Search This Blog

Monday, April 28, 2025

Distinction: pápa vs sin + 3 more

Baba
Distinction: pápa vs sin

Namaskar,

Often, in the general society, the terms (a) crime, (b) sin, and (c) pápa are used interchangeably. But that is 100% wrong.


Each of these words has a very specific and different meaning and must be understood and used properly. Among the general population, and to a great extent in Ananda Marga as well, people are confused on this matter. Often, Ananda Margiis can be heard saying or even writing that not following 16 Points is a sin. This usage of the word ‘sin’ is not proper. The thing is that due to the lack of a suitable word in English for the term pápa, the word sin is used, but this is insufficient.

https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Sin versus pápa


The meaning of the word ‘sin’ is “an act which is not in accordance with the Bible”. For instance, in the Bible, meat-eating is common and sanctions the same, but we know that the slaughtering and killing of animals is not right. Yet, according to the Bible, all the animals are made for the pleasure and enjoyment of humans and they do not have átmá (soul), práńá, or even feelings. Many scientists and psychologists of occidental origin, who have slightly elevated minds, are trying hard to prove to the people deluded by such religious dogmatic thinking that animals do have feelings. People belonging to oriental traditions know this basic fact already that animals do have feelings. Under the influence of the dogmatic biblical teachings, the status of animals is considered to be no more than vegetation.

However, the primary meaning of sin is that which goes against Biblical teachings. An analogous concept exists in Islam called Junah wherein the Quran teachings are violated. Pápa, on the other hand, is going against bhágavata dharma. Crime is going against the law of a country where one is living. For instance, in some countries selling meat is a crime, but in some other places it is not the case.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Another thing to bear in mind is that “sin” in the English language is not the pápa of Sanskrit. As already said, “sin” means to go against that prescribed in the Bible. But pápa is explained in the phrase Paropakárah puńyáya pápaya parapiid́anam – that is, “Any action by one individual which leads to the development of others is puńya [virtuous deeds], and any action which does the opposite is pápa.”” (1)


Crime & pápa


According to Baba’s teachings, when it comes to choosing between avoiding crime and pápa, one should give priority to avoiding pápa. If by avoiding crime one is acting against humanity then one should choose to commit that crime, wholly disregarding the consequences. For instance, if there is a law that prevents helping the poor then one should commit that crime by helping the poor. During the communist regime in West Bengal, a bill was passed to prevent Ananda Márgiis from offering service projects to the flood-hit people. The underlying reason behind passing such a law was the anxiety of the communists of the increasing popularity of Ananda Marga. A stay was, however, put on the law later by the higher courts of India. The main point here is that even if such laws exist which are against humanity then, according to Ananda Marga, they can be violated.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For example, in India from 1975-77, there was a martial law emergency whereby AM was banned, and sadhana was treated as a crime. Remaining in AM was a crime. Even then margiis remained in the Marga, and due to that they were arrested and sent to prison. In the language of government, those Ananda Margiis were committing a crime by doing their meditation practices and following their AM way of life.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Criminal codes are generally framed by politicians according to their own standards. Sometimes they include a tinge of humanity and sometimes they do not. Thus the present-day legal codes are not necessarily humanitarian. Rational people may defy a legal code but they should never violate cardinal human values. I would never tell the people of a country to follow their legal codes blindly, but would tell them to always follow cardinal human values. The cardinal human values are the silver lining between the psycho-spiritual world and the spiritual world. They are at the meeting-point of these two strata – the spiritual stratum on one side and the psycho-spiritual stratum on the other.” (2)


Bhágavata dharma: touchstone between pápa & punya


According to bhágavata dharma, helping others is puńya and harming others is pápa. Ananda Margiis should only be concerned with following bhágavata dharma. In light of this, the word sin, being of biblical origin, should not be used in the place of pápa. The word sin should only be used where the intent is to explain the concept of going against the Bible. Laws should be based on cardinal human values.

As society progresses, laws will become more aligned with bhágavata dharma. Ananda Margiis should actively struggle for directing the society in the direction of bhágavata dharma in their own spheres as far as possible. The change has to begin at the individual level and only then the collective change can be expected to take place. For instance, if a majority of people are inclined towards meat-eating then putting a legal ban on the meat industry will not work. First, people have to be awakened. Today’s society is much better in terms of animal rights, racism, etc. compared to the society of a hundred years ago. However, there is a long way to go for society to be structured in accordance with bhágavata dharma. In such a society that is based on bhágavata dharma, pápa and crime will be the same. It is not so, however, today.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Wise people will never entertain a conception of sin based on religious dogma. Rather, they will judge with discrimination the correctness of the code according to cardinal human values.” (3)


Conclusion

We should use words very carefully. Ananda Márgiis should use proper terminology in their conversations and writing. It is the responsibility of Márgiis to educate those who are unaware or ignorant in this context.

