Baba
Raising margii children
Namaskar,
Baba has given the duty to every margii in the Supreme Command to bring others on the path of Ananda Marga. You might have seen when doing pracar in the general society their tendency is extroversial and they cannot grasp the central idea of spirituality. It is very difficult to bring them on the path of sadhana and spiritual practices; and, in result, despite our hard efforts, the outcome is very meagre - very few margiis are created, if any. To solve this problem Baba has given a grand program to start primary schools across the planet. Unfortunately those programs have been left by the wayside. We could not start primary schools based on neo-humanism everywhere.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Making margiis on mass level
To create Ananda Margiis on the mass level, in a huge quantity, we have to make countless primary schools across the planet based on neo-humanism (rational and analytical thinking). High schools and colleges will not serve the purpose. Maximum academic primary schools are needed, grounded in the tenets of neo-humanism. The main reason is that it is too late to teach spirituality when those kids are teenagers. At that age their minds are no longer flexible to absorb a new outlook. It is only when those kids are in their infancy that they will easily grasp the value of spirituality and they will start thinking in a new and different way. In that environment, when they grow they will be ready to learn higher aspects of Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy. The central idea is that if you want to truly teach anyone then start in their early years. And if it is done late, ie during their teenage years, then it is very difficult. The same formula applies to one’s unit family as well, i.e. inculcate spiritual ideals in infancy. This following letter discusses this approach of how to make your child an ideal, dedicated sadvipra who will be an asset to your family and the society-at-large.
One of the most dramatic and glaring problems we face is how to bring our margii children into the fold - i.e. onto the spiritual path. In this modern era of mass media and consumerism etc, children are easily allured in other directions. In this series certain key points have been discussed such as introducing children to the path of Ananda Marga early in life, creating special Ananda Marga programs for margii children, and celebrating Ananda Marga festivals in our own locale and home etc. Those are also cited below for your review. Here following are more aspects to this highly important topic of building a healthy Ananda Marga society that incorporates 100% participation and involvement of our margii children.
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Child education: without spirituality it is animal life
So many times we see that our children are raised primarily caring for their physical well-being and intellectual progress. People want their children to be disease-free and smart. Often that is looked upon as a great accomplishment in raising a child. Verily, in the greater society that is enough for a child to be called 'developed' and 'educated'.
Essentially, in the greater society, the spiritual realm is not recognised, so the competition for becoming great is limited to the other two spheres: physical and psychic. In turn, some margii parents may also be drawn in this direction. They want to make their children prepared and competitive in those two realms because that is what everyone else is doing and that is what the general society values.
However, according to Baba, physical and psychic progress is not enough: That is not the whole picture. Spirituality must also be included in human progress.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "You know, human expressions are trifarious in character. Human beings have so many physical manifestations, psychic desires and longings, and also a spiritual thirst. This spiritual thirst is the specialty, or rather the special characteristic, of human beings, and there lies the difference between humans and other animals. Where there is no spiritual thirst in a man, physically he may be like a man, but actually, psychologically, he is not a man. So this special determination of human beings should always be encouraged, so that man may develop for an ordinary human being to a superman." (1)
Thus, per Baba's view, it is that spiritual component which allows one to become great and it is that spiritual aspect that separates humans from the animal world.
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Physical & psychic is not enough
Unfortunately in some margii families, there is greater emphasis placed on the physical and psychic development of our children - while spirituality is looked upon as less crucial, less necessary. This is not always the case but it can happen. One hurdle is that often due to a huge concern about the future financial success of our children, we as parents sometimes think that getting a good general education is the main aspect of life. And once this is achieved then spiritual values can be imparted.
But this brings two problems: Firstly it pushes us back into the animal world. Because as Baba describes even animals impart physical and psychic training to their offspring.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "This spiritual thirst is the specialty, or rather the special characteristic, of human beings, and there lies the difference between humans and other animals. Where there is no spiritual thirst in a man, physically he may be like a man, but actually, psychologically, he is not a man." (2)
So merely sticking to that two-fold approach is not enough.
Teach early: "Who am I, what is my goal"
Hence our children must be awakened to the idea of who they are and why they have been born - as well as what is the goal of life. These existential cum spiritual topics are needed to create the whole human personality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The second problem is that waiting to impart spiritual values later in life means raising a child without any spiritual education at all. Those early years of a child's life stand as the foundation for nearly all their future endeavours.
