Guilt complex: thief nabbed + 2 more

Baba

Guilt complex: thief nabbed

Namaskar,

This following story holds great importance in the life of every sadhaka.


Queen’s jewels stolen

In the royal court of King Akbar, the minister, Birbal, was given one special duty: Find out who stole the Queen's jewels. Birbal was very intelligent, yet his task was formidable. There were thousands of men in the kingdom, and Birbal had to devise a way to find out who was the thief - and catch him.
  
So Birbal announced that a gathering would be held at the palace, and all the men of the kingdom had to attend. Essentially, this was a mandatory meeting, and a tally would be taken to ensure everyone was in attendance. Birbal himself planned to go in disguise as a magician. So on the day of the historic gathering, the King's minister Birbal was introduced as a grand magician who knew all sorts of “mantras” and “tantras”.
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Birbal’s special mantra

Then Birbal said to everyone: "Alright -- there is a thief among us seated right here in this very gathering, and, with my magic, a piece of straw will suddenly appear in that thief's beard. But, first, everybody must close their eyes while I recite this special mantra." Then Birbal announced: "Now I am chanting the first round of the mantra. When I have finished the third round, then I will check everybody and see who has the straw in their beard."

Then he chanted something which sounded very mysterious and mystical. Hearing Birbal's special chant, many simple people were just sitting there in awe with their eyes closed, whereas others who were of a more cunning nature were wondering what Birbal was doing and half opened their eyes to watch him. Those at the gathering who were innocent were naturally unconcerned. They thought, "I am safe because I have not stolen anything, and so the straw is not going to appear in my beard. As I am not a thief, there is no problem for me and I have nothing to worry about."
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Caught: the thief’s mindset
 
But the thief was worried. He was thinking, "Oh, this will be a terrible problem. Then he reasoned, "Anyway, if the straw appears in my beard, that is not a big problem. I will just shake or brush it away and it will fall to the ground." Thinking in this way, he began to prepare mentally for the straw to appear.

So when Birbal finished the three rounds of his so-called mantra, he saw one person in the hall shaking his beard. Birbal thought he must be doing this in an attempt to get rid of the imaginary straw from his beard. Birbal quickly concluded that this person must be the thief, otherwise why was he shaking his beard while everyone else in the hall was still and calm. Birbal then ordered the guards to bring that person to him. Standing before all, Birbal formally announced that the magic display was over, and the endeavour had been successful.

Birbal ordered the thief to return the Queen’s jewel. Surrounded by the guards, the thief left the hall and soon returned with the Queen’s jewel. 

Epilogue: Birbal understood that the guilt-ridden thief would be paranoid that the straw would be in his beard. So, when the thief was shaking his head to prevent anything from getting stuck in his beard, he exposed himself. Across the entire audience, only the guilt-ridden thief made unusual and strange movements; and, in that way, he was caught.
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Moral conduct a key for spiritual life

The above story is instructive on many levels. Here are a few key takeaways:

(A) When plagued by the guilt of their own bad and immoral actions, a person’s mind becomes paranoid and disturbed. They lose their mental balance (samatabhava) and rob themselves of their own mental peace. 

(B) In the above story, the thief was apprehended by the authorities and put in jail. But even if one is not caught, the fact that they are worried about getting caught is itself a form of bondage. So in either scenario, verily, they are caught. 

(C) In our Ananda Marga, Sadguru Baba has given the special formula: 

“Morality is the base, sádhaná is the means, and life divine is the goal.” (1)

So the foundation is leading a moral life, i.e. strictly adhering to the code of yama and niyama. 

(D) Thus strict moral conduct is an absolute necessity in the life of a sadhaka. Without that, they will be unable to progress on the path of spirituality. Because the mind will be riddled with all kinds of worries, anxieties, phobias, debased thoughts, and / or paranoia. One will not have a sense of santosa or samatabhava, i.e. mental contentment or mental equipoise, in which case the mind will not be in any shape to proceed on the path of sadhana. 
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Sadguru Baba says, “Without yama and niyama sadhana is an impossibility, hence the Lord’s command is also to follow yama and niyama.” (2)


How materialism ruins sadhana

If anyone is greedy for money, lustful towards the opposite sex, hungry for prestige, or indulgent in any worldly manner, then they are essentially ruining their mental equilibrium. And they will not have any mental peace. For them, sadhana will be a far off dream. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Santośa: Tośa means the state of mental ease. Santośa, therefore, means a state of proper ease. Contentment is not at all possible if the individual is running after carnal pleasures like a beast. As a result of extroversial analysis, the objects of enjoyments go on increasing both in number and abstraction and that is why oneʼs mental flow never gets any rest. Under such circumstances how can one attain perfect peace of mind? Achieving the desired objects may give one pleasure for an hour or so, but that will not last long. The mind will again run in pursuit of new objects, leaving behind the objects already tasted – the long-cherished objects will lose their importance. This is the rule; this is the law of nature.” (3)


Conclusion

As Ananda Margiis, the aim is life divine, i.e. the immersion of the unit mind with Cosmic Mind, Parama Purusa. To achieve this, a firm moral foundation is an absolute necessity. Only when the mind is free from complexes and external desires can it then be directed and goaded on the path of sadhana and, ultimately, supreme fulfillment. Those who are unable to maintain a basic standard according to the dictates of yama and niyama will never experience mental peace and the bliss of spiritual attainment. 
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In Him, 
Ram ashrya

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “A sádhaka [spiritual aspirant] should maintain his or her samatabháva – what in English is called a “balanced mind”. Equanimity of mind should be maintained. Mental balance is natural, while a complex is unnatural.” (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The ideological component of the unit mind which provides the initial inspiration for the individual to attain that Cosmic state, is called “morality”. Every aspect of morality sings the song of the Infinite, even in the midst of the finite. In other words, or put more simply, I wish to say that those magnanimous propensities which help to establish one in the Cosmic state are the virtuous principles of morality.” (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The derivative meaning of the word niiti [“morality”] is “that which contains the principle of leading”. It is the starting point on the path of spiritual practices. But this is not the only significance of morality. If morality fails to provide human beings with adequate guidance about how to move towards perfection, it does not deserve to be called morality. As morality is distinguished by its capacity to lead and inspire human beings, it cannot afford to lose its dynamic nature by limiting itself to a specific time, place and person. Morality is a living force, the practice of which makes the mind increasingly contemplative, thereby establishing it in supreme subtlety, in supreme cognition. There is a state from which human beings cannot be led to some other state – the question does not arise. Morality is only worthy of the name if it can inspire human beings to reach that state.” (6) 

References
1. Neohumanism in a Nutshell Part 1, The Neohumanism of Sadvipras
2. The Supreme Command
3. A Guide to Human Conduct, Santośa
4. Discourses on Krśńa and the Giitá, Mucyate Bhavabandhanát
5. Human Society Part 1, Moralism
6. Human Society Part 1, Moralism

*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

All languages valued

Prout philosophy states, “”For the all-round welfare and development of human beings, society needs to follow some fundamental socio-political principles. Without the firm foundation of such principles, disunity, injustice and exploitation will flourish. To avoid this and to safeguard the interests of all people, the leaders of society must ensure that cardinal socio-political principles are strictly followed. Otherwise, individual and collective progress can never be achieved.”

"There are three cardinal socio-political principles which should never be violated…..Thirdly, no mother tongue should be suppressed."

“Thirdly, no mother tongue should be suppressed. If a mother tongue is suppressed, the consequences are most dangerous. Take the example of Pakistan. When Pakistan was formed, Urdu was declared the national language. But the actual language position of undivided Pakistan – that is, East Pakistan and West Pakistan – was that 60% of the population spoke Bengali and 40% spoke Hindi, Baluchi, Punjabi or Urdu. When Urdu was declared the national language, East Pakistan revolted and this led to the division of Pakistan. There was a famous song at the time.” (1) 

Note: In this above teaching only the third socio-political principle has been addressed - the first two are: Not retrenched from their jobs and not forcibly converted to another religion. 

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

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

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

What brave margiis do

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/passive-onlooker-3-more.html

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

What brave margiis do + 4 more

Baba

What brave margiis do

Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.

Namaskar,

The various religions preach that one should not point out another’s misdeeds or poor conduct. This includes the Semitic religions as they feel that it is beyond their scope to point out any wrongdoing. But Ananda Marga ideology is dharma, and our approach is radically different from the various religions. Sadguru Baba guides us that all should get the opportunity to progress, yet that can only occur when one’s wrongs are pointed out and rectified. So we do not close our eyes to injustice the way followers of Gandhi do.
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Gandhi’s three monkeys

Gandhi ji used to keep 3 monkey idols with him at all times. One of those monkey idols had both hands covering its eyes; another monkey idol had both hands covering its mouth; and the other monkey idol had two hands covering its ears. Gandhiji kept these three idols in front of him wherever he went to serve as a reminder to overlook others’ sinful actions.

Gandhi ji was a stooge of capitalists, and by these three monkey idols he was giving the silent message:

(a) do not look towards the injustices of those capitalists;
(b) do not point out or speak against those capitalist exploiters;
(c) do not pay heed to those who oppose those capitalists.

So the various religions refrain from pointing out others as they know in their heart of hearts that their own rules are dogmatic and nonsensical. Plus as there was no clear-cut code of what to follow and what not, and hence they did not feel empowered to evaluate anyone else.
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Root cause of diminishing number of margiis, Wts

Ananda Margiis are not the stooges of wrongdoers, and we know that our own teachings are rational, logical, and grounded in benevolence. In our Ananda Marga way of life, we aim to make the society better by pointing out the ills and following dharma. Sadguru Baba has given all the required conduct rules and guidelines for leading a dharmic life. So if anyone veers off the path then it is our duty to point them out. And by this everyone is benefited, individually and collectively.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “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.” (1)

Everyone is well aware that under Sadguru Baba's loving and watchful guardianship our esteemed Wt cadre grew into a force of hundreds upon hundreds of workers - into the thousands. Unfortunately, since 1990, that number has been diminishing - at first slowly and then quite rapidly. From time to time, new cases come to the fore where another worker decides to leave their WT-ship. So with full vigour let us analyse this situation to understand the nature of the problem and by Baba's grace implement a solution.
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Lazy margiis, Wts not following Sixteen Points

The common theme is that there is a tendency for some workers to become "relaxed" in following their conduct rules and Sixteen Points. In a nutshell, some margiis and Wts begin thinking that (a) Baba is now gone, and (b) the organisation is weak. With that outlook and in that situation, some margiis and Wts become less vigilant in following their various codes of conduct. And that leads to big problems.

Every margii knows that Baba has given so many sets of conduct rules: Sixteen Points, Yama & Niyama, Fifteen Shiilas, Social Norms etc. Everyone in our Ananda Marga must follow these. Plus for workers there are many more codes of conduct like:  (a) '32 Rules for Avadhutas', (b) '37 Workers Rules', (c) 'Fourteen Points', (d) 'Six Additional Rules', (e) 'The One Point', etc. All these rules are to be followed by each and every worker.

And, in result, by following Baba's allotted conduct rules, margiis and workers alike, step by step, become established in dharmic life. First it becomes a habit, and then it becomes one’s nature. So all these rules are Baba's great blessing on us: Whereby we can advance along the path and become assets of the society. Following His prescribed conduct rules protects us from falling and getting degenerated.
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Why impossible to continue their wt life

Certainly we have many strong workers in our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. At the same time, a few become dissatisfied or disillusioned and ultimately leave. One reason is that they became "relaxed", i.e. negligent, in following their daily conduct rules. This problem does not happen overnight, but is a gradual process. For example, first shortening sadhana, then stopping dances and asanas, then doing less svadhyaya, and then filling that void with pseudo-culture food and movies etc. It can happen any number of ways.

The point being that little by little some workers get caught in the grip of avidya maya - until finally they feel it impossible to continue their Wt life and they become allured toward general societal trends. By this way after 1990, we have lost many wts. And the root cause behind it all is not following our Ananda Marga conduct rules.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

God-given duty of margiis

Baba has given the duty to Wts to look after the psycho-spiritual progress of family persons. Plus Baba has given the responsibility to family persons to look after and watch over the well-being of Wts. However, generally speaking, margiis are shy to point out Wts. So even if a margii sees that a particular wt is not properly following a certain point then 99% of the time that margii will just ignore the matter. They will not say anything to that worker - even if they know something is wrong.

In such a situation, because of their religious background or due to an overall lack of confidence, some margiis feel shy and intimidated to say anything to that Wt and are fearful of backlash from that Wt. It is a type of psychic complex. Unfortunately, the end result is drastic: Some Wts end up leaving their acaryaship. That is the sad outcome. So with renewed vigour and energy we should all take up the task of helping one and all be strict in moral and spiritual conduct.
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How to prevent the loss of workers

Our duty is to watch and ensure that our esteemed workers are abiding by our Ananda Marga conduct rules. That is, we should see that all are (a) getting proper scope and time for sadhana, (b) doing their fasting, and (c) reading Baba's books, not pseudo-culture magazines etc. Plus, things like pop-culture movies, television, and junk food are to be avoided. Using common sense, margiis should look around to make sure everyone, all margiis and Wts, are ok and moving in the right direction, not getting caught in the net of avidya maya.


Conclusion

By this process, margiis can prevent the loss of workers and help bring about their welfare. This system of checking one another is Baba's prescribed program. So margiis should know and be aware about the various conduct rules and by that way margiis can politely raise the matter to margiis and Wts - if and when needed. This is a point of prevention and one's moral responsibility - geared entirely toward the welfare of our Ananda Marga society.
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Sadguru Baba says, "I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama." (1)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sevak

~ In-depth study ~

Why strict vigilance on all

Here is Baba's guideline that states margiis should ensure that everyone - family margiis & wholetimers - is properly adhering to our Ananda Marga conduct rules.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The establishment of an ideal society depends on the mutual help of the members and their cooperative behaviour. This cooperative behaviour depends on the practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama; so, spiritual practices, especially the practice of Yama and Niyama, are the sound foundation of an ideal society...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." (2)

In Baba’s above guideline, He uses the term “Ananda Margii.” There should not be any confusion about this. According to the Supreme Command, all are margiis; Wts including PP Dada are also Ananda Margiis, not just family people. That means every initiated person - every Ananda Margii - is responsible for ensuring that all (i.e. family margiis, Lfts, Wts, purodhas and PP Dada) are properly adhering to Guru’s given rules of conduct.
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Remember, the Supreme Command given by Sadguru Baba includes everyone from the newly initiated margii up to Purodha Pramukha Dada. Every initiated person - family margiis and Wts - must do their sadhana twice daily. No one - regardless of their post or social standing - is exempt from Baba's order: "Therefore every Ananda Margii will have to perform sadhana twice a day invariably." Hence, everyone in Ananda Marga comes within the category of "Ananda Margii", including all Wts and purodhas etc.

Baba says: keep watch on one another on 16 Points

Sadguru Baba says, "Regarding the Sixteen Points, it was said that ácárya/ás or senior persons would see if you were observing them properly or not. Similarly, I gave a directive to all that they should keep watch on one another. No one will exempt anyone else regarding the Sixteen Points." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “If you find that the conduct of an individual is antisocial, you should try to reform his or her nature by resorting to whatever severe measures may be necessary. Remember, he or she is not your enemy, but his/her conduct is the enemy of your society." (4)

Pointing out others is birthright

Sadguru Baba guides us, "From the social or human viewpoint, everybody has the right to correct the behaviour of everyone else. This is the birthright of every human being. No scholar can dispute the right of people to correct the shortcomings of those with whom they come in contact. The recognition of this right is indispensable for the health of society." (5)

By following Baba's above guidelines we will be able to correct any problems and bring everyone onto the right path. Indeed this is one unique aspect of our Ananda Marga society, and the best way to help each other advance. In result, Baba will be pleased and our organisation and Ananda Marga society will be stronger and stronger.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here it should be added that pointing out can be done in all kinds of ways. Being gentle and encouraging is a very good way to start. Only if the problem is severe and recurring, and the concerned worker is not paying any mind to your reminders, should more forceful measures be employed. Let us remember that the goal is to rectify that person for their well-being and growth, not anything else.

References
1. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in Society
2. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in Society
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Silent Action
4. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #19
5. Human Society - 1, Justice

*        *        *

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 ==

Pulled by Your charm

"Tumi utta'l sindhute na'co, utta'l sindhute na'co..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1182)

Purport:

O’ my Parama Purusa, You are expressing Yourself as the dance of the high tide of the roaring ocean. You are encircling everyone by Your endless waves and have taken the form of that crashing surf. It is very difficult to get close to You. I want to get You; but You are not easy to receive. I run towards You with the desire to hold You close; but, shaken with the fear, I return back because Your vibration is as ferocious and rough as the high tide of the turbulent sea. Baba, externally You are rough but inside You are like nectar.

O’ my Eternal Bandhu, all want Your touch and are pulled by Your charm. But they do not go near due to their mental complex. People run in Your direction with the desire to catch You, but shaken with the fright, they retreat. Baba, only when You really want to be held can You be held. It is Your liila’.

O’ Parama Purusa, I was searching You externally in this material world, studying the shastras and scriptures, listening to the sermons of various scholars, and walking from one so-called holy land to another. Any place where people falsely claimed You were, there I went to meet You. But I could not get You. I also went to dogmatic, religious places and other so-called holy places like Ananda Nagar, Tiljala, and Jamalpur. But, unfortunately, I could not find You anywhere. Baba, I was unable to realise You as my very own, as my everything.  

O’ Parama Purusa, in the end, You have made me understand that You are hiding in the inner recesses of my heart - in a very sweet and intimate way....

Note for Prabhata Samgiita #1182:

The above song, through the symbolism of the 'high tide', is expressing that at the time of Dharma Samiiksa, or Personal Contact, or in reporting, then many margiis and Wts wanted to go close to Him. But at the same time they thought that it was too dangerous because Baba is scolding and abusing everyone so much. Baba is Love Personified and He does everything for one’s welfare, even then some were scared. With that fear and anxiety many persons did not want to be in His close physical proximity. So that is one sense of the meaning of 'high tide'. Naturally, the best way to have Him in a close and intimate way is through sadhana, in one's dhya'na.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Fateful tale of Kalachand

Prout philosophy states, “The second inviolable principle is that people should not be forcibly converted from one religion to another. People will not leave a religion if it is able to guide them properly on the path of Dharma….”

Prout philosophy states, “There is a well-known story about a Zamindar from Bengal called Kalachand Roy, later Kalapahar, who was a follower of Kálii. He worshipped a stone image of Kálii with great devotion. At that time some invaders, belonging to another religion, started a campaign to destroy all Hindu temples and deities. When Kalachand’s temple was about to be destroyed, he prayed to Kálii saying, “Mother, I do not have the power to protect you, so please protect yourself.” But how can a stone idol protect itself? In due course his temple and idol were destroyed, and Kalachand lost faith in Kálii. He was converted to the religion of the invaders, and became known as Sheik Kaluddin Khan. He launched his own campaign of terror throughout Bengal and Orissa and forcibly converted people to his new religion. He disfigured deities, destroyed temples and threatened people with physical violence to convert them. Once he travelled to Kashi and set about converting a widow who also happened to be his elder sister. She refused to succumb to his threats, and scolded him mercilessly for his bad behaviour.”

Prout philosophy states, “This made him realize the error of his ways, and he abandoned his campaign. If Hinduism had not practiced idol worship, Kalachand would not have been converted. Because of his forcible conversion, Kalachand became extremely hostile towards Hinduism and launched his own campaign of terror against it. A religion [in real sense dharma] should be so strong that no one can be converted from it.” (1)

Note: In the last paragraph the term religion was used but the real sense is dharma. Baba is talking about dharma, because as we know all religions have defects. 

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Were there aryan apes or brahmin apes

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Another excellent example of vested interest is the caste system! Once a section of people established its supremacy over others through the power of superior knowledge and intellect. Even today the descendants of that section of people want their social supremacy and opportunities for exploitation to continue unchallenged.” (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #6

Note: Around the globe by one way or another people exploit their fellow human beings. Racists think that those with a different skin colour are inferior. So-called higher caste Hindus think that the lower caste is inferior. By this way they inject an inferiority complex and exploit others. Remember: when all humans have come from apes then were there Aryan apes or brahmin apes? The conclusion is that these distinctions of casteism and racism are man-made to exploit others. Verily, racism and casteism are preposterous. Those who believe and propagate these rotten dogmas and unjust notions are human-shaped animals. They are a burden to the peace and tranquility of society.

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Misuse of omnkara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/04/wild-dogma-of-onmkara.html

AM teachings: for the present moment

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/am-present-future-generations.html

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/lower-vrtti-control-2-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/baba-story-lottery-5-more.html

Bhakta’s choice: stay with Him, or… + 4 more

Baba

Bhakta’s choice: stay with Him, or…

Namaskar,

Sadguru Baba benevolently guides bhaktas in all situations and in all circumstances. Sometimes that guidance comes in the form of sweet words and affection to help the sadhaka advance; and, other times that guidance comes in the form of mock scolding and feigned anger to fuel a sadhaka's progress. In both instances, His aim is the welfare of the sadhaka.

Externally, to the unknowing observer, His "scolding" and feigned anger may look like something terrible, but the bhakta knows that it is just His divine play. Baba's eternal stance is one of perfect composure and deep prema. Externally, He may act angry because that is the needed medicine to help that disciple. For this reason, He pretends to be angry.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

That is the way of Sadguru: to love unconditionally and make a show of punishment. That is the contrast. Yet both avenues are wholly grounded in the spirit of welfare. By this dual approach, He hastens one's journey towards that supreme stance.

Those whom He loves most

It happens, however, that some may misunderstand His dramatic show of punishment. Pseudo-sadhakas mistakenly view His form of Va'madeva - as being something really unkind. But His show of punishment and feigned anger and scolding can never exceed the prema and closeness which He has for that sadhaka. In that sense, He only expresses His feigned anger towards those whom He loves most. That is the special point to always remember.

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

So ultimately, whether He is using affectionate words or tough language, it is all an expression of His boundless prema - whereby He is bringing the sadhaka closer.

Here following is one beautiful story which perfectly encapsulates the above ideal. It is an account of one of Baba's visits to Jaipur, Rajasthan. By His grace, I was personally present on this magnificent occasion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The date was 12 October 1964, and we were blessed by Baba to receive Him in the evening time. Just prior, He had been in Allahabad and Agra. And on Monday, the 12th of October, Baba traveled via train from Agra to Jaipur. Many of us had the good fortune to receive Him that evening in Jaipur. The next day, Tuesday October 13, Baba blessed all in DMC. It was a grand event and we were all ensconced in His spiritual flow.

And then at midday on Wednesday, October 14, Baba was making His departure from Jaipur in order to take a plane journey to Bombay (Mumbai). And it is this momentous occasion that I am going to relay to you now in full detail.

Baba's unique query to margiis

Baba's farewell to Jaipur margiis: Do you want to remain with Parama Purusa and serve society or become one with Parama Purusa.

Firstly, it should be noted that during Baba's stay in Jaipur He showered immense grace, and He was also quite stern and strict with margiis on points of sadhana, service, and sacrifice. Some new margiis became affected by His feigned scolding. Yet, at the time of His farewell, Baba beautifully cleansed the mind and filled it with bhakti. It was His ahaetukii krpa'.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here then is a word for word rendition - from my journal of that day - of Baba's farewell from Jaipur on 14 October 1964. Baba spoke the following:

BABA: "There are some great bhaktas who want to remain with Parama Purusa in liila bhava always, and while with Him they want to serve the society. Wherever Parama Purusa goes and takes form as Taraka Brahma, then those bhaktas always want to accompany Him and perform service."

BABA: "And some other great bhaktas just want to become one with Parama Purusa."

BABA: "So it is up to a bhakta’s desire and accordingly Parama Purusa will bless them with what they want."

BABA: "But the true enjoyment is to be with Parama Purusa in liila bhava and serve the society. That is great and I also want that service to be done to the society. Ultimately though, it is up to the bhaktas to decide what they want."

MARGIIS: "Baba, we want to serve the society and be with You".

BABA: "Yes, that is also what I want."

"It is My duty to clean you"

Baba's farewell to Jaipur margiis: "It is My duty to clean your mind"

Then Baba said, "There is another point I want to tell."

BABA [referring to Himself]: "Baba sometimes can become very tough. He sometimes plays a very tough role. And also in this DMC, a few margiis were thinking that Baba is really tough. So we have to think, is it that Baba is really being tough, or is it that He is just playing to show His toughness. Is He just adopting a role of toughness. The answer to this is only known to Baba because otherwise people would not be afraid or take it seriously."

Then, with those still around Him and addressing one and all, Baba faced towards another margii and started talking.

BABA: "You know I am your gula'm ("servant") and when I see any wrong or negative thing in your mind then it is My duty to clean your mind. It is just like a "servant" who wipes up the dirt from the house to make it clean. Similarly, it is My duty to clean your mind. So I am doing My duty."

BABA [citing one Urdu poem]: "I am your "servant" and you are my master...".

BABA: "So it is My duty to clean you."

BABA: "Having a human body and an animal mind, doing great work is not possible. You are sadhakas; you have to do something great - something meaningful. And a sadhaka can do anything and everything.”

Then Baba emanated a very strong spiritual vibration. And those present started crying in bliss and the air was filled and flooded with devotion and longing for Parama Purusa. The margiis all felt so blissful and they could not control their tears. And they started singing one song: "Baba, please do not go, You are mine. Please remain permanently mine..." Baba was sitting there quietly the whole time. In that highly-charged atmosphere, Baba took leave of us and went to catch His plane for Bombay (Mumbai).
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For their welfare

Here below are some of Baba's special guidelines that a true Guru must "scold" as well as love. Only feigned punishment and only showering grace will not do. Both sides are needed.

Nigraha'nugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru...excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "A spiritual guru must be well-acquainted with all the processes of sádhaná, must have the capacity to convince others, must possess complete knowledge of the scriptures, must know many languages, and must have comprehensive knowledge and intellect, plus some extra qualifications. What are those qualifications? Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate – “the guru must possess the capacity both to punish, and to love, or bless, his disciples.” Punishment alone, without love, is not good. Love and punishment should go together, and the degree of punishment should never exceed the degree of love. Then only can one be called a real spiritual guru." (3)

Prabhat Samgiita #4528 expresses a similar idea: Lord, those whom You feel are very close to You, You discipline them for their welfare. In my day to day life and in my happiness and sorrow, You are always with me as my very close and intimate own person. In the pitch dark night, You are the jewel that provides the pathway and effulgence that makes my path and destination clear. But even then I do not look towards You. Your degree of discipline does not exceed the quantum of prema. You love so much and discipline just a little. Parama Purusa, You are very kind and merciful.
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Conclusion

The most magnificent aspect of Baba’s loving scolding and feigned punishment is that by this way He secretly takes away the sins and bad samskaras of His disciples. He removes all their physical, psychic, and spiritual bondages, ailments, and weaknesses which were hindering their path of progress - in all realms of life. By His feigned punishment one’s entire personality is transformed and enhanced. It is His boundless krpa.

History has witnessed that when He was doing dharma samiiksa then thousands and thousands of people underwent much discomfort and difficulties in order to stay in Kolkata in hopes of getting His blessing in the form of prema and feigned punishment. Sadhakas left their hearth and home, and waited 15 days - even months - without proper food and sleep, and with great difficulty, for the opportunity to have dharma samiiksa to get the prema and feigned punishment of the Sadguru.

Words lack the capacity to express the true beauty and joy of His love - and the blessing of His feigned punishment. After getting His grace, one’s whole personality was entirely refined. The sadhana one could not do earlier was now easily done. One’s status of mind increased exponentially in the subtle, spiritual sphere.
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This is the special outcome of Sadguru’s prema and feigned punishment. Those who understand that He scolds due to His unfathomable love are the true disciples. Blessed are those who had this experience and realise this fact in their own life.

Namaskar,
At His feet,
Shriikant

Still happening today...

Some people think that now there is no opportunity to get that type of special blessing. But they should know that Parama Purusa is the Eternal Entity who exists always so His liila also goes on. Now and in the future, bhaktas are receiving and will receive His grace - always. For example, if non-sadhakas and bad people commit a mistake, they do not get atonement quickly. But in a sadhaka’s life, there is a special arrangement. For their mistake they will quickly get a serious punishment. Those practicing sadhana realise this. Baba is the Sadguru so He is helping His disciples in various ways. The way He was doing as Mahasamabhuti, now He is doing invisibly: He is helping. One can realise this in their life. If one is sincere in sadhana, they will feel that Guru’s love and punishment is for their progress.
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~ In-depth study ~

Five faces of Sadguru Taraka Brahma

From this story we can understand that as a Guru Baba loves and pretends to punish - all done for our welfare. And in His teachings Baba describes how Parama Purusa has 5 faces or 5 personalities. From left to right they are Va'madeva, Kalagni, Kalyan Sundaram, Iishana, and Daksineshwar. And all are needed.

And it is His face or form as Va'madeva that He strongly seemingly scolds and rebukes us. Whereas other times He is just a little bit angry, or more gentle, or more calm, or extremely sweet and charming etc. So He has various approaches yet all are needed-- and all are grounded in His deep and infinite love.

In the above story about Baba's departure from Jaipur, He is explaining the inner beauty and working of Va'mdeva. The inner spirit of Va'madeva: The all-knowing and all-benevolent Baba can only feign punishment to those who already have a high degree of prema for Parama Purusa, and vice-versa. To experience Baba's form in va'madeva shows that one has reached a certain qualification as a bhakta. Because to get His feigned anger, one must be deserving - one must love Parama Purusa dearly.

Baba loves those whom He pretends to punish - for them He has far more prema. That is the divine equation. That means He has to bestow in His role as Kalyan Sundaram.
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Those who experienced His Va'madeva form were blessed to receive His special grace-compassion. And those who could not get scolded by Baba in those days were not up to the mark; so Baba had left it upon prakrti to reform them. Because He only scolds those who are really close to Him. That is His divine liila and the inner secret behind His feigned scolding.

Who can be called a Guru

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "You must try to arouse the seed of benevolence that lies hidden in the inner recesses of the human mind. How can this seed be aroused? Human beings will have to apply all sorts of measures – persuasion, scolding etc.; and at the same time you will have to continue your efforts so that the dormant seeds of psychic potentialities express themselves. And with their expression, the whole society will be benefited. Today human beings must be inspired and motivated, and thus discipline is essential. To impose discipline is not bad. It has been said in the scriptures: Hitarthe shásanam ityarthe anushásanam. “That discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings is called anushásanam.” Society requires enforced discipline. In the scriptures it is also said: Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate: “One who is capable of punishing or rewarding one's followers is called a Guru, a true teacher”. Only one who can discipline as well as love a person, can be called a Guru." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings are the progeny of Parama Puruśa and are thus the objects of His love and affection. Whatever might be the nature of the sins they commit, they will never be deprived of His affection. Parama Puruśa may scold them, but He can never hate them. He will simply shake the dust off their clothes and take them onto His lap." (5)

You are always very close as my own & intimate person

Prabhat Samgiita #4528 expresses a similar idea. To whom Sadguru loves, He punishes also to exhaust their samskaras or to make them better.

ápan bolei karo shásan
duhkhe sukhe ápanár jana
ándhár ráte mańir matan
álo jvalo tákáini,
bhuleo kabhu bhávini

The above stanza from Prabhat Samgiita #4528 says a similar thing. Lord, those whom You feel are very close to You, You discipline them for their welfare. In my day to day life and in my happiness and sorrow, You are always with me as my very close and intimate own person. In the pitch dark night, You are the jewel that provides the pathway and effulgence that makes my path and destination clear. But even then I do not look towards You. Your degree of discipline does not exceed the quantum of love. You love so much and discipline just a little. Parama Purusa, You are very kind and merciful.
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References
1. Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
2. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 21, The Criteria of a Guru
4. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, A Few of Tantra's Special Characteristics

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 section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Origin of Nath dharma

Parama Purusa Baba says, "In Puranic Hindu yuga in India when Buddhism and Shaeva religions got mixed, then one blended religion got formed and it got called as Nath dharma. It is most prevalent in entire eastern part of India. They named it the Nath religion because at the end of their Guru's name the 'Nath' title is there, i.e. Adinath Miin, Matsyendranath, Goraksanath, Rohininath, Chaorangiinath, etc." (1)

Note: Even monks of the Nath religion and their followers do not know that the origin of Nath dharma was Buddhism and that those Buddhists accepted the Shiva cult. After the eradication of Buddhism from India, followers of Lord Buddha accepted Shaeava religion. They continued some of those Buddhist dogmatic rituals. The result being that one type of blending happened. Now followers of the Nath religions only know this much: that they are followers of Shiva. They are completely unaware about their past link with Buddhism. In eastern India, there are hundreds of Nath temples. Even then, neither believers of the Hindu religious sect of Nath nor followers of Buddhism know this fact about their history.

The current chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, the monk Yogii Adityanath, is a follower of the Nath religion.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam 11, Chapter 2

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Exploitation & language

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “People must raise their socio-economic consciousness, know who their exploiters are, expose psycho-economic exploitation and become imbued with fighting spirit. While you should encourage the use of all tongues, this does not imply opposing the study of other languages. Language in itself is of secondary importance; of primary importance is the cultural and socio-economic consequences of linguistic imperialism. (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Some Aspects of Socio-Economic Planning

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Daughters safeguarded by inheritance system

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Sons and daughters will inherit in equal shares the movable and/or immovable property of their parents. The daughter will enjoy the immovable property during her lifetime, but will not have the right to transfer it to others. The property will revert to her father’s family after her death.” (1)

#1: The AM system of inheritance follows the patrilineal order wherein the father's land is passed down to his sons. That is the baseline. 

#2: At the same time, the AM system of inheritance makes the very unique stipulation that as long as the daughter is alive she has her given right to access her father's property. This is very important as suppose the daughter is married with children and living with her husband's extended family, and then suddenly her husband undergoes an untimely death and she is widowed and the children are fatherless. In turn, the husband's family may no longer welcome her on their land etc. In that case, given the AM system, the daughter has every right to go back with her children to her father's property where she will have access to her fair share. By this way, the daughter and her children will be safe and secure. And, of course, if her husband was himself a landowner, independent of his extended family, then the wife will inherit that land as well. 

#3: The son's situation is different. If he is married and his wife does then he will not have access to any land owned by his wife's extended family. So the son must rely exclusively on his paternal property, and / or whatever property he may have acquired on his own. 

#4: So in our AM system, in any family both the sons and daughters will be safe and secure and have access to land / property. 

#5: it goes without question that if there are no sons then the father’s property will be divided accordingly amongst his daughters. And those daughters can one day leave that land unto their children according to the AM system of inheritance. 

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Ideal System of Inheritance

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Careful when using fans

Shabda Cayanika states, "If a hand fan is used in a small room it certainly generates some breeze but that breeze does not give much relief from the fatigue of summer. Such a breeze within those small confines becomes more and more injurious to health with every passing moment. The breeze of an electric fan within a closed environment is even more harmful. If a person sleeps with this kind of a breeze they feel heavy when they wake up; a weak or sick person feels feverish. The breeze generated by a fan within a confined space is called kut́heru; since ancient times it has been considered as something which should be avoided." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 5, Disc: 29

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Most misused Ananda Vanii- Ananda Vanii #54

Ananda Vanii states, “The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate. In no situation, except during the struggle for Dharma, should you indulge in diplomacy or duplicity. In other words you must keep yourself straight in all other strata just as in Sastáuṋga Prańáma, and remain vigilant that the fire of your spiritedness is under no circumstances buried beneath a heap of ashes.” (1)

Note 1: This Ananda Vanii is extremely misused. For example when thieves do a burglary they use this vanii and justify that they are involved in the struggle for dharma. And when group organisers go against neo-humanism and form their groups then they console themselves that they are playing diplomacy for dharma. Even murderers use this for their work - murdering for dharma. Because of the severe twisting of the teaching contained in this vanii, such persons get severely punished by nature. So everyone should be aware.

Note 2: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis. 

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Misuse of omnkara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/04/wild-dogma-of-onmkara.html

AM teachings: for the present moment

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/am-present-future-generations.html

Vital point: controlling baser propensities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/lower-vrtti-control-2-more.html

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/baba-story-lottery-5-more.html