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Wednesday, April 9, 2025

When to capitulate + 5 more

Baba
When to capitulate 

Namaskar,

Here is an example for us all to consider. In 1970, when the defectors like Madhavananda, Vishokananda, and Prakashananda went against Ista - betrayed Guru, then some simple people, who had sentimental friendships with those defectors, wanted to keep everyone together. Those simple sadhakas requested Baba to allow those defectors to remain in the organisation even though they blatantly contravened the very foundational tenets of Ananda Marga ideology. In their naïveté, those simple people wanted to overlook the ideological blunders of those defectors - and have everyone coexist once again. This is what they asked from Baba.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Never compromise with those against dharma

However, Baba took a very firm stand - an ideological stand - on this issue, and the rest is history. Baba did not wish to send messengers to those defectors and compromise with their adharmic demands and console them. Instead, on their own accord, those defectors strayed far, far away and never returned. And our AM rose to the height of glory. There were some simple people who were duped and tricked by such defectors. Those naive people joined them initially; and, Baba openly welcomed them back. While those who deliberately joined those defectors had to face punishment before being allowed back into AM.

By this incident, Baba demonstrates through His own Personal example that when it comes to ideology, there must not be any compromise. Rather one is to stand tall on all ideological matters. Scanning the present day situation, how can we forgive those who have altered Baba's teachings, and done so many heinous crimes which go against Ananda Marga ideology. How can we simply forgive and excuse such people. In so many teachings Baba has guided us to never compromise on ideological matters - never.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Vanii says, "Fight for your Ideology. Be one with your Ideology. Live for your Ideology. Die for your Ideology." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Where the question of benevolence and malevolence is concerned we will not deviate an inch from our ideology." (2)

Ananda Vanii states, "Life represents Ideology. Life should be sacrificed for Ideology." (3)


Blunder to have a pact with wrongdoers


By His own example and in His teachings, Baba guides us to always live by the high ideals of Ananda Marga - never compromise. This following passage from Guru’s discourse leads in this same direction. This below paragraph has been paraphrased from AV-26 (H) pg 34. It is based on the original Hindi and if anyone has this book and can post the original Hindi section, then that will be very helpful.

Here then is the essence of Baba's message from that portion of His discourse where Baba is pointedly explaining that there must not be any pact made with those who are opposed to our principles.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Remember one can have a temporary ceasefire with the black forces, but there cannot be a pact...do you know what a cease-fire is? For example, two battling parties may decide that there will not be any fighting at night, and that the fighting will resume in the morning. So in a temporary cease-fire the fight has not been stopped permanently; it will continue after a short period of pause by paying their ransom. So this is what is known as a temporary ceasefire. In contrast, what is a pact? When a pact is made then a compromise of values is done and each side accepts certain conditions and sacrifices their own ideological platform...Remember, at any cost there will never be a pact with the black forces, i.e. the negative forces. And that cease-fire will be done with the sole intention to increase your own strength. For example, suppose you are alone and the dark forces surrounding you are ten in number. Then for the time being one can make a ceasefire with those black forces by paying their ransom; but, then tomorrow you will have to collect 20 fighters to join your cause and then start your offensive against those black forces. That is the use of a temporary ceasefire. Virtuous people must remember that one can never make a pact with the sinful forces. (English summary of original Hindi Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 26, page 34)


Conclusion


In unambiguous language in His above teaching, Baba directs us that we must never sacrifice our ideals by making a pact with sinful agents - i.e. those who go against the welfare of humanity. On this point, Baba maintains that we must live by and fight for our ideals, i.e. Ananda Marga ideology.
 
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Rakesh Ranjan

Here are some very unique precedents from Sadguru Baba's own actions and dealing where He refused to compromise on points of ideology. We are to apply these same measures in our organizational / ideological life.


~ In-depth study ~

What genuine bhaktas do

In the practical sphere, our Ananda Marga has never made a pact with or bowed down to communists, capitalists, or any type of anti-social leaders etc. No matter what the circumstances, always we are to abide by our Ananda Marga ideals. That is Baba's directive, and that is what sincere margiis do.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The person will welcome that death rather than compromise with sin and vice. Therefore keep in mind that those who are genuine devotees, sádhakas of high order, loved by Parama Puruśa and closely bound to Parama Puruśa in love and affection, will never compromise with sin and vice. They will cling to their ideal totally, throughout their lives." (4)


Stick to AM ideals irrespective of praise or abuse


Ananda Marga ideology states, "Humans should never allow themselves to descend to paradharma, the dharma of birds and beasts, of trees and plants. On no account should animal dharma be encouraged. The flag of mánava dharma must always be held high under all circumstances...upholding the ideal of humanity; one should never allow oneself to fall back into a state of animality." (5)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The shástras say that a person must stick to his ideals irrespective of whether he receives praise or abuse, whether wealth comes or wealth goes, whether he lives a thousand years or suffers death the next moment. Such a person is called “dhiira”. My direction to you is to be Dhiira. You must stick to your ideals in spite of everything. In this lies your spiritual growth." (6)

References
1. A'nanda Va'nii #14
2. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 14
3. A'nanda Va'nii #15
4. Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 3
5. Discourses on Krsna & The Giita, “Better to Die . . .” – 2
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - part 1, What Do You Want?


*        *        *

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 ==

Perfecting the kośas
  
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The paincakośas shall have to be perfected, but how is it possible? They can be consummated only through the practice of yama and niyama [and the various lessons of sadhana]. The annamaya kośa is perfected through asanas (physical postures). Yama and niyama sádhana perfect the kámamaya kośa. The manomaya Kośa is perfected through pránáyáma. Through pratyáhára the atimánasa kośa is perfected. The vijinánmaya kośa is perfected through dhárańá and the hirańmaya kośa through dhyána. Only dhyána samádhi gives access to the soul. Pious persons are those who are earnest in their efforts to perfect the paincakośa. Human existence consists of the five kośas and spiritual practice is eightfold. This spiritual practice is Dharma. That which does not provide for the explanation of the paincakośa is not Dharma, but sectism." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The loka above this where the hiran'maya kos'a (subtle causal mind) is established is what we call devarloka (satya loka). When sa'dhakas merge their petty I-feeling from the realm of the devarloka (where this I-feeling is not very much evident) -- into the bearing of the Great, they establish themselves fully in Sagun'a Brahma (Qualified Consciousness -- the collectivity of Parama'tman, Macrocosm and Microcosm). In this loka, if the whole of the I-feeling (asmita) is shattered and merged in Purus'a, the unit attains total identification with Nirgun'a Brahma (Unqualified or Objectless Consciousness). This loka is the satyaloka -- this indeed is the Brahmaloka. The one who is established in this loka is alone the Brahman'a (Bra'hmin')." (2)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Invocation of the Supreme
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 5, This World and the Next


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Psychology behind animal slaughter

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When people sacrifice a goat or buffalo in a religious festival while chanting “Divine goddess, divine goddess!” before a deity, they know that the animal is an irreplaceable part of creation, but still they slaughter it. This is hypocrites' dogma. If a man kills his brother before his mother, will it please his mother? No, it cannot. The difference between these two examples is that the deity is unable to do anything to stop the slaughter, while the mother is quite capable of taking the necessary action. Otherwise, the deity would certainly interfere and stop the cruel, useless sacrifice." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in A Nutshell - 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Contrasting morality: cities vs villages


Prout philosophy states, “Today there are too many obstacles on the path of morality. Urban civilization is one of the chief reasons of moral degeneration because many people are compelled to live undesirably in small, congested places. This is inimical to morality in individual life. Solitary living for some time is essential for the cultivation and development of morality.”

“Where the population is very dense, milk and vegetables are in short supply, and these are indispensable for healthy survival. When the demand is more than the supply, adulteration goes unchecked. To meet the deficit in the supply of milk, people mix water with it. To meet the demand for diamonds, imitation diamonds are produced, because the demand is more than the supply. Cities become dens of corruption because of antisocial elements, but generally such things are not noticeable in villages.” (1)

There are many swindlers lurking in their midst


Prout philosophy states, “In villages, everybody knows everyone else. Everybody knows the livelihood of their neighbours. But even after twenty years of living in a city people seldom get acquainted with their neighbours. They don’t even know that there are many swindlers lurking in their midst.”

“However, the slogan, “Go back to the village” alone will not suffice. City life has a great attraction for people generally so they run to cities for their livelihood. To stop this trend intellectuals and others will have to look for their livelihood in villages. The supply of cheap electricity and the expansion of cottage industries in villages are of paramount necessity today. By cottage industries I do not mean outdated, primitive handicrafts. Cottage industries must be efficient, modern mechanized units.”

“From the economic viewpoint decentralization is an absolute necessity. With the exception of heavy industries and essential government offices, all industry should be shifted to the villages. To stop overcrowding in the cities this is the only feasible approach.”

“Villages are not congested, so antisocial people will not be able to hide themselves there. If they try, the police can easily detect them.” (2)

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 6, Dialectical Materialism and Democracy
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 6, Dialectical Materialism and Democracy


== Section: Important Teaching ==

All languages should have their rightful due place

Prout philosophy states, “India is a multi-lingual and multi-religious country. If a particular regional language is declared the national language, it would be very detrimental to the overall welfare of the country. Rather, all the languages spoken in India should be recognized and encouraged. In this regard, India should follow the example of some other countries. In Switzerland, for instance, four languages are recognized as state languages – German, Italian, French and Romansch – although more than twice as many people speak German than the total speaking the other three languages. This is the correct approach, as it does not go against the collective psychology of the people.”

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." (1)

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


== Section: Hindi Teaching ==

यन्त्रवत बन जाएँगे

“अब देखा जाए, कर्म---the philosophy of action, the actional approach | कोई एक कर्मवीर हैं, ख़ूब कर्म करते हैं, स्वार्थ-विहीन कर्म करते हैं---मगर तो भी उनसे कुछ काम नहीं होगा, अगर उनमें भक्ति की कमी हो | शुरुआत में अगर उनकी कर्म-प्रचेष्टा में थोड़ा-सा भी अन्तर्मुखीन भाव हो, तो भी आख़िर तक, अर्थात्‌ दूसरे चरण में होगा क्या ? भक्ति नहीं रहने के कारण उसकी गति बहिर्मुखीन हो जाएगी---और, कर्म उनको जड़ से जड़ बना देगा | आख़िर तक वे  यन्त्रवत बन जाएँगे, मानवता से बहुत दूर हट जाएँगे | इसलिए भक्ति-विहीन कर्म में परमार्थ नहीं है; है अनर्थ |”

[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] (1)

Reference
1. GD 13 September 1978 Patna


== Section: Important Teaching ==

All this led to mutual animosity in the world of religion

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the absence of knowledge of common psychology, people of different religions try to destroy other religions. This has resulted in the spilling of rivers of blood. In ancient India the Aryans tried to impose their own Vedic religion on the Austric community. In the Buddhist era, particularly during the reign of King Bimbisára, Buddhism was imposed on other religions. Later, the followers of the Sanátana Hindus forcibly converted the Buddhist and Jains into Hinduism. During Moslem rule Islam was imposed on India, Persia and Egypt. Similarly, countless Jews were converted into Christianity. During the British period attempts were made by Christian missionaries to subvert Hinduism and impose Christianity on the indigenous population. All this led to mutual animosity in the world of religion." (1)

Reference
1. AFPS-2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 2


Baba gave me proof
Rule for donating money + Show of pracara

Bathing: dharmic system

AM's practical foundation



Baby naming: parents decide + 3 more

Baba

Baby naming: parents decide

Namaskar,

In our Ananda Marga way of life, we spiritualize each and every aspect of our existence - from birth to death: That includes selecting the name of the new-born.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant: When an infant is six months old (or any time between six months and one year of age), at least five members of Ananda Marga will gather together on a convenient day, and the infant will be laid before them. The a'ca'rya/a'...will recite the following verse first..." (1)

In His above guideline, Baba is describing the baby naming ceremony (ja'takarma). A key point is that Wts / acaryas should offer or suggest multiple Saḿskrta names for the baby, along with the meaning, whereby the guardians or parents can select which one they like best. This should be done in a convenient manner in the months or weeks or days before the baby naming ceremony. But the main thing is that the final selection of the baby's name is done by the parents / guardians. The acarya's duty is to provide them with a proper selection of names, accompanied by the meaning.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Should give the family a selection of names


Unfortunately, nowadays, it is quite common for the acarya or Wt to select only one name. And that single name is then presented to the family, with or without the meaning. In that case, the margii parents often feel obligated or compelled to accept that name - and they may not even know what it means. Yet, Baba's guideline is that the immediate family members should always be able to choose a name they like best - based on the suggestions of their acarya. Baba has given a detailed, dynamic system whereby many different names are appropriate for any baby - depending upon the day and time of the child's birth. So there are several options and those acaryas adhering to the system present a wide array of names to the family. Then the family can select the name they prefer.

In contrast, those Wts who are unaware of Baba's system might try and impose one single name as if the acarya's choice is the only option for naming the child. Intentionally or not, the acarya should not take it upon themselves to make the final selection about the name. Those who are reasonable and rational acaryas will always give the family a choice of several names. Throughout that process, the acarya should clearly explain the meaning of the name(s) to the parents so an educated decision can be made by the family. Then the parents will be more inclined to use that name in their day to day life and encourage the child to do the same.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "The Saḿskrta name should be used in all worldly dealings." (2)

The Saḿskrta name given at the time of birth should be what the child is called on a day to day basis. The Saḿskrta name should not be shelved or put in storage, wherein the child is called some silly, worldly nickname instead. This is not the Ananda Marga system. Baba wants the selected Saḿskrta name to be used. And that is most likely to happen when a family fully understands the meaning of that name and its spiritual significance and selects that name for their child. Best is when the Saḿskrta name is highly spiritual in nature and pervasively used in our Ananda Marga scriptures.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Examples of baby naming gone astray


Nowadays, in some aspects of Indian society, it has become the fashion amongst a small percentage of the population to use rare and obscure Samskrta words, and even made-up words as names. But these names are often devoid of any real spiritual meaning. They might select mundane Saḿskrta words meaning bird, chili (as in spicy pepper), seller etc. This is the trend in various states like Gujurat and other places. With the spread of materialism, this bogus approach is on the rise.

In a different section of society, some educated people select rare Saḿskrta words for names - regardless what the word means. Their intention is to give the baby a unique name which is completely different like Hasanti, meaning laughing or smiling. This is an example of a Saḿskrta verb used as a name. Naming a child Hasanti is highly unusual. It would be similar to an American or westerner naming their child giggling. In our Ananda Marga system, names should be a proper noun with a spiritual meaning.

In certain villages some uneducated people give Saḿskrta names based on plants, spices, or grains etc. And in other places they use names based on dogmatic, mythical gods and goddesses. But again this is approved by Sadguru Baba. The Samskrta names in our Ananda Marga system should be based in bhakti and carry a spiritual meaning - not something mundane or dogmatic. In Bengal they pronounce the words and names differently and thereby distort the original Saḿskrta names. They change Vishvadeva to Bishbadeba, and vivek to bibek, and sanatan to Shanatan. In short they turn v's into b's and the letter "s" into "sh'.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Why the suffix “das” should not be used


Still in other places, they append "das" to their name such as Ram Das, Kabir Das, Krsna Das, Bhagavan Das, Shiva Das etc. In this case, Das is not their family name, but rather an optional name. Often people choose the name of gods and goddess and then add -das. But Das itself means "slave." In our Ananda Marga no one is anybody's slave; hence, Baba has specifically told that the -das suffix should not be used. Rather the suffix deva (devii for females) should be used, as deva means divine.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "The word deva should be suffixed to the name...the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it is." (3)

Finally, a name should not just be some sound like in western nations - i.e. sounds that have no meaning like Iko or Keedo.

Calculate using tantric calendar - not western calendar


The day of birth (i.e. Mon, Tues, Wed etc) is key in selecting the correct Saḿskrta name. In our Ananda Marga baby-naming system, we follow the tantric calendar. According to the tantric calendar, the new day begins at sunrise and continues until the next sunrise. This is in stark contrast to the western calendar where the new day starts at midnight. This can lead to a lot of confusion if one is not careful.

For instance, suppose a baby is born before sunrise at 4am on Wednesday. But according to our tantric calendar the baby was born on Tuesday because in the tantric calendar it is still Tuesday.

If by mistake an acarya assigns the baby a name based on Wednesday, then the name for the baby will be entirely wrong. That miscalculation completely changes the baby’s name which will ultimately affect which Ista mantra that child gets when it is initiated into tantra sadhana. The entire course of that child’s spiritual existence is flawed. All because at the time of birth they got the wrong day because they followed the western calendar and not the tantric calendar.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The below rules should be kept in mind:

1. From sunrise until midnight, the day will be the same whether one is referring to the western or tantric calendar.
2. The key difference will be during the hours of midnight and sunrise.
3. So every margii family should be vigilant about the time of the birth and use the tantric system for determining the day of the week.

Alert: The main alertness that is needed is when the baby is born between midnight and sunrise.
  • For example: a baby is born at 2:30am on Sunday morning of the western calendar.
  • Because 2:30am is before sunrise so in the tantric calendar it is still Saturday. So it will be declared that the baby was born at 2:30am on Saturday night.
  • The selection of names for the baby should be based on the tantric calendar, not the western calendar.
  • Every margii family and Wt should be aware about this.
This problem is no problem if everything is working smoothly. Because it is the duty of acaryas to know the proper system and calculate the birth according to the tantric system and then decide the name on that basis. Unfortunately, most of our acaryas are busy in social service and business activities, and they do not have time to read their acarya guidebooks. It is similar to a doctor who has passed his medical examinations, but is just busy selling clothes on the streets all day. Then how can he resolve your medical issues. Bear in mind there are some acaryas who are well versed on these matters. So surely they always present and offer the right names for the newborn. To find that type of acarya you need a special torch.


Baby & paincajanya dogma 

Baba says the name of the newborn should be calculated based on the tantrika calendar wherein the new day starts at sunrise. Using this system to determine the proper day, the baby naming will be cent-per-cent accurate.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Unfortunately, there is a misnomer floating around these days. Be aware: When selecting a name for the newborn, some Wts use paincajanya to figure out the day the baby was born. This especially happens in India. But this is absolutely wrong and can lead to choosing the wrong name for the baby. Remember, in some parts of India the sun rises before paincajanya, and in other parts of India the sun rises after paincajanya. So it is wrong to rely on paincajanya for the naming of the baby. Baba’s guideline is very clear: The name of the newborn should be given based on the tantrika calendar wherein the new day starts at sunrise. Then the baby naming will be cent-per-cent accurate. 

Ananda Marga ideology guides, “One day in India means sunrise to sunrise. One day in Europe means midnight to midnight. In Europe, the date changes just after midnight, and, in India, the date changes after sunrise.” (4)


Conclusion

The aforementioned circumstances are cases of the baby naming process gone awry. Most are not falling prey to these trends - yet we should all be aware of what is going on and be vigilant to follow the gold-bar standard of Ananda Marga teachings. The name selected for the newborn should be a Saḿskrta name imbibed with a spiritual cum divine meaning. And the parents should have the final say on the selection of the name based on a list of appropriate options presented to them by the acarya.

Depending upon exactly when the baby is born, an entire range of names is available. The exact timing of the birth is also a key aspect in our Ananda Marga system for selecting a name. All in all, the Ananda Marga baby naming system is complete and offers a wide array of selections. So no family should ever think that they have to accept any particular name. Rather they should have a choice from dozens of options given to them by an acarya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Nobody should feel stuck; if any particular acarya is not being helpful then simply seek help from a different WT or family acarya - or even a senior margii. And the family should make the final selection based on those highly spiritual, Saḿskrta names.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahmajyotidhara’

~ In-depth study ~

Why baby cries or laughs without any reason?


When an infant is small they do not feel connected with this world. Their nerves are not developed and their thoughts are mostly related with the memories of their past lives. Baba has described this in-depthly in His discourse: "Cerebral and Extra Cerebral Memory."

Baba tells us that sometimes when an infant of a few months closes its eyes and smiles - and there appears to be no external cause for that smile - the baby is recalling a memory from its past life. Likewise, sometimes a baby is crying and parents cannot figure out what is wrong, then in that circumstance the baby may just be reliving a painful memory from its past life. Similarly, sometimes a toddler says something that appears to be nonsensical to the parents, in that case the young kid may be recalling a scene from its previous life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here the point is that up to the age of 5 or so, babies and young kids are not well adjusted with this present world. A newborn needs to be given a name so it has an identity related with its present life. If it does not receive a name in a timely manner, then there is the possibility for a dual-personality to develop. That means although the baby has a new body its mind is more preoccupied with past life experiences.  The child associates more with its past life. If in the past the baby was named Krsna and in this life it has yet to receive a name, then the baby may identify itself more with its previous birth as Krsna. Whereas if the baby quickly receives a name - like Ranjan - for its present life, then the baby will identify more with its present birth. That is why Baba recommends that a name be given within 6 months to help develop a new personality for that new-born. And the baby should be called by that Samskrta name.

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, chapter 1
2. Caryacarya - 1, The Process of Initiation
3. Caryacarya - 1, The Process of Initiation
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 2, Keep Company with the Virtuous


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Committed sadhaka

“Sabár májhe hárie gecho, tumi bujhi, tumi bujhi…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0321)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You have lost Yourself in the crowd of this entire creation. I understand You; by Your grace, I understand that Your strategy is to hide among the masses. Is that why I cannot find You, even though I have been searching for You in the morning and evening - in both of my daily sadhanas? 

Baba, if You grace me and open my eyes and tell me which mantra to use to call You, I will not remain quiet. I will call You day and night, incessantly - all the 24 hours. By Your unmatched kindness, I will surely find You.

Baba, if I love You then by Your attraction I will run towards You, obliterating and smashing the walls of all obstacles. With great effort and struggle, I shall definitely attain You. Baba, I will certainly find You. 

O’ Merciful One, Baba, please bless me so I may hold You close…


== Section: Important Teaching ==


How imaginary gods and goddesses are created


In India, this is the typical way in which imaginary gods and goddesses are created. When the masses are not well-educated, they are prone to superstition. And when superstition sprouts, imaginary gods and goddesses are created to resolve the issues and problems of the common people. This is the classic formula. All such imaginary gods and goddesses were created in this way: Durga, Sarasvati, Vishnu, Laksmii, Ram, Ganesh, Hanuman, Kali, Surya, Jagannath, etc.

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In many cases people are devoted to upadevatás out of fear and sometimes they are worshipped in the hopes of obtaining something. Banabibi [The Lady of the Forest] is there to save one from the grasp of the tiger. Besides her, there is Dakśińa Ráya; out of fear of cholera people worship Olái Cańd́ii; out of fear of smallpox they worship Shiitaládevii; out of fear of snakes, Manasá. These are all upadevatás. The women of a household will sometimes worship Lakśmii year-round to bring happiness in the family; Śet́erá as well as Suvacanii is worshipped in the ritual peace ceremony; Śaśt́hii and Niila are worshipped to bring welfare to one's children; and out of fear of illness Shmashánkálii and Rakśekálii are worshipped. In Sanskrit they are all classified as upadevatás because they are not Parama Puruśa, the object of meditation in the spiritual world. Besides these, there are many other upadevatás such as Mangalacańd́ii, Áshánbibi, Satyapiira, etc. Upadevatás are also called folk [laokik] gods and goddesses. Some of them have dhyána mantras and some do not; some of them also have dhyána mantras in the local or state language and some do not have that either. In many cases the gods and goddesses of the Buddhist and Jain eras came or are coming to be worshipped as upadevatás in the post-Buddhist and post-Jain eras. Those spiritual aspirants who follow the paths of knowledge, action and devotion, of course, do not bow their heads to upadevatás. They practise the sádhaná of the singular Parama Puruśa."
   "Some people call ghosts upadevatás out of excessive fear, that is, they accept them as minor gods and goddesses lest they be angered by being called ghosts. In Sanskrit, however, the word upadevatá is not used to mean “ghost” – for ghosts the word apadevatá is used. Upa means “near” and apa means “just opposite”. Apadevatá means “one whose nature is just opposite to that of a god”." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Discourse 9


== Section 3: Links ==
Baba gave me proof
Rule for donating money + Show of pracara

Bathing: dharmic system

AM's practical foundation




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