Baba's communication style + 4 more

Baba

Baba's communication style

Namaskar,

This letter examines Sadguru Baba's diverse and psychological manner in guiding sadhakas and non-sadhakas along the path of welfare.


Why He speaks more directly to A'nanda Ma'rgiis

Baba would speak more directly to bhaktas than others. The closer one was to Him, the more directly He would speak. For instance, to the general populace, Baba would cite Buddha's teaching about "Cakuna samvaro sadhu" in order to indirectly warn people about the ill effects of misusing their indriyas (external organs). From this, people were to infer that Baba was talking about keeping restraint over the motor and sensory organs, such as not eating bad food etc. And many simply took it as a general guideline about refining their conduct. In that circumstance, Baba was speaking very indirectly and people may or may not have understood His exact intention.
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Whereas to Ananda Margiis, Sadguru Baba would outrightly say, “Refrain from eating meat”, or “Do not eat any tamasik food.” There was zero scope for misunderstanding. Baba would use explicit, direct language because Ananda Margiis are closer to Him. He knew they would not run away in the face of His loving scolding. So Baba had more freedom to express Himself. The idea being that where there is more love, one can speak in a more forthright and forceful manner. There is a great benefit to this as well. In a shorter span of time Baba could give more teachings, and we could learn from Him more quickly, by His grace.

So there is great value in direct speech, but Baba could not use this with all. Language is based on the closeness of heart.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)


Degrees of closeness amongst His disciples

Even within Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, amongst His disciples, Baba would employ degrees of directness. With margiis or dadas with whom Baba was closer, either due to their sadhana or His divine grace, He would be even more direct. To one sadhaka who ate on a fasting day, Baba might lovingly punish, strongly scold, or kindly embarrass them in front or all. By this way, Baba would swiftly rectify that bhakta’s conduct. And all those present would also get the teaching to be very strict in fasting. This direct approach is very efficient and effective. Yet to another sadhaka or Dada who was less close, Baba might say, "So I understand you like chocolate." And, by this way, the sadhaka would know that Baba was aware that he ate a piece of chocolate on ekadashii."

So it all depends on the degree of closeness. Those who were more close would receive His blessing in the form of more direct communication and scolding. It is just like how parents do not chastise or scold all the children of the village or community, but certainly they will rebuke and scold their own kids when they do wrong. Because those parents feel very close with their own children.
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And the benefit is that those whom you scold rectify their behaviour more quickly and refine their behaviour. Scolding creates pressure to change quickly. Naturally, parents want their own kids to change and rectify their bad behaviour quickly. Those parents do not feel that same urgency with their neighbors' children; so they do not scold them. And again, this is all dependent upon the degree of closeness, love, and affection one has.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (2)

What happens when Mr X & Mr Y skip their asanas & sadhana

Here is another way to look at the situation:

(1a) If Mr. X loves Baba very much then Baba has greater scope to scold him.
(1b) So if Mr. X skips his asanas and sadhana then due to that closeness Baba will strongly rebuke Mr. X before all. By this way, Mr. X will be greatly benefited as he will have to rectify his behaviour very swiftly.

(2a) If Mr. Y feels somewhat distant from Baba then Baba does not have as much opportunity to scold Mr Y. Rather Baba will address and talk with Mr Y in a very polite manner. 
(2b) So if Mr. Y was also neglectful in asanas and sadhana, then Baba would not directly rebuke or scold Mr. Y. Rather Baba might say, “I hear that some are not doing their asanas and sadhana. Better they should do their practices.” By this way, Mr. Y will understand Baba’s point, but Mr. Y will not feel pressured to quickly rectify his own behaviour.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When Sadguru Baba is communicating with someone very directly then you can understand that that person has a greater degree of love for Him. And, in response, Baba has to love a little more than that. If Sadguru Baba is dealing with someone indirectly then you can understand that that person has less love for Him. That is why Baba is more discreet in His approach.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (3)


Conclusion

Undoubtedly, it was all His liila; Baba loves all, and everything He does and says is filled with His sweet grace and divine compassion. Yet there are some whom He can communicate with more directly than others. Those who have more bhakti and feel closer to Him receive His direct teaching. While those who are less close get His guideline in a more general manner, not by His loving scolding or direct address. And this is still going on today. Those who feel close to Him and have more bhakti will receive His direct communication, as opposed to the more general or theoretical approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Manjari

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate. One who loves very much, who loves with all their heart, but who meets out strict punishment when he sees impropriety or mindless action, is the true guru.” (4)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (5)

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “You must try to arouse the seed of benevolence that lies hidden in the inner recesses of the human mind. How can this seed be aroused? Human beings will have to apply all sorts of measures – persuasion, scolding etc.; and at the same time you will have to continue your efforts so that the dormant seeds of psychic potentialities express themselves. And with their expression, the whole society will be benefited. Today human beings must be inspired and motivated, and thus discipline is essential. To impose discipline is not bad. It has been said in the scriptures: Hitarthe shásanam ityarthe anushásanam. “That discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings is called anushásanam.” Society requires enforced discipline. In the scriptures it is also said: Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate: “One who is capable of punishing or rewarding one’s followers is called a Guru, a true teacher”. Only one who can discipline as well as love a person, can be called a Guru.”
   “One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru. Rather he or she is an enemy, for excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps. Medicine is not necessarily always sweet; sometimes bitter medicines are necessary as well. Patients often refuse to swallow bitter medicines; they cry in protest. But the ideal physician will force the patient to swallow the medicine. This is the proper way.”
   “Today the entire body of the human society is riddled with numerous ailments of dogmas – as if the whole social body were stricken with leprosy. Under these circumstances humanity will have to undergo the necessary treatment and then move forward.” (6)

References
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
2. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
3. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success
5. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
6. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá

*        *        *

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 ==

Both joy & sadness

“Tumi ámár áshár álo, tomár tarei málá gánthá…” (Prabhat Samgiita #1144)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You are my ray of hope and my glimmer of sunshine. You know how to love. I have threaded a garland only for You, singing the tale of Your eternal liila. You are my Is’t’a’.

O’ Baba, during the silent night and the lonely dawn, I yearn for You in my tiny mind and do sadhana for You. In the aspiration of getting You, there is a strong longing and restlessness in my heart. My pain and pleasures, and whatever agonies I undergo, are all related with You. 

O’ Baba, I play the games of both joy and sadness with You in times of light and shadow. All my engagements revolve around You. My entire existence is ensconced in You. This is the story of my spiritual realisation, by Your grace...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Right balance in life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The common people, let alone the master artists, know that sound is not emitted if the strings are loosened too much and the soft and delicate strings snap if they are tightened too much. Human life is also like this. If one practises too much austerity (in some cases, if one makes a parade of austerity), tender human sensitivities snap and break into smithereens’ the soft, delicate parts of the mind get charred and petrified. On the other hand, if life is made akin to a loose string, the nobler yearnings of life will never be fulfilled. In other words, that kind of life degenerates into the life of an animal characterized only by bathing, eating and sleeping. Hence one must never allow the string of life to be loose. But also the string of life should not be left to snap due to excessive strain. The ideal course of life is neither left-oriented nor right-oriented. This kind of life will be conspicuous by the absence of strife, mayhem or horror of the leftists and of toleration of injustices by the rightists in their loose, careless and sloppy life. It is this ideal course that will usher in a life worth yearning for a super-human existence, divinely exquisite and shining brightly on the banner of gold.” (1)

Reference:
(1) Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Invention of Various Musical Instruments

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to cure the psychic ailment of capitalists

Prout philosophy states, “The aspiration to become rich by exploiting others is always a kind of psychic ailment. Capitalists argue, “We amass wealth through our intellect and labour. Let others also amass wealth in the same way if they have the intellect or capacity to work. Who will stop them?” They do not want to accept that the number of consumable commodities in the world is limited, but all need their basic necessities. If one person is rolling in wealth this will generally mean that others will be deprived of even their minimum requirements. The failure to recognize the needs of others is itself a disease. But the victims of this ailment are also our brothers and sisters, members of the same human family. Either through human appeals or circumstantial pressure, these people must be cured of their psychic ailment. In order to do this we will have to channelize their obsession with material wealth in a mental and spiritual direction. At the same time as people’s physical hunger and thirst are being satisfied, everyone should be freely taught scientific processes to fulfil their psych[o-spiritual] longings.” (Prout in a Nutshell - 5, The Responsibility of Society)

Note: Here above Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar is pointing out the psychic defect of capitalists. Those capitalists amass a huge amount of material wealth by exploiting others. And they justify their haul by inviting everyone else to do the same. Yet, the materials object of this world are finite. So their justification has no merit. It is not possible for each and every person to accumulate a huge amount of  wealth, i.e. far more than they need. Ultimately these capitalists exploiters have to be cured of their mental disease. The solution is to divert the minds away from material wealth and towards the psycho and spiritual realms.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

This cannot be ignored

Prout philosophy states, “Everywhere in the manifested or unmanifested universe there is a ceaseless fight going on between Vidyá and Avidyá. For running a government we require strong military and police forces, for in society there is also the fight between Vidyá and Avidyá. Even within one’s self such a fight will continue. Those countries which cry for disarmament are also preparing within for war. Even after the establishment of a universal government we will require military and police forces for maintaining peace.” (1)

Reference
1. Talks on Prout

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-first-cultural-program.htm

Moulding our children into margiis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/harming-vs-helping-child.html

Today's educational standard

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/11/solution-youth-suicide.html

Sign of fake bhakta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-recognise-true-fake-bhaktas-2.html

Mental peace & debt + 3 more

Baba

Mental peace & debt

Namaskar,

The present era of materialism preaches "instant gratification": Enjoy the world by buying superfluous things. Credit cards and loans are readily available to the common person. Indeed lending agencies and credit card companies are standing by with astronomical interest rates in order to rip off consumers. It is a deadly cycle; already so many have been victimised.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
In Ananda Marga, our view is diametrically opposite. We interact with this physical world solely to help others - not for indulgence - and aim our mind towards psychic and psycho-spiritual pursuits. We seek happiness and peace in those upper realms, not in the instant gratification of worldly pleasures; but, even then some in our Marga have gotten bound by the noose of capitalism.


One who incurs no debt is really happy

Here, everyone should understand there is no winning in capitalism. The common public just borrows and spends money on material allurements hoping to find happiness; but, ultimately, they find themselves upset, frustrated, and in debt. All the while, the impoverished masses around the globe suffer from an extreme dearth of resources, which have been gobbled up by those capitalists. So we should not fall prey to the capitalist cycle of borrowing and spending.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The person who is able to get some vegetables to eat at least once a day, who incurs no debt and who has no need to leave home to earn a living, is really happy." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "A marriage feast is completely optional and depends upon the financial capacity of the people concerned. Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden." (3)


Ananda Margii to keep strict vigilance

Ananda Marga philosophy says,  "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gabardine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha. Similarly, people should take food which is nutritious but not rich. They have to give up the practice of feeding others with money taken on loan. That is why social control over the individual's conduct and expenditure is indispensably necessary. Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama and also to accept calmly directions of other Margis in this connection." (4)


Conclusion

This era of extreme capitalism has devoured the lives of many - leaving them as desperate beggars unable to regain their footing. We must not let this happen to us or anyone. We should remain out of debt and keep our mind free. That is the only way. By following Baba's guidelines, we can maintain our psychic equilibrium. Going into debt and digging means losing one's mental peace and becoming a lifelong tool of those greedy capitalists. We should all exercise extreme caution in our financial dealings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Divyacaksu Deva

Below please find a grand Baba story that features His detailed guidelines about borrowing and lending money. This is very practical knowledge for us all to have.


~ In-depth study ~

Please read this following Baba story and ensuing teachings about this subject of being bound by the noose of capitalism.


Baba story: never lend but donate

~ Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda ~

Baba is against people borrowing or lending money. One day He said, "You must know that lending as well as borrowing is undesirable and detestable."

I had known Baba's attitude and so had always tried not to borrow money. But I still had a question, "Was it so bad to lend money to someone in distress?"

Baba answered with an illustration. "Do you know why it isn't desirable to lend out money? Suppose someone has come to you to borrow some money. Maybe his need is genuine and his appeal is justified. As you listen to his story of distress, you are likely to want to be kind to him. Even if it is beyond your own means to lend a big amount, you become so upset thinking of his dire need that you take pity on him. Your thoughts get interrupted as the gentleman says, 'You need not worry, dear brother. Please help me wriggle out of my crisis. If your generosity can take me out the present crisis, I'll repay the loan within a month. Meanwhile I'm likely to get some money soon, so you may rest assured that you'll get back your money on time.'"

Baba continued, "There may be no reason for you to disbelieve him. Suppose you are soft-hearted, so you collect the money somehow and hand it over to him. And he, too, feels glad and goes away."

"That man may not have any intention of taking you for a ride, but it may turn out that he can't get hold of the money as he thought. It is not so unusual. But you go on nursing the hope that he will repay you at the end of the month."

"A month goes by. He hesitates to see you out of his shame because he has no money to repay to you. Suppose you go to him out of need for the money. In all likelihood he will be ill at ease and may take offense at your uncalled-for-presence. He will think, 'How disgusting! He has come to me straightaway.'  Understandably, he will tell you a long excuse about why he has failed to repay you. You will give a patient hearing to him and coming back home begin to wait for the deadline as promised. There will be times when you come across him on the street. Immediately, he will think 'O, my God! Here he is again, he will certainly remind me of my debt!'"

"Of course it's only natural such thoughts come to mind, interspersed with some inaudible abusive remarks. Maybe you didn't go to him for money, but what is that to him? Your presence will be unpleasant enough."

"So whenever you meet him, he will think, 'I am lost! He has come again to pressure me for that money.' At the same time he will hurl some unsavory remarks at you, albeit silently. Contrary to what is in his mind, he will say, 'Welcome, my dear brother. I am glad to meet you. I am so grateful to you,' and so on and so forth.

"Undoubtedly the moment he sees you, he will heap uncharitable remarks on you, but when you will come within earshot, he will be all praises and parade his respect for you. It goes without saying that you will be put into a dilemma from not getting your money back even at the time of your own dire need. It may happen that your need will drive you to his house and shout from outside, 'Hello, Mr.----, are you there?'

"He will think, 'Oh! he has come again for the money. What will I say to him?'

"Thinking this, he will not only silently curse you, but also try his best to avoid an encounter with you. Instead of coming outside, he will tell his little son to tell you that his father is out. Accordingly, the boy will run to you to inform you that his father is not in.

"Looking askance at him, you will say, 'Go inside and find out for certain whether or not your father is there.'  The simple-minded child will reply, 'Why, I don't need to check because father has himself said that he is out.' In this way your relationship with that friend will sour and you don't know where it will end."

"Well, he certainly would have been offended that first day if you had not lent him money. Not only that, he would possibly have been shocked and have silently heaped some abusive remarks. Nevertheless, the unpleasant situation would not have spilt over onto the rest of your life. If you lend money, you will inevitably invite filthy remarks galore. That is why a person should think many times before lending to others."

I asked, "Sometimes a really good man may fall into trouble and sincerely need help. In that case, what is to be done?"

Baba said, "Instead of lending him money, you should help him according to your capacity. Suppose he is asking for five thousand rupees. Tell him your attitude about lending money and let him know your financial condition. Then help him with an amount that's within your means. It may not be as much as he demands, but he will get consolation that you tried to share his difficulties." (Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda)

The above story is quite clear on the point of borrowing and lending. According to Baba, we should not borrow money nor should we lend it. If anyone truly needs financial help, then we should give them money according to our capacity, and not expect anything in return.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Misuse of loans: non-productive investment

 Ananda Marga philosophy says, "You might have noticed that there are many countries which suffer from financial stringency, so they take loans from other countries. These loans are then used for ventures like constructing large dams on their rivers."
  "The science of economics teaches that the rolling of money should never be blocked by any sort of non-productive investment. Sometimes people misuse loans to construct an unnecessary building or a new showroom for their business, and thus prevent the possibility of reinvesting the capital and increasing their wealth. Economics teaches that loans taken for business investment should always be utilized for productive purposes, and should never be utilized in any unproductive venture. Foreign loans, for example, should never be invested in constructing large railway stations instead of railway lines." (5)

Ananda Marga Philosophy says,"In economic exploitation, vested interests deprive people of their minimum requirements. Money lending, charging exorbitant interest rates, compelling poor farmers to sell their produce through distress sales, etc., are examples of economic exploitation. Regardless of the type of exploitation used by the exploiters, when society is moving towards revolution, the role of the exploiters is exposed. The exploiters are unable to disguise their exploitation any longer." (6)


Farmers converted into landless labourers

First Baba warns us that we should seek counsel and permission before (a) spending money on superfluous items and (b) before taking any loan.

Ananda Marga Philosophy says, "If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their ácárya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender. Where one’s own ácárya or any person of responsible rank is not easily available, consultation or rather permission is to be obtained from any other ácárya, táttvika or any right-thinking member of the Marga. Every member should follow this instruction strictly." (7)

Secondly, Baba warns us how money lending itself is a filthy profession. We should keep such greedy persons at arms-length.


Their occupations are despicable

Ananda Marga Ideology says, "People should also not earn their livelihood by lending money and taking interest. Such persons want to lend more and more money to gain more and more interest, and they do not want the borrowers to refund the capital. The scriptures stipulate that people should not accept food from such people, because their occupations are despicable." (8)

Over the course of history - in so many lands - money lenders have exploited people and taken all they had. This has happened not only with the farmers of Bengal depicted below but in so many regions and eras, including in the present day US where countless innocent families have incurred debt and are unable to pay back the money they owe.

Prout philosophy says, "Another group of exploiters emerged who took advantage of the poverty of the farmers. These were the moneylenders, who lent money to the farmers at exorbitant rates of interest. The farmers were forced to take loans which they could never repay, so they mortgaged their lands. Eventually the moneylenders became the owners of the farmers’ lands, and the farmers were thus converted into landless labourers... money lending by private capitalists should be banned and provisions must be made to pay loans in advance to the farmers through the banks. This will eradicate the exploitation by moneylenders and political cadres." (9)

Due to their extravagance

Ananda Marga philosophy says,   "It is often noticed that individuals incur debt because of their violating the principles of Yama and Niyama, especially due to their extravagance – and as a result, they approach the society for relief. In this connection I must point out that just as the society is duty-bound to give relief to individuals by combined efforts, so also it must have control over the conduct of individuals, over their practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama, and also over their expenditure. Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged." (10)


Predatory lending brings ruination

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

  "Predatory lending is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of some lenders during the loan origination process. While there are no legal definitions in the United States for predatory lending, an audit report on predatory lending from the office of inspector general of the FDIC broadly defines predatory lending as "imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers." Though there are laws against many of the specific practices commonly identified as predatory, various federal agencies use the term as a catch-all term for many specific illegal activities in the loan industry. Predatory lending should not be confused with predatory mortgage servicing which is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of lenders and servicing agents during the loan or mortgage servicing process, post loan origination."
  "One less contentious definition of the term is "the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against." Other types of lending sometimes also referred to as predatory include payday loans, certain types of credit cards, mainly subprime, or other forms of (again, often subprime) consumer debt, and overdraft loans, when the interest rates are considered unreasonably high. Although predatory lenders are most likely to target the less educated, the poor, racial minorities, and the elderly, victims of predatory lending are represented across all demographics."
  "Predatory lending typically occurs on loans backed by some kind of collateral, such as a car or house, so that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can repossess or foreclose and profit by selling the repossessed or foreclosed property. Lenders may be accused of tricking a borrower into believing that an interest rate is lower than it actually is, or that the borrower's ability to pay is greater than it actually is. The lender, or others as agents of the lender, may well profit from repossession or foreclosure upon the collateral." (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 1, Discourse 1
2. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
3. Caryacarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
4. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
5. Prout in a Nutshell-12, Keep Money Rolling – Excerpt A
6. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Nuclear Revolution
7. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms
9. Prout in a Nutshell - 19, Economic Exploitation of Bengal
10. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society

*        *        *

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 ==

Divine message

"Gáner tarii bhásiye dilum surer ságare..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0753)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace, I have floated the boat of songs in the ocean of the tune. I am doing my sadhana and am ensconced in Brahmabhava. It is Your krpa. Today, I feel that no one is alien -- all are my close, everybody is mine.

Up till now, I could not get that Parama Purusa who expresses Himself always and everywhere, in various colours and forms. Today, that very Supreme Entity came close with the resonance of omnkara. He came before me and allowed me to hold Him.

The song which could not ever be practiced and could not ever be played with the strings of the viina, today that same melody told me, "I am living alone in the charming world of cosmic maya. Don't you recognise Me?”...

About Prabhat Samgiita #0753:

[1] Omnkara: In this below quote, Baba is describing how a sadhaka gets pulled headlong towards Him once they hear that divine sound, onmkara. It is all due to the grace of the Supreme.
 
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The spiritual aspirant hears the various sounds of onm'ka'ra or pran'ava At various stages, during deep sa'dhana', during sweet sa'dhana'. The sound is called muraliidhvani. The sa'dhaka becomes mad because of this sound and goes deeper and attains Ra'dha' bha'va more and more, and rushes headlong forward...At that time one does not think at all about what people will say. One knows only that 'I and my Is't'a exist'." (1)

References
1. Discourses Krsna & The Giita, 15 January 1980, Kolkata

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Breathing techniques

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 one's 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."

"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 ==

Cunning & degrading ways of filmmakers

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Seduced by the bestial instincts hidden in the secret recesses of their minds, people surrender to base propensities. But improvements in education and the social environment can help to bring this beast under control and make it obey their commands. To achieve this the first thing people have to do is to wage war against their animal propensities, which is no easy task. So cunning exploiters, by encouraging animality, are able to bring people under their sway."

   "The cinema industry suffers from this malady. This industry is controlled by a handful of business persons who make films according to popular taste and demand. While ordinary people naturally run after those films which in their ideas, language or visual images cater to their base propensities, such ideas, language or images instantly distort the ideals of the idealist beyond recognition. It is quite in character for purely commercial film producers to exploit these human weaknesses to their own advantage, and this is exactly what is happening." (1)

References

1. Human Society - 1, Education

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-first-cultural-program.htm

Moulding our children into margiis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/harming-vs-helping-child.html

Today's educational standard

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/11/solution-youth-suicide.html

Sign of fake bhakta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-recognise-true-fake-bhaktas-2.html

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta + 4 more

Baba

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

Namaskar,

Here following is one Baba story about the beauty, magnificence, and greatness of Prabhat Samgiita. Note: This letter also refers to Rabindra Sangeet, and as these are non-margii compositions we honoured their spelling of Sangeeta.


First program

Those days when Baba was living in Madhu Malainca - His residence at Lake Gardens (Kolkata) - He introduced the idea of holding Prabhat Samgiita cultural programs. Those days Prabhat Samgiita was quite new, so it was the need of the time to propagate Baba's divine gift of Prabhat Samgiita.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Hence the then Central PRS dada T. was given the duty to organise the first-ever Prabhat Samgiita cultural program. And after coordinating the various affairs, the public Prabhat Samgiita program was held at a park in Central Kolkata in the evening time, around sunset. Directly afterwards Dada rushed back to Baba's Quarter to give the good news.

Thus, PRS Dada T. reported to Baba by passing all the various good news about the program. Certainly many of the workers were also curious to hear because not all could attend.


That reporting session

In particular PRS Dada T. was telling how in order to attract the Bengali public, first they performed a few Rabindra Sangeeta (i.e. songs by the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore). Those Rabindra Sangeeta went on for some time. Thereafter, a few Prabhat Samgiita were performed. All in all 60% percent of the time was given for Rabindra Sangeeta and 40% was allotted for Prabhat Samgiita. Altogether the public greatly appreciated the cultural program.

In this manner, PRS was telling the news. Hearing all this Baba took on His 'Rudra Rupa' form, i.e. His menacing form where He lovingly displays His feigned anger.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Immediately in that reporting hall Baba feigned His fury and started rebuking him strongly. All workers present in the hall were shocked and unnerved by the magnitude and height of Baba's feigned anger.

Baba strongly feigned scolding and chastising PRS for highlighting Rabindra Sangeeta at our own Prabhat Samgiita cultural program:

"You are degrading Prabhat Samgiita - Coward...Animal...You do not have the courage to play Prabhat Samgiita at our own Prabhat Samgiita cultural program... What nonsense!"

In this way, Baba's feigned scolding went on. At the time, Baba was speaking in Bangla but the translation is as recounted above. We should also recall that all-loving Baba has tremendous affection for His disciples and His feigned scolding is a sign of His great blessing.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)


Dhik, dhik dhik-- shame, shame shame

Then in front of all, Baba lovingly scolded PRS Dada for his sin by ordering him to take punishment while all others stated: 'Dhik, dhik... dhik, dhik...dhik, dhik', which literally means 'shame, shame... shame, shame...shame, shame...'.

So, as a symbolic gesture of shame and humiliation, Dada T. had to pretend to rub his nose on the wall - while all workers present chanted 'Dhik, dhik... dhik, dhik...dhik, dhik'--  'shame, shame... shame, shame...shame, shame...'.

As this was a dramatization, it looked like harmful, painful things were going on, but Dada T was not really rubbing his nose etc. But he was acting like really he was rubbing it hard.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But not only that, because of the extreme severity of his wrongdoing, Baba ordered PRS to do that punishment on the ground also. This heightened the effect of the dramatization.

In unison all workers recited 'Dhik, dhik... dhik, dhik...dhik, dhik','-- 'shame, shame... shame, shame...shame, shame...' while Dada rubbed his nose just above the ground as a show of humiliation and repentance.

Aside: When anybody did something outrageously negative then they got this type of punishment, i.e. 'Dhik, dhik' / 'shame, shame'.

By this entire scene, everyone understood in the deep core of their heart that Baba is adamantly against the use of Rabindra Sangeeta at our own Prabhat Samgiita cultural programs. Indeed that was the first and last time that it was done.

As many may be aware, Baba Himself has pointed out that there is too much of an emphasis on melancholic themes which are prevalent throughout Rabindra Sangeeta. On so many occasions He told like this.


Why not Rabindra Sangeeta

Furthermore proof is that Baba told on various occasions that, "If Rabindra Sangeeta was okay then there would not have been any need to create new songs. But because Rabindra Sangeeta is not perfect that is why Prabhat Samgiita was composed."

The overarching point is that we should not give undue importance to Rabindra Sangeeta. Before Prabhat Samgiita had been given, that was different. But now that we have Prabhat Samgiita then Rabindra Sangeeta should not be propagated.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

On countless occasions, senior margiis have seen that in His presence - at annual DMC, General Darshan, in all such programs - Baba emphasized for everybody to sing Prabhat Samgiita. Even at DMC if someone was not singing then Baba would lovingly flash His feigned anger.

So you can understand how much stress Baba placed on Prabhat Samgiita. Otherwise, it was not easy for margiis to forget about those other songs. By this approach, everybody came to understand the grand importance of Prabhat Samgiita.

From all around the globe it was propagated that Prabhat Samgiita is something completely unique and we should realise its significance.


Only Prabhat Samgiita on such programs

Since that very reporting session, no Rabindra Sangeeta has been performed at our cultural programs. Rather it has become the standard that in our Prabhat Samgiita cultural programs only Prabhat Samgiita are performed.

As we all know, Baba has blessed us with this divine collection of Prabhat Samgiita. And these songs are the spiritual treasures which uniquely express the inner heart feeling between the bhakta and Lord. That is the specialty of Prabhat Samgiita.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Plus, His Prabhat Samgiita compositions contain all the teachings of Ananda Marga, in seed form. So Prabhat Samgiita beautifully guides us in all the spheres of life. Hence it is our duty to highlight this divine gift of Prabhat Samgiita and please Him by performing only His Prabhat Samgiita compositions in our cultural programs - and not any other type of song.


Conclusion

All Ananda Marga cultural programs express a dynamic combination of song, dance, and instrumental music etc. So our cultural programs are not just simplistic affairs. They consist of grand performances that incorporate music, dance, drama, and many of the visual and fine arts. In that light, this first-ever Prabhat Samgiita cultural program was supposed to be a dynamic presentation of Baba's divine Prabhat Samgiita. But because PRS Dada featured Rabindra Sangeeta, then the whole program went astray.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Rasamay Ghosh

~ In-depth study ~

First learn AM ideology

In Acarya Diary Baba guides us that human life is short and that it is our first and foremost duty to understand all the aspects of Ananda Marga ideology. As Ananda Margiis first we are to engage in this endeavour. Then afterwards, once Ananda Marga ideology has been fully grasped & understood, we can study other philosophies & literatures for comparing and logically proving to others the superiority of Ananda Marga philosophy.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But without proper knowledge of Ananda Marga ideology, some margiis read those other writings and their minds become polluted and dogmatic. Baba does not approve this approach.

First we should understand our Ananda Marga philosophy completely including Prabhat Samgiita. After that, when all 5019 Prabhat Samgiita songs are clearly understood, then we have full capacity and knowledge to understand which Rabindra Sangeeta compositions are good and which are bad. Without first studying Prabhat Samgiita, one will not have a basis by which to properly evaluate Rabindra Sangeeta.


Prabhat Samgiita is beyond comparison

If someone has never seen a watermelon and they only know about grapes, and they wrongly preach that grapes are the biggest fruit, they may quarrel with others about which is the biggest fruit. They will stand their ground that grapes are bigger. It is only when they gain a practical understanding about what a watermelon is that they will forget their tales about the greatness of grapes.

Here the point is that those who are not aware about Prabhat Samgiita - and only know about Rabindra Sangeeta - will wrongly preach about the greatness of Rabindra Sangeeta. That is the problem.  

It is just like how a frog in the well brags about the greatness of his well because he is wholly ignorant about anything outside that well.    
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Likewise all kinds of dogmatic things exist in the society and if we allow our minds to drift in that direction then we will never be able to understand the unparalleled glory of Ananda Marga philosophy and Prabhat Samgiita.       

So we should always follow Baba and highlight His teachings and compositions. And we should understand that when Parama Purusa has come then there is no comparison between Prabhat Samgiita and any other genre of poetry or song. Rabindranath is after all a human being so what can he compose in comparison with the Parama Purusa Himself.

Once someone tastes sentient food then they will no longer like to eat tamasik food. And once a person tastes the spiritual vibration of sadhana, then they will not like to engage in idol worship anymore. Similarly once a bhakta has tasted the divine songs of Prabhat Samgiita then they will not be attracted to any man-made songs.


Guru must love & feign scolding

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "To love is not the only work of the guru. One who only loves you is your enemy, and one who only punishes you is also your enemy. But the one who both loves and punishes in a balanced way is the real guru." (2)


Synopsis

The above story from that eventful reporting session leads in the direction that we should not encourage any other types of songs. We should follow our Guru, our Ista. To please Him and bask in His blissful teachings, we should propagate Prabhat Samgiita.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

His wish is that everybody should sing and learn Prabhat Samgiita; so our duty is to propagate those compositions.

We should take to heart that Parama Purusa has blessed us with His grand body of spiritual teachings. There is no comparison between His divine gifts and any other type of poetry or song. Rabindranath is after all a human being so what can he compose in comparison with Prabhat Samgiita.