This much even the terrorists and dogmatic religions understand. That is why they start at the earliest moment to indoctrinate their children into their way of life. Because they know if you can teach a child early then you have taught a child for life.
In Ananda Marga we should follow that same principle, lest we become disillusioned and depressed when we see that at the age of 18 or 22 our children have not the slightest interest in Ananda Marga and are instead soaked up in materialism, pseudo-culture, etc. This outcome should be averted and the solution is imparting spiritual values and spiritual practices in the very earliest part of their childhood.
Conclusion
Here then Baba provides an ideal picture of how our margii should grow and how we as parents can help support that process.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Proper attention should be paid to the physical, psychic and spiritual development of small boys and girls. Just as they sit and study to develop their intellectual capabilities, they should also sit to do their spiritual practices with their parents. That is the way they will develop their spiritual practices. They should take diiks'a' [spiritual initiation] from an a'ca'rya(a') [spiritual teacher] when they grow up. They should practice the lessons of sa'dhana' - japa, dhya'na, a'sana, pra'n'a'ya'ma, etc. - along with their regular academic lessons. All that is necessary for their trifarious development, and it must be perfectly balanced. One should remember that the absence of a proper balance will harm not only the individuals, but also the society as a whole." (3)
Clearly then having a well-mapped out spiritual routine is necessary for all our children. Just as we would think it intolerable for them to go to school without their homework completed, similarly no child should pass the day without setting aside ample time for their spiritual sadhana etc. This is Baba's supreme directive and by His grace in that way the child, the family, and the society will be greatly benefited.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Namaskar,
in Him,
Nirupama'
Why Margiis should reproduce more
Baba wants margiis to have many children, and if you do not have more than 4 - 5 children (both gender) you will not be considered for Family Ac training. Those margiis of good standard and strict in 16 Points should have many children as that way society will grow. And on the other side, thieves, swindlers, and degraded people and sick people should not have children. Those with only 1 - 2 children of the same gender will not be granted family acaryaships. In a 1990 discourse, Baba guides us that Parama Purusa is against family planning because many souls are waiting in queue for a human body so they can complete their journey and attain moksa, by His grace.
~ In-depth study ~
How to make children strong Ananda Margiis
Here are ways to help make our children into good sadhakas and established Ananda Margiis. These are things which we, as Ananda Margiis, have inculcated into the lives of our own children in our home as well as things we hope to bring into their lives in the near future:
1. Bring them into Ananda Marga life as early as possible. Their food habits and bedtime stories should all be sentient based and flavoured with the sweetness of bhakti and neo-humanism.
2. By the age of four or five, try to make their formal education immersed in Ananda Marga ways of doing and thinking. Songs and games should be universal in nature and kiirtan should be incorporated into their daily life. One minute or two minutes before their various activities.
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3. Margii children should be encouraged to play and interact with other margii children. If there are no other margii families in the local school district then try and make arrangements for margii children to play together after-school or on the weekends. This is what we have done and it has had a big effect.
4. The celebration of Ananda Marga festivals is also a great way to bring children into the flow of our Ananda Marga. Instead of them thinking that various dogmatic religious holidays are the best time of year. Rather may we educate our children about our Ananda Marga festivals and in our own house those days should be treated with a wonderfully festive and holiday atmosphere.
Puzzles, song, dance, meditation, stories
5. Attending the sectorial retreats on an annual basis are also an important aspect. The children should meet all our acaryas and be comfortable with our Ananda Marga way of life. Going twice a year to big retreats throughout their childhood will help them establish the base that Ananda Marga is their home and family. Then even if they are not able to attend an Ananda Marga school, there remains a distinct memory of Ananda Marga in their childhood.
6. On Sundays, it is very good to have two dharmackras: either one after another or going on simultaneous. The latter may be better. In either scenario it is needed for there to be a weekly children’s dharmacakra that is perfectly Ananda Marga based yet also suited to the needs and interests of the children. The DC should be age appropriate where games, puzzles, song, dance, meditation, stories, and philosophical tales are all merged into one.
7. The key point is to bring Ananda Marga into your child’s life from the very outset of their existence and to increase those activities as the child grows. The content of their activities, the friends they have, and the emphasis that we as parents place on Ananda Marga all help to establish our children onto the proper path.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Children’s Ananda Marga camp
Let us organise children's camps or scout camps - separate from our main retreats. Let each local unit make 1-3 day camps throughout the year, with longer camps every six months or so. These camps can be joyful, active experiences where margii children come and participate many activities and programs: drama, theatre, sports, games, kiirtan, sadhana along with stories and poetry etc. These children camps can be organised 5-6 times per year. The camps should be gender-separated for those who have entered adolescence while those younger children still in their pre-pubescent years can be in co-ed camps. Certainly the camps will have to be organised according to age and grade-level as there should not be a wide range of ages in the groups.
Again, it has to be emphasized how important such camps are. We have a lot to offer our youths; by learning Ananda Marga ideals they will be wholly transformed. So these camps are invaluable. Already the various religions organise these types of camps. The irony is that those religions have nothing dharmic to teach those children. Whereas, the children who attend our camps will be taught skills, techniques and philosophy that will wholly change who they are are.
By this way our margii children will gradually develop an understanding and appreciation for our Ananda Marga way of life. This will allow internal and theoretical understanding to sprout. Side by side, participating children will make new friends and get satsaunga. This will help steer their course into the dharma of Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Such camps and Ananda Marga activities should begin as early as possible in the lives of our children, perhaps at the age of four or five. That is the critical time. Because if one misses it then and instead waits for the early teenage years like 12 - 14 etc, then it is basically impossible to bring those children into Ananda Marga. Already they have formed their general approach that is usually painted in the color of pseudo-culture.
That is why Baba has emphasized that neo-humanistic education should be imparted in our primary schools and to young children in general. So those places that have such schools are really fortunate and where those schools are not yet in place these Ananda Marga camps can serve as a solid alternative in this transitional period.
The role of parents
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly." (4)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child. It should be the duty of society as a whole to ensure that the children of immoral and unrighteousness parents are brought up as virtuous citizens. If possible such children should be removed from the unwholesome environment of their parents." (5)
Thus, as margiis, as mothers and fathers, as acaryas, and as sadhakas, it is our combined and collective responsibility to bring each and every child into a spiritually inspired and subtle way of living. All should come into our Ananda Marga society and become the pillars of the future humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Parents must not do bad things in front of children
In various discourses Baba warns parents not to perform bad deeds or unhealthy habits in front of their children. Best is for parents to rectify their behaviour in all respects. Where weakness remains such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, then at least those parents should never do this in front of children. Then those kids will not be inclined to emulated that behaviour. This is a very important point in raising children.
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Four Kinds of Approach
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Four Kinds of Approach
3. 5 March 1984, Jammu, Táńd́ava and Kaośikii
4. Human Society -1, Education
5. Human Society -1, Education
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Despicable mentality of billionaires
Prout philosophy states, "The capitalists of this modern world are anti-dharma, or antisocial, creatures. To accumulate massive wealth, they reduce others to skin and bones gnawed by hunger and force them to die of starvation; to dazzle people with the glamour of their garments, they compel others to wear rags; and to increase their own vital strength, they suck dry the vital juice of others." (1)
The mentality of the capitalist exploiters described in Baba's above teaching is on grand display in the below article where billionaires put on a big show of saving the environment when their real interest is to heighten their own riches.
~ The below excerpt is courtesy of Daily Galaxy ~
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The Illusion of Billionaire Benevolence
The recent retreat of billionaires from climate advocacy is not just a policy shift — it’s a revelation. For years, figures like Gates, Bezos, and Musk have positioned themselves as champions of the environment, leveraging their wealth and influence to shape public perception.
Yet, their actions often tell a different story. From withholding COVID vaccines from impoverished countries to investing in union-busting corporations, these billionaires have consistently prioritized profit over people.
Gates’ association with Jeffrey Epstein and his efforts to buy media influence further tarnish his image as a benevolent philanthropist. These actions reveal a calculated approach to philanthropy, one that serves to enhance personal wealth and power rather than address systemic issues.
As the climate crisis worsens, it’s clear that relying on billionaires for solutions was never a viable strategy. Their retreat from the fight against global warming is a stark reminder that true change must come from collective action, not the whims of the ultra-wealthy.
The Billionaire Playbook: Profit Over Planet
The withdrawal of billionaire support from climate initiatives is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern of behavior among the ultra-wealthy: prioritizing profit over long-term environmental goals.
Bill Gates, for instance, has long been criticized for leveraging his philanthropy to advance his financial interests. His involvement in the Global Fund, a privately-funded rival to the World Health Organization, led to increased costs for basic medicines as for-profit actors entered the global health sector.
Similarly, Gates’ for-profit green energy investments, such as those in Arnergy and Mission Zero Technologies, continue to thrive even as his nonprofit efforts falter. This duality highlights a fundamental truth: billionaires are, first and foremost, driven by their bottom line.
~ The above excerpt is courtesy of Daily Galaxy ~
Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #1
Prout philosophy states, "The capitalists of this modern world are anti-dharma, or antisocial, creatures. To accumulate massive wealth, they reduce others to skin and bones gnawed by hunger and force them to die of starvation; to dazzle people with the glamour of their garments, they compel others to wear rags; and to increase their own vital strength, they suck dry the vital juice of others." (1)
The mentality of the capitalist exploiters described in Baba's above teaching is on grand display in the below article where billionaires put on a big show of saving the environment when their real interest is to heighten their own riches.
~ The below excerpt is courtesy of Daily Galaxy ~
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: The Illusion of Billionaire Benevolence
The recent retreat of billionaires from climate advocacy is not just a policy shift — it’s a revelation. For years, figures like Gates, Bezos, and Musk have positioned themselves as champions of the environment, leveraging their wealth and influence to shape public perception.
Yet, their actions often tell a different story. From withholding COVID vaccines from impoverished countries to investing in union-busting corporations, these billionaires have consistently prioritized profit over people.
Gates’ association with Jeffrey Epstein and his efforts to buy media influence further tarnish his image as a benevolent philanthropist. These actions reveal a calculated approach to philanthropy, one that serves to enhance personal wealth and power rather than address systemic issues.
As the climate crisis worsens, it’s clear that relying on billionaires for solutions was never a viable strategy. Their retreat from the fight against global warming is a stark reminder that true change must come from collective action, not the whims of the ultra-wealthy.
The Billionaire Playbook: Profit Over Planet
The withdrawal of billionaire support from climate initiatives is not an isolated incident. It reflects a broader pattern of behavior among the ultra-wealthy: prioritizing profit over long-term environmental goals.
Bill Gates, for instance, has long been criticized for leveraging his philanthropy to advance his financial interests. His involvement in the Global Fund, a privately-funded rival to the World Health Organization, led to increased costs for basic medicines as for-profit actors entered the global health sector.
Similarly, Gates’ for-profit green energy investments, such as those in Arnergy and Mission Zero Technologies, continue to thrive even as his nonprofit efforts falter. This duality highlights a fundamental truth: billionaires are, first and foremost, driven by their bottom line.
~ The above excerpt is courtesy of Daily Galaxy ~
Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #1
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Are humans social?
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Some animals are gregarious and others are not. The tiger is not a gregarious animal – it prefers to move alone. Goats are not gregarious, but sheep, elephants and lambs are. Human beings are social beings. They do not like to remain in isolation." (1)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You know that humans are gregarious beings. There are some living beings who live in groups or clans, and some who live in isolation. In very olden days, human beings lived in clans" (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “You are social beings. One cannot live in isolation. When you feel thirsty, you can’t manufacture a spade, dig a well, and draw water yourself. One person will make a spade, another will add the wooden handle, and another will dig the well — this is how we work collectively. This is the way for human beings to live. In all spheres of human existence, in the aesthetic sphere as well, humanity should live collectively. You should live in unison. You should vibrate together to the same music. You should move in a common psychic flow. You should fight collectively against your common enemies. Unitedly you should face all problems, mundane and supra-mundane. In a word, you must reflect the spirit of harmonious collective living in conformity with the spirit of the Vedic mantra Sam’gacchadhvam’ sam’vadadhvam.” (3)
Note: This is Baba’s special guideline which is lacking these days in the society. All should understand they do not exist alone, by themselves, in isolation. With collective spirit, all have to work together. By that way, many works can be done for the great cause, by His grace.
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Plants, Animals and Human Beings
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Disc 8
3. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 26
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How to overcome avidya maya
Ananda Marga ideology states, "The avidyá force declares war on those whose desire or inclination is towards vidyá; this gives rise to a hostile tendency in the recesses of their minds, against which they have to struggle. At home the husband, wife or the other members of the family become dissatisfied with them, and create various obstacles. In the field of their activities the opportunities arise for depravity, meanness, bribes etc., and they have to maintain their self-control. The locusts of desires come swarming in to destroy the very bud of their sádhaná. So they must carefully avoid such temptations for their own safety. But those whose movement is truly towards vidyá, who are determined to follow the path of vidyá by sacrificing their all, will eventually become immune to all obstacles. No amount of scornful taunts or diatribes will be able to check their lightning speed. They will emerge victorious, weathering and defying all storms, and eventually stand firm and erect like the Himalayas; and the storms and squalls will rebound back in disappointment."
"When the Sádhaka or the spiritual aspirant will stand untrammelled and resolute, with the courage of his conviction, and self-confidence, all snags and dangers will gradually wither away – will timidly disappear from his path...Obstacles are the concomitants of sádhaná, struggling is a good sign. By these obstacles sádhakas can understand that their spiritual practice is on the right track. Spiritual philosophy comes into being only when sádhakas struggling with avidyá’s hindrances, vindicates their move towards Brahma after defeating the base propensities of avidyá by their own intellect and judgment." (1)
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
This Prabhat Samgiit is for 3rd class bhaktas
(Here Sadguru is talking about how master-slave relation is not good.)
“कुछ लोग कहते हैं कि “जीव, परमात्मा का बन्दा है |” बन्दा-वन्दा नहीं है | बन्दा क्या है ? यह पारिवारिक सम्पर्क है | कोई कहते हैं कि—”परमपुरुष का मैं तो दास हूँ |” दास-वास तो नहीं है | दास काहे ? पारिवारिक सम्पर्क है | दास काहे ? दास-मालिक का सम्पर्क नहीं है | गुलाम-मालिक का सम्पर्क नहीं है | विश्व ब्रह्माण्ड की सृष्टि उन्हीं से हुई है | सब उनका है | सब उनके मन में है | तो, तुम जिनके मन के भीतर में हो, तुम तो उन्हीं के हो | और, वे तो तुम्हारे सबसे निकट हैं | एकदम अपने हैं |” (1)
प्रभात संगीत 4335 जमीं आसमा तुम्हारा, तुम्हारा जहाॅं सारा...
भावार्थ
हे परमपुरुष बाबा! यह धरती और यह विशाल आकाश तुम्हारा है। यही नहीं पूरा ब्रह्माॅंड तुम्हारी सम्पदा है। तुम सब कुछ के एकमेव स्वामी हो, तुम मेरे सर्वाधिक प्रिय हो। मैं तुम्हारा गुलाम हूँ, तुम मेरे मालिक हो, मैं तुम्हारे निर्देशानुसार आगे बढ़ना चाहता हॅूं। तुम मेरे सब कुछ हो ।
बाबा!! तुम सभी शक्तियों के श्रेात हो, जो कुछ भी सूर्य में शक्ति है वह तुम से ही आती है, जो कुछ भी सुगंध फूलों के बगीचे में है, वह तुम्हारी ही है । तुम वह परमसत्ता हो जो मेरे हृदय में रहती है, तुम मेरे हृदय के तारे हो।
हे परमपुरुष बाबा! तुम मेरे सुख और दुख दोनों में समान रूप से हमेशा साथ रहते हो। तुम मेरी आत्माकी वेदी पर शोभायमान हो । तुम्हारे याद में मेरी आॅंखें आँसू बहाती हैं।
बाबा! तुम सबकुछ के नियंत्रक हो । बाबा! ,पूरा दृश्य और अदृश्य ब्रह्माॅंड तुम्हारा है, तुम मेरे हो और मैं तुम्हारा।
Reference
1. 11/24/79 Delhi, V16-16]
== Section 3: Links ==
Postings to ReadHow they get off course
Unique quality of mind
When stories undermine pracara
