Baba
Guru mantra story
Namaskar,
Baba has always done various types of demonstrations to give us a hands-on look regarding the subtle, invisible ways of spirituality. Using various mantras and forces of tantra, Baba would (a) withdraw the life-force from the human body and then make the body come back to life, (b) have sadhakas grab His toe to see others' past lives, or (c) use His cane to reverse an otherwise incurable disease. All these demonstrations, Baba has done to show us that spiritual force is something real, not something imaginary.
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Because without that, a very new margii might possibly think that spirituality is just something make-believe because they cannot see its true effect or physical manifestation. It is just like certain how illiterate Indian villagers refuse to send their children to school because there does not seem to be any practical benefit of going to school all day and getting an education, since the child does not return home with anything tangible per se. Whereas if their child does not go to school and instead stays home then that small boy or girl can collect a whole bundle of sticks during the course of the day. When comparing these two outcomes, the villager concludes that it is far more beneficial for the child to stay at home and collect sticks etc, because going to school does not yield any tangible fruit.
Similar is the case with spirituality. If people do not see any tangible, practical result in the external world from their mantra japa, then a very new person might think it is useless or just a waste of time. That is why people are prone to follow avidya tantric gurus who say a mantra and magically make Rolex watches appear out of the thin air etc. Because those followers see some so-called practical result. In His own manner, Baba would regularly put forth demonstrations and practical examples to show us that spirituality is the most subtle and powerful force in this universe. And this below story works in this very direction to teach us the inner value and special force of practicing 2nd lesson.
Meaning of ista mantra & Guru mantra
By the Ista mantra the sadhaka is 'lovingly calling' Parama Purusa and in the Guru mantra the sadhaka is remembering that 'He is watching me'. These are the beautiful ways Baba has described these mantras. So in our life on the path of bhakti, we are to practice these two mantras accordingly. In the repetition of the Ista mantra one is calling out to Parama Purusa in a deeply loving and personal way. And by Guru mantra one recalls His ever-present gaze, helping to keep Him in mind in their daily actions and spiritual life. Guru mantra does not mean the mantra Guru uses, but rather here the term “Guru” means that this mantra is very significant and very important for the practitioner.
Why madhuvidya’ before every work
It is understood that second lesson, Guru mantra, madhuvidya, and brahmacarya are all one and the same. Baba's guideline is that Guru mantra should be taken before doing any work. That does not just mean taking second lesson before performing an initiation or before starting a long journey. Rather we are to do second lesson always - before each and every action. Before bathing, before going to work, before making any small or big decision, before sleep etc. Always.
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So that means upon waking up one should repeat Guru mantra, then it should be repeated before attending to natural call, before washing your hands, before taking bath, before doing asanas, before eating food, before washing the dishes, before getting dressed, before answering the phone, before going on the bus, before your meeting, before going the the store, before buying anything, before exiting the store, before calling a friend, before preparing food, before reading an article - in all times and before all activities one must ideate and repeat their Guru mantra. By this way, sadhakas develop the right habit and feel His divine vibration before starting any work, big or small.
Some dogmatic communities think that one should only repeat their mantra when involved in certain works, but that it should not be repeated while on the toilet (commode), or when picking up garbage etc. But in Ananda Marga, we do not adhere to such distinctions. One's mantra should be used in all circumstances. So in Ananda Marga, we repeat our mantra before each and every activity. A new margii may feel that it is just something ritualistic and not very meaningful. With practice, however, they will learn.
Some of our acaryas feel that already their lives are "fully dedicated for Baba" then in that case what is the need to practice all the lessons. They were thinking that, 'Already my life is holy' etc. Such is the misunderstanding of a few dadas. Baba wants to teach us that we are always to keep the mind absorbed in spiritual ideation, and that second lesson is one of the best ways to do this. And by so doing, all kinds of negative microvita get destroyed and we will be protected. That is also one of the benefits. And that is what the below story also highlights.
Before entering Baba's room
It was the general style that Baba would go to the hall to carry out reporting. This happened for years and years; and then in the latter era, around 1989-90, Baba would call people to His room for conducting reporting. All along it was understood that it was Baba's rule that one must do second lesson when entering His room, or wherever He was holding reporting.
On many occasions during various reporting sessions or even general darshan, Baba would lovingly point out how a particular person did not repeat their Guru mantra upon entering. Baba would explicitly state their name(s), and make them stand in front of everyone. The goal in all of this was to get people habituated to using their Guru mantra consistently before doing any work.
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From time to time, Baba told that if anyone did not repeat Guru mantra then they would have to face the consequences. So it was everyone's long-standing habit to repeat their Guru mantra when entering Baba's room or place of reporting. This was especially the case with PA Dada and the various central workers who were regularly around Baba. It became part of their life to automatically repeat their second lesson when walking into Baba's room or any other place where Baba was.
Baba's divine liila: what happened that day
Then one day, Baba called several Dadas for reporting in His room, and one of the Dadas in that group was usually posted in a far away place. He was a senior Dada no doubt, but since this Dada was not usually around Baba, it was not his habit nor was he consciously aware about the long-standing rule to repeat Guru mantra before entering Baba's room, or wherever Baba was conducting reporting.
So when reporting was called, then all the regular Dadas repeated their Guru mantra upon entering, but this other Dada just walked into the room without taking second lesson. Immediately, that Dada fell on the ground unconscious. No one could revive him. He was just lying there lifelessly on the floor of Baba's room, near the entryway.
Baba immediately expressed His feigned fury towards all the Dadas present for not reminding and warning this other Dada about the dangers of not repeating Guru mantra when entering His room. Baba lovingly scolded them again and again for being remiss in reminding him. Because now this Dada was basically dead on the floor. This liila’ continued for several minutes and all the Dadas stood there silently - accepting Baba's rebuke.
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Finally Baba lovingly said, “What shall I do - shall I save him?”
Then all the Dadas replied, “Yes, yes, Baba, please save him.”
Then in His divine liila, in a playful manner, Baba then countered: “But do you not understand that this boy committed a sin by not repeating Guru mantra before entering the room. Should he not get punishment for this?”
The room once again became quiet.
Then Baba said, “Now who is advocating that he should be saved.”
No one replied; none of the Dadas came forward. The room was silent.
(Those Dadas were thinking that Baba wanted this Dada to be punished; so they kept silent thinking that they were complying with Baba's wish.)
Then, with His magical charm, while smiling at everyone, Baba again turned the tables, “You are all worthless! Someone is suffering terribly and lying on the floor nearly dead and you do not think that he should be saved. Have you no compassion! Have you no shame! You are all worthless human beings.”
Then quickly the Dadas all spoke up and begged Baba again and again to please save their fellow Dada. They understood Baba's liila’ and loving manner.
And accordingly Baba was gracious and that Dada was saved, i.e. he was granted life and became completely normal once again.
Very practical & very powerful
This was Baba's special way of teaching everyone that second lesson is something very practical and very powerful and that it should be incorporated into our life - before we undertake any action. This is the very clear-cut lesson Baba was giving through this above scene. And everyone present understood and never forgot it.
So none should become lazy or remiss in any of their spiritual duties. Rather we are to always remember that Guru's grace is everything and by taking second lesson we are automatically remembering Him and getting His grace. And by that way, we are protected from so many negative forces. Because, our Ananda Marga siddha mantras are the most potent force in the universe as they are empowered by Gurushakti - Guru's infinite grace.
From the above story we should always remember to repeat our Guru mantra - before each and every thought and before each and every actions-- no matter how big or small. Always we should repeat our second lesson mantra.
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Conclusion
By Baba's grace through the regular and proper use of Guru mantra our mind will always be in a positive flow - ensconced in His bliss. In that case, no harm can come to us.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You should remember to use guru mantra regularly before every action. One attains success in the field of action by the right application of guru mantra. Some of you, I do not say all, often forget to use guru mantra before starting an activity. If you do forget, repeat it after completing the action. When one no longer makes such a mistake, that is, when one always remembers to use guru mantra...one experiences an unbroken flow of bliss in one’s mind." (1)
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Mahadeva
~ In-depth study ~
Feigned anger?
The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Sadguru Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never becomes angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach and impress upon others the severity of a particular situation. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious etc. Just He would pretend to be angry externally in order to lovingly guide His bhaktas.
Relevant quotes on Guru mantra & Guru's grace
By second lesson, by repeating Guru mantra, we remember our Goal and enter the abode of Brahma. That is Baba's special guideline.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "One should move ahead in one’s mission after determining one’s goal. Once the goal is fixed there remains almost no possibility, of error; hence you should always remember your goal. But once you fall into the trap of error it leads to danger. This is the reason why I advise people to remember their guru mantra, to always remain aware of the goal. The souls of those people who practice sa'dhana' in this way enter the abode of Brahma." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "When you conduct your worldly activities, beginning with buying supplies from the ration shop, buying tickets for a sporting event or buying a railway ticket, everything is fraught with anxieties. Whatever you do, repeat your Guru mantra in your mind. In other words, while doing your work take the name of Parama Puruśa so that your action will be sanctified. If you find that you are not in a position to do anything else, then sing kiirtana loudly. In this way you will always remain close to Lord." (3)
Main dharma vs secondary dharma
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "All dharmas have upadharmas [secondary characteristics]. Human life is no exception. For example, to provide for your family you require some sort of employment – be it agriculture, trading or business – you have to keep the house clean, feed everyone, and so on. These are the secondary characteristics included within the fundamental human dharma. What normally happens in human life? People get caught up in the secondary characteristics. For instance, when eating delicious food people often say “How good it tastes! But if it only had a bit more spice in it, then it would taste even better.” Being engrossed in the secondary dharma, people all too easily deviate from their main dharma. In ancient India, the usual custom was to offer a part of one’s meal to God before eating it. The spirit was, “May I remember You with every bit of food.” In Ananda Marga there is a system of applying guru mantra before commencing any action. The psycho-philosophy behind guru mantra is to transform the secondary dharma into the primary dharma at the psychic level. If this were not done then one’s secondary dharma would predominate. Much precious time is wasted by those who follow their secondary dharmas." (4)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "“Brahmacaryam” – that is “moving in Brahma while eating”. What sort of eating? The person is getting all sorts of physical, psychic and supra-psychic pabula from the Cosmic Body of Brahma. Thus he who is moving in Brahma with the help of his second lesson, guru mantra, is brahmacárii. He always remembers the fact that all his movements are within the Cosmic Body of Brahma." (5)
How to acquire immense power
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose, there is a drop of water in an ocean. When the drop feels its unity with the ocean, the drop no longer remains as a drop, it becomes the ocean. But when it feels its separation from the ocean, it is nothing but a drop of water. So, when a human being feels his/her unity with the Supreme Lord and feels that he/she is not an ordinary person, but the blessed child of the Supreme Father and when becomes one with him, then he/she is no longer an ordinary person. He/she acquires immense power, immense vitality, infinite vitality and this is your Yoga in the physical sphere. You should always remember that a man or a woman is an ordinary person when separated from the Supreme Father, but he/she becomes Supreme when one with the Supreme. This we do with the help of our Guru Mantra. This is Yoga in the physical sphere." (6)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the case of a psychic disease or when one gets afraid while coming in contact with those luminous bodies or recreated minds, those preśitamánasas, what is the medicine? The medicine is, do kiirtana or devotional chanting. Do kiirtana for one minute or repeat your guru mantra, and that “ghost” will instantly vanish into thin air. So under no circumstances should you be afraid." (7)
What to do before setting out on a journey
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Now I think there are so many graduates amongst you, and doctors – if you are asked to appear for the examination, the medical final, will you be able to pass just now? No. You have forgotten everything. Your smrti, that is, your memory, will not help you. The smrti has become – what? Very dilute, very faint, due to constant waning. What should be the best smrti? I think your ácáryas told you that you should repeat and recite …..Internally, Iśt́a mantra and guru mantra." (8)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "If people become more and more regular in the application of their guru mantra, then on one hand they will be able to perform more and more physical activities, and at the same time they will be able to avoid creating new saḿskáras (reactive momenta). Regarding vipáka it can also be said that human beings must treat all the objects of this universe in the proper perspective as the various expressions of Parama Puruśa, and learn how to apply madhuvidyá even while discharging their mundane duties." (9)
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall not take into account the dates and stars while setting out on a journey. You may, as necessary, set out for your destination after ascribing Brahma-hood to your journey through guru mantra. If you are to consult the dates and stars at every step, you are to carry an almanac with you all the time – something which is truly contrary to nature." (10)
References
1. Ananda Vacnamrtam - 7, 'An Exemplary Life'
2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
4. Namami Krsnasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Dvaetaváda (Discourse 18)
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Glory of Pranava
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, What is Yoga
7. Yoga Psychology, Are Ghosts Hallucinations
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Ideological Flow and the Eight-fold Path
9. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11
10. Caryacarya - 1, Commencing A Journey
Plagiary?
Demons devoid of spirituality
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “In the most developed minds, an infinite thirst becomes awakened. By attaining the supreme rank of Brahma – bliss personified – that infinite thirst can be quenched. The sustained effort to attain that blissful state is called dharma sádhaná. But if human beings do not find the proper way to satisfy their thirst, they go astray. That is, those who do not follow the spiritual path may perform harmful actions at any time. Even those whom society respects as intelligent or learned may, in reality, be no better than “polished satans”, or what the scriptures call “demons”. Our modern society is full of such people. They talk about universalism like parrots. They have no defined ideology in their individual and collective lives, and merely dedicate themselves to the deception of the human race as they strive to serve their petty self-interests by any means, fair or foul. We cannot expect any beneficial contribution from them.” (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life in a Nutshell Part 8, Sadhana
It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:
1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).
2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story:
“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”
This will be treated as the standard protocol.
* * *
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: Important Teaching ==
Demons devoid of spirituality
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “In the most developed minds, an infinite thirst becomes awakened. By attaining the supreme rank of Brahma – bliss personified – that infinite thirst can be quenched. The sustained effort to attain that blissful state is called dharma sádhaná. But if human beings do not find the proper way to satisfy their thirst, they go astray. That is, those who do not follow the spiritual path may perform harmful actions at any time. Even those whom society respects as intelligent or learned may, in reality, be no better than “polished satans”, or what the scriptures call “demons”. Our modern society is full of such people. They talk about universalism like parrots. They have no defined ideology in their individual and collective lives, and merely dedicate themselves to the deception of the human race as they strive to serve their petty self-interests by any means, fair or foul. We cannot expect any beneficial contribution from them.” (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life in a Nutshell Part 8, Sadhana
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! तुम्हें छोड़कर मेरा कोई नहीं है |
प्रभात सङ्गीत 2566 पुण्येर भार नेइ को आमार ।
बाबा, मेरे पास कोई पुण्य-बल नहीं है, पुण्य की पूँजी नहीं है | सिर्फ़ तुम्हारी करुणा का ही सहारा है | सरल और सीधे मन से मैं तुम्हारी कृपा की भीख माँग रहा हूँ | तुम्हारी कृपा के बिना कुछ भी नहीं हो सकता |
बाबा, तुम्हारी वराभयमुद्रा की छत्र-छाया ही मेरा एकमात्र आश्रय है | हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! तुम्हें छोड़कर मेरा कोई नहीं है | मेरे जीवन की शुरुआत सञ्चर धारा के अङ्कुरण से शुरू हुई | तभी से मैं सदा तुम्हारी छत्र-छाया में हूँ | मेरे जीवन की प्रशान्ति तुमसे मिलकर एक होने में है | वही मेरा महान मरण होगा | और, उसी में मेरी परमागति होगी, इस संसार में मेरे आने और इस संसार से जाने की समाप्ति होगी |
बाबा, तुम्हारी करुणा मिलने पर ही मेरे जीवन में आनन्द की धारा बहती है | और आनन्द कहाँ ? कहीं नहीं है | जो भी मेरे जीवन का सुख है, वह तुम्हारी करुणा का ही परिणाम है | तुमको भूलकर ज़िन्दा रहने में बहुत कष्ट है, जीवन असार, सूखा और दुःखी है |
बाबा, मेरे हृदय में तुमने जो अध्यात्म विद्या, और भक्ति की वीणा बजाई है | वह संसार के सभी अमृतों से भी अधिक मधुर और मन को पागल बना देनेवाली है | मेरे अस्तित्व को तुम में खो देनेवाली है |
References
1. Hindi purport translated by Gopii from original English purport by Ananda Marga Universal.
2. Sadguru Baba says (in GD, Delhi, 26 Feb 1984) that when writing a Prabhat Samgiita purport then very simple words should be used so that the common mass may understand. The above Hindu purport has been written according to that guideline.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Way to purify the kosas
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The paincakośas shall have to be perfected, but how is it possible? They can be consummated only through the practice of yama and niyama [and the various lessons of sadhana]. The annamaya kośa is perfected through asanas (physical postures). Yama and niyama sádhana perfect the kámamaya kośa. The manomaya Kośa is perfected through pránáyáma. Through pratyáhára the atimánasa kośa is perfected. The vijinánmaya kośa is perfected through dhárańá and the hirańmaya kośa through dhyána. Only dhyána samádhi gives access to the soul. Pious persons are those who are earnest in their efforts to perfect the paincakośa. Human existence consists of the five kośas and spiritual practice is eightfold. This spiritual practice is Dharma. That which does not provide for the explanation of the paincakośa is not Dharma, but sectism." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology says, "The loka above this where the hiran'maya kos'a (subtle causal mind) is established is what we call devarloka (satya loka). When sa'dhakas merge their petty I-feeling from the realm of the devarloka (where this I-feeling is not very much evident) -- into the bearing of the Great, they establish themselves fully in Sagun'a Brahma (Qualified Consciousness -- the collectivity of Parama'tman, Macrocosm and Microcosm). In this loka, if the whole of the I-feeling (asmita) is shattered and merged in Purus'a, the unit attains total identification with Nirgun'a Brahma (Unqualified or Objectless Consciousness). This loka is the satyaloka -- this indeed is the Brahmaloka. The one who is established in this loka is alone the Brahman'a (Bra'hmin')." (2)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Invocation of the Supreme
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 4
== Section 3: Links ==