Here below Baba guides us how top-grade bhaktas dedicate their everything to serve and please Ista.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "I act only to please You...I want all my actions to give You some joy. It's immaterial whether that brings joy or pain to me, it doesn't bother me at all. My only task is to give You some joy." (3)


About that blessing

Many are well aware that when Baba gave the punishment to rub the nose on the ground then the intention was that those disciples would keep their nose just a tiny bit off the ground and make the motion of rubbing the nose. This was the common way - the standard procedure. Because actually rubbing the nose on the ground would be quite painful. Here Baba's aim was not to create physical pain per se, but rather to lovingly cultivate a sense of shame for going against Dharma.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, "A spiritual guru must be well-acquainted with all the processes of sádhaná, must have the capacity to convince others, must possess complete knowledge of the scriptures, must know many languages, and must have comprehensive knowledge and intellect, plus some extra qualifications. What are those qualifications? Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate – “the guru must possess the capacity both to punish, and to love, or bless, his disciples.” Punishment alone, without love, is not good. Love and punishment should go together, and the degree of punishment should never exceed the degree of love. Then only can one be called a real spiritual guru." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru. Rather he or she is an enemy, for excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps. Medicine is not necessarily always sweet; sometimes bitter medicines are necessary as well. Patients often refuse to swallow bitter medicines; they cry in protest. But the ideal physician will force the patient to swallow the medicine. This is the proper way." (5)


Baba is embodiment of dharma

The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Baba - Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never becomes angry. Only fools say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Note: The name of the PRS dada in this story Dada Tryambakeshvarananda. 

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #38c
2. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 21, The Criteria of a Guru
5. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Eternal Entity

“Tumi ámár átmá, maner ádhár, priya sarvádhár..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4588)

Purport:

My Supreme One, You are my soul, the base of my mind, and my entire existence. You are my absolute foundation. Everything is depending upon You and revolving around You. In life as well as in death, You are existing all the time. In my daily existence, You are my Guide, and after my death also You remain with me eternally.

Parama Purusa, in the daytime, the sun rises and sets according to Your command. And in the nighttime the moon ascends and descends by Your order. All the galaxies and celestial bodies like the Milky Way, nebulae, and stars move according to Your wish. In the universe, You control every single expression.

Baba, the first time I experienced You and realised Your exquisite refulgence in my life, I lost myself completely. Parama Purusa, with Your supreme resplendence, please remove all my samskaras and stains, and make my life successful. Baba, You are my Soul of souls, Heart of hearts - You are my everything. I surrender myself completely unto You...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to deal with blind people

Ananda Marga ideology 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)

This yellow-highlighted quote is only used in the following types of scenarios:

• During our Ananda Marga seminars, it is fine and well to discuss the loopholes of various religious philosophies. 
  
• In our seminars, our internal networks, and when talking with margiis, we can discuss the philosophical and shortcomings and inherent defects of such religions.  

This above quote should never be used in the following circumstances:

• When dealing directly, face to face, with a dogmatic person who adheres to illogical religious rituals then we should be very psychological and speak in a measured, calculated manner. 
  
• So if someone is doing idol worship then do not exclaim, “You are wasting your time because you are just worshipping a monkey - you stupid. Don’t you know that due to idol worship you will be converted into stone or reborn as a monkey.”

Conclusion: If this yellow highlighted teaching is used in the wrong way the result will be very bad. Those who are uninformed have no idea about this above guideline. They apply it in the wrong manner. 

In Him,
Suniiti

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, point #9

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Example - True Ananda Vanii

Here is the example of a true Ananda Vanii, #38:

(38) The entire humankind of the universe constitutes one singular people. All humanity is bound together; those who are apt to remain oblivious of this very simple truth, those who are prone to distort it, are the deadliest enemies of humanity. Today people should identify these foes very well and build up a healthy human society, totally ignoring all obstacles and difficulties.

It must be borne in mind that so long as a magnificent, healthy and universalistic human society is not well established, humanity’s entire culture, and civilization, its sacrifice, service and spiritual endeavour, shall not carry any worth whatsoever.* (Ananda Vanii #38)

- - - - - - - - - - -

Example - Fake Ananda Vanii New Year 2017

Here is the example of the fake Ananda Vanii for 1st January 2017, of Ranchi faction. You see, it is obvious this below yellow sentence does not have any Ananda Vanii number.

“You are never helpless, never alone. You are always with Him and so you should never entertain pessimism or any inferiority complex.”**

Reference:

*Ananda Vanii #38

**AV-2 ---"The Role of The Cognitive Faculty

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Moulding our children into margiis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/harming-vs-helping-child.html

Today's educational standard

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/11/solution-youth-suicide.html

Sign of fake bhakta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-recognise-true-fake-bhaktas-2.html