In any country, even if an act is considered legal but is against bhágavata dharma then it is pápa. Negative samskáras are definitely formed due to pápa and may or may not be formed due to what is considered as a crime according to the laws of a country. Crime is related to the local administration and pápa with dharma. Thus, the negative effects of pápa are far reaching compared to that of crime.

If a bad man murders an innocent person but gets acquitted after bribing the court, even then they will have to undergo the negative reaction. The requital of negative samskáras will not be achieved. By the influence of mundane wealth, one may get acquitted by the court of a country, but not by the cosmic law.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

We are thus to obey the cosmic law which is governing the whole srśťi. Those who practice sádhaná regularly with bhakti get this experience that the cosmic law is one. Certainly, one should obey the laws of the country in which one lives to be a good citizen, but over and above that one must follow bhágavata dharma. Whenever there is a conflict between the law of the land and bhágavata dharma, one should give priority to bhágavata dharma.

In Him,
Bhakti

Cardinal human values


Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Long ago Vyása said the following about sin:

Aśtádashapuráneśu Vyásasya vacanádvayam
Paropakárah puńyáya pápaya parapiid́anam.

"That is, that action which checks the progress of the society is sin, and that action which accelerates social progress is Punya or virtue. This is a fact. But what is crime? Any action which goes against the different legal codes made by the different nations, according to their spatial, personal and collective differences, is crime. In Saḿskrta crime is known as Aparádha. Sin or pápa should be formulated on the basis of cardinal human values. This was also supported by Vyasa.” (4)

References
(1) Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Niiti and Dharma
(2) Prout in a Nutshell Part 8, The Three Causes of Sin
(3) Prout in a Nutshell Part 8, The Three Causes of Sin
(4) Prout in a Nutshell Part 8, The Three Causes of Sin


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Importance of Shrii

Baba says, "The Samskrta word Shrii means 'the most charming personality'. The word 'shrii' is derived from sha + ra + uniis. 'Sha' is the acoustic root of the mutative principle, and 'ra' is the acoustic root of energy. With the help of these two things, 'sha' plus 'ra', human beings are moving, dancing, speaking, and doing so many things. Obviously they need 'sha' and 'ra' very much. The Supreme abode of 'shrii' is Parama Purus'a." (1)

Note: In this above quote, Baba is describing the meaning of 'Shrii' so that we can understand why we call Him 'Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji'-- not 'Mr. Anandamurtiji'.  Naturally in our life we should then address Him in the way which He likes to be called.

However, because of their dogmatic beliefs, some jinanis prefer the term 'Mister Sarkar' or even just plain 'Sarkar' instead of 'Shrii'. In that case we should gently try to make them aware about their dogma.

The central idea is that 'Shrii' is a very meaningful term and we should not only use this when addressing our Beloved Guru, but everyone should use the term 'Shrii' before their own name as well. This is Baba's direct teaching.

Reference
1. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 12, To Whom Do You Belong? Where Do You Come From?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Sad plight of dry heart

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Some so-called bhaktas – those who do not have genuine devotion - pretend to be devotees just to cheat others. That is, they ring the bells as they should be rung and light the candles as they should be lit, but without any feeling, so that after some time they become like machines. A person lacking devotion becomes like a machine. There is no more joy; only the mechanical turning of the parts. A heart devoid of joy is as barren as a desert. When one becomes as dry as the desert sands, one is compelled to cry out, “Oh Lord, save me. Protect me from the scorching heat of the desert.”" (1)

Note: In the life of a sadhaka on the spiritual journey, the first and foremost ingredient is surrender. Yet surrender itself is defined and described in a multitude of ways. In the above quote, surrender is explained in a very simple manner.  

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Must supply jobs before taking away livelihood


Prout philosophy states, "For the all-round welfare of human beings, society needs to follow some fundamental socio-political principles. Without the firm foundation of such principles, disunity, injustice and exploitation will flourish."

"First people should not be retrenched from their livelihood unless alternative employment has been arranged for them."

“In India during the time of the British, many small kingdoms were ruled by rajas and maharajas. When India became independent, these kingdoms merged into India, and the Indian government decided to pay the former monarchs a stipend. However, this scheme was not a good idea, because many former monarchs wasted money and lived luxurious, sycophantic lifestyles. After a particular leader became prime minister, the scheme was abandoned at short notice. This caused economic hardship for some of the less well-off recipients who were unable to make alternative financial arrangements. Some old people in particular found it difficult to adjust. While the government should not have adopted the scheme in the first place, having adopted it, the government should have withdrawn it gradually and taken the responsibility for looking after the elderly people on humanitarian grounds.”

“Now you understand the consequences of retrenching people without arranging a suitable alternative livelihood for them.” (1)

Note: Here it should be understood that the term retrenchment means losing one's job. The worker has been dismissed, fired, or let go whereby they no longer have a job. The term retrenchment is commonly used in Australia and South Africa. People from other regions may not be familiar with this usage of the term.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles


== Section 3: Links ==


Story: Baba corrects my kiirtana + 5 more

Baba
Story: Baba corrects my kiirtana

Namaskar,

It was the early 1970's and our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan had recently been given. My duty was to organise a nagar kiirtan procession in my village. I was the lone margii in my area and thought that other people would not be interested in singing Baba Nam Kevalam. After all, in those days many were opposing Ananda Marga on various fronts. So I thought that the best way to get people attracted to our nagar kiirtan program was to incorporate their words of choice into our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The idea came in my mind that since Baba came as Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji - all are the same entity - then there is nothing wrong in including their names also in our kiirtan. By this way non-margiis will be more inclined to participate because the name of their choice is also included. Or, at minimum, they would be more sympathetic and would not oppose us.


This is the kiirtan I made

So I thought for a while and decided that we should sing:

Bholenath*
Radheshyam**
Baba Nam Kevalam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam Kevalam

This was the kiirtan I made.

[*Bholenath refers to Lord Shiva; and **Radheshyam refers to Lord Krsna and Radha]

That day we sang this newly made kiirtan for our nagar kiirtan program and it worked well. Many non-margiis joined who otherwise would not have participated. Of course still many opposed but overall we gained some people. So I was thinking it was quite successful.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


I went to see Baba

The next time I went to see Baba, He was very kind and sweet and He asked me, "What type of nagar kiirtan have you been singing in your village. Sing the entire kiirtan now."

I then sang it in front of Baba:

Bholenath*
Radheshyam**
Baba Nam Kevalam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam Kevalam

Baba looked at me and said, "Sukhadev, you have made a mistake."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Must not sing multiple names


Then Baba went on to explain that Caetanya Mahaprabhu created two kiirtanas:

1. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare;

This was for those who were followers of Ram.

2. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krna Krsna Hare Hare;

This was for those followers of Lord Krsna.

So one should not sing both names in the same kiiirtan. Nor should any person sing both kiirtanas independently. One must not sing two names in any way.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The only kiirtan for True Ananda Margiis - Baba Nam Kevalam


Baba continued: "For Ananda Margiis, I have given: Baba Nam Kevalam. So Ananda Margiis should only sing this kiirtan. And you mixed all three names in one kiirtan. That was a mistake."

Baba furthermore explained, "Ananda Margiis should only repeat Baba Nam Kevalam, not any other. On the point of Ista one must not compromise. So Ananda Margiis should not add Bholenath and Radheshyam to the Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan in order to appease non-margiis.”

"You should not mix other names into the Baba Nam Kevalam. If you mix them together, then Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan will not be useful for you. No sadhaka should compromise on the point of Ista. If you chant multiple names it has no value, rather it is harmful. Regardless of how much you sing, you will just waste the time and bifurcate the mind."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

I realised my mistake and did not do that again. By Baba's grace, since that time I stopped my newly made kiirtan and I only chanted Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan.  

It is certainly true that one Parama Purusa as Mahasambhuti came on this earth as Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna but in our spiritual practices the names of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna are meaningless. We should only sing Baba Nam Kevalam.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

That was the unique lesson I got that day, by His grace. Now I only sing Baba Nam Kevalam.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ac Sukhadev Dharmamitram


Note: About the above story

The above story told by Ac Sukhadev Dharmamitram (Jehanabad district, Bihar) is very meaningful and key to adhering to the point of "non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista."

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 ==

Charming appearance

"Tumi, ándháre esecho, álor enecho ván…” (Prabhat Samgiita #2669)

Purport:

Baba, You have taken advent in the darkness - in the age of dogma and ignorance. Because of Your august presence, the blackness has vanished and now a flood of refulgence of spirituality has illumined this entire world. Nobody knew, understood, or imagined that this was going to happen - that You are going to take form as Mahasambhuti and make everything immersed in bhakti.  

Parama Purusa, in their dark state of body, mind, and heart, human beings were sleeping in the depths of the ignorance of avidya maya. You have showered Your infinite radiance on everyone's face, and awakened them from their psychic stupor - their slumber of narrow mindedness, groupism, racial and caste sentiments, and attachment. From the state of staticity, they evolved and became divine, by Your grace.  

My eternal Bandhu, You have come with a flower garland and heart-captivating, sweet oscillations. On the path of time with the aura of cosmic illumination, You have arrived with Your sweet, attractive, and charming appearance, and vibrated everyone's mind and heart with Your exquisite blessing. You have come here, shown the path of salvation, and given the permanent solution of all the problems - physical, psychic, and spiritual.

Baba, You have blessed all…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Wrong approach against capitalism

The Propounder of Prout says, "I cannot support the attitude of those who denounce capitalism at every opportunity, because this allows capitalists to become alert and invent more scientific and devious ways to exploit the people. Those who lack a constructive ideology will never be capable of destroying capitalism, even if they speak sweet words, use threats, or create circumstantial pressure." (1)


Note: This about Prout teaching is referring to the impractical and shortsighted approach taken by communists.

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #3


== Section: Posting ==

बाबा कथा: और लगा मैं विलख-विलख कर रोने

बाबा

नमस्कार,

मेरी दीक्षा के दो तीन वर्षों बाद मेरा P.C. (पर्सनल कोन्टक्ट) भी रांची में हो गया। मेरा यह दुर्भाग्य रहा कि P.C. में बाबा के इतना निकट जाने के बाद भी उनका चरणरज मै नहीं प्राप्त कर सका। कारण, प्रथमतः तो यह था कि बाबा पालथी मारकर अपने आसन (चौकी) पर बैठे हुए थे। दूसरा कारण यह था कि उनको स्पर्श करना (उनकी बिना आज्ञा) अनुशासन भंग करना था। और तीसरा शायद सबसे बड़ा कारण यह था कि पूर्व में तथा P.C. के समय भी मेरे मन में बाबा का चरणरज लेने का भाव उदित ही नहीं हो सका था। हम मात्र साष्टांग प्रणाम ही करते थे।

यह मेरी मौन विनती कई माहों तक चली


 चरणरज लेने का प्रबल भाव होने पर किसी न किसी प्रकार बाबा अवश्य ही उसे मुझे देने कि कृपा करते। लेकिन वह भाव भी जागा और कुछ वर्षों बाद। अब मैं बाबा भगवान का पवित्र चरणरज लेने के लिए तरसने लगा। मैं नित्य प्रति श्रद्धाभाव से बाबा से मन ही मन विनती करता कि – “हे प्रभो~ मुझे किसी तरह अपना अमृतमय चरण रज एक बार भी दे दो। इस बात का खुलासा मैंने किसी के सामने नहीं किया। यह मेरी मौन विनती कई माहों तक चली। मै विनती तो करता, लेकिन यह जानकर उदास हो जाता कि अब मेरा P.C. हो चुका है। और बिना P.C. के बाबा के निकट जाना कठिन बात है। जब हम उनके निकट ही नहीं जायेंगे तो चरणरज कैसे सुलभ होगा? किन्तु यह विनती मेरी चलती रही|एक दिन रात्रि में स्वप्न में बाबा आये और अपना पवित्र चरणरज देकर मुझे कृतार्थ किये। पवित्र चरणरज पाकर मेरी नींद टूट गयी और लगा मै विलख-विलख कर रोने। मैंने कहा – “नहीं बाबा, नहीं। हम स्वप्न में नहीं, साक्षात् तुम्हारा चरणरज चाहते हैं। तुम हमें अपना वही चरणरज दो। इससे हम मानने वाले नहीं हैं|

परम प्रभु, बाबा चरण में
देवकुमार

Shrii Bhakti jii presents this story:
- We are very grateful to Shrii Bhakti for his immense contribution of putting the hardly legible material into a usable electronic format. Without his efforts it would not have been possible to publish this story. - Eds


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Rgveda is of special value to the world

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: Ananda Vanii ==

What is principal aspect of jiivan dharma

“Marching ahead is Jiivan Dharma (the characteristic wont of life). To march ahead, carrying all, viewing the world humanity as an integral entity, is the principal aspect of Jiivan Dharma. Resolve courageously to observe this Jiivan Dharma. Remember: “Yato dharmah tato iśt́ah, yato iśt́ah tato jayah”. “Where there is Dharma, there is Iśt́a, and where there is Iśt́a, there is victory.”” (Ananda Vanii #43)

Note 1: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.


== Section 3: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS