.
Baba, You made the path beautiful and lit the lamp to make my spiritual pathway crystal clear. On both sides of the path there was the chasm of vanity. In my blindness, I deviated and fell into that abyss. I did not use my eyes to see properly. Instead, I was covering my eyes with both of my hands and I kept moving until inevitably I lost the way and fell down into the deep, dark gorge of dogma.
Baba, You then guided me and told, “Look towards the path and be fixed on the Goal.” And You also told me that with a pointed mind I should love that Ista, Taraka Brahma. But I did not care and instead remained oblivious and indulged in my lustful pursuits. I was completely engrossed in ephemeral pleasures in the mirage of my temporary and useless hobbies - even then You saved me.
Baba, You descended on this dusty earth to lift me up from the dungeon and onto Your lap. You are so very gracious....
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How Vedas were lost & saved
Ananda Marga teachings state, “Even though the preservation of the Vedas through memorization was made somewhat easier by this tripartite division, it was still a difficult matter. Thereafter the song-predominant portions were collected together and arranged according to their relative antiquity. In many cases, in addition to this time-wise division, an attempt was made to classify the songs according to their metres. Despite making it easier in this way to preserve the Vedas by memorization, they were still on the verge of being erased from the canvas of memory. At one point, after close examination, it was found that many important portions had disappeared – permanently disappeared, never to return again. At that time, a group of pandits from Kashmir disregarded their age-old inhibitions in order to save the Vedas from destruction and set them down in writing for the first time in the old Sáradá script of that region.” (1)
Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 3, Disc: 15
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
हेे बाबा! तुमने मेरे जीवन को तृप्त कर दिया है।प्रभात सङ्गीत 4471 जे गान तोमाके शोनाई तुमी की शोनो ना प्रियो.....
(जो साधक साधना का छठवाँ पाठ नहीं करता, वह यह गाना नहीं समझ सकता )
भावार्थ
हेे मेरे प्रियतम बाबा ! जो गाना मैं तुम्हारे लिए गाता हूँ, तमको सुनाता हूँ , क्या तुम उन गीतों को नहीं सुनते हो ? मेरे हृदय से निकले उन पुकार गीतों को तुम क्या अनसुना कर देते हो ? मेरे हृदय की भावनाओं और प्रेम से भरे मेरे उन गीतों की क्या तुम कोई चिंता ही नहीं करते ?
हे परमपुरुष ! इस धरती पर खिलने वाले फूल, हमेशा अपनी सुगन्ध को चारों ओर बिखेरते हैं। परन्तु जब वे धूल में पड़े रो रहे होते हैं, तब उन्हें क्या अनदेखा किया जा सकता है ? क्या उन्हें यों ही भुला दिया जाना चाहिए ?
हे मेरे प्रभु , मेरे बाबा ! शब्द , स्पर्श , रूप , रस और गन्ध से भरकर तुमने मेरे जीवन को तृप्त कर दिया है। फिर कभी यदि तुम मुझे भिखमँगा बना दो, तो मुझ भिखारी की बात भी कभी-कभी याद कर लेना।
हे बाबा ! हे परमपुरुष ! कृपा कर मेरे हृदय से निकले गीतों को सुन लीजिए ।
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Today's leadership crisis
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The behaviour of the respected and elder persons in society is an example and ideal for others; it is followed and imitated by the succeeding generations as well. Today there is catastrophe and misery in human society and there is one reason: the defective leadership of society. People blindly follow even unintelligent leaders. The leaders hypnotize and attract thousands with their tall talks, gestures and other dramatics. Understand that the poverty and misery of any people in any country are the sins of the leaders. True leaders should always be vigilant and think how to work best for human society: they must be ever cautious that under their guidance the people are not led to darkness, death and immorality." (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya
== Section 3: Links ==
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