Search This Blog

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Supporting sadhana + 3 more

Baba
Supporting sadhana 

Namaskar,

This letter examines some key characteristics related with the 3rd and 5th lessons of Ananda Marga sadhana, including how these two lessons can be incorporated more into daily life.


Every free minute for spiritual practice

The life of a sadhaka is dynamic. There are a variety of mundane works and worldly duties to attend to: work, travel, social service, meetings, farming, family, meals, etc. Plus, Baba's eternal guideline is to spend a maximum amount of time in spiritual pursuits: sadhana, kiirtan etc.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "If you have even only one minute's time, do kiirtan for one minute...your sa'dhana' will attain the height of spiritual fulfilment." (1)

So by this we can understand that Baba's main emphasis is that despite worldly schedules a maximum amount of time should be allocated for spiritual practice. Basically we should do sadhana whenever and wherever possible, as that propels us up to the height of human glory. Here following are some suggestions on how to increase time in meditation despite having a busy and often unpredictable routine.

When we can't sing or after a meal


Apart from our specially designated twice daily sadhana regimen, often we get moments of free time throughout the day that can be utilised for spiritual endeavours. For example, sometimes we might attend a conference or a meeting, and before the speaker begins we may have a free minute or two.

Other times, we may be sitting and waiting for a friend or an associate. Or it might be during a short break in the planting season. Invariably we get pockets of time that can be transformed into spiritual moments. The question is what practice should be done when, and how to best utilise these small pockets of time. Kiirtan is an ideal way to spiritualise many small pockets of time. And Baba guides us in this manner as well.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Instead of wasting your time in gossiping, in useless idle pursuits, you should do kiirtana even for two minutes or five minutes, whenever you get the opportunity...So do kiirtana, sing kiirtana, chant kiirtana, whenever and wherever possible." (2)

So kiirtan is an ideal way to fill the gaps throughout the day. Yet not all times are conducive for singing kiirtan or Prabhat Samgiita - such as when in certain public venues or in areas where we must be quiet, such as a library or research center etc. Spiritual chanting is not always an option, but in that circumstance one can do mantra japa or short dhyana.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But other times, such as after a meal or light fare etc, one might think that sadhana is not an option. It is well-known that doing sadhana on an empty stomach is best - optimal. Nonetheless, when we find ourselves with free time after having recently completed a meal, even then there are two lessons that can be properly practiced. And that is the focus of this letter.


When third & fifth lessons are best

Despite having taken food, third lesson (tattva dharana) and fifth lesson (cakra shodhana) can still be practiced. This is one of the unique qualities of these two lessons. Certainly, that does not mean one should specifically plan to eat and then do 3rd and 5th lessons.

Rather sometimes we are in circumstances that are suited to doing sadhana, even if we just ate. For instance, if after food one is traveling on the train and has no other work, or if one is sitting and waiting for someone, one may compromise on which posture they sit in for sadhana as they had no opportunity to take proper rest after eating food. It is good to do half-sadhana (repeat ista mantra) after food; the main reason is that usually after food if one does full sadhana then they often fall asleep. If on certain occasions a sadhaka has some time after food and they want to utilise it for sadhana then can do 3rd & 5th as one will not fall asleep.

Here the matter is that in the course of a busy schedule, when free time arises after a meal, then a very good option is to 3rd and 5th lesson to best utilise the time. By this way the mind will regain freshness and one will maintain psychic equipoise. Both third and fifth lessons infuse spiritual shakti - keeping body and mind vibrant.

Senior acarya diary offers very pointed and clear distinctions with regards to the practice and visualisation techniques for these two lessons - as well as the use of mantra. If you are not aware about these distinctions then definitely bring this up with your acarya, or talk to a sadhana-oriented Wt in your area. Knowing the proper technique will enable you to practice both 3rd and 5th lesson in a better way, by His grace. And these lessons are unique in that even after food they can be practiced.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

No doubt, 1st and 6th lessons are the main mediation lessons of our Ananda Marga sahaja yoga system, but after taking food, it is not easy to practice those lessons. Often one will feel sleepy or groggy and be unable to concentrate properly. In that case the best option is to do 3rd or 5th lesson. Because even with food in the stomach, one can do both 3rd and 5th lessons. This is one way to maximize one's day for sadhana. If one is not encumbered by having recently taken food, then naturally one can select any meditation lesson they like.

Unique aspects of third & fifth lessons


The main point is that third and fifth lessons help charge the mind and spiritualise one's existence. So due to life circumstances - such as having recently taken food etc, when one is unable to do one of our more advanced lessons like iishvara pranidhan and dhya'na, then doing 3rd or 5th lesson is an excellent use of the time. When we get more time or when the body is better prepared for meditation, then we can do other lessons.

If we do 3rd and 5th lessons multiple times throughout the day that will keep the mind pointed and make all the other lessons better. Thus even when doing 3rd and 5th lessons throughout the day, one should be vigilant in sitting down twice daily with a tranquil mind and empty stomach and performing all our sadhana lessons. Sadhana will certainly be enhanced.

The overall focus here is how to best spiritualize life and fill it with a maximal amount of time in sadhana, despite challenging schedules and busy lives. Sadguru Baba guides us in numerous discourses that  sadhana is the main endeavour and crowning glory of human life.

Sa'dhana' & sa'dhana'unga


Next comes the distinction between sadhana and sadhanaunga. First lesson (ishvara pranidhana) and sixth lesson (dhya'na) are our main lessons of sadhana. Since both bring us up to the Goal. By first lesson one reaches up to savikalpa samadhi - liberation or mukti. And with sixth lesson one can reach up to that apex point: nirvikalpa samadhi - salvation or moksa.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Iishvara prańidhána is a more effective practice for the attainment of savikalpa samádhi, because during iishvara prańidhána the mind is temporarily concentrated in the state of ekagrabhumi (the fourth stage of mental development – the state of one-pointedness of mind). Whatever little amount of I feeling still persists can be finally discarded through the practice of dhyána. Asamprajiṋáta samádhi [nirvikalpa samádhi] is attained following the complete elimination of the I-feeling." (3)

For that reason, when the mind is pointed and vibrated then maximum time should be allotted for these lessons - especially dhya'na. However, there are so many practices that we engage in to prepare the mind for meditation, such as: chanting kiirtan, singing Prabhat Samgiita, or engaging in spiritual talk etc. Plus within our sahaja yoga system there are multiple lessons which are actually helping lessons of sadhana, or limbs of sadhana. And these are known as: sa'dhana'unga.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Concentration is a major sádhaná, is a major intuitional sádhaná. But there are certain helping sádhanás. Ásana and práńáyáma, for example, are helping items. They are not sádhaná, they are called sádhanáuṋga." (4)

Both third and fifth lessons fall in this category of sa'dhana'unga, along with pranayama. The reason is that these lessons support the practice of first and sixth lesson. These helping lessons are the building blocks of sadhana and are an indispensable part of doing higher meditation.


Life is a spiritual sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The wise practise Dharma Sa'dhana' right from infancy because a human life is rare and rarer still is the human life perfected through sa'dhana'." (5)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Human life is for sa'dhana'." (6)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Those who realise Him in the form of onm'ka'ra', advance along the path of onm'ka'ra' and finally become ensconced in Purus'ottama, the source of onm'kara, the nucleus of all emanations. The unit entities in which His divine expression are fully manifest are said to have attained the height of fulfillment physically, psychically and spiritually. They realise in the core of their hearts that the entire human life is a 'sa'dhana'." (7)

Ananda Vanii says, "Life is a spiritual sa'dhana' and the result of this sa'dhana' is to be offered at the altar of the Supreme." (8)


Conclusion

When life is busy, then we need to know all the ways necessary to spiritualise the day. Using both 3rd and 5th lesson to focus the mind and generate greater spiritual shakti will enhance sadhana. These lessons can also be done after having eaten, if needed. Every sadhaka should make maximum use of their time to keep both body and mind ready for meditation. Toward this end helping lessons or sádhanáuṋga like tattva dharana (3rd) and cakra shodana (5th) are indispensable.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Vishnu

~ In-depth study ~

How to maintain & regain spiritual flow

Some have raised the question:  what is the best way to regain your spiritual flow if your mind drifts. Essentially, there are two main approaches for achieving this.

Let's say you took second lesson when you began a particular work and then due to pressure of circumstance you were pulled away from that project and had to attend to a different task. Then one should take second lesson before working on that intermediary project and then when you return to the original work guru mantra should again be taken.

For instance, let's say your neighbor comes to your house and you take Guru mantra (i.e. second lesson) before greeting them at the door. Then while in conversation with them you should be involved in half-sadhana i.e. mantra japa - repetition of ista mantra. Then if your young child starts crying and you leave the conversation with the neighbor to attend to the child, then do second lesson before starting to help the child. When helping the child do half-sadhana. And when that situation is resolved and you are ready to again speak with the neighbor, then take second lesson beforehand and do half-sadhana as you continue your talk with your neighbor.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is the second scenario: Suppose that same neighbor comes to your door. Before answering the door and greeting him, you take second lesson. Then while interacting with your neighbor your half-sadhana, i.e. mantra japa, is flowing nicely. But at some point in the conversation that flow is lost. The mantra japa is forgotten. At that stage, what should one do? Should you again do second lesson or directly re-begin half sadhana? The answer is that you should just re-start your mantra japa; there is no need to redo second lesson.

The conclusion is that when changing physical activities or taking on new activity then one should do second lesson. And if one is just continuing the same activity then one need not take second lesson every time one’s loses their ideation. Additionally, there is no need to take second lesson in between lessons of sadhana, because the mind is already in a spiritual flow.

Note: Everyone knows that ajapa-japa is the practice of first lesson without shuddhis and without coordinating the mantra with the breath. Thus ajapa-japa, also known as mantra japa, is repetition of the ista mantra; and, when done during the day with the eyes open that is half-sadhana. And Guru mantra, brahmavidya, 2nd lesson, brahmacharya, and madhuvidya are all one and the same.

A clear example of how bhagavad dharma in AM is different from Hinduism is that in Hinduism women are prohibited from doing puja or going to temple during their monthly period cycle, whereas in AM everyone is encouraged to do their japa (mantra repetition and spiritual practice) all the 24 hrs. In AM, dharma should always be practiced. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. 17 May '82
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam -22, Kiirtana – the Panacea for All Afflictions
3. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 9, Psychic Assimilation in Psycho-Spiritual Practice
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, How to Concentrate
5. Subhasita Samgraha-1, Bhaktitattva
6. Caryacarya - 2, Sadhana, Point #4
7. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 6, Microcosm and Macrocosm
8. A'nanda Va'nii #12


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Cowardly sadhakas refrain from opposing injustice

Ananda Marga ideology says, "You must continue doing good to society, and at the same time must fight against the bad...On the path of dharma, one is not only to do noble deeds; one must also fight against the dishonest people both are virtuous actions. There are many good people in the society - noble people engaged in noble deeds - who are not ready to fight against wrongs and injustices. This sort of passive benevolence does not really promote the cause of human progress in the world. What is desirable is to acquire virtue by doing noble deeds and fighting against all sins and crimes. Both are mandatory, both an integral part of dharma." (1)

Note: If we follow Baba's above mandate our organisation will be free from all kinds of negativity. Stagnant minded people will not get the opportunity to pollute Baba's ideology by imposing their dogma.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, What Should Human Beings Do?


== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

They are verily the most heroic

Original Ananda Vanii states: “Those who can dedicate their all to the thought of the Great and the inspiration of the Supreme are verily the most heroic. Indeed, they are the virtuous, and they alone are capable of taking human history from darkness to light.”  (Ananda Vanii #22)

Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For the upcoming occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.


== Section 2: Links ==


Donkey food, kiirtana etc + 4 more

Baba
Donkey food, kiirtana etc

Namaskar,

Baba's following guideline is instrumental for all sadhakas.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:
- "Priityanna: If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables. But if someone invites you only to make a show to people, never accept his/her food.”
- “Ápadanna: When life is jeopardized because of the lack of food and water, you need not consider whether the food is prohibited on any grounds or comes from an unworthy person.”
- “Shráddhánna: Shráddhánna (food offered at a memorial service) is neither priityanna nor ápadanna, hence it is not to be taken." (1)


Suppose you are invited to a feast


Suppose you are invited to a grand feast at someone's house. To celebrate, that host has the finest chefs prepare the tastiest delicacies and dainties for everyone to eat. The host does this not because he wishes to serve the community with love and affection, but rather because he wants to put on an ornate show and bring prestige unto himself. Proof being that if you cannot attend his feast, then he is not the least bit sorry or remorseful, because he will just get another person to replace you - someone else who will pay him honour and respect.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Under such conditions, when the host is not governed by a service mentality, but rather is giving a feast with huge pomp and show to heighten his own prestige and self-satisfaction, then attending the program and eating that food is against Guru’s aforesaid guideline in Caryacarya. Because, that food is donkey's food, or gardabha'nna.

Here below is an English summary of Baba’s teaching in Bengali from Shabda Cayanika.

If food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any food offered is donkey food, gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food. (English summary of Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

Under no circumstances - unless one is going to starve to death - should a sadhaka eat food that is presented as a show of one's wealth and greatness. Because that food is nothing but donkey food, or gardabha'nna. 

As we all know, in His practical life, on many occasions Baba refused food whenever wealthy people or dignitaries invited Him to dine at their house just to impress others. So we should follow Baba's example and never eat food that is not offered with genuine warmth and kindness. If ever food is given to you with some ulterior motive - such as for prestige and grandeur, not because the host has a heart-felt feeling for you - then that food is veritably donkey food.


What is donkey food

One aspect to keep in mind is that gardabha'nna varies from person to person. For instance, if that same host as described above will feel hurt and upset if you do not attend and eat his food, then for you that food is not gardabha'nna; it is not donkey food. Let's examine this further. If that host invites 500 people and he has very intimate relations with 10 of those invited guests, then for those ten people it is ok to eat the food. Because the host has a genuine and earnest desire to serve and feed those 10 people with love and affection.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Yet for those other 490 people, the host's feast is donkey food as for them the host's only desire is to put on a big show. The host does not care if those 490 people come or not. If any of them are sick or unable to attend, that host will not be disappointed or upset or wounded; he will simply replace their spot with someone else. That is how the same feast can be sentient for one person yet gardabha'nna for others. It has to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

This type of scenario applies to all kinds of social functions like marriages, house entrance ceremonies, baby-naming gatherings and other social functions. In all such circumstances, the operative factor is the host's individual feeling towards you. If with genuine heartfelt feeling he wants to serve and feed you, then it is fine to eat that food. But if he just wants to make a social display by feeding you then it is gardabha'nna.

Here is another situation related with individual life: It is also donkey food if a person has cooked food with the intention of eating it all. To eat even a small portion of that food is also gardabha'nna as the person who prepared the food has no desire to share any of it.


Gardabha kiirtan, gardabha bhajan

This type of insincere show known as donkey food is not limited to the realm of food. We have all seen various kiirtan players or bhajan singers who perform solely to display their own musical or lyrical talents. That is known as donkey kiirtan because they are singing to glorify themselves, not to serve and please Parama Purusa. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Kiirtan is all about singing to please Parama Purusa - for His glory, not one's own glory. And the essence of bhajans is to share one's inner heart feeling with the Lord, and not to procure attention for oneself. Yet at retreats or dharmacakra, sometimes it can happen that a person might lead a kiirtan or bhajan in order to win over the admiration of others. If this is done consistently, again and again, such performers run the risk of being converted into microvita at the time of death.

That said, it is not just the musicians who are prone to such downfalls. Sometimes a kiirtan or bhajan participant may dance with such extroverted tendencies or sing with such ego that it is quite evident to all around that that person is doing just in hopes of drawing attention to themselves - so that others will think they are a great bhakta.

Whenever one is driven by ego or show, that derails their ability to go close to Parama Purusa. That is why we call these misguided approaches: Gardabha kiirtan and gardabha bhajan, i.e. donkey kiirtan and donkey bhajan.


Gardabha sa'dhana'


This can occur in the stratum of sadhana as well. Before giving an example, it has to be said that the sincerity and earnestness in spiritual practice is quite high in our Ananda Marga, so this letter by no means aims to cast doubt that abc or xyz persons are doing donkey practices. Most are fine and okay - this is just a general letter for everyone's awareness and knowledge. After all, each and every person knows there own situation best.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Now let's say someone rarely does sa'dhana' in their own home etc, but then when they go to the jagrti or to a retreat, then suddenly they start sitting for long, long sadhana, as if that is their regular way each and every morning and evening. And not only that, but when they finish their sadhana they are keen to see if others are taking notice of how long they sat. And if still they do not feel that they got the attention they deserved, then during meal time they will casually say that, 'It was very good to be able to sit for 3hr sadhana today etc', and then quickly scan the eyes and faces of others to see if they were impressed or not.

From all these instances, we can easily understand that that person is doing sadhana not to please Parama Purusa - not to serve Him - but rather to bring name, fame, and prestige unto themselves. They want people to think that they are a great sadhaka. That is why their sadhana is just donkey sadhana.


Donkey practices can be very dangerous

Okay, let's say someone you know does do donkey kiirtan, or donkey bhajan, or donkey sadhana on occasion. Then they must be extremely careful, lest they harm and degrade themselves. Because what they are doing is just a superficial show. They are highlighting themselves: So they are focusing on their own unit existence, not Parama Purusa. In that case, the mind becomes smaller and more selfish. Unfortunately, by that way, they degrade themselves and place themselves onto the path of negative pratisaincara towards animal life. That is the very real concern.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For such persons, their kiirtan and sadhana is motivated by duplicity and hypocrisy. They feign bhakti and harbour the desire to glorify their own existence. Their hypocrisy is the sad sign of downfall and degradation. Such persons should take notice.

There remains a glimmer of hope, by Baba's grace. No doubt donkey kiirtan, donkey bhajan, and donkey sadhana cause false vanity etc, yet our Ananda Marga mantras are charged by Sadguru. So while repeating the mantra, even if one was initially motivated by selfish desires, one may develop sincere love for Parama Purusa. And that is the greatest achievement and blessing. But for this to occur, there must be sincerity and an earnest desire to change. 

So if they change their ways they can progress on the path, by Baba's grace. Otherwise such hypocritical displays of donkey sadhana will lead them in the wrong direction. Best is to ideate on Parama Purusa and not fall prey to such donkey kiirtan and sadhana, i.e. superficial show of kiirtana and sadhana.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Remember, everyone is entitled to sa'dhana'. For this, nothing, neither pedigree, education, knowledge nor any asset, is necessary except only two things – implicit faith and sincerity. Arouse these two things through your will-power and victory is yours, it must come." (2)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Indrajit

~ In-depth study ~

Baba warns us that one must not go into debt in order to arrange any kind of feast or feeding - not for any occasion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited." (3)


When food becomes donkey food

Here is more about what Baba has to say about donkey food. The following is an English summary of Baba’s teaching in Bengali from Shabda Cayanika.

(a) Donkey food (Gardabha'nna) is that food purchased with ill-begotten money or sinfully earned money.

(b) If someone feeds you with deep love, respect, and affection and that feeling is conveyed through their expression, talk and conduct, and by feeding you they feel blissful ("Toma'ke kha'iae a'nandit hobe") and very content, and if you do not eat then they will feel pain, in this situation whatever food you eat in their house-- even if it is just boiled grass-- will be treated as priityanna (proper & sentient food). Any meal or food not prepared under such ideal conditions is donkey food.

(c) So if food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any food offered is donkey food, Gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food.

Note: In western society that food which is not fit for human consumption is typically labeled as 'dog food'. And a similar idea Baba has conveyed above by the term donkey food - "Gardabha'nna". (English Summary Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla])


This type of spiritual practice does not work


Simplicity, sincerity, and honesty are some of the main pillars in the life of any sa'dhaka.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Vanii says, "The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate..." (4)

If one approaches their life duties like preparing food and doing sadhana with an earnest desire to serve Parama Purusa and His creation, then there is no question of any donkey food or donkey kiirtan. Then all one's actions will be pure and sentient. Here Baba warns about superficial displays in spiritual life.

    Jap tap vedajiṋána vidhi bhakti japadhyán ihá haite mádhurya durlabh
    Keval ye rágamárge bhaje Krśńa anuráge táhe Krśńa mádhurya sulabh.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Those who repeat their ista mantra mechanically, or undergo severe penance, or endlessly study the scriptures, or express a show of devotion, or practise meditation in a ritualistic way, can never feel the charm, the joy, of spiritual realization. That sweet discovery is only possible for those who worship [Parama Purusa] out of deep devotion to Him." (5)

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #37
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 5, The Chariot and the Charioteer
3. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
4. Ananda Vanii #54
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Devotion – the Only Path


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

You have rescued them

“Tumi je esecho a’j, vyathit janer katha’ bhavite…” (Prabhata Samgiita #0647)

Purport

My  Parama Purusa, feeling the cry of the tormented heart, You have taken advent today. To remove the stains of dogma and staticity in all minds, and to love all living beings, You have come here on this earth. The whole society was facing various types of tortures, humiliations, and exploitation. No one was there to think about the exploited masses, i.e. those who were crying and suffering. The common folk were engulfed by various dogmas and their minds were completely stained. You have come to remove cimmerian darkness from their existence. In the wake of Your holy arrival, You filled their lives with the refulgence of divinity. My Lord, feeling the cry of their heart, You have taken form today. You are so gracious.

The entire universe was looking toward the eastern horizon anxiously awaiting Your auspicious arrival; since ages people have been eagerly waiting for You. The general citizens were under excruciating torments; their entire existence was completely wounded, with obvious signs of injuries on their bodies. Their limbs were racked by the blows of severe suffering. Due to carrying the heavy load of those burdens and bondages for such a long time, facing abuse and ignominy, not even a tinge of happiness remained in their lives. Long back all their joy completely vanished. Today, You have rescued them from tyranny, and removed their pains and suffering. You have come to shower Your bliss and love upon all. It is Your supreme compassion on everyone.

Parama Purusa Baba, You are so gracious. I am requesting You to shower maximum illumination in the bosom of this universe. With Your infinite prema, please inundate the hearts of everyone with more and more exquisite nectar. With Your sonorous yet thundering voice, You are calling out to all that there is no reason that they should keep their heads hung in despair. Rather they should keep their chin held high.

Baba, the Supreme Entity, You have taken advent today…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Lowliest of the low

Ananda Marga scripture says, ”People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Purusa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (1)

This topic is very hard for some people to understand - indeed it seems it is almost impossible for them to grasp. In their mind, they cannot think that they should not blame Parama Purusa - i.e. they cannot think that Parama Purusa does not give tests to harass His devotees.

I know one wt who lost his faith in his Guru and he was blaming that “Guru is the cause, my Guru polluted my mind.” I was shocked to hear this.

Those who know a little about Ananda Marga philosophy know that one must face the consequences of their bad deeds and these bad deeds bring about all kinds of suffering in their lives. And the cause of suffering is not other than they themselves, but due to their ignorance, they blame their friends, their neighbors, and ultimately Guru and God for their suffering. But the fact is they themselves are the culprits, as they are the one’s who are guilty of committing the sin. So this is the irony. But those who are 3rd class devotees never realise.

Some, as the wt indicated above, went to such an extent that they wrote an entire book blaming Parama Purusa for “giving tests and misdirecting my mind and in result I committed wrongs and sins.” Those who blame Parama Purusa in this way, unfortunately suffer from dry sadhana.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, p.86-87


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Two reasons for advent of Taraka Brahma


Ananda Marga ideology says, "Now why does He come in contact with the quinquelemental factors? Why does He come within the jurisdictions of the temporal-spatial-personal factors, these three fundamentally-related factors?  What's the cause? There are two reasons. One thing is, the human intellect may get satisfaction after coming in psychic contact with the Impersonal Entity, but the human heart is not satisfied with that Impersonal Entity. The human heart wants something closer, something more sentimental, something more pleasing. And that's why just to satisfy, just to give pleasure to, His progeny, He comes within the scope of these relative factors. Parama Purus'a becomes Táraka Brahma. And the second reason is that in this created world, in this universe, each and every progress is a progress through clashes and cohesion. And human beings must have sufficient intellectual stamina to move forward, fighting against all those pebbles of obstacles. When the human intellect fails to do something new in helping society to move forward, Parama Purus'a finds no alternative but to bring Himself within the scope of the temporal-spatial-personal factors just to guide the depraved and degenerate human society." (1)

Note: In the above guideline, there are two distinct points. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, firstly, Parama Purusa comes as Taraka Brahma to satisfy the longing of His bhaktas who yearn to have a personal relationship with the Supreme Entity. Secondly, Parama Purusa has come as Taraka Brahma to wipe away the existing dogmas and hurdles and give the guidelines to build up a bright, new human society.

When Parama Purusa remains as an impersonal Entity then the heart of the bhakta does not get satisfied. And when He comes in human form and teaches and guides the way to reach to Him, then He teaches sadhana also. And with that support, bhaktas reach Him.

The process of dhyana can link from form to formlessness. That is why the culmination of dhyana is the merging into formlessness - dissolving the mind.

Bhaktas always feel that Baba is residing in their heart. We see that across the history of mysticism, each and every bhakta in the world feels that the Parama Purusa is with them. Bhaktas feel that Baba is living in their heart.  

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Coming of Táraka Brahma


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Unique portrait of Rg veda

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Although the Rgveda is mainly concerned with hymns, it also contains various tales and anecdotes. While not all of these stories and tales carry equal spiritual value, they are representative of the cultural heritage of those ancient humans. They paint a portrait of the gradual advancement of human thinking and the structure of society. When considered from this point of view, the language, literature and expression of the Rgveda is of special value to the world." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “We can roughly say that civilization first started sprouting after the prehistoric age of the human race, that is, from the days of the first composition of the Rk Veda, about  15,000 years ago. A major change took place during the days of Lord Shiva towards the end of the Rk Vedian period (which lasted 10,000 years).  (2)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika-2, Rk to Rkśa (Discourse 11)
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Sadvipra, Táraka Brahma, Sadáshiva and Shrii Krśńa


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Brahmacarya and conjugal relations

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The attraction towards earthly things born out of lust (káma) and attachment (moha) makes conjugal relations a necessity. Intuitional practice helps one to overcome this need. One becomes indifferent to it. So the question of giving it up for intuitional practice does not arise. It was said earlier that sádhaná is waging war against Prakrti and defeating Her. The force of intuitional practice is certainly greater than the strength of Prakrti, and by means of it one can attain Brahmacarya.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?


== Section 3: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS