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Sunday, March 31, 2024

AM & fanaticism + 5 more

Baba
AM & fanaticism

Namaskar,

Unfortunately, some have the wrong idea and think that we should not be strict in practicing Baba's teachings. Instead they think that we should be "moderate" in following Baba's teachings - and just loosely follow them. Here is one such account from the recent past that we must not forget:

I know of a Wt who was invited to dinner with celebrities and politicians to receive a few coins for a children's home. Apparently the soup contained onion, however that worker politely consumed the soup knowing that their [the Wts’] actions were not for their own benefit but for the children and project and of respect to the donors who had provided a tremendous gift to the project.

So the above account is glorifying the fact that a Wt left their ideal and ate something tamasik in order to please certain politicians and for the sake of getting some money. This is indeed a tragedy and the wrong way to live one's life - especially for a wholetime worker of Ananda Marga. We should never adopt such an outlook.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

What’s next: drink alcohol, eat meat?


Baba's clear-cut teaching is that we should never compromise our ideals for money, name, or fame. Otherwise what is next? Today, for the sake of money and pleasing politicians, this Wt has eaten onions, what will he do tomorrow? Drink alcohol, eat meat, smoke cigarettes, or perhaps even do something worse. Indeed, once one compromises on their ideal, there is no end to the depth of their fall.

For a few pennies, one should not leave their dharma. This is a cheap way to live and will produce no fruit. That means one can be purchased by capitalists at any time. And those capitalists will recognise this fact, and they will think that we are weak and that with money they can get us to do anything. In that way, they will tempt and purchase us each and every time. Because they will think that we are cheap and not worthy of respect. Just as some top Dadas have swerved from that path of dharma and margiis have lost respect for them. Whereas if those Dadas had been fanatical in adhering to Ananda Marga ideology, their respect would not have washed away.

So we should never do like this. To do anything great in this world and to earn the respect of others, one should be vigilant to follow their ideal. That means as Ananda Margiis - whether one is WT or margii - we should always follow His teachings. That is our main duty and that is the way to bring welfare, both to ourselves and others. That is the way to earn respect and propagate the gospel of Ananda Marga.

Think of it this way. If your surgeon is not fanatical in following medical protocol, will you rely upon him to do open heart surgery. No, never. Because you want a doctor who is fanatical, i.e. very accurate and strict, in his medical work, not one who is slack and sloppy. Similarly, fanaticism in Ananda Marga is highly valued because Ananda Marga is dharma. When any follower of Ananda Marga is very strict, i.e. fanatical, in adhering to rational teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, both they and the society-at-large are greatly benefited.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Fanatic doctor


Suppose a surgeon is not strict in following the codes of conduct and protocol for medical procedures. That surgeon is not fanatical - i.e. he is not strict but rather sloppy in his medical procedures. Then will you like to go to him for open heart surgery? No, never. Because you want a doctor who is fanatical in his medical work - very accurate and strict. That is the reason for fanaticism in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha also: because Ananda Marga teachings are rational. The followers of Ananda Marga are very strict in rational ideas whereby they, as well as the society at large, will be greatly benefited.

A boon or curse to be fanatical


Being fanatic about a particular idea or path can either be a boon or a curse - it all depends upon what one is being fanatical about. For example, being fanatical or extreme in following Ananda Marga ideology is great because by this way one will become divine; whereas, being fanatical or radical in following one of the dogmatic religions is harmful and one will become a beast.

As Ananda Margiis and disciples of Baba, we should be perfectly clear about this and not be swayed by common perspectives which preach "moderation" in following any path. Unfortunately, some misunderstand this issue and in the process even glorify those who contravene Baba's teachings on dharma by eating tamasik food etc. So we should all beware, lest we fall from the divine path of Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Religious fanatics are demonic - dharmic fanatics are assets


For centuries the common people have seen how fundamentalists and radicals in the dogmatic religions have created hell in the society. Christians have stoned people to death; Muslims have eliminated women's rights and chopped the hands of innocent people; and, there are so many other examples. That is why the general citizens always say: "Do not be radical or extreme. Such fanaticism is not good. Be moderate and tolerant in your approach." Essentially what they are saying is true: Strictly following dogmatic religious codes and edicts will cause many problems.

But what the common people do not realise is that Ananda Marga ideology is different. It has been given by Taraka Brahma and is grounded in rationality, logic, and benevolence. It is perfect, free from defect, and based in science. Our path of Ananda Marga is not an ism, but rather a scientific approach. Here below in one special discourse, Baba reveals the inner secrets of fanaticism.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is the English summary of Baba’s original Hindi teaching of General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna

 Every work needs determination, not only good works but bad also. Those who are determined to do bad work become dangerous and create terror for the world. In contrast, those who are determined to do good work become treasures for the world; no one can prevent their progress. Hence, there should also be a determination to attain Parama Purusa: "I will get Him, certainly I will get Him," like this you will get success. So, one should have this type of determination, this is a type of spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism. Religious fanaticism is bad as it leads to the formation of groups. Spiritual fanaticism (teaches), "I will do everything for the sake of ideology. Whether I live or to die for my ideology, it is the same to me. The most precious thing for me is my ideology." So, remember, only this type of determination is necessary. (English summary)


Conclusion


Baba's point is very clear. Fanaticism is needed to do anything lasting work in this world. But being a fanatic in following the dogmatic religions is very bad and one will commit untold harm, whereas being a fanatic in following the dharma of Ananda Marga ideology is a top attribution, and one will bring much welfare to the world and attain Parama Purusa.

In Him,
Indrajit

~ In-depth study ~

Why fanaticism for rational ideas is very good


Here is the English summary of Baba’s original Hindi teaching of General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna

One, who claims to be a pandit (scholar) in twenty shastras (scriptures) and is Mahamahopaddhyay (i.e.highest degree of scholarship like D. Lit.) can never realize Parama Purusa (God), but an illiterate man who does not know even the alphabet ka, kh, (in Hindi) or alif, be, pe, te (in Urdu) can get Him.

So, for this, and you know, every work needs determination, not only good works but bad also. Those who are determined to do bad work become dangerous and create terror for the world. In contrast, those who are determined to do good work become treasures for the world; no one can prevent their progress. Hence, there should also be a determination to attain Parama Purusa: "I will get Him, certainly I will get Him," like this you will get success. So, one should have this type of determination, this is a type of spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism. Religious fanaticism is bad as it leads to the formation of groups. Spiritual fanaticism (teaches), "I will do everything for the sake of ideology. Whether I live or to die for my ideology, it is the same to me. The most precious thing for me is my ideology." So, remember, only this type of determination is necessary.

This way is ok and that way is also ok, I can go forward or backward." Those who think, "Whether I should eat or not, I should do this work or not," are always doubtful. They cannot do great work. There should not be any doubt in life, no doubt at all in any field. If at any time, there is hesitation in the mind, keep one idea and remove the other by kicking it away."

[Margiis: "Baba...Baba...Baba..."]

When there are two ideas in the mind, hold onto only one and be ready to die for it. Regarding the second, third, or fourth ideas, kick and remove them from the path of your life. Do you follow?

[Margiis: "Yes."]

Become determined and strong people like this. It is said, There is only one vow of human life, and that is to get Parama Purusa. There is no other vow. The vow is only one, the great vow - to get Parama Purusa. This is the vow of life: I do not know anything else. Therefore, for this I have expressed the need for a type of spiritual fanaticism. My aim is Paramatma, my goal is Parama Purusa - not anything else. I will address Parama Purusa by a single word not two. (English summary of original Adhyamatic Unmada Kii A'vashyakata' (Hindi) in AV-28, General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna)


Wts must be strict in ideology


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Proper karma sádhaná means the strict observance of yama and niyama. The meaning of tapah is to bring comfort to others even by enduring hardship." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "To take leadership in society you must be established in Yama and Niyama in just such a strict way." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "For progress in entitative flow, one is to lead a pure life, a moralistic life, a life based on moral principles. Do not do anything bad. What is bad? Bad is that which depraves human existence. Follow a strict code of morality. Live a pure life, a neat and clean life. Be strict in 16 Points. What will happen? Your entitative flow will get purified and will be in parallelism with your psychic wave." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The path of Tantra is one of strict discipline; the disciple will have to go through strict anushásana." (4)

Sadguru Baba says, "Those who have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya [ultimate spiritual attainment]. Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own conduct are called ácáryas. Bear in mind that people may be harmed or misled by even a small weakness or defect in the conduct of an ácárya. Just as it is the duty of a father to educate his children properly by his good conduct, an ácárya or ácáryá should always instruct by his or her exemplary actions and words." (5)

Ananda Marga ideology preaches, "Strict, ideological sadvipras will be the messengers of the revolution. They will carry the message of revolution to every home in the world, to every vein and capillary of human existence. The banner of victorious revolution will be carried by them alone." (6)


Male - female relations


This is the rule for family people and the rules for Wts are more strict.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "'Unrelated men and women should not touch one another as far as possible...The more distant the relationship between men and women, the greater should be the courtesy maintained in mutual conversation and behaviour between them..." (7)


References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, The Highest Category of Devotion
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, Man and His Ideological Desideratum
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Don't Be Misguided
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, The Conduct of an Ácárya
6. Human Society - 2, Shúdra Revolution and Sadvipra Society
7. Caryacarya - 1, Social Relationship between Men and Women


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Stooges as family acaryas


Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Only those persons who are sincere, spirited and endowed with sharp intellect; and who understand and can make others understand the philosophy will be considered eligible to become acaryas." (1)

Note: Sadguru Baba’s above golden guideline is an essential component of developing a strong cadre of acaryas. Eligibility for becoming an acarya is to be based on one’s psychic and psycho-spiritual development, as well as one’s commitment to understanding and propagating Ananda Marga ideology.

Sadly, this high standard is not being upheld these days. One such avenue needing attention is the pathway for becoming a family acarya. In today’s organisational climate of extreme groupism, family acaryaships are not granted on the basis of one’s sadhana and ideological understanding. Instead, people become family acaryas only if they will blindly and obediently follow the notorious agenda of their bosses (i.e. adopt a stooge mentality), and / or if they are big financial donors to Centre etc. That is why nowadays they are fake family acaryas. 

The overall idea is that if one is willing to unquestioningly compromise on points of ideology for the sake of a particular narrow group, then one will be considered a prime candidate to be a fake family acarya. Unfortunately, this is the chief qualification these days.

To truly advance and propagate Ananda Marga ideology, our entire acarya cadre, both family and Wt acaryas, will have to be formed and based on Guru’s guideline.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Only those persons who are sincere, spirited and endowed with sharp intellect; and who understand and can make others understand the philosophy will be considered eligible to become acaryas." (2)

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Táttvika, Ácárya/á, and Purodhá
2. Caryacarya - 1, Táttvika, Ácárya/á, and Purodhá



== Section: Important Teaching ==

Plight of the poor


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “What a dangerous outlook! What a rosy philosophy of capitalism! God save humanity from such perverted philosophy. Man’s desire for worldly pleasure does not cease until he finds a really great ideal. His hunger is insatiable. The wolf in him seems to say over and over again, “I am hungry, I am hungry.” His mouth is agape all the time and the fools of the earth, resigned to their belief in predestination, are swallowed by it. These wolves eat up their flesh and blood and cast away their insipid bones. Are we to support this wolfish philosophy? The dirty-clothed laborers, their faces lined with hard labor and fatigue, are not human beings in the eyes of those who have Mammon by their side. The characteristic of a vested interest is that it has no other thought but itself. The selfish man is the eater, the others are his food. His needs are never-ending. Out of his salary the poor man has to pay his house rent, support his family, educate his children, provide milk for his baby, marry his daughters. Are those necessities only for the people of the upper classes? Are these not the minimum necessities of life? Yes, but these thoughts of the poor are no concern of the rich! Such thinking involves some sacrifice, does it not? From where would objects of luxury for the rich come, if hunger were not the hard task-master of the poor? Let the daughters of the poor collect cow-dung forever and their sons be slaves in the households of the rich. What a fine arrangement! The high hopes of the poor?–pooh! pooh!! Aren’t they all moonshine?”

“No two things in the world are alike. So I do not suggest recasting everything into one mold. Still, for humanism and justice, equitable distribution of the resources of the universe is indispensable; co-ownership of the world’s resources is the birthright of every individual. Even a small attempt at depriving someone of this right is gross selfishness. Except when a special favor becomes necessary to give certain individuals impetus and inspiration, all persons must be given equal rights and opportunities in all spheres. Every individual must have equal rights regarding food, clothing, housing, medical aid and education — those things that are absolutely necessary for existence.” (1)

References
1. Human Society-1, Social Justice


== Section: Comment ==

Re: Save your daughters

Namaskar,

It was the year of 1997. This Nabhatiitananda played dirty role in election of Bhukti pradhan to favour Late Gopal Shastry, yesman of the then center by inviting some ABC margiis of Yellamanchili. Then he became closer to one famous classical music guru of Visakhapatnam Shrii IVL Shastry, relative of Late Gopal Shastry. In the name of RAWA Nabhatiitananda organised a programme which was financed by the then BP Late Gopal Shastry. Whle doing rehearsal Nabhatiitananda allegedly had affair with one young girl who participated in RAWA programme.

After RAWA programme this WT went to Kolkata for reporting.In the meantime this girl's parents came to know that their daughter was talking over phone with this WT. On questioning, the girl revealed the name of this sanyasi. They got angry, charged Gopal Shastry who in turn informed the then center not to send him to Visakhapatnam. Otherwise he would have been beaten like anything.

It was observed he was interested in talking to ladies & once he along with Raganugananda went to one new margii's house. Margii was not present at home. They were sitting in drawing room. His wife had gone to kitchen to arrange water/refreshment for them. All on a sudden the duo entered into kitchen. Seeing such strange behaviour she managed to drive them out. Then We lost that new margii who was regular in DC.

In view of above I remember one proverb in Odia language - aja'ga' gha' dekhi hue nahin kimba' dekha'i hue nahin" means "the wound or boil in secret part of the body can neither be seen nor shown." So they are scoundrels in our organisation.

in Him,
Narayan

- Here is the link to the initial comment - Re: Save your daughters


== Section: Hindi Quote ==

मिथ्याचारी का विरोध करो, बर्दाश्त मत करो


तो, यह जो intellectuals, यही आम जनता को विभ्रान्त किए हैं | और हम बोले, क्या ? sincerity first, sincerity second, sincerity always | साधनामार्ग में sincerity सबसे बड़ी चीज़ है | और, sincerity क्या है ? Sincerity is always सत्याश्रयी | Sincerity माने ही सत्य में रहना, मज़बूत रहना | अपना आदमी हो, घर का आदमी हो | कोई सत्य से इधर-उधर हट गया, sincerity की कमी जिनमें है—उसका विरोध करो, बर्दाश्त मत करो | अपना आदमी है तो क्या है | अपना आदमी अगर असाधु है, insincere है, तो, और भी अधिक ख़तरनाक है | क्यों ? बाहर में अगर साँप रहा, वह जितना ख़तरनाक है, घर में अगर साँप घुस गया तो और भी अधिक ख़तरनाक है | इसलिए, और भी, उसका अधिक विरोध होना चाहिए |”

[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)

“If our own person or relative deviates from the truth or is lacking sincerity, oppose him, do not tolerate him. It does not matter if he is our own relative. If our own person is dishonest and insincere then he is more dangerous. Why? If there is a snake outside the house it is dangerous, but if it enters inside the house, it becomes more dangerous. Therefore he [our close person] should be opposed more strongly.” (2)

References
1. हिंदी अप्रकाशित, साधना की मुख्य बात—सत्याश्रयी बनना, Taking Shelter in Satya is the Essence of Sadhana, NP, EGD 25 November 1978 Bombay
2. Taking Shelter in Satya is the Essence of Sadhana, EGD 25 November 1978 Mumbai


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

যদি সে খুৰ উন্নত মানুষ হয়

“কিছু মানুষের হয় যে পূর্বজন্মর কথাটা হুৰহু চিত্রটাই মনে থাকে | এবং সাধারণতঃ সেইগুলো হয়, যদি সে খুৰ উন্নত মানুষ হয়, যার ইচ্ছা-মৃত্যু হয়েছে | অথবা দ্বিতীয় হয় যে মানুষটা সজ্ঞানে মরেছে | আচ্ছা, মরৰার সময় জ্ঞান ছিল | আর তৃতীয় জিনিসটা হয়, যদি সে মানুষটা accident-এ মরে থাকে | এই তিন রকম ক্ষেত্রে পর জন্মের কথাটা ভাল ভাবে মনে থাকে |” (1)

Reference
1. MGD 19 December 1978 Calcutta


== Section 3: Links ==

Life priorities in busy times + 3 more

Baba
Life priorities in busy times

Namaskar,

Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. At some point or another, everyone faces uncertain times and tough conditions that make life overwhelming. However, as Ananda Margiis, we will never be at a loss for how to proceed. Sadguru Baba has given us all the right practices and solutions, and addressed every circumstance. In one particular discourse, Baba provides us with an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are in an extremely difficult moment. (1) By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and maintain proper adjustment and equipoise, even in the most challenging and unexpected situations.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba's system: how to prioritize


So many things occur that are beyond our ability to plan for and these things take us away from our daily routine. This can happen in the case of births, deaths, tragedies, or accidents etc. It could be anything where one is so busy that they are knocked out of their normal routine and do not have time for their regular sleep, eating, bathing, and sadhana routines etc.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life becomes difficult to manage. We cannot attend to our regular duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand. It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in the best position to gain success and serve others.

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due to a dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the first thing they do is eat. This is the common way most people proceed. Or if they are plagued by more undesirable habits, they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol). But this is not the proper method. Baba's guideline is something altogether different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In His highly unique discourse, Baba gives us the following formula for how to proceed in difficult circumstances. When overwhelmed by life’s myriad of twists and turns, and when thrown from our daily routine, Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is sadhana.


Sadhana is the #1 priority


Baba instructs us that even if we have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of unforeseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5 minutes free, we should do sadhana. We are spiritual beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5 minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. Baba gives top priority to doing sadhana.


Bath is the #2 priority

If we have a little more time then we should bathe. That means if we have 10 minutes time we are to address our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath, according to the Ananda Marga system will allow us to further revitalise ourselves. In that case we will do a 5 minute bath, and reserve 5 minutes for sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Taking a nap or getting a little sleep is #3


If we have 15 minutes, Baba says we should take some time to nap. The main point is that sleep repairs the body, so taking a few minutes to nap will restore the body and settle the mind. It allows a person to come back to their normal flow - reach a state of balance. This period of napping might just be for a few minutes, but it is very important to do in comparison to eating food. So in that case, take a 5 minute bath, and then do sadhana for 5 minutes, then nap for 5 minutes.


Eating is #4


If a person has 20 minutes or more, taking food should be incorporated into the plan. Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has given in this 1966 discourse in Chennai. By eating, Baba means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly, and keeping the mind in a positive state.

So these are Baba's stepwise guidelines for how to proceed when encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from their normal routine.


A brief outline does hectic & busy period

Here is a brief outline and review of how to conduct ourselves when we get a break from a hectic and busy period.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(I) 5 MINUTES: Do sadhana only;

(II) 10 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), and do sadhana (5 min);

(III) 15 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), and take a short nap (5 min);

(IV) 20 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), eat food (5 min), and then take a short nap (5 min).

So sadhana is the #1 priority because only sadhana is listed in all the above scenarios.

If we have no time for anything else, then at least sadhana should be done. If more time is available then we can add the following duties in this order or prioritization: #2 bath -> #3 nap -> #4 food.

Much of the world's population is unaware of Baba's teaching(s) so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, they do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In that case, it is not just a single event, but their entire course of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do, they may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved one. All these things may happen in that crucial period.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind in a proper flow, whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The situation will not be compounded.


Why sadhana is first priority


By His system of prioritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives great importance to sadhana. As we know, in so many discourses Baba tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life. Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus, the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals. Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (2)

If a person is dealing with the passing of a family member or moving to a new region of the country or undergoing any sort of unexpected or big life change, then their routine may become disturbed. There might be a natural or man-made calamity such as a fire, flood, earthquake, accident, rescue and relief operations where one is deeply involved in serving others etc. Or one might be engaged in arranging a large-scale event or gathering like DMS etc.

In all such instances, one may find themselves with a shortage of time. Instead of attending to their duties in a proper manner, they may just eat food when they get a moment's opportunity. For such persons who find themselves in unexpectedly busy circumstances, Baba has given the above teaching and system of prioritization.


Conclusion

As Ananda Margiis, as disciples of a Tantric Guru, our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By this way, we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by the tenets of dharma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So always remember: first is sadhana; second is bath; third is relaxation; and, fourth is food. That is the hierarchy of importance. If we keep this system in mind and follow it, we will be in the best position to handle every and any situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhukar

~ In-depth study ~

Why methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period

 Ananda Marga ideology says, "In Tantra, sádhaná has been given the utmost importance. What is sádhaná? Sádhaná means practical effort. An effort to what? An endless effort to move towards Puruśottama, the Nucleus of the Cosmic Cycle." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "To attain Parama Puruśa, to become one with the Supreme Reality, He must be made the summum bonum of human life. But the attainment of the Supreme Reality is not possible overnight. For that the sádhaka [spiritual practitioner] will have to undergo the systematic and methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period, till every nerve-cell, nerve-fibre, every bit of his physical existence is divinized. Sádhaná, after all, is a scientific process by which the entire psycho-physical existence is divinized." (4)


How you can know everything


   Ananda Marga ideology says, "the very purpose of our human creation is to follow the true dharma; is to maintain spiritual practices in this very life, and to become one in Him. So dharma sádhaná [means that] by following dharma we follow our sádhaná, we follow our spiritual practices. By following the spiritual practices we become one with Him. That is the final victory. That is the final goal of all human beings on this planet. Men, women, everyone, we are all marching towards that unique goal. That goal has to be realized. In order to realize the goal, you have to continue your spiritual practices. You should practise what you have been asked to. So do not forget your nature. Do not try to follow animal nature. [But at the same time] you have got to eat, you have got to sleep; that is [your] nature too. Having proper restraint over your animal nature, try to follow the true human nature..."
   "So from this day you have been given the chance. Do not waste your time anymore. Do not waste your life anymore. Take it, this opportunity, and try to know that Supreme Consciousness which is in hiding. By knowing Him you know the whole universe; you know everything. That is the final goal of all of us. So dharma has to be practised in human life. Not tomorrow – today. Whether you are a family person or [a single] person, everyone will have to perform dharma sádhaná. Dharma has to be performed; sádhaná has to be performed." (5)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (Hindi), chapter 5, Discourse delivered in Chennai (25 June 1966)
2. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, Bhusuku and Brahmabháva
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná


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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: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Constantly ideate on You


"Tomár saunge mor paricaya, ekádha yuger kathá nay..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2303)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, my relationship with You is not only since the last few hundred or even a few thousand years. Nor is it only since the last one or two epochs or ages. From beginninglessness, since eternity, I have been singing Your divine glory. All along, You have been with me. With Your great compassion, I have always been under Your shelter.

Baba, ensconced in Your unparalleled love, my heart became satiated and fulfilled. All my needs and longings have become completely quenched and satisfied. Please allow my mind to constantly ideate on You, day and night always, so that I may become one with You.

Parama Purusa, my Gracious One, do not keep me distant. Always keep me close to Your lotus feet - under Your watch. Remain along with me constantly day and night, all the 24 hrs and immerse my mind with Your eternal nectar. Baba, make my life successful by utilising me all the time in various physical, mental, and spiritual works, in whatever way You like.

Baba, our intimate relation has been since the beginning of time. By Your causeless krpa', it will go on forever...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

How sadhakas are like goldsmiths

    Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Take the case of the precious metal gold. Whenever you say “gold” you refer to gold in general, the gold of the universe. To be of some practical use, the gold will have to be brought within the limitation of a certain form, such as a gold necklace, a gold bangle, or gold tiara. Women may get a certain pleasure by wearing these gold ornaments, but for the goldsmith has no practical use for them as ornaments. He is only concerned about one thing – gold. Likewise, due to the influence of the static principle, an infinite number of names and forms have emerged out of Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity. Most people enjoy using these finite names and forms, but to practical spiritual aspirants they have no special importance. Sádhakas are only interested in the original substance and not its finite forms. Thus, their only object of ideation is Parama Puruśa. They only accept Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity, as the goal of their lives, just as the goldsmith is only interested in the gold and not its different forms.”
   “How can one shake off the influence of static inertness? How can one get freedom from the bondages of names and forms? Just as the goldsmith uses a hammer and process of melting (in fire) to extract the real gold from the various ornaments, similarly a practical spiritual aspirant will have to break the bondages of names and forms in this expressed world through the cultivation of knowledge (which is mutative), devotion (which is sentient). By virtue of the heat of the fire of sádhaná and the strength derived from sustained intuitional practice, a sádhaka can overcome the static inertness, the apparent cause behind the quinquelemental universe. Life and the world will become effulgent with the resultant unfoldment of latent consciousness.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life, part 7, Form and Formless


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Discuss this topic calmly

Generally when Ananda Marga philosophy is compared with the theology of other religions, even in a respectful manner, then some uninformed people get overwhelmed.  They forget that Baba encourages respectfully pointing out the defects of various religions. See Baba’s teaching below.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others...If necessary, different views can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without being disrespectful.” (Human Society - 1, Moralism)

Due to their unawareness they think, “Do not point out any harmful things practiced by other religions.” They believe Baba forbids this. To remove their confusion, the above yellow highlighted quote may help.

Without bringing the logical point and respectful discussion of loopholes of various religions, it is not possible to open the eyes of the common people that what they are doing is wrong and harmful to them. That is why religious loopholes should be highlighted in a respectful manner.

Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Moralism


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How unbridled accumulation of material wealth is harmful

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In this socio-economic [PROUT] set-up people are at full liberty in the spiritual and mental spheres. This is possible because the spiritual and psychic entities for which people can aspire are themselves unlimited, and the extent of possession in this sphere does not hamper the progress of others in their quests. But the supply in the physical sphere is limited, and hence any effort for disproportionate or unrestricted acquisition of physical objects has every possibility of creating a vast majority of have-not’s, and thus hampering the spiritual, mental and physical growth of the larger majority. So, while dealing with the problem of individual liberty, it must be kept in view that individual liberty in the physical sphere must not be allowed to cross a limit whereat it is instrumental in hampering the development of the complete personality of human beings; and, at the same time, must not be so drastically curtailed that the spiritual, mental and physical growths of human beings are hampered.”

“Thus, the social philosophy of Ananda Marga advocates the development of the integrated personality of the individual, and also the establishment of world fraternity, inculcating in human psychology a Cosmic sentiment. The Marga advocates progressive utilization of mundane and supramundane factors of the Cosmos. The society needs a stir for life, vigour and progress, and for this Ananda Marga advocates the Progressive Utilization Theory (Prout), meaning thereby progressive utilization of all factors. Those who support this principle may be termed “Proutists”.” (1)

Reference
1. Idea & Ideology, The Cosmic Brotherhood


== Section 3: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS