Baba
Upavasa & greed
Namaskar,
In
His Yogic Treatments book, Baba prescribes upava'sa as a cure to so
many illnesses. So upavasa (loosely translated as upava'sa) is an
excellent resource and remedy for various physical ailments and diseases
as it helps purify the entire body and allows the glands to fully rest.
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Body cures itself
Ananda
Marga ideology guides us, "Fasting is also included in the scope of
Pramitaha'r, because it gives rest to the digestive organs and frees the
body from so many ailments." (1)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "During fasting the body's organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid." (2)
Those
who fast regularly maintain a healthy and vibrant existence and find
that the body becomes habituated and adjusted to this cycle of upava'sa.
The body is then ready for the next upava'sa as the day approaches.
This is the common experience of many sadhakas. And by this way the body
cures itself.
Greedy tendency of some
To do a proper fast one should be hungry on their fasting day at the
time they would normally take their breakfast. But those who are greedy
overeat the night before they fast. In that case, on the morning of
their fasting day they wake up completely full and over the course of
that whole day their undigested food slowly gets digested. That's why
such people need water in the morning and early afternoon of their
fasting day, otherwise they cannot clean their stomach the next morning
when they break their fast.
The solution is that such persons should either eat less the night
before they fast or they should just fast with water so their food can
at least get digested over the course of their entire fasting day. But
that fast cannot be called a fast without water. Actually, that fast is
really just a half-day fast because their stomach is still full at
4:00pm or 5:00pm, and that person does not even feel hungry until the
evening time of their fasting day. In that case, they only did a
half-day / 12 hour fast with water as their true fasting time was only
during the night.
Upavasa brings mental clarity & sharpness
Fasting
also has a tremendous effect in the mental arena. We have all
experienced how after a big meal we tend to feel sleepy, tired, and even
a bit dull. This is a common problem, and the reason behind this is
that when we ingest food then that blood has to race to the stomach to
help in digestion. And in that way less freshly oxygenated blood goes to
the brain.
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During
upava'sa none of the body's crucial resources get diverted towards the
stomach. In which case one's mental functioning is sharper. That is why
on upava'sa day sadhakas experience clarity of thought and psychic
freshness. The mind is flexible and sharp as it is not dragged down by
bodily functions such as digestion.
Another
everyday example of this phenomenon is that just before an exam or
important meeting or debate, no student or professional will eat a large
meal. Otherwise, their mental faculties will be significantly hampered.
That is why in numerous traditions people proclaim that a light stomach
equals a lucid mind. And fasting is an exceptional method for enhancing
mental concentration and energy.
Upava'sa helps spiritual life
The
benefits of fasting in spiritual life are well known to all. At the
beginning one may feel that it is difficult to do sadhana on upava'sa
days. But with just a little effort many sadhakas experience very good
sadhana on those days since all of the body's energy can be utilised for
spiritual pursuits. Baba's guideline below is pointing in this same
direction.
Ananda
Marga philosophy states, "As a result of fasting, the poisonous and
unproductive waste of the body gets destroyed and expelled. Moreover,
the energy that is not expended in digesting food can be utilised for
other purposes. Therefore, a fast day is an excellent time for sadhana."
(3)
Fasting vs upavasa
Here below Baba describes how we are to spend our upava'sa days.
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Ananda
Marga ideology states, "'Upa' means proximity. And va'sa means to live,
to reside. So the upava'sa word means to live near the Lord. In these
days of fasting, what the aspirants are to do? Mentally they should live
near their Lord. On all other days there remains a balance between
external objective adjustment, and subjective approach. An adjustment
between objective adjustment and subjective approach. But on these
fasting, or upava'sa, the aspirant remains more in proximity to the Lord
than in other mundane duties. That's why these days are known as
"upava'sa". The word 'fasting' doesn't carry the proper sense or the
proper spirit of the term 'upava'sa'. To go without food, for this the
proper word is anasan. 'An' means not, 'asan' means eating. And not
upava'sa. So these ekadashii, amava'sya, and purnima they are, upava'sa.
Do you follow?" (4)
And Baba's next guideline further details how upava'sa days are perfect for an enhanced spiritual routine.
Ananda
Marga philosophy states, "These fixed [fasting] days are called upavasa
since during these days people keeping their minds engaged in spiritual
matters 'live closer' to God, and any possibility of mental degradation
is averted: their humanity is not endangered by the lengthening shadows
of annihilation." (5)
By
all this we can understand that on upava'sa days one can enjoy
heightened spiritual awareness and thus deepen their devotional link
with Parama Purusa.
Baba points on upava'sa
In
dharma samiiksa and in all types of reporting sessions, Baba used to
point out sadhakas in front of one and all about their practice of
upava'sa. And if one person was pointed out it was understood that if
others are also lacking and deficient in this arena then they should
also rectify themselves. That was the spirit. It was not just that Baba
was speaking to only one individual on such occasions.
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Some
people would wonder why Baba was pointing out margiis or Wts in front
of the collective, as opposed to informing them individually. The reason
for this is that Baba did not have the time to speak to each and every
individual on each and every particular point. So by highlighting a
particular sadhaka's mistake in front of the collective, then if 4 or 5
others were doing the same wrongdoing then naturally they would also
become alarmed. And the feeling would come that they too should rectify
themselves, as they understood that Baba is very concerned and strict on
this point.
Another
reason is that naming the defects on the collective platform was a good
way of reminding one and all. Because day after day, or every few days,
if He was pointing out a different margii or Wt on the point of
fasting, then it automatically became a reminder to all those present
that this was something important. So if anyone was attending the
reporting for an entire week or two week period, then they would get
numerous reminders. And invariably they would spread that idea to others
who did not attend.
Here
we should keep in mind that as Guru Baba was pointing out the defects
of disciples from the very beginning, not just in later years. From the
Jamalpur era up to the grand DMCs in the late 80's, Babe would point
out, benevolently scold, and shower His love. This was all done for our
welfare. By this way we could grow and move on towards Supreme
fulfillment. Baba is the dharma Guru, and His special quality is to both
love and punish.
Ananda
Marga ideology states, "The preceptor must also be nigraha (capable of
inflicting punishment) and anugraha (capable of bestowing grace). One
who punishes only or who bestows grace only is not an ideal preceptor."
(6)
Baba reporting
Overall there were at minimum two distinct reasons for pointing people out in front of the collective:
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(a)
A lack of time to speak to everyone on an individual basis and by this
way it was a good reminder to one and all. Thus within a short period
Baba could rectify and instill proper practices within countless
sadhakas within the entire Marga. Overall we can say it was His special
technique and blessing.
(b)
Baba is very strict on the point of upava'sa. And He wants that we
should all be sincere on all aspects of this practice. As He tells us
again and again in various ways that indeed He is always watching our
each and every action to ensure our welfare.
As
many know, upava'sa is a special practice whereby one's entire system
gets cleansed and purified. By allowing the organs to rest and collect
the toxins, the body gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself. Breaking
the fast properly with a thorough cleansing process is an indispensable
feature of upava'sa - otherwise much of the benefits are lost.
Here following Baba says about the process of upavasa.
Ananda
Marga ideology states, "Upavasa in the sense of fasting is also
useless...if one does real upavasa that can do a lot. The scriptural
meaning of uspavasa is-- by derivation-- upa which means "near", and
va'sa, which means "to stay". Upa'vasa therefore means "to make the mind
stay near Parama'tma'". In other words, it means to withdraw the mind
from thoughts of physicalities and keep it near Parama'tama'. The
sanskrit word for fasting as such is anashana [remaining hungry /
starving]." (7)
This is for our welfare
We
all know that Baba Himself is very strict with all margiis and acaryas
on the point of upava'sa. He wants that we should derive all the many
benefits from this great practice. Indeed, in multiple ways, He reminds
us that always He is watching. This following teaching is leading in
that exact manner.
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Ananda
Marga ideology says, "Suppose, a gentleman is undergoing fasting, and
secretly in a closed room, he takes chocolate. 'No one will know, nobody
will know.' But it is not so. His unit cognition will know that he has
taken chocolate. And similarly, the Cosmic Father will know that in a
particular room one unit body took chocolate very secretly, and that
unit body is still thinking, that the fact that he took chocolate on a
fast-day is not known to anybody. It is known to everybody. Nothing is a
secret." (8)
All-knowing
Baba sees exactly what happens - as well as what does not happen - on
our each and every upava'sa day. And He wants us to sincerely follow His
guideline as this is for our welfare.
Cleanses whole body
On
the physical plane, upava'sa plays a direct and significant role.
Because the whole health and balance of the physical body revolves
around the stomach. Those with some understanding about their bodily
systems and functions recognise that the stomach is the nucleus and the
most integral organ for maintaining human health on a day to day basis.
Because
only in the case of the stomach does something from the external
environment actually enter inside the body. And that "something" which
enters is food which gets deposited directly into the stomach; in turn,
the various nutritional (and not-so-nutritional) components get
distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. But the stomach is
the starting point.
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So
if the stomach is not in good working order and if it cannot do its job
properly, then the immediate effect is that the limbs and the various
body parts and organs get adversely affected and diseased.
And
what results are problems like: acidity, gout, rheumatism, obesity,
skin diseases, and ultimately cancer etc. All of this starts with the
initial onset of difficulties in the stomach. And in numerous chapters
of Yogic Treatment book, Baba clearly describes this. Yet, as we may
have experienced, the practice of regular upava'sa naturally controls
all these problems. Because before any real difficulty develops the
health of the human body is restored. That is why most sadhakas do not
suffer from the aforementioned physical ailments and diseases. Instead
they enjoy a strong state of health.
Sincere
Ananda Margiis understand that Baba has blessed us with the gifts for a
fruitful life. He has graciously bestowed upon us the needed way,
guidelines, and "know-how" for a pristine and sweet existence. Verily
all of His teachings lead us in this direction, and His special
guidelines about fasting are also an essential ingredient. It is by this
process of regular upava'sa that our whole entire being gets cleansed
and purified - in all the realms of life: physical, mental, and
spiritual. And that propels us forward towards our cherished Goal.
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By
doing the fasting and breaking process in a sincere and complete
manner, one’s entire human structure is renewed and the body and mind
will glisten with purity and levity.
Namaskar,
In Him,
Sa’dhana’
~ In-depth study ~
More guidelines on fasting
Ananda
Marga Caryacarya says, "On and around the times of new and full moon,
one may observe that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up
into the head and chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore,
if a person does not take food at these times, these factors will be
drawn down from the higher portions of the body to the lower portions,
thereby alleviating the uncomfortable feeling." (9)
Ananda
Marga ideology guides us, "You should not depend on food too much. This
is why I have prescribed fasting on four days a month for some people
and two days a month for others, and personally I have proved by fasting
for five years and ... months at a stretch that if people try, they can
remain without food. If one's dependence on food decreases, one will
gain more freedom in a particular aspect of life." (10)
Ananda
Marga philosophy states, "So, fasting is a necessity in the eleventh
moon, pu’rn’ima’, that is full moon, and new moon. In A’nanda Ma’rga, I
didn’t prescribe these four days fasting, that is, for grhii’s — that is
non-wholetimers, non avadhutas — they are to fast only two days, two
eleventh moons. And for workers, avadhutas, they are to fast how many
days? Four days. Because they will have to engage themselves more in
spiritual and higher works, in intellectual and spiritual [realms].
That’s why they should fast four times in a month - and others, twice.
But if others so desire, they may fast four times — I won’t say
anything. But it is not compulsory. For them, two eka’dashiis." (11)
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Seven Secrets
2. Yogic Treatments, Appendix
3. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 6, Upavása
5. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shivas Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 13)
6. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 9, Tantra and Sádhaná
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, The Dialogues of Shiva and Párvatii – 1
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Making the Man Universal
9. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, In Kali Yuga, Strength Lies in an Organized Body
11. 12/1/71 Patna
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Stay with me
PS Intro: In the second stanza of this song, the bhakta is talking indirectly about himself using a wilted flower as an analogy or symbolism. The inner meaning is that the sadhaka is expressing how in the past his spiritual life was like fragrant flower blossom but now his sadhana has become dry. So he is requesting Parama Purusa to bless him with bhakti or divine love. That is the inner significance of the second stanza of the below song.
"Alakha purus'a tumi, siima'ra bandhane ye a'mi..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0932)
Purport:
Baba, Divine Entity, You are Alakha Purus'a invisible Entity, and all-pervading, so I cannot see You. I am bound by so many limitations so take me beyond the world of bondage to the kingdom of divinity which is limitless and infinite. Kindly bless me with nirvakalpa samadhi and make me one. You are Bha'va'tiita - beyond conception and above the relative factors of space and time. The mind cannot think of You. You are nirgun'a and Gun'atiita. You do not have any bondages or attributions; You are outside all the gun'as and binding principles. You are everywhere. Please grant me a wee-bit of Your grace.
Parama Purusa, Baba, with Your sweet compassion, look once towards that flower which used to be saturated in sweetness but has since lost all its fragrance. Shower Your endless mercy upon that very blossom whose nectar is gone and has withered away, and again lovingly pull it close to You.
Parama Purusa, Baba, due to Your krpa’ I have come under Your divine shelter. My everything is residing within You. Besides You I do not know anyone or anything. I have surrendered my whole existence at Your lotus feet and only have one longing: please remain ever-awake, eternally present, in my mind and heart. Stay within me always, so that I can perceive You. Alakha Purusa, You are boundless and infinite; bestow me nirvakalpa samadhi and take me to that supreme abode...
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #0932:
(1) Alakha Purus'a: ('Alakha' means 'invisible'; 'Purusa' means 'Witnessing Entity'). Of all the infinite attributions and qualities of Parama Purusa, one of which is that He is invisible and another is that He witnesses everything. Theoretically, we know that Parama Purus'a is everywhere, but we cannot see or perceive Him with our crude organs. That is why one of the names of Parama Purus'a is Alakha Purus'a. He is residing everywhere but we cannot perceive Him.
(2) Bha'va'tiita: This is one of the names of Parama Purusa and describes one of His infinite attributions. In His stance of bhava’tiita, Parama Purusa is beyond all thought conception. Bhava means thinking, and atiita means beyond. So bhavatiita means the Entity who is beyond all thought. If one tries to think of Bhavatiita - i.e. the Supreme Entity - then one’s mind gets suspended and ceases to function. It is akin to the doll of salt that tries to measure the depths of the ocean. It dissolves before reaching the bottom and becomes one with the ocean. Similarly, the mind cannot reach that Entity who is Bhavatiita. As the unit mind tries to think of Him, the mind actually becomes one with Him, by His grace. That unit mind loses its individuality and merges into Him - it cannot remain separate. That is why He is Bhavatiita.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Reality, is beyond all speech and thought: He is beyond the reach of the vocal cord. So He is bha'va'tiita ["beyond bha'va"]...The more one thinks of His infinite qualities, the more one becomes speechless, the more deeply one becomes absorbed in Him." (1)
(3) Gun'a'tiita: One of the infinite characteristics of Parama Purusa is that He is beyond the gun'as, beyond all the binding principles like sa'ttvagun'a, rajogun'a, and tamogun'a.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Why is He beyond the scope of all attributions [binding principles]? There are two reasons. One is that He is the creator of everything, so He is the creator of qualifications also, attributions also. So how can He be within the binding scope of those principles, of those qualifications? And certainly He is beyond the reach of these qualifications. In Sam'skrta, qualification or attribution is called “gun'a”, and He is called “Gun'a'tiita”, that is, beyond the bondage of any gun'a." (2)
Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 19
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Supreme Witness and the Great Thief
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Tragedy in AMPS
WT Conduct Rules state: “Obedience is discipline and discipline is obedience.” (1)
One time thieves wearing military uniforms infiltrated a military campus. And the commander of the thieves ordered all to attention. Those original military soldiers stood at attention while the thieves emptied their arsenal and cash etc. After the incident was reported, the real military leader arrived on the scene and found that all the troops were still standing in attention. Those military chiefs asked the troops about this. They said, “Look, our whole life we got training that we have to follow the order to maintain discipline. And that we should follow whatever our bosses say. We do not care which boss it is, but until we get next order how can we break our stance.”
Conclusion: In this story the commander thief is Rudrananda, and the military troops following the order are regular Wts. The thieves are looting everything and Wts do not know if the commander is the saviour or destroyer of the military. This happens only in a blind kingdom. In ideal scenarios, this is laughable. In any civilised nation if the commander goes against the constitution then the military revolts - or even shoots their commander. In that case they are protected by the constitution. But in AMPS, anti-social elements are controlling and obedient wts are following mindlessly. They lost all their common sense. In following their so-called discipline, they are destroying the constitution of Ananda Marga. What nonsense is going on in the name of discipline.
Namaskar,
Pranatosh
Reference
1. Wt Conduct Rules, Fourteen Points, Point #1
== Section 3: Links ==
Postings to Read
What brave margiis do
When a sadhaka becomes iishvara
Key point about "see the bright side"
Workings of this cosmos
