Solution to groggy, sleepy sadhana + 3 more

Baba

Solution to groggy, sleepy sadhana

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Sometimes during sádhaná one falls into a relaxed “half-sleep”. This is called yoga nidrá. Most sádhakas experience yoga nidrá in the early stages of sádhaná. It is also akliśt́a because one does not become totally oblivious of oneself.” (1)


Lazy people prone to falling asleep in sadhana

When one begins sadhana and starts repeating their mantra, then in that initial period one gains a sense of composure. And that feeling of equipoise lulls them to sleep in sadhana. But those who fail to cross this beginning stage will never grow. One must cross that threshold and go higher.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please pay attention to the above yellow highlighted section. It is clearly written that in the early stages of sádhaná beginners often face this situation, while long-term insincere margiis may also fall asleep and waste their time.

In dharmacakra it is often seen that sadhakas who cannot do sadhana are prone to falling asleep - especially if it is warm. In that case they easily fall into a type of yoga nidra. Actually, you may have seen some who always fall asleep in sadhana. Verily, sleep is their sadhana. It begins 5 seconds after samgacchadhvam ends. Quickly, they are gone into a different world. Sometimes you may have noticed how they gently sway back and forth, and on other occasions they even hit the person in front of them. Then there are those who sleep in sadhana yet somehow maintain their balance by curling forward and dropping their chin. So they remain in a semi-upright, balanced position even though they are sleeping. Actually, lazy people are most prone to falling asleep in sadhana, because they don’t fight back against that desire to sleep in sadhana. At some point or another all have fallen asleep but it should not become one’s habit - good sadhakas are vigilant in this regard.


Sleeping in sadhana was a waste of time

Those who never experience higher sadhana think that yoga nidra is an exalted stage while those who have experienced proper sadhana think that sleeping in sadhana is a waste of time. They understand they could not move beyond that initial state of equipoise and the time passed. We cannot say that sleep in sadhana is completely useless because at least some kind of equipoise is achieved; yet it also has to be recognised that one is not repeating their ista mantra with bhakti during that time of sleep in sadhana. And for that reason we can say the time was wasted.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Nidra means vacuity; so during sleep the mind does not do anything. And if one is not reciting their ista mantra then they are just wasting their time in sadhana. The power of the ista mantra advances one’s sadhana. The dirt of the mind washes away. And the more the mantra is recited the cleaner the mind becomes. So when one falls into yoga nidra (i.e. sleep) then all progress is lost. One will remain in that state of vacuity and the time is gone.

Some confused people think that yoga nidra is something very lofty. They think that way because of the term yoga. But they forget that the second word is nidra. This name is given because one is sleeping during sadhana. So it is not some exalted state. Rather they waste their time in sadhana. And if it happens regularly then in their entire life they might never go beyond that early stage. That is the sad situation. You may have seen many who begin sadhana and then immediately fall asleep - that is quite unfortunate.

Always falling asleep at doorstep of kitchen

Suppose a person is hungry so they go to the kitchen in hopes of getting something to eat. Yet upon trying to enter the kitchen, when they are just on the doorstep, they merely smell the food and instantly fall asleep - then and there, unbeknownst to them. A long time later they wake up and have no recollection about what transpired. Just they know that the time passed. And suppose this happens each and every time one enters the kitchen. If that happens every day then how long will that person live. So sleeping in sadhana means what?
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

How to overcome sleeping in sadhana / yoga nidra

Thus far, we have investigated the harm and misuse of time from falling asleep in sadhana, i.e. yoga nidra,. Here following are simple methods to overcome this avidya maya, i.e. yoga nidra.

(A) Psychic approach will not work: When overcome by drowsiness in sadhana and one is falling asleep, then as soon as one realises this is happening they should not try to cure the problem by any type of psychic approach. People commonly think that they will simply refocus and remain alert. But that does not work. It will just be a waste of time. Because at that point one has been drifting in and out of deep sleep in sadhana and when they become a little conscious they think to concentrate harder. But really one is in a stupor and one will not be able to overcome the tendency towards sleep by a psychic approach. People like to believe this will be effective but ultimately they just start sleeping more. So a psychic approach will not do.

