Animal suffering & rhino tale + 3 more

Baba

Animal suffering & rhino tale

Namaskar, 

Human beings undergo the burning of their samskaras through the psychic pleasure and pain that they feel. Essentially, we experience those reactions in the mind, and those psychic feelings may or may not be accompanied by some type of physical event as well. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How animals are like inmates

The question then arises: Do animals also burn samskaras by the pain / pleasure they feel in their mind? Here is that pointwise response. 

#1: Animals are not mentally developed; they are not even aware that they exist. And they have no such quality to plan anything or reflect on their condition or existence. 

#2: So no one can say that this or that animal is depressed or sad and is therefore burning some type of samskara. Without the power or capacity of self-reflection, i.e. the ability to consider the state of their own life, they do not burn any samskaras psychically. 

#3: Rather, the burning of their samskara is expressed by being born as an animal. Nothing more is needed. It is just like someone who committed a crime and was sent to jail. Being incarcerated is itself the reaction; those inmates need not be whipped to ensure their jail time is proper or sufficiently difficult. Just being held in that jail cell is enough. And that same is the case for those who are reborn as animals. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Animals feel physical pain

#4: Animals certainly undergo pain in their life, but that pain is purely physical. For instance, if any animal is shivering in the cold, facing a torrential storm, getting bit by a predator, or being physically abused by a human, in all such circumstances those animals feel physical pain. And, as far as possible, we should aim to relieve them of those physical difficulties. So the work those animal rights groups are doing is meaningful. But again, the pain those animals are facing is limited to the physical sphere - not the mental realm. 

#5: One related point to note is that there are many animals who have never been in human form. That’s to say, they were not humans in the past who were reborn as animals in this life; rather, they have reached animal form by rising up from lower beings. In that case, they have yet to create any samskaras. 


Instinctual

#6: In the case of a mother cat and her kittens, when anyone tries to take or attack one of her kittens, the mother has an instinctual urge to protect that kitten. This is nature’s way of ensuring a species survives. Yet when that kitten grows and if that now grown cat tries to take that mama cat’s food, the mama cat will forcefully attack her grown offspring. This demonstrates that the mother’s care for the kitten is purely instinctual. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

#7: The overall conclusion is that being reborn as an animal is itself the reaction of one’s past actions, if in fact that animal was a human in their previous life. There is no need for that animal to undergo any further torment or pain than the basic rigours of animal existence. 

In Him,
Satyadeva

Rhino fable in AM

Along these lines, there is a famous story that is often grossly misunderstood. The basic telling of the story is that one rhino came up to Baba with a tear in its eye as that rhino recognized Baba as his childhood friend from its previous life, and that now that rhino was so happy to again see Baba that it had a tear in its eye. This type of account is wholly fallacious. Rhinos, and verily all animals, have no such power of reflection or understanding. They are completely unaware of their plight. 

The only thing we can say is that Baba showered His grace, and the rhino enjoyed being near Baba. The rhino had no knowledge or understanding beyond that. It is just like how a mother expresses great love for her baby so that baby always wants to be near its mother. The baby has no greater understanding of who the mother is and what the mother’s life is about. Just that baby wants its mother’s affection. That is all. Likewise, that rhino had no idea about Baba’s stature etc, only the rhino wanted to be in Baba’s proximity. That is all. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So then how did this misunderstanding about the rhino story come to be? Generally, humans have the tendency to project their own feelings onto lesser beings. They project their feelings onto infants, dogs, cats, and even rhinos. Those less developed beings are just behaving according to their own instincts. They have no greater logic, reasoning, or plan beyond their own instinctual impulses. Yet, humans project all kinds of feelings and ideas unto those beings. And that is how this rhino fable became so legendary. 


Further reading

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Due to the lack of manifestation of consciousness and intellectual development animals cannot act independently either to progress or regress. So it is through the centripetal action of introvertive Prakrti (Pará-Prakrti) that they develop gradually without any possibility of regression. But those beasts in human form neglect their inherent higher endowments and are thus lower than beasts, for those who abuse what they possess are even lower than those who do not even possess it." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 5, Matter and Spirit

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Casting a vote

Here are a few key points related with politics, voting, and governance. 

First Baba guides us that we should not vote at all if the only available candidate(s) is dangerous to the overall well-being of society. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Rather than support an [[unworthy]] person, it is better not to exercise one's franchise because to invest an [[unworthy]] person with power means to push society towards destruction knowingly and deliberately." (1)

In His above guideline, Baba is referring to a scenario where at least 50% of the vote is needed to win the election. More about this is explained directly below. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In a democratic system securing the highest number of votes is proof of a person’s eligibility. However this eligibility is not adequately examined in all cases. In my opinion the popularity of a candidate securing the highest number of votes needs to be tested again if he or she polls less than half the total number of votes cast. In this, test arrangements will have to be made so that people can vote either for or against the candidate. If the candidate polls more favourable votes, only then will he or she be declared elected.” (2)

Next Baba guides us that elected officials must live up to their pre-election promises and stated proposals and strategies. Failing that, their election will be negated and they will be removed from office.  

Prout philosophy states, "A candidate must declare his or her policies in black and white. After an election, if it is found that a candidate is acting against his or her declared policies and this is proved to be the case in court, his or her election will be cancelled." (3)

References
1. Caryacarya II, Society, Point #27
2. Problems of the Day, Point #33
3. Problems of the Day, Point #33

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Meaning of Point #1

Guru's teaching is always concise and pointed. What was needed to tell, He has beautifully presented in a clear manner. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “After urination, wash the urinary organ with water.” (1)

Baba has given point #1 of Sixteen Points wherein we are to wash the urinary organ with water after urination. And by this way anyone can understand that included in this is the idea of washing the backside after passing stool also. Unfortunately, in most of the so-called advanced societies the general people are only using toilet paper or blotting paper as a means to "clean" themselves after defecation. But this is not proper.

Reference
1. Caryacarya - II, Sixteen Points, Point #1

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Natural call: keeping clean

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-avoid-incontinence-in-old-age.html

Reply to skeptics: singing His glory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/is-parama-purusa-hungry-for-praise.html
  

Baba’s childhood pledge: obliterate casteism

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-no-one-is-high-or-low.html

Hilarious scene at DMC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/story-garrulous-announcer-5-more.html

Bhaktas akin to fish in water

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/phony-or-true-bhakta.html

When money is tight - what to do + 4 more

Baba

When money is tight - what to do

Namaskar,

Finances are a key issue nowadays. Capitalist exploitation has reached such a height that they not only dictate what is sold, but also how people shop. Their concept of consumerism has reached deep into the human psyche. This entire letter contains real-life scenarios, personal experiences, and one grand Baba story for how to escape the capitalist strategy of pushing everyone into debt.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


One margii wants to take a personal loan

A while back, one sincere margii family was short of the needed amount in order to purchase a large and expensive item for the home. Unsure what to do, the margii consulted one Acarya. The margii was sincere and hoping to become a tattvika in the near future so he did not want to disobey any code or rule. Rather, he abided by Baba's guideline to seek the permission of an acarya before taking a loan or going into debt.

And when he asked, then Acaryaji directly turned down the margii's request. Acaryaji explained that it is not good to take a loan unnecessarily because this is not Baba's system nor our way in Ananda Marga way of life. In Prout, Baba gives open permission for people to go into debt only on the point of constructive industrial production. In contrast, on superficial business affairs or on personal luxury items, best is to avoid taking a loan. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In response, the margii replied with a second proposal: Ok, I will not borrow money from any bank or outside institution. Instead, I will request one of our Ananda Marga jagrtis or Ananda Marga cooperatives that have the needed capital to transfer the money to me. And, in due course, I will pay it back. But this too was denied.

In this manner, the discussion went gently back and forth. Ultimately, Acaryaji recounted his own personal experiences of watching Baba and told the ensuing Baba story about taking loans. Hearing these experiences and stories, it became clear how to solve the problem.

                                             
Personal experiences with Baba

Acaryaji began: “The following is based on Baba's teachings along with so many reporting sessions which I attended from 1975 to 1990. Taking a loan is completely prohibited; it is against the rules. Baba is very strict that if anybody is found guilty of taking a loan, then they were severely scolded.”

He continued, “I do not know of any occasion when Baba appreciated someone going into debt, or taking loan for any work: relief, or building construction or jagrti, or anything. And, if anybody took a loan then they were scared and did not reveal anything about their loan / debt because of fear of scolding by Baba.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Next, Acaryaji shared some further points.

(A) “Under no conditions is it justified to take a loan. As a case in point, here [appended below] is a story of one worker facing an extraordinary situation those days in Ananda Nagar regarding the lawsuit against the communists about those murder charges. The court case was going on and money was needed to save the situation. There was so much urgency. Even then Baba strongly objected to their taking a loan and Baba scolded Dadaji.”

(B) “Given the circumstances what can be more a dire situation for taking loan than this murder case? Yet you see how Baba disapproved. So I think that there should not be any doubt or confusion about Baba's teaching on this policy of incurring debt or taking loan etc.”

(C) “If Baba would have allowed or appreciated taking loans then it would have created the biggest problem or hazard all around. Many Wts who left would have gotten loans and taken the major portion of that money with them when they left the organisation. Then the new Dada posted to that place would have faced the serious problem of paying back the debt which was incurred by his predecessor Dada who left. So in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha,Baba did not allow any WT to take loan. This is not limited with Wts alone. This rule is for all.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Hearing all this the margii got convinced in the core of his heart that he should never unnecessarily incur any loan or debt. And he understood that to make such purchases he should either increase his income or consciously live within his present financial means. In this present era, it is highly important to follow Baba on this matter of incurring loans. Failing that one will have neither financial stability nor mental peace.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Ramakrishna

Here is a short review:

If someone is really in a terrible situation - such as their house burned down or became drastically flooded - and the government is not helping, then what is to be done? If one cannot take a loan then what is the solution. At that point, those who are friends and well-wishers of the victim can offer financial contributions - not loans, but gifts. That money is not to be paid back. The victim might be in need of and asking for thousands of dollars etc, but those offering financial support must not give beyond their means. When offering their economic gift to the victim, explain your financial situation to the victim, and he will understand and appreciate whatever amount you are able to offer.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Baba story about court case and taking loan - 1

Then he told this following BABA story will shed more light on this matter. And he read to us the following as recounted by one Dada.

~ Courtesy of “My Days with Baba” ~

 "I received a lesson I will never forget. We were in Ranchi in 1969. It was then our camp headquarters. I was general secretary and attending a never -ending sessions trial in Midnapur, West Bengal, on the horrific murder of five of our monks (at Anandanagar, 5 March 1967) and a huge amount of money was being drained out of our treasury to pay the ongoing legal costs. Much would depend on the verdict of the court; we were fighting the case heart and soul.  Our funds were almost exhausted, but we were only halfway through the case. I was at my wit's end when an idea occurred to me. One of the mission's departments had deposited about ten thousand rupees in the central treasury. They had planned to buy a car to use for social service. Left with no other way out, I sent a special messenger to Ranchi and fetched that money. We heaved a sigh of relief as we escaped the crisis for the time being.

 The case came to a finish at last. The court sentenced eight of the culprits to life imprisonment and others to rigorous imprisonment for different terms. There was no denying it: the verdict vindicated dharma and demoralized those who had masterminded the heart-rending massacre at Anandanagar.

 A few days later the workers from that department began to urge me to repay their money. I was on the lookout for resources, but my efforts were taking a long time. Eventually Baba heard of the entire affair.

When He came to know of it, He took exception to it. He came to the office that day and called all the central workers of the different departments. He demanded an explanation from me.

Baba story about court case and taking loan - 2

Baba asked, 'Don't you know the policy of our mission about lending and borrowing?'.

'Yes, Baba,' I said.

'If that is so', Baba continued, 'why didn't you get permission from the president (that is, Baba Himself) before siphoning the money from one department to another?'.

'We were in extreme need at the time. I felt we had no other option than taking this loan.  It was an emergency'.

'You ought to have informed the president of that emergency. Moreover, you could have taken the permission of the departmental head before spending the money.'

Baba's displeasure was extreme, and He scolded (see note on feigned anger) me severely for breaking the rules of financial propriety of the organization. My discomfiture was writ large on my face. I admitted my guilt and promised not to do it again in the future.

Decades have passed and much water has passed under the bridge since then, yet even now I can visualize the unrelenting image of that strict administrator - our loving Baba. That scolding is etched into my memory. That lesson has made me stand firmly on my feet and I have never thought again of borrowing money though the mission has scraped through countless difficulties over the years. Want of money was - and is, and always will be - there, but the virtual ban on borrowing has never stalled my work. For that matter I have never had to compromise on principles. His grace has helped me through every time." (Courtesy of “My Days with Baba”)

What to do if one is really in distress

Here is a very short addendum to this topic where one Dada posed the following query to Baba.

Acaryaji, "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 of “My Days with Baba”)


Baba's guideline on financial loans

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "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. To purchase, by incurring debt...is surely against the principle of aparigraha." (1)

   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.
  Ananda Marga philosophy says, "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gaberdine 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."
   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "I am also giving one more advice in regard to aparigraha. 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." (2)

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

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "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." (4)


Modus operandi of moneylenders

Here below Baba exposed the modus operandi of moneylenders. This type of scenario can happen to anyone who takes a loan - theirs will be a miserabele fate.

Prout philosophy states, "The exploitation by capitalists and landlords is accompanied by the exploitation by moneylenders. In the rural economy they lend money to the farmers and rural peasants, and are present in nearly every village and hamlet of West Bengal. Where the landlords are not physically present, their loyal agents are very active. The moneylenders have nothing to do with the land – they merely give loans to the poor farmers at high interest. Sometimes poor farmers cannot afford to procure farming implements, hence they are compelled to take loans from the moneylenders. If a moneylender gives one hundred rupees to a farmer, the farmer will have to repay two hundred rupees with interest, but the moneylender does not take back the loan in cash. Instead he realizes the amount in kind in the form of paddy, potatoes, etc., at cheap rates at the time of the harvest. The poor farmer, under the pressure of circumstances, has to accept this unwelcome system. He is a double loser – first, he has to pay more than double the amount of the original loan, and secondly, this amount is paid in kind at the rate of the harvest price of the crop, which is naturally very cheap. This whole process is conducted through agents, who also take their profit. Thus, the peasants and farmers of India are deprived of all their agricultural produce in four to five months of the year to repay the moneylenders, so for the remaining seven to eight months they have to approach the moneylenders again for fresh loans. At first they mortgage their implements, and then they are forced to part with their land. When the amount of the loans with compound interest increases to the point where the interest and the mortgage is equal to the price of their land, the moneylenders confiscate the land of the farmers. Consequently, the farmers get evicted from their land and move from village to village, living on the streets as beggars." (5)


Who can take loans

Here Baba guides us that only businesses can take loans.

Prout philosophy says, "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." (6)


Note: His feigned anger

Feigned Anger: 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 became angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach others the severity of a particular situation. For this reason He would express feigned anger. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc. Just He would display anger externally in order to lovingly guide His bhaktas.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Guide to Human Conduct, p.29
2. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in Society
3. Carycarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
4. Carycarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
5. Proutist Economics, Economic Exploitation of Bengal
6. Proutist Economics, Keep Money Rolling – Excerpt A

*        *        *

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 ==

Path of brilliant illumination

"Stabdha ma'navata' ja'galo go ja'galo..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0366)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, with Your advent, the stunned and dazed humanity has awakened today. Expression has come to its previously dumb mouth. The humankind was sleeping for ages in a deep slumber, submerged in dogma and inertness. The people could not understand what is dharma and adharma, nor could they follow any dos and don'ts or protest against injustices. Now, the human race has become awakened, by Your grace. Those mute persons, who were unable to talk, have gained the courage to speak out against falsehood and injustice, by Your mercy. The call of supreme refulgence has touched every heart and cast away the cimmerian dark staticity of the new moon night. All are dancing in joy.

On this very day let us all collectively move along the path of brilliant illumination. There is no looking back. In the eastern sky, the early coloured sun awakens, and a brand new era is at our doorstep.

The streaks of light have brought the fragrant flowers into full blossom. The yearning for spirituality arouses in the human psyche, eradicating the doldrums of all lethargy, laziness, ennui, and feelings of emptiness within. Those degrading tendencies have disappeared and are nowhere to be found.

Baba, Parama Purusa, with Your advent, everything has been transformed...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Utter futility of worldly knowledge

Ananda Marga ideology says, "People wish to know everything but the human cranium is small, and the brain even smaller. So how much can one know? Also whatever one learns today one forgets tomorrow. Yes, one who was a Mahámohapádháya, a pandit, would no longer be able to remember the “sabdarupa” of “Nara” if after leaving his or her original occupation he or she became engaged in agricultural work. This is the situation that usually happens. So the main thing is “know all – know one”. What is the use of reading and forgetting so many books? If one reads more books one will forget more things and make more mistakes. So what is the use? No permanent benefit is derived from being a book-worm. I encourage the general education – laokika education – so that people can understand the shallowness of laokika knowledge.” (1)

Note 1: Laokika / worldly knowledge: Anything related with the relative world - i.e. all the facts and figures related with this ever-changing expressed universe whether they be mathematical theories, political treatises. All these things fall within the realm of Laokika / worldly knowledge.

Note 2: In His above divine teaching, Baba guides us that intellectual progress is meaningless in the absence of spirituality. Only self-realisation is the real knowledge. When one does sadhana and studies dharmic scriptures then one realises how intellectual knowledge is completely futile for attaining perfect peace and eternal happiness. Whereas by atma-jinana (self-realisation) one will automatically know the 'ins' and 'outs' of everything. That is why knowing oneself is the real knowledge. Know one, know all.

Note 3: It is not impossible to satiate the heart with worldly knowledge since the human heart can only be satiated with the divine bliss attained through sadhana. But just talking about sadhana the whole day also will not bring eternal peace and happiness; one has to do sadhana. For example memorizing all the facets about sristi cakra (cycle of creation) will not lead to true spiritual realisation. For that one must perform meditation - sadhana.

Final Note: The grand conclusion of Baba's above teaching is that the reason why intellectual knowledge is highly needed is so that one can understand its uselessness and futility.  

Reference
(1) Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Self-Realization Is the Real Knowledge

== Section: Important Teaching ==

The beginning & culmination of sadhana

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

Reference

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

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Books: Degrading nature of “bestsellers”

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "There is a flagrant dearth of developed critical literature or critical magazines in every country of the world. Books sell in the market on the strength of publicity skills, or on the strength of how they excite the lower human propensities, or in some cases by their crude ability to provide entertainment for the common masses. That is why we find that books published by the authors themselves, regardless of how good they are, do not sell well in the market. On the other hand, books which excite people’s sexuality, whatever might be their content or language, sell extremely well." (1)

Nowadays the benchmark for determining the greatness of a book is the number of copies sold. But this is the wrong measurement because in this era of materialism the masses run to buy those books that excite the lower propensities. Yet, that is not the mark of great literature. Sadly, today's so-called writers have the requisite intellect and talent to write but in order to earn money and maximize sales they inject degrading, perverted themes into their writing. Because that is what enables their books to become "best-sellers." That is the unfortunate and common trend nowadays. So one should be very careful when selecting books. Those titles which have sold the most copies do not represent literature in the proper sense of the term.

Reference

1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Natural call: keeping clean

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-avoid-incontinence-in-old-age.html

Reply to skeptics: singing His glory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/is-parama-purusa-hungry-for-praise.html
  

Baba’s childhood pledge: obliterate casteism

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-no-one-is-high-or-low.html

Hilarious scene at DMC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/story-garrulous-announcer-5-more.html

Bhaktas akin to fish in water

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/phony-or-true-bhakta.html

Baba’s childhood pledge: obliterate casteism + 4 more

Baba

Baba’s childhood pledge: obliterate casteism

Namaskar,

One day when Baba was around 12-years-old, He was sitting in front of His house when one middle-aged man appeared on the road. The man was standing silently on one leg with his palms together.

(Note: This one-legged stance is a particular body posture or mudra used by so-called brahmins to show deep reverence when they pray to their god. However, this person in the road was not a "brahmin", but rather a so-called harijan or untouchable. The man was forced to stand in that position to show his own lowly status and express great respect to the landowners.)

The place where Baba was sitting was slightly higher than the level of the road, as the front yard of the house and entryway were raised up. The man looked at Baba and said, "Where is the respected master of the house?" The man was referring to Baba's esteemed laokik father. The young Baba eagerly called to the man and asked him why he was standing in the road. Baba was sitting on a mat on the ground and graciously invited the man to come up and sit next to Him on a mat that had been placed on the ground.

The man replied, "That higher ground is not my place. I am a harijan so I cannot sit up there - on a mat on higher ground."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba invites the man to sit with Him

Baba politely responded, "I am inviting you. As long as I am here there is no problem. You are welcome to come sit here. Please come."

The man became very scared and said, "I am not going to do that."

Baba gently pleaded, "What is going to happen (wrong) if you come and sit here. It is My request."

The man replied, "If I sit there I will be beaten."

Baba kept insisting and pleading for the man to come up and take a seat. Baba explained that His laokik father would be back in 1 hour, and Baba promised that He would not allow any harm to come to the man.

Baba requested, "You are welcome to wait here with me."

Ultimately, the man refused and left the scene. The young Baba was unhappy seeing how this aged man was completely bound and shackled by caste dogma by unjust brahmins. The so-called caste system had broken and forced him to believe that he would be savagely beaten if he was found sitting on a mat on that high ground. So he was terrified of sitting there.
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Baba tells His mother He will eradicate caste dogma

Here is another story about the dogma of casteism from the early period of Baba’s life. As some might recall, the first PA in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha was PK Chatterjee and he was a so-called brahmin by birth. Those days Baba was still living in his mother's house and when PK Chatterjee would arrive then all the members of the house would come and touch his feet because he was born of a so-called higher caste than Baba's loakik family.

Then, in secret, in that same house, PK Chatterjee would massage Baba's feet, recognising Baba as the Sadguru. Such is the liila of Parama Purusa. Here the point is that casteism touched all aspects of Indian society, even Baba's own laokik family members were entrenched in that dogma. Then that fateful day came when Baba told His mother that casteism was veritably unjust and that He would wipe it out entirely.

She replied, "Oh my son, in the past so many people have made similar declarations, but nobody could change it. In that case what can You really do."

Baba's mother was not aware of Who He is, so that was another part of the liila. As Ananda Margiis we understand well who Baba is, and how He has set the wheels in motion to eliminate casteism and so many harmful isms from this earth.

Neo-humanism to defeat the so-called caste system

Sadguru Baba has come to remedy the situation and create a human society based on universality where all are treated as equal human beings. Ananda Marga ideology aims to eradicate all so-called caste distinctions, as well as all other narrow-minded sentiments that divide universal humanity. As we all know there are so many horrors, injustices, and humiliating aspects of the caste system that have been entrenched in Indian society for thousands of years. Today, by Baba's grace, things have improved a lot. But in that pre-World War II era when Baba was still a boy, most so-called caste distinctions were thriving.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The evils of the caste are nowhere better known than in India." (1)

Siimilar evils exist in the form of racism, communalism, and overall hatred in all parts of the globe. The caste dogma of India is a microcosm of the exploitation that exists around the world. In every country, in other lands, oppression and suppression is based on ethnicity, or race, or gender, or religious sectism, or tribe etc. So this type of disparity and exploitation is not limited to India alone. Rather it is rampant everywhere between whites and black, Shias and sunnis, native peoples and the dominant race, etc. Wherever there are people on this earth there are unhealthy divisions whereby hatred and exploitation abounds. So it is not limited to any particular land mass or people.
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Our revolutionary approach

Baba has given neo-humanism and inter-racial / inter-caste marriages to eliminate the problems associated dividing and sub-dividing humanity along narrow-minded sentiments. Baba has step by step torn down the so-called caste system through two distinct methods: His practical programs and by illuminating this world with His spiritual vibration.

On the practical side, here are a few things Baba has done.

1. He gave tantric diiksa (spiritual initiation) to all people, irrespective of their birth etc, and everyone is welcome to become an acarya in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. No questions are ever asked about a person's background or social status. Rather, one only need have an earnest desire - that is the only qualification.

2. Baba insisted that everyone entering AMPS accept the principles of universalism and cultivate respect for all beings, thereby overcoming all caste distinctions. After studying Ananda Marga philosophy, many were interested in taking Ananda Marga diiksa. And they were told that you are welcome to be initiated and enter Ananda Marga so long as you adhere to our ethics. Ananda Marga is against the so-called castes system so they had to give up their caste symbols like the sacred hair and the sacred thread. Then people were forced to make a decision. Some opted to keep their caste symbols and remain away from Ananda Marga Pracarka Samgha, while others eagerly cut their caste symbols, recognising the universal quality and equal existential value of all human beings.

It is just like those who wish to hunt and kill animals have to give up their habit and follow yama and niyama. Then they will be granted Ananda Marga initiation. Here again the person must make a choice: Continue hunting and killing animals and not enter onto the path of Ananda Marga, or refrain from the senseless shooting of animals and get tantric diiksa and enter Ananda Marga way of life. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

3. Baba instituted inter-caste and inter-race marriages, i.e. revolutionary marriages. This was a huge change because in India even the Muslims adhered to the caste system is part of the bedrock of the society.

Conclusion

By the above programs and more, Baba graced this earth by undoing thousands of years of so-called caste distinctions and injustices. And with His neo-humanism, He has set the stage to wipe out similar injustices all over the globe. Because each and every land has their own issues of hatred and exploitation. The brahmin priests were furious with Baba as they felt He was making attacks on their dogmatic way of life. They felt severely threatened, yet Baba did not yield. Rather, He has spread the ways of manav dharma and one human society to all.

Through His practical programs, He has cleared the pathway to wipe out casteism and all isms and hatred from this earth entirely. Our Ananda Marga philosophy is based on the universal sentiment of one human society where all are treated with equal love and respect. This grand idea is reaching every aspect of human life, by His grace.

Sadguru Baba says, "In our Ananda Marga, the entire human race is considered one family, bound by the common bonds of love. In A'nanda Ma'rga, one introduces oneself as a mere living being, so here it is impossible to establish anything but a caste-less society." (2)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Dhruvajyoti

~ In-depth study ~

Some examples of so-called caste denigration

So-called low caste people would wear a degrading cow-bell around their neck so as to warn others that an "untouchable" was coming down the street. Then general citizens would be sure not to touch that so-called low caste being and not even let their shadow touch them. This happened in those olden days. So-called low caste people were also made to wear a broom attached to their backside so that the dirt or mud road would not be polluted by the feet of those so-called untouchables.
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And here Baba points out other horrors about the so-called caste system:

(A) In this below quote, the so-called low caste people were brutally punished and tortured if they heard vedic chants.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The Antyaja Shu'dras, if they even heard the Vedic chants, or the controlling Vedic mantra aum, or the Savitr Rk mantra, would be committing a great sin and molten lead would be poured into their ears so that their hearing would be destroyed forever." (3)

It goes without saying that it was absolutely forbidden for such so-called lower caste people to go to any temple and worship etc.

(B) Here Baba points out how the so-called caste system deemed shudras to be the lowest of the low.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Even the Supreme Entity, that formless omnipresent Parama Brahma who equally belongs to all, who is the light of all light, the dearest and nearest One, is also denied. It has been said in the above shloka that the vipras [Brahmans, intellectuals] have been born out of the mouth of Brahma' [the Creator]; the valorous ks'atriyas [warriors] have emerged out of His hands; the vaeshyas [capitalists] out of His thighs; and the shudras [labourers] out of His feet." (4)

More examples of so-called caste denigration

(C) In this below paragraph, it is shown how so-called low caste people were not even allowed to get their own water from the well if they were thirsty, for fear that they would pollute the water. They had to wait and hope to be given water by others.

Ananda Marga story book says, "The prince alighted from his horse and, saluting him, asked, “O Brother! Are you in difficulty”? Before the man could answer, the prince understood from his countenance that he was thirsty and, as he had not drawn water even though he has a bucket and rope by his side, he must be a so-called “untouchable”. So that prince himself raised a bucket of water and said to him, “Methinks you are thirsty. Drink this water and then tell me of your needs”. The man drank water to his heart’s content." (5)

(D) Here below Baba further points out the humiliation thrust upon the so-called lower caste people.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Hundreds of dogma were imposed on people: “Do not do this, it is prohibited. If you do it you will go to hell.” The effect of such a statement was to inject a fear complex into people’s minds. According to mythology, the so-called upper castes were born from the mouth of god. It was stated that the so-called low caste people were not entitled to wear shoes on their feet or carry umbrellas over their heads in upper caste neighbourhoods." (6)

Suffice to say here that so-called casteism struck deep into the psyche of the people.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "For centuries so-called low caste people have lived a life of humiliation and insult, and consequently their minds have become inert. Tragically, they accept this condition as the result of their fate." (7)

Baba's august presence means the removal of all so-called caste distinctions, and this has been a tremendous boon for our human society.


Casteism ruins one's mental structure

Baba's below example graphically displays how so-called caste distinctions seep deep into the mind and ruin the human intellect.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Repression directly affects the subconscious mind. Gradually the psychic structure is severely damaged, and finally the mind is totally changed. The result is that people are inflicted with a defeatist psychology and an inferiority complex. Let me give you an example. The headmaster of a Harijan school once asked a student to fetch him some drinking water, but the boy did not move. Instead he asked a non-Harijan friend in a low voice to do as the headmaster requested. But the headmaster intervened and asked the boy why he would not comply with the request. The student replied, “Sir, I am an untouchable by caste. How can you drink water touched by me?” This is an example of how repression can bring about a change in the psychic structure." (8)

Here Baba is showing how even the great Shankaracarya was prone to so-called caste distinctions as he did not want to be touched or polluted by a so-called untouchable.
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Ananda Marga ideology says, "Lord Shankaracharya was an erudite scholar...Once after having a dip in the Ganges at Kashii, he was returning towards the road and he saw an untouchable walking with a number of dogs. For fear of his body being touched he attempted to bypass them. Then the untouchable said: “O Lord! Is this the result of your principle that there is only Brahma and nothing else? You are known by the name Brahmajina'ni. The feeling of differentiation is developed even by treating a pariah as mean." (9)

In this below example, even small kids were indoctrinated into the superiority of the so-called caste system and older people were forced to bow down.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Even a five or six-year-old boy from the so-called upper caste would extend his feet to accept pran'a'm from an eighty-year-old man of a lower caste. Those young boys did not feel the slightest prick of conscience or humanity. This was the ill result of caste distinctions. But today that opportunistic structure of casteism has already been destroyed, it can collapse at any moment." (10)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Members of a particular race who consider themselves superior to others also very frequently inflict injustices on other sections of society. The expulsion (see note *) of the Jews from Germany by Hitler’s so-called superior Aryan race is a glaring example of racial injustice in society. In this country, also, injustices on Harijans by the so-called superior races have caused a tremendous amount of disruption in society. To obviate this type of social injustice, the first attempt should be to do away with racial distinctions in society. In Ananda Marga the first step that one takes is to forget one’s race or sect – to no longer identify oneself with one’s race, caste or sect – regardless of whether it was superior or inferior.” (A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology) (11)

(*) “Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, around two-thirds of Europe's Jewish population.” (Wikipedia) 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Although according to perfect logic the culture of all humanity is one and indivisible, the exponents of isms do not understand this. They prefer to assert that the different sets of script and language, behaviour and habit, and local variations in expression, are actually the constituents of human culture.” (12)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Our Social Treatise
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 5, Shiva Throughout the Ages (Discourse 5)
4. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 5, Yatamána – 2
5. The Golden Lotus of the Blue Sea
6. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 5, Yatamána – 2
7. Prout in a Nutshell - 17, Suppression, Repression and Oppression
8. Prout in a Nutshell - 17, Suppression, Repression and Oppression
9. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Form of Sádhaná
10. Shabda Cayanika - 11, Sati and Widowhood – Excerpt C
11. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, Social Psychology
12. Prout in a Nutshell - 4, Ism and Human Progress

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 ==

In Your song

"Esechi toma'ri krpa'ya..."  (Prabhat Samgiita #0970)

Purport:

Baba, I have come on this Earth. It is your grace, it is Your grace. You have brought me here to utilise me for Your work. I have only desire-- that my whole life should pass in Your song and in Your meditation and in Your work. Baba, You brought me on this Earth. I am at Your disposal. Keep me along…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Plight of revolutionary thinkers

Sadguru Baba says, “Great, Bha'skara'ca'rya was. People of his age didn't like it. Because you know, people who adhere to dogma, they do not like or they cannot tolerate ultra-modern ideas. They will say, "It is against the scripture; it is against the system"---they will say like this. And they won't tolerate it. It is the system of human society. And after their death, they appreciate their ideas. Galileo, Copernicus, Socrates---they were not honored during their time, in their lifetime. It is the norm.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is guiding us how revolutionary thinkers are never appreciated or honoured in their lifetime; rather, they are mocked, tortured, and exiled. All because their ideas are far beyond the narrow outlook of the common people. However, with the review of history, those thinkers are embraced as great luminaries and the true seers who brought society forward into a brand new era. The same is the case with those dharmikas bringing forth Ananda Marga ideology. Baba’s teachings are entirely new and light years ahead of the common mass. So as Ananda Margiis we do AM pracara to please Him and let His will be fulfilled. In the due course, society will look back and realise how AM dharmikas wiped out the existing dogmas and ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity, by His grace. 

Reference
1. NP, MGD 2 September 1971 Patna

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why Indian history dependent upon foreigners

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "India has a rich literature especially in Sanskrit, but there is very little historical literature. Due to philosophical confusion, there was a certain apathy towards history among the people of India. Because of this apathy the inhabitants of India were averse to composing history. It has to be considered by the scholars to what extent, apart from the Rájataraunginii, can the Rájamálá of Tripura and the Assamese Burainji be classified as history. The greater portion of what we consider to be the history of the Indian middle ages had to be collected from the diaries of foreign travellers. In order to write even a single page of history we had to look up Fá-Hiyen, Meghásthinis, Iuḿ, Chuyáḿ, or Ivanavatutá. During the Pathan and Mughal eras there was some history written in the collections of the sovereigns but it is difficult to say just how far they are authoritative. However, we can say that even if not all was lost, something certainly was.” (1)

Reference
1. Varn’a Vijia’na, Psycho-Acoustic and Inferential Acoustic Notes (Discourse 9)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Advice for pregnant women

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When the foetus in the mother’s womb becomes somewhat developed, its hair starts to grow. The mother may develop nausea. Sometimes she develops a special fascination with certain edibles and inedibles, and some peculiar distastes as well. In ancient Bengal there was a social custom to provide an opportunity to a pregnant woman to eat foods of her choice. This was known as sádhbhakśań.”

“Normally, in the advanced stage of pregnancy, women are not permitted to do physical labour. This is wrong. Women in that condition should be allowed to do a little work. (The same principle applies to pregnant animals.) Otherwise, there remains a risk during labour. Pregnant women and female animals may work half of what they usually do at other times; but under no circumstances should they be allowed to do strenuous work, as it may lead to premature delivery or stillbirth.”

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Foods which are highly acidic, such as acidic citrus fruits, overripe pineapples, overripe jám(1), cottonseed flour and spicy pickles, should be carefully avoided as they may harm the fetus. Bending over in a stooping posture to lift anything heavy is strictly forbidden for pregnant women. Although there is no objection to carrying loads for those who are accustomed to it, they must not stoop over to lift a heavy load onto their heads. It is better if others will help them to lift it up. In this stage of pregnancy a daily bath is a rule, but one must not bathe after sunset. It is better to lie down on a hard bed.” (1)

Reference
1. Awakening of Women, Chapter 40, Footnote #4

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Reach the point whence oṋḿkára has started

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "O human beings, proceed on the path of Oṋḿkara towards subtleness. Do not run after the superficial, pleasant mirage dominated by tamoguńa. Establish yourself in sattvaguńa and then merge yourself into Brahma. Reach the point whence oṋḿkára has started. Awaken your latent dynamism through sádhaná and devotion, arouse your divine wisdom and merge that pure divinity into the endless stream of divine glory. Attain the Supreme state for which you have suffered tremendous privations. Today you have the most favourable opportunity to prove yourself as human being.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 4, Our Spiritual Treatise

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Hilarious scene at DMC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/story-garrulous-announcer-5-more.html

Bhaktas akin to fish in water

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/phony-or-true-bhakta.html

Best time to teach dharma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-through-primary-schools-masses.html

Story: kiirtana saved us

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-kiirtan-and-flooded-river-5-more.html

Ista mantra workings

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/auto-suggestion-or-outer-suggestion-4.html

Prepping for teenage years

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-one-must-know-before-adolescence.html

Comer: enfoque basado en principios

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/05/comer-enfoque-basado-en-principios-ps.html