Spirituality: asking for His help + 2 more

Baba

Spirituality: asking for His help

Namaskar, 
 
For a spiritual aspirant, sadhana is the main endeavour in life. 
 
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Human life is for sádhaná.” (1)
 
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Human life is for spiritual sádhaná only. There is not, there cannot be, any other motive; there cannot be any other intention; there cannot be any other desideratum.” (2)

Steps to take when sadhana is difficult
 
However, the path of sadhana is not linear, but rather systaltic. That means there are times when one is making great strides in sadhana, by His grace. And there are periods when sadhana is elusive, and it is hard to cultivate any spiritual flow. Here are steps one may take if the mind is dry and they are having difficulty in sadhana.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
(a) Half-bath: This automatically invigorates both body and mind and brings new prana (energy) to one’s existence. So half-bath is a physical practice that helps shake off any staticity and enables one to sit for sadhana with new vigour.
 
(b) Prabhat Samgiita: This treasure of songs given by Sadguru Baba is a unique tool for cultivating bhakti. Because Baba’s compositions of Prabhat Samgiita express the heartfelt feeling and yearning of the sadhaka. So select a song wherein the meaning best reflects your personal feeling. Then play that song and sing along with full ideation. That will boost the mind and generate a feeling of closeness with Parama Purusa.
 
(c) Kiirtana: By chanting and dancing kiirtan, with the only feeling being “You are mine & mine alone”, one is surrendering to Parama Purusa and calling Him near. This helps elevate the mind and brings a spiritual flow. In various discourses, Baba guides us how kiirtana is the great tool for overcoming various afflictions and going close to Parama Purusa 
 
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Kiirtana helps a devotee to accelerate the speed towards the hub of the Universe....Just as food and sleep are essential for human beings, similarly kiirtana, the most essential aid for sadhana, should also be done whenever there is opportunity and time.” (3)
 
(d) Guru is the closest Entity: One should remember that, “He is with me now and He is my permanent Bandhu.” If a sadhaka does not share their happiness and sorrows with Him, then whom are they going to tell. So just request Guru for help. If you put forth your request again and again then surely He will be gracious on you. It is just like if a small child asks its mother over and over again for something, then the mother cannot resist and will satisfy the child’s wish. Similarly, if one asks Parama Purusa again and again for help in sadhana, then He is bound to fulfill Your request. 

I do not have strength in my knees - please provide me
 
Here following is a brief English summary or gist of Baba’s Hindi teaching from DMC 31 May 1987:
 

Sa'dhana' does not provide us with anything. All sa'dhana' does is facilitate the grace of Parama Purusa. So one is to ask for the power to fight against his/her mental defects from Parama Purusa. One should earnestly say, 'Parama Purusa, I would like to march towards You but I do not have strength in my knees. Please provide me with the requisite energy and I'll walk towards You.' (English Summary)

 
(e) Effort: The sadhka’s duty in sadhana is to try. That is what the word sadhana literally means: That one should put forth the proper effort and try. Seeing a sadhaka’s sustained engagement in sadhana, Guru becomes pleased and showers His blessing. One should not give in to the tendency that one should stop or avoid sadhana if one’s meditation is not good. Rather one should always put forth the proper effort. One should persevere and then surely sadhana will be better, by His grace. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
Sadguru Baba is all-powerful. He can grant mukti and moksa even to those who do not do sadhana. But that would be partiality. So He has created the rule that all have to do sadhana. So one has to try and then He will shower His blessing by seeing your efforts. It is just like if an infant tries repeatedly tries to stand up again and again, then by seeing the situation mother will come over and help the child stand. But if the child does not try to stand up then the mother may not help. Same is the case with Parama Purusa and with the sadhaka. If He sees that a sadhaka is sincerely practicing sadhana and making a concerted effort, then He will be drawn to quickly come and help the sadhaka. 
 
(f) Bhakti: The overall point is that a personal connection or link is needed, i.e. bhakti. That is the equivalent of placing moisture in the soil. If one has good seeds and rich soil, but those seeds will not germinate without water. Similarly, even if the sadhana system and mantra are proper but if there is no affection towards the Goal, then sadhana will not give any yield. Whereas when there is a loving feeling in the heart then sadhana will bloom and blossom in your life, by His grace. 


Conclusion
 
(g) Guru’s blessing: When sadhana is difficult then an aspirant should repeatedly try the aforementioned processes. When one receives His blessing then sadhana will flow every easily and it will be very blissful. One will feel like they are just floating peacefully down a gentle stream in springtime, when all the wildflowers are blooming and the air is very aromatic. This is not just theory. He really comes and helps in sadhana. There is more truth to this than the existence of the sun and moon.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Now by dint of sádhaná, one is to arouse and exalt that sleeping divinity. That Svayambhúliuṋga becomes one with Shambhúliuṋga. But for this one requires divine help. And I know one is sure to get divine help. And I know further that one is getting divine help. And I know still further that in future, for infinite time and infinite space, one will be getting this divine favour. And you are all sádhakas. You will certainly attain that supreme stance and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it, my sons and my daughters.” (4)
 
In Him, 
Trinetra

~ In-depth study ~

Give me strength to do sadhana
 
Here following is an English summary or gist of the Hindi teaching from DMC 31 May 1987:
 

The first stage is getting over the small 'I'. After getting above the small 'I' to some extent, in the second stage, humans should fight against their mental defects. For example, if one is afflicted by some kind of superiority complex, or inferiority complex, one has to combat that.  Some may be afflicted with attachment (moha). So, all these mental defects one is to fight against in the second stage. Humans may possess some will power to fight against these defects but that alone is not enough. One needs to constantly make endeavor to overcome the mental defects. This requires additional strength or power. This power comes from Parama Purusa's grace alone. Sa'dhana' does not provide us with anything. All sa'dhana' does is facilitate the grace of Parama Purusa. So, one is to ask for the power to fight against his/her mental defects from Parama Purusa. One should earnestly say, 'Parama Purusa, I would like to march towards You but I do not have strength in my knees. Please provide me energy and I'll walk towards You.' (English Summary)

Special thing to ideate during kiirtana
 
Here following is an English summary or gist of the Bangla teaching of the MGD 10 December 1978 Calcutta:
 

This bhava samadhi is the highest stage of the bliss of kiirtana. Both those who sing kiirtana and those who listen to kiirtana should ideate that, “Parama Pursua is mine and mine alone, and does not belong to anyone else.” If one sings or listens with this feeling they will have the highest realisation of kiirtana. (English Summary)

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

 
Parama Purusa thinks about me too
 
Here following is an English summary or gist of the Bangla teaching of MGD 17 December 1978 Calcutta:
 

With one brain how can you compete with Parama Purusa. Better is to tell Him that, “Parama Purusa, You have innumerable brains. Think for me too and solve my problems. With one brain how much can I do.” By this way, one should surrender unto Him. (English Summary)

 
Ananda Marga ideology states, “If people do kiirtana with distinct expression of the mantra, their mouths become pure, their tongues become pure, their ears become pure, their whole bodies become pure - and when so many parts of the body become pure, the átmá (self) also becomes pure.” (5)
 
References
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Sádhaná (Intuitional Practice), Point #4
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 23, Oṋḿkára and Iśt́a Mantra
3. Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Kiirtana – the Panacea for All Afflictions
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 23, Stages of Samádhi
5. Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Kiirtana – the Panacea for All Afflictions

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Warmth of my life

"Priyo ámár, priyatamo tumi mor..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3261)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You are dear to me, You are my Dearmost. Even when I am in cimmerian darkness - during storms and cyclones, tornadoes, in my  miseries, my terrible days - You remain always with me, and keep me safe. My Citcor, You remain by my side and care for me; I am never alone.

Baba, You are Alakhanirainjan; Parama Purusa You are blemishless, pure, and vipad bhainjan, the destroyer of all calamities and all-powerful. You are my práńer spandana, the pulsation of my heart warmth of my life, and the citi bodháinjana - collyrium of Brahma jina’na. Parama Purusa, Your beauty and infinite, spiritual charm satiates my heart. 

Baba, You protect me from all sorts of dangers and calamities and remain as the abode of bliss. Those who attain You will be fearful of whom - they will fear no one. By Your mercy, those who bind You with the thread of their love and bhakti, even their obstacles are removed. They can overcome all hurdles, cross the ocean of bhavasagara - the sea of sam’ska’ra, and get moks’a. No impediment can halt their forward march.

Baba, Parama Purusa, Omnipotent Entity, please shower Your karuna on me...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3261:

[1] Citta-cor / Chit-chor / Citcor: In His role as 'Citcor', Parama Purusa is the Thief or Stealer of the bhakta’s mind. How does He steal the mind? He captivates their mind and attracts the bhakta by His exquisite spiritual charm - whereby the sadhaka cannot think of anything or anyone else. The sadhaka has lost control of his own mind: It incessantly and unknowingly rushes towards Parama Purusa. The One who makes this happen is Citcor - the Stealer of the mind.

And to some degree this happens in the mundane realm as well, though it is degenerating and not long-lasting. There are numerous worldly examples where a person's mind is stolen. For instance, if they lost money, if they are infatuated with mundane attraction, if they are anxious about something - in all such cases when the person's mind runs again and again in that direction. So to some degree their mind has been stolen. The person's mind is no longer their own - they do not have control over it. Over and over, their mind is thinking of something - yet that something is not eternal but rather short-lived. So the effect is degenerating. Because their I-feeling has become attached to something mundane. In the real sense that is not citcor, but rather a reflection of a reflection of the stage of citcor.

The Entity that causes someone to lose control of their mind is Citcor - the stealer of the mind. And this is a deeply spiritual state. In the sphere of bhakti, only Parama Purusa is Citcor. The sadhaka thinks of Him, unknowingly. Always the mind is goaded in that direction. Even if the bhakta intentionally tries not to think in this way, still his mind becomes ensconced in the thought of the Supreme, i.e. Parama Purusa. This is an elevating experience and has a wholly beneficial result.

Ultimately, when this condition climaxes, in that culminating state the unit mind - the jiiva'tma - becomes one with Supreme Consciousness.

Lastly, another name of Citcor is Makhan Cor (Butter Thief).

A number of dogmatic worshipers think that Lord Krsna is a butter-thief and they portray Lord Krsna as a small child who has stolen butter whereby the child Krsna is eating a lot of saturated fat. The sages tried to teach the common people with analogies but due to a very low standard the people took it in a literal way until finally it became an entrenched dogma. They do not like to hear the real truth of the matter.


[2] Alakhanirainjan: ('Alakh' means 'invisible'; 'nir' means 'no'; 'ainjan' means 'black spot'.)  Of the infinite attributions of Parama Purusa, one of which is that He is invisible and blemishless - totally pure and perfect. That is why He is known as Alakhanirainjan. Because in this world unit beings are bound by their past actions, by their samskaras; and this creates a black mark in their mind. But being Alakhanirainjan, being both invisible and blemishless, Parama Purusa is totally beyond the realm of sense perception and beyond the realm of samskara. His mind never gets stained. He remains eternally pure and spotless.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Copying communism

Ananda Marga philosophy: "Question – Why is everything in the communist countries done under the dark veil of the iron curtain?"

"Answer – Because they are conscious of the inherent defects and loopholes in their system and they do not want the world to know what they are doing." (1)

Note: A similar thing is going on in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha these days. To hide their hypocrisy group leaders do like this.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 4, Question #12

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Cannot serve if concerned about your reputation

   Ananda Marga teachings guide us, “When for age after age society spins in the murky eddies of evil and vice, when individual and collective knavery masquerades as intelligence, when hypocrisy, bribery and fraud are the yardsticks for measuring the ability to lead – it is then that the genuine followers of Bháratii [the goddess of learning] must struggle on in spite of constant humiliation. Only taunts and insults will be their fate. Those who are afraid of these insults are incapable of offering anything really lasting to humanity. How can people who lack moral strength, under whose feet the soil is not hard and strong, invite anyone into a cool, refreshing shelter and impart happiness to them? It may be possible to drag oneself through life by sucking the blood of others like social parasites, but this will not bring fulfilment to either sáhityikas or their readers.”

   “The artist or sáhityika who assumes the responsibility of leading humanity along the path to light from the caverns of darkness will have to heed the road signs on that path. It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. Rather it is necessary for the sáhityika or artist to have a keen and vigorous insight, without which all their endeavours will prove fruitless. Merely juggling words or depicting defects in society will not satisfy the hunger of the human mind – and such creations of art are indeed valueless for social progress as well. One must know the path, and one must also know how to move on it. If those who have not comprehended what the form of society will be, allow the trends of the past that have shaped the present to proceed unchecked, they can never lead society to the path of perfection. They will in fact thrust society into darkness in the name of social reform; they will encourage license in the name of freedom. Instead of modelling a woman after the ideal of a goddess, they will mould the image of the goddess after the ideal of a harlot.” (1)

Reference

1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

True brahmacarya

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/03/he-is-watching-me-2-more.html

Uniqueness of RM system

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/07/why-it-is-revolutionary-2-more.htm

Money-lusting: disease of this era

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/11/only-cure-of-this-psychic-disease-4-more.html

How to overcome maya

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/spiritual-path-why-many-fail.html

Names of Parama Purusa

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/unknown-traveler.htm

True brahmacarya + 3 more

Baba

True brahmacarya

Namaskar,

All know that our second lesson is known as brahmacarya and that it spiritualizes our existence in this mundane world. It reminds us that we are never alone and that He is always along with us - watching us. Here below are a variety of ways to heighten the practice of this important sadhana lesson.


Way to best practice second lesson

Before starting any action, one should repeat their second lesson mantra and cultivate the ideation that, “He is watching me.” And the essence behind this idea that “He is watching me” is that “He has great love for me.” By thinking in this way the sadhaka feels tremendous bliss. For some His watching instigates fear while for bhaktas it generates feelings of bliss. This approach of mantra japa and spiritual ideation is needed to properly practice second lesson.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Some think that merely repeating the mantra is enough. However Baba says mere parrot-like repetition of the mantra will not work. There should be proper ideation as well.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "People do japa kriya' in a very crude manner. It can be said that their method of incantation is like the talk of a parrot. Parrots talk, parrot say so many things, without understanding the meaning, without understanding the spirit of what is meant. Japa kriya' becomes as meaningless as the talk of a parrot for those who do it without love or emotion. It even loses the value of internal suggestion, intro-psychic suggestion." (1)

The mere repetition of the mantra is not enough. Proper feeling and divine ideation are needed in the practice of second lesson. One should feel that 'My Parama Purusa is watching me'. This ideation must reflect deep in the mind for one to really practice 2nd lesson.


Love is the prerequisite factor

One other special ingredient is needed: love for Him. Reason being that one cannot possibly remember that 'He is watching me', until one feels deep love for Him. Something can only be remembered constantly in two types of relations: loving and inimical. The idea of an enemy will always remain in the mind, automatically it will come. And if you fall in love with anything, then that idea will also come in the mind automatically - always. This happens with anything worldly such as money, your child, or anyone or anything. For instance, if a person loses $500 then that idea will surface in the mind again and again. Keeping this theory in mind, if one has deep closeness with Parama Purusa then without any effort His image will come in the mind - again and again, without any effort.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Some think, "I love Baba, but then again I forget about Him." The reason behind this is that the degree of love is not as much as it needs to be. With more love, the sadhaka will never forget about Him. Whereas devoid of love for Him, one will simply forget that He exists at all, let alone remember that “He is watching me.” And love does not develop until one meditates ceaselessly on Him.

That is why Baba has given brahmacarya as the second lesson and iishvara pranidhana as the first lesson. Because through the repeated and diligent practice of Iishvara Pranidhana, the sadhaka will develop deep love for Him. As we all know the practice of first lesson is a type of deeper sadhana. And through this practice one develops strong love for Ista. In which case one will have the mental yearning to remember that “He is watching me.”

Only through the constant practice of Iishvara Pranidhana (first lesson) can one develop the sincerity and bhakti to properly practice Brahmacarya (second lesson).

Brahmacarya entails remembering that He is the subject. Some may stray from this and think that “I am looking at Him”, but this does not constitute second lesson. In second lesson, Baba is the Supreme Subject. It is He who is watching, not vice versa. The overall idea is not to make Him their object of ideation in 2nd lesson. Rather the sadhaka is to remember that He is watching you. The practice of brahmacarya means that “He is watching me.” This remembrance and realisation is brahmacarya or second lesson.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "He is watching everything. He witnesses everything through His mental eyes. His inner eyes." (2)

And His watching is due to His great, unfathomable love. When we remember that He watches always because of His deep love, then that brings unending waves of bliss in the mind - in which case we remember Him even more. This is the type of positive cycle which occurs in top-grade bhaktas. This is what to strive for in spiritual life. Second lesson is one beautiful remembrance wherein we feel that, "He is watching me and the reason why He is watching me is because He loves me very much." With His endless love He watches over all we do and guides us unto Him.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "His love is perennial. It is always there. It is for you to tap His love. It is up to you because the chance has been given to you. Now it is for you to realize that and open everything. Then you will be able to enjoy the complete love and devotion which has been showering on you for time eternal." (3)


Two great benefits that He is watching

Here are two more wonderful benefits of second lesson, i.e. that “He is watching me.” One is that, “Because He is watching me then I cannot think of committing any misdeed”, and the other is that, “Because He is always accompanying me then as my well-wisher He will save me from all sort of difficulties, trials, and tribulations etc - always He will save me.”  

(A) Firstly, when the common public thinks that the police is watching them then they do not indulge in poor behavior or misconduct out of fear. Even robbers refrain from committing crimes when they know there is a policeman or a surveillance camera watching them. So fear is one motivating factor.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Similarly, when sadhakas think that Parama Purusa is watching then they cannot do any negative works. They will be fearful to do that misdeed. Because to do something bad one must feel that they are alone and in an isolated place. Yet second lesson teaches us that He is always watching us. In that case we can never do anything bad. And ultimately that fear of doing something bad will transform into the inner desire to do something good to please Him. So we will always feel inspired to do righteous and dharmic works. 

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Human beings work...and think internally, 'I am His object and He is my subject. He is seeing whatever I am doing.' So He remains the subject throughout. When He is made an object it is for the purpose of ideation on Him. Moreover, there is an additional benefit: when I think I am His object and He is my subject, I cannot commit any wrong under any circumstances. His ever wakeful conscience will constantly warn me, 'What are you doing? He is watching you'." (4)

(B) And the second point is that sadhakas know that, “When I am never alone, then it means that He is always there to help and save me.” Indeed, this is a tremendous boon for every aspirant. They know that no matter what may transpire in this world, always Parama Purusa will be there to help them in their hour of need. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Even the most degraded people are not alone – Parama Puruśa is with them and will help them in times of need. No one should ever despair, however degraded they might be.” (5)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Parama Puruśa exists in all the entities of the universe – the sun, moon, planets, satellites, nebulae and innumerable celestial bodies, the countless atoms and molecules – in His individual and collective association. That is why, as long as there is a speck of dust under your feet, as long as a single star twinkles over your head, you should remember that you are not helpless, that you are not alone. You need not have any fear or apprehension about this under any circumstances. Just keep moving along the path of spirituality.” (6)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Sádhakas will live in eternity after this life. Parama Puruśa will always be with you. That means, neither were you alone in the past nor will you be alone in the future. Always remember that you are not helpless. He who is guiding the stars of the skies, is with you, you are not alone. Under no circumstances should you ever be afraid. Never think that you are alone.” (7)


Conclusion

One must  always think that everything around me and whatever I see, it is all Parama Purusa. If in the wilderness one should think Parama Purusa is present around me in the form of bushes, trees, animals, plants, earth, soil -- everything. I am surrounded by Parama Purusa anywhere and everywhere. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prabhat


Special tip

Here is the easiest way to practice 2nd lesson. Take a look around you: trees, birds, sky, grass, stars, dogs, leaves etc. And think that all these entities are the expression of Parama Purusa in that particular form. So the tree is not a tree, but Parama Purusa in the form of that tree. And a bird is not a bird, but Parama Purusa in the form of that bird. By this simple and easy approach, one will cultivate an ideal practice of second lesson. When one has achieved siddhi (perfect facility) in second lesson, they will attain a deep state of samadhi.  


~ In-depth study ~

Free from samskaras

In addition, the second lesson carries one meaning that differentiates itself from all our other spiritual practices. Second lesson alone is what enables us to escape the binding noose of samskaras. By second lesson we can escape the never-ending cycle of action and reaction. As we know every thought, word, or action generates a reaction.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But by His divine grace, when we think or say anything or perform any work in this world, so long as we remember Him and repeat our 2nd lesson mantra, then that thought, word, or deed will not be binding. We will not create any new samskaras through that work. Because always He is watching us and ensuring that we are moving on the straight path towards Him. With His two eyes He keeps strict guardianship over us. Remembering His benevolent watch is our second lesson.

In second lesson, the doer is thinking that: "Whatever I do is with the energy of Parama Purusa", and in true sense Parama Purusa is the doer because "His energy is working and I am just a machine." It is for this reason that new samskaras are not made. So we can say that second lesson is nothing but His divine grace wherein He liberates the sadhaka from the net of generating new samskaras. Instead our load of samskaras is lightened if not eliminated and we can march directly unto Him. This is the great gift which He has bestowed upon us in the form of second lesson.


Baba's special reminder

For those of us who attended all those DMC's and reportings with Baba, we can easily recall how Baba would point out:  'So many people entered the room without properly doing second lesson'. This type of loving rebuke and reminder came on innumerable occasions; Baba would regularly tell like this.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So this goes to show how incredibly important second lesson is. Because He would not remind people about taking proper food or water before entering. Nor did He remind about doing half-bath before entering. Only He was this strict on the point of second lesson. The main point behind this is that all should engage in the practice of brahmacarya. The mind should be flooded with the divine ideation that 'He is watching me'. This special idea Baba wants that we should always remember.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrram - 1, Who Is Gopa?
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Thousand-Headed Puruśa
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, 'Dharma Sadhana'
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, Cognitive Faculty and the Supreme Desideratum
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The Divine Drama
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Ananda Marga ideology
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Bandhu, Suhrd, Mitram and Sakhá

*        *        *

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 ==

Poured sweetness

"Esecho ámár hridaye esecho..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0786)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You have come in my heart. In my aching, burning core, You are like a cool breeze. All my disappointments and sadness have vanished in the wake of Your arrival. My whole life is now filled with joy. Today I have gotten You. It is Your grace. 

Baba, in the desert fire and scorching heat, when Rudra is in its full ferocious form, everything is unbearable. In this ghastly, desperate, and horrific situation, in the midst of the booming, roaring thunder and the loud shouting and laughter of the vanity of the demons, when everything is intolerable, You came and filled all with the sweetness of flower blossoms and made everything serene and sentient. Baba, You came and removed the fear and terror. 

My Parama Purusa, in this burning summer, the dry grass in the meadows weeps in hopelessness and despair. All its beauty and charm have vanished. After crying ceaselessly, it was unable to shed any more tears - its agony continues in silence. In the end, after losing everything, all are basking in the joy of getting You. You have filled the prana (heart) of the entire universe with the melodies of Your sweet tunes. They have gotten everything. In the bliss of getting You, they are dancing.

My Parama Purusa, You have come here. Baba, I do sastaunga pranam and surrender everything at Your lotus feet...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0786:

[1] In this second stanza, the analogy of Rudra is given to show how the situation has become most disastrous where there are big tornadoes, shattering earthquakes, powerful tsunamis, and general mayhem, chaos, and destruction all around. That is what is meant by the line that Rudra is in its element - i.e. full display. So in this dire situation where one is confronted by death, disease, torment, destruction, and disaster all around, in this critical moment Parama Purusa has come and transformed everything. He has filled all with the very tender, cool feeling of the flower. This Prabhat Samgiita uses analogies to provide contrast: When negative things are going on all around, then Parama Purusa comes and makes everything tender and sweet. All the burning and pain is extinguished. That is what is described in this second stanza.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Proper cardiovascular exercise

Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments says, "Pure, fresh air has the power to cure diseases. It is advisable to breathe in as fully as possible, because when we do so, the air gets an opportunity to penetrate the lungs completely. It is better to take a walk in the fresh air than to ride a vehicle. If the body does not work up a sufficient sweat, then you should know that you have not taken the air properly." (1)

Everyone is aware that Baba is teaching us to be vigilant about walking every morning and evening, invariably. 

Reference:
1. Yogic Treatments, Appendix, Point E

== Section: Important Teaching ==

No Baba photo at AM marriages

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The pratiika [emblem of Ananda Marga] should be placed in an elevated place in the marriage hall." (1)

In His above teaching, Baba gives clear reference that the pratiika should hold a prominent place in the hall during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. At the same time, there is no mention in Caryacarya of having Guru's photo on display. 

The reason is that some non-margiis may be attending the marriage and Baba's photo should not be displayed in front of those who do not have utmost reverence for Him. That is why we should strictly follow Caryacarya and not put His photo on display during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. Whereas, with the pratiika, non-margiis will positively accept it as a tantrika symbol and will have respect for it - just as every religion and organisation has their own symbol. So even if non-margiis do not know the full significance of the pratiika, they will accept it at face value and not degrade it. But that is not the case with the photo. 

To preserve the sanctity of the photo, at our Ananda Marga marriage ceremony we must not put Guru's pratikrti [photo] on display. On this matter, we must strictly abide by the dictates of Caryacarya, and not show the photo. 

Reference
1. Caryacarya - Part I, Marriage Ceremony

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Extent of human cruelty

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Senseless, sadistic killing is called pishunatá vrtti. If meat-eaters slaughter animals in the way that inflicts the least pain, that is not pishunatá; but if they kill them slowly and cruelly, first chopping off their legs, then their tails, then their heads, it is definitely pishunatá. These days in many civilized countries people are unable to give up meat-eating, but have at least devised modern methods to kill the animals less painfully. But remember, the killing of animals, no matter how it is done, is contrary to the spirit of Neohumanism."
   "Once I saw a harrowing sight in a market place: part of a live tortoise had just been chopped off and sold, but the poor creature was not completely dead and was trying to crawl away, leaving a stream of blood. Such cruel things should be abolished altogether. The cruel slaughter of that innocent tortoise is certainly a case of pishunatá."
   "To kill human beings is totally undesirable, but if people do want to eliminate their [a'tata'yii], they should do so with a minimum of torture. The kings of old used to kill criminals by impaling them on spikes; or by half-burying them in the ground, sprinkling salt over them, and letting the dogs eat them. Sometimes people were flayed alive. These actions certainly deserve universal condemnation." (1)

A'tata'yii: A person armed with weapons who comes to your home to kill you.

Note: In many parts of India, animal torture occurs in the wide open. If you walk around the main vegetable market then in one corner there are non-veg items. Live animals are tortured before your very eyes. It occurs along the roadside as well. One particular religion is most notorious in this regard. They always do this on the roadside. I saw that if customers want to purchase a live chicken then the merchant will snatch up a chicken, yank the wings off and throw it in the garbage, callously remove the feathers and snap the chicken’s neck right in front of you . And then they put it in the bag for the customer to take away. It all happens in the open. For meat-eaters this may be normal but for non meat-eaters it is repulsive how they are forced to see this going on. It is so disgraceful how people tolerate this in the name of religion.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

How to overcome maya

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/spiritual-path-why-many-fail.html

Names of Parama Purusa

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/unknown-traveler.htm

Story: day after PC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-to-do-after-unknowingly-committing.html

Blessings at dharma samiikśa 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/boasting-about-their-dharma-samiiksa.html

Sadhaka life vs material pursuit

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/most-important-to-do-2-more.html

Puja: closed eyes or open

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/guru-puja-eyes-open-or-closed.html

Uniqueness of RM system + 3 more

Baba

Uniqueness of RM system

Namaskar,

Baba founded Society Building department in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha in 1960 with following the objectives:

(i) To encourage so-called inter-caste, inter-religious and international marriages;
(ii) To encourage the society to adopt the revolutionary marriage system of Ananda Marga philosophy;
(iii) To inspire young talented youths to choose the life of a wholetimer to propagate spiritual ideals in the society - and forgo marriage.

Revolutionary Marriage

In order to form an ideal society based on strong fundamentals, Ananda Marga teachings encourage so-called inter-caste, international, widow marriages, and marriages of abandoned and shelterless women. The idea of the dowry is rejected outright in Ananda Marga marriages. Owing to their revolutionary nature these marriages are called Revolutionary Marriages (RM). By eliminating the artificial divisions of the society based on so-called caste, creed, colour, nationality etc Ananda Marga marriages help to form a healthy and universal society.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Male members of the Marga can marry females outside the Marga, but it will be better to marry a female member of the Marga to a male member of the Marga, as far as possible. If a suitable match is available outside the Marga, the marriage may be solemnized, but efforts should be made to initiate him into the Marga without delay.” (1)

A few special features of revolutionary marriage

1) Ananda Marga upholds oneness & indivisibility of human society: Today, human beings have achieved remarkable progress in the intellectual realm, yet human unity is lacking in society. The artificial divisions on the basis of so-called caste, creed, colour, nationality etc persists even today. In the RM system of Ananda Marga there is no such consideration. Baba inspired His disciples to recognize all human beings as members of a great, universal human family.

2) No dowry: In the social code of Ananda Marga philosophy, Baba has prescribed a simple marriage ceremony where neither party can demand a dowry. Further He instructed His followers that if in a non-Ananda Marga marriage a dowry is demanded on behalf of either bride or bridegroom at the wedding, one may help out manually as required in the arrangements but a sadhaka should strictly avoid partaking any food at the ceremony.

3) Consent of bride & bridegroom for marriage is mandatory: In the Ananda Marga RM system, the guardians arrange and finalise the marriage after ascertaining the consent of the bride and bridegroom, and bless them, at least a day before the marriage is solemnized. If the boy and the girl settle their marriage themselves, it is proper for the guardians to give their consent. In case the guardians feel that the consequences of such a marriage will be harmful, they may ask the boy and the girl to reconsider their decision. Even then, if they do not change their opinion, the guardians should give their consent.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

4) Condemnation of kanyaídaína (gifting away of the daughter): In the Hindu system this dogma continues to prevail. It is considered as most virtuous by those dogmatic parents / guardians. However, in consideration of Ananda Marga teachings, this approach smacks of selling our sons and daughters like provisions. Society must take a strong stand and do away with this dogma which denigrates and degrades the women in our society.

5) Doing away with the system of priest: In our Ananda Marga marriage system two family acaryas (those who teach yoga & meditation to all free of cost and serve the suffering humanity) function as priest on behalf of the bride and bridegroom. In their absence any senior follower of Ananda Marga can conduct the ceremony.
 
6) Equal status of bride & bridegroom: In our Ananda Marga marriage system, the bride and bridegroom sit facing each other. Parada Pratha (covering face with veil) is prohibited. They take an oath in their mother tongue for accepting each other as husband and wife.

In AM all participate unlike the various religions

7) Responsibility of all the participants: All those who participate in Ananda Marga marriage take an oath that they have witnessed the marriage and will help the married couple in their all round development. The revolutionary marriage makes the society responsible towards the newly wedded couple.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
Ananda Marga Caryacaya states, “Those present, [[at least ten persons,]] led by the ácárya/á, will repeat, “We say on oath in the name of Parama Brahma and Márga Gurudeva that we are witnesses to this wedding. By the grace of all-merciful Brahma, may we be helpful to the best of our capacity for the all-round progress of this newly-married couple”.” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Male members of the Marga can marry females outside the Marga, but it will be better to marry a female member of the Marga to a male member of the Marga, as far as possible. If a suitable match is available outside the Marga, the marriage may be solemnized, but efforts should be made to initiate him into the Marga without delay.” (2)


More about RM system

8) Simple & economical: The RM system of Ananda Marga is simple and does not call for an ostentatious display. However, one is free to decorate the hall, and arrange instrumental / vocal music according to one’s economic condition. The feast is optional. Arranging feast by taking loan or incurring a debt is prohibited. During marriage garlands or flowers are exchanged by the bride and bridegroom.
 
9) Importance of mother tongue: In the general Indian society, the hymns / mantras chanted in a typical dogmatic marriage function are not comprehensible to the bride or bridegroom, or the participants. But in the Ananda Marga revolutionary marriage system, the bride, bridegroom and the public take an oath in their mother tongue so they can understand properly. As per Baba, one’s mother tongue is the best medium of expression. Therefore he has given much importance to mother tongue in the marriage system.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
10) Spirituality: The base of the Ananda Marga revolutionary marriage system is spirituality. Those who attend the marriage function including the bride and bridegroom sing spiritual songs and do collective meditation before the marriage proceeding starts. Everybody takes oath in the name of Parama Brahma and Marga Gurudeva. Throughout their life the couple married through the revolutionary marriage system of Ananda Marga does spiritual practices of yoga and meditation. They remember God or Parama Brahma whenever any work is commenced. Naturally their offspring become more spiritually inclined. Inspired by the above mentioned principles many young men and women taking the oath of marriage. In India so-called intercaste and interstate marriages are extensively performed by the Society Building department of AMPS.

In Him,
Lalita’

~ In-depth study ~

How to describe AM to non-margii wedding guests

AMPS, a global socio-spiritual organization was founded in 1955 by Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji (Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar) in Jamalpur, Bihar. The mission of AMPS is liberation of self and service to humanity. For individual liberation, AMPS advocates practice of meditation, asanas, moral principles and others. For the service of humanity, AMPS has inspired many social service projects throughout the globe. These service projects include schools, children's homes, old age centers, medical units, and renders disaster relief during natural calamities on non-commercial basis with the spirit of service. For its commendable relief work, Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT) has been recognized as an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) by UNO (United Nations Organization).

Baba gave an alternative socio-economic theory called PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory) which stresses the need to provide guaranteed availability of basic amenities to each and every individual. This new theory advocates the maximum utilization and rational distribution of all potentialities of the universe. He has put forth a new social concept known as neo-humanism which has been applied to education. In addition, He has created a new genre of music called Prabhat Samgiita encompassing a treasure of 5019 songs in eight different languages. His new scientific theory of microvita resolves the mystery of creation and has been drawing the attention of the intellectuals across the globe.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Guru's guidelines about AM marriages

The following is from the Marriage Ceremony chapter of Caryacarya part 1:

1. In the case of arranged marriages, the guardians should not consider the caste or nationality in arranging the marriage, but they must consider the family and the merits and demerits of the bride and bridegroom. The guardians, before fixing the marriage shall seek the opinions of the prospective bride and the bridegroom and proceed accordingly. The guardians should not allow matrimony between persons connected with each other either on the paternal or the maternal side for three generations, ascending or descending.

2. In the case of arranged marriages the guardians should finally meet and ascertain the consent of the bride and bridegroom, and bless them, at least a day before the marriage is solemnized.

3. If the boy and the girl settle their marriage themselves, it is proper for the guardians to give their consent. In case the guardians feel that the consequences of such a marriage may be harmful, they may ask the boy and the girl to reconsider their decision. Even then, if they do not change their opinion, the guardians will give their consent but they will be in no way responsible for such a marriage.

4. Every person should marry if there is not sufficient reason against marriage. A decision for marriage should be taken with full consideration of one’s physical, mental, and financial conditions and environmental circumstances. No one should exert pressure in the matter of marriage. Marriage is not a hindrance to dharma sádhaná; marriage is a dharmic ceremony.

5. Male members of the Marga can marry females outside the Marga, but it will be better to marry a female member of the Marga to a male member of the Marga, as far as possible. If a suitable match is available outside the Marga, the marriage may be solemnized, but efforts should be made to initiate him into the Marga without delay.

6. For marriage, neither party can demand a dowry.

7. A widow or a woman forsaken by her husband can remarry. A man marrying such a woman will be given a special status in the society. He will have to shoulder the responsibility of bringing up the children of her previous husband.

8. If a woman forsaken by the society desires to lead an honourable life, proper opportunities should be afforded to her. If anyone marries such a woman in the manner prescribed by the Marga, the marriage should be properly respected.

9. Men can prove their manliness by marrying shelterless women. Do not allow at all a woman to lead a shameful life.

10. It is proper not to marry again when one’s wife is alive. But sometimes, due to social or family necessity, more than one marriage can be accepted due. If there is a need of more than one marriage, the clear permission of the wife has to be obtained in the presence of five responsible persons (one of whom should, preferably, be an ácárya/á). The second marriage will not be permissible without the permission of the wife. These five persons will specifically ascertain the veracity of the statement of the petitioner.
(Social necessity: If at any time the women far outnumber the men, more than one marriage for men will have to be accepted to safeguard social purity. Family necessity: If the wife is a chronic patient and therefore unable to work, or is sterile and there is no hope of her becoming healthy and conceiving a child, the man may marry a second time to maintain the lineage and/or to obtain help in the performance of domestic work.)

11. In Ananda Marga no one will be looked down upon as an illegitimate child. ..

12. The oaths in the Ananda Marga marriage system are such that the question of divorce does not arise; but in very extraordinary circumstances, on charges of characterlessness, irresponsibility, or cruelty, divorce may be accepted. The complainant (man or woman) will appeal to five important responsible persons of the Marga (an ácárya/á preferably being one of them). On being satisfied regarding the validity of the complaint, will allow the complainant six months time for reconsideration. If the petition is still not withdrawn and the reasons for the complaint remain unaltered, divorce will be accepted. In this connection, the procedure for the division of the properties shall be formulated according to the demands of the time.

The above is from the Marriage Ceremony chapter of Caryacarya part 1.


Overview of a typical revolutionary marriage

Here is a description of a revolutionary marriage as per the procedure given by Sadguru Baba, the founder of AMPS. Both the bridegroom and bride should be initiated sadhakas of Ananda Marga sadhana.

Before the marriage there can be akhanda kiirtana for three hours followed by collective Iishvara pran’idha’na. Then a few songs of Prabhat Samgiita can be performed. After the song and dance programme is over, a senior margii should explain the revolutionary marriage system to all attendees in their mother tongue.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Then the margiis, relatives of bride & bridegroom collective perform meditation and Guru puja. The family acaryas convening the marriage guide the bridegroom and bride through the marriage oaths in their mother tongue. Then a public oath is taken by all the attendees in their mother tongue; this might entail the oath being recited in two, three, or even four languages, depending upon the linguistic background of the attendees.

Then all present may offer their wishes to the married couple. At the same time the musicians may perform various songs.

Ananda Marga books may be sold onsite.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Male members of the Marga can marry females outside the Marga, but it will be better to marry a female member of the Marga to a male member of the Marga, as far as possible. If a suitable match is available outside the Marga, the marriage may be solemnized, but efforts should be made to initiate him into the Marga without delay.” (3)

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony, A Few Instructions, Point #5
2. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony, A Few Instructions, Point #5
3. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony, A Few Instructions, Point #5

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Seers always persecuted

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “It was considered nothing short of blasphemy to translate the religious scriptures from Saḿskrta into Bengali. The Nabab Hussein Shah personally tried to develop the Bengali language. With his active support Krttivása Ojah translated the Ramayana, Káshii Ram Dash translated the Mahabharata and Máladhra Vasu translated the Bhágavata from Saḿskrta to Bengali. This caused a furore among the community of scholars. They tried to brand Hussein Shah as a saboteur of the Hindu religion because, according to them, to translate the holy scriptures into Bengali was to defile the Hindu religion. Máládhra Vasu had to bear the stigma of being a Moslem convert and was widely ridiculed as Guńaranjiṋa Khan. So incensed were the Saḿskrta scholars over the translations of Krttivása Ojah that he was declared an outcaste for committing an act of sacrilege. All this took place only 450 years ago.” (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 2

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Who are the ignorant and foolish ones

   Ananda Marga ideology states, "All people should have proper knowledge and understanding of what is shreya and what is preya, what is vidyá and what is avidyá, for lack of this knowledge causes their downfall, and with its help, they progress onwards through proper sádhaná. Behind human desires the sweetly benevolent inspiration that the soul imparts, leads human beings to consciousness, not crudeness. That is why the wise try to develop their wisdom and intelligence more and more. No one wants to remain a fool: not even a simpleton wants to be called an idiot. To acquire true wisdom, judgement is necessary and judgment involves discrimination. The proper applications of this discriminating judgement is wisdom. This is why the discriminating people take Brahma, the ultimate stage of their consciousness, as their objective."
   "But the ignorant or foolish ones who do not utilize their discriminating judgement but are tempted on to the path of materialistic sádhaná for their temporary enjoyment, eventually become crude themselves. The Yama said, “Allured by the paraphernalia of enjoyment these fools do not understand nor do they want to understand, the Supreme Entity. They cannot even imagine a subtler world beyond this material quinquelemental world and so they totally deny it. Those who take the crude as their objective, have to come again and again into this material world in crude forms to enjoy and endure the crude. Trudging along a dark path they are gradually transformed into matter. Thus, they come under my sway again and again, for it is impossible for them to redeem themselves from the cycle of birth and death." (1)

Note: In the present world, countless innocent people in the so-called advanced societies - and wherever materialism reigns - suffer terribly from this above described ailment. It is our duty to save them from their complete destruction and demise.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure

== Section 2: Links ==

Postings to Read

How to overcome maya

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/spiritual-path-why-many-fail.html

Names of Parama Purusa

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/unknown-traveler.htm

Story: day after PC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-to-do-after-unknowingly-committing.html

Blessings at dharma samiikśa 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/boasting-about-their-dharma-samiiksa.html

Sadhaka life vs material pursuit

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/most-important-to-do-2-more.html

Puja: closed eyes or open

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/guru-puja-eyes-open-or-closed.html