(B) Physical approach is needed: The proper pathway is to adopt a physical approach to get rid of the yoga nidra / sleeping in sadhana syndrome. Here various techniques one can do:
(1) Stand up and go wash your face and then sit in a cooler environment to help keep alert.
(2) Another way to cool yourself is to remove layers of clothing and uncover the head if using a hat or blanket.
(3) Open windows to bring in fresh air. If the room is not ventilated and carbon levels rise then that induces drowsiness and yoga nidra.
(4) If you feel sleepy even before starting sadhana then take a full bath to cool and refresh the body.
(5) If one is feeling sleepy during dharmacakra and you cannot get up and walk around then gently slap oneself on the cheek.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

How to overcome sleeping in sadhana / yoga nidra (cont)

(6) If you are feeling sleepy even before starting dharmacakra, then be sure to have a cup of water near you to gently wet the face and eyes, as needed. This way you can cool yourself without getting up and disturbing others.
(7) If sleeping in sadhana is an ongoing issue, then increase the time between your last meal and starting sadhana. This applies especially in the evening time, if one had a late lunch etc. Also know that sweets make one particularly sleepy in sadhana.
(8) If sleeping in sadhana has become habit forming, then a good way to break the cycle is to strictly divide sleep and sadhana. Do not continue to use sadhana time as a means to catch-up on sleep. Instead go and take rest in your sleeping place and then re-start sadhana when fully awake and alert. Do not condition oneself to sleep in sadhana.
(9) Sit facing a wall then that wall will serve as a reminder if you lean forward in drowsiness. Be sure to position yourself in such a way that you will not hit the wall too hard.
(10) Hang clothes very close (2 inches) to your head so that if you weave and bob in drowsiness then you will be alerted by that clothing.
(11) Sit in a different posture. Suppose you are falling asleep in first lesson then switch over to viirasana and do third lesson to revive oneself.
(12) Do not do sadhana near where others are sleeping - this should be strictly avoided.
(13) Keep your pets away from you. Do not do sadhana with a cat or dog nearby.
(14) These days very inexpensive motion detectors are available that attach to one’s ear. People who drive a lot use them so they do not fall asleep while operating their vehicle. But these devices will work equally well in sadhana. If your head starts dropping to one side or the other then it will beep and alert you.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

Sleeping in sadhana is highly detrimental. But the problem cannot be fixed if there is not due acceptance. If one is in denial thinking that - “I never sleep in sadhana” or if one thinks that “I can handle the problem just by sitting still” - then one will never get rid of this problem of yoga nidra. If really one needs proof, then set-up a small camera to monitor yourself and then watch the video later. If your torso or head is swaying or drooping then it means you were sleeping. In that case one should feel shame and repentance for having wasted the time. Sitting in denial or justifying the problem is not good. One should come to a place of acceptance and realise that treatment is needed.

In Him,
Ananda

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 9, Cognitive Force and Psychic Practice

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

About respect

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Tadekaḿ jagatsákśiirupaḿ namámah – “If I am to pay respect to anybody, I am to pay respect to You only.”" (1)

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Tadekam’ jagatsa’ks’iiru’pam’ nama’mah. “If there is anyone to whom spiritual aspirants should surrender, if there is anyone to whom they should pay salutations, it is Parama Purus’a.” The system behind salutations is to look for the Supreme Being that is the inner essence of a person, and to pay salutations to that Parama Purus’a.” (2)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, What Are You?
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Politicians should remain out of education

Prout philosophy states, "In a democratic system non-educationalist politicians poke their noses into university affairs. They do not know what education is, but they interfere to create a sentiment amongst the people to gain support for the particular ism they preach. They have no other motivation. In the democratic system public support has to be purchased to secure votes and this is the reason why politicians make an all out effort to create sentiments in the minds of the people. In communist countries, no other ism other than Marxism can be preached. People are forced to support it. Institutions which have educational value should be controlled by educationalists and not by politicians. Educationalists should also control the radio, otherwise the party in power will have the opportunity to propagate their ism through the radio system, just as they do in the books approved by university boards." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout

== Section: Important Teaching ==

He “stole” Mt. Everest

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Mt. Everest, of the Himalayan range is the highest mountain in the world. This fact was established by Ra'dha'nath Sikadar. Most probably he named the peak after his supervising officer, the Surveyor General of that time, Mr. Everest." (1)

Note 1: Baba is revealing the reality that Ra'dha'nath Sikadar of India first established the truth that Everest is the highest peak in the world. Hence credit should be given to Ra'dha'nath Sikadar, not Mr. Everest. But Mr. Everest took the credit and kept it in his own name. Otherwise the name would be Mt. Ra'dha'nath.

Note 2: Generally speaking, people are not aware how this illustrious mountain of the Himalayan range was named. In particular, why was a European given for this peak when other Himalayan peaks are named in Sanskrit - like Mt. Kaela'sh.

Note 3: During the British rule of India, the 'Surveyor General' post was occupied by Mr. Everest.

Reference

1. Varn'a Vicitra, Sanskrit Grammar Book, last discourse part 1

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Makes the little lamps of life infinitely effulgent

Original Ananda Vanii states: “The movement and the path, the means and the chariot are all inseparably linked. The path is not always easily accessible, smooth and littered with flower petals; nor is it always inaccessible, thorny and covered with stones. One must keep one’s eye fixed on the Goal. This Goal provides inspiration, supplies the means for forward movement and makes the little lamps of life infinitely effulgent. Since eternity this very Goal has provided and is providing inspiration to all and will continue to do so in future; and by revitalising the life-force as if with a flow of water, it will make the earth ever full of sweetness, and at the same time it will keep the triumphant flag of humanity flying on top of the golden mountain peak. So let one’s vision be fixed on the goal. There is no necessity to think of anything else.” (Ananda Vanii #67)

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 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Warning: fake yoga pranayama

• Who is going to bring revolution

• PS: beyond comparison

• Madhuvidya: practice & benefits

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

Evolution: important query + 5 more

Baba

Evolution: important query

Namaskar,

Which came first, the bird or the egg? This query has been stumping humanity for ages. Innumerable generations have been baffled by this conundrum across so many landscapes. Sadguru Baba has given the answer in His discourse.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How change occurs: two styles of evolution

First we have to understand that there are two basic ways that change occurs in this universe: similar effect and dissimilar effect.

#1: Similar effect -> Similar effect -> Similar effect: For example, a human gives birth to a human offspring, a son, and in the next generation a human grandson is born, followed by a human great grandson. This similar effect goes on for thousands of years where there are only minute changes from one generation to the next.

#2: Similar effect -> Similar effect -> Dissimilar effect: The second type of change represents a tremendous shift that occurs all at once. It is a great leap forward. Generally, every species gives birth to offspring that are similar to themselves. But one day, one fine morning, one member of a species gives birth to a baby that is fundamentally different from all previous members of that species. Here is how Baba explains this second type of change.

After hundreds of thousands of years, after a long span of time, a fundamental change occurs. It is a dissimilar effect whereby a new species takes birth. Examples of this dissimilar effect are explained in His Hindi discourse about the case of the australopithecine and the kesharii legume. 
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Australopithecine & dissimilar effect

As Baba guides us, a classic case of this type of dramatic change is what happened with the australopithecine 1,000,000 years ago. One morning the australopithecine stood around and stared at this strange baby that had just been born. It had distinctly less hair and looked altogether peculiar and odd. Lo and behold, it was the first human being. That event charted a whole new course on this earth. It was a monumental shift from the existing paradigm. Previously, all the children of the australopithecine were australopithecine. This event also depicts how an australopithecine mother gave birth to a human baby. That was the first human baby. This dramatic change is creation's way of effecting change and enabling new things to unfold.

Another case is that of the dog. The dog is not an ancient species. It is not a hundred thousand years old. And when it came into existence its mother was not a dog. So the birth of the first dog is also indicative of a tremendous shift that took place. It is just like how the first human took birth from an australopithecine.

Answer: Which came first-- chicken or egg?

In the beginning of this posting the question was raised: "Which came first, the bird (chicken) or the egg?" Baba has made the answer very clear. The chicken did not come from a chicken's egg but rather from an egg of another bird. That is the answer. In this way, the entire creation is moving forward. New and newer species are being born in this cosmic cycle.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Let’s take the case of the kesharii bean / legume. This bean was non-existent 200 years ago. But at that time there was a terrible drought in Bihar. The entire paddy crop dried up due to lack of rain. Immediately after that a spell of huge rain on those dried stems. And that dried paddy hay turned into something entirely new, i.e. a bumper crop, a new breed that had nothing to do with paddy - the kesharii legume. The birth of this kesharii legume saved the people from terrible starvation; a starvation that would have been inevitable due to the destruction of the rice crop. So it was at this time that kesharii came into being and people used it as a staple food. Since then the kesharii pulse has been prevalent in Bihar, India.

So this also is an example of this theory of similar effect -> similar effect -> similar effect -> dissimilar effect. In this instance, a grand fundamental shift takes place all at once wherein a new species takes birth. This is the way creation advances, always generating more and more variety and diversity. We see that everything in this entire creation has come from something else. All the animals and plants originated from something else. Nature has a unique way of creating a shift through a sudden, fundamental change whereby new species are brought into the domain of creation.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prema Sagar

Varanasi: The perception regarding the role of
'khesari dal' (Lathyrus sativus) also called grass pea

~ Courtesy Times of India ~

In fact, according to the head, neurological department, IMS-BHU Dr VN Mishra, the pulse is not only a cheap substitute for other costly pulses but also provides some very important nutrients that are good for health.

Khesari dal contains 31% protein, 41% carbohydrate, 17% total dietary fibre, two per cent fat and two per cent ash, on a dry matter basis. "Apart from costing less, the legume consumes less fuel in cooking. But the most important thing is that apart from being non-neurotoxic, lathyrus, in fact has, some cardioprotective nutrients in it, as per the studies published by the scientists at National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad. Our study was conducted in as many as 20 districts of UP and Bihar," he said. (Courtesy Times of India)

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Unchanging truth

"Ajáná pathik alakár kathá, shonáo bárek ese..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1580)

Purport:

O’ Ajana Pathik, kindly, just once, come to me and whisper in my ear, the tale of the divine spiritual realm. Let me know how You have created this colourful universe. How is it that nebulae and galaxies are floating in the vast blue sky; and, to which unknown world and direction are they floating away.

O’ Supreme Father, prithee guide and recount to me: Are those perceptions that I receive through my inferences -  eyes, nose, ears, touch, and tongue etc - the only truth? And are those things which I do not perceive with my motor and sensory organs just an illusion? Are those false? Baba, I request You to tell which is unfounded and false and which is unchanging truth. Make me aware about those things of the past that are no longer here in the present.

O’ my Supreme Guide, gently let me know, are those so-called God’s words that have been written in the so-called scriptures? And, are those ideas that are not in the so-called scriptures meaningless? Baba, enter in my mind, sit on my mental lotus, and whisper the truth to all my queries which I have kept in my mind since long. Merciful Taraka Brahma, move closer and apprise me of the stories of the spiritual land - the sphere of bhakti...

Notes

[1] Ajana Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe, and resides everywhere and knows everything; irrespective of where one goes, He remains along with you'. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name 'Ajana Pathik'. The name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'traveler' or ‘tourist.’ But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and, proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist', or Unknown Vacationer', or 'Unknown Backpacker', or 'Unknown Visitor', or 'Unknown Globetrotter', or 'Unknown Daytripper', or 'Unknown Hitchhiker.’ The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and He is constantly present with everyone, all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus, yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere - carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja'na' Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. In their spiritual approach bhaktas feel that wherever they go the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, bhaktas can always get His intimate company and companionship. With this mystical link, sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja'na' Pathik.

Overall, the name Aja'na' Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A'nanda Ma'rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja'na' Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has shown this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. He is always moving, and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way, He is known as - Aja'na' Pathik. In true sense, as the omnipresent Entity, He does not go anywhere because He is everywhere; but, in a more literal manner, He goes from place to place.

Those who use ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist’ in place of Aja'na' Pathik are naive and ignorant.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Pleasing Him builds proper society

Ananda Marga ideology states, “We are all the progeny of Parama Puruśa. He is creating each and every thing. There is no need to worry about the man-made distinctions between tall and short, black and white, male and female. Identify your mind with the Cosmic Mind and see whether that pleases Parama Puruśa or not. Do whatever pleases Him.”

“No father wants to see his child die of starvation or one of his children eating or accumulating more than required. You will have to develop the economic sphere to ensure that these things will never happen. In social life no father would wish to see his widowed daughter forced to dress in an austere fashion, persecuted socially, or debarred from attending social functions. You must not support these things. Rather, you must provide equal opportunities for all.”

“Parents hate to see their children weep. If they do, they take them on their lap and comfort them with love and affection until their tears stop. You will have to build a society in which no one is forced to weep, where everyone smiles joyfully all the time and gets ample scope for laughter. Seeing such mirth and merriment, Parama Puruśa will feel immensely pleased. By giving joy to Parama Puruśa you will feel even more joyful and will feel His close proximity. This is the actual social code. And the actual spiritual code is the one that helps humans move towards Parama Puruśa. Under no circumstances should one create unnecessary controversies. The social code aims at bringing a broad smile to the faces of the progeny of Parama Puruśa. You should all move along this path – you are sure to meet with success.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Which Is the Right Path?

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Essence of sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Whatever a man is to do in his spiritual life he is to do - why? Because he is in love with the Supreme Entity. Love is the first word, love is the starting point, and love is the last point." (1)

Note: Baba's above guideline is very beneficial for sadhana. However, these days some innocent or simple people just do meditation for "mental peace". And even worse, some Wts do sadhana for show - to pose as someone great. Such Wts hardly do sadhana when they are alone; but when they go to margiis' houses then in grand style they sit in meditation for a long time. All done in order to put themselves on display and create one show that they are highly elevated sadhakas. A few margiis do a similar thing when they attend retreats. Only by evaluating the ongoing conduct can one understand how far they are really doing sadhana or not. It is just like if you are approaching one animal at night. At first you may think that it is a tiger or a lion, but when that animal makes its weird 'Huan, Huan' sound, then you know that it is just a jackal. Same is the case when being around those types who put on a show of sadhana. By their conduct and dealing they just expose themselves etc.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Starting Point and the Last Point

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

आज फूलों की मुस्कान से मधु के झरने बह रहे हैं।

प्रभात संगीत 0133 : तुम्हारे शुभ जन्म दिवस का भव्य अवसर

भावार्थ

हे मेरे परमपुरुष! तुम्हारे दिव्य जन्मदिन के शुभ अवसर पर ऊषाकाल की लालिमा प्रत्येक क्षण नये नये रूपमें दिखाई देती है। हे परमपुरुष! तुम्हारे शुभ जन्मदिन का यह भव्य अवसर है।

आज आकाश  और अमृत छलक रहा  है, आनन्द के आप्लावन से मेरा हृदय किसी अज्ञात स्वर्गिक स्थान की ओर तैरने लगता है। आज तुम्हें पाने के आनन्द के लय पर चिंतन करते हुए, मेरा मन मधुर स्मृतियों में भर जाता है। हे परमपुरुष!  बाबा, आज तुम्हारे शुभ जन्मदिन का यह भव्य अवसर है।

आज नीले आकाश में और सुगन्ध समीर में पक्षियों का गान जारी है। पेड़ों के फूलों की मुस्कान से मधु के झरने बह रहे हैं। इन सबके माध्यम से मैंने तुम्हें अपने हृदय में पा लिया है, यह तुम्हारी कृपा है , यह तृम्हारी कृपा है। हे परमपुरुष! हे बाबा! यह आनन्दपूर्णिमा तुम्हारा शुभ जन्म दिवस है, मैं तुम्हारे चरण कमलों में समर्पित हॅूं। 

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Important teachings on breathing

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The process of breathing has a great influence on the human mind and self, or soul. Suppose a person is running: his or her breathing immediately becomes heavy. In that condition he or she cannot think properly; the sensory organs such as the tongue, nose, etc., cannot function properly, and as a result one's perception is impaired. Moreover, the process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways..."

"When doing a heavy job while breathing normally, a person might have serious difficulties – perhaps ones limbs might be broken – but in a state of baddha kumbhaka, or púrńa kumbhaka [with the lungs full], one can easily do the same work. While doing some over-strenuous activity in a state of shúnya kumbhaka [with the lungs empty] one might even die."

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Suppose you are climbing to a high place or lifting a very heavy load. If you do not follow the system of breathing while lifting the load, your hands may become painful or your bones dislocated. If you do the same work in a state of shúnya kumbhaka, you will have great difficulty – you may even collapse. If, on the contrary, you perform any strenuous activity in púrńa kumbhaka, taking a deep breath, you can easily do it. All this comes within the scope of that svaravijiṋána. You might have read in the Rámáyańa that Hanuman, by taking a deep breath, made his body swell and lifted a whole mountain. Although it is a mythological story, it refers to the science of svaravijiṋána." (1)

Reference;

1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything

== Section: Important Teaching ==

They will become more rigid in their dogma

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Never attack the religious beliefs of anyone. Make the person understand gradually with logic. If you attack a person's religious beliefs, it means you have attacked Ananda Marga." (1)

Note: The question arises, Why should one not attack the religious beliefs of others. The main idea is that those religious followers, i.e. those believers, do not use their brain to determine right from wrong when it comes to their religion. Just they believe. Verily a large percentage (99% or so) were indoctrinated into that religion during their childhood. And if anyone mocks their beliefs, those followers become very frustrated and angry, and will blindly cling to their religious beliefs more fiercely. They will be more rigid in their dogmatic ways.  So that defeats the purpose. In that case, the purpose in mocking that religion will not bear any fruit.

Here is an example: In India people worship the monkey god. Those followers think that one morning the monkey god had nothing to eat so he ate the sun. Then all around it became completely dark. But this is a ludicrous idea. But if anyone makes jokes about this and attacks the religious sentiment of those monkey god worshipers, then those followers will become more rigid and adamant about their beliefs. They will not give up their dogma. And this applies to all the dogmatic religions. In contrast, if one patiently and gently tries to convince them through logic and reasoning, then they make get convinced and start doing sadhana. In sum, dogmatic beliefs should be corrected through polite logic and reasoning, and not just ridiculed and attacked through jokes and mockery.

Reference

1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point  #9

== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Warning: fake yoga pranayama

• Who is going to bring revolution

• PS: beyond comparison

• Madhuvidya: practice & benefits

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana